Forsyth Herald - November 9, 2017 by Appen Media Group

N ov e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 7 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 0 , N o . 4 5

County finalizes budget ►►PAGE 4

Demolition begins on iconic Barker House ►►PAGE 10

Traffic, transit tops local issues ►►PAGE 16

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Local man competes in triathlon just months after losing legs Alex Hearn, left, was approached by his physical therapist, Symantha Reenders, to compete in the race. They say they motivate each other. Story page 14.

South Forsyth claims region title ►►PAGE 26

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Deputies arrest three for mail theft, marijuana 770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 122 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 139 Northside Woman: ex. 102 Calendar: 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com Our Weekly Publications

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Three men were arrested Oct. 22 after deputies stopped a car with a brake light out. Deputies stopped the westbound vehicle on McFarland Parkway around 2:09 a.m. Upon approaching the car, the deputy could smell marijuana coming from the car and saw several pairs of latex gloves in the vehicle. Prior to asking the driver to step outside of the vehicle, the deputy asked if he had any weapons and the driver pointed to a semiautomatic

handgun and magazine on the dashboard. The front passenger had an AR pistol lying against his left leg. The deputy stated it was “odd for both occupants to have firearms in this manner. It appeared as if they had them there for quick reaction use.” The passenger later told the deputy it was due to needing protection when they go to their usual hangout spot. He also admitted to having a small amount of marijuana inside the car. Once the deputy began searching

the car, he found several pieces of mail, including an iPad under the driver seat. The passenger said he didn’t know anything about the mail, but the driver said they found it on the street. Deputies made contact with the person whose name is on the package, and the man said no one should have his mail or iPad. The men eventually admitted they came to the area to steal mail. They were arrested for theft by taking from mail, possession of marijuana and defective brake lights.

POLICE BLOTTER

DUIS & DRUGS

►► Matthew Jameson Hatcher, 34,

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.

Thief raids ‘honor box’ at Corps of Engineers FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An unknown person or group stole between $500 to $800 out of an honor box at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently. The box at the front of the West Bank Park off Buford Dam Road had been raided when the master lock was cut using a metal angle grinder. The thieves removed the inner lock box from the self service station at the front of the park in a way that left no evidence to process on scene. The employee said the lock box is serviced once a week, so he was unsure what time the theft occurred, but he thought it was before the weekend. There was also a burglary and damage to Army Corps property next door within the same time frame. One half of the gate entrance was open and the lock was cut. A storage shed was also burglarized and a truck appeared to have had its door pried open, but no items had been stolen. No finger prints were located.

DUI arrests ►► Salomon Hernandez-Cruz, 28, of

Winding Lane, Suwanee, was arrested Oct. 21 on Old Atlanta Road for DUI, driving without a valid license and failure to maintain lane. ►► Johnny Steven Pappas, 55, of Jennings Court, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 21 on Bethelview Road for DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and driving on the wrong side of an undivided street. ►► Paul Jerome Spillman, 31, of Jericho Road, Tucker, was arrested Oct. 22 on Buford Highway for DUI and failure to maintain insurance. ►► Leonard Michael Whidby, 50, of Hwy. 20, Buford, was arrested Oct. 26 on Buford Highway for DUI and following too closely. ►► Christopher William White, 48, of Noah Road, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 26 on Noah Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Benjamin Joseph Ruckert, 24, of Sylva Ave., Orange City, Florida, was arrested Oct. 23 on Browns Bridge Road for DUI, possession of marijuana and possession of open alcohol container.

of Brookwater Drive, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 25 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI and criminal damage to property first degree. ►► Kelly Brannon Adamczyk, 47, of Elys Ridge, Newnan, was arrested Oct. 25 on Castleberry Road for DUI, failure to yield right of way turning left and hit and run.

Drug arrests

►► Denard Eugene Brookins, 24, of

Compton Place, Suwanee, was arrested Oct. 23 on Bethelview Road for possession of marijuana, wanted person located and failure to maintain lane. ►► Tyler Lamar Robinson, 22, of Liberty Knolls, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 22 on Autumn Walk Court for possession of marijuana and tag light required. ►► Jay Andrew Hutchins, 24, of Blue Ridge Overlook, Dawsonville, was arrested Oct. 23 on Jot Em Down Road for possession of methamphetamine, drug-related items, tampering with evidence and failure to use seatbelts. ►► Zachary Wilson Barton, 25, of Hurt Bridge Road, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 23 on Canton Road for possession of marijuana and location/illumination of taillights. ►► Mehmet Cakmak, 26, of Cross Creek Court, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 25 on Atlanta Highway for possession of marijuana, tag light required and driving without a valid license.

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Treating Age Related Macular Degeneration (Part 2 of 2) By Charlie Ficco, O.D Milan Eye Center AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world. The most common type of AMD is non-exudative or “dry”. This type comprises more than 80% of patients diagnosed with AMD. The other 20% is called exudative or “wet” AMD. AMD develops because the eye is unable to remove waste products from the retinal cells. These waste products, otherwise known as, drusen, can be detected early in this disease without visual loss. They appear as small, round, yellow dots within and around the area of the macula. However, if dry AMD progresses to retinal atrophy and central retinal degeneration, loss of central vision is often observed. Generally, non-exudative AMD has a much slower (over decades), progressive visual loss relative to “wet” AMD which can occur over days or weeks. Treatment and Management Once the diagnosis of dry AMD is established, your doctor will counsel you on dietary changes, no smoking or stop smoking, daily exercise, home monitoring of central vision with an Amsler grid, and possibly, oral vitamin supplements. If your doctor recommends vitamin supplements, it is important to use a supplement that follows the AREDS 2 formula recommendations. AREDS 2 stands for the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2. Depending on the stage and severity of the disease at diagnosis, your doctor may want you to follow up in 6 months if mild or 3 months if severe. It is very important for you to contact your doctor immediately if you have a change in vision or Amsler grid. If dry AMD transforms to wet AMD, visual prognosis depends on the speed that it is treated. Wet AMD forms when new, abnormal blood vessels grow and cause fluid accumulation under and within the layers of the macula. As you can imagine, this leads to drastic changes in central vision including blurring and distortion. To help treat wet AMD, there are medications called anti-VEGF drugs. VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Anti-VEGF treatment helps reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels in your retina. It also slows any leaking from these blood vessels. This medicine is delivered to your eye through a very slender needle. In most cases, with successful treatment, the medicine needs to be delivered every 4-6 weeks. Laser surgery may also be used to treat some types of wet AMD. Your eye surgeon shines a laser light beam on the abnormal blood vessels. This reduces the number of vessels and slows their leaking. Your retina specialist will determine the best treatment option for you depending on the type and severity of the leaking blood vessels. The Future New research in AMD is ongoing. In fact, it is one of the most researched disease processes in the U.S. New treatments, genetic testing, and new instrumentation are being developed and show great promise in the fight against AMD. Patients with visual changes secondary to AMD can live a relatively normal life. Sometimes visual aids are needed to make the most of your vision, ie magnifying tools, handheld computers, electronic items and more. A consultation with a vision rehabilitation specialist can teach you ways to use your side vision to help you perform your activities of daily living. If you have decreased vision and would like a consultation with a vision rehabilitation specialist, are looking for a support group, or are interested in low vision aids, contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist and they will help you get in contact with the right person. The goal to living with impaired vision is to learn new ways to be as independent as possible and always have hope because research is being done every day.

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County finalizing 2018 budget

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By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is set to adopt its 2018 budget calling for an 8.4 percent rise in operational spending. The final public hearing on the spending plan was held Nov. 2, and the County Commission is expected to vote for adoption Nov. 16. The millage rate — the rate at which property is taxed — is set to remain at 8.036 mills for the county and 19.718 for schools, a total millage rate of 27.754 mills. By comparison, Hall had a 2016 millage rate of 8.36, Cherokee had 9.054, Paulding had 9.28, Fulton had 10.45, Douglas had 11.267 and Henry had 12.73. The county’s general fund expenditures are expected to increase to $128 million. The largest share of these operational expenditures – 35 percent – are in Public Safety. Within that department, ambulance services are down 33 percent and coroner expenses are up nearly 70 percent. The breakdown for operational expenses shows: • 24 percent goes to general govern-

ment. • 33 percent goes for procurement. • 16 percent goes toward training. • 13 percent — $16 million — goes to fund culture and recreation ($6 million for library and $10 million for parks and recreation). Costs are also rising across a number of departments. Senior services expenses are up 20 percent, community service up 95 percent, district beautification up 32 percent and animal shelter is up 23 percent. The Board of Commissioners, itself, is expected to see a 4 percent jump in expense, while Economic Development is anticipated to see costs rise 150 percent. On the other hand, several departments will see spending drop. Voter registration will be down nearly 8 percent, accountability court down 8 percent and juvenile court down nearly 2 percent. Funding for the general fund spending increase will come from an anticipated rise in property values and a jump in county sales tax collections. Overall, forecasts call for an 8 percent increase in tax revenues, including a

Senior services expenses are up 20 percent, community service up 95 percent, district beautification up 32 percent and animal shelter is up 23 percent. 9 percent jump for real and personal property taxes and a 6 percent increase from sales taxes. Taxes take up nearly half of the county’s projected revenue funds, with sales taxes, known as LOST, taking another quarter. Not all revenues will be up. The county anticipates an 18 percent decline in grant funding and intergovernmental revenues, as well as a 5 percent decrease in fines and forfeitures.

