Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►page 16
Don’t lose HOPE
Scholarship changes start with class of 2015 ►►page 20
Electrifying
No shoo-ins at Shuler
County holds electric car race at FCHS ►►page 7
High schools fall short at state competition ►►page 8
April 30, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 18
Gun shy of gun law Gun-toting stranger sends soccer parents calling 911 at Fowler Park By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Appen Media wins 19 national awards, named Best in Show 83 juried categories and 1,400 entries. “The Best of the Best” trade show recognizes extraordinary works in the fields of journalism, photography, ad design and page layout, said Appen Media General Manager Hans Appen. “We took home 19 awards, more than any of the more than 250 newspaper groups
represented at the conference, including Best in Show – the most prestigious award they hand out,” said Appen. Executive Editor Hatcher Hurd won first place for Best Original Writing, News Article, for his summer-long coverage of the Johns Creek City Council’s attempt to oust
See APPEN, Page 6
Join us from 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 17 at the 2014 Community Health Festival and 5K Scrub Run emoryjohnscreek.com/festival2014
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Appen Media Group – publishers of the Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald and Forsyth Herald – returned from the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) annual conference this month in Orlando, Fla., with 19 awards for editorial, ad creation and publication design. Five of the awards were firsts among the
ill
Forsyth HS Footbal Special Section cover wins third
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Cast members in the Senior Follies during a rehearsal last week. The show this year will pay tribute to the Golden Age of Television. See story, page 10.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man carrying a gun in his belt’s holster at Fowler Park had a lot of concerned parents calling the authorities. “We were getting a call every five minutes,” said Deputy Doug Rainwater, a spokesman for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The incident unfolded at the United Futbol Academy soccer field at Fowler Park on Monday and Tuesday, April 21 and April 22. The man walked up to the spectator benches and stood there with his gun in his holster in his belt — getting a lot of people’s attention. Doug Rainwater “This person claims to have Forsyth County Sheriff Deputy been exercising at the park while carrying a knife on Monday and then returning with a firearm on Tuesday,” said a that in Georgia you do have United Futbol Academy board that right.” member in a news release to Iggy Moleka, a United parents. “We need to underFutbol Academy execustand that they don’t want tive board member, to harm anyone and said that training it’s best to just leave was canceled on them alone, don’t e gun b h t d Wednesday, April engage them and 23, but would hope they move resume on April on.” 24. The sheriff’s “United Futoffice has ini t. bol Academy is creased patrols q ly / Q I X g totally neutral on at the park, not for this Second Amendthe man, but to asment,” Moleka said sure parents they are in an email to the Forsyth in the park, Rainwater said. Herald. “Our concern is our “A park is one of those kids and our members.” places where you can openly Rainwater said it’s unclear carry a weapon if you do have why the man was at the park, a permit,” Rainwater said. “A lot of parents with their kids at Fowler Park don’t understand See GUNS, Page 21
rea
Golden Age of TV comes alive
A park is one of those places where you can openly carry a weapon if you do have a permit. A lot of parents with their kids at Fowler Park don’t understand that in Georgia you do have that right.”
public safety
2 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Student smokes heroin before school 770-442-3278 northfulton.com
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CUMMING, Ga. — A school nurse at South Forsyth High School was worried about a student who came to her office March 20 who was lethargic and said he wanted to go to sleep. The nurse called in the assistant principal to relay her suspicions the student may have had a drug overdose. It turns out she was right. The assistant principal con-
curred the student was slurring his speech and gave signs of being under the influence of a substance. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene around 1 p.m. The deputies found the student was slurring his speech and wasn’t able to stay awake and to answer questions. Staff became worried when the student’s heart rate
Police Blotter COpsEY NAHED HUrD NEWsrOOM Revue & News • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@northfulton.com Forsyth Herald • Aldo Nahed aldo@forsythherald.com Johns Creek Herald • Hatcher Hurd hatcher@northfulton.com Milton Herald • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@northfulton.com ADVErtisiNg General Info, ext. 100 advertising@northfulton.com CLAssifiEDs ext. 136 or ext. 100 classifieds@northfulton.com CirCULAtiON for delivery questions, ext. 100 circulation@northfulton.com pUBLisHEr Ray Appen, ext. 101 appen@northfulton.com DELiVErY pOLiCY
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water truck and discharged the fire extinguisher. The driver’s window, vent window and windshield were shattered. The employee said the windows would cost about $600 to repair.
Vandals damage truck using fire extinguisher
Car parked off highway found with drugs
CUMMING, Ga. — Someone trespassed at a quarry site and damaged a heavyduty water truck, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Martin Marietta Materials, 3561 Peachtree Parkway, told deputies sometime between April 12 and 14, the trespassers climbed onto the 35-ton
CUMMING, Ga. — A man and woman stopped their car April 17 off the northbound ramp of Ga. 400 at Ga. 306. After receiving calls from other drivers, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy stopped by to check on the couple. At about 5 p.m., deputies were dispatched for a courtesy check.
DUIs & Drugs All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
DUI arrests ►► Emily Marie Ferguson,
appenmediagroup.com northfulton.com • forsythherald.com
dropped to 80 beats per minute and called an ambulance. The student said he had taken three Xanax pills and later admitted he had also smoked heroin that morning before school. Deputies searched his backpack and found nothing out of the ordinary. However, when they searched his car, they found glass pipes, alcohol and other
22, of Misty Hollow Lane, Cumming, was arrested April 12 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Jeffrey L. Mehaffey, 54, of Mallard Way, Cumming, was arrested April 11 on Heardsville Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to obey a stop sign. ►► John Michael Giosso, 41, of Melbourne, Fla., was arrested April 12 on Sanders Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Randall Gene Davis, 58, of Doc Bramblett Road,
Cumming, was arrested April 13 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Tailyn Bercey, 23, of Gathering Place, Cumming, was arrested April 13 on Pilgrim Mill Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Gregorio LopezEncarnacion, 33, of Atlanta was arrested April 12 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and expired license. ►► Randall Lee Warbington, 52, of Willows Way, Cumming, was arrested April 13 on Mullinax Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Catherine M. Arant, 53, of Crystal Lane, Cumming, was arrested April 17 on Lakeland Plaza in Cumming for DUI. ►► Fallon Shaye Haynes, 22, of Loganville was arrested April 18 on Buford Highway in
drug-related paraphernalia. The 18-year-old student was charged with possession of heroin, a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related paraphernalia, possession of alcohol on public school grounds and underage consumption of alcohol, all misdemeanors. He was later taken to Forsyth County Detention Center.
The woman in the car said they had pulled onto the shoulder to talk. The man said they pulled over because she was mad he had gotten a call from another woman. Deputies asked if there was any “contraband,” to which both answered no. Deputies later found $1,300 in cash inside the man’s pocket. After searching the car, deputies found two syringes filled with a clear liquid and specks of a crystal-like substance. Deputies said they saw dried blood on the needles. The woman later said the substance was meth and that she had injected her-
Cumming for DUI.
►► Tyran Darnell Hope, 29,
of Raintree Drive, Roswell, was arrested April 15 on Hurt Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI. ►► Timothy John Olver, 31, of Shillham Court, Cumming, was arrested April 14 on Atlanta Highway in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane.
Drug arrests ►► Reginald Dunning, 20,
of Ashley Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested April 12 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and wanted person. ►► Charles Lee Wigley, 28, of Jasper was arrested April 16 on Highway 306 in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines, suspended license and no insurance. ►► Joshua Eugene Alewine, 31, of Shadewater Circle, Cumming, was arrested
See BLOTTER, Page 21 April 16 on Highway 306 in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines. ►► Brandon David Leymeister, 21, of Forest Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Forest Drive in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Catherine KilcoyneBarrow, 21, of Forest Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Forest Drive in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Gina Marie Wilson, 24, of Archer Avenue, Cumming, was arrested April 17 on Brandywine Circle in Alpharetta for possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drugs not kept in the original container. ►► Jade Michelle Gilchrist, 23, of Sawnee Drive, Cumming, was arrested April 17 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Cumming for possession of marijuana.
