Forsyth Herald - December 28, 2017

D e c e m b e r 2 8 , 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 . 5 2

Mayor Gravitt signs off ►►PAGE 4

1

2

Bus safety to be upgraded ►►PAGE 11

4

Norman’s Landing site rezoned

3

►►PAGE 12

A look back at 2017 It’s that time of year again. The Herald hits the rewind button and looks back at most talked about and impactful stories of 2017 with our annual “Year in Review.” Read more, Pages 6 – 10, 18.

1. Lambert girls soccer captured its first state championship May 13 with a 2-1 overtime win over Grayson.

2. The Board of Commissioners is considering updating county ordi-

nances relating to animal control and business licenses following an incident in which a dog died while being groomed.

3. Troy Brumbalow was elected Nov. 7 to become Cumming’s first new

mayor since 1970.

4. Widening on the southbound side of Ga. 400 began in May and the first four-mile section is open.

Community honors Bob Farley ►►PAGE 15

Optimal Hearing® Old-Fashioned Hearing Aids?

The Hearing Technology Company Not for you?

There is no better time to ensure you hear your best. Call us Today to Schedule your FREE Private Hearing Consultation.

Call one of our many locations!

470-226-2079

“What, Darling?”

2 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

First widened section of Ga. 400 southbound open 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

CUMMING, Ga. — The long awaited widening of Ga. 400 southbound opened Dec. 22 just in time for holiday traveling.

The newly widened portion will open between Ga. 141 and McFarland Parkway.

The four miles of widening began in May 2017. Construction will continue widening Ga. 400 from Ga. 369/ Browns Bridge Road to Ga. 141/ Peachtree Parkway, weather permitting that section will open to traffic in late spring 2018.

The widening and reconstruction of Ga. 400 was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. in April 2015. The project completion is scheduled for fall of 2018 and is cur-

rently on schedule.

The project adds an additional lane in each direction on Ga. 400 from McFarland Road to Ga. 369. Bridges over Big Creek and the Sawnee Creek portion of Lake Lanier will be widened.

The project is being made possible through a partnership between Forsyth County and the Georgia Department of Transportation. GDOT has contributed $13 million to this work and is managing the project. The remainder of the project funding – approximately $34.5 million – comes from the Forsyth County Transportation Bond approved by 63 percent of Forsyth County voters in November 2014.

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL:

ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com

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.

Two cars burglarized at Caney Creek Preserve

Our Weekly Publications

28,000 Circulation

20,000 Circulation

17,000 Circulation

10,000 Circulation

Our Monthly Publication

18,000 Circulation Our Companion Websites

Visit AppenMediaGroup.com for more information.

The Herald Newspapers are published by Appen Media Group, 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta Ga. 30009.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Two cars were burglarized Dec. 10 while parked at Caney Creek Preserve.

One woman said a purse that had been on the front seat of her Mercedes was stolen.

She said she went running in the parking lot around 2:15 p.m. When she returned, her driver side rear window was smashed out. Nothing else appeared stolen.

A second car suffered the same fate about the same time. The owner of a Chrysler Town and Country said a purse was stolen from his car as his wife and his mother had left it in the lot.

The front passenger side door glass was shattered. Nothing else appeared to be missing. A second purse in the back was untouched.

The two cars were parked near each other. Police could not lift fingerprints from the vehicles.

Cash register stolen from laundromat FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An unknown thief reportedly broke into the Fabricare dry cleaners off Buford Highway Dec. 11 and made off with the cash register.

The owner of the shop arrived at 7 a.m. and noticed the side glass door was shattered and the cash machine was gone. He left the previous day at 5 p.m. There were only coins left in the register and it was the only item taken.

Deputies saw broken and frayed wires where the cash register was ripped out of the desk top.

No prints were lifted, and there was no surveillance camera.

Woman credit card used in fraudulent purchase FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After a woman used her credit card for a transaction at a local retail store on Peachtree Parkway, the same card was used later for a second transaction for nearly $230.

The woman went to the store Dec. 13 and made a $14 purchase. The cashier reportedly had trouble with the transaction, so she entered the card number manually.

One call and you’re hooked 131 Amos Dr., Cumming, GA 30040

678.315.1267

KandKTowingGA.com

About 30 minutes later, the woman noticed a second transaction from the same store for $228 that she didn’t authorize. That receipt had another person’s name. The woman had her card with her the entire time.

The manager provided copies of receipts for both transactions. The deputy asked for the manager and cashier’s birthdays, and the cashier reportedly hesitated. The deputy asked her after she left the store if she had anything else to add to the story, but she said no and became defensive.

The manager requested the store’s video footage from the corporate office.

Decorations stolen from couple’s yard FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A couple encountered a Grinch this holiday season after two of their decorations were stolen from their yard.

The wife said she had two projectors, one that displayed a snow globe onto the house that cost $20 and a second that displayed a reindeer with the message “Merry Christmas” valued at $8, that were stolen.

She had seen the decorations that morning but noticed they were missing when her husband went outside to plug them in.

Approval Expires 08.28.2018

News/Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 3

Milan Eye Center Opens Alpharetta Location Milan Eye Center, a premier ophthalmology practice with five locations in the North Atlanta suburbs, will open a new clinic and ambulatory surgery center in Alpharetta on January 8, 2018.

With six ophthalmologists and five optometrists on staff, Milan Eye Center offers a full scope of diagnostic testing and treatment. At their new, state-of-the-art facility, they will offer their full range of surgical services, including cataract surgery, LASIK, lens replacement surgery, corneal transplants, and oculoplastics. They will also provide their full range of comprehensive eye care services, including the management of glaucoma and diabetic eye.

Milan Eye Center 2555 Westside Pkwy.

Suite 300

Milan Eye Center’s Alpharetta Location Opening January 8, 2018 Just Minutes from Avalon

“Our goal in opening this new facility is to better serve our patients,” said Milan Eye Center Operations Manager, Janak Pandya. “By having clinics in a variety of locations, patients can choose to have their appointment in the location that is most convenient for them.”

Milan Eye Center’s other clinics are in Johns Creek, Cumming, Canton, Buford, and Marietta. Additionally, the practice is affiliated with Atlanta’s finest hospitals, including Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Northside Hospital. While the new facility will be similar to the practice’s other locations, the Alpharetta clinic and surgery center will house a few additional state-of-the art features.

“We think patients will be very pleased with the new facility,” said Dr. Milan Patel, the practice’s founder. “It was designed with the patient experience as a top priority.”

In addition to the top-notch facility, Milan Eye Center also prides itself on their new clinic’s prime location, just minutes from Avalon. This location makes it easy for patients to run errands before or after their appointments.

To learn more about Milan Eye Center, you can visit their website, milaneyecenter.com, or find them on Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please call 678-381-2020.

REMEMBER, YOUR DEDUCTIBLE RESETS JANUARY 1. 2018!

• Bladeless Cataract Surgery • LASIK/PRK • Clear Lens Exchange • Glaucoma Evaluation/Management

SERVICES WE OFFER: • Corneal Transplant • Pterygium Surgery • Functional and Cosmetic Oculofacial Surgery • Orbital & Reconstructive Surgery

• Diabetic Eye Examination • Dry Eye Management • Ocular Emergencies

Saturday appointments for Cataract and LASIK consultations available

Offering Same Day/ Next Day Availability

Johns Creek | Cumming | Canton | Buford | Marietta | Alpharetta

470-326-0330

Call to make your appointment: Learn more: milaneyecenter.com

4 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

H. Ford Gravitt signs off at final meeting Longtime mayor concludes tenure to defend actions

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Mayor H. Ford Gravitt closed the books on his leadership over the city of Cumming at his final City Council meeting Dec. 19.

Gravitt has held the position of mayor since 1971 and served four years prior to that on the City Council. All told, he has 50 years of public service.

In November, he lost his seat to local businessman Troy Brumbalow.

At his final meeting with the gavel, Gravitt took time to thank his supporters over the years. Since he joined the council, there have been 612 meetings and he said he hasn’t missed any.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the voters and citizens of Cumming,” Gravitt said. “We’ve worked very hard for the city. It’s been a privilege and honor to serve the citizens and state of Georgia. I’m lucky to have served this long.”

But before he officially signed off as mayor, Gravitt wanted to clear the air on a few issues from the last few years of his tenure.

“When you’re in office you get tied to a lot of allegations,” Gravitt said.

Since the council’s November meeting, Gravitt said there had been a lot of hoopla regarding the Cumming Fairgrounds and Cumming Fair Authority.

At that meeting, the City Council voted to transfer all income from the 2017 Cumming Country Fair & Festival – a little over $1 million – to the Fair Authority which operates the Fair-

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

CRYSTAL LEDFORD/SPECIAL

Mayor H. Ford Gravitt conducted his final meeting in office Dec. 19.

The Cumming City Council bestowed an honorary award to Mayor H. Ford Gravitt during his final meeting.

grounds.

Some have alleged the city gets no revenue from the fair and has no say in how it is operated. Instead, the Authority, partly made up of current and former city officials, gave themselves control of the Fairgrounds.

“This board has worked tirelessly over that time,” he said. “The members can be replaced. That’s up to the new administration. They can do away with the board and fair if they want to. We think the fair has been a great economic engine for Cumming and Forsyth County. It’s not an easy job.”

Last year, a little over 200,000 people visited the fair.

He suggested the board start working to secure sponsorships with for the fair by tapping into the local business community.

The outgoing mayor also addressed the Habersham sewer issue which has created a stir among some residents.

The privately owned wastewater treatment plant that sits on about 10 acres has been run for the past 30 years by

a homeowners group known as the Habersham Action Committee.

A fire last spring spurred the City Council to condemn the plant and build a new facility to service the neighborhood.

But recently, the City Council rescinded that condemnation after learning the property is not optimal to build a future wastewater treatment plant.

Additionally, after the fire the city moved customers to its own sewer system. That caused a ruckus when residents were sent a letter in May stating that they would be billed $6,250 per household for the connection.

“Everybody’s got to pay a sewer tap,” Gravitt said. “That money that’s taken in is put in reserves for the expansion.

We thought about not charging, but if you don’t charge the fees like you charge everybody else, they’d feel left out because they have to pay and sue the city.”

Finally, the mayor addressed allegations that his girlfriend, Angie Mullinax,

Introducing the NEW

DIALYSIS CENTER OF FORSYTH The Best Care –

had been receiving health insurance illegally through the city.

That issue came to a head in 2014 when the City Council launched impeachment proceedings against the mayor, a move that eventually led to action against a former councilman after he was accused of releasing a document online disclosing personal financial and health insurance information for city employees, specifically Mullinax.

The document raised questions as to why Mullinax was listed as receiving health insurance paid for by the city, and whether she qualified as a city employee.

The FBI eventually investigated, and Gravitt said that turned out in Mullinax’s favor.

“Angie Mullinax was a city employee,” he said. “She was nonpaid and paid by insurance. It’s a good thing she kept good records when it was being investigated because everything was in order. Nothing was illegal or going on.”

Dr. Muhammad Akbar Dr. Saghir Ahmed Dr. Sagar Panse Dr. Kimathi Blackwood

located in the Navicent Health Monroe County Regional Complex Accepting new patients on ALL shifts

478.992.9033

120 N. Lee St. • Suite F • Forsyth, GA 31029

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 5

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH US! “Serving lunch, brunch and dinner.”

Special Events • Catering Services Tam’s Tupelo is a friendly neighborhood restaurant. Our menu is American food with a touch of “Cajun meets Memphis” southern cuisine.

Our Lunch Menu features hearty choice of appetizers, homemade soups, unique salads and sandwiches, and �lavorful pastas.

Our Dinner Menu features seasoned, grilled entrees of the freshest seafood, chicken, steaks, and chops.

Our Weekend Brunch features half price bottles of wine, a Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosas!! See you at 12:30 for those Bloody Mary’s.

Experience �lavors borrowed from the Bayou!

Mon. – Thur. - 11:00am – 10:00pm • Fri. – Sat. - 11:00am – 11:00pm 11 00 Sun. Brunch – 12:00pm – 4:00pm (Starting Jan. 7th - 10:00am – 4:00pm) • Sun. Dinner – 4:00pm - 9:00pm p 1050 Buford Hwy. Cumming, GA 30041 • 470-839-2024 • Tamstupelo.com

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

YEAR IN REVIEW

Story of the year: Mayor, councilmen ousted in municipal election

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — The City of Cumming will see new leadership come 2018 after longtime Mayor H. Ford Gravitt lost his bid for reelection. Troy Brumbalow was elected Nov. 7 as the city’s first new mayor since 1971, marking a new era in Cumming history.

Brumbalow garnered nearly 60 percent of the nearly 1,000 votes cast for the seat.

“It was time for a new vision,” Brumbalow said in November. “Our community has been yearning for a city where they can visit and spend time in a family environment without going to a neighboring county.”

Two other councilmen were also unseated.