School Board takes detailed look at redistricting map By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County School Board members rolled up their sleeves Nov. 2 and dug into the proposed 2018 redistricting map. The board went neighborhood by neighborhood considering possible changes, agreeing to move the area

along the northwestern side of Mathis Airport Parkway to Lambert High School. With 71 projected high school students, it includes the subdivisions of Avington, Mathis Airpark, Lakeview at Laurel Springs, Gates of Luberon and Oak Ridge Farms, with one small individual parcel at the corner of Bagley Road. One of the most talked about

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neighborhoods, Three Chimney Farms, is across the street from Lambert, but is redistricted to South Forsyth High School. The option to keep the neighborhood at Lambert was considered at length, but ultimately the board voted to keep it on its proposed path to South Forsyth. The board will adopt the final map at 6 p.m., Nov. 14. Board Chairwoman Kristin Morrissey said a large portion of the redistricting is being carried out to populate its newest school, Denmark High School, which is opening next fall. Other considerations include relieving overcrowding at Lambert, South Forsyth and West Forsyth high schools. The board has fielded multiple questions asking why more students from West Forsyth High School aren’t being redistricted to Denmark. Deputy Superintendent of Schools Joey Pirkle, who has been heading the process, said the district looks into the next four to five years with the proposed opening of East Forsyth High School. “We knew when that high school opens, then we’d have to go back and

See SCHOOL, Page 33

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 5

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NEWS

Former Cumming Police sergeant convicted by federal jury FBI investigates computer fraud, bribes By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA — After being accused of accepting bribes in exchange for providing sensitive law enforcement information, former Cumming Police Sergeant Nathan VanBuren has been convicted by a federal jury in Atlanta. VanBUREN The jury found VanBuren, 35, of Cumming, guilty of honest services wire fraud and computer fraud. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. He was accused in September 2015 of asking for money under false pretenses from someone recently arrested. He was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janet F. King and was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2016. “VanBuren broke the very laws he swore to uphold and enforce,” said U.S.

Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Police officers are afforded respect, and are expected to model integrity and honesty. This former officer undermined the hard work of other officers who serve, as well as the community’s trust and respect for the police.” According to Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court said in July 2015, VanBuren, in his official capacity as a police officer, responded to a 911 call at a citizen’s home in Cumming. The citizen was arrested. Then in July and August 2015, VanBuren and the citizen had additional communications. During those communications, VanBuren asked the citizen for a loan under the guise that his wages were being garnished and he had incurred financial debt due to his son’s medical and surgical expenses. In truth, VanBuren’s salary was not being garnished and his son was neither ill nor had surgery. The citizen felt threatened and reported VanBuren’s actions to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement.

Police officers are afforded respect, and are expected to model integrity and honesty. This former officer undermined the hard work of other officers who serve, as well as the community’s trust and respect for the police.” BYUNG J. “BJAY” PAK U.S. Attorney While cooperating with authorities, the citizen provided VanBuren $5,000 in response to the sergeant’s repeated requests for money. During that meeting, the citizen asked whether VanBuren would search a sensitive police database to determine whether an individual was an undercover police officer. Ultimately, in exchange for $1,000, VanBuren unlawfully accessed a law enforcement database and provided the

results of that search to the citizen. VanBuren resigned in September 2015 before he was terminated by the Cumming Police Department. VanBuren joined the department in August 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in August 2013. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Cumming Police Department and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.

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8 | November 9, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

OPINION

I don’t understand politics

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Maybe I’m ignorant, or optimistically naive. Maybe I never listened enough in social studies or political science classes. Or maybe I’m KATHLEEN STURGEON just flat out wrong. But I do not unEditor kathleen@appenmediagroup.com derstand politics. I don’t mean the basic understanding of government, how we elect a president or how a bill becomes a law. I do understand the fundamentals of our nation. No, I mean name calling, one-upping, just genuinely nasty trying to outdo each other. I know I’m young, but it seems like our country has never been this cruel and divisive. Politics are normally such a taboo topic, but all of a sudden it seems like it’s the “cool thing to do” to belittle and berate someone who doesn’t see the world in exactly the same way you do. When did it become an insult to call someone a “liberal” or “conservative”? Isn’t that just a label? I’m not sure when it became a way of life or death for some people, but it’s a bit frightening. I receive emails, phone calls and social media comments all the time calling me and our paper, the media as a whole, “too liberal.” But when I saw a comment last week calling me the “Republican mouthpiece,” I had to laugh to myself. How can I be “pushing my liberal-biased agenda” on my readers while also being a mouthpiece for the opposing party? And when did it become OK for people to just assume political affiliation of a person based on their life views and morals? Frankly, I’m fed up and sick of it. I don’t agree completely with one side or another. I feel strongly about certain issues, and they are almost evenly divided for Republican or Democrat viewpoints. But what gets me is that unlike most people I’ve heard from, I won’t back down on my viewpoints just to fit a certain party’s typecasts. I heard at a debate a few weeks ago that in order for a candidate to win a seat, they have to promise when they go to the Capitol or Washington that they will completely vote, support and talk

in the way their chosen party wants. Because they are now in this position of power, they must forfeit their own beliefs and only further the agenda of a political party. For the most part, I understand that, but I just can’t comprehend giving up your morals just to go along with what’s always been the way politics are run. This way of thinking will just keep us at a standstill and encourage us to be more at odds and divisive in order to further our party. But at the end of the day, the power will just flip flop

Politics are normally such a taboo topic, but all of a sudden it seems like it’s the “cool thing to do” to belittle and berate someone who doesn’t see the world in exactly the same way you do.

from one to the other, and nothing will change. When a crisis occurs, we almost automatically jump into our “Republican/Democrat way of mind” and start spouting off why the other side caused the tragedy to occur. How does that solve anything? Even when we voted for president last year, it was tough to choose a side because both had made mistakes and both took stances that I didn’t agree with. It makes me wonder if the politicians also waffle internally about having to be completely gung-ho supportive with their party, even if they are questioning what they think of a certain topic, or God forbid, disagree with their affiliation’s decision. Maybe politics has always been this way. But I find it very hard to believe that we can summarize the United States into just two simple boxes we check at the ballot.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The UFOshaped house atop Sawnee Mountain will soon be no more. Crews began taking down the 40-year-old structure piece by piece last week. What some residents considered a Forsyth County landmark, the Barker House, which resembled a spaceship or UFO, was judged unsafe by the county. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners discussed the fate of the home many times over the years, once considering whether it was possible to preserve it for recreation or educational purposes. The county gave the Barker family six months in September 2016 to come up with a solution to salvage the structure, but the family was unable to work out a viable option. They requested instead something be built in its place or left to honor its builder, the late Jim Barker. In 2003, the county purchased the house and its 12.8 acres for $1.8 million. The purchase was partially paid for through a Georgia Greenspace Grant Award for $758,000. Another $1 million was financed through the local option sales tax. Since then, the county has had other use and feasibility studies performed in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2010. Those studies’ findings included: • The occupancy is limited to 49 people. • The structure requires construction of additional exterior elevator and stairwell, modification of handrails, installation of fire alarm system and replacement of roof and HVAC, plumbing and electrical system overhaul. • The building required an Americans with Disability Act-compliant elevator. In 2010, a study done by the county Parks and Recreation Department found the building could be used for tours, programs and classes, small events and weddings. However, such an enterprise would cost roughly $1.8

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 11

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

The unique Barker House, shaped like a UFO, was demolished last week after it was deemed unsafe for anyone to go near. million in renovation and would have operating expenses of $80,000 annually. The department concluded annual revenue would run between $40,000 and $80,000. From Jan. 1, 2015 to Aug. 26, 2016, the property had been home to 83 total emergency and nonemergency calls,

including 23 audible alarms, 14 suspicious vehicles, nine criminal damages, four criminal trespasses and one fire call. While some have argued the home should be redone and open to visitors, the study showed that would likely not be feasible.

