Forsyth Herald, May 14, 2014 by Appen Media Group

Resists arrest, beats car Woman arrested after outburst ►►page 2

Roswell before Supreme Court

Roswell taken to U.S. Supreme Court by T-Mobile ►►page 4

Advanced voting

Where to vote for the May 20 primaries ►►page 19

Street art on canvas

Artist Lois Brand shares her passion ►►page 16

May 14, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 20

Piney Grove MS track and field wins at county

Main image: Matt Patterson starts his leg of the 4x800-meter relay. Inset: Bryce Jones set a county record in the 100-meter hurdles (15.51).

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — This spring, Piney Grove Middle School’s (PGMS) track and field team won both the middle school boys’ and girls’ county championships, which was held April 22-23, at Forsyth Central High School. This was the fourth straight county title for the boys. PGMS set five county records during the meet: George Najdek in the discus (132-5), Elise Marks, Kaelan Ward, Paloma Jaramillo-Henderson and Louise Tocays in the girls 4x100 relay (51.97), Bryce Jones in the 100-meter hurdles (15.51) and Kaylee Dupont in the 1,600-meter (5:20) and the 800 time (2:29). At the state meet, Piney Grove’s girls earned 42 points, placing second to Oak Hill MS. Overall, PGMS placed second at state with a combined point total of 66.5 points. The girls 4x800 team of Ellen Teeter, Ansley Wiggs, Riley McBride and Dupont ran the top official time in the state this year with a combined

At the county championship, George Najdek, left, and Jared Honey placed first and second in the discus. 10:32. Eighth-graders Najdek and Jared Honey managed to finish first and second in the discus at the county level, and second and fifth at the state level.

Overnight resurfacing to begin on Ga. 9 CUMMING, Ga. — Overnight resurfacing of Ga. 9/Atlanta Highway/Dahlonega Highway from Ga. 20/Buford Highway to Ga. 369/Matt Highway will soon begin. This 5.83-mile-long project was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Company of Marietta for a contract cost of $1.2 million. The project completion date is Nov. 30. The first phase of work is to remove damaged asphalt and rebuild those sections from the

roadway base up. The second phase is resurfacing, and final phase is placing the smooth driving surface. A pilot vehicle will be used to direct traffic through the work zone. Crews will begin patching on Ga. 9 at Ga. 369 and work south in the southbound lane. Once crews reach Ga. 20, they will turn around and patch the northbound lane up to Ga. 369. The contract requires all work will occur overnight from

9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day, Sundays through Fridays. “Please be patient as crews resurface the work,” said Bayne Smith, district engineer. “If the weather cooperates, we expect this work concludes much sooner than the completion dates. Please slow down through the work zone even when crews aren’t present; for your own safety. Most crashes in work zones occur when the work zone is not active.” —McKenzie Cunningham

Tastes so sweet Festival-goers wait in long lines to sample Alpine bakery at the annual Taste of Alpharetta. See story, page 17.

public safety

2 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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CUMMING, Ga. — A woman beat a man’s car with a metal baseball bat and cursed at deputies when they later confronted her, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report from May 1. Michelle Hensley, 47, was charged with criminal damage to the second degree, a felony, and two counts of simple battery, misdemeanors. She was taken to Forsyth County Detention Center. A man in the 7000 block of Pine Court told deputies he was driving home when he saw several dogs standing in the road. He said he slowed down to avoid the dogs, and then heard a woman screaming at him. He could not hear what she was saying, so he continued to drive home.

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.

Assistant coach threatens parent CUMMING, Ga. — A woman alleges she feared for her safety after the assistant coach of her daughter’s team threatened her, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. On May 1, a mother who took her daughter to play a baseball game at Central Park, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, told deputies she asked the assistant coach to be fair with her daughter when coaching. She said there had been arguments before with her daughter and the assistant coach’s daughter in which he had been unsportsmanlike. The mother said she had cheered her daughter on, and the assistant coach said she was a bad parent. He allegedly told her, “If I see you outside the park, you will be a dead woman.” A witness said he heard the assistant coach say that and that “he was out of line.” Deputies talked to the as-

He came back outside a few minutes later, and the same woman, Hensley, was allegedly standing on his property with a baseball bat in hand. She accused him of hitting her dog. She approached him and slapped him the face, and he said he tried to calm her down. Then she allegedly hit his car with the bat several times before walking home. He said he followed her in his car to get her address, and she continued to hit his car as she walked. Deputies later went to her home, but she was not there. They found a bat outside her home that fit the victim’s description. Neighbors who heard the fight con-

firmed the victim’s story, and also agreed the bat they found was the one the woman used. Deputies again tried to confront the woman but her family said she was not home. Deputies later found her hiding in her room. She cursed at them and tried to lock herself in her room. Deputies were able to get inside and handcuff her, but not without a struggle. She continued to curse at deputies after being placed in a patrol car, and kicked the prisoner compartment window while shouting obscenities. Deputies said she also has a warrant out of Cobb County for battery.

sistant coach, and he eventually told them he had threatened the mother. Mark Meister, 47, was later charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, and taken to Forsyth County Detention Center.

He said he was on “life support,” but was later discharged. The man checked his home when he came back from the hospital, but nothing appeared to be missing. He had to replace the door that was broken by the intruder.

Man attacked, left unconscious

Woman accuses ‘friend’ of theft

CUMMING, Ga. — After his release from the hospital, a man said he had been attacked and left unconscious, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A man in the 2000 block of Pilgrim Mill Way told deputies the attack occurred on March 12. He said at about 3 a.m., he awoke to the sound of glass breaking. He went from his bedroom to his living room to confront the intruder. At that time, the man said he was struck by someone he could not see with a blunt object, leaving him unconscious. Deputies said the man was found about five hours later lying in the road outside of his home in a reportedly delusional state. He told deputies he does not remember anything that happened after he left his bedroom until he woke up in the hospital several days later.

CUMMING, Ga. — A woman called 911 after she discovered pills and $55 in cash were missing from her purse. On May 1, deputies were dispatched to a home in the 2000 block of Bethelview Road for unknown trouble. Deputies said the woman was vague talking about the incident and dispatchers had difficulty getting information from her when she called. When deputies arrived, the woman told deputies she gave her friend a ride home. After dropping her off, the woman said she found her empty pill bottle and the cash missing. Deputies talked to the friend and she denied taking the pills. The friend’s daughter was at home when she was dropped off. The daughter told deputies her mother had dropped her purse on the bed after she came inside. Deputies searched the

purse and did not find the pills or cash. The daughter said her mother and the friend had tried to sell the pills earlier that day to get cash. Deputies confronted the woman about the daughter’s story and she eventually said she did try to sell the pills.

$10K in pool furniture damaged CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into a subdivision’s pool house and caused about $10,200 in damage to furniture and showerheads, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A member of the Provence homeowners’ association told deputies the trespasser broke into the pool house off Mont Joli Drive sometime April 29. She said when she went to the pool house on May 1, she found all the pool furniture damaged and unusable. The trespasser went into both bathrooms and tore out the showerheads from the walls. She said it would cost about $10,000 to replace the furniture and another $200 for the showerheads.

See BLOTTER, Page 3

public safety

Local office victim of possible chemical attack

Letter may have contained irritant JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A local woman may have been the victim of a chemical attack May 3 when she opened a mysterious letter. A strange letter arrived at the Reagan Medical Center on Medlock Bridge Road. The manila envelope was simply addressed to the center itself, not to a person. Inside the envelope were two pieces of paper with a letter typed on them. As the victim who opened the envelope was holding the paper to read it, she said her hands began to turn red and she felt a burning sensation in both hands. The CDC was contacted and said the chemical agent could be any number of possible things and will be analyzed. They said since the burning and redness were localized in the victim’s hands, it was not life threatening and no other members of staff should be infected. “The woman was not in respiratory or neurological distress, and was treated and released by her doctor,” said Doug Nurse, Johns Creek Police spokesman. “We have sent the package to the CDC and are awaiting results.” According to police, the letter inside the envelope was a rambling one from a “Shannon M” in Columbia, South Carolina. Office staff said they did not know the sender. —Jonathan Copsey

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 She nor the pool company had any idea who could have caused the damage, and there

are no cameras around the area.