Post 1 Councilman Chuck Welch, elected in June

2015 to fill an unexpired term, was ultimately defeated by Chad Crane, a local project manager, after the two met in a December runoff. Both candidates locked in a tie in the November election.

Post 2 incumbent Quincy Holton, who had held his seat since 1968, lost to Professional Cryogenic Metallurgy and Coatings President Jason Evans. Holton received 42 percent of votes.

Forsyth population continues growth trend

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Ron Freeman took office Jan. 1 as Forsyth County Sheriff.

New sheriff begins job with flurry of activityg In Forsyth County, there’s a new sheriff in town. And true to the nature of the job, the world didn’t slow down for him to get accustomed to the work.

Just hours after starting his new role Jan. 1, Ron Freeman had to handle an armed robbery of a pawn shop that led to the arrest of six men who stole more than 30 weapons. If that wasn’t enough, within the next week he saw an officer-involved shooting, an ice storm that shut down the county for a weekend and a homicide.

Busy weeks like this are nothing new for Freeman. He has 25 years with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, working in just about every position from deputy to senior captain.

And those are crucial skills to have, because when he first started at the sheriff’s office years ago, it had 28 total employees and is now at 436.

One of the first changes he made was to transfer a captain to the newly created position of policy and accreditation manager. The focus of the new position will be to work on getting the department’s national accreditation back through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA. That process began in August.

Forsyth County’s population continues its upward trend.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported in April that the county’s population rose 4.03 percent last year from 212,438 in 2015, to 221,009 in 2016. That’s a nearly 26 percent increase from 2010 when the Forsyth population was estimated at 175,511.

Studies predict the county population is anticipated to reach half a million by 2042.

This steady increase has placed burdens on the county and schools, while leaving residents wondering whether any plans are in place to accommodate the surge.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Todd Levent said in April the growth brings growing pains, including traffic, but he likes to call them “solvable challenges.”

Forsyth County Schools officials also addressed the overcrowding in its system.

People under the age of 18 make up nearly 30 percent of the county’s population. And by 2018, the district projects nearly 50,000 students in its system. Since 2009, the county’s quality based education full-time equivalent student count has grown by 15,382 students, or 49.7 percent.

School officials maintain the educational opportunities in Forsyth County are well above most everything in metro Atlanta.

Norman’s Landing ends 22-year run A Forsyth County staple for more than 22 years officially closed its doors in June, citing debt and maintenance issues.

Norman, who has been in the restaurant business for 50 years, and his staff have served over 3 million customers with the motto, “Let us spoil you.”

Even on the final day of business, Norman waved hello and goodbye to every customer, opened the door for all who entered and visited every table full of hungry visitors.

Charity has been a cornerstone for the restaurant over the years, and Nor-

SPECIAL

Forsyth County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills received a slap on the wrist July 6 after a county ethics panel investigation into her texting practices. man says the eatery has raised more than $2.3 million for the community over the years.

Later this year, a zoning application for the site requested to change it from a neighborhood shopping district to a commercial business district for proposed commercial buildings, including a drive-thru restaurant. The Board of Commissioners may vote on that application at an upcoming meeting.

Ethics panel reprimands county commissioner Forsyth County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills received a slap on the wrist July 6 after a county ethics panel investigation into her texting practices.

A complaint filed in March charged that Mills improperly deleted text messages from her personal phone in violation of county policy.

Forsyth County resident Rene Guidry filed the complaint against Mills claiming the commissioner “violated the Georgia [Open] Records Act on multiple occasions by deleting text messages between her, developers with pending zoning issues, other county commissioners and zoning attorneys.”

The panel first met in May to determine if there was a need for an evidentiary hearing for further review. That hearing was held June 21.

Then in July, the panel reconvened to issue its conclusion and gave Mills a written warning about the deletions, which it determined were subject to the county’s retention policy.

In the future, Mills said she plans to rectify the situation by keeping all county business only on her county phone.

She’s also hoping to halt any possible problems in the future for other elected officials. She said she wants the county’s “lack of a formal text-specific policy” addressed.

Census data places county as one of richest in nation Coming in at No. 20, Forsyth County was named in July as one of the most affluent counties in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The list was based on the median household income, using data from 2015. With a median household income of $97,886, Forsyth County was the only Georgia county to make the list.

The United States’ median household income is $55,755.

The data showed about 6 percent of the population lives in poverty.

According to Zillow, which lists homes for sale and rent, the median home values estimate in Forsyth County is $284,700 with about 3,000 homes for sale currently.

YEAR IN REVIEW

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 7

The Habersham Sewer failed earlier this year, leaving more than 400 residents with a large bill to pay for sewer services provided by the city.

Pet groomer arrested for animal cruelty

School district, community clash over redistricting

The owner of a well-known local pet grooming salon was arrested Oct. 11 after reports of animal abuse, including a death.

Michelle Louise Root, 41, of Gainesville, was arrested for cruelty to animals after ROOT she reportedly killed a Portuguese water dog wheaten terrier mix, Meko, 3, that she had been grooming at her store, Paw’sh Paws, 530 Lake Center Parkway B2.

One of the shop’s employees reported the incident to the Cumming Police Department Oct. 7.

Cumming Police Deputy Chief Aletha Barrett said Root has since closed the business.

A week after the initial complaint, on Oct. 18, Root turned herself in to the Forsyth County Jail after the Cumming Police Department executed two search warrants on the business and Root’s home.

Root posted bond both times.

She now has a second felony aggravated cruelty to animals charge against her after police learned of a second report of a dog having to be euthanized in March 2016 after being in Root’s care.

According to the criminal arrest warrant, a dog in Root’s care suffered a ruptured spleen and eye trauma and was later euthanized.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is considering updating county ordinances relating to animal control and business licenses following the incident.

After months of deliberation, public feedback and a potential lawsuit, the Forsyth County Board of Education approved its final redistricting map Nov. 14.

Chairwoman Kristin Morrissey cast the lone dissention vote.

Just a day before, a group calling itself the Citizens for Common Sense made up of families from nearly a dozen Forsyth County neighborhoods, filed an emergency injunction against the school district.

The petition said “not only has the BOE and district staff mostly disregarded community input, they have failed to adhere to the openness standards required by Georgia Law.” Since starting the process in August, the district had held presentations, public forum meetings and had asked for public feedback in a survey that garnered more than 4,200 responses.

The redistricting process was launched in anticipation of the opening of Denmark High School in August 2018 and to address overcrowding at Lambert High School, South Forsyth High School and West Forsyth High School.

Many in the community objected to the redistricting map, especially those who live close to schools their children will be forced to vacate.

Habersham condemnation rescinded by city After a long process that began with a fire last April, the City of Cumming

deemed the Habersham Wastewater Treatment Facility unusable in November.

The privately owned wastewater treatment plant sits on about 10 acres and had been run for the past 30 years by a homeowners group known as the Habersham Action Committee.

But a fire last spring spurred the City Council to condemn the plant and make plans to build a new facility to service the neighborhood.

But in November, the council rescinded that condemnation after learning the current piece of property is not suited for a future wastewater treatment plant.

The city is in the process of designing a new water reclamation facility to replace the failed Habersham sewer, but it estimates the cost at roughly $10 million.

The new facility would cycle about 15 million gallons a day.

After the fire in April, the city moved customers to its own sewer system and sent those residents a bill for $6,250 per household for the connection.

The bill was originally due within 90 days, but that deadline was later extended.

As of Oct. 3, the city says 83 percent of the new customers have either paid their fee in full or made an arrangement to pay monthly.

SPECIAL

Ga. 400 widening nearly complete On Dec. 22, the newly widened portion of Ga. 400 southbound opened between Ga. 141 and McFarland Parkway. This four miles of widening began in May 2017. Construction will continue widening Ga. 400 from Ga. 369/ Browns Bridge Road to Ga. 141/ Peachtree Parkway, weather permitting that section will open to traffic in late spring 2018.

This is part of a widening project to construct one additional 11-foot travel lane, a 10-foot inside shoulder – 8 feet of it paved – and a 10-foot paved outside shoulder in each direction on Ga. 400 from McFarland Parkway to Ga. 369.

Totaling nearly nine miles, construction began in 2015 and is estimated to be completed in September or October 2018.

Forsyth County Engineering is working in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation and funds for the $56 million project come from the transportation bond passed by the county and the state.

In September, the final section of the northbound widening project was opened to traffic.

Widening efforts on the southbound side of Ga. 400 began in May and the first four-mile section is expected to be opened by January 1, 2018.

YEAR IN REVIEW

8 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NorthFulton.com/BlackBox | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 8

BLACK BOX YEAR IN REVIEW:

Black Box makes mark in probing local issues We launched the investigative journalism arm of our company, Black Box, at the start of this year.

Investigative journalism does not play a traditional role in small comHANS APPEN munity newspaper General Manager hans@appenmediagroup.com newsrooms. This type of work is usually reserved for large daily newspapers and cable broadcasts.

However, many such organizations miss out on a lot of the stories that, while important to a local community, just don’t affect the larger target audience they serve.

Our goal is to fill that void, and dive deeper into the stories we have been telling for decades. We want to uncover the truth and give our readers the story behind the story.

We divide our work into projects because some cannot be told in one article, and many require enormous amounts of research and time to get all the facts needed to paint the whole picture for our readers.

Below is a short summary of some of our 2017 projects.

Journalism Under Attack: Georgia This has been by far our most extensive project with over 20,000 words written over 11 different parts.

Unfortunately, we have seen an onslaught of troubling attacks on the media this year. A component of this project is to remind people why journalism, and the First Amendment, is so critical to our democracy.

In 2017, we told the stories of the Pentagon Papers and Watergate, and how they have changed the news industry forever.

We told the life stories of citizen journalists and the ever-changing way in which people consume the news.

We explained what rights the public has to government information and how to obtain it.

We told the stories of two separate arrests in Georgia and the resulting consequences.

We detailed the ways in which our local governments are and are not transparent to their constituents, and much more.

ment, LexisNexis admitted no liability and denied all claims.

We covered this and continue to monitor all cases of businesses practicing unfair and illegal discrimination among their work forces.

Citizen journalist Nydia Tisdale was featured twice in the Black Box series ‘Journalism Under Attack’. She strives to increase government transparency by attending as many meetings as she can and recording them. This month she was acquitted of a felony obstruction of justice charge.

I want to thank the many journalists who helped with this project, including Jim Zachary, Nydia Tisdale, Vince Johnson, Jessica Szilagyi, Abdulhamit Bilici, Jim Walls, Brian Pritchard, Bill Simon, Georgia Press general counsel David Hudson, and our staff reporters Hatcher Hurd, Pat Fox, Joe Parker, Kathleen Sturgeon and Julia Grochowski Quite simply, without our coverage, some of the below projects would not have been covered – by anyone – which means our readers would still be in the dark.

Invisible in the ‘burbs Kathleen Sturgeon spearheaded this project, and I think it is really important work.

There is a large and unfortunately growing homeless population in our community that largely goes under the radar. Our goal is to tell their stories and give our readers not only a better understanding of why an area as affluent as ours is not immune to homelessness, but give them the tools to do what they can to help.

Organizations like The Drake House and North Fulton Community Charities have been champions of this cause and have also been instrumental in helping us with this project.

Fulton County School District lost out on potential $1.5M tax windfall After a disagreement over taxes owed between the city of Alpharetta and North American Properties, then owners of the mega-development Avalon,

the City of Alpharetta was able to keep an additional $370,000 in tax revenue it would not have received had they chosen not to fight for it.

Our reporting discovered that the Fulton County School System and Fulton County made little to no effort to collect its owed taxes, even after nudges from Alpharetta to join them in the fight. As such, they missed out on about $1.5 million in additional tax dollars.

Surprisingly, despite a dramatic increase in readership, we were underwhelmed with a lack of response from the community to our reporting. In hindsight, I suspect it is in part because, while we stated clearly the facts of the case, we didn’t provide our readers with actionable steps to encourage their elected officials to take action.

I read an interesting piece recently about how journalism can no longer just point out the problem, but are now expected to offer solutions as well.

Fair, reasonable, or otherwise – that is a commitment I plan to make to our readers as we enter 2018.

LexisNexis to pay $1.2M after pay discrimination investigation LexisNexis is large Alpharetta based company with millions of dollars in contracts with government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation and Labor.

It had been accused of systematic pay discrimination against women, which it settled to the tune of $1.2 million distributed among 211 employees.

As part of the conciliation agree-

Group questions motives behind Milton redistricting Some stories are impactful not because of the initial facts, but because of processes or public reaction.

This story centered around Milton Councilwoman Karen Thurman, and an allegation that she had her district redrawn to encompass a piece of property her family had purchased, and did so without properly giving the public notice.

Public reaction to this story was loud and divided among those who felt the act was done intentionally to avoid public discussion, and those who did not.

A key principle of our team’s mission is to bring to light stories that are in the dark, and our team decided it was important to give the public the information and let them decide its relevancy.

After our story broke, Councilwoman Thurman declined to run for re-election at the end of her term.