The study found current public safety concerns including vandalism, all windows broken but secured with plywood and frequency of forced entry. It is estimated the county would have to provide labor and materials including 10 to 20 man-hours weekly, sheriff’s office patrols and public facili-

ties routine visits and inspections if the county were to keep the building intact. In addition, the study found trespassers rappelled through skylights risking bodily harm. There were “generally unsafe conditions” and substantial evidence of illegal activity in the house.

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Forsyth Schools again tops statewide accountability system By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Schools remain at the top when it comes to statewide testing. For another year, the district has topped the region in the ultimate report card for Georgia schools, the College and Career Ready Performance Index. The CCRPI is the school systems’ report card from the state that ranks schools and school districts on a 100-point scale. It measures multiple indicators of performance and it uses a variety of data sources, such as student achievement, school climate and financial efficiency. Overall, Forsyth County Schools scored 92.5. The county’s overall elementary score was 91.2, middle was 91.7, and high school was 91.4. The district kept its same overall score from 2016, an improvement from its 2015 score of 91.8. The state average score for Georgia’s high schools was 77, up from 75.7 in 2016. The middle school score increased to 73, up from 71.5 in 2016, and the elementary school score increased to 72.9 which is up from 71.7 in 2016. The overall state score for 2017 is 75, an increase from 73.6 in 2016. Fulton County Schools had an overall score of 78; Hall County Schools had an overall 73.6 score; Dawson County Schools’ score was 76.7; Cherokee County Schools had an overall 81.8 score; Cobb County Schools posted 82.9; Gwinnett County Schools had 82.4; and Gainesville City Schools had a 72.2 overall score. These results point to the continued

improvement taking place within Georgia’s schools, according to State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “I have seen firsthand the efforts Georgia’s educators have made to increase the opportunities our students receive, and I could not be more pleased to see increases across so many indicators of academic achievement, from CCRPI to the ACT to the Georgia Milestones assessments,” Woods said. Even with that, Woods said he still believes CCRPI does not fully capture what’s happening in schools. He said he’s confident the proposed refinements to the measurement, as submitted in Georgia’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan, will paint a more accurate picture of overall school quality. As part of Georgia’s plan, which was submitted to the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 18, Woods has proposed changes to the CCRPI calculation. If approved, the new calculation will apply in 2018. During the two years spent gathering feedback from the public as they developed the state ESSA plan, Woods said they heard Georgians are setting a higher expectation for their education system. “They expect an education system that places value on opportunities for students — from fine arts to career education — rather than a narrow focus on test scores alone,” Woods said. “The proposed refinements are a direct response to feedback and will ensure a system of broad opportunities for students, rather than a focus strictly on standardized test scores, which are an important but incomplete measure of student achievement and school quality. CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A

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COMMUNITY

Local man competes in triathlon after being double amputee He credits Northside physical therapist with inspiration By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — On Mother’s Day 2016, Alex Hearn awoke to a day much like every other. But by the time he’d go to sleep that night, he would be battling for his life and soon would be without his legs. While returning from his lunch break that day, his car somehow veered, went up onto the concrete base of a light post which caught the car’s fender well and ended up crushing the foot well where his feet were. He doesn’t remember what happened during the one-car crash, but he remembers waking up in a hospital room. “I went to work that day and didn’t come home for two months,” Hearn, 48, said. “It was surprising and life changing. But you make the best of it.” And make the best of it, he did. When Hearn got out of the hospital that July, he started to work with physical therapist Symantha Reenders at North-

side Hospital Rehabilitation the next few months. He was unable to do physical therapy until late September or October because the extensive wounding on the outside of his legs was slow to heal. His left leg was able to use a prosthetic in September, but his right was more stubborn. It would not be able to use a prosthetic until March of this year, when he then started attempting to walk again. But the most remarkable part came in the middle of August when Reenders approached Hearn with the idea of competing in the August 70.3 Half Ironman competition as a swimmer on a relay team. “Things you didn’t really want to do before, you take for granted when you’re fully able-bodied,” Hearn said. “You start wishing that not only could I do it, but desiring to run, swim or bike. It wasn’t a big part of my life before. But when you can’t do it easily, you get the desire to do it.” That’s a phenomenon that Reenders said happens to a lot of amputees. As a triathlete herself, Hearn said he admired people like Reenders who compete in similar races, and from there a spark was lit.

“I know a lot of people that wouldn’t be able to do races,” Reenders said. “I always think of that when I’m suffering during a race. It’s fun to share stories. I like to help people get out of their comfort zone and try new things. If Alex can do it, someone with two legs or one can do it.” Just five or six weeks later, Hearn was fit enough that he competed in the swimming portion of the race’s relay, swimming 1.2 miles in the Savannah River. He received help through the Scott Rigsby Foundation which assists amputees like Hearn in competitions and is the official charity sponsor of that race. Starting out, Hearn trained in the pool in his backyard doing laps, and eventually worked up to swimming the 1.2 miles in Lake Lanier, all without his prosthetics. “Before she asked me, I’d only get in my pool with a swimming vest on,” Hearn said. “It was a big step to gain confidence to get in the water without a flotation device. My wife supervised, and I started swimming.” Aside from the swimming, he works out at the gym and does his physical therapy. “Especially for people like me, it’s more of a race against yourself,” Hearn said. “I just wanted to see if I could do it. The big thing was ‘don’t quit.’” Hearn was one of 101 participants that day and said it was emotional when he finished his swim, including having Reenders at the finish. “It was outstanding and great for her to take part in it,” Hearn said. “She deserves a lot of the glory for it, too.” Throughout his journey, Hearn said he’s been able to keep a positive out-

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALEX HEARN

Alex Hearn is carried out of the water once he completed the swimming portion of the triathlon.

look on his situation and life. In fact, he was so upbeat, his therapists thought he might be delusional. “It never hit me like a ton of bricks,” Hearn said. “I was always happy. They didn’t understand why that would be. It takes a lot more energy to be upset and angry than to be happy. You have to go and make the best of it, and it’s what I had to do and how I live. I’ve never been down or angry, that’s just wasted energy.”

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We’re thinking differently about underinvested areas. And now we are running toward OTP [Outside The Perimeter] looking at our aging malls and outdated office parks. ELLEN DUNHAM-JONES, Georgia Tech Professor 16 | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017

STATE OF THE REGION:

ARC boasts successes, but emphasizes challenges Traffic/transit tops list of issues; cities’ redevelopment encouraged By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – The cream of the Atlanta region’s leadership met Nov. 3 at the Atlanta World Congress Center to celebrate recent successes and take a hard look at where the region needs to go. Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman Kerry Armstrong welcomed some 1,300 business people, civic leaders and government leaders to the annual ARC State of the Region Breakfast to see where the region stands and listen to ideas to continue Atlanta progress. They heard a lot about where the region is and where it needs to go. And they heard interesting ideas about how to be a more cohesive and viable economic region. Armstrong noted the region has many assets at work. With the Georgia Department of Transportation committed to investing $11 billion, the area is working together to solve transportation obstacles that stand in the way of growth. Armstrong said that includes looking at TSPLOST projects, autonomous and connected vehicles. The region continues to be good stewards of its water resources. “Today we use 10 percent less water than we did in 2000 and we have 1 million more residents today,” he said. Georgia’s film industry, centered in the Atlanta region, today rivals Hollywood for the most film production in the United States. But there are challenges. A recent

People’s response on the issues* • No. 1 issue: Transportation, 27 percent of citizens surveyed ranked it No. 1. • Best long-term solution: More, better transit say 49 percent. • Willing to be taxed for transit: 51 percent • Economy: Looks bright. Only 9 percent rated it Biggest Problem. Other issue ratings: • Local School Districts: 54 percent say excellent or good • Quality of Life: 52 percent say life is good *Survey by Kennesaw State University

survey found 1 in 7 residents could not come up with the money for a sudden expense of $400. One in 5 does not have a dependable way to get to work. Georgia Tech Professor Design Ellen Dunham-Jones, director of the Urban Design master’s program at Tech, spoke about the economic benefits that urban redevelopment brings to the entire community. Dunham-Jones pointed to the Atlanta Beltline, which has not only sparked new economic and residential growth in the city, but with its “plethora of urban trails” has triggered regeneration in what had been an impoverished area. It inspired Ponce City Market in At-

lanta as a new walkable economic and cultural asset. “We’re thinking differently about under-invested areas. And now we are running toward OTP [Outside The Perimeter] looking at our aging malls and outdated office parks,” Dunham-Jones said. “We are looking at retrofitting our commercial areas and redevelopment that is more walkable and compact.” She might well have been talking about Alpharetta’s ongoing reinvention of its downtown that is rising up in its City Center and spreading with its “inner-loop” walking trail to match its greenway. Dunham-Jones called Avalon’s impact on Alpharetta “catalytic,” and indeed, Avalon received the ARC’s Award for Exceptional Merit for Catalytic Development. Cobb County’s The Battery Atlanta and SunTrust Park, the new home of the Braves, also was recognized with an Award for Exceptional Merit for Catalytic Development Duluth’s Parsons Alley is a 40,000-square-foot city-inspired redevelopment begun in the early 2000s recapturing the 1848 character of Baptist Church downtown. “It’s owned by the city, but its shops and restaurants are playing an important role in [Duluth’s] future growth,” she said. Parsons Alley was given the ARC’s Development of Excellence Award. Wanis Kabbaj is UPS’s director of Global Strategy for Healthcare Logistics. It is his job to find ways for

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

ARC Chairman Kerry Armstrong opens the Nov. 3 ARC State of the Region Breakfast.

organizations to transport temperaturesensitive medicines and biotechnologies around the world. Kabbaj said biology can teach us about transportation. He said transportation must develop like an organism – or more accurately like a vascular system. A living body is fueled by its vascular system, he said. Each body contains 6,000 miles of “track.” And unlike today’s transport, the blood cells never “travel empty.” It is always bringing something to a destination or taking it away. “We should learn from the biotics of veins and arteries,” he said. Kabbaj used a video that showed a transit system that never stops, but flows. “Our blood never stops. We should emulate that,” he said.