Firefighter finds firearm in road CUMMING, Ga. — A man

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 ►► Hilary Palmer Berman,

35, of Water Mark Drive, Cumming, was arrested April 30 on Bethelview Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and too fast for conditions. ►► Lloyd Richard Lippert, 52, of Waynesville, North Carolina, was arrested May 1 on Market Place Boulevard in Cumming for DUI, speeding and expired license. ►► Saul Hernandez-Montalvo, 28, of Pine Valley Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested May 4 on Strickland Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► William Alton Rainey, 50, of Suwanee was arrested May 3 on Sawnee Drive in Cumming for DUI. claims a firearm found in the road by a firefighter was stolen from his home. In April, a firefighter had found a firearm in the middle of the road in Milton. About two weeks later on April 30, a man called and

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►► Adeniyi Banjo Oduneye,

53, of Stockbridge was arrested May 3 on Highway 9 in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jeffrey Scott Jones, 48, of McAlpin, Florida, was arrested May 3 on Atlanta Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Drug arrests

►► Adam Joseph Robertson,

27, of Joyce Lane, Cumming, was arrested May 1 on John Burruss Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana and failure to maintain lane. ►► Paul H. Buchner, 51, of Indian Mill Court, Alpharetta, was arrested May 1 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and headlight violation. ►► Randall Mark Carlson, 44, of Pine Ridge Circle, Cumming, was arrested April 30 on Pine Ridge Circle in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines and possession of marijuana. reported his $550 Glock was stolen from his home off Royale Court. It had a green frame and black slide, which fit the description of the one the firefighter had found. The man said he does not

►► Reghan Elizabeth Burgess,

29, of Sandstone Court, Cumming, was arrested May 1 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and speeding. ►► Hannah Elizabeth Harkins, 19, of Avensong Village Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested April 26 on Leeward Walk in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items. ►► Robert Lee McLeod, 33, of Mariana Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested April 22 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and suspended license. ►► Richard Remy, 19, of Park Ridge Lane, Roswell, was arrested April 4 on Wood Creek Court in Roswell for possession of schedule I and II controlled substances and loitering. ►► Davis Robert Speltz, 19, of Suwanee was arrested April 5 on Woodstock Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items. know when it was taken, but he called the sheriff’s office when he saw it missing from his closet. He said he sells and trades music equipment and has people in and out of his home often.

news

4 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Supreme Court to hear Roswell case T-Mobile brought suit over denied cell tower [Cities] would be By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com

forced to allow cellular towers in the heart of their residential communities based upon a mere technicality…”

approving towers in the face of strong resident opposition. In early 2010, T-Mobile decided it needed a new tower in Roswell. It went through the planning and zoning process to build a 108-foot-tall tower on a 2.8-acre plot of vacant land on Lake Charles Drive. City staff approved the tower and passed it on to council for final approval on April 12. In a two-hour meeting, council heard both sides of the issue from both residents and T-Mobile before unanimously denying the tower. Residents had mobilized to deny the tower, with the city claiming it had received more than 1,000 complaints against it. T-Mobile contends the city made no effort to inform it about why the tower was denied. The company sued the city seeking to overturn the denial. The Georgia North District Court sided with T-Mobile. The 11th Circuit Court reversed this decision, claiming the city met the legal requirements by providing the meeting minutes. This is a conclusion the court reached with a similar case involving the city of

ROSWELL, Ga. – When Roswell’s City Council denied a T-Mobile cell tower in April 2010, little did they know the case would eventually wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court agreed May 5 to hear arguments from T-Mobile that the city failed to give it proper notification under the law that a proposed tower was denied. The city argued it gave plenty of notification as required under the law in its council meeting minutes. The court will decide whether a written denial with no reasons as to why is enough to satisfy the requirement that such a denial be given in writing. Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, local governments are severely restricted in how they can deny the placement of a cell tower. Concepts such as aesthetics or property values matter less if the telecom company deems the tower necessary for adequate coverage. In recent years, cities have often struggled with

City of Roswell

Milton. In its rebuttal of the arguments, Roswell’s attorneys claim, if T-Mobile won, “it is the local governments who would be harmed, as they would be forced to allow cellular towers in the heart of their residential communities based upon a mere technicality, without regard for the merits of their decisions.” The Supreme Court will hear arguments in its next term, which begins in October.

Rep. Hamilton’s legislation signed into law CUMMING, Ga. — Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 714, a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming), on April 24 at a bill signing ceremony in the governor’s office at the State Capitol. H.B. 714 passed the General Assembly during this year’s legislative session and received the support of business groups across the state. The law corrects a loophole in Georgia’s unemployment

system, which has allowed a handful of companies to abuse the unemployment system. These companies and employees use unemployment benefits to supplement the salaries of seasonal workers. “This new law will create uniformity in administering unemployment benefits across Georgia, ultimately saving businesses $8-10 million annually because of the elimination of a loophole that

benefited a small group of employers and employees,” said Hamilton. “The other part of the bill will allow the Georgia Department of Labor to be more efficient in their processing of claims while preserving an additional $80 million annually in the Unemployment Trust Fund.” Hamilton represents the citizens of District 24, which includes portions of Forsyth County.

He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves as chairman of the Industry and Labor Committee. Hamilton also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Governmental Affairs, Rules and Transportation committees. For more information, visit www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/ en-US/Display/20132014/ HB/714.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 22

ALPHARETTA: Mayfair Subdivision, 185 Fox Grape Lane 30022. Friday 5/16 and Saturday 5/17, 8am-2pm. Moving Sale: Clothes, household and college dorm items, storage shed Alpharetta/Milton: Multi family. 14380 Cogburn Road, just past Cambridge H.S. Friday 5/16 and Saturday 5/17, 8am-3pm. Furniture, household, clothes, jewelry, collectible dolls. Everything must go! CUMMING: Entire Bethelview Downs! Exit 13 between Highway 9 and Castleberry Road. Saturday 5/17, Sunday 5/18, 8:30am-2:30pm. Several moving sales! CUMMING: Entire Barrett Downs Subdivision yard sale! Kelly Mill off Bethelview Roads. Friday 5/16 and Saturday 5/17, 8am-4pm.

CUMMING: Multi family. Peachtree Court Subdivision. HWY 141 and Diplomat Drive 30041. Friday, 5/16, 8AM2PM CUMMING/S. FORSYTH, Creekstone Estates. Friday 5/16 8am-2pm & Saturday 5/17, 8am-1pm. 25+homes. Highway 141/ Peachtree Parkway @ S. Clement Road. (HWY 141 is exit 13 off GA 400) JOHNS CREEK: The Falls of Autry Mill, 610 Falls Lake Drive. Friday 5/16, Saturday 5/17, 8am-2pm. No junk; quality furniture! JOHNS CREEK: Entire Carriage Park Subdivision! Off Sargent Road, between McGinnis Ferry and Jones Bridge Roads 30097. Friday 5/16 and Saturday 5/17, 8am-3pm. All household items!

DEADLINE

Johns Creek: 7255 Amberleigh Way. Saturday 5/17, 8am-2pm. Antiques, rugs, clothes. ROSWELL: Multi family. Bridge To Grace Church. 2385 Holcomb Bridge Road 30076. Saturday 5/17, 9am-3pm. ROSWELL: Multi family. NorthPoint Subdivision, off Coleman Road. Saturday 5/17, 8am-3pm. ROSWELL: Multi family. Whitehall Subdivision, Houze Road between Mansell and Hembree Roads. Saturday 5/17, 8am-3pm. SUWANEE: Entire Olde Atlanta Club! 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway. Saturday 5/17, 8am-3pm. Childrens' clothes and toys, collectibles, sports equipment, antiques, household; something for everyone!