Join us May 1, 5:30pm at Iroff & Son Jewelers Join the Alpharetta Chamber for a can’t miss after hours at the Iroff & Son and M Chocolat. Bring business cards, network, and have a great time!
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4 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Senate candidate bows out of race Early voting starts for May 20 primary By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Last week, District 27 Senate candidate Jack Schiff announced he would withdraw from the race. “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you our decision to withdraw from the 2014 race,” Schiff said in a post on his campaign’s Facebook page. “My decision to withdraw did not come without a significant amount of counsel and advice from those who are close to me, but in the end, we believe this is the right action for the
Senate race and for me at this time.” Schiff notified the Forsyth County Republican Party and state GOP, as well as the secretary of state. “It is important to note that my name will be on the ballot and any vote cast for me will be considered null,” Schiff said. Still in the race are incumbent Jack Murphy, Lauren McDonald III and Michael Williams. The primary election takes place May 20 and if necessary, a runoff will be held July 22. Advance voting started this week and runs through May 16.
Other races county voters will get to decide include: • District 24 Georgia House race, in which Rep. Mark Hamilton will face Sheri Gilligan. • District 3 County Commission race, where Commissioner Todd Levent, who represents southwestern portions of the county, faces challenger David Hole. • Forsyth County solicitor general race, in which incumbent Donna Gopaul faces challengers Bill Finch and Susan Zereini. • Forsyth Board of Education race, where candidates include incumbent Ann Crow, Amanda Nixon and Mark Weiss for the District 1 seat,
which covers Cumming and western Forsyth. • Georgia House District 26 race, in which incumbent Geoff Duncan faces former state Rep. Tom Knox. • Georgia House District 22, which covers a small portion of Forsyth County, includes incumbent Sam Moore, who is being challenged by Meagan Biello and Wes Cantrell. Forsyth County registered voters can cast their early ballot at the administration building, located at 110 East Main St. in Cumming. Visit the Voter Registrations and Elections Department page of the Forsyth County website at www.forsythco.com for more information.
Forsyth Fire Department recruit class graduates FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In a ceremony held April 18, the Forsyth County Fire Department graduated its newest recruit class. Family, friends, county officials and fire department staff attended the graduation ceremony for the 2014 recruit class No.1, which was held at the Central Park Recreation Center. The members of the recruit class are Jarred Scott Andrews, John Christopher Crump, Justin Stephenson Rogers, Luis Miguel Salazar and John Kemp Underwood III. In the fall of 2013, the five graduating recruits began the application process. Next, they completed 14 weeks of intense, comprehensive firefighter instruction and drills, which included training on truck and engine company operations, structural fire control, fire hose testing, read-
Fire Chief Danny D. Bowman administers the oath of office during the ceremony April 18 to, from left, Jarred Scott Andrews, John Christopher Crump, Luis Miguel Salazar and John Kemp Underwood III. ing smoke, interior search and rescue, vehicle extrication and terrorism awareness. Each recruit completed
more than 560 hours of certified fire training preparing them to be Forsyth County firefighters. The Forsyth Coun-
ty Fire Department plans to conduct a second recruit class later this year to fill vacancies within the department.
GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 22
ALPHARETTA: 200 Lantern Ridge Court 30009. Saturday 5/3, 8am-12pm. Furniture, tools Alpharetta/Milton: Estate Sale. White Columns Subdivision, 175 White Columns Drive. Friday 5/2 and Saturday 5/3, 8am-3pm. Many upscale furniture pieces in large, 6 bedroom estate home, includes all household items and 6’3” Baldwin Model L Grand Piano Alpharetta/Milton: Yard Sale. Avensong Subdivision, 735 Avening Court. Saturday 5/3, 9am-4pm. Vintage Blue Willow and glassware, household goods, crochet items, Corningware, and more!
CUMMING: Stonebrooke Commons HOA Community Yard Sale, Saturday 5/3, 9am-2pm. Our residents will have their treasures out on the driveways. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday 5/10 MILTON: Big charity yard/thrift sale benefitting COTA. Friday 5/2 8:00am2:00pm. Saturday5/3, 8:00am-3:00pm. Highland Manor Clubhouse (indoor) 15890 Milton Point 30004. MILTON: Multi family. 765 Quarterpath Lane. Wood Valley Subdivision, off Freemanville. Saturday 5/3, 8am-2pm. Designer clothing, shoes, handbags.
DEADLINE
Antiques. Furniture. Household items. Hartman luggage. Tools. Designer decor. MILTON, Crooked Creek, moving; huge! 14570 Creek Club Drive. Friday 5/2 , Saturday 5/3 8am-3pm ROSWELL, huge multi family! Brookfield Subdivision, 855 Ferncroft Court 30075. Friday 5/2, Saturday 5/3, 7am3pm. Proceeds for scholarships; vintage and household items; organ, childrens’ equipment ROSWELL: 4221 Harris Ridge Court 30076. Friday 5/2, Saturday 5/3, 8am2pm. Upscale!
To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@northfulton.com
news
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014 | 5
Scammers posing as Ga. Escrow Services employees ATLANTA — The Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection is warning consumers about a timeshare resale scam in which scammers falsely claim that they are representatives of Georgia Escrow Services. Here is how the scam typically works: Consumers who own vacation timeshares in Mexico receive a phone call from someone allegedly working for a travel company. The caller tells the consumer that there is a buyer interested in purchasing the consumer’s timeshare property and Georgia Escrow Services will act as the escrow agent. While the timeshare sale is supposedly pending, the company posing as Georgia Escrow Services adds previously undisclosed fees and taxes, which consumers pay upfront via wire
transfers. One consumer lost over $100,000 in this scam. While there is a legitimate company called Georgia Escrow Services, it has nothing to do with timeshare sales or vacation travel packages, nor does it market its services to consumers. Scammers have hijacked the identity of this business to perpetrate the fraud, filing fraudulent documents with the secretary of state and creating a fake website. This all makes it so that a consumer investigating the company online or with the secretary of state is led to believe that the Georgia Escrow Services they are communicating with is legitimate. Consumers who believe they have been victims of this scam should visit www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
Burn ban goes into effect May 1 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A countywide, state-mandated ban on outdoor burning goes into effect May 1 in Forsyth County and lasts through Sept. 30. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning including the burning of leaves, trash, yard debris and storm damage. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes the ban on outdoor burning to comply with federal
clean air regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels. Open burning has been identified as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. For more information, visit www. forsythco.com or call the Forsyth County Fire Department’s office at 678-455-8072. —McKenzie Cunningham
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6 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com | Recycled paper
Appen: Continued from Page 1 Mayor Mike Bodker through an “investigation” of his conduct during an election campaign while one councilmember resigned her seat to run against him. “This entry is community watchdog journalism at its best,” the judges said in making the award. “Solid, thorough reporting that kept its community informed every step of the way.” Hurd, who wrote nearly 30 articles from June through November 2013, said it was the most sustained and grueling coverage he ever had to provide. “I called it my long, hot summer. Very quickly, the investigation became the whole focus of the campaign. I am certainly gratified to have the AFCP recognize those efforts,” he said. The AFCP divides the editorial competitions based on the percentage of editorial content in them, and Appen Media is in the highest classification. Appen Media won three other news awards. Northside Woman (a monthly Appen publication written for women) had NSW Editor Katie VanBrackle register a third-place finish in the Best Original Writing – Feature Article category for her article titled “Cock-a-doodle Doo, It’s Farmer Sue.” It entertainingly told about a retired graphics designer who now teaches art to young students at her Art Barn. “I’m thrilled that Northside Woman has received an AFCP General Excellence award three years in a row,” VanBrackle said. “It speaks to our commitment to inform, enlighten and entertain our readers with compelling stories about women living right here in our local community. “We also write about travel, books, fashion, food, health – any topic of interest to local ladies,” she said. “Our small staff works hard each month to create an informative and attractive magazine, and it’s an honor to be recognized nationally for our efforts.” Other writing awards went to Alpharetta-Roswell Revue & News Editor Jonathan Copsey and a second to Hurd. Copsey received Honorable Mention in the Best Community Service/Editorial division. He wrote about the teen suicide crisis in North Fulton and its prevention. Hurd won a third place nod in Best Original Writing – Column to Inform/Educate the Reader. That column explained how transformational the $600 million Avalon mixed-use project in Alpharetta will be for the region. Both prize-winning editori-
