Forsyth prepares against measles High vaccination rate helps ►►page 6
NFHS names new principal Transfers from SFHS ►►page 9
Pinecrest wins mock trial Places first in region ►►page 23
Pets of the week
Find a furry friend to take home ►►Page 13
February 18, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 8
Bottoms up! Cherry Street opens tap room By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com
HANS APPEN
Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative’s Nick Tanner cuts the ribbon, officially opening its taproom Feb. 7.
CUMMING, Ga. — Beer connoisseurs in and around Forsyth have a new place to sample local brews and great company. Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative, 5810 Bond St., opened the latest addition to the fast growing brew pub, its taproom Feb. 7. As a brew pub, Cherry Street is able to sell its beer at odd hours because of its restaurant counterpart next door, Rick Tanner’s Grille and Bar, said Nick Tanner, founder and brew master at Cherry Street. “We have to maintain 50 percent food versus alcohol sales,” Tanner said. “But the restaurant has so much food sales that we can gain more beer sales from the tap room, and it is not a problem legally.” With the rise of sales is
the rise of demand for freshly brewed beer, and the need for the new tap room. “The expansion of the brewery will allow us to have increased production of beer, increase barrel aging of beers and it will also allow us to have bar space,” Tanner said. The new bar space will give customers something different than they might encounter at Rick Tanner’s, Tanner said, but it allows Cherry Street to hold events such as private parties. “The tap room will be 21 years old and up, so it offers something different because Rick Tanner’s is such a familyoriented restaurant,” Tanner said. “This now allows beer drinkers to come out and not be in a family setting.” If visitors want a more family-focused location, Rick Tanner’s can give them that, but Tanner said Cherry Street will bring people together. “Craft beer is such a community and social thing so it
See TAPROOM, Page 30
Ga. Attorney General passes impeachment case back to city Says, “it’s inappropriate for his office to weigh in on the local matter” By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — After an investigatory panel and the City Council punted the decision to impeach Councilman Rupert Sexton to the Georgia attorney general’s office, Attorney General Sam Olens said he wouldn’t give any answers, saying it’s inappropriate for his office to weigh in on the local matter. When asked about the next step,
the City said the attorneys were still evaluating the situation. The potential impeachment arose after Sexton was accused of releasing personal financial and health insurance information of Cumming city Olens employees on Facebook, which showed Mayor H. Ford Gravitt’s
girlfriend, Angela Mullinax, receiving city health insurance. Mullinax is not a full-time employee of the city of Cumming. Sexton has denied this. The investigatory panel interviewed members of the council and city staff to determine whether Sexton should be impeached, but when it came time to make a decision, they instead asked the state attorney general to step in. City Attorney Dana Miles said the
investigatory panel requested that the City Council ask for an opinion from the AG or a declaratory judgment action in Supreme Court on two issues. The first was whether Section 51 of the city charter dealing with the city’s impeachment process is fair, providing appropriate due process for Sexton. The second was whether the release of the employees’ information violated state and federal privacy laws in OCGA Section 50-18-72(A), Subsection 20 through 21 or the Health Insurance
See IMPEACHMENT, Page 4
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2 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
17-year-old killed in single-vehicle car crash
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CUMMING, Ga. — On Feb. 11 at 10:30 p.m., deputies with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash on Dr. Bramblett Road at Milford Lane. Deputies located a 1998 Honda Civic, driven by 18-year-old Ashton Ciunowicz of Cumming. The vehicle was traveling southbound and left the roadway while negotiating a curve. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, began to roll, struck a tree and continued to roll until coming to a rest.
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.
Hotel occupant steals TV next door CUMMING, Ga. — A guest of Sun Suites, 555 Lake Center Parkway, allegedly stole a TV out of the room next door to replace the TV he sold from his room Jan. 28, the Cumming Police Department reports. An officer was called in reference to a theft of a television. The general manager reportedly told the officer the TV was ripped off the mounting bracket in a vacant room. He said he has footage of a guest from the room next door staring at the security camera and later manipulating the camera so it no longer faces the vacant room. The manager reportedly said he suspects the guest gained access to the vacant room through a propped open door. The officer said the suspect and his girlfriend initially hid in the bathroom when police tried to talk to him, but that they eventually opened the door. When asked, the guest said he didn’t do anything and he didn’t know what happened to the TV. However, his girlfriend reportedly said they bought a replacement TV for their room on Black Friday because her boyfriend had sold the TV that was in the room. She then said he recently sold that television to someone in Roswell but came home with another television. The girlfriend said she was at work at the time and didn’t know where the new television came from. The boyfriend was arrested for burglary first degree, theft by taking and criminal trespass.
The passenger, 17-year-old Caleb Ammons of Cumming, was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle. Ammons died on scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash. Ciunowicz was cut out of his seatbelt and taken to North Fulton Hospital, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in the crash at this time. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Crash Investigations Unit.
Man threatens woman in parking lot CUMMING, Ga. — A woman called the Cumming Police Department Jan. 30 after being followed by a man threatening her. The woman reportedly told officers the man followed her through the parking lot of Target, 1525 Marketplace Blvd., and said, “you’re going to die today” or “you’re going to die soon,” before getting in his car and leaving. The officer reviewed footage of the incident and saw the man leaving with a package of photos from the photo department inside Target. The officer was then able to get the man’s identity. After calling the provided number, the officer never heard back from the man.
Woman refuses to leave hospital CUMMING, Ga — After getting treated, a woman refused to leave Northside Hospital-Forsyth, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Jan. 31. The security officer reportedly told the Cumming Police Department the woman was discharged and had been asked to leave the premises. The woman said she had not been discharged and said the case worker told her she would come back and talk to her. The admissions supervisor said the case worker had cleared the patient and she was given all the information she was going to get. The woman then began convulsing, making noises and reportedly said she had a stroke. She said she wasn’t on any medication. The officer reported every time the woman had a point to make, all of her symptoms disappeared. He advised her she would have to leave or be charged with criminal trespass, to which she told the officer to do
what he had to do. There was no physical documentation of the trespass and she was asked by the admissions supervisor to not return to the hospital.
Ex-girlfriend takes possessions FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man came into the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 29 to report theft by taking. He reportedly told officers he noticed jewelry in his safe was missing in the beginning of January. He asked his ex-girlfriend if she took it, and she reportedly said yes. He said his girlfriend reportedly told him she was not going to give back the items of jewelry unless he gave her his 2007 BMW. He reportedly said he has been trying to talk to her to give it back, but she keeps making more demands of money. He also said she has taken his office papers, code book, motorcycle keys and the keys to his Mercedes. He was given a case card.
One flew the Coo Coo’s Nest after fight FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A fight that broke out Jan. 31 in the parking lot of Coo Coo’s Nest, 1920 Freedom Parkway, left one man with a head injury, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s report. A deputy responding to a call in relation to a fight spoke with the crowd outside while the victim, who was unconscious with a large bruise to the forehead, was being treated. The deputy reported the general consensus was a man wearing a flannel shirt had allegedly beaten the victim and then
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public safety
Blotter: Continued from Page 2 delivered a finishing blow to his head while he was on the ground. Observers could not identify the man in the flannel shirt and reportedly believe he left the scene. There was no arrest made since they couldn’t figure out who did it.