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@northfulton.com

news

Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 5

Alpharetta on AT&T fiber shortlist Company could expand fiber network through city By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta is on the short list to receive AT&T’s new fiber network. The company made the announcement April 21 that it would expand its ultra-fast fiber network to up to 100 candidate cities and municipalities nationwide, including 21 new major metropolitan areas. Included in this list was the Atlanta area, in which Alpharetta was named along with several other satellite communities, such as Decatur, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lithonia,

McDonough, Marietta, Newnan, Norcross and Woodstock. “We’re delivering advanced services that offer conBell Isle sumers and small businesses the ability to do more, faster, help communities create a new wave of innovation and encourage economic development,” said Lori Lee, senior executive vice president of AT&T Home Solutions. “We’re interested

in working with communities that appreciate the value of the most advanced technologies and are willing to encourage investment by offering solid investment cases and policies.” Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said he was excited by the news. “This is consistent with Alpharetta being the Technology City of the South,” he said. The fiber network will deliver AT&T U-verse with GigaPower service, which can deliver broadband speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second and AT&T’s most advanced TV

services to consumers and businesses. Similar to previously announced metro area selections in Austin, Texas, and Dallas and advanced discussions in Raleigh-Durham and WinstonSalem, North Carolina, communities that have suitable network facilities and show the strongest investment cases based on anticipated demand and the most receptive policies will influence these future selections and coverage maps within selected areas. The list of 21 metropolitan area candidates includes: • Atlanta • Augusta, Georgia • Charlotte, North Carolina • Chicago

• Cleveland • Fort Worth, Texas • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Greensboro, North Carolina • Houston • Jacksonville, Florida • Kansas City, Missouri • Los Angeles • Miami • Nashville, Tennessee • Oakland, California • Orlando, Florida • San Antonio • San Diego • St. Louis • San Francisco Califronia • San Jose, California With previously announced markets, AT&T now has committed to or is exploring 25 metro areas for fiber deployment.

New bill helps disabled Georgians, firefighters ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 298 into law on April 24, updating several sections of regulations for the Department of Driver Services including a new way for a person with a disability to get access to special parking services. It allows a doctor’s statement to replace a signed, notarized affidavit as proof for someone to obtain a special parking decal or placard when a notary

public is not present in the doctor’s office. “It is important that Georgians who need access to special parking spaces have a simple way of getting them,” said Sen. Jack Murphy (RCumming), the bill’s sponsor. “This streamlined process removes an obstacle and saves potential headaches.” To apply for a disabled person’s parking decal or placard, take a nota-

Todd

Levent

rized MV-9D form or signed doctor’s statement to the local county tag office. The bill also allows volunteer firefighters to apply for or renew a driver’s license without having to pay a fee. If the firefighter brings a current copy of his or her certification and a letter from the chief executive officer of the official entity that operates the fire department on company letterhead, there will not be the normal $20

processing fee for the application or renewal. “Volunteer firefighters willingly put themselves in harm’s way to make Georgia a safer place to live,” said Murphy. “This is a small gesture from the state to say thank you for their outstanding service and sacrifice.” This portion of the law will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2015. —McKenzie Cunningham

Republican

Four years ago, I campaigned on a promise to keep Forsyth County’s millage rate low and to be fiscally responsible. I have kept that promise. By any standard you wish to apply, our families are better off today than they were four years ago for the following reasons. • We have not had a millage increase in four years; • County reserves have more than doubled and our credit rating has improved to +++A • In July we will open the new state-of-the art animal shelter We accomplished all of this amidst one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression. It is imperative that we grow in a responsible manner within our means. The massive growth we are seeing today happened before my watch. But there is still much to be done. I would like to continue to serve as your commissioner the next four years to help ensure that Forsyth County taxes remain among the lowest, our schools among the best and our community among the safest and most economically successful in the state of Georgia. With those goals in mind, I am proud to announce that I humbly ask for your vote and allow me to serve a second term.

Homeowner Candidate

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6 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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Renasant Bank donates to Jesse’s House FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Renasant Bank recently donated funds from their Blue Jean Friday account to Jesse’s House in Cumming. Jesse’s House is an emergency and longterm shelter for at-risk female youth between the ages of 7 to 17. It provides structured and nurturing care to these youth and offers services to adequately prepare them for their future.

The girls they serve have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect and/or delinquency. Renasant Bank’s donation comes from weekly bank employee contributions to wear jeans on Fridays. These funds go directly to the girls Jesse’s House serves through activities, clothing and nutritious food. —McKenzie Cunningham

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THE RIGHT VALUES. THE RIGHT LEADER. THE RIGHT RESULTS.

For more than 12 years, Sen. Jack Murphy has stood on the front lines to defend our conservative values and protect our individual liberties. With an unwavering commitment to expand tax cuts, reduce wasteful spending and end Washington’s attack on our way of life, Sen. Murphy has a proven record of delivering results. While some candidates make promises, Senator Jack Murphy delivers results: Eliminated the “birthday” car tag tax Reduced wasteful spending by $3 billion Delivered more than $500 million in local transportation Fought to ensure no state tax dollars can be used to implement Obamacare Received a 100 percent approval rating from the American Conservative Union Senator Jack Murphy is the only candidate endorsed by: Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Forsyth County Sheriff Duane Piper Georgia Right to Life National Federation of Independent Businesses National Riﬂe Association Fmr. Senate Candidate Jack Schiff

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Forsyth County Homeowners: Karen Brown, Glencree John Derucki, Three Chimneys Linda and Eric Duncan, Laurel Springs Scott Frederick, Creekstone Jayne and Hector Iglesias Gregory Michaels, St. Marlo Tony Parker, Grand Cascades Carter Patterson, Bridle Ridge

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8 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com

Atlanta author announced as finalist in IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) has announced performance psychologist Dr. Stan Beecham’s first book, “Elite Minds,” as a silver finalist in the 26th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards. Recognized in the category of psychology, “Elite Minds” explores the relationship of the mind to physical performance in order to help read-

ers reach their full potential. Beecham’s work was selected by a panel of judges for excellence in book editorial and design. The winner will be announced during the awards ceremony on May 28 in New York City. The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.

Beecham is an Atlantabased performance psychologist and leadership consultant committed to advancing the science of leadership development. “Elite Minds” is now available in print and eBook at Shop.booklogix.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks and Amazon.com. For more information, visit www.DrStanBeecham.com. —McKenzie Cunningham

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Old Atlanta Park opens spray pad May 24 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The spray pad at Forsyth County’s Old Atlanta Park is scheduled to open May 24, providing a perfect place to cool off this summer. Daily admission for the spray pad is $2 per person (1 year old and up). Annual individual passes are available for $30 and annual family passes are available for $50. The spray pad is slated to remain open for the season through Sept. 1. Hours of operation are

from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Mondays, the spray pad is closed for maintenance and private rentals. Old Atlanta Park, located at 810 Nichols Road, also features a natural playground, a tot-lot for children age 6 and under, two pavilions, a milelong walking trail and a recreation center. For more information, call 770-781-2215 or visit www. forsythco.com/parks.