A.J. McNaughton/Staff
The cover for the High School Football preview recieved a third place award at the AFCP competition. als appear in the Opinion section of the newspaper. However, if there is an MVP on Team Appen Media, it is David Brown, the company’s senior graphic designer. Brown had a three first place awards and won seven of the company’s 19 awards. He won the top award for Best Ad Series (Original Pancake House), Best Single Ad (Paul Martin Interiors) and Advertising Design Contest. Brown also had three second place awards and one Honorable Mention. Brown said the secret to a good ad is first understanding the client and the product’s audience. “With that knowledge, you have to find page-stopping graphics. Ads are like billboards. You have to win the page to capture the eye and get the prospect right away,” Brown said. “You have to put the sizzle on paper,” he said. “You can have the best message in the world, but you have to get their eyes to look at it first.” Production Manager A.J. McNaughton was also in line for some kudos. His redesign of the company’s Medical AnswerBook took third in the Most Improved Publication category, and he garnered another third place award in the Best Cover Design, Newsprint Tabloid, for his Forsyth Herald Football Preview. McNaughton sees designing covers as a puzzle. “You have to make all of the pieces fit in such a way that it
You have to put the sizzle on paper. You can have the best message in the world, but you have to get their eyes to look at it first.” David Brown Appen Media Group's Senior Graphic Designer draws the people in,” he said. “You want to make the copy appealing so that the people want to read the story. “If the headlines and graphics don’t jump off the page, the reader probably will never get to the story,” he said. Good community journalism is a staple in any community where the standard of living is high and community interests are broad, Appen said. “It informs, educates, entertains and connects. Appen Media Group went to a national conference proudly representing not only itself, but the communities we serve. And once again north Atlanta comes out on top,” he said. “We have to thank our readers for their continued support,” he said. “We are proud to be your local newspaper.”
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014 | 7
County school hosts first electric car race By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
SPENCER YARBROUGH
Electrathon cars at the starting line on April 19 during the inaugural race at Central High School.
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Nance and car’s driver David King were happy with their performance. The event was sponsored by Siemens and Forsyth County Schools. Electrathon is a type of electric marathon in which the winner is determined by how far
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The inaugural electrathon car race comprised of two 60-minute endurance style marathon was a success, organizers said. David Johnson, engineering teacher at Forsyth Central and organizer of North Georgia’s first Electrathon America race, said students got to solve realworld transportation issues by applying what they’ve learned about energy in science and technology classes. “The commitment of these kids and their adult mentors is amazing,” Johnson said. The event was held on a rainy April 19 at Central High School. Mill Creek High School, of Hoschton, Ga., finished first; followed by Lambert High School and Rabun County High School, of Tiger, Ga., second and third, respectively. Austin Nance, who designed Lambert’s electrathon team car, said the group of 11 students started working on the car earlier this year.
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their car will travel in a certain time with a given amount of battery power. For many other schools it was a chance to learn from their limitations. The South Forsyth High School Electrathon team got some good laps in, but soon learned of issues with the chain and motor alignment. “We learned our weak spots and our strengths,” said team member Spencer Yarbrough.
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ALDO NAHED/Staff
Central High School’s electrathon team get their No. 56 car ready for the race.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
8 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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South Forsyth High School performs “Shrek the Musical” at the Shuler Awards ceremony on April 17.
No Forsyth schools take home awards Tri-Cities sweeps ceremony By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
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ATLANTA — The Shuler Hensley Awards were not in the cards this year for any of the Forsyth County schools nominated at the musical theater ceremony April 17. West Forsyth High School’s Studio West Productions had 11 nominations for “A Tale of Two Cities.” South Forsyth High earned seven nominations for “Shrek the Musical,” and Lambert High School had two nominations for “Bye Bye Birdie.” Eric Gray, artistic director for Studio West at West Forsyth High School, said the students in the production were proud of the work they’ve accomplished. “The West group did an incredible job during their number and both our lead actor and actress were phenomenal,” Gray said. “So we are doing well and very proud that we were in the top six again this year. “ Tri-Cities High School in
East Point swept the ceremony with their “Dreamgirls” performance. Tri-Cities took home 13 awards for everything from best actor and actress to scene design and best musical. Milton High School’s annual appearance at the Shuler Hensley Awards saw them take home two awards. This year, Milton’s Sim Jones took awards for best technical director and lighting director in the production of “Legally Blonde.” Student Carl Appen shared the award for technical director with Jones. Milton was nominated for 14 awards. Similar to the Oscars, the annual Shuler Awards honor musical theater excellence at the high school level, taking place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, complete with the red carpet walk. Last year, West Forsyth’s “Oliver!” was nominated for 12 and won four awards. Fifty-nine high schools from 23 counties, representing school districts as well as private schools from throughout the state, participated this year.
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Pumpkin patch gets $5K boost
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014 | 9
Mom praises kind manager on blog By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. — The autism students at Liberty Middle School just got some muchneeded seed money for their pumpkin patch. California Pizza Kitchen made a $5,000 donation to assist the school with their garden on April 22 – Earth Day. It all started with a blog post. During a road trip on Valentine’s Day, Allie Smith and her four children, including Barrett, 13, who has autism, stopped to eat at a California Pizza Kitchen. Barrett, a sixth-grader in Bobbie Jo Corcoran’s class at Liberty MS, was on the verge of a meltdown in the middle of the crowded restaurant. But the restaurant’s manager came to her rescue and treated the family “with kindness.” After Smith wrote about the visit on her blog — The-
PAIENE FR
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Bobbie Jo Corcoran, a teacher at Liberty Middle School, receives a check for $5,000 from California Pizza Kitchen’s Brent Leblanc.
The autism class at Liberty Middle School along with teachers, parents and peer tutors stand in front of the pumpkin garden.
LatchkeyMom.com and on Huffington Post — someone at the restaurant saw it, and they were delighted with her write-up. The company’s chief executive officer reached out to the family and offered a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Smith chose to give back to other children with autism by donating the funds
to Liberty’s garden. “We enjoy being part of the community,” said Brent Leblanc, a community ambassador for California Pizza Kitchen. “This is an opportunity to reach out. We didn’t mean for this to be a big deal, as we like to give back in small ways.” For Smith, however, it was a big deal.
ALDO NAHED/Staff
“But in our world, it’s huge,” Smith said. April is also autism awareness month, she said. The pumpkin garden at the school is being tilled and ready for seeding, said Corcoran. She said the garden’s goal is to teach occupational skills to children with autism at the school. The students will sell
the pumpkins this fall. “The students will get to take pride in something they did,” Corcoran said. “The money will go back into the classroom.” On May 12, the Liberty Middle School autism class will visit California Pizza Kitchen in Alpharetta to get a tour of the restaurant.
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10 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com
Senior Follies hit stage May 2 through 18 By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. — Are you feeling nostalgic for the Golden Age of television? The Georgia Senior Follies have you covered. Starting with the 1950s and working their way into the 80s with songs, skits and dance numbers, the 55-and-older actors who make up the 37 cast members are ready to dazzle the Cumming Playhouse stage May 2 through May 18. The first act is black and white and the second act is in color, explains Kathy Russell, who produces and acts in this fifth installment of the Senior Follies. “We always create our own show,” Russell said. “This has never been done before, never will again. It’s a one-time show. “It’s exciting. Everybody is 55-plus in age and we have some amazingly talented people,” she said. “The dancing is wonderful and professionally done.” Kathy, along with her husband and music extraordinaire Bob Russell, Director Kyle “Honey” Larsen, Bill Wilson and choreographer Buddy Stotts crafted the production of this year’s “Golden Age of Television.”