Trespasser cuts dog’s fur FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy received a call Feb. 4 about a criminal trespass. The man reportedly told the officer on Feb. 3 at sometime between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., an unknown person entered his property and cut some hair from his dog’s left ear. He said he was unable to list any possible suspects at the time of the report, but he did say this was the second time in six months this has happened.
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 ►► Richard D. Hunter, 71, of
Clary Lakes Drive, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 30 on McFarland Drive in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Kari Sue Fitzpatrick, 45, of Caney Creek Lane, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 30 on Buford Highway in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Gavin G. Ralbag, 31, of Atlanta was arrested Jan. 30 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Patrick Ian Eggers, 22, of Havenridge Place, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 1 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI, speeding, open container and failure to obey a traffic control device.
1 S H 5,00 OW 0 s R O q ft OM
►► Jessica Martinez, 37,
of Gainesville was arrested Feb. 1 on Bannister Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Donovan Anthony Dinkins, 25, of Atlanta was arrested Jan. 31 on Peachtree Parkway in Suwanee for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Rachel Dyane Vice, 36, of Canton was arrested Feb. 4 on Nuckolls Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and expired tag. ►► Audrey Candice Craft, 39, of Trenton, Florida, was arrested Feb. 5 on Lakeland Plaza in Cumming for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device.
Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 3
►► Suzanne Perry Mueller, 47,
of Oak Hill Terrace, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 5 on Castleberry Road in Cumming for DUI and open container. ►► Holly Christine Sell, 40, of Sherwood Way, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 5 on Highway 20 in Cumming for DUI and driving on the wrong side of an undivided street.
Drug arrests ►► Susan Staples, 42, of
Monivea Lane, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 30 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, possession of methamphetamines, failure to maintain lane and possession of a schedule III controlled substance.
►► Colby Williams, 23, of
Atlanta was arrested Jan. 30 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for possession of heroin. ►► Tara Nicole Lovick, 24, of Elmhurst Lane, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 31 on Matt Highway in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Adam Thomas Lakomiak, 28, of Tattenhall Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 6 on Mullinax Road in Alpharetta for possession of heroin and possession of drugrelated items. ►► Shayne Marquis Brown, 30, of Norcross was arrested Feb. 1 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana.
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4 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Forsyth to get text-to-911 service By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For the technology savvy, reaching out to the police may soon get a little easier. At their Giordano Feb. 10 work session, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution requesting that text-to-911 services be provided for the Forsyth County 911 public safety answering point. 911 Center Director Patricia Giordano said that this will be through AT&T. “AT&T is our vendor, but it won’t matter what kind of phone or phone service you use,” Giordano said. The service can be used by anyone, but would be especially helpful to those in need of assistance who may not be able to use traditional 911 phone services, Giordano said. “If we have a deaf visitor, they can use 911-to-text like
Also at the meeting • Approved a 90-day moratorium regarding conversion of certain nonconforming signs to LED signs along Ga. 400 • Approved to move forward with master planning for potential Wildcat Creek Environmental Education Center • Approved future public hearings regarding proposed modifications to the Forsyth County Park and Recreation Ordinance, specifically the enforcement provisions • Approved the request for replacing two Forsyth Sheriff’s Office patrol units deemed total loss from automobile accident(s) • Approved social services committee’s recommendation to amend Mentor Me’s 2015 award for an additional $12,506.89 • Approved awarding of a bid for the widening of Union Hill and Mullinax to a four-lane median divided highway from McFarland Parkway to just north of SR 9 at Post Road, about 2.54 miles you text your friend,” Giordano said. Together with the communications department for Forsyth, Giordano said they will team up to educate the public about it once everything is in place. Giordano said most counties around Forsyth have this service and it’s no cost to Forsyth since it’ll be used from existing technology and equipment.
Impeachment: Continued from Page 1 Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, HIPPA. In his response letter to the council, Attorney General Olens said, “I am unable to provide the requested review.” Regarding the city’s impeachment process, Olens said it’s “a matter of only local concern that requires familiarity not only with local laws, but with specific facts to which this office is not privy.” He went on to say given the nature of the question and the likelihood of litigation, “It would be inappropriate for my office to weigh in on this matter at this time.” For the second matter regarding potential privacy law violations, Olens said, “It is clear that any attempt to answer the questions posed would necessitate a specific factual review of the circumstances surrounding the type of information collected
Another reason someone might use the service, Giordano said, is if they fear for their life and can’t speak out loud. The person could text 911 and give them information and a location without letting the dangerous person know anything. “It’ll take a few months to get together,” Giordano said, “just as fast as AT&T will move.”
Body found in Lake Lanier identified as missing man By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A body found in Lake Lanier was identified Feb. 9 as Kelly Nash, 25. A report was called in Feb. 8 after Nash boaters saw a body in the lake near Shadburn Ferry Road close to the Hall/Gwinnett county line. Nash had reportedly been missing since Jan. 5 after his girlfriend said Nash woke up sneezing, coughing and said that he didn’t feel well. When his girlfriend woke up again, Nash was gone from their Buford, Georgia home and left all of his possessions behind including his cellphone, wallet and car keys. Investigators do not suspect foul play and are still trying to piece together what happened.
Timeline of events • Dec. 16, 2014: Councilmen hold City Council meeting, discuss insurance policies. Later on that night, city employees’ health insurance document is leaked on social media. • Dec. 23, 2014: Council holds special called meeting regarding leaked document and possible impeachment of Councilman Rupert Sexton. Votes to create investigatory panel. • Jan. 13: Investigatory panel interviews Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Councilman Lewis Ledbetter, Councilman Ralph Perry and Human Resources Director Phil Higgins. • Jan. 20: Protest held over Angela Mullinax getting health insurance through the city, prior to special called meeting in which investigatory panel brings findings to council. Panel decides to ask Georgia’s attorney general for legal opinion. • Feb. 4: AG responds, saying he is unable to provide the requested review. • Feb. 10: Higgins appears before grand jury in response to subpoenas for information about Mullinax, Miles and Gravitt. and maintained by the city, the reason for doing so, the specific information that was released and the circumstances surrounding that release.” Sexton has said the whole flap is just
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another way to embarrass him. “I’ve not done anything and they’re trying to use legal maneuvers to force me to resign or get me off the board,” Sexton said. “They put everything in the lap of the attorney general. They should have already cleared everything before now.” Miles was asked Dec. 23, 2014 about contacting the attorney general for an opinion on the impeachment case, but he said he hadn’t at that time because it’s “not his obligation to contact the attorney general’s office about it.” Sexton said he believes the attorney general has “already basically decided on those two questions,” but he wouldn’t reveal his source. “I have information that if they go forward with an impeachment, the attorney general will step in,” Sexton said. Sexton said there is no doubt the impeachment charge is retaliation because of the health insurance list getting leaked.