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 9

Eagle Scout recognized by Forsyth County Commission FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At their May 1 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the accomplishments of Eagle Scout Brantley Charles Smallwood. Smallwood was presented with a resolution from the commissioners in recognition of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Troop 39 in the Northeast Georgia Council, Etowah District of the Boy Scouts of America and is a student at West Forsyth High School. Pictured From left are District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam, Chairman Pete Amos, Brantley Charles Smallwood, District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent. —McKenzie Cunningham

Free driving class held for teens, parents CUMMING, Ga. — As a proud sponsor, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for this year’s P.R.I.D.E. class – parents reducing injuries and driver error. On May 15, the first of several classes planned for 2014 will be held for parents and their new (or soon to be) teen drivers, ages 14-16. “I get excited to be able to get the word out,” said Debbie Arnold of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s traffic special-

ist unit. “This class is so good for teens and their parents.” The class runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Forsyth County Public Safety Training Center, 2310 Keith Bridge Road in Cumming. Arnold said interested persons do not need to live in Forsyth County to sign up and participate. During the class, participants learn what they need to do during the required 40 hours of supervised practice

driving time. Since its inception in 2003, P.R.I.D.E. has reached more than 12,000 families throughout the state. P.R.I.D.E. focuses on helping parents become more aware of their own driving behaviors, teaching parents to help their children become safe drivers and altering attitudes and driving behaviors of novice drivers. P.R.I.D.E. is a two-hour course that is divided into both joint and separate parent and teen sessions. It focuses on

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driver knowledge, attitude and behavior. The opening session discusses seatbelt usage, teen driving facts and stats and crash dynamics. The closing session discusses Georgia’s texting law. Classes we also be held on July 17, Sept. 18 and Nov. 20. Email DAArnold@forsythco.com to register for the free course. For more information, visit www.ridesafegeorgia. org.

10 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

community

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Master gardeners to Workshops offered for host garden tour June 7 small business owners FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Every other year, the Forsyth County Master Gardeners open their private grounds to the public, showcasing a variety of gardens. Seven gardens will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7. Expert master gardeners will be available at each garden location to answer gardening questions as well. Tickets are $15 if purchased before June 5. Day of tour tickets are $20 (cash or check only) and will be available for sale at Cumming Elementary School. Funds from the garden tour support the master gardeners’ demonstration gardens at each of the county public libraries and the Louise Mashburn Native Plant Garden at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. In addition, the gardeners offer research-based advice on planting, growing and

caring for gardens and lawns and provide educational training programs to children in schools and adults in Forsyth County throughout the year. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit fcmg.sharepoint.com or call 770-887-2418. —McKenzie Cunningham

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Atlanta, Keller Williams Realty and Constant Contact have partnered to announce the launch of a free workshop series designed exclusively for small businesses and nonprofits. In honor of Small Business Week, May 12-16, the first workshop is entitled “Build your marketing toolkit: proven marketing techniques for small business growth.” It will be held on May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Keller Williams Realty at 540 Lake Center Parkway, Suite 201, Cumming. The series is designed to provide practical, effective and easy-to-use strategies, tactics and tips to engage and impact potential customers in all the places that matter: the inbox, mobile, social media and the Web. Attendance is free, but seating is limited and registrations are required. To register for the first workshop on May 16, visit www.northfulton.com.

2014 future workshop dates All workshops are from 9 to 11 a.m., and will take place at Keller Williams Realty, 540 Lake Center Parkway, Suite 201, Cumming. • Thursday, June 19 “Email and social engagement campaigns that drive action.” Simple strategies to make your email and social marketing more effective. • Thursday, Aug. 21 “A morning of social media.” Why use it, which channels to use and what to say. • Friday, Sept. 19 “Creating offers and promotional campaigns that drive action.” Increase and reward loyalty while attracting new customers to your door. • Thursday, Oct. 16 “Event marketing campaigns that drive action.” Create and promote events that create loyalty and attract new customers. • Thursday, Nov. 20 “Customer insight and research campaigns that drive action.” Using feedback and surveys to get valuable insights and drive growth.

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11 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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GoWaiter: Dine-in food delivered Restaurant meals delivered fast By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Tom Vooris knows going out to eat at a restaurant is not always convenient. Plus, if he’s having a party, he’d much rather enjoy time with guests than laboring over a hot stove. Enter GoWaiter.com, a franchise service that allows anyone to order off the menu from a list of established local restaurants – and not just pizza or Chinese food. Vooris and his wife, Laura, were immediately hooked. “It’s a place that gives you the ability to order from restaurants that would not have delivered to you,” Vooris said. “You’re not just getting the conveyor belt pizza, or that local Chinese delivery. You have the opportunity to get any cuisine you’d like.” Vooris had retired from the mortgage industry and was volunteering for a foster children’s group until it closed when he discovered the GoWaiter franchise he always used was up for sale. Vooris met with GoWaiter’s CEO and ended up buying that franchise in Duluth and two others – one that covers Alpharetta and Roswell and another that covers central Gwinnett County. “I went from retired to no time for myself,” said Vooris. Vooris and his wife have

run GoWaiter for about a year, and said they couldn’t be happier with new restaurant additions and a growing client list. The service adds new varieties of food each month, delivering American, Moroccan, Chinese and Indian fusion, Thai food, Mexican, Asian, Greek, Mediterranean and “just about everything under the sun.” “We have a very good working relationship with our restaurant partners,” he said “They love the extra sales.” For a customer craving something different, it’s easy: go to www.gowaiter.com, enter a zip code and the menus for available restaurants appear. Scroll to find a restaurant and click to have it delivered. The service costs about $4.99 to $8.99 depending on how far the driver has to travel. A household or office can even order from different restaurants. Expect about an hour for delivery, sometimes a little longer if a restaurant is busy and backed-up on orders. But with a little forethought, meal planners can serve at any hour they wish. “Before us, you’d have to drive there and you knew you still were going to wait,” Vooris said. “This way, you get to have the same food brought to your house, while you’re chilling.” Vooris also gives back to causes he’s passionate about, including mentoring, March of Dimes and a recent fundraiser for a Gwinnett Medical mobile neonatal intensive care unit ambulance to specifically treat premature babies.

Restaurants using Alpharetta.GoWaiter.com Annie’s Italian Kitchen Your Pie Roswell Moe’s Windward and Milton Fishook Grille On the Border Slope’s BBQ Roswell Dal Cuore Restaurant Shane’s Rib Shack Simon’s Chinese Lime Juice Thai Hudson Grille McAlister’s Deli Altobeli’s Italian Seven Seas Twisted Taco Windward & Johns Creek Chili’s Windward Good Grub Subs Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Vooris is a father to triplets who were born prematurely. If it weren’t for the hospital being equipped with lifesaving gear,

Luv-a-Bowl Acai Bowl Cafe Mirko Pasta Gyro Bros Abhiruchi Indian Thai Star Café Stax Burger Bar Haiku Sushi Grand Champion BBQ Zola Italian Bistro Café Efendi Mediterranean Paradise Biryani Buca di Beppo Italian Papouli’s Mediterranean Mama’s Pizza La Cazuela Mexican Mambo’s Café Firefly Tin Drum Asia Café

one of the babies may have died. “We are very community oriented and children to me,

that’s our future,” Vooris said. “We always try to give back. That’s why we run these specials.”

12 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Advertising for your small business Are you promoting your small business with advertising? Do your ads reach the right buyers? Are your advertising messages attracting new customers? For many small businesses, advertising is one of the top ways to attract new customers. The best starting point for advertising is to utilize current media assets you already have, like your website. Having a website that promotes your products and services, rather than just displaying information about what you do, will help draw in new customers. The same holds true with social media sites, like Facebook. Local newspapers, like the one you’re reading now, are also a great option. Small businesses, whose customer base is close by, can achieve a very large reach with newspapers that are delivered to everyone in town for free. For some small businesses, flyers make a lot of sense. A bulk mailing of flyers to potential local customers has been a tried and true means of advertising for small businesses for years. More expensive options are radio and television. Depending on the product or service you sell, this may be the best option versus other choices you have. There are plenty of advertising agencies that can help you determine which medium is best for you, or you can learn a lot by going online and reading about the pros and cons of all advertising options. Advertising is critical to help you grow your small

GOT BUSINESS NEWS! Email your business news with photo(s) to

Business@ NorthFulton.com

Dick Jones

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

business, so spend some time selecting the medium that will give you the biggest success.