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Supply and demand says buy a $900,000 home Motivating If you are looking for a new home under the $400,000 price range, I know how competitive it is. But after some serious research, I have found a solution for you: go buy GEOFF SMITH a $900,000 house. Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com If only it were that easy! I just finished reading through Smart Real Estate Data’s third quarter newsletter and I’m stunned again by the lack of inventory available to most homebuyers. Our homebuilders can’t seem to catch up to the demand that is out there. Inventory is measured in “months of supply.” The numbers reflect the months it would take for homebuyers to buy up all the currently listed homes if no new houses came onto the market. Experts consider a healthy housing economy to have 6.5 months of supply. Why is it unhealthy for there to be more or less? Supply and demand. If you have less months of supply, then the demand is stronger than the supply and home prices rise quickly as buyers compete for the relatively low number of houses on the market. If you have more than 6.5 months of supply, then it’s a buyer’s market and values can drop as sellers compete for the relatively few buyers. In the below-$300,000 market, there are fewer than 2.5 months of supply. That is one of the lowest months of inventory in the history of people keeping track of these numbers. In the $300,000 to $400,000-range, it only rises to just above 2.5 months. The $500,000 to $600,000-range is where the market finally starts getting healthy with about 6 months of inventory. Above that and it quickly gets unhealthy

... Builders are having to pay more to comply with an increased number of regulations that most residents want, and pay more for increased impact fees which help fund capital improvements to fire, police and other municipal departments... again with inventories above 7.5 months. By the way, that $900,000 to $1M-range I mentioned at the beginning of this article has well over 10 months of inventory. It is a good time to get a deal in that range. Based on the laws of supply and demand, prices on sub-$400,000 homes are rising and prices on the $600,000 homes are lowering. Maybe someday everything will be priced around $500,000! Obviously that won’t happen. But the laws of supply and demand are making the lower priced homes even more expensive, eventually creating even less inventory for a market already starved for inventory. Capitalism usually has a way of evening these kinds of things out. But building houses in the sub $300,000-range is a hard thing to do these days. Land has gotten more expensive in the metro area. Builders are having to pay more to comply with an increased number of regulations that most residents want, and pay more for increased impact fees which help

fund capital improvements to fire, police and other municipal departments. There is a labor shortage in the construction industry, so builders are having to pay more to lure subcontractors away from other builders. And with unemployment so low in general, we are not seeing employees from other industries jumping over to meet the demand. The average price of a new home was $334,977 for the third quarter. With the increased costs, the builders are having to build more expensive homes to keep their margins. But if you look at the more expensive homes – there is a relative glut. The demand is for the lower-priced homes. In the coming years, it’s very possible that we could see more effort from both the private industry and the public, to find creative ways to build more, lower-priced homes. Some cities and counties are seeing this as an ‘affordable housing’ crisis where many of the people who work in their police, fire and retail service sectors are not able to live close to where they work. I’ve heard some folks try to blame the developers. But developers are pretty simple creatures. If the project will make their business money, they’ll probably build it. If it will lose their company money, they probably won’t. They know the demand is there, it is just hard to make the numbers work. Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases. Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

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employees As a small business owner, do you take time to motivate your employees? Do you continually look for ways to get the maximum performance from everyone who works for you? Motivating your emDICK JONES ployees to work hard, Founder & President Jones Simply Sales work smart and achieve results will help you to grow your small business. The dictionary defines the word motivating as “providing someone with a motive for doing something; or, stimulating someone’s interest in or enthusiasm for doing something.” So what are you doing to get your employee’s interest and enthusiasm in helping you grow your business? You might start with something simple, such as recognizing employees who are doing a great job. Recognition of top performers, especially if it includes monetary rewards, is a top way to motivate everyone. Providing on the spot “public praise” to someone who has done something well is also very effective in motivating others who would enjoy getting the same praise. Get to know each and every one of your employees and find out what keeps them going. Then tailor your motivational activities individually to each and every person. Some may just want one-on-one time with you; while others may prefer special treatment, like a day off for all of their great work. Money certainly matters, but you’d be surprised how motivated employees will get even without monetary rewards. Perks matter almost as much as dollar bills. Take some time each day to motivate your employees. You may be quite surprised at the reaction you get, and more importantly, the business results that follow.

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20 Herald| |NorthFulton.com ForsythHerald.com 18 || November November 9, 9, 2017 2017 || Forsyth Milton Herald

CALENDAR

MILTON LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Milton Literary Group will host the second annual Milton Literary Festival in downtown Crabapple. Featuring over 45 authors, the event will be packed with panels, author chats, and workshops as well as opportunities to meet and mingle with your favorite authors or find new ones. The festival will be held Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit miltonliteraryfestival.com. Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton. com/Calendar.

VETERANS DAY: CUMMING

What: American Legion Post 9143 in conjunction with VFW Post 9143, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030, and the Forsyth County Patriot’s Alliance – will welcome the community to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. When: Friday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. Where: Cumming Veterans War Memorial, 301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Cumming

MEDLOCK BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

What: Medlock Bridge Elementary School will host their inaugural Veterans Day celebration, performances, color guard and guest speakers. Brunch will be served. When: Friday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. Where: Medlock Bridge Elementary School, 10215 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek

VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST

What: Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with local veterans and a presentation by A.J. Tata, a retired brigadier general and national bestselling author. When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 8-9:30 a.m. Where: Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: cityofmiltonga.us

put their new ID skills to the test. When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Where: Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

TITAN TIDINGS CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW What: Shop for holiday gifts from over 110 vendors. A bake sale keeps your shopping energy up and running. When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: btcatholic.org/TitanTidings

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL IN CUMMING

What: Featuring a wide variety of artisans and craftsmen with handcrafted merchandise, the Sawnee Artists’ Association festival includes photos with Santa and kid-friendly activities. Food trucks and kettle corn will be available outside. When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Regan Blvd., Cumming More info: sawneeart.org

DISTRICT 5 MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEETING

What: American Legion Post 201 will host their Veterans Day ceremony along with a car and bike show. When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: American Legion Post 201, 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta More info: 770-475-9023

What: Each Board Member holds monthly community meetings to keep residents informed about issues and to give citizens the opportunity to comment on Board Agenda items. When: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. Where: Shakerag Elementary School, 10855 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

EVENTS:

BUSINESS BUILDERS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201

WILD BIRD WALK & TALK

What: Fledging birdwatchers will learn how to identify common birds by sight and sound before heading outside to

What: Small business owners and employees are invited to this information session on W2 vs. 1099 forms, payroll reporting, year-end and more.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 14, noon Where: TrueNorth Real Estate Professionals, 11130 State Bridge Road B 106, Johns Creek Cost: $10 More info: johnscreekchamber.com

THE GUNS OF FORT WALKER, GRANT PARK

What: Barrington Hall will host a series of lectures on the Civil War and Roswell. This is part of a series of Wednesday evening lectures. When: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7-9 p.m. Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell Cost: $5 suggested donation More info: roswellgov.com

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: “MORNINGSIDE”

What: This shrewd new comedy takes place during a sunny spring afternoon in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta, where different generations are thrown together to battle it out. Imagine: a baby shower, nine women with secrets, and a case of champagne. When: Through Nov. 12, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: Tickets start at $29 More info and tickets: get.com

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”

What: “Fiddler on the Roof” is a musical set in Imperial Russia in 1905, following Tevye and his attempt to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family’s lives. When: Through Nov. 5, times vary Where: Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $27.50 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: BUTTERPUP & FRIENDS