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Forsyth’s high rates of vaccinations help evade measles By JOE PARKER and KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With the first reported case of measles in Georgia since 2012, many are questioning what their county is doing to prevent an outbreak. Dave Palmer, public information officer for District 2 of Georgia, said that Forsyth’s high rates of vaccination and epidemiologist surveillance “helps stop the spread of measles.” The Georgia measles case reported last week is only the sixth reported case of measles since 2005, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. This reported case comes on the heels of what has been deemed an outbreak by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that stemmed from a California amusement park. The CDC has confirmed 121 reported cases of measles this year. “We are concerned every time one case comes into the state and make sure we are prepared,” Palmer said. Palmer trusts that Georgia will be prepared to prevent an outbreak spreading in Georgia
through use of its surveillance systems. “We depend on the surveillance system, which is set up to watch for an outbreak,” Palmer said. “We also have epidemiologists keeping a watch on the situation.” The best way to prevent measles is vaccination, Palmer said, and keeping children up to date on their vaccinations. Statewide, 93.9 percent of Georgia children receive the MMR vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella, which is 2 percent higher than the national average. “We encourage people to vaccinate,” Palmer said. “We can avoid outbreaks by vaccinating.” Jennifer Caracciolo, director of public information and communications for Forsyth County Schools (FCS), said if necessary, the Forsyth County Health Department would notify the school district if a case occurs. The school system’s immunization requirements state, “All immunizations are required to be on Georgia Form 3231 and must be current. A hearing, vision, dental and nutrition screening must also be completed on Georgia Form
Immunizations and Forsyth County Schools All immunizations are required to be on Georgia Form 3231 and must be current. A hearing, vision, dental and nutrition screening must also be completed on Georgia Form 3300 in order for the child to be enrolled in Forsyth County Schools. A new entrant is defined as: any child entering any school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year. Immunization requirements for Forsyth County Schools: 1. Have the required doses of hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) and polio vaccines. 2. Have two doses of mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) or two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine and one dose of rubella vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity against measles, mumps or rubella. If the child is under 4, at least one dose is required. 3. Have two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity. If child is under 4, at least one dose is required. 4. If the child is under 5 years of age, he must have protection against pneumococcal disease. He will need the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). The number of doses needed will depend on the child’s age. Your child must have at least three doses of HIB. 5. If the child was born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, he must have two doses of hepatitis A (Hep A) vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity. The first dose must be given on or after the first birthday with spacing of six months or greater between doses. 6. If the child was born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 and/or a new entrant* into a Georgia school, grade eighth – 12th, they must have received one dose Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and one dose MCV (meningococcal conjugate vaccine). 7. If the child was born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, he must have at least four doses of polio (OPV and/or IPV). The final dose must be given on or after the fourth birthday and must be at least six months from the third dose. 8. For students entering from out-of-state schools, please contact the Georgia Health Department or a Georgia-licensed physician to have immunizations transferred to the Georgia Certificate (Form 3231). 3300 in order for the child to be enrolled in Forsyth County Schools.” As far as measles, the policy said, “have two doses
of mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) or two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine and one dose of rubella vaccine or
laboratory proof of immunity against measles, mumps or rubella. If the child is under 4 years old, at least one dose is required.”
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8 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Of sequels and prequels:
Why is it so hard to continue a story? Since the announcement that the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is getting a sequel, to be titled “Go Set a Watchman,” I have been thinking about sequels and their more ridiculous cousin, the prequel (thanks, George Lucas). It is true that a large, almost laughably huge, amount of sequels are horrible. We have Hollywood to thank for this. For every “Dark Knight Returns,” we have six “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journeys.” For every “Godfather II,” we have many “Jaws 3Ds.” There are so many sequels that are not just bad compared to their original, they are bad filmmaking. I get it. It’s difficult to recapture the magic of an original idea, with characters we have grown to love. A sequel is bound to face intense scrutiny and be placed alongside its predecessor. The world is full of sequels that were just “okay.” I like to think books get a bigger pass than films; It’s hard to truly screw up a book – as long as it makes sense, you’re good. That is what is so baffling about film sequels – not only do they often have a much smaller budget, but they also have bad writing and acting. “Jaws: the Revenge” is a perfect example – the main character hops a jet from New England to the Bahamas only to find the shark not only knew where she was going, but beat
jonathan copsey
Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com
For every “Dark Knight Returns,” we have six “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journeys.” For every “Godfather II,” we have many “Jaws 3Ds.” her there! Who thought that was a good idea for a plot? Perhaps that is what has me so nervous about “Go Set a Watchman.” It’s not that it won’t live up to the original. I’m expecting it will not. What I am expecting is the movie rights will be snapped up and the book immediately turned into a ham-fisted, idiotic film that may or may not have anything to do with the source material. But, after 40 years of hype, there’s no way the new book could be another “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Right? Right?
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Parents – send us your news! Nary a week goes by without my phone ringing by someone who has a question about content. Often, this question runs along the lines of, “Why does X school get so much coverage? I want to read about my school.” It happens a lot. So much so that here I am writing about it and how to rectify the issue. In short, I only print what I know about. While I and my staff are out in the community every day collecting stories of the issues we feel you, the readers, want to read about – City Council happenings, new construction, business news and so on – we made the decision some time ago that schools are on the bottom of that list. This is not to say their news is not important – far from it! Rather, it is because the schools have an asset we really want to hear from – the parents – who are typically better and more on-the-ball at collecting their news than us. Most of the school news you see in the paper comes either from parents or teachers excited about their students achieving something. I rely on these parents (and even the students themselves) to send in information, and I make the guarantee that it will run
Each page of the paper has links or information on how to submit your news to me. If you look at the top of this page – this very one! – I bet you will find a little web address to visit. My email address is also here next to this story. in the papers. Everyone likes to see someone they know in print! If there is a school in the paper more than others, it is simply because that school’s parents or teachers have sent in more than anyone else. There are some schools who send items almost daily, and there are some schools from whom I never hear. So I am asking you, the community, to send me your news! Each page of the paper has links or information on how to submit your news to me. If you look at the top of this page – this very one! – I bet you will find a little web address to visit. My email address is kathleen@appen mediagroup.com. For those who don’t want to do that (and why wouldn’t you?) here are step-by-step
instructions. Submit your school news to news@northfulton.com. This can be anything from drama club to sports stories. Don’t be afraid. Be sure to include the basic information – who, what, when, where. Also, and this is very important, include a photograph. Please attach it to any email and try to make it as large as you can. Finally, in your email, please identify the people in the photo. From left to right is best. That way everyone knows who is who! If there are any questions about any of this, don’t hesitate to call us – 770-442-3278 – or email us at the above address and we will help you out. We want to tell your news just as much as you do.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
We are accountable to our young people In your February 4, 2015 issue, Kathleen Sturgeon wrote about the gathering of community leaders to discuss the “growing presence of drugs in the community”, in the context of rising deaths of young people. It was heartening to hear Sheriff Piper say that the problem is not drugs, but rather what drives kids to them. Further, Solicitor General Bill Finch said for us parents to stop being friends with our kids and be “more of a parent.” I couldn’t agree more. Being a parent who provides boundaries, not simply indulgences, to children gives them a sense of security that comes with parental love. Parents (and adult community leaders) are role models for our children, good or bad. I am happy to be part of a community who is working so hard to address and talk about very uncomfortable topics in the pursuit of raising healthy children, who will one day, be parents and community leaders. On that note, I wanted to share a bit of legislation which some parents and community leaders may be surprised to learn about, as was I. In November, 2014, State Senator Curt Thompson of District 5 filed a resolution (6, 2015-2016) to amend the Georgia Constitution to legalize the production and sale of marijuana. As if that were not enough, the profits of the fees and taxes on the production and sale of marijuana would be used to PAY FOR EDUCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (calling it Marijuana Proceeds). This is not a message I want my high schooler to model, and I am appalled to learn that taxes on profit of an