If you go What: Georgia Senior Follies “The Golden Age of Television” Where: Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. When: May 2 – May 18; 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday matinee. More Info: Call 770781-9178 or visit www. playhousecumming.com. Rehearsals kicked off in January for the complex and multimedia show. TV classics such as “I Love Lucy,” “Honeymooners,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and “Gilligan’s Island” are featured as the cast members work their way through to the most current part of the show with “Cheers” and “The Golden Girls.” The cast will also bring back the Beatles and Elvis Presley performances from the “Ed Sullivan Show.” People who may not have watched the shows know their historical and pop culture references. “You may not have seen it, but you might have seen it for
UPCOMING EVENTS SENIOR SCAMS: PROTECT YOURSELF Paul Black, Attorney, Brannon and Black Law Firm LLC.
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Buddy Stotts and Kyle “Honey” Larsen give performers direction during a recent rehearsal. The show hits the stage May 2 through May 18. historical value,” Kathy Russell said. “It’s entertainment for all ages. The baby boomer generation will really identify with it. But even our grandchildren will enjoy it from an entertainment perspective.” Larsen said in addition to classic television, there will also be commercial spots, show themes and comedy segments. “One of the challenges is creating a television sound stage,” Larsen said. Indeed, this will be a huge production. There will be TV monitors capturing the action onstage and backstage and projecting it onto 50-inch screens on both sides of the
stage. The look and feel of a studio is being put together with classic-looking cameras, and the theater’s audience will be a live TV-studio audience. There will be pre-recorded and live original music composed by Bob Russell. This is the fifth time Senior Follies have taken over the Cumming Playhouse. Each time, the Russells bring back familiar and new faces. In the past, the Senior Follies have honored Broadway, saluted movie musicals, the birth of rock and roll and even a country western. Pat Groman has performed in every Senior Follies. She said this year, there’s a
lot more acting than previous shows. Among her many characters, Groman will play Blanche Devereaux, of “The Golden Girls.” “There’s something there for everybody,” Groman said. Another staple is the showgirls, which include Helen Dalton, 83, Dorothy Jones, 80, and Nancy Long, 81. These three matriarchs will kick their heels to songs that include, “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody.” “We’re not old ladies; we are only in our 80s,” joked Long. Visit www.playhousecumming.com for tickets and more information.
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11 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Emory JC doctor offers hope to amputee candidates Laser technology can save legs otherwise lost to arterial disease By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Emory Johns Creek Hospital’s Dr. Greg Robertson says many of the 150,000 limb amputations annually could be prevented if more people were aware of a new surgical procedure he helped pioneer. The cause of these amputations is what is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) where the arteries become clogged with plaque – the buildup of fatty deposits and other cells that can build up in the walls of arteries over time. The old technology of detecting plaque build-up with X-rays does not provide the degree of visual competency to go in and scrape the walls of the arteries. In advanced cases, the treatment becomes amputation. “It’s a problem. There is so much awareness of cancer and heart disease, but PAD flies under the radar,” Robertson said. Robertson says what is especially tragic is there is a new procedure to allow a tiny laser camera mounted in the device that allows the surgeon to see to score the arterial walls. The way Robertson describes the device (called an Ocelot and manufactured by Avinger Co.) is it is like an auger with a laser camera. “So what we need to do is a better job of educating doctors and nurses to screen for PAD – not only to diagnose it, but to treat it with the latest technology,” he said. “It’s a 15-minute test similar to an EKG. “What is needed is the understanding, the training and the passion to
IT’S
treat PAD patients.” Patients most at risk of PAD are diabetics and smokers. Robertson has been working with Dr. John Simpson at Stanford University. Simpson is perhaps the leader in less Robertson invasive cardiovascular surgical procedures and invented the Ocelot. Robertson conducted the trials for the Ocelot in Germany and South America that got the Ocelot medically approved for use in the United States. “It is really life-changing for these patients,” Robertson said. “It allows the surgeon to see inside the artery as he performs the [removal of plaque]. You put a laser camera on the device; it allows the surgeon to stay on target without poking a hole in the artery.” He recently had a 38-year-old patient who was a farmer in Tennessee. Diagnosed with PAD, he was referred to Robertson as his last and best chance to prevent amputation. Robertson was successful in saving the leg with this minimally invasive procedure. “He had already lost his other leg at the knee in an accident. As a farmer, had he lost his other leg he would not have been able to earn a living,” Robertson said. “Not only that, blocked arteries are the leading cause of death in America.”
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Left: This laser camera fits on the end of the doctor’s scouring device so that he can see in real time how clogged arteries are cleared without damaging them. Top: This is what the surgeon can see as the arteries are cleared of life-threatening placque.
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12 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
BusinessPosts
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com
Forsyth County housi Do good schools mean Robert hot real estate markets? Strader Strong public schools are an important facet of any housing market. The difference between a good elementary and a great elementary school can translate into thousands of dollars. Home buyers will stretch their budgets $10,000 to $15,000 more to get into an area where the schools have been ranked high academically. Good schools equate to a more vibrant community. If the real estate market is hot in a particular area… so is the local economy. It has been shown that there is a definite correlation between the school system and the real estate market. The Rand Corporation did a study for the city of Santa Monica, CA and found 4 major impacts made by the school system on the community. They were: Housing values, crime rate, tax revenues and civic participation. There was also strong evidence that the quality of education impacted the physical and mental health in the community. A one year increase in the average education levels showed a substantial reduction that same year in major crimes – 27 percent fewer murders; 30 percent fewer assaults and 20 percent fewer motor vehicle thefts. The study noted that a 1 percent increase in the average school district reading or math scores equated to a .5 percent to 1 percent increase in property tax revenue. The higher housing values, the higher the property tax revenues are for the community. Schools definitely impact our community. Another impact comes from our community leaders. They must be made aware of a very dangerous term, “Student Mobility.” This refers to the phenomenon of students changing schools for reasons other than grade promotion. Frequent movement of students from school to school puts those students at greater risk for academic and behavioral problems. Many drop-out students have been victims of frequent school change. Housing is the most important issue that must be addressed with this critical problem. Often times a family moves due housing being cheaper for the family. When this movement occurs, and schools end up with a 40 to 60 percent mobility rate, the quality of the education for all students in the system are impacted. With being in Real Estate for 40-plus years and raising several kids, I know how impor-
ROBERT AIKEN Senor VP, Managing Broker Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lanier
tant schools are to the community. It is so essential for the community leaders, the school system and the real estate
companies that operate in that community to work together to preserve high academic standards for our clients. We all must remember that students are clients; the citizens who live in our area are clients; and new buyers and sellers of homes are clients. They definitely deserve our cooperation in working together to give them an outstanding community in which to live, work and grow
Is it a buyers market or a sellers market? When we have more than a six-month supply of homes, it’s a buyers market. If we have a 5 months supply or less than it’s a sellers market. So technically, based on current inventory levels, it is a sellers market. But really the market is a little funky right now. The market has improved greatly over the past year and comparing the first quarter of this year to Q1 of 2013, the median sales price has gone up 14 percent in Forsyth County. Not too shabby to say the least, but sales are flat.
Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty
Flat is better, I guess, than being down 10 percent for the same period like North Fulton. But it begs the question - Why aren’t we seeing more sales, especially with low inventory? Buyers don’t seem to be pressed into pulling the trigger on properties like they were last yea
BusinessPosts
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com
ing snapshot
e h
n ar
Forsyth County Home Sales
SINGLE FAMILY
e
at this time. Last year was really the first time we started to see greatly reduced inventory and multiple offers. Buyers rushed to get what they could because we hadn’t been in this position for years. Now, with prices up an average of 14 percent in Forsyth County and 12 percent in North Fulton, I think buyers are being very critical of what they are paying for and, in many cases, opting to continue the search rather than settle. Sellers are, understandably, pushing the upper limits on asking prices. But if they push top asking prices without offering top condition, buyers are indicating that they will keep on looking.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014 | 13
Q1 2014
Total Transactions
Average Original List Price
Average List Price
Median Sales Price
Avg. Sale Price/Orig. List Price
Avg. Total Days on Market
664
$311,638
$307,870
$275,000
96.1%
76.3
Change
0%
8%
9%
14%
2%
-28%
Q1 2013
666
$287,373
$279,364
$236,970
94.1
106.3
Benefits of a mobile sales team Dick Jones
Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
Do you have a mobile sales team? Are your sales professionals equipped with technology that makes them as effective and efficient out of the office as in the office? There are significant benefits you’ll realize by having a mobile salesforce, and at the top of the list is getting more business. Recent studies have shown that mobile sales reps are much more likely to achieve their sales goals. Why? Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application on a mobile device shortens the sales cycle. Sales professionals have all the information they need right at their fingertips. Because a mobile sales resource has instant access to information, they are more responsive to their customers. They also can get answers to questions they have much more quickly than returning to their office and logging on to their computer. Mobility provides not only a more efficient way to work your territory or manage your accounts, but also a more effective way.
A mobile sales team also collaborates more often. With access to documents, client information and pipeline data, sales professionals can get more done each day. A mobile sales team also collaborates more often. Sharing of information and analytical insights can provide the whole team with best practices as well as advice for specific situations. The major benefit of having a mobile sales team is very simple. They are more productive. And a more productive sales team will help you to better grow your small business.
14 | April 30, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
RIBBON CUTTING »
BusinessBriefs vide free services for families in the area including educational seminars, speakers and Alzheimer’s support groups. RSVP is required. To RSVP, contact Kim Waid at kwaid@autumnleaves.com or 770-928-2440.
Northside Total Joint Specialists opens in Alpharetta Carmichael Consulting has ribbon cutting event ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Carmichael Consulting Solutions held a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce on April 24 at their new offices in Alpharetta. Tyler Jones, owner, said the company offers information technology services. “We have deep roots in Alpharetta and we are glad to be in the heart of Alpharetta,” Jones said. The offices are located at 319 North Main Street in Alpharetta. On May 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Carmichael will host a free lunch and learn – “Security 101.” The event will cover basics of securing information electronically and how to better protect yourself from electronic threats. Call 678-719-9671 or email info@carmichaelconsulting.net for more information.
OPENINGS »
Autumn Leaves of Towne Lake to hold grand opening May 1 WOODSTOCK, Ga. — Autumn Leaves of Towne Lake, the first free-standing memory care community in Towne Lake, has scheduled its official grand opening event for May 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. The 28,000-square-foot memory care community, located at 1962 Eagle Drive in Woodstock, will provide specialized care for as many as 46 residents exclusively living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory impairment. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a ribbon cutting, live entertainment, dinner, drinks and community tours. Autumn Leaves of Towne Lake will also pro-
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Northside Total Joint Specialists announced its new Alpharetta location. The full-service practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of hip and knee conditions. The practice is led by Dr. Jon Minter, an expert in the surgical management of hip and highly complex arthritis disease. “We look forward to providing every patient with individual, quality patient care and to improving their quality of life,” said Minter. Northside Total Joint Specialists is at 3400-C Old Milton Parkway, Suite 290, in Alpharetta. For information, call 770-667-4343.
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com
TECHNOLOGY »
Signum Group names Chris Spangler senior VP ATLANTA — Signum Group, the authority in asset and operations software solutions, announced the appointment of Chris Spangler as senior vice president, sales and operations. Spangler is responsible for the strategic management and leadership of Signum’s sales and operations teams to drive growth and Spangler ensure high value delivery of services to customers. Spangler previously held senior leadership positions at Delinea, CSC and Deloitte. He will be based out of Signum Group’s headquarters in Atlanta.
HEALTH CARE »
Big Vaults opens 3rd location in metro Atlanta
Wells awarded Emory Healthcare’s Second Century Award
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Big Vaults, a portable storage and moving company, announced the opening of a third location in Alpharetta. This makes the company one of the largest moving and storage providers in the metro Atlanta area. Big Vaults, with headquarters in Buckhead, is part of Truck and i, a national moving company started by Colombian businessman Carlos Urrea. Big Vaults employs over 30 people and has two other warehouse locations in Buckhead and Norcross.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Because of his leadership skills and mission to advance patient-centered care and quality for patients, Donald E. Wells has been awarded Emory Healthcare’s 2014 Second Century Award for Emory Johns Creek Hospital (called the Emory Johns Creek Hospital Legacy Award). Wells was honored recently at the ninth annual Second Century Awards dinner and ceremony at the Atlanta History Center. He served as executive director of Emory University Hospital for seven years, director of business development for Emory Healthcare for five years and chair of the Emory Johns Creek Hospital board of directors for seven years. Wells helped instill Emory Johns Creek’s focus on quality and patient-centered care, leading efforts to recruit top staff and build a partnership between the hospital and the Johns Creek community.
Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry opens new location
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — MBM eHealthCare Solutions has been awarded a group purchasing agreement with Premier to provide technology security services to Premier alliance members. The new agreement allows Premier members, at their discretion, to take advantage of the special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier. This agreement offers Premier members a full range of HIPAA-compliant security services and innovative solutions that meet the information security needs of the health care industry. Services offered include Web application scanning, penetration testing, risk assessments, audits, remediation, vulnerability management, risk management and products.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, the office of Dr. Brett S. Silverman, announced the opening of its new office at 4205 North Point Parkway, Building D in Alpharetta. Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of smiles using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in longlasting smiles. For more information, visit www.acfdga.com or call 678-389-9000.
MBM eHealthCare Solutions awarded technology agreement
Submit your event online at forsythherald.com
Ryan Pieroni
Calendar Editor ryan@northfulton.com Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@ northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
LOCAL LIVE MUSIC »
Give mom “Arts from the Heart” this Mother’s Day weekend from the Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival. The festival will be held in Atlanta’s beautiful Chastain Park, featuring two days of art and activities sure to delight the entire family. In addition to the abundance of unique art, there will be a children's area, local gourmet food, beverages and a small stage for acoustic musical performances. 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. May 10 - 11. 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. Please call 404-873-1222 or visit buckheadartsfestival.com.
calendar offer. Bring your family, especially mom, to spend Saturday evening sampling delicious appetizers, entrées and desserts from dozens of local restaurants. Jam out to live performers on the main stage or visit the Artists Market and take a peek at work from local artists. Don’t miss out on the fantastically fun Kids Zone with face painting, inflatables, hamster balls, Mother's Day Arts and Crafts and more. Watch talented artists compete in the 2nd Annual Chalk Walk Competition. For adults, check out the craft beer and wine tasting inside the Forsyth Conference
THEATER »
THIS HOPE IN CONCERT
This Hope will be performing at the Crabapple First Baptist Church during their morning worship service. 10:30 a.m. May 4. 12760 Birmingham Highway, Milton. Please visit crabapplefbc.org.
ART »
COLORS FESTIVAL OF ARTS
The 24th annual Colors Festival of Arts will be held in Roswell’s Historic Town Square and will feature artists displaying their art and musicians performing throughout the day. A variety of food vendors will be present as well. The event is sponsored by the Roswell Junior Woman’s Club, and is a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 10 – 11. Corner of Atlanta Street and Marietta Highway, Roswell. Please visit visitroswellga.com.
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production that combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. 8 p.m. May 10 – 11. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Please call 770-813-7500 or visit gwinnettcenter.com.