What: Miles Davis is an artist, illustrator, and creator raised in the United States Air Force. In 2012, a random puppy with butterfly wings made its way into Miles’s imagination. When: Through Dec. 29, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

NUTRITION AND CANCER PREVENTION

What: Join in a discussion to learn tips about how to harness the power of nutrition and prevent cancer. When: Sunday, Nov. 12, 3-4:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: newhealthahead.com

AUTHOR VISITS

What: Join local authors as they read and discuss their latest books. Rena Arzumanova, author of two short story books, will read a few stories and Ellen Kofman will present and read from her latest collection of poetry. When: Sunday, Nov. 12 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Where: Milton Branch Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: milton.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-4402

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

What: Terra Trofort, founder and director of Lingual Kids, will visit the Roswell Library the second Tuesday of every month to share stories, culture, music and more. When: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: roswell.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov or 770-640-3075

OH DEER! PLANTS DEER DON’T USUALLY EAT

What: North Fulton Master Gardeners will offer a gardening class and workshop covering how to garden with deer around. Registration is required. When: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: East Roswell Branch Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road., Roswell More info: librarycomments@ fultoncountyga.gov

FRIENDS OF ROSWELL BOOK SALE

LIBRARY EVENTS:

What: The Friends of Roswell Library sale of gently used books, DVDs, CDs and more will be held throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Roswell Library and its programs. When: Nov. 16-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: roswell.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov or 770-640-3075

ESSAY CONTEST

BOOKS WITH PUPS

What: Join for a writing competition among students in grades 3-12. Winner gets $30 Pizza Hut gift card. The winner will be announced Nov. 17. When: Deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 14 Where: East Roswell Branch Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: eastroswell.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-4050

What: Therapy dogs Surcee and Reagan are back. Read to a friendly therapy dog with one of CAREing Paw’s volunteers. When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 4-5 p.m. Where: Milton Branch Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: liane.wagner@ fultoncountyga.gov

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22 | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 23

For atypical moles, What’s the typical treatment? By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and MOHS Surgery of Atlanta A changing mole is a common complaint that leads a patient to a dermatologist. And it’s also one of the most important issues that a patient can have because a changing mole could be a melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly common form of skin cancer and can spread even when it is the size of a pencil eraser or smaller. That is why dermatologists are so focused on catching melanoma early. If a skin cancer has not yet spread, then a simple surgery and a few stitches are often sufficient to provide a complete cure. If a cancer has spread, then lymph node biopsies, radiation, chemotherapy and other measures are sometimes necessary to try to save someone’s life. A dermatologist can help determine if a growth requires a biopsy. In general, a biopsy is a procedure intended to sample (not eliminate) a growth. A biopsied specimen is submitted to a pathologist who will determine if the growth is clearly benign, malignant, or somewhere in between. For atypical moles, pathologists typically grade how abnormal the mole is by grading them – mild, moderate or severe. This sounds simple, but there exists tremendous variation in how dermatologists manage moles that are assigned these grades. Some dermatologists watch almost all abnormal moles. Some dermatologists recommend cutting out (excising) almost all abnormal moles. Who is right, and why is there variation? Historically, some dermatologists believed that all atypical moles were precancerous. Such moles were (and often still are) called “dysplastic” nevi, although some dermatologists favor labeling them Clark’s nevi to avoid confusion over malignant potential. The term “dysplastic” connotes a tendency towards becoming a cancer. However, research now supports that many so-called dysplastic nevi will never amount to anything and are not “pre-cancers.” There is a pattern of growth that some healthy moles can take that can make them look a bit disorderly, but for many moles “dysplastic” is a misnomer. As a result, a debate exists in the dermatology community over whether dysplastic nevi are precancers and whether they should be excised. A multitude of studies have followed patients whose dsyplastic nevi were excised versus observed. From these studies, we

know that people who have dozens of dysplastic nevi still have a very high chance of developing melanoma even if they have every single mole on their bodies removed. We also know that removing mildly atypical nevi TAYLOR is generally not necessary and does not seem to decrease one’s chance of developing melanoma. What about moderate and severely atypical nevi? Mounting evidence now suggests that nevi with a grade of “moderate” probably also do not have to be removed and can be safely observed. Some studies have even suggested similar observation for severely atypical nevi, but the norm for them continues to be excision. There are exceptions to the above rules: For some moderately atypical nevi, a pathologist may issue a recommendation that might read, “re-excision is recommended to ensure complete removal of this lesion.” This is pathologists’ way of signaling that the pathologist is still uncomfortable enough with the microscopic appearance that the mole should be removed. Alternatively, the mole might be graded as moderate atypia, but the dermatologist may have noted that clinically the mole looked severely atypical. Clinical impressions matter, and a mole that is moderately abnormal under the microscope but severely abnormal to the naked eye would also likely warrant complete removal. Patient factors such as immunosuppression, a history of melanoma, etc., all also might play a factor. However, in a world where profits sometimes drives people’s actions, patients are wise to be informed and be their own advocates. Unfortunately, multiple mildly or moderately atypical nevi are too often removed. Based on current evidence, many of these “dysplastic” nevi in all likelihood could have been safely left in place. Patient sometimes receive a few or, sadly, many scars unnecessarily. No dermatologist wants to leave in place a mole that becomes a melanoma, but neither should we subject patients to procedures and scars unnecessarily. By agreeing on regular skin exams, partnering with our patients to be vigilant for changing growths, and practicing evidence-based medicine, dermatologists can often safely leave mildly and moderately atypical nevi in place. Patient-centered, individualized medicine taking into

See MOLES, Page 24

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24 | November 9, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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Moles: Continued from Page 23

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account the patient’s entire history and risk factors can help guide the decision of how best to protect patients from the dueling perils of missing a melanoma and performing unnecessary procedures. If you have a changing growth or even a recently biopsied growth, seek an opinion from a dermatologist who you trust. Do not hesitate to ask why a procedure needs to be performed. If the

answer does not seem reasonable or easily explained, then never hesitate to seek a second opinion. One additional tip: if you are worried about a possible melanoma, then ask your dermatology practice about adding an emergency “spot check”. Almost all dermatologists can and should allow a patient to come in quickly to rule out melanoma. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we will do everything possible to accommodate a quick spot check for a possible melanoma because every day counts when it comes to catching melanoma before it spreads.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 25

What are stretch marks and how can they be treated? Striae, more commonly known as stretch marks, is the result of weakening of elastic tissues located just underneath the outer layer of skin because they are expanding at a faster rate than the skin. They appear as linear streaks on the skin that has been overstretched and begin as flat red lines, but over time they appear as slightly depressed white streaks. They tend to occur near the armpits, on the thighs, abdomen, chest, and buttocks. More than 80% of women and men experience stretch marks, whether due to pregnancy, rapid weight loss or

weight gain, hormonal changes, etc. The results of stretch marks can be devastating, causing stress due to poor self-esteem and a negative body image. Chronic stress and unhappiness about one’s body can lead to clinical depression that is difficult to improve without medication. Until recently, creams and lasers have been the most common treatment for stretch marks, but they can be very painful and do not yield the best results. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) with Microneedling is a cutting edge treatment that uses your own bodies healing

properties to heal stretch marks and diminish their look significantly, if not completely! We are excited to be offering this state of the art treatment, right in our office. This minimally invasive procedure requires very little down time and will help you feel more confident for next year’s summer activities. Call today to schedule your consultation and be on your way to a happier you! Johns Creek Dermatology & Family Medicine, 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100, Johns Creek, GA 30097. (770) 771-659

Snoozing in the dental chair New treatment offers hope for the dental phobic By Dr. Ushma Patel, D.M.D and Dr. Brittany Corbett, D.D.S Center For Advanced Dentistry Millions of Americans avoid the dentist. Some had traumatic experiences as children. Others suffered pain as adults. No matter the reason, far too many of these individuals simply stopped seeking routine dental care because they were frightened. Now’s the time to move forward into a healthier future. Modern dentistry offers many new tools and options that make necessary treatments not only tolerable but even comfortable. Now there’s a new way for the dentally challenged to get their needed treatment without having to go through all the fear and anxiety. And, what’s more, they likely won’t even remember going to the dentist. It’s called “Sedation Dentistry” and is available right now at our dental office. Not all dentists are qualified or licensed to use this option. Approximately 1 in 8 dentists in Georgia is licensed to do Sedation. “The way it works is quite simple,” says Dr. Ushma Patel. “One hour before the appointment the patient simply takes a pill that we have dispensed to them. By the time they arrive, they are very relaxed.” The patient is then escorted to the dental chair. They gradually progress to a deeper level of sedation but are still able to respond to their environment and to questions from the doctor. Dr. Patel explains, “The patient will feel no pain and in fact will have little or no memory of the experience after it’s all over.” The patient’s vital signs are constantly monitored throughout the treatment. “When they awaken a friend drives them home and in an hour or so they are pretty much back to normal,”

says Dr. Patel. “The best part is that they have no bad memories, and they don’t experience any pain or anxiety.” The patient isn’t “knocked out” or in total sedation like they would be for a surgery. The level of sedation isn’t that deep, but just deep enough so that they feel nothing but are still conscious. Is Sedation Dentistry only for fearful patients? Dr. Patel says no. “Some people, while they are not at all afraid

of dental treatment, are highly resistant to anesthetic. They just can’t get numb. Other people simply don’t have the time to make repeated visits to the dentist and would rather have all their work done in one longer visit. Sedation Dentistry takes care of both problems.” For more information call 770884-7151 or visit on the web at www. JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com. If this sounds like you or a loved one or someone you know then please let them know that they have an option.