I don’t want to say, “Don’t do drugs, kids, they could damage your brain function. Never mind that they’re legal!” addictive drug (National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse) will be used for education! Admittedly, I do not read all legislation filed; however, I have forwarded my thoughts on this resolution to my legislators, Michael Williams and Mike Dudgeon. I wonder what the community leaders who are working so hard to put drug use into proper perspective would say about Senator Thompson’s resolution. We are accountable to our young people, and when I look into the face of my children, I don’t want to say, “Don’t do drugs, kids, they could damage your brain function. Never mind that they’re legal!” Or, “Hey, it must have been a bumper crop last year, look at all the new textbooks!” I have enough to struggle with my teens over to allow legalized pot smoking. Please help to illuminate the efforts of Senator Thompson to other Forsyth residents. Most sincerely, Stephanie L., Forsyth County
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
schools
BOE approves North Forsyth’s new principal By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — At the Feb. 12 Board of Education work session, the board approved the transfer of Jeff Cheney from South Forsyth High School (SFHS) principal to North Forsyth High School (NFHS) principal, effective the end of the current school year. Forsyth Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden will be meeting with members of the SFHS community, including SFHS’s student advisory, to receive feedback on the characteristics and qualities that they would like in their next principal. Cheney visited NFHS Feb. 16 and said it is a privilege and honor to be given the opportunity to become the next NFHS principal. “I look forward to getting to know the students and the outstanding programs that
make North Forsyth special,” Cheney said. “We also plan to schedule time for me to visit the departments to hear from students as Cheney we continue to make plans for the 2015 – 2016 school year.” Beth Hebert is the current NFHS principal and will be the new director of human resources for FCS, starting June 1. Cheney said Hebert is committed to completing the school year with NFHS as he is committed to finishing the year at SFHS. “My family and I came to Forsyth County nine years ago because of the awesome school system and family atmosphere,” Cheney said. “A strong sense of community
and pride is something I have always admired about NFHS.” A strong sense of family and commitment to seeing students succeed are at the core of his principles and beliefs, Cheney said. He went on to say he will spend some of this semester and most of next school year listening to the staff and students and observing the school in action. “Together we will continue
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 9
About Jeff Cheney Jeff Cheney has served as principal of South Forsyth High School since 2012. He also worked at SFHS as an assistant principal for five years. Prior to joining Forsyth County Schools, Cheney was a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and principal in the Savannah-Chatham County School District. Cheney was born in upstate New York and grew up in a small village near the Adirondack Mountains called Broadalbin. After playing basketball and graduating from the State University of New York College at Cortland, he moved to the coast of North Carolina to start a career in education. Cheney attended Armstrong Atlantic State University for his teaching degree and Georgia Southern University for his educational leadership degree. the great work that is already in place and collaborate to determine the future of North Forsyth,” Cheney said. Cheney has been principal
at SFHS since 2012, but was an assistant principal at SFHS for five years prior to that. He
See CHENEY, Page 28
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10 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Community
Senior Expo coming Feb. 21 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County Senior Services will host the 13th annual Forsyth Senior Expo on Feb. 21. The event will offer information to senior citizens on planning for the future, covering the topics of home care, senior living, legal services and more. “This event is always well-attended and we hope those in attendance will take advantage of all of the information that will be available,” said Judy Theilman, director of Senior Services. The event is free of charge. Health screenings, door prizes and refresh-
If you go What: Forsyth Senior Expo When: Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Forsyth County Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming ments will be provided. For more information, contact Forsyth County Senior Services at 770-781-2178. – Joe Parker
Local author releases new spiritual book CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming author Andy Hendrix’s latest book, “Tears of Hope through the Valleys,” was released nationwide on Jan. 28. “Tears of Hope through the Valleys” is about a father who experiences great sorrow and sadness after the death of his teenage daughter. As he seeks out the Lord for comfort and answers through the Bible, God tells him to write this book as a comfort to all who mourn over the death of a loved one. Hendrix and his wife were devastated by the news of their daughter’s untimely death. Not knowing what to do, he cried out to God. God heard his plea for help and told Hendrix to read the Bible, giving him comfort and understanding through this period of deep grieving. Hendrix’s writings take readers
on his journey as the Lord takes him through the Bible, giving him insights into God’s character, visions of the near future and a new perspective in life. His book reminds readers that everybody goes through hard times in this life, but they do not have to go through them alone and there is hope in the person of Jesus Christ. Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing. com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com. Hendrix lives in North Georgia with his wife of 30 years and their son. He still works as a carpenter in his hometown of Cumming and still loves to write for the Lord.
Community
CASA of Forsyth County hosts Superhero Run Feb. 21
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cates serve as the child’s lay guardian ad litem and work to ensure the child’s physical, medical, emotional and educational needs are met during Juvenile Court deprivation proceedings. “The relationship formed between a CASA volunteer and the child becomes a stable part of an otherwise chaotic life for a child in foster care,” said Janet Walden, executive director of CASA of Forsyth County. “So often, DFCS case managers change, therapists change, schools change and placements change for the child. The CASA volunteer is the one face in the crowd that is constant during a child’s journey through the child welfare system.” —Kathleen Sturgeon
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What: Sixth annual 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run When: Feb. 21 Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way Price: 5K Run/Walk: $25 for individuals before Feb. 5 or $35 after Feb. 5; 1K Fun Run: $10 each in advance or $15 after Feb. 5. Sign up as teams with five or more runners and receive a $5 discount per runner. More info: www.forsyth countycasa.org or 770-886-4082
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CUMMING, Ga. — Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Forsyth County Inc. will hold its sixth annual 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run on Feb. 21 at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way. The Peachtree Road Race qualifier course will spill out onto the Big Creek Greenway and is a flat, fast course, making it good for runners of all levels. Because CASA believes abused children need “superheroes,” this 5K run/ walk will feature a superhero theme. In addition to awards for top male and female runners, there will be a contest to recognize the best and most creative superhero costumes. The Superhero Run raises much needed funding used to train volunteer child advocates who become the voice of an abused and/or neglected child in Juvenile Court deprivation proceedings. The primary goals at CASA of Forsyth County are to recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused or neglected children and to ensure the quality of volunteer advocacy for the children they serve. Each year, it costs approximately $1,200 to serve one child through the CASA program and approximately $400 to train each volunteer advocate. CASA serves abused and neglected children by advocating for each to have a safe, loving and permanent home. These highly trained volunteer advo-
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 11
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community
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Bowl to help kids in Forsyth County CUMMING, Ga. — Who doesn’t want to have a good time with the family while raising money for a worthwhile cause? Those who come out for the 2015 Bowl for Kids can do just that, as the event raises funds to support Mentor Me North Georgia. Bowl for Kids will be held at the Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center in Cumming, Feb. 21. Mentor Me is a nonprofit organization that provides oneon-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adults and children. “We encourage our neigh-
bors from throughout Forsyth County to participate in our annual Bowl for Kids event, not only to have fun, but to help Forsyth kids who need mentors and friends,” said Sylvia Cardona, executive director of Mentor Me. “It is an opportunity to support children and see some of our mentors and mentees enjoying themselves. It is also the perfect chance for our corporate and community partners to come out and challenge each other in friendly rivalry.” Carolyn and Jack Canouse, owners of Stars and
Strikes, were recognized recently as the 2014 Mentors of the Year. “Carolyn and I feel truly blessed that Mentor Me has created a program that fosters these relationships,” Jack Canouse said. “We feel that our mentee, Phillip, and his brothers and sisters have become a part of our family. Of all the blessings life has afforded us, we count this as one of the tops. Carolyn and I are so happy we can spend time with him and allow him to be just a kid for a while, and also set some good examples for him to
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follow.” “Jack and Carolyn have shown me true friendship and taught me to respect other people and their things, to always be honest,” Phillip said. “And to get things out of life, you have to work for it. God has sent me the best mentors around.” Mentor Me matches volunteer adults with children ages 6 to 17, who need and want mentors. Men are matched with boys, and women are matched with girls. They
share everyday activities such as sports, movies, going to the zoo, museum and music events. But most importantly, they become friends, said Cardona. Mentor Me is a Forsyth County United Way agency. However, the organization depends on private donations for 50 percent of its funding. To participate in the 2015 Bow for Kids, contact Cardona at 678-341-8028 or sylvia@mentormenorthga.org or visit www. mentormenorthga.org.