EVENTS »
The Chattahoochee Nature Center hosts its annual Rockin’ at the River Gala. Enjoy music, food, drink and nature in support of the CNC and its mission. There will be live music, as well as both live and silent auctions. May 10. 6:30 p.m. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Please call 770-992-2055 or visit chattnaturecenter.org. Enjoy the excitement of the Kentucky Derby right here in Alpharetta with the Down Home Derby at the In Your Dreams Farm. The sixth annual Down Home Derby will benefit the Child Development Association, and will feature live music, food and drink and live and silent auction. Boots, hats and bow tie attire. 5 – 11 p.m. May 3. 17875 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta. Please call 770992-4339 or visit cdakids. org.
FIESTA 5K/15K CHALLENGE FLAVORS OF FORSYTH
Start Mother's Day weekend off right by tasting what this town has to
percent of race proceeds and donations benefit the Emory ALS Center. 7:30 a.m. May 3. 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Please call 678-491-0639 or visit fiestarunga.com. The fifth annual Drake Walk to benefit local nonprofit organization The Drake House, presented by DataScan consists of 1 mile and 5k routes that go through beautiful historic downtown Roswell. The walk starts and ends at the Roswell United Methodist Church. Entry cost for individuals is $15; families pay $30 and groups of 10 or more pay $10 each. There will be lots of fun for the whole family at the finish line festival, including entertainment, food, music, and raffles. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. Registration required in advance or on the day of the walk. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 3. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Please call 770587-4712 ext. 307 or visit thedrakehouse.org.
As the name suggests, the Fiesta 5k/15k Challenge is not your ordinary race. Casual runners and walkers enjoy the 5k or the Fun Run, while
Top Five EVENTS KEVIN HORGAN AUTHOR TALK
Author Kevin Horgan will discuss his book “The March of the 18th” in the Civil War, the true story of an invalid regiment serving behind the lines during the Civil War. 5 p.m. May 4. 115 Norcross St., Roswell. Please call 770-640- 3075 or visit forl.net.
TASTE OF ALPHARETTA
Dine at over 50 restaurants in one night that’s become an annual tradition for 50,000 families, foodies and festival-goers. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts along downtown streets. 5 – 10 p.m. May 8. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. Please call 678-2976000 or visit awesomealpharetta.
‘THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION’ The Georgia Senior Follies pay tribute to "The Golden Age of Television." Don’t miss this evening of music and laughter for the whole family. Show times vary. May 2 - 18. 101 School St., Cumming. Please call 770-781-9178 or visit playhousecumming.com.
‘CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD!’ PRESENTED BY THE JCSO
DOWN HOME DERBY
RACES AND BENEFITS »
BUCKHEAD SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is proud to announce its Fifth Annual Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival coming up in Atlanta.
Center. From fine dining to on-the-go, there is a flavor for everyone to enjoy. 4 – 8 p.m. May 10. 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Please call 770-781-4110 or visit unitedwayforsyth. com/flavors_2014.php.
ROCKIN’ AT THE RIVER GALA
MICHAEL JACKSON: THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR
endurance runners will want to participate in the 15k distance. The Fiesta 15k/5k Challenge is the perfect way to kickoff Cinco de Mayo. The race brings everyone out for a morning of health and fitness, awareness for ALS, and celebrating life. 100
DRAKE WALK
‘CHARLOTTE’S WEB’
The Center for Puppetry Arts presents “Charlotte’s Web,” an adaptation of the novel by E.B. White, in which Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig become unlikely friends. Show times vary. April 10 – May 25. 1404 Spring St. Northwest, Atlanta. Please call 404-873-3391 or visit puppet.org.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014 | 15
FORSYTH CENTURY CHALLENGE
The Forsyth Century Challenge will be the best ride of your life. Forsyth County has the best roads and breathtaking scenery for avid cyclists. The course has a 17, 32, 67 and 100 mile loop, and full SAG support throughout the ride. Come out and enjoy the great ride and the festivities after the event. We will have a variety of food, great rest stops, music, raffles and a lot of fun. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 4. 4155 Drew Road, Cumming. Please call 678-222-8744 or visit runsignup.com.
The JCSO presents “Classic Hollywood!” The performance will feature pieces heard in classic movie scores, from “Star Wars” to “James Bond” to “Gone with the Wind.” 8 p.m. May 10. The Theater at Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Please call 678-748-5802 or visit johnscreeksymphony.org.
“YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART”
A brunch and fashion show to benefit Hadassah's Women's Heart Health Programs. Featuring guest speaker Dr. Marlene Blaise, cardiologist. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 4. 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Please call 770-3909353.
North Atlanta’s
Sponsored Section • Forsyth Herald | April 30, 2014
Real Estate Report
News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.
Zillow and Trulia: Good or bad for real estate? By ROBERT AIKEN
Are Trulia and Zillow good or bad
for the real estate industry? That question is one of the most contested amongst real estate agents
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today. Not contested is the fact that both companies have enjoyed impressive revenue and valuation growth. Real estate agents subscribing to their “lead-generation” services represent the lion’s share of each company’s revenue. These agents pay on average $3100/ year and $2300/year to Zillow and Trulia respectively. Some of the good things about Zillow and Trulia: Provides greater listing exposure to millions of consumers, the addition of tax records, school ratings and other information to listings is good for consumers and makes the agents’ job easier, levels the playing field for newer agents and agents without many listings, gives consumer access to FSBOs, foreclosures and other non agent represented properties, painting a fuller picture of the available market, creates a new, broadly reaching, advertising platform for agents to advertise their skills. Some of the bad things about Zillow and Trulia: A high percentage of their “available” listings are actually sold or off the market. This confuses and upsets consumers and makes agents look bad, the sites’ property valuations are often way off, making agents’ jobs harder, promotes non-listing agents along-
side listings that aren’t theirs, tricking consumers into believing they know the property, sells to any agent, regardless of experience, the title of “Premier” or “Pro”, the “leads” generated for subscribing agents are low quality, nonresponsive and a waste of time, the cost of being a subscribing agent is too high for what you get. Basically, use Zillow and Trulia ONLY as a reference. Go to a professional to verify and provide accurate real estate information. The Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office can be reached at 770-497-2000, ashley.panter@ harrynorman.com or visit their website at www.HarryNormanForsyth.com.
These tips can help you save water and money (NAPSI)—Did you know that homes with automatically timed irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without them? Your system could be wasting as much as 30,000 gallons of water each year if it is programmed incorrectly, a sprinkler head is pointed in the wrong direction, or you have a leak. Regular sprinkler maintenance could save as much as $120 annually on your water bills! With winter on its way out, now is the perfect time to get your irrigation system off the snooze button with a little “sprinkler spruce-up” to ensure it is operating efficiently. Maybe your system has been inactive for the long winter, or it may have been damaged during the harsh winter. Before you take your sprinkler system out of hibernation, use a little “water sense” and take four simple steps to get
it ready for efficient operation—inspect, connect, direct and select: • Inspect your irrigation system for clogged, broken or missing sprinkler heads and replace where necessary. • Connect sprinkler heads tightly to pipes or hoses to prevent water pooling in your landscape and leaks that could drown your favorite plants. • Direct spray away from your driveway and sidewalk to water only your lawn or plants. • Select a watering schedule that meets your yard’s minimum needs or, better yet, replace your clock timer with a WaterSense® labeled irrigation controller, which uses local weather data to control your system to water only when needed. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, go with a pro—look for an irrigation professional certified through a WaterSense labeled certification program to help maintain your system. And even if you don’t have an automatic irrigation system, you can make your yard more water smart. On your next trip to the nursery, look for plants that are local to your region or labeled “drought tolerant.” You can learn more by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/ watersense/outdoor.