BusinessPosts

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‘Beyond the Launch’ gives busines

Joellyn Sargent helps entrepreneurs build a bu MILTON, Ga. – Milton-based Claravon Consulting Group announced the release of a new book by the firm’s founder and president, Joellyn ‘Joey’ Sargent. “Beyond the Launch: The Practical Guide to Building a Business that Thrives” addresses the challenges that business owners face after the excitement of opening day wears off, even if that day was years ago. As one who has personally lived through the ups-and-downs of running a business, Sargent said she understands the issues owners face when balancing day-to-day operational needs with the dream of a thriving business. Her work with startup owners and estab-

lished companies inspired her to write “Beyond the Launch” with the aim of helping entrepreneurs get the magic back so they can love what they do. The book offers practical advice and simple exercises for business owners to crystallize their thinking. “Beyond the Launch” covers a wide range of topics that are essential for business success, from strategy, marketing and social media to building teams and improving performance. “There are lot of books on how to start a business,” Sargent said, “but what about later, when problems pop up or you’re having trouble building momentum?

“‘Bey find the stuck an “Bey sational is Sarge Her a ence as ment co includin Sarg entrepre blend th perspec growth.

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com

esses a boost

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 13

New construction or resale: four factors to consider

usiness they love

yond the Launch’ helps entrepreneurs e clarity and focus they need to get unnd accelerate growth,” she said. yond the Launch” is written in a converl style peppered with “tough love” that ent’s trademark. approach draws on 26 years of experia marketing executive and manageonsultant, working with major firms ng UPS, PGI and BellSouth (now AT&T). gent’s unique mix of big company and eneurial experience enables her to he best of both worlds, sharing fresh ctives and proven methods for business

BusinessPosts

Joellyn 'Joey' Sargent

A recent survey conducted by Trulia last month shows that twice as many people prefer a new home over an existing home. The key factor here is, they prefer new homes for the same price. This fact is important because Trulia also reported that on average new homes are 20 percent more expensive than existing homes. Digging further into the numbers, only 17 percent would prefer a new home and pay more than they would for an existing home. It’s never really an apples-

Robert Strader

Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty

to-apples comparison, but there are some factors to consider when deciding on new versus resale. The community: New homes tend to be built on smaller lots and builders often clear all the trees allowable. Existing communities will have mature landscaping and will often have larger lots, giving you more space between homes. Features: While existing homes can be updated, there are usually some original features where everything on a new home will be brand new. New homes can offer you the ability to customize as well, but keep in mind that most customization will cost you more money. Maintenance: There will be more potential maintenance issues with an older home but you can buy, or ask a seller to provide, a home warranty that will help mitigate the cost of those maintenance issues. That said, a new home will, by default, present fewer maintenance issues initially. Size: Square footage will vary between builders’ plans and the many existing homes you look at, but you may want to focus on the areas that you’ll find the greatest differences. Secondary bedrooms tend to be smaller in newer homes. The size and layout of family rooms and kitchens will vary and decks are almost always smaller on newer homes.

14 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

BusinessBriefs

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Homework station opens on Windward Business: Homework Station Opened: December 2013 Owner: Marie Domino What: Homework Station provides tutoring, drop-in child care and mommy and me classes designed to engage and inspire a love for learning. Our tutors offer group or individual services tailored to your child’s needs. Drop off your children for an activity night while you enjoy an evening to yourself. Our leadershipfocused summer camps will challenge and engage campers for a lifetime. Where: 3070 Windward Plaza in Alpharetta Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday Call: 678-691-4573 Email: homeworkstat@yahoo.com Web: www.homework-station.com

The Vintage Styled Life opens in historic Roswell Business: The Vintage Styled Life Opened: April 2014 Owner: Davina Cates What: The Vintage Styled Life is a home mercantile specializing in vintage and vintageinspired home decor and gift items from small batch pro-

ducers. The Vintage Styled Life also provides vintage rentals. Where: 39 Oak St. in Roswell Hours: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Call: 678-523-1556 Web: www.thevintagestyledlife. com

Etris Kitchen re-opens in Roswell Name: Etris Kitchen and Bar Opened: 2013, but reopened April 2014 Owner: Massi Mekhmoukh What: Bringing wood-fire oven cooking to Roswell with pizza and seafood in a casual dining experience. Where: 12020 Etris Road in Roswell Hours: From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call: 770-545-8650 Website: www.etriskitchen.com

Retail and interior design The District Salon and Events business comes to Alpharetta opens in historic Roswell Name: The Porch on South Main Opened: November 2013 Owner: Lynn Morley What: The Porch on South Main is a retail and interior design business featuring furniture, antiques and home accessories and wearables. It offers items from around the world, from estate sales and from “pickers” that look for unique, interesting and one-of-a-kind accessories. The company’s desire is to marry conventional with unconventional; antiques with the contemporary; pretty with the edgy. The Porch also offers interior design consulting and project implementation starting from concept to the finishing touch. Where: 531 South Main St. in Alpharetta Hours: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Phone: 770-686-3794 Email: info@theporchonsouthmain.com Website: www.theporchonsouthmain.com

Business: The District Salon and Events Opened: February Owners: Mikka Orrick and Jessica Szabo What: The District is a full-service salon in historic Roswell. The events side of The District serves as a spot for hosting events, whether it’s a girls’ night out, bachelorette party or bridal shower. Where: 940 Canton St., Suite B, Roswell Hours: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call: 770-992-5696 Web: www.thedistrictsalon.com

Become a member today for as low as $175/yr! Nation’s #6 Fastest Growing City U.S. Census Bureau (2013)

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JOIN TODAY!

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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 »

SILK frontman Gary “’Lil G” Jenkins leaves the large arena and performs an intimate,one-of-a-kind, up close concert for his fans at The Velvet Note. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. May 23. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 855-583-5838 or visit thevelvetnote.com.

ANGELA REIGN - A BENEFIT CONCERT TO SALUTE OUR TROOPS

Come out to the Red Clay Theater for a Benefit Concert by Angela Reign to provide support to our soldiers and their families who support them with financial assistance with food, rent, utilities and medical expenses. 8 – 9:30 p.m. May 22. 3116 Main St., Duluth. Please call 678-892-6373 or visit eddieowenpresents.com.

The Roswell Fine Art Alliance announces their spring members show, hosted by Jackson Accura and on display for viewing and purchase in the showroom lobby. May 17 – June 7. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 10900 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Please call 770650-4000 or visit rfaa.org.

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.

DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in “Disney On Ice.” You'll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. 7:30 – 10 p.m. Through May 18. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Please call 770-813-7500 or visit gwinnettcenter.com.

‘THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION’

GARY "LIL G" JENKINS

In the first show of its kind, R&B superstar and

EVENTS »

ROSWELL FINE ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBERS SHOW

‘CHARLOTTE’S WEB’

Born and raised in Conyers, Marcus Printup is now a nationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter. Now a performer and educator with the Lincoln Center, Printup will be coming to the Velvet Note for two nights. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. May 16 – 17. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 855-583-5838 or visit thevelvetnote.com.

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.

ART »

THEATER »

JAZZ TRUMPETER MARCUS PRINTUP

calendar

For decades, they've been part of our families — Lucy Ricardo, Ralph Kramden, George Burns, Ed Sullivan and the Golden Girls. Now, the Georgia Senior Follies pay tribute to these and other fabulous characters in "The Golden Age of Television." Don’t miss

FRIENDS OF THE ROSWELL LIBRARY BOOK SALE Just in time for summer reading, join your friends and neighbors for the first ever 4-day Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale at the Roswell Library. The sale will have thousands of choices for all reading tastes including a treasure trove of art, religion, travel and great children’s books in paperback, hardback, and DVDs. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. May 15 and 17 – 18. Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 115 Norcross St., Roswell. Please call 770-640-3075 or visit forl.net.

ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOOK FAIR

A book fair hosted by the Roswell Historical Society at Barnes and noble Bookstore. Author Cindi Crane will be present each day to sign her book, “Roswell Redemption.” There will also be children’s activities and readings. A portion of all sales will benefit the Roswell Historical Society and its community projects. 1 – 4 p.m. May 17 – 18. 7660 North Point Parkway Suite 200, Alpharetta. Please call 770-640-3253 or visit roswellhistoricalsociety.org.

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 15

challenged by reigning American Laughing Champion, Julie Ostrow and a man with a laugh so crazy he’s been dubbed “The Montreal Maniac.” Laughing Championships are a relatively new phenomenon which started in Canada in 2011 but have spread around the world. In contests, people with a talent for contagious laughing, demonstrate their ability to crack up an audience through series of hilarious challenges. 9 - 10:30 p.m. May 17. 450 Capitol Ave., Atlanta. Please call 770-843-0940.

The most contagious laughers in the world will converge on Atlanta for a hilarious competition of major proportions at the American Laughing Championships. Doug Collins, known as “The man with the Most Contagious Laugh in the World,” is slated to compete. He will be

STYX AND FOREIGNER

Spawned from a Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, STYX would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype. 8 p.m. May 24. At Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-0102 or visit vzwamp. com

MUDCAT AT MATILDA'S

ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER

A BBQ sandwich fundraiser for hosted by American Legion Cumming Post 307. Come see Military hardware and support our veterans affairs and Americanism youth programs in Forsyth county; Boys State, Oratorical Contest, NFHS ROTC and rifle team, Boy Scouts and others. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 17. In front of the Wal-mart on Market Place Blvd., Cumming. Please call 770-887-5708.

Mudcat is one of Atlanta's favorite blues musicians and a tremendous slide guitarist. Bring your own food and drinks, a chair and some friends and enjoy. 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. May 17. 377 South Main St., Alpharetta. Please call 770-7547831 or visit matildascottage.com.

FOP SHOOT AND RIDE POKER RUN

The Sgt. David P. Land Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #82 is holding a Shoot and Ride Poker Run. Proceeds go to benefit the children of fallen officers in the area. 9 a.m. May 17. 11480 Ga. 9, Roswell. Please visit dplandlodge82. org.

“PEANUT BUTTER BOOK” HOBBY LOBBY BOOK SIGNING

Terry Dodd will be signing her book “Peanut Butter Book” in support of the non-profit organization There’s Hope for the Hungry. There’s Hope for the Hungry is a group that provides food for the needy of north Georgia. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 17. Hobby Lobby, 655 Atlanta Road #401, Cumming. Please call 770-889-4591.

RACES AND BENEFITS » AMERICAN LAUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Top Five EVENTS

ATLANTA BALLET’S "MAYHEM”

The Atlanta Ballet’s 87th season finale, “MAYhem,” will feature three pieces. The performances promise to “catapult over the boundaries of contemporary dance.” Show times vary. May 16 – 18. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Please call 404-892-3303 or visit atlantaballet.com.

2014 CHILDREN'S HEALTH EXPO This is a free event for everyone. Several healthrelated areas will be represented: pediatrician, pediatric dentist, children's therapy, healthy eating, martial arts, dance, audiologist, chiropractor, healthy habits and safety. Noon – 4 p.m. May 17. 450 Brannon Road, Cumming. Please call 678-455-8614 or visit childhealthexpo. com.

KIDS' FISHING DAY

The NPS will provide fishing poles made of river cane. All that's left to do is to swing the hook out into the water, relax, and wait for the fish to start biting.Reservations are required. 9 – 11 a.m. May 24. 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs. Please call 678-538-1200 or visit nps.gov.

16 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com

JC artist revels in pop, hip-hop, graffiti styles By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Lois Brand has a houseful of art in her Johns Creek home that she has produced over the years, but like most artists, she just can’t stop. “It’s the most fun I have,” Brand said. Her current theme is graffiti art, a style that mimics street artists who use the urban streets for a canvas. Yet her graffiti uses traditional canvases to convey themes that are meaningful to her. Brand did not start out to be a painter. She said she had always been a “passionate” singer. She had taken voice lessons at the New England Conservatory of Music and was invited to sing with the Boston Symphony. But she developed another passion for art that led her to the School for Visual Arts in Manhattan and a career as a commercial illustrator. She did posters for Elizabeth Taylor and the Italian director “Dino” De Laurentiis. Life has brought her to live in Johns Creek for the last 19 years. Her latest commercial venture is to produce hip hop and graffiti art for a Londonbased graphics company to reproduce for the European market. She has had shows in Germany, Poland and Italy. “They want to take the graffiti paintings and reproduce them on pillows, coffee mugs and prints,” Brand said. She admits that the work is more commercial than fine art, but finds expression in doing it. “I try to imagine what it was like to be 25 again, then paint what I want. If it interests me, that is what I paint,” she said. “Graffiti is that inner monster in all of us that wants to break free.” Brand has sold her work to Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen King and OutKast – in which her paintings interpreted the band’s songs – and has had

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Lois Brand loves the graffiti art she creates. One of her pieces hangs in her living room. her work in museums in such diverse places as the University of Pittsburgh and in Mexico. One Brand picture hangs in Mayor Mike Bodker’s office. She has also worked with the family of Jimi Hendrix for the Hendrix Experience Museum in Seattle. She does portrait series based on themes that interest her. The “Artists” series consists of portraits of artists done the style in which they painted – Chagall, Monet, Picasso – so that their art itself is part of the portrait. She has done another series on authors. Brand would like to see one project, a series she calls

“Women of Peace,” put in schools to inspire young girls. “I think what these series show is that these are ordinary looking people, but they have done extraordinary things. Maybe that will inspire other ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” Brand said. Art can be a spark that lights a fire in someone that they didn’t know was there all along. It can give people a voice, she said. “Ultimately, I would like my art to document the culture of our times,” she said. “My paintings are like the cavemen leaving little notes on the wall of what their lives were like.”

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 17

Annual block party draws crowds, food By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – One of the largest events in North Fulton is the annual Taste of Alpharetta, held this year May 8 in downtown Alpharetta. After 24 years, the event is bigger and better than ever. More than 50 local restaurants set up booths, and local businesses hocked their wares to the thousands of people who attended the afternoon event on a warm, partly cloudy day. “It’s a great event,” said Alpharetta resident John Harris

beside the Figo Pasta booth. “There’s always something new. I’ve never tried butternut squash, but it’s good. I had never heard of this place, but it’s tasty.” For Chris Cusimano, this is his fifth year at the Taste with Cuzi Fresh Café and he plans to keep coming back. “We get a lot of business from it. It’s good recognition and advertising,” said Cusimano. “For the small momand-pop stores trying to grow, this gives us the chance to be real competition with the big franchises.”

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Bite Bistro and Bar took home the award for Best Appetizer or Salad. With them is Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle, far right.

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Alex cooks up some meat for the gyros at Seven Seas Mediterranean Café.

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Alpharetta residents John Harris, left, and David Harris enjoy some of the food from Figo Pasta at the Taste of Alpharetta.

Ray Appen/Staff

Cliff Smith and his daughter stop to talk with a vendor.

Thousands turned out at The Taste of Alpharetta.

A family enjoys a few pieces of cake from Alpine Bakery.

Ray Appen/Staff

community

18 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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Master gardeners and Sawnee Woman’s Club partner for rain garden FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Master Gardener extension volunteers, working with students from Forsyth Central High School and the Sawnee Woman’s Club, recently partnered for the installation of a rain garden outside the public records offices at the Juvenile Justice Center. Rain gardens are landscape enhancements that reduce flooding, increase water quality and conserve water. This rain garden captures about 600 gallons of rainwater runoff from the office building roof with each rain event. Over the next 24-48 hours, the rainwater slowly infiltrates the soil to recharge underground aquifers. Before the rain garden was built, this water was piped to the parking lot, adding to the problem of excess, polluted water flooding into streams. —McKenzie Cunningham

varsity briefs Send us your news! Email to news@forsythherald.com More Info: 770-442-3278

College of William and Mary WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Alexandra Coble, Lauren Coble and Alexa Silva, all residents of Alpharetta, were recently named to the Dean’s List at the College of William and Mary for the fall 2013 semester. In order to achieve Dean’s List status, a student must earn at least a 3.6 grade point average during the semester.