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26 | November 9, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

High School Football 2017 Season Preview is sponsored by:

PHOTO COURTESY PAUL WARD/ATLANTA Pictured: Jared Honey and South Forsyth will take on Mountain View in the first round of the state playoffs after capturing their second region title in three years.

FOOTBALL

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 27

WEEK 12 (NOV. 3) FOOTBALL RECAP

Region titles, playoff berths decided in final games of regular season By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

Class 7A Roswell 56, Cherokee 20 — It’s been far from a dream season for Roswell, but they are still in the playoffs. Roswell’s rout of Cherokee and Lassiter’s loss to Etowah Friday night means the Hornets and Trojans were tied in the Region 4-AAAAAAA standings. But Roswell owned the tiebreaker with its only region win of the season, a 36-30 overtime victory over Lassiter on Oct. 6. Cordel Littlejohn threw two passing touchdowns over 50 yards and Kamonty Jett added two rushing scores in the lopsided win. The Hornets scored at least twice in each quarter and improved to 16-2 alltime against Cherokee. Lambert 34, Forsyth Central 19 — Bragging rights were all that was at stake Friday night between the Longhorns and Bulldogs, but Lambert ended its frustrating season on a high note. In a closely contested game, Lambert led 27-19 late in the fourth quarter before a 42-yard rushing score from Marcus Chatelain sealed the win. Chatelain scored three touchdowns for the Longhorns. Lambert’s season ended with their first sub-.500 year since the program started in 2009. Forsyth Central failed to win a game this season, their first winless season since 1973. Milton 49, North Forsyth 17 — For the second straight week, Milton used big plays to power their win, which earned the Eagles a second-place finish in Region 5-AAAAAAA. Four of the Eagles’ scores came from over 50 yards, and quarterback Jordan Yates racked up five total touchdowns in the win. Syaire Waters hauled in a 64-yard score to open the game, and the Eagles added three Yates touchdowns to lead 28-10 at the half. Milton outscored North 21-7 in the second half. North quarterback Ben Bales was 20-32 passing for 165 yards and had two total touchdowns. Milton earned its first home playoff game in three years by finishing out region play at 4-1. North finished fourth in the region and earned a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. South Forsyth 28, West Forsyth 14 — South Forsyth claimed its second

region title in three years with a win over West Friday night to go undefeated in region play. The War Eagles’ Cal Morris had three touchdowns, including two passes to Ze’Vian Capers. Jared Honey also added a 46-yard rushing score. West scored two touchdowns in the fourth, but South’s 28-0 lead was too much. West’s loss placed them third in the region entering the playoffs behind South and Milton.

Class 6A Alpharetta 41, Chattahoochee 14 — Alpharetta won its second region title in four years with a rout of Chattahoochee Friday night. All six of Alpharetta’s touchdowns came from plays over 20 yards. Matthew Downing threw three touchdowns and Nolan Edmonds rushed for three. The Raiders defense held Hooch to just 39 yards in the first half and 165 for the game. Hooch touchdowns were scored on rushes by Max Webb and Damon Stewart. With the loss, the Cougars fell to third in the region standings behind Alpharetta and Centennial. Cambridge 44, North Atlanta 8 — Cambridge needed a win to have any shot of making the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Bears, even with their rout of North Atlanta, it marked the end of their 2017 season. With Pope beating Northview, the Bears missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers. The Bears’ Hogan Dykes connected with Ridge Polk for three touchdowns in Friday’s win over the Warriors. Polk added another score on the ground. Matt McCree and kicker Victor Valentine also added rushing touchdowns. Cambridge finished with a 4-6 overall record, all their wins coming in region play. It is their first losing season since 2013. Dunwoody 13, Johns Creek 10 — Johns Creek’s season ended Friday night with a close loss to Dunwoody. The Gladiators finished 3-7 overall in Matt Helmerich’s debut season. Johns Creek cut Dunwoody’s lead to 6-3 early in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard field goal from Luke Venco. The Gladiators added a touchdown from quarterback Sean Cooney to Matt

See RECAP, Page 28

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28 | November 9, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Recap:

FOOTBALL

Continued from Page 27

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Casey later in the quarter. However, a Wildcats’ touchdown also in the fourth secured the Dunwoody win. Johns Creek finished fifth in the region standings. Pope 47, Northview 22 — Northview’s season ended Friday night with the Titans’ fourth loss in five games. Quarterback Colton McDaniel threw for over 240 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to William Caylor to cut Pope’s lead to one score late in the second quarter. However, Northview was unable to find the end zone in the second half while Pope scored 19 unanswered points to earn the No. 4 seed from Region 7-AAAAAA. This season was the first under head coach James Thomson. Northview has won just five games in the past two years.

Class 4A Blessed Trinity 44, West Hall 21 — Blessed Trinity exploded for 31 points in the second quarter Friday night to finish region play with a 3-1 record. BT’s Steele Chambers and Ryan DuPont each returned fumbles for touchdowns in the Titan’s huge second quarter. Chambers also added a rushing score, and Jake Smith and Ryan Davis connected on passes of 73 and 53 yards, both for touchdowns. BT’s defense held West Hall to a single touchdown before subs were brought in in the fourth. The Titans secured their seventh straight playoff berth and will enter the state playoffs as the No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAAA.

Class A-Private Fellowship Christian 47, Bowdon 12 — Fellowship dominated their first meeting against Bowdon Friday night in the Region 6-A play-in games. The Paladins led 20-12 at the break and went on to score 27 unanswered points in the second half. Fellowship entered the game ranked 23rd in the power ratings, which determine playoff berths in Class-A Private. With Friday’s win, Fellowship looks poised to earn their third playoff appearance in four years. The final power ratings will be released early in the week. St. Francis 46, Gordon Lee 26 — St. Francis wrapped up its regular season with its highest scoring game of the year Friday night against Gordon Lee. The Knights’ six touchdowns all

came on the ground with Sean Paradise and Robert Jones III scoring three each. St. Francis opened a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, and consistent scoring for the remainder of the game earned the Knights their fourth win of the season. St. Francis entered the game 29th in the power ratings, but their win may not be enough to earn them the fiveplace jump they need to earn a playoff berth. Mount Pisgah 49, Trion 42 — For the second straight year, Mount Pisgah faced off with Trion in region play-in games. And for the second straight year, it was a high-scoring affair. But unlike last year’s 59-37 loss, the Patriots held on in a night full of momentum shifts to close out the regular season at 8-2 overall. Mount Pisgah trailed 28-21 at the half, but a 70-yard rush from Kai Williams tied the game early in the third. Just a few minutes later, Jacob Cendoya found Trey Murphy on a 62-yard pass to put the Patriots in the lead. An interception and 25-yard rushing score extended the gap to 42-28. However, Trion scored two straight touchdowns and tied the game with just under six minutes remaining. The Patriots recovered two fumbles in the final five minutes, eventually setting up the game-winning score. With just 14 seconds left, Cendoya found Williams for an 83-yard touchdown pass to seal the thrilling win. Mount Pisgah entered the game 8th in the power ratings. If that position holds up, the Patriots would have a bye in the first round of the state playoffs. Christian Heritage 30, King’s Ridge 27 — King’s Ridge season ended Friday night with a close loss in the Region 6-A play-in games. The Tigers opened a 14-3 lead in the second quarter, but the Lions charged back to take the lead and eventually win in the second half. King’s Ridge finished the season with a 2-8 overall record and went 1-6 in region play. The Tigers were outscored 320-163 during Jimmy Chupp’s second season at the helm. Oglethorpe County 36, Pinecrest Academy 34 — A trying year for Pinecrest came to a bitter end Friday night as the Paladins fell just short of their first on-field victory of the year. A defensive play proved to be the difference in the offensive shootout. With the game tied at 34-34 in the fourth quarter, Pinecrest gave up a safety to give the Patriots the lead. Pinecrest lined up for a long field goal in the dying seconds, but it was blocked. The Paladins compiled a 1-9 record in Terence Mathis’ first season. Their sole win came via a forfeit by South Forsyth due to playing an ineligible player.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 29