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Forsyth County seeks public input through online survey Survey is part of county branding initiative
Harry Norman, Sears partner in community yard sale CUMMING, Ga. — The Harry Norman, Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier office and Sears partnered to hold a community-wide yard sale on April 19. Donations raised went to Family Haven, a Forsyth County-based shelter for battered women. Other participants in the event included, LaDonna Hocker with American Home Shield, David Theurer with All County North Metro Property Management, and Ronnie Cooper with Country Financial. Even though the weather did
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not cooperate with the outdoors event, about 300 people attended throughout the day and there were 60 registered sellers. “It’s important to connect and provide as many opportunities for the people in our community to in fact live the American Dream and ‘get ahead,’” said Robert Aiken, senior vice president & managing broker at Harry Norman. “We simply just want to give back to the community in which we serve.” –Aldo Nahed
we serve the public. Therefore, we hope to get as many responses to the survey as possible to help us identify what is important to the community and how they see our county.” The online survey takes a few minutes to complete and is available via a link on the Forsyth County website at www.forsythco.com. It will be available through Thursday, May 8. –Aldo Nahed
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County government is asking the community: “Tell us about your Forsyth County.” The public is being asked to take a brief online survey about the county. The survey is part of a branding effort being undertaken by Forsyth County, an initiative which is slated to include development of a new county logo. The county’s current logo was adopted in 1986. “There are so many positive things to say about our county, and we want to make sure our county materials and logo really reflect that,” said Jodi Gardner, director of communications. “As Forsyth County's current logo the county government, was adopted in 1986.
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Library partners with Kaplan Test Prep
Pinecrest senior signs to play Division I football FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Pinecrest Academy senior athlete Alex Brenner has committed to play football at Presbyterian College (Division I) in Clinton, S.C. Brenner, who will serve as a kicker for Presbyterian, played both varsity
football and soccer for the Pinecrest Paladins. He has been a kicker for the Pinecrest football team for two years, participating in kicking competitions, including Chris Sailer’s National Kicking event, where he
Cumming student selected for Vanderbilt Summer Academy CUMMING, Ga. — Jackson Callis, a seventh-grader at Cornerstone Schools in Cumming, has been accepted to attend the 2014 Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA), a program for academically gifted rising eighth- through 12th- graders, hosted by Vanderbilt University’s Programs for Talented Youth. Students who attend VSA are among the brightest in the country, scoring in the top tier on academic achievement tests such as the SAT and ACT. Callis will be studying astrobiology while at Vanderbilt this summer. —McKenzie Cunningham
placed 19th, and eventually being ranked 40th nationally as a kicker. Brenner has also played club soccer for 12 years at United Futbol Academy (formerly Atlanta Soccer Academy). —McKenzie Cunningham
Career ministry conference to be held at Roswell United Methodist Church ROSWELL, Ga. — On May 9 and 10, the National Career Ministry Conference will be held at Roswell United Methodist Church. The conference, hosted by Roswell United Methodist Church and Crossroads Career Network, is for church pastoral and lay leaders, job clubs, career ministries and workforce development professionals. It will educate attendees on how to help people find jobs, careers and God’s calling.
Attendees will also hear how faith communities are responding to America’s jobs crisis and see how to start and grow a career ministry. The event lasts from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. It includes dinner, breakfast and lunch as well as books and programs. For more information and registration, visit bit. ly/1hS3Z71. —McKenzie Cunningham
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Public Library has partnered with Kaplan Test Prep to offer teens test preparation services and practice. These events, sponsored by Kaplan, are free to the public but do require advance registration as space is limited. On May 3, Kaplan will provide a free practice PSAT test at the Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming. Rising eighth-, ninthand 10th-graders are invited to register to take the practice test, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. Students will receive a comprehensive analysis of their test scores detailing individual strengths and weaknesses. On June 7, Kaplan will provide a sample test at the Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road in Cumming, that will combine the SAT and ACT. The test will mimic the format of real SAT and ACT tests, with 15 minute breaks, proctors and a fourhour format. Teens will receive their scores within two weeks. Parents are invited to return to the Post Road Library on June 24 at 6 p.m. to learn how to interpret their child’s scores and to learn what those scores mean to colleges. To participate in either of these practice tests, teens must register online at the library’s website, www. forsythpl.org. —McKenzie Cunningham
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Little Mill Middle School students with their new garden tower, a vertical composting gardening systems that hold 50 plants in just four square feet.
Little Mill Middle science class wins garden tower FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Students in Jason Norsworthy’s science class won a garden tower for Little Mill Middle School. The Earth Day contest through Reaping Nature Educational Outreach Foundation was open to middle and high school students in Forsyth
County, as well as Cherokee County and North Fulton. The contest asked students to tell Reaping Nature why their school should win a garden tower. “This was a great opportunity for my students to see how they could make a direct impact with our local environ-
ment,” said Norsworthy. Garden towers are vertical composting gardening systems that hold 50 plants in just four square feet. They are made from 100 percent recyclable food-grade plastic and are BPA free. Reaping Nature Productions is an affiliate for the
company. “Garden towers are a durable, easy to maintain, space-saving and affordable way for our schools and others to grow gardens,” said Denise Carleton, founder of Reaping Nature. “We’re excited to be a part of educating and inspiring students about the
nutritional and environmental benefits of growing and eating organic fruits and vegetables. We hope to grow this contest next year.” For more, visit www.reapingnature.org or email Denise Carleton at info@reapingnature.com. — Aldo Nahed
Student recognized by county commissioners FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At their April 17 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized Remington Youngblood for his work in founding Change 4 Georgia, a community service program that provides students with opportunities to thank soldiers and veterans for their service. Youngblood, a seventh-grade student at Riverwatch Middle School, created Change 4 Georgia with the objective of allowing students to get involved in their community, demonstrate loyalty to their country and actively assist the military. — McKenzie Cunningham
From left: District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam, Commission Chairman Pete Amos, District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, Remington Youngblood, District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent.
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HOPE eligibility to be tied to ‘academic rigor’ Students must take advanced courses to receive scholarships By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com ATLANTA – High school graduates will soon face more stringent academic requirements to earn HOPE scholarship money, as changes made a few years ago are set to take place. Legislative changes made to the HOPE scholarship in 2011 will be implemented beginning with the class of 2015, requiring recipients to take at least two “academically rigorous” courses during high school. The requirement increases to three such classes for the class of 2016, then four higher level courses for all recipients beginning for the class of 2017. The list of qualifying courses takes up four pages on the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) website, so options abound for students. However most fall into the categories of advanced, international baccalaureate,
advanced placement, dual enrollment or the upper levels of core courses, such as calculus and genetics. While students who stick only to an “on-level” track may find it difficult to qualify for HOPE, a spokesman for the GSFC noted 90 percent of HOPE recipients last year met the new requirements. “The added rigor is not going to impact a significant number of students,” said Jonathan Stroble, senior manager of external affairs and government relations for the GSFC. “I don’t want to speak on behalf of the legislature, but the idea behind the [changes] is to ensure students are more prepared for the rigors of college.” HOPE – which stands for Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally – is a meritbased scholarship enacted in 1993 by former Gov. Zell Miller and the Georgia General
Assembly to entice the state’s best students to attend Georgia colleges and universities. HOPE eligibility is not tied to financial need, and the program is funded by the revenue from the state lottery. Since 1993, nearly 1.7 million Georgia students have received a total of $7.2 billion through the HOPE scholarship. Awards range from $1,000 to over $3,000 per semester, depending on which of the University System of Georgia schools a student is attending. The program has gone through numerous changes throughout its two-decade existence, most recently in 2011 with House Bill 326. In addition to the requirement for academically rigorous courses, students now have only one chance to regain HOPE funding if they earn below a 3.0 in college, and the funds cannot be used for remedial courses in college. HOPE is also limited to the revenues from the lottery, so the amount available each year may vary. An additional HOPE schol-
I don’t want to speak on behalf of the legislature, but the idea behind the [changes] is to ensure students are more prepared for the rigors of college.” JONATHAN STROBLE Senior manager of External Affairs and Government Relations for GSFC arship – the Zell Miller Scholar Program – was also created in 2011, which provides additional funds for students who meet higher academic accomplishments. HOPE grants are also available for students attending a Georgia technical college – generally community or two-year colleges. Stroble noted a student who maintains a 3.0 average at a technical college for one year is eligible for the HOPE scholarship if they transfer to a four-year college. Counselors with the Fulton County School System have
been aware of the changes to HOPE beginning with the class of 2015 and have worked with students to meet those requirements. School officials note Fulton’s curriculum already encourages students to take higher-level courses. “At this time, we don’t believe the new requirement will pose a hardship for students who wish to pursue the HOPE scholarship. Our students are already receiving opportunities for a highly challenging curriculum,” said Susan Hale, spokesperson for Fulton Schools.