Clemson University CLEMSON, S.C. – Sigma Alpha Lambda announced that Amanda Karyn Gauger of Alpharetta recently was recently named a member of the national leadership and honors organization at its Clemson University chapter. The following local residents have been named to the President’s List or Dean’s List at Clemson University for the fall 2013 semester. To

be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 grade point average. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale. President’s List Alpharetta: Morgan Assenmacher, political science; Caroline Bond of Alpharetta, food science; Helen Kalley, health science; Taylor Postell, management; Thomas Ryan, electrical engineering; Candice Sinisgalli, management. Cumming: Taylor Godfrey, construction science and management; Emily Sparkman, history. Duluth: Cooper Burdick, pre-business; Callie Pate, marketing. Johns Creek: Ross Beppler, electrical engineering; Spencer Clark, wildlife and fisheries biology; Elizabeth Shevlin, elementary education; Allison Tanzy, elementary education. Roswell: Morgan Edmondson, civil engineering; Mallory Gray, nursing; Maxwell Hoelzen, electrical engineering; Sarah Lyle, nursing; Hubert Smith,

biological sciences. Suwanee: Meghan Anderson, nursing; Sarah Kelley, communication studies; Howard Martin, electrical engineering; Melissa Moore, economics; Lauren O’Donnell, microbiology. Dean’s List Alpharetta: Brandon Baston, civil engineering; Kaylyn Bidwell, nursing; Clayton Cheek, construction science and management; Matthew Gabriel, industrial engineering; Amanda Gauger, marketing; Ashley Gentry, nursing; Benjamin Hirschland, financial management; Melanie Magazine, psychology; Kevin McCarthy, management; Ashley Orr, biological sciences; Alyse Pratt, industrial engineering; Rebecca Ruiz, psychology; Kara Wilson, elementary education. Cumming: Nicholas Brademeyer, financial management; Stephen Hamby, mechanical engineering; Andrew Johnston, mechanical engineering; Briana Smith, psychology. Duluth: Julianne Ciaramello, marketing; Benjamin Doherty,

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computer information systems; Tyler Martin, biological sciences; Tyler Teague, financial management. Johns Creek: Robert Calvert, biochemistry; Taylor Walton, graphic communications. Roswell: Darcy Hannon, marketing; Tanner Hayes, pre-business; Stephen Wilkerson, communication studies. Suwanee: Clare Kelley, English; Abigail Lee, psychology; Lydia Melin, civil engineering.

Georgia Tech ATLANTA – Alisha Kasam, a 2008 graduate of Roswell High School and a recent resident of Milton, has graduated from Georgia Tech with highest honors in mechanical engineering. She is currently doing research for the BMW Corporation in Munich, Germany, as part of a Fulbright Scholarship to the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Following the completion of the Fulbright year, Kasam will begin another of the most prestigious scholarships in the world – the Churchill Scholarship in Cambridge, England. This fully funded scholarship selects only 14 U.S. recipients each year; the last winner of this scholarship from Georgia Tech was in 2004. Kasam is very involved in social work, serving in a soup kitchen in Munich, and is an avid runner and traveler.

University of Mary Washington FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Paige A. Weinberg of Alpharetta, was named to the University of Mary Washing-

ton’s Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2013-14 academic year. To be placed on the Dean’s List, Weinberg, a junior, had to earn at least a 3.5 grade point average.

Virginia Tech BLACKSBURG, Va. – The following were named to the Virginia Tech Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester. Dean’s List students must earn at least a 3.4 grade point average. Natalie J. Derajtys of Alpharetta is a junior majoring in marketing management in the Pamplin College of Business. Griffin T. Shaw of Milton is a senior majoring in geosciences in the College of Science. Amy C. Lewis of Johns Creek is a junior majoring in public and urban affairs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Neel B. Bhatia of Alpharetta is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. Kennedy L. Bryan of Alpharetta is a sophomore majoring in fine arts in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. Karen P. Laiacona of Suwanee is a senior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Matthew R. Phillips of Roswell is a senior majoring in economics in the College of Science. James S. Lavinder of Roswell is a freshman majoring in general engineering in the College of Engineering. Daniel J. Kim of Johns Creek is a freshman majoring in university studies at Virginia Tech.

See VARSITY, Page 20

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Advanced voting information FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Advance voting for the May 20 General Primary and NonPartisan General/Special Election will be available through Friday, May 16. Voters can visit one of five advanced voting locations including: • Forsyth County Administration Building;110 E. Main Street, Cumming, 30040 • Cumming City Hall; 100 Main Street, Cumming, 30040 • Hampton Park Library; 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, 30041

• Midway Park Community Building; 5100 Post Road, Cumming, 30040 • Sharon Springs Park Community Building; 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming, 30041 (please note parking is limited due to construction) Due to changes in precinct boundary lines and polling locations your voting precinct and/or polling location may have changed. For more election information, including details about voting by mail, call 770-781-2118, ext. 9 or visit www.forsythco.com –A.J. McNaughton

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 19

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Forsyth County Precincts and Voting Locations 1. Big Creek; First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming 30041 2. Brandywine; Calvary Chapel 200 James Rd., Alpharetta 30004 3. Browns Bridge; Browns Bridge Community Church 3860 Browns Bridge Rd., Cumming 30041 4. Chestatee; Harmony Grove Baptist Church 5470 Keith Bridge Rd., Cumming, 30041 5. Coal Mountain; Coal Mountain Park Community Building 3560 Settingdown Rd., Cumming 30028 6. Crossroads; Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Rd. , Cumming 30041 7. Cumming; Cumming City Hall 100 Main St., Cumming 30040 8. Mashburn; Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Hwy., Cumming 30041

9. Midway; Midway Park Community Building 5100 Post Rd., Cumming 30040 10. Heardsville; Sawnee Mountain Park Community Bldg. 3995 Watson Rd., Cumming 30028 11. Otwell; First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Dr., Cumming 30040 12. Old Atlanta; Olde Atlanta Clubhouse 5745 Olde Atlanta Pkwy., Suwanee 30024 13. South Forsyth; Sharon Springs Park Community Building 1950 Sharon Rd., Cumming 30041 14. Windermere; Windermere Lodge 4444 Front Nine Dr., Cumming 30041 15. Concord; Concord Baptist Church 6905 Concord Rd., Cumming, 30028 16. Polo; Grace Chapel Church of Christ 6755 Majors Rd., Cumming 30040

20 | May 14, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

opinion

Letter to the editor »

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Letter to the editor »

Resident: elected officials Rep: State, county deaf to complaint projects separate issues Recently, Rep. Mark Hamilton told a group concerned about the widening of Highway 20, “They will listen to you if you get involved.” Unfortunately, we have experienced the opposite with the widening of Castleberry Road. Despite hundreds of emails, phone calls, meetings and attempts to get involved, Rep. Hamilton and the Board of Commissioners accelerated the widening of a road that has little to no traffic. Castleberry Road has less than 7,100 vehicles per day. Our county guidelines say a road should be widened when it reaches 14,500 vehicles per day. So while people are sitting in gridlock all over the county, wasting hundreds of thousands of hours that could be spent elsewhere, our elected officials are ramming through a widening project on a road with less than half the volume required before widening. In fact, if the county grows as it has over the last 10 years, Castleberry would not require widening until 2067. Just months after voting not to widen the road, Commissioner Pete Amos told a TV reporter the reason he was changing his vote was “different commissioners.” Is that really a reason to change a vote? This is not the principled leadership we need. Ga. 9 and Ga. 400 are radically in need of widening and the fact we have elected representatives focusing on pet projects like this is an insult to those sitting in traffic every day. Many have

...While people are sitting in gridlock all over the county, wasting hundreds of thousands of hours that could be spent elsewhere, our elected officials are ramming through a widening project on a road with less than half the volume required before widening. speculated this is being done to serve some sort of special interest, which is all too common in politics. This is the reason TSPLOST was struck down, and if citizens see continued waste of funds we may not pass another SPLOST in the county and they may see voters send them off to early retirement as well. –Robert A. Rorke, Cumming

Varsity: Continued from Page 18

University of Tennessee KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Johns Creek native and University of Tennessee volleyball newcomer Claudia Coco garnered her fourth All-American accolade for her 2013 high school senior season as she was recognized as a 2013 PrepVolleyball.com High School All-American. She was also named 2013 Under Amour All-American Honorable Mention, 2013 Max Preps High School All-American and 2013 American Family Insurance All-USA volleyball team.