30 | November 9, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

FOOTBALL

North Fulton/Forsyth County football playoff preview Nine first-round matchups set By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

Class 7A (1) South Forsyth vs. (4) Mountain View All-time series: 1-1 South Forsyth (9-1, 5-0) Points per game: 36.2 Allowed per game: 12.8 All-time playoff record: 6-12 2016 playoffs: Lost to Parkview (30-27) in the first round Mountain View (8-2, 4-2) Points per game: 39 Allowed per game: 12.8 All-time playoff record: 0-1 2016 playoffs: Lost to Grayson (56-7) in the first round South Forsyth claimed its second region championship in three years Friday, going 5-0 in Region 5-AAAAAAA. Even with the No. 1 seed, the War Eagles will have a tough draw in the first round against Mountain View. South has relied on steady offense

and solid defensive play throughout the season. On paper, they match up evenly with the Bears. Both teams average over 36 points per game while their defenses allow fewer than two touchdowns. The War Eagles will rely on Cal Morris, coming off a four-touchdown performance last week, and strong running back Jared Honey. Both have surpassed the 1,000-yard mark this season. Mountain View’s offense is led by quarterback Matthew Edwards who has compiled 2,143 yards with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. South’s defense will also face multiple rushers from Mountain View who averaged 165 yards rushing per game. South holds the advantage in playoff experience. The Bears program began in 2009 and has made just one playoff appearance in 2016. The two teams last met in 2015 when South came away with a 45-14 win. (2) Milton vs. (3) Collins Hill All-time series: First meeting Milton (8-2, 4-1) Points per game: 28.1

The Class-A Private playoffs are decided by power ratings which were not finalized at press time. Visit NorthFulton.com for a preview of local Class-A Private playoff games.

Allowed per game: 13.5 All-time playoff record: 3-14 2016 playoffs: Lost to Norcross (24-10) in the first round Collins Hill (6-4, 4-2) Points per game: 27.3 Allowed per game: 20.3 All-time playoff record: 13-13 2016 playoffs: Failed to reach playoffs Milton compiled an 8-1 record in head coach Adam Clack’s debut season and will make their second-straight playoff appearance this year. In a battle of the Eagles, Milton will take on Collins Hill in Lenny Gregory’s first season at the helm. Milton enters the game hoping to ride on the momentum of big plays that powered their last two wins. Quarterback Jordan Yates has had a standout junior season, throwing for over 1,800 yards and rushing for nearly 800. He scored five total touchdowns in Milton’s regular season finale. Running back Solomon Vanhorse has compiled over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns this season behind a sizeable and experienced offensive line. They will face a Collins Hill defense averaging 20 points allowed per game against the talented offenses of Region 6-AAAAAAA. Collins Hill will likely look to its running game against Milton. Collins Hill averaged 251 yards rushing per game this season, led by senior Evan Anderson who has 1,111 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. Milton’s defense will look to limit Collins Hill’s opportunities. Collins Hill is 6-0 when scoring 24 or more points this season. (3) West Forsyth vs. (2) Mill Creek All-time series: Mill Creek 2-0 West Forsyth (7-3, 3-2) Points per game: 23.6 Allowed per game: 19.3 All-time playoff record: 3-6 2016 playoffs: Lost to Brookwood (4542) in the first round Mill Creek (7-3, 4-2) Points per game: 31.9 Allowed per game: 15.1 All-time playoff record: 10-6 2016 playoffs: Lost to Grayson (44-26) in the semifinals

West Forsyth earned its third straight trip to the postseason in Shawn Cahill’s debut season. The Wolverines will take on Mill Creek which has gone 6-2 and made two semifinals appearances in the last two years in the playoffs. West’s defense will face the Hawks’ strong running game, which averages nearly 200 yards per game behind Uriah Leverette and Rafael Morales. The duo has combined for 13 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards this season. The Mill Creek defense compiled 26 sacks this season and 13 turnovers. West quarterback Zachary Burns will look for his top receiver in tight end Ben Bresnahan to lead the offense. West is averaging 24 points per game and has scored 28 or more points in three of their last four games. The Wolverines are seeking their first playoff win since 2012. (4) North Forsyth vs. (1) North Gwinnett All-time series: North Gwinnett 4-0 North Forsyth (5-5, 2-3) Points per game: 30.1 Allowed per game: 28.9 All-time playoff record: 6-8 2016 playoffs: Failed to reach playoffs North Gwinnett (9-1, 6-0) Points per game: 37.1 Allowed per game: 13.8 All-time playoff record: 15-15 2016 playoffs: Lost to South Gwinnett (17-13) in the first round North Forsyth earned its first playoff berth in four years and will look for their first postseason win since 2005 when they face Region 6-AAAAAAA champions North Gwinnett on the road. Their first meeting since 2009 will feature two high-powered offenses. The Raiders enter the game averaging 434 yards of offense per game while the Bulldogs average 363. North Forsyth is led by quarterback Ben Bales who has accumulated 2,861 yards passing with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this year. Bryson Trigg has 927 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns in nine games. The Bulldogs rushing attack is led by Tyler Goodson and Devin Crosby who have combined for 17 total touchdowns. Quarterback Jimmy Urzua has 1,191 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games. The Raiders’ offense will face a challenging Bulldogs defense that has given up just 21 total points in their last four games. The Raiders have been held to under 17 points or less their last three games. North Gwinnett has scored 41 or more points in four straight matchups

FOOTBALL

and are riding a nine-game win streak entering the playoffs. (4) Roswell vs. (1) Hillgrove All-time series: Hillgrove 1-0 Roswell (3-7, 2-3) Points per game: 21.8 Allowed per game: 30 All-time playoff record: 36-26 2016 playoffs: Lost to Grayson (23-20, OT) in the state championship Hillgrove (7-3, 4-1) Points per game: 28.8 Allowed per game: 24.2 All-time playoff record: 8-8 2016 playoffs: Lost to Lowndes (92-61) in the first round. It’s been a frustrating year for Roswell. The Hornets have gone 3-7 after replacing 20 starters and nearly their entire coaching staff. But in the final week of the regular season, a win and help from Etowah propelled the Hornets back into the playoffs. Roswell tied with Lassiter at 2-3 in region play, but the Hornets held the tiebreaker with a 36-30 overtime win on Oct. 6. That was just enough to put them in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Facing the Hornets is Region 3-AAAAAAA champions Hillgrove. The Hawks enter the postseason having won seven of their last eight games. The Hornets offense is led by senior quarterback Cordel Littlejohn who has compiled over 1,000 yards passing and 600 yards rushing on the season. Joining Littlejohn in the backfield is sizeable and speedy rusher Kamonty Jett who has over 1,100 yards rushing and five 100-yard plus games this season. Littlejohn has reliable targets in receivers Walt Warren and Tyneil Hopper. The Hornets enter their playoff matchup after their highest point total of the season, a 56-20 win over Chero-

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 31

kee. They will face a Hillgrove defense that allowed a combined 17 points to North Cobb and McEachern in their last two games. Roswell’s defense will have to contain Hillgrove’s high-powered offense which has scored 42 or more points in two of their last three games.

All-time series: First meeting Centennial (8-2, 7-1) Points per game: 41 Allowed per game: 25 All-time playoff record: 2-5 2016 playoffs: Lost to Northgate (2016) in the first round Lanier (6-4, 3-2) Points per game: 21.3 Allowed per game: 20.9 All-time playoff record: 2-4 2016 playoffs: Lost to Allatoona (28-6) in the first round.