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Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 13 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Dog of the week: Yogi CUMMING, Ga. — Our second oldest dog at the HSFC is our Dachshund, Yogi. Yogi is just over 8-years-old, good with cats and dogs and always keeps his kennel clean. He is the sweetest boy ever that just wants some love.
He is currently hanging out with his 11-year-old girlfriend, Gibbles, waiting on his chance to find his forever family. Come meet him at the adoption center, 4440 Keith Bridge Road from Tuesday to Sunday noon until 5 p.m.
Cat of the week: Mattie CUMMING, Ga. — Mattie is a beautiful tabby cat awaiting her turn for adoption. Happy in a home until the family dog turned on her, she’s been waiting on a second chance ever since. Mattie likes dogs, cats and kids. She’s a happy kitty that is easy going and friendly.
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Atlanta bank acquires CBB in $27.4 million transaction By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. – Community Business Bank of Cumming has been sold to Atlanta-based Community & Southern Bank. The $27.4 million deal, announced Jan. 30, will merge CBB’s two banking locations along the Ga. 400 corridor into Community & Southern’s network of 41 branches throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. “From our standpoint, it’s a great story making it through this economy with a victory,” said Community Business Bank Senior Vice President Grant Schmeelk. Founded seven years ago by Schmeelk, Carter Barrett and Chuck Welch, CBB launched during the height of the recession with $16.8 million in capital. Its assets today total $149 million. Under the arrangement with Community & Southern, the entire CBB team will remain in place to continue working to grow in that area, he said. When it was founded, Community Business Bank’s common stock was valued at $10 a share. The sale price places the value at $15 a share. “It’s a strong, 50 percent return for our 300 local shareholders,” Schmeelk said. “I think it gives us more power to grow this economy with [Southern’s] help, a bigger checkbook.” Schmeelk said he’s proud of the performance he and his partners turned in, growing revenues and establishing a
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name in the community over a time when close to 90 Georgia banks failed. “Our shareholders are local, our customers are local and our employees are local,” he said. “I’d say now we’ve got the strongest management team on the 400 corridor.” Barrett, president and chief executive officer of Community Business Bank, will become
regional president for North Atlanta with Community & Southern. He said the bank’s clients will benefit from being part of one of the strongest and most well capitalized financial institutions in the state. “We’ll be combining our existing team and their team into an even stronger team,” Barrett said. “Our focus will be developing the Ga. 400 cor-
ridor, from Sandy Springs to Dahlonega.” He said the combined operations will bring more resources to bear from the larger bank “while keeping our very gregarious team to help.” Community & Southern Bank has more than $3.4 billion in assets. Its president and CEO Pat Frawley said the acquisition will “signifi-
cantly expand our presence in Forsyth County and position Community & Southern Bank for future growth in one of the fastest growing markets in Georgia.” Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including customary regulatory approvals and the approval by CBB shareholders.
BusinessPosts
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Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 15
Prosperity depends on big, bold action Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” The report, which reflects and synthesizes the views from more than 500 individuals surveyed and economic vital signs recorded, has been used to chart the North Georgia economy and real estate for more than 25 years. In late October, Native Intelligence was invited to speak with the business leadership of Lumpkin County about market conditions and a forecast for the region. Challenged to make it “fresh,” we dug deep into the raw numbers, interviewed a quick wide range of industry types, real estate folks and bankers and concentrated our public presentation on “Big, Bold Ideas” for Lumpkin. While the group was small, it was received enthusiastically and positively. The really big ones are generational. People are strange, on a micro-level. Everybody likes a new product, a new TV show, new software, a new smartphone. At the micro-level, people love change. At the macro-level, people hate change. Big, new ideas that challenge pre-conceptions make people angry. Big, bold, bodacious ideas we profess should push beyond a community’s comfort zone – not sting nor hurt, but challenge the existing status quo. It’s not thinking out-ofthe-box per-se, but increasing the size of one’s box. Big, bold ideas should capitalize on demographics, foundations of our infrastructure but should move the game board, create a fresh view of circumstances and of The Opportunity. Following our leadership theme for 2015’s Native Intelligence Forecast, we have dug deep into North Georgia’s raw data, expanded our survey and
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interview discussions across a wide swath of the region and digested those new age thoughts into several “Big, Bold Ideas.” Here is a sampling: Turn North Georgia into a second home mecca. We’re not just talking about the occasional second home purchase or mountain cabin construction, we’re talking about an all out – all in second-home marketing promotion mindset mecca. The base foundation has already been set. We have second homes built and used throughout the North Georgia region, but the geography is too compelling for us not to better capitalize on positioning. Two important demographic points should be considered. First, North Georgia with its rolling mountains, forested ridges and settled valleys sits directly on top of six million people (2014,) projected to grow to 12 million (2050). Geographically, it is one hour to one-and-a-half hours to the largest potential second-home buyer demographic in the South. The affluence of that cultural melting pot is largely executive, service sector employment bases and homeowners and is accessible via the great transportation pipelines built well into our North Georgia region. The demographics are ripe for stronger second-home demand. Our story is too compelling. Second and emerging is Atlanta is awakening as an international high tech, Gen X
migratory point. Over the last 10 years, a projected hundreds of thousands Gen Xers have relocated to Atlanta, primarily inside the Perimeter, and a youthful, vibrant, exciting and diverse business community has evolved. We read of major job announcements and technology wunderkind business start-ups. Mailchimp, Yik Yak, Pardot and others already in the metro Atlanta region like AT&T, World Pay and Athena Health seek expansion space closer to the core of the city and the epicenter of this energetic labor base. What we are witnessing is an urbanization of Atlanta, a melding of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead and an emergence of retro-fitted “urban” warrior communities like West Midtown, King Street, West End, Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown. But when demographics dig into the psycho-metrics of the demographic and look to similar communities around the country, they find this population to be young, affluent, energy sparked. More and more seek the “thrill of living in a cosmopolitan city by week and escaping by weekend to something different.” North Georgia is something different. Rock climbing, white water rafting, zip lines, rock cliffs, tracks, hiking, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, camping, exploring, lake, mountains, rivers, fly fishing, forests; we are the right place, and the demographics are the right component. Second homes are a county’s best, purest tax revenue. The owners shop in our grocery stores, eat in our restaurants as regulars, play golf, hike, ski and leave their tax dollars behind. They rarely borrow a library book, access our social services, seek medical care, cause fire or police
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Listen to your employees’ opinions As a small business owner, do you make it a regular habit to listen to your employees’ opinions? Are your employees encouraged to speak out if they believe their opinion is worth sharing? Some of the best ideas in small businesses come from employees who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Providing them with the opportunity to be heard will reap significant benefits. Let every employee know that their opinion counts, and provide them with many ways to come forward with whatever is on their minds. This can be done either formally or informally, but employees need assurance that their feedback will not cost them their job. Just listening without taking action will negate your purpose. If an employee provides you their opinion, make it a
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priority to get back to them. Whether you do anything or not, be respectful that your employee took the time to share their opinion with you. At a minimum, you should at least take the time to acknowledge that. Listening to your employees’ opinions will help improve things and come up with new ideas. At the same time, it will help cultivate a collaborative culture at your small business. Listening to your employees’ opinions will ultimately help you to run your small business better.