What’s next for Black Box? We plan to take a big step forward in the quality and frequency of our projects next year. Like many other news organizations that saw readership soar in 2017, our readership both online and in print is up nearly 30 percent.

As such, we will be budgeting for additional resources to meet demand and have applied for various grants available for projects like this across the country. We have also participated in additional training from organizations like the George Press Association and the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.

Starting in 2018 Black Box will be available as a podcast, which will help us tell some of these stories through an even more in depth and personal outlet.

We will also be creating more video content to supplement our articles, and are in discussions to create a documentary on one or more of our projects.

It has been a fantastic first year for Black Box and we are looking forward to year two. Thank you for the support and keep sending us tips!

YEAR IN REVIEW

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

A look back: Sheriff Ron Freeman’s first year in office A year into Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman’s first year, the agency has taken a number of initiatives.

On Jan. 1, 2017, the agency had nearly 50 vacancies, the 2016 budget closed nearly $1.7 million over budget and the 2017 budget Sheriff Freeman inherited was over $1 million in the red on day one due to budgeting errors. By the end of 2017, the agency had hired nearly 40 new deputies and employees, and the agency is on track to remain well under budget after implementing strict purchasing and other cost controls. Even with such fiscal controls in place, FCSO has accomplished some incredible things, such as: • Reopening the South Precinct. The fully functioning precinct is staffed by over 60 patrol and investigative deputies.

• A dramatic increase in the staffing of narcotics detectives, from two to eight. The unit has targeted drug dealers and has made over 160 cases for the sale of drugs in 2017.

• Worked with the school system to establish a timeline for staffing additional school resource officers. The department now employs 28 SROs in schools with additional deputies being added to elementary schools each year.

• Fiscal accountability: The agency sold excess luxury vehicles, including trading seven older Ford Raptor Trucks and Explorers for 12 new 2017 model Ford Interceptor police vehicles at no cost to taxpayers.

Net value to the agency was nearly $370,000.

• Regained national accreditation: Originally planned as an 18-month goal, FCSO was evaluated by a team of outside professionals in June. FCSO was awarded national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies in November. The award is a blue ribbon seal of professionalism, proof the department meets and exceeds national best standards, • Increased transparency: FCSO has implemented online crime mapping available to any citizen at forsythsheriff.org. Additionally, the agency has increased its social media presence and sharing of incidents occurring in the county to keep citizens informed. The office produces a monthly video recap which has proven popular with citizens.

“I have the best job in the world,” Sheriff Freeman said. “I get to go to

Capture Your Pet Enjoying The Holidays... and your photo could win them a FREE Wellness Exam! ($58 value)

Second and Third Place prizes will also be awarded. Second Place $25! Third Place $10!

(Prizes can not be redeemed for cash and can not be combined with other offers, promotions and discounts.)

Deadline for submitting your photo is Dec. 30th.

Send your photo to staff@lovinghands.com and include your pet’s name, your name, phone number and email address. Photos will be posted on our Facebook page and the winners will be chosen based on the number of “Likes / Loves” a photo receives.

Please limit your entries to one photo per pet.

13775 Hwy. 9 Alpharetta (just North of Windward Pkwy.)

770.667.9022

ABBY BREAUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Forsyth Sheriff Ron Freeman.

Holiday Pet Photo Contest

I have the best job in the world,” Sheriff Freeman said. “I get to go to work with heroes every day and I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve this community...”

RON FREEMAN Forsyth Sheriff

work with heroes every day and I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve this community. We know our ability to perform is directly related to the trust our citizens place in us. We are blessed to work in a community that shows such overwhelming support of its public safety and we know we are the only ones who can erode that trust.

“Our deputies and employees work incredibly hard every day to keep you safe. We are not perfect, we’re human, but we own up to any mistakes. As we grow, we will face new challenges and trends as criminals continue to travel from the metro to Forsyth County.

We are ready and able to face these challenges without losing the personal touch that makes FCSO and Forsyth County, the place to be in Georgia.”

—Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

PIZZA

•

PASTA

•

FULL

BAR

•

CATERING

The Ippolito family is proud to introduce their latest venture,

IPP’S PASTARIA & BAR. Combining the best of old tradition with fresh new tastes and atmosphere.

12850 State Hwy. 9, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (in Kroger Shopping Center) 678.624.1900 • Alpharetta.IppsPastaria.com

10 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

Lambert girls soccer captured its first state championship May 13 with a 2-1 overtime win over Grayson.

Sports story of the year: Lambert girls soccer wins state title Lambert girls soccer captured their first state championship in May, downing Grayson in overtime in the state title match.

The game marked the second meeting between

North, Lambert thriller decides region title The Region 5-AAAAAAA girls basketball tournament championship was won by Lambert in a thrilling, final-minute comeback over North Forsyth.

Lambert trailed by six with two minutes remaining but forced turnovers on three straight possessions to tie the game with 10 seconds left.

After calling a timeout, North’s inbounds pass was intercepted by M.E. Craven who was fouled while moving the ball up the court. With Lambert in the bonus, Craven sank one of two free throws to give Lambert a 59-58 lead with just 4.5 seconds left.

North’s Maddie Palmer received a long inbounds pass looking for a buzzer-beater for the win.

Her shot came up short, and though she got her own rebound under the net, the clock ran out before she could take another shot.

Forsyth grads play in NCAA tourney South Forsyth grad Sarah Myers and West’s Jenna Staiti tipped off their collegiate careers during the 2016-17 season with perennial powerhouse Maryland.

Grayson and Lambert in the state championship game. Grayson defeated Lambert in the Class 6A state championship in 2015.

After regulation ended in a 1-1 tie, Lambert’s Alisa

Barr netted a goal in the first overtime period. The Longhorns’ defense held on for the remainder of overtime to clinch the state title.

Lambert compiled a 21-3 record on the season.

Both saw minutes throughout the Terrapins’ season, including in the women’s NCAA tournament. Maryland was eliminated in the second round.

Following her freshman season, Staiti elected to transfer to the University of Georgia where she is currently redshirted.

Myers is still with the Terrapins and continues to provide production from the bench in her sophomore season.

overall record and finished third in the Region 5-AAAAAAA standings.

Things weren’t so positive for Pinecrest which failed to win a game on the field. The Paladins finished the season with a 1-9 record, their only win due to a forfeit.

New football head coaches announced

Behind multiple state championship wins from its boys and girls programs, Lambert swept the 2016-17 season Director’s Cup, the award given to the best overall athletic programs in the state.

The Longhorn boys won state titles in tennis and cross-country with state runner up finishes in golf and lacrosse.

The girls soccer, cheerleading and golf teams won 7A state championships and placed second in swim and dive. Both boys and girls programs placed first in the standings.

The 2016-17 season marked Lambert’s third straight overall Director’s Cup win.

Two Forsyth football teams secured new head coaches over the summer heading into the 2017 season.

After Adam Clack left for Milton, West Forsyth announced former Lanier offensive coordinator Shawn Cahill as their head coach.

Pinecrest Academy announced in May that former Atlanta Falcon receiver Terence Mathis would lead the Paladins after Todd Winter left for Holy Innocents’.

Under Cahill, West compiled a 7-4

Lambert sweeps Director’s Cup

PAUL WARD/ATLANTA

South Forsyth boasted a 9-1 regular season record in 2017.

South football dominates regular season With a stout defense and high-powered offense, South Forsyth football went 9-1 in the regular season, their only loss a forfeit of their 56-10 on-field win against Pinecrest Academy due to playing an ineligible player.

South’s season started with the program’s first win in the Corky Kell Classic, a thrilling 17-14 overtime win against two-time defending state runner up Roswell.

After sweeping their non-region schedule, the War Eagles went 5-0 in 5-AAAAAAA play to capture their second region title in three years.

Though they had a dominant regular season, South took an early exit from the playoffs, dropping their firstround game to Mountain View.

SCHOOLS

School district seeks to improve bus safety

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Drivers who pass stopped school buses should expect more consequences this year as Forsyth County steps up efforts to fine violators.

Forsyth County Schools say that last year there was an estimated 34,000 instances of a driver passing a school bus with its stop arm extended.

In an attempt to reduce that number, the Board of Education entered into an agreement with the county, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and American Traffic Solutions to implement a school bus safety arm camera system onto 30 buses initially.

Forsyth County Schools Chief Operations Officer Todd Shirley said the camera will take a photo of the driver, car and license plate and mail the photo to the offender with a bill.

The first offense will be a $300 ticket, second is $750 and third is $1,000.

“It’s pretty hard to dispute,” Shirley said. “That’s why they have such a high rate of people paying the ticket. The only time they refute it is if they weren’t driving. Our ultimate goal is to stop people from passing our buses when the stop arms are out. We know right now that’s a problem.”

Money collected from the fines will be used to fund the program and will be deposited into the county treasury for the Solicitor’s Office.

“We know there will be people who

contest their tickets, although the percentages up until this point are very low,” Shirley said. “We think there will be those who do that so we have to have someone at the Solicitor’s Office to schedule that.”

Schools Transportation Director Michel Satterfield said discussions about the program began in July. His department is required annually to collect data on how often the buses are being passed by vehicle traffic when their stop arms are out and students are unloading and loading the bus.

The highest count of the year saw 189 vehicles pass the buses in a day while their stop arms are out. “(The 30 initial cameras will be) placed strategically on buses that can be moved throughout the district based on the need and what they perceive the safety needs as being,” Satterfield said.

“That installation will be absolutely complete by the time these government agreements are signed and there are steps taken prior to implementation in January.”

Board members were wary whether the program would pay for itself.

Superintendent Jeff Bearden said ATS reports, based on data they receive, they can arm 30 buses and make a profit, otherwise they wouldn’t be entering into the agreement.

“It is alarming when you hear a statistic like what we were given,” Bearden said. “It’s a problem. We think this will help cut that problem down.”

SBA Preferred Lender • www.metrocitybank.com

SBA & Commercial Loans: 770-455-4985 Commercial SBA 7(a) ■

■

■

■

SBA 504

USDA (B&I) Loans

Real Estate Loans

■

Commercial Loans

■

Business Line of Credit

Residential Mortgage Loans (NMLS#874399) Sandy Na (NMLS# 983548) 770-454-1861 5385 Jimmy Carter Blvd. #100, Norcross Ga. 30093

Jimmy Song (NMLS# 1218336) 770-454-1871 3725 Old Norcross Rd. #A, Duluth, Ga. 30096

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 11

Happy Holidays Comprehensive Treatment of Foot & Ankle Pain for

Children, Adolescents & Adults Laser treatments for fungus, warts...

• Hammertoes • Broken Bones / Fractures • Corns • Calluses • Flat Feet • Heel Spurs • Warts

• Tendonitis • Ulcers • Arthritis • Sprains / Strains • Neuroma • Rashes • Bunions • Arch Pain

We accept Medicare, and most Insurance Plans.

Same day appointments available.

Office Hours: Mon. – Fri.

770-418-0456 | atlpod.com

• Diabetic Shoes • Custom Orthotics • Ingrown Toe Nails • Athletes Feet • Sports Injuries

Rupal P. Gupta DPM, FACFAS

• Diabetic Foot Problems • Foot Infections • Wound Care • Ankle/Foot Injuries

Jill K. Stepnicka Jalpa Patel DPM, FACFAS DPM

4385 Johns Creek Pkwy, Ste 200 Johns Creek, GA 30024

From Our Family To Yours

Thank you for voting us Best Seafood 3 years in a row.

FRIED, GRILLED, BAKED Now Offering Beer & Wine

Mon.-Thurs. 11-8 Fri.11-9 • Sat.11-8 • Sun.11-4

5155 Atlanta Hwy. Alpharetta

678.691.1613

fryme2themoon.com

NEWS

12 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Upscale Active Adult Community near Lake Lanier, Mall of Georgia, Suwanee & Cumming

MODEL HOME NOW OPEN Monday – Saturday 12 – 4 Sunday 1 – 4

Upscale gated active adult community at its best, no comparison around!

NEW Custom-built 4-sides brick and stone low maintenance detached single family homes and townhomes currently under construction near Suwanee.

Homes include hardwoods in foyer, hallway, kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, family room and office. Open kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, pendant lights over island; family room includes a cofferred ceiling; beautiful tiled master bathroom with custom built in closets; 10’ foot ceilings throughout and 8’ doors; Trim galore throughout; To many extras to mention!

Community close to Mall of Georgia, Suwanee, Cumming and Lake Lanier.

Starting in the $390s Cathy Gulley 404-886-4858 garealestategroup@gmail.com

Jennifer Hutchins 678-591-6326 garealestategroup1@gmail.com

Former Norman’s Landing site to become business district

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Since the community-favorite restaurant Norman’s Landing closed its doors in June, speculation has swirled around what will become of the empty log cabin and land.

Now, it seems there may be a plan for the land off Peachtree Parkway. The Forsyth County Commission approved a rezoning Dec. 21 for the 2.2 acres to become a commercial business district.