Hiser Orthodontics hosts inaugural 5K
Fire Dept. offers Jr. Academy FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Fire Department is inviting Forsyth County youth interested in learning what it takes to be a firefighter to sign up for a free, weeklong summer camp program. The Junior Fire Academy, which is for rising seventhand eighth-graders, will be held July 28 through Aug. 1. In addition to the weeklong program, the fire department is also welcoming returning candidates who have participated in a previous camp with the department to take part in a special two-day Junior Fire Academy on July 22 and 23. Those attending the Junior Fire Academy will have the opportunity to experience the different aspects of being a career firefighter.
Both programs are free of charge. The Junior Fire Academy programs for both new and returning candidates will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Forsyth County Fire Department headquarters at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex, 3520 Settingdown Road in Cumming. Those interested in attending either Junior Fire Academy must submit a completed application by May 16. The application is available on the department’s page on the Forsyth County website at www.forsythco.com. Space for the programs is limited. For more information, call 770-781-2180, ext. 0. —McKenzie Cunningham
CUMMING, Ga. — Hiser Orthodontics will host an inaugural 5K race in memory of Kali Shay Quinton on May 17. The race will honor the life of Quinton, who worked at Hiser Orthodontics as an assistant. She lost her life in a car accident on Dec. 29, just hours after her wedding. All proceeds from the Kali Shay Quinton Memorial 5K will go toward the Kali Shay Quinton Scholarship Fund. Hiser Orthodontics has created this fund to benefit one student each year from Pickens County High School, where Quinton graduated. The fundraising goal for the inaugural year is $7,000. The race takes place at Hiser Orthodontics located at 285 Elm Street in Cumming. At 8 a.m., registration and check-in will begin, and at 9 a.m., the race starts.
Hiser Orthodontics will host an inaugural 5K race in memory of Kali Shay Quinton who passed away Dec. 29. For more information or to register, call 404-983-7136 or visit active.com and search for “Kali Shay Quinton.” —McKenzie Cunningham
Northside Hospital offers free stroke screenings in May ATLANTA — In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month in May, Northside Hospital is offering free screenings to determine risk for stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Screenings will be offered at the hospital’s campuses in Atlanta, Cherokee and Forsyth. The comprehensive screenings will be administered by health care professionals and will include a risk assessment, blood pressure read-
ing, total cholesterol (HDL, ratio of TC/HDL), glucose, a limited number of carotid ultrasounds and a one-on-one consultation with a health care professional. Sleep apnea screenings and smoking cessation counseling also will be offered at the Forsyth screening. The free screenings will take place: • May 7, 9 a.m. to noon Northside Hospital Cherokee County Conference
Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. • May 17, 9 a.m. to noon Northside Hospital 980 Doctors’ Centre, Ground Floor, Auditorium, 980 Johnson Ferry Road in Atlanta. • May 24, 9 a.m. to noon Northside Hospital-Forsyth Education Center, Third Floor, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive in Cumming. Appointments are required. To register, call 404845-5555 and press “0.”
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Girl Scouts make pillows for cancer patients FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Members of Girl Scout Troop 10806 completed the requirements for their Bronze Award. After troop leader Deanna Granito was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, the girls wanted to honor her through their Bronze Award project. Granito mentioned to the troop that her favorite and most helpful thing after her surgery was a small pillow that helps keep her car’s seatbelt away from the surgery site. The girls decided that they would make these pillows, but none of them knew how to sew. They approached the women’s group at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and recruited volunteers to teach them. The troop raised donations for all of the materials and met on April 12. In 3.5 hours, the girls and volunteers made 135 pillows to donate to the Northside Cancer Center. The Bronze Award is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout (grades 4-5) can achieve. The girls have completed community service hours, collected winter clothes for children in Afghanistan and produced the pillows in order to earn this award. —McKenzie Cunningham
Blotter: Continued from Page 2 self. She asked for her car to be turned over to the man who was with her. He told deputies she has a problem with the drug and he was trying to help her get clean.
Mailbox found set afire CUMMING, Ga. — A man came home from work to find his mailbox on fire, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A man in the 1000 block of Gordon Drive told deputies he pulled into his driveway after work at about 2 p.m. April 17 and the mailbox was burning furiously. Forsyth County Fire Department was called to put out the fire. The victim told deputies there were children in the neighborhood suspected of going around and destroying other mailboxes.
Guns: Continued from Page 1 but he did not break the law. “He has not pulled the gun out,” Rainwater said. “He’s walking around the park with a gun in the holster on the belt.” Rainwater said the law that covers carrying guns in public places such as parks dates back to 2010. But last week, licensed gun owners in Georgia were given more leeway to carry their weapons in places that include bars, schools, churches and some government buildings. Gov. Nathan Deal on
Girl Scout Troop 1086 and volunteers made 135 pillows for cancer patients.
Slashed tires on cars at home CUMMING, Ga. — Four cars parked at a home in the 1700 block of Bristol Trail were found with tires slashed, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A man told deputies April 14 he was staying at his son’s while the son was out of town. He said sometime overnight someone cut the tires on all the cars in the driveway along with the tire of a bicycle in the front yard and another bicycle on the back patio. The man said he is unaware of anyone who might be angry with him, his son or his son’s children. Deputies searched the rest of the neighborhood to see if other cars had cut tires, but none was found.
victims were inside for the service, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident reports. The owner of a 2014 Jeep Wrangler told deputies she parked the car around 5:30 p.m. April 13 at Good Shep-
herd Catholic Church, 3740 Holtzclaw Road. When she and her family returned about an hour later, someone had shattered the passenger window and taken the owner’s purse. Another woman said her
DEATH NOTICES Morgan Broms, 72, of Atlanta, passed away April 21, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Helen Heath Cashin, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away April 21, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Richard S. Davis, 67, of Alpharetta, passed away April 15, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Willard E. Hoffman, 69, of Roswell, passed away April 14, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Catherine Love St. Claire, 64, of Woodstock, passed away April 6, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Alice Gunter, 80, of Gainesville, passed away April 16, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Ray Stuart, 76, of Cumming, passed away April 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Cars broken into at church CUMMING, Ga. — Two cars parked at a church parking lot were broken into while the Wednesday, April 23, signed the state’s “Safe Carry Protection Act,” which some critics call the “guns everywhere bill.” The new law goes into effect July 1 and allows licensed gun owners in the state and visitors from 28 other states to bring a gun into a bar without restrictions and carry a firearm into some government buildings that don’t have security measures. It also allows school districts to decide whether they want some employees to carry a firearm and religious leaders to decide whether to allow licensed gun owners at their church, synagogue or mosque.
2012 Toyota Camry was also broken into while she was inside the church. Likewise, the thieves shattered the passenger window and stole her purse as well. No potential suspects were identified.
Rose Kelan Ellis, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away April 14, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Ann Krumwiede, 91, of Marietta, passed away April 15, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Virginia Vieweg, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away April 15, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Sean Edward Vollrath, 19, of Cumming, passed away April 15, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Douglas Homer Hassell, 58, of Cleveland, passed away April 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Thanh Thi Hoang, 80, of Alpharetta, passed away April 18, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Lisa Marie Berquist Polk, 43, of Cumming, passed away April 19, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Edward F. Scarbrough, 39, of Cumming, passed away April 19, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
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