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stress or, much less, vote and change the local political climate. Their needs are simple: environment, escape…something different. But to shift the chess board, we need to expand in three dimensions, play the game to win. Almost every community up our way plays to the occasional visitor, the annual adventure down the river, the annual Gold Rush pilgrimage, the annual apple picking in Ellijay or cutting a Christmas tree in Rabun County. The occasional tourist is the thrust of our business model. To win this gold, we need to shift our conventional
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BusinessPosts
16 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald
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Exide seeks approval for plan of reorganization MILTON, Ga. – Milton-based Exide Technologies is taking the next step toward reorganization. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved the adequacy of a disclosure statement with respect to Exide Technologies’ plan
of reorganization. With the court’s authorization, Exide will begin soliciting approval of the plan, and a hearing to decide the matter has been set for March 27. The reorganization plan, supported by two of the company’s principal credi-
tors, foresees reducing the company’s debt by $600 million. “This is a significant and meaningful step forward on the company’s path toward a consensual plan confirmation process and intended emergence from Chapter 11 by March 31,
2015,” said Robert M. Caruso, Exide president and chief executive officer. Exide Technologies manufactures and supplies lead-acid batteries for transportation and industrial application throughout the world.
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REAL ESTATE »
Morgan joins Keller Williams as home buyers’ specialist ROSWELL, Ga. — Donnie Morgan, a former firefighter from Valdosta, has joined Keller Williams Realty Consultants. Morgan specializes in the north metro area of Atlanta, first time home buyers and investment properties.
Harry Norman adds Forsyth agent
Onsite Shine opening third shop in Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — Jim Thomas, founder of Onsite Shine, a luxury automotive and marine detailing shop and mobile detailing service, announced he is leasing the former Sky Wash building at 11865 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell. Thomas plans to renovate and expand the facility into an exclusive 3,000-square-foot detailing showroom, which will be his third detailing location. Thomas hopes to have the renovation completed by mid-March, at which time he will hold an open house and grand opening. For more information visit www.onsiteshine.com.
BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast. They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.” – Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers
CUMMING, Ga. — Frederick Hogan has joined Harry Norman, Realtors at the company’s Forsyth County/Lake Lanier office. New to real estate, Hogan received his training from American Real Estate Schools. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in business finance and comes to the agency after working in information technology with Xerox.
Hitzel joins Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Janet Hitzel recently joined Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners as a real estate agent in its Suwanee office. Hitzel will be focusing on working with buyers and sellers in the North Atlanta area. A native of northern New Jersey, she now lives with her family in Alpharetta. She can be reached at 678-825-7382, listwithjanet@gmail.com or janethitzel.yourkwagent.com.
Aiken joins Keller Williams Community Partners CUMMING, Ga. — Jacqueline Arthur, managing broker of Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming, welcomed Robert Aiken to one of the top ranked and fastest growing Keller Williams offices along the Ga. 400 Corridor. “Aiken brings over 35 years of experience as a real estate broker to our team specializing in farms Aiken and land, new homes and luxury properties,” Arthur said. Aiken can be reached at 706-429-8620.
EVENTS »
Chamber seeks sponsorships for Golf and Tennis Classic Call today for your free IT assesment.
– Tyler Jones, Principal
678-224-8000 • www.CarmichaelConsulting.net
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for its annual Golf and Tennis Classic, scheduled for March 30 at Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road. The golf tournament will begin with registration
at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Tennis registration is at 12:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. start. An awards dinner and reception will be held at 4 p.m. For information about sponsorships, contact Maria Rose or Robin Buckley at 770-495-0545 or Fred Van Patten at 678-273-4059. More information can be found at johnscreekchamber.com.
Local attorney to speak at justice convention JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Local trial attorney Render C. Freeman has been invited to speak at the winter convention of the American Association for Justice Feb. 21-25, in Palm Springs, California. Freeman will speak on the topic of jury selection. A 20-year resident of Johns Creek, Freeman is a partner with Freeman Andersen, Tate & Carr in Duluth and has been a Georgia trial attorney for over 20 years. He has been elected by the National Trial Lawyers to “The Top 100 Trial Lawyers” and, since 2014, has been designated as a Georgia Super Lawyer in the practice area of personal injury. Since 2005, Freeman has carried an “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell National Legal Directory, the highest such designation given for both lawyer competence and integrity.
Health care to be topic of chamber breakfast JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Dr. Manfred Sandler of the Cardiovascular Group and Jayne Kulp, director of cardiovascular services at Gwinnett Medical Center, will be the featured speakers at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce monthly membership breakfast. The breakfast runs from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Feb. 19 at The Standard Club, 6230 Abbotts Bridge Road. The meeting will also include city updates, community information and member highlights. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for guests.
BUSINESS »
Hotelier taps Agilysys system for cost-saving measures ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Resorts World Bimini has selected a cost-reduction system from Agilysys to automate processes at its 480-unit resort. The company will also use Agilysys’ Stratton Warren System at a new 305-room luxury hotel scheduled to open later this year. The system is an inventory and procurement solution that maximizes purchasing power and reduces operational costs. It automates the entire procurement process and identifies the most suitable suppliers, reducing labor costs and waste.
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FE B R UARY 2 0 1 5 E D I TI O N
R E A L E S T AT E G U I D E
Featured Property: 300 FALCON LANE Garel Curry (404) 863-0835
w w w. h a r r y n o r m a n l a k e l a n i e r. c o m Give us a call TODAY to have YOUR home featured in our next edition!