Preliminary plans include a commercial center with restaurants with drive-thru facilities and retail trade establishments. Initially, an automobile service center was proposed, but the Planning Commission recommended that it be excluded.

In total, the development will be nearly 11,000 square feet with 82 parking spaces.

Four pedestrian street lights are recommended to be installed adjacent to the property along Ga. 141.

The applicant, Buckhead Crossing, LLC, requested the side yard landscape strip be reduced from 10 feet to 0 feet along the southern boundary.

Planning Department Director Tom Brown said this will be due to the addition of property lines in between the different developments.

In March, Bill Norman said he has “signed papers” for the property and it’s a great deal, but he wouldn’t say to whom, for what and how much. He cited debt and maintenance issues as to why the business closed.

“It would take $400,000 to get this restaurant back in the right direction,” Norman said in March. “I’m talking about new floors and tile. I can’t take another payment book. I owe friends, family, banks and everybody. I have to get them off me so I can sleep at night.”

He hasn’t completely written off the idea of getting back into the food industry and has toyed with opening another restaurant, but he is taking a break first.

An auction was held in June to sell most of the items in the log cabin.

twitter.com/forsythherald

COMMUNITY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 13

Cumming Vietnam Veterans announce annual scholarship CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans of America has announced applications for its third annual college scholarship program are now available.

This year the organization will award two $1,000 scholarships to graduating Forsyth County high school seniors at public or private schools.

Applicants must be a United States citizen and the child, grand-child or great grand-child of a United States military veteran. The organization bases its decision on academic excellence, school and community activities and a 500 word original essay on the topic “Freedom isn’t Free.”

The scholarships are awarded in May and presented in memory of a Georgian killed in the line of duty in the Vietnam War. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 14.

Students may obtain an application from their high school guidance counselor or by contacting the VVA Scholarship Committee Chairman Martin Farrell at 770-500-7234 or by email to martysyracuse@yahoo.com.

Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists

$500 OFF

SPECIAL

From left, Travis Carithers, Pat Thomas and American Commerce Bank branch manager Veronica Petriati present a check to Scott Doll, executive director of the Isakson Family YMCA.

2018 Y IT MATTERS campaign kicks off JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — American Commerce Bank’s Johns Creek staff are promoting the 2018 Y IT MATTERS campaign with a $3,000 contribution to promote the success of this annual effort. The effort is to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to inability to pay.

Discount applies to full renovation projects only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. One per customer.

Coupon must be present at the time of initial consultation only. Subject to limitations. Limited time offer. Expires 1/27/18.

Call Today or Visit Our Extensive Showroom!

Kitchen & Bathroom Professional Remodeling Services

678.459.2292 48 King St • Roswell, GA 30075 RemodelingExpo.com

Monday-Friday 8-5pm Saturday 10-4pm

14 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

COMMUNITY

Forsyth County recognized for excellence in financial reporting FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For the 17th consecutive year, Forsyth County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The recognition was presented to Forsyth County for its comprehensive annual financial report for the 2016 fiscal year.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement was also presented to Forsyth County Chief Financial Officer David Gruen, as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. “To be a part of a county recognized for this achievement seventeen consecutive years is an honor. The recognition signifies the hard work and determination of the Finance Department personnel,” Gruen said.

Forsyth County’s CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The CAFR is available for review on the Finance Department page of the county website at forsythco. com.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association SPECIAL serving approximately 17,500 government finance proForsyth County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the fessionals with offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington, Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

D.C.

® Optimal Hearing The Hearing Technology Company

End-of-Year Holiday Discounts!

Hear Everything this Holiday!

45% Savings on Oh! WOW 9000 & 35% Savings on Oh! WOW 7000

† Schedule by appointment only

“What, Darling?”

*

Invisible Oh!2 Technology!

Laboratory Authorized Holiday DISCOUNTS Top Tier Hearing Aid Technology *All Savings off MSRP, See store for details.

Cumming, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Roswell & Woodstock

Call TODAY! 470-226-2079

50

© 2017 The Wilson Group. All Rights Reserved.

Could Better Hearing Help Your Memory? Call us Today to Schedule your FREE Private Hearing Consultation†

*

COMMUNITY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 15

Community celebrates life of local theater legend Georgia Ensemble Theatre co-founder Bob Farley passes

it off, and made a show work, no one was happier for you than Bob,” Maclare “MC” Park said. “And it wasn’t that you made his show work, it was that you improved your skills, that you were better.”

For many of the speakers, Farley’s memory was closely tied with the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and introducing people to the world of theater.

“Bob Farley changed lives,” Bob Hagan said. “Bob Farley made a difference in many people’s lives. Bob Farley not only made a difference in the community here in Roswell, he made a difference in the whole theater community. The Roswell community has been so fortunate to have the influence of Bob Farley in creating such a fabulous venue for the performing arts… Your

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Few people can say that they inspired and touched as many people as Robert “Bob” J. Farley, co-founder of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre. And on Dec. 18, hundreds packed the Roswell Cultural Arts Center to celebrate Farley’s life and to remember just how influential he continues to be.

Farley, 69, unexpectedly passed away Nov. 30, less than a month after he and his wife Anita had accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Suzie Bass Awards.

“We all love you – miss you forever, love you forever,” said Paul Brown, who knew the Farley for over 40 years. “The sadness we feel is overpowered by the gratitude that we all feel for having met this extraordinary man.”

Farley had a lifelong career in a theater, starting with the Pasadena Playhouse before moving on to the Alliance Theatre and Alaska Repertory Theatre. Once he settled in the Atlanta area, Farley helped co-found the Georgia Ensemble Theatre in 1992 and led it for 25 years.

“Bob was a passionate leader, a committed artist, a person of many talents and interests, and most importantly, a much-beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” the Georgia Ensemble Theatre said in a statement.

SPECIAL

Robert “Bob” J. Farley, who recently passed away, was widely known in the surrounding Atlanta and theater communities for his passion and influence in the arts.

“His leadership and influence were truly something special.”

Close friends and family of Farley spoke at the celebration, sharing stories of how they met him and sharing memories of working and living with him. A medley of some of the theater’s greatest hits and some of Farley’s songs were performed live between speakers. The entire celebration of Farley’s life was livestreamed on the Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s Facebook page, facebook. com/GeorgiaEnsembleTheatre/.

“When a bit worked, when we pulled

Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy recognized with medal at commission meeting FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At the Dec. 21 Forsyth County Board of Commissioners’ meeting, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Jon Beival was presented with the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

Ed Rigel, Jr. and representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution dressed in Revolutionary Army uniforms presented the award on behalf of the Robert Forsyth Chapter of the SAR.

legacy will continue.”

“For a nonprofit theater to last for as long as it has in this environment, this world, after 25 years, I would say it’s a miracle, but it’s not,” said Rob Cleveland, who did fundraisers and standup for Farley. “It’s because of Bob, and Anita, and the people. The ensemble…Which means all of us.”

In lieu of flowers, the Georgia Ensemble Theatre is asking for donations to the Robert J. Farley Memorial Fund at get.org.

“It’s the end of an era, and I know for a lot of us, it’s the end of a chapter in the book of all our lives,” said James Donadio. “But I can just feel Farley standing next to me, leaning over and whispering in my ear, ‘Jimmy, just turn the page. Let’s see what’s next.’

First IC Bank,We can help you to own your dream home.

Take care of all your financial needs at First IC Bank.

First IC Bank, Smart choice for a brighter future.

� Conventional loan � FHA loan � Jumbo loan

� Portfolio ARM

CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A

18 Month CD 1.85% APY* 14 Month CD 1.65% APY*

*Minimum $1,000 to open. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal before maturity.

******This special offer is ONLY available for GA and AL****** *Minimum $1,000 to open. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal before maturity.

SPECIAL

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Jon Beival was presented with the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield The rate is effective as of December 6, 2017 and subject to change without notice.

Please Contact Us For More Information 770-455-4989!

www.metrocitybank.com

COMMUNITY

16 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Paladin team wins Youth Football Alliance championship ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Forsyth Paladin fifth grade travel football team recently won the Youth Football Alliance championship. The Forsyth Paladins defeated the Tucker Lions, 16-6, in a highly competitive game to complete a season that began back in early July.

The team earned a spot in the post season 10U Georgia rankings at No. 7.

After winning the North Metro Football League Championship in 2015, the Paladins fell short in the 2016 YFA Championship to College Park but used the loss to focus on a common goal for 2017 season. The team’s accomplishments included most points scored in the league and fewest points allowed in

the division.

“Our number one priority year over year is to build a solid team culture first and then to deliver the best possible football experience by focusing on fun, proper level of league competition, competitive student-athletes and most importantly pacing the season which allows the team to peak late,” said Head Coach Frank Tumminia.

The Forsyth Paladins are comprised of teams from third to sixth grade and the program offers an opportunity for student athletes to compete against select football teams across the greater Atlanta-area. For more information, visit forsythpaladins.com.

SPECIAL

The team is composed of Jaiden Victor (#1), Bernard Lackey (#2), Andrew Marshall (#4), Luke Nickel (#5), Ty Womack (#7), Hudson Roach (#12), Jackson DeLoach (#15), Hayden Tumminia (#20), Ethan Nyandoro (#22), Jax Pope (#24), Jackson Prehar (#28), Terence Spencer (#30), Cam Bland (#35), Khari Johnson (#47), Abhram Ivie (#81), Brendan Hester (#87), Brady Goninan (#88), Colin Kelley (#99). Head Coach Frank Tumminia and Assistant Coaches Jeff DeLoach, Steve Ivie, Ryan Johns, Trey Kelley, Lindsay Marshall and Travis Pope.

Gasthaus Tirol German & European Cuisine Voted Best Entree at 2015 & 2016 Taste of Forsyth Dinner Lunch 11a.m. to 2p.m. 5p.m. to 9p.m. Tues. – Thurs., Sun. Tues. – Sun. 5p.m. to 10p.m. Fri. and Sat.

Free Strudel Wednesday’s with purchase of an adult entree!

It’s that time of year and a fresh batc h of stollen is out of the oven!

770-844-7244 • 310 Atlanta Rd • Cumming, GA 30040 www.gasthaus-cumming.com

SPECIAL

Santa was a popular guest at the 2017 Mentor me Christmas Party, sponsored by the Forsyth County Optimist Clubs.

Santa visits Mentor Me kids CUMMING, Ga. — Santa Claus was a popular guest at the 2017 Mentor Me Christmas party. He brought presents and had his picture taken with every child. The party provided holiday fun, food, and games for children and adults involved in the mentoring program of the Forsyth County non-profit organization. This year’s event was held at Otwell Middle School.

“The Optimist clubs of Forsyth County jointly support the annual Mentor Me Christmas party because it represents our slogan – ‘Bringing out the Best in Kids,’” said Brenda Basey, president of the Sawnee-Cumming Club. “Mentor Me supports children who sometimes don’t have the opportunities other children have and we are happy to join in that support. Their smiles at the Christmas party are the highlight of the evening. It is one of several Optimist community service projects that touch children in need.”

Sylvia Cardona, executive director of

Mentor Me, said they are grateful that the local Optimists clubs join forces to make the lives of children in the Mentor Me program a little brighter.

“It›s great to see the joy in our kids when they meet Santa,” Cardona said.

“The entire evening is a unique opportunity for them to have fun, and bond with their mentors.”

Mentor Me matches volunteer adults with children ages 6 - 17, who need and want a mentor. Men are matched with boys, and women are matched with girls. Most of the children in the mentoring program live in single-parent homes, or are living with grandparents or foster parents.

Mentor Me is a Forsyth County United Way agency. However, the organization depends on private donations for 50 percent of its funding. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Sylvia Cardona at 678-341-8028 or sylvia@ mentormenorthga.org. Go to their website MentorGa.org.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 17

Real Ryre Gas Logs – the cleanest, most economical, most convenient alternative to burning real wood.

Outdoor Kitchens • Outdoor Fireplaces Awnings & Canopies • Fireplaces & Gas Logs Ourdoor Living Accessories • Stoves & Inserts Fireplace Accessories • Gas or Wood Grills Residential & Commercial Air Duct Cleaning and Chimney Sweep Service

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 1/31/18.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 1/31/18.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 1/31/18.

18 | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017

Business story of the year: City Center Phase 2 begins construction ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Work began in late March on the second phase of Alpharetta’s $85 million City Center project, a mixed-use complex that will include close to a dozen new restaurants, between 20-30 boutique shops and close to 200 apartment residences and homes and an office building.

At the March 23 groundbreaking ceremony, Ed Brown, president of DataScan, a technology finance service company, announced his firm will be the sole tenant at the new four-story office building on the property.

The company has 150 local employees and will move its offices from Forsyth County to occupy the new building.

– Patrick Fox

PATRICK FOX/HERALD

The Alpharetta City Center will include close to a dozen restaurants, between 20-30 boutique shops and close to 200 apartment residences and homes and an office building.