Class 6A

Centennial is back in the playoffs in head coach Michael Perry’s debut season. With that goal accomplished, the Knights look to earn their first playoff win in 15 years. Behind a high-powered offense and a stingy defense, the Knights will look to drop Lanier in the first meeting between the programs. Quarterback Max Brosmer heads into the game as one the most prolific quarterbacks in the state in Class 6A. Brosmer has compiled 2,991 yards passing and 27 total touchdowns. He averaged 319 yards per game passing in the regular season. The Knights’ receiving core is led by standout Blane Mason who has over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. Cal Dickie has 919 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Dickie also adds to the Knights’ rushing attack. Emeka Nwanze has just under 1,100 yards this season with five 100-yard plus performances. Centennial has surrendered just 41 points in their last four games and has not allowed more than 28 points in seven straight contests. The Knights will ride a seven-game win streak into the first round against the balanced Longhorns. Lanier averages 145 yards passing and 149 yards rushing per game this season. Their defense has allowed

(1) Alpharetta vs. (4) Gainesville All-time series: Alpharetta 2-0 Alpharetta (9-1, 8-0) Points per game: 31.8 Allowed per game: 13.4 All-time playoff record: 2-6 2016 playoffs: Lost to Alexander (20-13) in the first round Gainesville (4-6, 3-2) Points per game: 17.5 Allowed per game: 25.3 All-time playoff record: 71-50 2016 playoffs: Lost to Harrison (45-24) in the first round Alpharetta and Gainesville meet for the second time this season, but there’s a lot more at stake this time. The Raiders took down Gainesville 29-7 on Aug. 26 and the two teams will meet in the playoffs for the first time next Friday. Alpharetta will look to continue its winning streak, now at nine games entering the matchup. The Raiders’ defense, led by a host of experienced seniors, has been crucial to Alpharetta’s success. The Raiders haven’t given up more than two touchdowns since their 34-31 win over Centennial Sept. 8. When the two teams met earlier this season, the Red Elephants were held to 177 yards of total offense. Tre’ Lutell threw for 76 yards on 13 completions and Montavious Tabor led the team in rushing with 61 yards. Alpharetta’s offense is led by quarterback Matthew Downing and running back Nolan Edmonds. Downing has over 1,700 yards passing this season and has running ability. Downing went 16-27 for 194 yards and a touchdown against Gainesville in September. After missing much of the first half of the season due to injury, Edmonds has come on strong since his return. He has over 800 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns this season. The Raiders will be seeking their first playoff win since they won their last region title in 2014. (2) Centennial vs. (3) Lanier

under three scores in two of their last three games. (3) Chattahoochee vs. (2) Winder-Barrow All-time series: First meeting Chattahoochee (7-3, 6-2) Points per game: 30 Allowed per game: 29.4 All-time playoff record: 16-12 2016 playoffs: Failed to reach playoffs Winder-Barrow (8-2, 2-3) Points per game: 30.4 Allowed per game: 22.7 All-time playoff record: 3-14 2016 playoffs: Lost to Dalton (42-7) in the first round Friday’s playoff tilt between Chattahoochee and Winder-Barrow features two teams hungry for postseason success. Hooch is making its first playoff appearance since 2012 while the Bulldogs are seeking their first playoff win in 24 years. Chattahoochee’s offense will look to a young starting quarterback to lead the charge. Jack Corrigan was lost to a leg break in the Cougars’ win over Pope Oct. 20, opening the position for sophomore Damon Stewart. Stewart has compiled just under 200 yards passing in his two starts and has shown to be elusive in the pocket. Chattahoochee’s run game is powered by Max Webb who has over 1,200 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns this year. Andrew Thomas is one of Hooch’s top receivers and is also effective on the ground in Hooch’s jet sweep. Chattahoochee’s defense will face a balanced Bulldogs’ offense averaging nearly 400 yards per game. Quarterback Brock Landis is near the 2,000yard mark for the season and is the team’s second-leading rusher. He has compiled 22 touchdowns this season. The matchup will feature two defenses giving up over 28 points per game in their last three contests.

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COMMUNITY

Local students participate in National Manufacturing Day FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Engineering students from five Forsyth County high schools recently participated with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 6. National Manufacturing Day is a celebration across the country of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Students toured local manufac-

turing companies including American BOA, LG-MRI, Panduit, Scientific Games International, Southern Staircase and Solvay. Students were also able to network with engineering and manufacturing post-secondary partners including Kennesaw State University, Lanier Technical College, Mercer University, University of Georgia and University of North Georgia.

Students from five Forsyth County high schools recently participated in National Manufacturing Day.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Send us your news!

Visit NewsLink.NorthFulton.com More Info: 770-442-3278

Students receive recognition for their achievements from Michael Göttert in the German program. Forsyth County Patriots Alliance President Gary Ely, left, receivesthe first donation for the organization’s bucket drive as Mayor H. Ford Gravitt starts off the campaign with a $100 donation.

Donation buckets help rebuild war memorial FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Patriots Alliance is beginning to deliver donation buckets to Forsyth County area merchants. Donations will help the organization, founded by members of the county’s four veterans’ organizations to raise funds needed to update the war memorial on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The Forsyth County Patriots Alliance is working to collect sufficient funding to add new elements to the memorial which would honor the men and women fighting the war on terror as well as a component to honor the community’s first responders of fire, police and emergency personnel. Merchants willing to place a donation bucket in their business may contact Forsyth County Patriots Alliance representative David Murray at 770715-9531.

South Forsyth students participate in German program FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Last year, South Forsyth High School, the only partner school in Forsyth County, participated for the first time in the German language diploma exams. These exams are prepared by the German Federal Office of Administration of the Central Agency for Schools Abroad. This very competitive process is only permitted to select schools in participating countries.

In the spring, 15 South Forsyth juniors and seniors took the exam, passed and are now eligible for their diploma. With this honor, the students are now eligible to enroll in the preparatory school in Germany. There, they would complete their university studies with free college tuition. Michael Gottert awarded diplomas to the students on Oct. 13.

Senior Services seeks holiday gift angels FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Senior Services is looking for people to be a holiday angel to a local senior citizen by participating in the 2017 Holiday Gift Angels Program. Being a holiday angel is easy to do. Pick up a gift request tag at any of the three Forsyth County Senior Services locations: • Center at Charles Place, 595 Dahlonega Street, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Hearthstone Lodge Community Center, 7305 Lanier Drive, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each gift request tag lists the name of a local senior citizen along with a gift idea for him/her. Then bring the unwrapped gift – in a gift bag with the gift request tag attached – to any of the three Forsyth County Senior Services locations listed above weekdays by Nov. 27. For additional information, call Forsyth County Senior Services at 770-781-2178 or visit forsythco.com/ seniors.

Veterans Day ceremony to be held Nov. 10 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — American Legion Post 9143 in conjunction with VFW Post 9143, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030 and the Forsyth County Patriot’s Alliance will welcome the community to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. The annual event will be held at the Cumming Veterans War Memorial, next door to the Cumming Police Department. The ceremony will include patriotic performances from the Forsyth Central Flash of Crimson Band and the Cumming Christian Cooperative, as well as a keynote address by Retired Army Colonial Larry Mrozinski and a welcome by Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt. A rifle salute and placement of a wreath in memory and honor of all veterans will also be held. The event is free and open to the public. The ceremony will be held rain or shine, but may be relocated to the Cumming Fairgrounds’ covered arena in the event of inclement weather.

School:

Continued from Page 4 take the top portion of the West Forsyth district to make the shift over to these high schools,” Pirkle said. “We also looked at going farther north to take students. That created a feeder pattern issue.” Vice Chairwoman Nancy Roche said she’s heard a lot of discussion from the public that the district’s numbers are not correct. She said since she’s been on the board for 18 years, the county’s Direc-

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | November 9, 2017 | 33

tor of Facilities Planning Tim Amerson has been within 1 percent for the projected numbers. “There is a lot more that goes into it,” Roche said. “I sent a chart to Tim and he said there were a lot more things that effect the numbers that I didn’t take into consideration like rising ninth graders going to Alliance Academy, the students not getting promoted, the Move on When Ready program and the retention factor.” Morrissey said she’s heard from people who do not live in effected areas who complain. “I feel for them, but you have to look

at the big picture,” Roche said. “I struggle with it. We’ve met with the committee many times. We get complaints if we plan for the future like we are now, but we also get complaints because we don’t worry about something because it’s in the future.” It’s a tough job, Roche said, because they “can’t win.” “We have to plan for the future and we always have,” Roche said. “We’re working on the five-year facilities plan right now. We need another new high school, two new elementary schools and a middle school. There’s a lot going on in this county.”

Personally, Roche said her neighborhood was redistricted from a nearby school and she had to decide to split her children up from attending the same school. “I had to vote for that last time because it was the right thing to do for the county,” Roche said. “There were 700 empty seats at Forsyth Central High School, and North Forsyth High School was overcrowded. There are a lot of tough decisions we have to deal with. It’s not an easy thing, and it’s emotional.”

American Legion Ladies Auxiliary receive the Poppy Day proclamation CUMMING, Ga. — Members of the Cumming American Legion Ladies Auxiliary recently received the Poppy Day proclamation by the Cumming City Council. The Council also presented proclamations recognizing Nov. 11 as Poppy Day and the entire month of November as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Representatives of the American Legion Ladies› Auxiliary accepted the Poppy Day proclamation, which noted that «millions have answered the call to arms and have died on the field of battle; and therefore it›s important for

a nation at peace to be reminded of the price of war, which is recognized by the memorial flower.» Forsyth Family Haven Board President Marie Dinsmore and board member Cumming Police Deputy Chief Aletha Barrett accepted the Domestic Violence Awareness proclamation. Dinsmore said every 15 seconds a woman is battered in the United States while some 4,336 Forsyth County victims and their children received crisis intervention and advocacy services from the organization during the past year.

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