Fairfield University FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Hayley FitzPatrick, a resident of Johns Creek, was named to the Dean’s List at Fairfield University for the fall 2013 semester. To be selected for the

Dean’s List, a student must attain a grade point average of at least 3.5.

Harding University SEARCY, Ark. – Robert Paschall of Cumming recently graduated from Harding University with a business administration bachelor’s degree in management information systems.

Wheaton College WHEATON, Ill. – Wheaton College students Elizabeth Schriver of Alpharetta, Deborah Kim of Johns Creek and Emily Bopp of Alpharetta were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester. Dean’s List honors are earned by students who achieve at least a 3.5 GPA.

Radford University RADFORD, Va. – Stephen Michael Hudgens of Alpharetta has been named to the fall semester Dean’s List at Radford University. Hudgens, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Hudgens, is a junior account-

Once again, another one of my opponent’s supporters, this time Bob Rorke, is confused about the facts. One is left to wonder if this is simply ignorance of the facts or an intentional attempt to mislead the public. To clarify for your readers, here are the facts: SR 20 is a state road, and improvements must be paid with state funds. I was asked to speak by Lake Astoria residents at their HOA Clubhouse on April 30 concerning the SR 20 Improvement Project. At that meeting, I encouraged residents to sign up online so they would be notified about the July public meeting on SR 20 in Cherokee and Forsyth counties and the corresponding public comment period afterwards. Under federal and state law, all related comments will be considered during the environmental study period. Bob is confusing the state-funded SR 20 project with the county-managed Castleberry Road improvement project. Again, we are left to wonder if this is simply ignorance or intentional deception. While there are some who do not like the Castleberry Road plan, this project was approved by Forsyth County voters in the 2003 SPLOST. Accordingly, over $9 million of SPLOST tax funds have already been spent on planning, engineering and right-ofway acquisition for this project and the county bid solicitation process has started. If he has a problem with that project, he should speak with Forsyth County commissioners and staff, as it is their project that they have been working on since 2003.

I have been and will continue to work as hard as I can to secure needed road funding to reduce traffic gridlock in Forsyth County. He may also be interested to learn that the state has spent $133 million on Forsyth County roads over the last five years, which is 14 percent higher per capita than all other counties. Working with the rest of our legislative delegation and the Georgia Department of Transportation, I have been able to increase our funding even higher, and the state will spend an additional $134 million on Forsyth County roads over the next three years, at an ever higher percentage than before. Included in this total is $30 million for the planning, engineering and right-of way-acquisition for widening of SR 9 from the Fulton County line to SR 20 as that project is started. These are facts, not conspiracy theories or uninformed rants. I have been and will continue to work as hard as I can to secure needed road funding to reduce traffic gridlock in Forsyth County. I am always available to the voters to discuss the facts concerning road improvements in Forsyth County. I can be contacted anytime through my website at VoteHamilton.com. –Rep. Mark Hamilton

ing and finance major. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have a grade point average of 3.4 or above.

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BELOIT, Wisc. – Daniel Collins of Johns Creek recently graduated from Beloit College after the fall 2013 semester.

STATESBORO, Ga. – Andrew D. Johnson of Cumming was recognized on the Georgia Southern University President’s List for earning a grade point average of 4.0 for the fall 2013 term. Johnson is a graduate of Forsyth Central High School. In addition, Jesse House, a pre-interior design major from Alpharetta, was named to the 2014 Georgia Southern Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) team. SOAR leaders help orient new students and their families to Georgia Southern during the summer SOAR sessions. John Alexander Stevenson has been inducted into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. He is a student at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, and has a 3.8 grade average.

University of Delaware NEWARK, Del. – Jason Derene of Milton and Laura George of Alpharetta were both named to the University of Delaware’s Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester. To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a GPA of 3.33 or above.

Young Harris College YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Darby Stanford, a Young Harris College sophomore and left-handed pitcher from Alpharetta, was recently named Peach Belt

Arizona State University TEMPE, Ariz. – Yoori Lee of Suwanee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the School of Letters and Sciences at Arizona State University’s December 2013 commencement ceremony. In addition, the following local students earned Dean’s List recognition for the fall 2013 term at ASU for achieving at least at 3.5 grade point average: Jacob Stein of Johns Creek, Paul Stevenson of Alpharetta, Andrew Esparza of Milton, Christine Vanstrom of Roswell and Nathan Waters of Cumming.

DeSales University CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Rebecca J. Ni resident of Duluth was among more than 600 students from DeSales University who made the fall 2013 Dean’s List. Ni majors in medical studies.

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community

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | May 14, 2014 | 21

Sawnee Foundation awards 13 scholarships Local group has Earth Day programs FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — On Earth Day, McGinnis Woods Country Day School and Cumming Elementary students received educational and entertaining presentations from Reaping Nature Educational Outreach Foundation, a Forsyth Countybased nonprofit organization. McGinnis Woods kindergarten, first-, second- and third-graders took part in Reaping Nature’s “I Like to Recycle” program. This interactive program was presented by Denise Carleton, Reaping Nature’s founder, and Lisa LaFayette, educating listeners about reusing, reducing and recycling, natural resources and the history of the recycling symbol. Cumming Elementary students in kindergarten

through fifth grade listened to Reaping Nature’s “My Summer Adventure: A Bee Extraction” program. This interactive program presented by Carleton and LaFayette educates listeners about an actual bee extraction at Carleton’s house, honey bees and their importance in the food chain. “Reaping Nature created this program when asked to be part of our Earth Day activities,” said Anna Doll, teacher of exceptional children and Cumming Elementary’s Green Team sponsor. “It was a perfect fit, and helped round out the exceptional programming we offered on Earth Day.” To learn more, visit www. reapingnature.org. —McKenzie Cunningham

CUMMING, Ga. — The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation recently awarded 13 local high school seniors each with a $4,000 scholarship. The scholarship recipients were honored at a reception held at Sawnee EMC on April 22. The seniors are Miranda Abe (Dawson County High School), Mia Austin (North Forsyth HS), Jason Bick (Johns Creek HS), Lacey

Brown (Northview HS), Ryan Carr (Forsyth Central HS), Riley Jenkins (Creekview HS), Kaitlin Karschner (South Forsyth HS), David Kim (Lambert HS), Priscilla Kim (Johns Creek HS), Lindsey LeQuier (Alpharetta HS), Sathvik Namburar (Woodward Academy), Amanda Saulnier (Lambert HS) and Cole Simmons (Dawson County HS). “Supporting those in need in our communities, and help-

ing these outstanding students continue their education, is a key part of meeting the foundation’s core mission,” said Jerry Burum, chairman of the foundation’s board. For more information, visitwww.sawnee.com/round_up or contact Cindy Badgett, director of external affairs for Sawnee EMC, at 678455-1399 or cindy.badgett@ sawnee.com. —McKenzie Cunningham

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