Future development plan approved for Crabapple

Fuqua mixed-use project OKed by Roswell

Details emerge on makeup of Halcyon development

MILTON, Ga. – In May, Milton approved a guiding document for the future of one of its most valuable assets, the Downtown Crabapple area, with the approval of its Placemaking Plan.

The plan outlines potential uses for residential, mixed-use, commercial and park spaces in the area. It also outlines potential traffic mitigation initiatives, such as a roundabout at Birmingham Highway and Crabapple Road and the Charlotte Drive extension.

Parking issues were also addressed in the blueprint, with planners TSW outlining three possible solutions.

The plan was drawn up to focus on connectivity and walkability, as well as providing greenspace.

Mayor Joe Lockwood said the Placemaking Plan is not a finalized plan for the future of the Downtown Crabapple.

However, it will be used as a guide for future development of the area.

– Joe Parker

ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell City Council voted May 8 to allow Fuqua Development conditional use for apartments as part of its plans to redevelop Roswell Exchange Shopping Center.

The proposed mixed-use project will sit on 18 acres at Alpharetta Highway and Sun Valley Drive and will redevelop what Jeff Fuqua calls the “old and stressed” Roswell Exchange Shopping Center, just north of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. Plans call for a 115,000-square-foot, mixed-use development with new grocery stores, retail and 300 apartments. The area is the “heaviest commercial corridor” in Roswell, according to Bradford Townsend, director of planning and zoning.

The designs shown at the council meeting for the development are still conceptual, and Fuqua said that the recently granted conditional use was a determining factor in the plans.

– Julia Grochowski

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County’s very own mixed-use development, Halcyon, is well on its way to opening in 2018.

At 70 percent leased, the $370 million project off Exit 12 on Ga. 400 has already announced big name businesses set to open shops. They include Cherry Street Brewing which will open a second location.

In May, details emerged about Elan Halcyon, a 300-unit luxury apartment community adjacent to the restaurant village. The development will also include 11,000 square feet of groundfloor retail. Amenities include a stateof-the-art fitness studio, resort-style pool, aqua lounge and internet cafe.

Halcyon Active Adult is a 55+ active adult rental community and will include 160 residences. The community will feature 12,000 square feet of resort-inspired amenities.

In total, Halcyon will include more

than 500,000 square feet of office and retail space, a high-end movie theater, two hotels and 690 residential units.

– Kathleen Sturgeon

Alcon announces plans for $97 million expansion JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Gov. Nathan Deal was on hand to cut the ribbon Nov. 9 for a $97 million expansion of Alcon, Johns Creek’s leading eye care manufacturing company and a division of Novartis.

This is the third phase of a multiyear project to expand Alcon’s production capacity.

This expansion will increase the production capacity for the ultra-thin daily contacts line and is in response to the growing global demand for the lenses.

The company has created 550 jobs in the city since 2013. With the expansion of the facility, Alcon will phase in between 50 and 100 new high-tech manufacturing jobs.

– Patrick Fox

This is your invitation to the biggest celebration of the year!

THE GREATER NORTH FULTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESSPOSTS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 19

Year of low inventory housing market It’s hard to believe, but after four years of complaining about the low inventory of houses on the market, I am going to declare this year as the year of low inventory.

It was about GEOFF SMITH three or four years Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com ago when I heard Frank Norton, CEO and chairman of the Norton Agency, give a speech titled “What will You Do When Inventory Hits 0?”

The gist of the speech was that inventory of houses was going to keep dropping, not improving. And that if you are in the industry, you’d better prepare for a low-inventory market.

Well, here we are today and inventory levels are still headed toward 0.

Housing inventory is measured by the months it would take for all of the housing currently on the market to get bought up. Economists have declared a healthy number as six months. Any less than that and competition for housing increases which drives up home values too fast. Any more than that and there isn’t enough competition to justify current values, so values start to drop.

Inventory levels for some markets in Atlanta are near two months. That is an all-time low.

The issue right now is that we’ve had more than 90,000 people a year move to Atlanta over the last four years and have averaged around 20,000 new building

permits a year. Homebuilders are having trouble finding land and labor.

Unemployment is low for almost all sectors of the market, especially in the construction industry. That industry lost a lot of labor after the downturn with workers who either moved back to their home countries or changed industries. So builders need more labor to build more houses, but almost everyone that wants to is already working. So they have to depend on workers moving over from other industries to increase their capacity to build more, faster.

It’s also hard for builders to find that large expanse of land where they can build a 500+-home community anywhere close to Atlanta. The land that they are finding is much more expensive than what it was before the downturn. To make a profit, builders are having to build nicer homes or go to the cities and counties and request higher densities. Because of that, many of the newer communities are more expensive with homes starting at $400,000 and going up.

Most of the metro Atlanta area’s houses are priced below $400,000 so you can see why inventory in that market is at historic lows. But if you go over that price-point in most markets, the inventories are actually getting too high. Where buyers are fighting with each other for houses under $400,000 in most markets, they have the pick of the litter in housing priced higher than $500,000 in most markets.

It’s hard to tell what will happen next year. Everyone tries to be optimistic this

time of year. I heard a theory that when salaries increase by 4 percent or more, people start buying houses. And, if that happened in Atlanta, people would start a buying spree because those in under-$400,000 homes would start moving up into $500,000+ homes. I like to think that makes sense. But we’ve been waiting for salaries to jump for a while now.

It’s one of the Federal Reserve’s biggest concerns.

While our economy has been pumping in all sectors, we have not seen a great deal of wage and price growth.

Everyone is guessing as to why, but the most consistent reason I’ve heard is that corporations have to keep prices and wages down to compete with their global competitors. You can’t charge more for your product if Chinese and South Korean companies are charging less. And you can’t pay the workers who build that product more if you can’t charge more for it.

That said, the global economy has been improving at a steady clip. There could be some relief there if foreign companies start improving their wages. Who knows? One thing is for sure: We’ll see.

Have a Happy New Year and let’s have a fantastic 2018!!

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

Belso Home Studio opens in downtown Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Belso Home Studio, a new interior design and home furnishings retail boutique in historic downtown Alpharetta, will open its door for business this month.

Belso Home Studio offers furniture and wares for the home.

With an exclusive custom upholstery line out of North Carolina, fabrics from around the world, case goods, win-

dow treatments, as well as full scale design services, owner Kelly Klafter, together with business partner, Julia Garrahan, bring everything for the home under one roof.

“Belso means interiors,” Klafter said. “The inside – and that is exactly what we focus on, anything clients need for the inside of the home. ” To learn about Belso Home Studio, visit belso-home.com.

YOU ASKED FOR IT AND WE’RE DELIVERING:

POST YOUR NEWS, YOUR WAY, RIGHT NOW! Upload unlimited press releases using Appen Media Group’s online portal, NewsLink Boost your brand • Publicize your news thru the most trusted local brand and reach the biggest local audience offered by any local or regional media outlet – Appen – on NorthFulton.com & ForsythHerald.com

Reach the right audience • Use affordable unlimited access to place your news as often as you wish on the local web sites where the audience is reading similar local news content

Get noticed!

• Your sponsored content on our local news websites delivers better SEO than Facebook, Yelp, Twitter, LinkedIn, YellowPages or YouTube.

• Original local news is what the search engines look for.

Start uploading today! Visit NewsLink.NorthFulton.com

Creativity is great, plagiarism is quicker Are you coming to work each day and trying to use your creativity to come up with new ideas to grow your small business? Do you challenge your employees to do DICK JONES the same? Is it Founder & President Jones Simply Sales taking you longer than you thought to develop new strategies or tactics to better run your business? While creativity in small businesses is great, plagiarism may be a quicker option.

Now let me say first and foremost that I am not advocating being unethical or stealing ideas to gain a competitive advantage. What I am saying is that there are plenty of ideas out there that may work well for you, and that learning about them and utilizing them in your small business may be a much faster option.

In small businesses today, speed is of essence in being competitive, opening new markets, attracting more customers, and improving your operations. However, you don’t have to reinvent a wheel that’s already been invented.

If you’re having a problem or encountering a challenge, just Google it. You’ll be surprised that, yes, other small businesses have had this situation. The difference, however, is that someone else has figured out how to address it. Learning from this information can help you more quickly formulate a plan of action.

Some information even provides a step-by-step process.

While there is nothing better than stimulating creativity in your small business, sometimes plagiarism is much, much quicker in getting things done.

20 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Milton Herald Herald| |NorthFulton.com ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR

NEW YEAR’S EVE MENTEE BENEFIT GALA

The Mentee Benefit Gala is a fundraiser for 100 Black Men of North Metro Inc., a nonprofit committed to helping youth strive for intellectual excellence, economic responsibility and selfsufficient contributions to society. The benefit will generate revenue for Mentee Scholarships and to support their mentoring and education initiatives. It will be held Sunday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, 5750 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. Individual tickets are $135. For more information and to register, visit northmetro100.org.

By Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman

Jan. 11-28, 2018 This triumphant musical offers a fresh and poignant picture of the woman whose unparalleled talent made her a Hollywood legend. One golden hit after another is woven through Clooney’s compelling life story: “Come on-a My House,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “Count Your Blessings,” “Hey There,” “Mambo Italiano,” and so many more!

Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/Calendar.

HOLIDAY EVENTS: What: Visit Santa’s Village and explore eight displays with lights, trains and animated characters. Donations go to Toys for Tots.

When: Through Dec. 31, 6-9 p.m.

Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell More info: northfulton.com

What: Set off the new year with a healthy start. This is a free class for Tai Chi, a gentle exercise originating from ancient Chinese martial art.

When: Thursday, Jan. 4, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Where: Forsyth County Parks & Rec, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee More info: www.parks.forsythco.com

AVALON ON ICE

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:

SANTA’S VILLAGE IN ROSWELL

What: Ice skate at Avalon on their Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza.

When: Nov. 19-Jan. 21, times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: General admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com

SANTA AT AVALON

What: Join jolly Old Saint Nick in his cozy cottage at Avalon and take photos.

When: Nov. 19-Dec. 24, times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: experienceavalon.com

EVENTS: BOCCE

At the Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St. Roswell

FOR TICKETS: 770.641.1260 GET.ORG

TAI CHI CLASS

What: Join to play bocce, played on an outdoor court where players “bowl” balls to get closest to the smaller target ball.

When: Friday, Dec. 29, 8 a.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov or 678512-3430

PARK PLACE NEW YEAR’S PARTY

What: Everyone is invited to bring an appetizer. There will be games, friendship and watching the ball drop together.

When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov or 678512-3430

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY ORCHESTRA 2017

What: A modern Big Band instrumental group with hundreds of arrangements in styles including jazz, swing, Broadway and waltzes.

When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 3 and 8 p.m.

Where: The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets are $25 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: TAMARA BOGGS What: Tamara Y. Boggs is a freelance visual artist residing in metro Atlanta whose mediums are acrylic and oil paint, graphite and charcoal.

When: Through Feb. 12, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

JOYS OF THE SEASON

What: Local artists will display their works in seasonal themes. Some art will be on sale.

When: Through Jan. 16, times vary Where: Roswell Arts Center East, 9100 Fouts Road, Roswell More info: northfulton.com

LIBRARY EVENTS: SLOW FLOW AND STRETCH YOGA

What: Offered by Lift Studio, the class is a combination of standing and seated poses. No registration necessary. Bring a yoga mat or towel and comfortable clothes.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 10:30-11:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

FAMILY SPANISH STORY TIME

What: Join us for a bilingual story time in English and Spanish.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 4:30-5 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

EVENING ESL CLASS

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: BUTTERPUP & FRIENDS

What: Join for conversational classes.

All levels are welcome.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

FINE ART FOR A CAUSE

MILTON LIBRARY BOOK SALE

What: Miles Davis is an artist, illustrator, and creator raised in the United States Air Force.

When: Through Dec. 29, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com What: Give twice by supporting local artists while donating to relief efforts in Puerto Rico. A portion of each sale will go to United Way. When: Through Dec. 31, times vary Where: Abbotts Bar and Grill, 10900 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: northfulton.com

What: Buy new and used books to help fund programs and support the Milton Library.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 3, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402

CALENDAR

ForsythHerald.com NorthFulton.com| |Forsyth Milton Herald | December 28, 2017 | 21

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA:

The money factory (got your attention!)

SAHAJA MEDITATION

What: Learn and practice meditation in a supportive group setting. Meditation, or mindfulness, is one of the emerging health trends of the last few years.

When: Thursday, Jan. 4, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

NEEDLECRAFTS GROUP

What: Join Roswell’s group of talented needlecraft experts once a week to practice your skills, learn or teach some, or for just come for the community.

When: Thursday, Jan. 4, 1-3 p.m.

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

PET ADOPTIONS:

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

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

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

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

NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: OUTDOOR CLUB – DECEMBER HIKES What: The Heritage Sandy Springs Outdoors Club will host weekly hikes through Sandy Springs. This week’s is through Heritage Sandy Springs.

When: Friday, Dec. 29, 8:30 p.m.

Where: Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs More info: heritagesandysprings.org

STEVE HUDSON Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net

So here we are, and Christmas has come and gone.