Office: (770) 497-2000 | www.HNRForsyth.com The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. )RUV\WK 2IÂżFH 5REHUW $LNHQ %URNHU ,I \RXU KRPH LV FXUUHQWO\ OLVWHG IRU VDOH WKLV LV QRW LQWHQGHG DV D VROLFLWDWLRQ (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ ZZZ KDUU\QRUPDQ FRP
18 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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BLUE RIDGE, GA - 300 Falcon Lane
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR A QUICKER SALE
5 bedroom | 3.5 bath | Offered at: $985,000 A quaint luxury country home located in the north Georgia mountains (roughly an hour drive from Atlanta). This private retreat sits on 10+/- acres w/a beautiful creek that runs the length of the property, a gristmill and private waterfall. Fully updated with every possible bonus: custom kitchen w/ granite, oak stairway, detailed woodwork, fireplace, game room, beautiful archways, and more! This home also has a rustic log guest home that sits on the property overlooking the waterfall. Own a piece of God’s country!
Foreclosures and high maintenance costs mean that new homes go up for sale faster than you can say “down market.” And what is great for buyers, more homes to choose from means that sellers need to distinguish their properties from the rest of the crowd. Home staging, or temporarily redesigning a home to appeal to buyers, can give homeowners an edge in an overcrowded market. Staged homes look bigger, newer and warmer. They invite buyers to see themselves living in the home. Staging projects include inexpensive tasks, from rearranging furniture, to renting contemporary living room sets. Here are some tips for staging homes:
Featured Property
Listing Agent: GAREL CURRY 404-863-0835
Declutter. When buyers see overcrowded book shelves and wrinkled towels, they focus more on the dingy details than the architecture. But staging means more than a through cleaning -; sellers should also remove personal items, like family photographs. Buyers should picture their families living in the home, not yours. Make things look new. A little paint can go a long way. Light colors make rooms look larger and brighter, so use them to make your home appear spacious. Wooden floors and cabinetry make big impressions, so make sure that they shine. If any wood looks dry or dirty, apply an orange oil for a quick restoration job. Hard water stains on glass shower doors and windows look unattractive, so remove them with a specialized product like CLR, Lime Away or Bring It On Cleaner, which uses oxygen bleach to clean minerals from glass and tile. Some hard water stains will often yield to scrubbing with white vinegar and a nonscratch pad. If you find that vinegar is ineffective, a paint scraper or razor blade can be used to remove the bonded stains before resorting to harsher chemicals. Add small details. In the kitchen, bowls filled with fresh fruit create an attractive, colorful eyepiece. Place vases filled with fresh flowers in the bedrooms and dining room. Put candles in the bathroom. Small touches make homes feel more inviting. Used with permission, © NewsUSA, 2014.
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DAWSONVILLE, GA – 810 Kilough Ch. Rd.
CANTON, GA – 229 Towering Peaks
CUMMING, GA – 6080 Bridge Fair Rd.
4 BD/ 4.5 BA | Offered at: $420,000 Spectacular mountain and lake views Listing Agent: KERRY NEEL 404-353-9121
4 BD/ 2.5 BA | Offered at: $270,000 Open floor plan, Kitchen newly remodeled Listing Agent: KERRY NEEL 404-353-9121
4 bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at $194,900 Cute cozy ranch on full finished basement. Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908
Let me open the doors to your next home, anywhere in the world. Jenny Rogers, REALTOR® CUMMING, GA – 14121 Cumming Hwy 6+/- Acres | Offered at: $663,900 Ready to develop, grt loc in Freehome Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908
Direct: 678-539-3930 Office: 770-497-2000 Jenny.Rogers@harrynorman.com www.jennyrogers.harrynorman.com
CUMMING, GA – 5570 Burruss Rd. 4 bedroom / 3 bath | Offered at $800,000 2 flat ac w/additional 3 car garage Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908
SMALL FIXTURES MAKE A BIG DESIGN IMPACT
FMLS #5362073 GAINESVILLE, GA – 2285 Boy Scout Camp Dr 3 bedroom / 3.5 bath | Offered at: $697,000 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
When considering lighting design, chances are you picture major fixtures like ornate chandeliers, groupings of colorful pendants or elaborate track lighting. However, even small fixtures, such as portable lamps, can transform a room, according to the American Lighting FMLS #5363516 Association (ALA). Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and GAINESVILLE, GA – 00 Boy Scout Camp Rd associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School Boat dock & permitted. Offered at: 175,000 of Interior Design, says, “With the proper light bulb and Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167 shade, a lamp can provide effective task lighting while also serving as an important decorative element in a space.” A Referral It is important to view a lamp as a piece of the overall whole, not the only source of lighting in a room. From You Is One or two lamps cannot effectively illuminate a large space if they are the primary light source. The Highest Think of table and floor lamps as lighting accessories that create layers of light throughout a room.
Compliment I Can Receive!
Jessica Alred, REALTOR® LILBURN, GA – 381 Marble Springs Rd. 8 bedroom / 4 bath | Offered at $375,000 Huge home in the Kingston S/T community Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908
Direct: 678-614-2423 Office: 770-497-2000 Jessica.Alred@harrynorman.com www.jessicaalred.harrynorman.com
Layering Your Lights
“Layering of light means there are multiple types of lighting fixtures in a single space,” says ReyBarreau. “For example, in addition to recessed and decorative lighting at the ceiling, table and floor lamps can provide lighting for dark corners.” The difficult part of deciding which lamps work best for your space may be choosing from the nearly infinite range of types and styles available.Your local ALA-member store has a large selection of lamps, as well as trained professionals to help you find the perfect fixture for your home. More information is available online at americanlightingassoc.com. Used with permission, © NewsUSA, 2014.
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To view ALL of our listings, please visit: WWW.HARRYNORMANFORSYTH.COM/THE-REAL-ESTATE-GUIDE When You’re Ready To Buy or Sell, Stacy Easley is Ready. Call Me Today! Stacy Easley, REALTOR® CUMMING, GA – 0 Setting Down Rd.
CUMMING, GA – 1380 Morning Gate Ct.
CUMMING, GA – 8305 Scudders Gold Trl.
3.5 Acres on brook | Offered at: $70,000 Listing Agent: KERRY NEEL 404-353-9121
4 bedroom / 3.5 bath | Offered at: $300,000 Listing Agent: STACY EASLEY 770-403-3577
4 bedroom / 4.5 bath | Offered at: $529,000 Listing Agent: MARIE SIR 404-520-5263
Direct: 678-539-3928 Office: 770-497-2000 Stacy.Easley@harrynorman.com www.stacyeasley.harrynorman.com
A Caring Realtor for All Things Real Estate. Call Me Today! Fred Hogan, REALTOR® CUMMING, GA – 2190 Cascading Creek 6 bedroom / 5.5 bath | Offered at: $579,900 Listing Agent: TOM STOCKS 678-283-9570
SUWANEE, GA – 6325 Haddington Lane
Direct: 770-310-6001 Office: 770-497-2000 Fred.Hogan@harrynorman.com www.fredhogan.harrynorman.com
GAINESVILLE, GA – 5639 Azelia Dr.