The gifts have all been unwrapped, and everyone on your list is now enjoying new toys.

Now come the bills. And yes, they’re coming – and they require payment in good

old U.S. currency.

That brings us, in a roundabout sort of way, to this week’s outdoor adventure: a hike at Sope Creek.

At this point in the season, it’s a pretty safe bet that you need to do some hiking. All those parties…all that food… and the lure of the sofa is strong. But you know you’ll feel better if you can get yourself moving. Besides, a good hike is just the thing to take your mind off (dare I say it again) all those post-gift-giving bills.

Especially if it’s a hike to a money factory.

A money factory? Yep, I thought that might get your attention!

This particular might-be-a-money factory, or what’s left of it, awaits you in the Sope Creek Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Specifically, I’m thinking about the ruins of Marietta Paper Mills, an extensive paper factory that was alive and well during the second half of the 19th century (that is, the 1800s), churning out, among other things, newsprint for many Georgia newspapers and legend says the paper used to print Confederate currency. So it really might have been a “money factory” after all.

Sure, the money was Confederate, and that won’t help you with your bills today. The old factory is in ruins anyway. But it’s the thought that counts, and the week after Christmas any thought that gets you outside and active again (all that pecan pie…) is indeed a thought worth thinking.

In the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that there’s some debate about whether the paper produced there ever made its way into Confederate cash. But such details are best left to the historians. What you want to do is to get out there and hike the trails and get a sense of those ruins yourself.

There really is a neat sense of timelessness to them. What stories might they tell? You do want to know, don’t you?

So flee the sofa! Get up and go!

The easiest way to reach these ruins is to start at the CRNRA parking area off

STEVE HUDSON/HERALD

Legend says that the paper printed by the Marietta Paper Mills was used for Confederate currency.

Paper Mill Road. From there, you’ll have access to the Sope Creek Unit’s complex network of interconnected trails, among them a mixed-use hike/bike trail that makes for some interesting riding on that new mountain bike you found under your tree. By the way, your mother called and told me to remind you to wear your helmet when you ride.

But you won’t have to worry about that if you’re bound for the ruins. The trails leading to them are designated for foot travel only.

You’ll enter the trail system at the far end of the parking area behind a group of signs. Actually, two trails begin there – a road-like gravel trail that starts behind a gate (the mixed-use trail for hikers and bikers) and also a dirt trail (foot travel only) to the left of the signs. To visit the ruins, follow the dirt trail to the left toward intersection SC3 (these are National Park Service intersection identifiers, and they are very helpful). Then, at SC3, turn left along a gently descending trail toward intersection SC4.

At SC4, go left and follow the trail as it descends more or less parallel to Paper Mill Road. Watch for rough sections as you go. Soon, you’ll reach a trail juncture (SC26) where the trail swings down toward the road and yet another intersection (SC27) – and just beyond that point, there they are: the ruins of the old Marietta Paper Mills (2).

Paper was an important strategic material during the Civil War, possibly because of its use in printing Confederate currency but also because it was essential for printing newspapers (there might be a lesson there for our time too). For that reason, the site was on the radar of Union forces – and on July 5, 1864, they burned it. After the war the mill was rebuilt, only to burn again in 1870. Rebuilt yet again, it operated until 1902. Historic markers near the parking area tell the story in detail.

Finding the trailhead From Interstate 285, take the Riverside Drive exit (exit 24). Go north on Riverside Drive for 2.3 miles to Johnson Ferry Road. Turn left on Johnson Ferry Road, and go 2.7 miles to Paper Mill Road. Turn left onto Paper Mill Road and go 2.2 miles. The entrance to the Sope Creek Unit will be on the left after you cross Sope Creek.

Several trails meander among the ruins, allowing you to explore them thoroughly. There are more ruins on the other side of the Sope Creek, too, and another trail goes down its far side.

But whichever trail you take, remember not to climb on the ruins themselves.

Keep your feet on the ground. Take lots of pictures. Morning and evening are especially good photo times if you can catch the sun just right. But don’t climb on the old stone ruins.

After exploring the ruins, you might want to take time to check out some of the Sope Creek Unit’s other trails too. The loop around Sibley Pond is a favorite of many, and it’s close by too.

So there you have it – a hike at the old money factory, or so I like to tell myself. Anachronistic or not, there’s something oddly soothing about a thought like that at this time of year.

All I need to do, I add in my notes to myself, is to find such a factory where the currency is current, the production line is in full swing, and free samples are to be had for the asking.

I can dream – Learn more about the hiking trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Steve Hudson’s book Hiking the Hooch. It’s available from local outfitters, from the park headquarters at Island Ford, and on Amazon.

Signed copies are available direct from the author at chattahoocheemedia.com.

22 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

22 | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017

Sponsored Section

You can get on track for retirement (NAPSI)—There’s good news for anyone worried about saving for retirement— you already have what it takes to be a smart saver!

A recent survey by AARP and the Ad Council revealed that Americans are getting the most out of every dollar in many areas in their lives, with 92 percent using money-saving hacks like comparison shopping, using coupons, and signing up for customer reward programs.

Yet, fewer Americans have applied this savviness to their retirement savings. Two in five households headed

by Americans age 55 to 64 have no assets saved for retirement, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. Furthermore, while many companies will match their employees’ retirement plan contributions up to a certain amount, only three out of 10 Americans are contributing enough to maximize the company match—which means they’re essentially leaving free

money on the table.

To address this savings shortfall, AARP and the Ad Council have launched a new campaign to help people save for retirement with a new free interactive online resource, AceYourRetirement.org, to empower people to take control of their financial futures.

“Retirement planning can sometimes leave people anxious, confused or even paralyzed,” said Debra Whitman, executive vice president and chief public policy officer, AARP. “This campaign breaks down retirement savings into easy, actionable steps for all Americans.”

What You’ll Find at AceYourRetirement.org AceYourRetirement.org features a friendly digital retirement coach named AvoSM, who guides you through a series of questions about your life, savings goals and retirement plans. In just a few minutes, Avo provides a personalized action plan that highlights your

top three action items—the simple, practical things you can do right now to save for retirement. The tips cover a wide range of topics, including how to turn a hobby into a source of income during retirement and how to have a conversation with family members about getting on the same page financially.

Tips To Help You Get On Track With Your Retirement Savings: • Try to increase your contributions to your retirement savings plan every year, even if by only 1 percent.

• If your employer offers matching funds for your retirement savings plan, contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. Don’t turn down free money!

• Brainstorm ideas for earning money in retirement, such as turning a hobby into a source of income, or taking on seasonal part-time work.

• Wait as long as you can—up to age 70 if possible—to begin collecting Social Security. This increases your annual benefit.

• Evaluate your budget to see if you can reduce some of your expenses. This can help you put away more money now, and also have a lower cost of living in retirement.

Get Your Plan Though saving for retirement can be intimidating, it’s never too late to get on track for a more financially secure future. For your personalized retirement savings action plan, visit www.AceYourRetirement.org.

Bungalows Cottages Independent Living Assisted Living Memor y Care ALPHARETTA

LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE EARNED.

final preleasing

12300 Morris Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-740-3499 VillageParkSeniorLiving.com

PEACHTREE CORNERS

now open

5701 Spalding Dr. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-416-0502 VillageParkSpalding.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 23

Soleil Laurel Canyon Tucked away in the North Georgia foothills of Canton and just a short drive from exciting Atlanta, Soleil Laurel Canyon is more than a beautiful community of maintenance-free, ranchstyle homes and breathtaking views.

It’s the lifestyle you’ve worked your whole life to enjoy.

If you are 55+, we invite you to come experience Soleil’s incomparable array of recreation, culture, and entertainment for yourself. You’ll have no doubt why it was named among the Best 50 Master-Planned Communities in the U.S. by Where to Retire Magazine in 2015.

“Clubhouses, fitness centers, social clubs and education classes mean residents get much more than a house at a planned community,” said Karen Northridge, publisher of “Where to Retire.”

One of the great pleasures of living at Soleil is that a low-maintenance home gives you the free time to take advantage of all that the community offers or take a trip without concern.

The landscaped grounds of Soleil Laurel Canyon are always impeccably maintained, while your HOA dues

cover complete lawn maintenance and an irrigation system, in-home security monitoring and maintenance, and even Comcast cable TV. Soleil Laurel Canyon offers a selection of Cottage, Traditional and Craftsman-style single-family homes from the mid $200,000s to $400,000s for adults 55+.

Residents live independently in homes that range from 1,500 square feet to almost 3,000 square feet. All of Soleil’s new floor plans include elegant

details and are designed for aging-inplace with stepless-entry access and wide doorways. These homes are energy efficient with HERS ratings above standard.

Soleil residents have membership in a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with an arts and crafts room, billiards room, fitness center, gourmet teaching kitchen, indoor heated saline lap pool, and library.

Outside the clubhouse, residents have a heated Lagoon-style pool, a

community garden and greenhouse, a 3.5-acre fishing lake and the tennis facility with a full-time USPTA-certified teaching professional.

The Fairways of Canton golf course is located just outside Soleil’s gate within Laurel Canyon, and offers challenging golf for a reasonable, daily-fee price.

Two Lifestyle Directors maintain a full social calendar of events including wine socials, movie nights, trips to nearby attractions, and Grandkids day.

The place to be right now.

Amenity-Rich Resort Living for Active Adults

Just north of Atlanta, Soleil is the place to be. Award-winning resort style 55+ community only minutes from shopping, dining, hospitals, culture and Blue Ridge.

New Homes from the Low $300s

$10,000 to use any way you want*

Find Your New Home at SoleilLaurelCanyon.com Call Today for Your Personal Tour 678.880.3071 102 High Mountain Trace Canton, GA 30114

+ + + + + +

24 hour manned gatehouse 28,000 square foot Clubhouse Tennis Facility Pickle Ball Health and Fitness Center Heated Indoor Pool

+ + + + +

Zero Entry Lagoon-Style Pool Expansive Deck Amphitheater 5 Acre Fishing Lake Gourmet Teaching Kitchen

© 2017 Lifestyles at Laurel Canyon, LLC. Special offers, prices, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability, prior sale and withdrawal at any time without notice. Not an offering to CT, NJ or NY residents.

Void where prohibited. *on contracts written on inventory homes by 12/31/17

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is the New Signature in Senior Living For people who have reservations about moving to a senior community, seeing the beautiful and convenient lifestyle at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is eye opening and a refreshing alternative to what most people envision a senior community to look and feel like.

Arbor Terrace is the new signature in senior living and offers a vibrant, active lifestyle with luxury services for seniors. Residents at Arbor Terrace are neighbors, volunteers, explorers and learners who have chef-prepared meals every day and access to lifestyle and wellness amenities that provide convenience and enrich their day to day life.

The 101-apartment community is situated in one of the most desirable areas in Johns Creek, the community is close to healthcare, cultural venues, fine shopping and dining. Arbor Terrace is a one-of-a-kind community offering a luxurious lifestyle with concierge services, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and more, without a large investment or long-term commitment.

“We have changed the way people live,” says Beth Richardson, Executive Director at Arbor Terrace. “With a more

convenient lifestyle, our residents find they have the time and energy to actually enjoy life while receiving as little or as much support as they need.”

Try us on for size, stay for 3 weeks and get a 4th week free to experience all we have to offer! Spaces are limited so call today!

For more information on Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, please call (770)999-9577 and visit our website at www. at-johnscreek.com.

THEY MADE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR SPECIAL FOR YOU. NOW, YOU CAN MAKE IT FOR THEM. Special e

2017

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

We are honored to be voted 1st runner up for best senior living community. Thanks for your votes!

770-741-1881 www.at-johnscreek.com 3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, GA

Home Helpers, best home care for seniors Home Helpers of Alpharetta would like to say thank you to everyone who voted for us as the 2017 Best of Senior Home Care in North Atlanta!

Five years ago Hilary and Greg Eldridge had a vision of in-home care with a difference. They built their business as a tribute to Hilary’s father, with an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional home care that would enrich the lives of their clients with spirit as well as skill. Hilary’s father was 60 when she was born, and as he aged this loving, feisty man would always say “Don’t be fooled by my aging body, because inside I still feel like I’m 35!” This youthful-spirit perspective inspires us every day to bring a customized level of service that helps us engage our clients and share in the richness of their lives, present and past.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the 2017 Best of Senior Home Care in North Atlanta” says Hilary Eldridge. “We are profoundly grateful to our clients, caregivers, supervisory team and referral partners for making this happen. What we love about our business is that we are actually helping people in our community live independently in the comfort and security of their own home. Thank you to all of our partners and families for entrusting us to care for those they care for.”

Making the right match of caregiver and client is one of the keys to a great relationship. Our hiring process, screening and training guidelines are extensive. When you meet our talented

WE }

24 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

}

connect

caregivers you can see that they bring their hearts to work every day and make a beautiful difference in our clients’ lives. Their positive spirits are a joy to be around and work with, and are at the core of what drives HILARY ELDRIDGE Home Helpers as we honor our vision and commitment to provide the best quality of life for our clients and their loved ones.

As everyday life becomes more challenging, we are there when and where you need us, from a few hours GREG ELDRIDGE several days a week to 24/7 care. We have a wide range of services, from day to day assistance to help with the full range of personal care needs. Recovering from surgery or just getting home from a rehabilitation center can be the perfect time to call Home Helpers, with a scalable level of service that can change as you recuperate. Our free in home consultation can help you discover the services that are right for you.

We service communities north of Atlanta, and would be happy to discuss the personalized plan that remembers your youthful spirit! Contact us by phone at 770-681-0323, by email at Alpharretta@HomeHelpersHomeCare.com or online at: www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta .

like:

facebook.com/ appenmediagroup

follow:

twitter.com/northfulton

visit:

northfulton.com forsythherald.com

&

northsidewoman.com

APPEN MEDIA GROUP

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 25

Thank you for voting Home Helpers Best Home Care for Seniors!

Personalized Home Care that nurtures a youthful spirit

Greg and Hilary Eldridge,

Owners – Home Helpers of Alpharetta Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)®

Serving Communities North of Atlanta

www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta

WINNER 2017

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

For a free consultation, please call 770-681-0323

At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. This thoughtful selection helps establish a bond between a caregiver and client that bolsters the young at heart spirit waiting to come out in each client.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

26 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Dermatology tips and tricks Brought to you by: Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and MOHS Surgery of Atlanta

Accepting Patients Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Insist on the BEST WINNER 2017

Best Of North Atlanta

Voted: •Best Vein Specialist •1st Runner Up for Best Dermatologist

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the Presented By field of Vein Care.

Dr. Taylor has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, dermatologic surgeries and procedures while in private practice in Florida where local and even international patients have sought him out for the best care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

He now brings his highly sought after expertise back home to Alpharetta with the opening of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta!

Now accepting patients. We accept Medicare.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Taylor today.

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 Dr. Brent Taylor

PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899

Around the holidays, it is nice to have a few strategies for looking and continuing to look your best. Listed below are a few facts that we hope that you will find fun or useful.

1. Green cancels red. Whether you have rosacea, acne or just a complexion that is a bit more ruddy than you would like, it is helpful to know this little beauty secret. Green makeup, concealer or moisturizer is often the best strategy to cover up red blemishes, especially in a pinch. Apply a thin coat to the area that is too red, blend it in with the normal skin at the edges, and you have found the best way to elegantly hide a red mark or complexion. Knowing this tip can allow you to “conceal without caking.” A thin coat of green-tinted concealer often works better than a thick (and too obvious) coat of skin-toned cover-up.

Need something stronger? Consider seeing a board-certified dermatologist to discuss modern anti-redness options like Rhofade, Mirvaso, or Oracea.

2. UPF is the new SPF. Looking for a great gift idea for a family member who spends time outdoors?

Modern beach, athletic, and outdoor wear is increasingly being sold with a “UPF” rating. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. It works the same way that SPF (sun protection factor) ratings do on sunscreen. A shirt with a UPF rating of 50 lets 1/50 of the sun’s rays through. It used to be that rash guards and protective clothing were not fashionable or aesthetically appealing. Thankfully, our increasingly health-conscious population has spurred the growth of a whole industry catering to those who love the outdoors but who also want to keep their skin healthy. Amazingly, the average thin white cotton t-shirt only has the same protection as a sunscreen with SPF 4!

Just because your loved one is wearing a shirt while outdoors, they will not be truly protected unless they are wearing UPF-rated clothing.

3. Botox and Beyond. Many people are aware of how botox can nearly painlessly fade away wrinkles and improve one’s appearance in areas like the forehead and crow’s feet, but Botox and its cousin neuromodulators Xeomin and Dysport have applications that one might not guess. A skilled botox injector such as a board-certified dermatologist is likely to know a few creative ways to use Botox. Here are two examples: The gummy smile: When we smile, our upper lip lifts over our teeth.

Sometimes, the upper lip lifts more than we would like, showing not only the teeth but a large amount of the gums as well. For many people, an amazing transformation can be achieved by injecting botox at a few strategic DR. TAYLOR points on the upper lip near the nose. This can weaken the muscle that lifts the lip and restore the lip to a lower position when smiling.

The perma-frown: A muscle called the depressor anguli oris pulls the corners of the mouth down. In many people, the muscle is a little too active, and when the person’s face is at rest, the corners are slightly pulled down giving an appearance of dissatisfaction.

A few units of Botox at a strategic point above the jawline can often release this muscle allowing the corners of the mouth to pull back up. Now, people can see one’s true happiness and contentment rather than the façade of a frown that was not felt.

4. Vein care. Winter is one of the best times to think about vein care, partially because most insurance companies require patients to wear compression stockings for 90 days before the company approves medically necessary vein treatments. Winter is the most comfortable time to wear those compression stockings because they will keep you warm in the winter but can really be a pest in July or August.

Vein disease doesn’t simply mean varicose veins. Over a third of patients with vein disease may have no visible varicose veins at all. Some of the less visible veins can have valves that malfunction. This can lead to swelling, itching, leg pain, restless legs, leg pain at night, heaviness after sitting or being on your feet all day and many other complaints that might not seem to obviously arise from malfunctioning veins.

A painless and safe ultrasound study can identify whether your symptoms are due to vein disease, and modern treatments are minimally invasive carry a vastly improved risk / benefit ratio over treatments of old.

At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, it is our privilege to take care of you this holiday season and our pleasure to help you look and feel your best and healthiest. Whether you have a suspicious mole and want to discuss UPF clothing or whether you have a gummy smile or lower leg complaints that might be venous in origin, we are delighted to serve you. If you have skin health, vein or beauty questions, we hope that you will consider spending a part of your holiday season with us.

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 27

Contact Lens Research is here in Johns Creek!

Do you wear contact lenses? Can you imagine a world without them?

Over the past few decades improvements in contact lens optics and material enhancements have dramatically improved the wearing experience of users globally.

Looking forward, there is much to anticipate in the future of contact lenses beyond vision correction.

Contact lenses may act as biosensors, drug delivery devices or in virtual/augmented reality. As futuristic as these ideas may sound, researchers are on the brink of bringing these technologies to life.

Advancements in engineering and chemistry certainly drive new contact lens innovations, but clinical data is crucial to bring new products and product enhancements to the market. That’s where we at the Johns Creek Research Clinic come in and that’s how you may help….

Our staff thrives on vision care research. As we are not a primary care clinic, we are dedicated to clinical research that enhances product development. In our program, qualified participants gain the

for women — by women Pick up Northside Woman at any of the following locations: opportunity to try new investigational contact lens designs, materials, and lens care systems and provide feedback which directly influences next generation goods. Our mission is to help deliver enhanced vision care products that can improve vision, quality of life and customer satisfaction.

With over 45 combined years of clinical and ophthalmic research experience, the clinicians and staff at the Johns Creek Research Clinic bring top-notch vision care research to Johns Creek, GA. Interested in learning more about our program and how you can become involved? Stop by and meet us or give us a call to learn more about this exciting opportunity right here in the North Atlanta area.

Johns Creek Research Clinic

11460 Johns Creek Pkwy Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-415-3800 JCRCVisionStudy@prahs.com www.JohnsCreekResearchClinic.com

Owned by Alcon Research, LTD and Operated by

NOW RECRUITING FOR OUR CONTACT LENS RESEARCH PROGRAM

Alpharetta 2B Whole Bakery Anna Bella Fine Lingerie ARIA Salon Brazilian Wax by Andreia Cactus Car Wash Capstone Chiropractic Cuzi Fresh Café Expedia Cruiseship Centers Fresco Art Galerie & Café Glow Anti-Aging Center and Medical Spa Home Expressions Honey & Hazel Boutique Iroff & Son Jewelry Mammoth Car Wash & Detail Salon Marmi Shoes – Avalon Metropolitan Club Mind & Body Day Spa My Friend’s Place Never Enough Thyme Queen of Hearts The Joint Alpharetta Youthtopia Med Spa Cumming ARIA Salon Atlanta Diamond Design Celebration Village Senior Living Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Don’s Farmers Market Keller Williams Paul Martin Interiors Johns Creek Atlanta Diamond Design Brooklyn Bagel Deli Cindy Gaines Interiors Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce

770-442-3278

www.northsidewoman.com

Contact us to learn how to participate in our program and to register

Shoe Gallery Taylor Brooks Hair Salon The Red Hound Gifts The Joint Johns Creek Town Center The Joint Haynes Bridge Village Animal Hospital Milton Bethany Bend Urgent Care Loving Hands Animal Clinic Wilbur & Rudy’s Farm Table Roswell Aesthetic Specialty Centre Facelogic Spa Georgian Lakeside Assisted Living JH Design Studio Roswell CVB Roswell Dental Care Raiford Gallery Roswell Habitat for Humanity Re-Store Shoe Gallery The Joint Roswell Tuscany Fine Furnishings Wedding Angels

COMMUNITY

28 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

SPECIAL

Many students were represented at the All Metro Cross Country Awards Banquet.

Four Forsyth County athletes honored by Atlanta Track Club FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Four Forsyth County student atheletes were recently honored by Atlanta Track Club by being named to teams.

Tyler Fox, a senior at Lambert High School was named to the All Metro Cross Country 1st Team at a banquet hosted by Atlanta Track Club on Dec. 5.

Fox, who placed fifth at the Class 7A State Championship will run for the University of Georgia in 2018. He received a $500 scholarship from the Atlanta Track Club Foundation.

Forsyth Central junior Calan Gizelbach and South Forsyth senior Kaylee Dupont were named to the 2nd Team.

Dupont will join Fox at Georgia next

fall.

Lee Keil, a senior at Lambert was named to the 3rd Team.

Dupont received special honors as one of only two graduating runners to be named to the All Metro Team all four years of her high school career.

In all 42 Atlanta-area cross country runners were honored at the banquet

with 1st, 2nd and 3rd team designations being decided by votes from the public and metro-area coaches.

Together, the All Metro honorees represented 10 counties and 28 schools. The All Metro Cross Country Banquet is Atlanta Track Club’s oldest event, occuring every year since the Club’s founding in 1964.

Scientific Games hosts Leadership Forsyth FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Scientific Games Corporation recently hosted on Dec. 5 the Class of 2018 Adult Leadership Forsyth group as part of Leadership Forsyth’s Business Class Day at the company’s Alpharetta global

headquarters.

Leadership Forsyth empowers and connects diverse leaders selected for participation annually by providing them with classroom and experiential leadership training.

The community-based experience increases participants’ knowledge of local companies and immerses them with community leaders, volunteers and resources so they can serve as catalysts for a vibrant Forsyth County business ecosystem.

During the visit, 37 class members learned about Scientific Games’ new

games and technologies, met business leaders and experienced a tour of Scientific Games’ facility.

With 1,200 employees, Scientific Games’ Alpharetta campus is the largest lottery instant game manufacturing facility in the world, supplying nearly every North American lottery with instant games.

Smart choice for a brighter future.

CD NEW RATE

13 months 1.65% APY*

with single maturity Amount: Minimum $10,000 Period: 8/25/2017 A checking account is required.The rate is effective as of August 25, 2017 and subject to change without notice. Penalty may be imposed for early closure and could reduce earning on account. *APY=Annual Percentage Yield

SPECIAL

The leadership class enjoys their class at the Global Lottery division headquarters

SPORTS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2017 | 29

Alpharetta All-American commits to South Carolina

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta standout cornerback Jaycee Horn announced last week he will continue his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina after de-committing from Tennessee.

“I feel most comfortable at this university and I feel like this is the best place for me,” Horn said on Twitter.

Ranked 142nd nationally in ESPN’s top-300 for the class of 2018, Horn was named an Under Armour All-American in September.

During his 2017 senior campaign, Horn compiled 44 total tackles (38 solo, 6 assists) with five interceptions and 12

passes defended, splitting his playing time between corner and safety. He also added 147 all-purpose yards and a touchdown reception. The Raiders reached the quarterfinals of the state playoffs for the first time in program history this year, compiling an 11-2 overall record.

Horn committed to Tennessee in August, but de-committed in November.

He thanked then Volunteers’ head coach Butch Jones, the UT coaching staff and fans, in a statement on Twitter.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, but ultimately I have to make the best decision for me,” the statement said.

Horn chose Tennessee over the

SPECIAL

Alpharetta cornerback Jaycee Horn.

Gamecocks and Alabama in August, but made an official visit to South Carolina earlier this month.

He announced his commitment Dec. 18.

“I want to start by thanking my fam-

ily, coaches, close friend and everyone who supported me in this decision,” he said on Twitter. “I want to thank my family for believing me when no one else believed. I want to thank my coaches for taking me into Alpharetta and developing me. I want to thank my teammates for helping me get better every day and molding me into the player I am today.”

“This has been a long process and I gained great relationships with a lot of coaches. With that said, on Dec. 20 I will be signing with the University of South Carolina,” the statement said.

Horn will compete at the Under Armour All-America game Jan. 4 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Foundation honors memory of Centennial lacrosse player Live for Jamie donates lacrosse practice wall

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Founded after the tragic death of a Haynes Bridge Middle School student and lacrosse player Jamie McHenry, a local organization is giving back to the sports community.

Earlier this month, the Live for Jamie foundation donated a lacrosse “bounceback” wall for the school’s lacrosse programs in its continued efforts to honor the sports-crazed athlete.

“We though what better way to honor him than to give back to the local sports community that he loved so much,” Jim McHenry, Jamie’s father said. “It meant a great deal to him.”

McHenry called his son “a dad’s dream.”

“He was well liked, fun loving and always had a twinkle in his eye like he was up to something. A lot of times he was,” he said. “And he loved sports,

everything about them. He couldn’t stay up to watch a lot of the late games like Monday Night Football, so he would record them and watch them the next day before school.”

He wanted to go the University of Florida and major in sports management.”

Before he had the chance, Jamie’s life was cut short while on vacation with a friend’s family in 2013. He was struck by a car while crossing the street.

McHenry and his wife, Christine, said following Jamie’s passing they looked for a way to make sense of the situation.

“We aimed to somehow try and turn a horrible tragedy into something good,” McHenry said.

The foundation was created the fall following Jamie’s death, and a year later the RocketShot 5K was created to raise funds. The run takes its name

from Jamie’s lacrosse moniker — rocket shot — for his quick and powerful lacrosse shooting ability.

The event drew over 500 runners the first year and has funded the organization’s efforts the past four years.

Those endeavors include multiple improvement projects to local lacrosse facilities, the creation of a team in Jamie’s honor and scholarships for student-athletes.

At the end of each school year, students at Hillside Elementary and Haynes Bridge Middle are awarded scholarship by the foundation. The recipients are chosen by their peers and teachers based on the student’s character.

Live for Jamie also backed the new $20,000 entrance gate at Centennial’s stadium which was dedicated on Jamie’s birthday in 2016.

On Dec. 7, the organization held a dedication for a lacrosse practice wall at Centennial. The brick structure replaces the wooden wall that was in disrepair. A mural will soon be painted

on the wall that includes the new Centennial lacrosse logo and goals.

The foundation’s Team 8, also recently won the Reindeer Games lacrosse tournament, beating out Lassiter, the 2016 state champions, for the tournament title.

Team 8, named after Jamie’s lacrosse number, is led by Jamie’s former coach, Frank Cecere. The team was formed with the motto, “We play for something more,” with players picked

by Cecere for their character in addition to abilities on the field. Every player’s jersey number contains the number eight, with Jamie’s on the sideline during each game.

Over four years after his passing, the McHenry family is still dealing with Jamie’s passing, but hopes their foundation will shine a light from his tragic passing.

“Some of it is just a distraction,” McHenry said. “But it makes us feel like we are still taking care of him.”

For more information about Live for Jamie, visit www.liveforjamie.com.

30 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Case Worker: Full Time.

North Fulton Community Charities is seeking candidates for a Case Worker position to provide emergency assistance and prevention services for residents. The successful candidate will have excellent oral/written communication skills and experience working with a low income population.

BA &/or 5 yrs. experience required. Bilingual in Spanish a plus. NFCC requires background check, drug screen and e-Verify. Submit resume with salary requirements or pick up application & job descriptions at NFCC, 11270 Elkins Rd, Roswell 30076 or batherton@ nfcchelp.org

ForsythHerald.com forsythherald.com || Forsyth Forsyth Herald Herald || December December 28, 28, 2017 2017 || 31 31

MAIN SERVICE DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS continued from page 30

Transportation Cars WE BUY YOUR CAR WE PAY CASH! Any condition.

Call 404-604-7834 for cash offer! www. thecrewautosale.com

Trucks S U N S E E K E R RV/2900, 2008: 34,600 miles. $18,000.

425-299-8785

Real Estate

Cleaning Services

Driveway

Handyman

ESTATE HOME CLEAN UP Divorcing? Loved one going into senior care?

Specialized detailed cleaning, packing boxes with list of items. Debris cleanup, charity donation, interior/exterior window cleaning, pressure washing.

Loving Hands by JW and Company Inc. 678463-4577. jennifer@ jwcompanyinc.com

REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500.

Residential or Commercial.

Competitive pricing.

Many local references.

For a FREE estimate call Dave of McKemey Concrete and Hardscapes 678-914-2576.

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

770-769-5498

THE MAGIC BROOM CLEANING SERVICE EXPERT INSURED CLEANING YOU CAN TRUST! Schedule today! $20 off first service.

770-3788290. F@cleanbroom (Facebook)

House for Rent

Concrete/Asphalt

CUMMING: Brand new, never lived in 4BR/2.5BA. All appliances. Half-mile from 400. $1875/ month.

Realtor (Kiran) 470-505-9811. realtorkiran@yahoo. com

RETAINING WALLS & CONCRETE WORK We build retaining walls. Local, reliable, honest, experienced.

Call Ralph at 678-898-7237

Instruction Classes ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES . $15$45/class. Windows, Excel, e-bay, photo editing, Microsoft Word, internet, e-mail etc. Roswell Adult Recreation Center 770-641-3950. http:// www.roswellalc.org/ rscalendar.htm

Personal Services Eldercare YOUR HOME: Nights or days. 8-12 hours. $ 1 4 / h o u r. Ve r i f i a b l e references.

20+ years experience.

Transportation.

Nonsmoker/Englishspeaking. No pets.

470-779-4723/ 470-545-1910

WE FIX UGLY DRIVEWAYS AND PATIOS.

$150 OFF any job over $1500 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls.

Residential or Commercial.

Call for FREE estimate.

The Best Concrete C o m p a n y .

Professional, competitive, many local references. Ask for Dave McKemey.

678-648-2010.

Driveway DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT: Patios and walkways.

Stonework. 17 years experience. Hundreds of reviews online; see our online photo gallery: Sudlowconcrete.com 404-450-3753

BOLD TYPE

will really make your ad stand out. 770-442-3278

Drywall NEED A BEDROOM OR BASEMENT FINISHED? Drywall services.

Drywall so clean you won’t see lines!

678-909-9773 Call for consultation.

Flooring I n s t a l l / Repairs: Carpet, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl Wood floors, Backsplashes, and Shower surrounds.

Carpet wrinkles removed! Call today for estimate!

706-429-4453 PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Gutters AARON’S ALLTYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed.

Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount!

770-934-2766

RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 22 years experience.

References.

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

Free e s t i m a t e s !

770-605-0340

Kitchen & Bath:

Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations.

Home Maintenance. 20 years experience. Call Mike.

678-986-4833 ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows.

Excellent References.

404-895-0260

Haulers Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc. Many local references.

Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237

Home Improvement PATIOS-DECKS DRIVEWAYS SIDEWALKS & WALLS $150 OFF any job over $1500. Many local references. Call Dave McKemey at 678-648-2010

ADVERTISE HERE! Call 770-442-3278 or email us at classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

Home Improvement

Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring.

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

Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

R e m o d e l i n g , handyman.

31 years experience.

Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611

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

Ralph 678-898-7237

Lawn Care LEAVE THE MOWING TO US”A”! Weekly/ Bi-weekly Lawn mowing/landscape.

Mulch & Pine-straw Installation. Licensed/ Insured/free est. Call or text: 678-727-6850 www.gagreenworks. com

FRAME YOUR AD Enhance your ad with a BORDER. 770-442-3278

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Painters

Auto Donations

Miscellaneous

J&J PAINTING OF GEORGIA Trusted-Family Owned.

20+ Years Experience.

Fully Licensed and Insured.

FREE ESTIMATES! A+ BBB Rating. 770-715-5322.

JANDJPAINTINGOF GA.COM

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer.

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

Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available. Firewood $110/$200, plus delivery.

Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612.

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

Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service.

Free quotes.

Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006 RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal.

Ralph 678-898-7237 JJ Tree Cutting Services. Complete Tree Removal-Call us for a Free Quote, 678-467-1325 or 770-630-6672.

Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@gmail. com Yellow Ribbon Tree.

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

A small list of really good tree services.

Screened and vetted local services From

Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House.

Do good & get great tree work too!

Autos Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Make/Models 2000-2015!

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

Educational 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Earn $1000 per week! Paid CDL Training!

STEVENS TRANSPORT COVERS ALL COSTS! 1 - 8 7 7 - 2 0 9 - 1 3 0 9 drive4stevens.com AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification to work for airlines.

Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Housing assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

Financial Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call National Debt Relief at 866-243-0510.

Health & Medical FREE VIAGRA PILLS 48 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. Call Today 1-888-410-0514 VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed.

Money back guaranteed!

1-888-278-6168 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $95.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW 800-317-7404 Hablamos Espanol Generic VIAGRA 100mg Generic CIALIS 20mg. 70 for $99 GREAT DEAL!!!! FAST FREE SHIPPING! 100% money back GUARANTEE! CALL NOW 888-669-9343 Se habla espanol 888-713-3919

Medical DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures.

888-623-3036 or http:// www.dental50plus.com/58 Ad# 6118 OXYGEN Anytime.

Anywhere. No tanks to refill.

No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482

Make a Connection.

Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

Call LiveLinks.

Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 855-547-8865 To Learn More.

No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com The nation’s largest senior living referral service. A PLACE FOR MOM. Contact our trusted, local experts today!

Our service is FREE. No obligation. CALL 855-741-7459 DISH Network-Satellite Television Services. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/ mo! 2-year price guarantee.

FREE Installation. FREE Streaming. More reliable than Cable. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 800-718-1593.

FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE. No medical exams!

Premiums never increase. Benefits never go down.

Affordable monthly payments. Call for a free quote! 877-587-4169 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book.

FREE author submission kit!

Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 866-951-7214 Bathe safely and stay in the home you love with the #1 selling walk-in tub in North America. For an in-home appointment, call: 888-308-5610 HOTELS FOR HEROES – to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org

Motorcycles Wanted to Buy WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!!

1-800-772-1142 1-310-7210726 usa@classicrunners.com

32 | December 28, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

LOCAL HOME SERVICES GUIDE TREE SERVICE

678.506.0006

Call Us For A FREE Quote

99 • Highest rated by • We save trees too customers • Certified arborist • Tree removal and • Licensed/insured tree trimming

CONCRETE

How to identify a sick tree It’s easy to miss when a tree is growing sick. Most tree health problems grow slowly, with little visible difference from one day to the next, until leaves change colors or the canopy begins to thin. The longer it takes to spot problems, the more likely the tree’s illness will become serious enough that it needs to be removed. However, if you can catch the signs early and call for an arborist, it may be possible to

TREE SERVICE

treat the sickness or damage and save the tree. Keep an eye out for these common signs of trouble: • Look for wilting or oddly-colored leaves, either along one or two limbs or all over the tree.

• Check for cracks appearing in primary limbs or even in the trunk of the tree.

• Examine dead branches, which may simply need pruning, but which can also indicate that a tree is in poor health.

• Watch for decaying or hollow spots, especially along the trunk and around the joints of the limbs.

• Look for insect damage, such as chewed leaves, holes made by burrowing bugs, silk webs and nests, and dripping sap or honeydew.

Bob Delbridge, President 404-CUT-TREE and finestmulch.com

LANDSCAPING

ELECTRICAL

678.648.2001

Call Us For A FREE Quote

• Highest customer rated

• Lifetime warranty

• Same day service

$30 OFF

Any Electrical Work Cannot combine with any other coupon.

ROOF

ROOF TROUBLE? • Ceiling Spots • Blistering • Rotting • Buckling Spots Call For A

McKemey concrete

678.648.2012

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More

678.648.2010

Call Us For A FREE Quote

$150 OFF

*

Any service over $1500

Call Us For A FREE Quote

770.744.2200

Call Us For A FREE Quote

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

98 Angie’s List Super Service Award 2011 thru 2017

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

• Landscapes • 25+ years experience • Hardscapes • Many local references • Walls & ponds

FREE Roof Analysis 770.744.5700

Top Rated • Appen Rated • BBB • Angie’s List

$150 OFF* $250 OFF* Any service over $1500

Any service over $3500

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Roof Repair and Replacement

Let Us Connect You Alpharetta-Roswell Herald Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Est. 1983.

Alpharetta’s paper of record.

Johns Creek Herald Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.

Northside Woman 18,000 copies distributed monthly to subdivisions and business in North Fulton and South Forsyth with home delivery to 40+ of the most exclusive gated and estate communities in North Atlanta.

Forsyth Herald Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30040, 30041.

Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998

Milton Herald Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006.

Milton’s paper of record.

Answer Books 40,000 copies distributed quarterly to local real estate agents, doctors, chambers of commerce, visitor’s bureaus as well as personal homes. Each quarter has a different focus including education, relocation, medical and seniors

p: 770-442-3278 | f: 770-475-1216 | e: advertising@appenmediagroup.com | 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009