5 bedroom / 5.5 bath | Offered at: $1,265,000 2 bedroom / 1 Bath | Offered at $250,000 Listing Agent: KATHLEEN HERNANDEZ Great cottage on Lake Lanier. Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908 678-300-2863
CUMMING, GA – 65 Pine Lake Dr
CUMMING, GA – 4939 Sherwood Way
3 bedroom, 2 bath | Offered at: $450,000 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath | Offered at: $169,900 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167 Listing Agent: TOM STOCKS 678-283-9570
DAWSONVILLE, GA – 69 Shadow Hills Ln
CUMMING, GA – 6090 Riley Rd
3 bedroom, 3 bath | Offered at: $169,900 Listing Agent: PETE CLAY 678-492-3559
4 Bd, 4 Ba, 2 half Ba | Offered at: $1,259,000 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
My Favorite Client is YOU. Call Me Today! Debbie Blanar, REALTOR®
Direct: 678-585-4299 Office: 770-497-2000 Debbie.Blanar@harrynorman.com www.debbieblanar.harrynorman.com
CUMMING, GA – 6105 Overlook Park Dr
SUGAR HILL, GA – 5738 Avonley Creek Dr
5 bedroom / 4.5 bath | Offered at: $459,000 Listing Agent: PETE CLAY 678-492-3559
4 bedroom, 3.5 bath | Offered at: $280,000 Listing Agent: PETE CLAY 678-492-3559
HOSCHTON, GA – 6181 Longleaf Dr
CUMMING, GA – 7010 Wingfield Way
SAUTEE, GA – 980 Woodbrier
DAWSONVILLE, GA – 776 Chestatee Pt.
CUMMING, GA – 2830 Spot Rd.
4 BD / 5 BA | 2 Half BA | Offered at $700,000 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
6 BD / 3 BA | 1 Half BA | Offered at $675,000 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
5 bedroom / 3 bath | Offered at $324,900 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
2 bedroom | 1 bath | Offered at $192,000 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
4 bedroom, 2 bath | Offered at: $199,500 Listing Agent: PETE CLAY 678-492-3559
20 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Which Upgrades Are Worth It to Help You Sell Your House? Is it finally time to sell your house?
T
hat’s the question on homeowners’ minds as house prices just posted their largest annual gain since 2005 -- congrats to those no longer “underwater” on their mortgages -- even as interest rates remain tantalizingly low. But here’s the catch: Those same higher prices can make buyers as choosy as a Michelin restaurant reviewer. “A house with a $1,600 mortgage payment last year now has a $2,000 mortgage payment,” one broker told the Wall Street Journal. “Buyers are saying, ‘I better like it.’” To increase your home’s “like” quotient, read on to see which upgrades are worth making and which aren’t. Worth It: A new front door. Strictly in terms of return on investment, a steel one topped the list of Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2014 -- recouping 96.6 percent of the average price. But a fresh coat of paint can work wonders, too. Not Worth It: A home-office remodel.
We know what you’re thinking: With so many more people working from home, wouldn’t it be brilliant to rewire the space for electronic equipment, say, and install commercial-grade carpeting? Not really. The magazine gave it the lowest return on investment (48.9 percent), and the guy who oversaw the study says, “Home offices don’t sell houses.” Worth It: A back-up power generator. It’s the biggest gainer in the study, jumping 28 percent over last year, and plays especially well in areas brutalized by storms. Not Worth It: Major bathroom work. “You could install the most spectacular jetted tub, and it still might not suit a buyer,” says Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, NJ. “Meanwhile, you’d have spent tens of thousands of dollars.” That explains why it made Bankrate.com’s list of “6 Worst Home Fixes for the Money” and why you should stick to things like re-grouting the shower. Worth It: Roofing replacement. There’s a
reason this ultimate “curb appeal” enhancer consistently makes Remodeling’s list and is up 11.2 percent over even last year: A roof is the first thing prospective buyers notice even before exiting their cars, and you can kiss that sale good-bye if yours looks like it’s been through hell. “It’s a huge turn-off,” says O’Neill, “and makes buyers predisposed to find even more things they don’t like.” For the look of luxury at very affordable prices, check out the Value Collection Lifetime Designer Shingles from GAF (www.gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. Not Worth It: Major kitchen renovations. Again, the key word is “major,” and again it’s a “taste” issue.
Harry Norman Realtors®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office 1664 Market Place Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041 Used with permission, © NewsUSA, 2014.
DAHLONEGA, GA – 0 Sam Davis Road
CUMMING, GA – 3340 Shady Cove
DUNWOODY, GA – 2191 Brooke Farm Ct.
JASPER, GA – 230 Old Mill White Rd.
150+/- Acres | Offered at: $575,000 Affordable large farm w/ 1+ mile of river. Listing Agent: PAM SUNDERLAND 770-540-9557
5 bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at $1,099,900 Southside Lake Lanier “One of a Kind” Listing Agent: MIKE GARCIA 770-231-9908
5 bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at $699,900 Private cul-de-sac lot, 3-sided brick home. Listing Agent: TOM STOCKS 678-283-9570
2 BD / 2 BA | 2 Half BA | Offered at $2,500,000 Beautiful log structure on concrete slab Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
I’ll Help You Find the Home Meant for You. Call Me Today! Justin Abshire, REALTOR® CUMMING, GA – 1607 Heathrow Dr. 5 bedroom / 4 bath | Offered at: $629,000 Listing Agent: TOM STOCKS 678-283-9570
Direct: 770-634-7019 Office: 770-497-2000 Justin.Abshire@harrynorman.com
FORSYTH/LAKE LANIER OFFICE
DAWSONVILLE, GA – 161 Toto Creek Dr E 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath | Offered at: $484,900 Listing Agent: TERRY COOKSEY 770-503-4167
1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA | (770) 497-2000 | wwww.HNRForsyth.com
calendar
EDITOR’S PICKS
Submit your event online at forsythherald.com
Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 21
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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.
Roswell’s 11th annual poetry slam during which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience at Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta Street in Roswell. Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit roswellroots.com for more info. $1,000 cash prize
EVENTS:
GEORGE PRICE
A special performance by composer and bluesman George Price, including a tribute to the dearly departed Joe Cocker at The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at thevelvetnote.com.
What: We are sincerely grateful to those who are able to donate. Each blood donation can save the lives of up to 3 people. Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Road in Cumming When: Sunday, Feb. 22 Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online: redcrossblood.org
SEED PROPAGATION WORKSHOP
What: Save money and expand your choices by starting plants from seed in this hands‐on workshop from the Master Gardneners Where: Coal Mountain Park, 3560 Settingdown Road in Cumming When: Thursday, Feb. 19 Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call: 770-887-2418 Online: ugaextension.com/forsyth
Performing Arts North presents ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare at The Dancing Goat Theatre, 10700 State Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Feb. 20 through 22, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18. Visit performingartsnorth.org for more info.
THEATER:
FRIENDSHIP FORCE MEETING
Who: Friendship Force International, a nonprofit that encourages travel and friendship across geographical and cultural lines. Where: Muirfield Clubhouse in Windermere, 6215 Marlow Drive Cumming When: Sunday Feb. 22 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact: Fred Mullins, fredmullinsatl@gmail.com for reservations and info
FOOTLOOSE
What: Performances of “Footloose” When: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Where: Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road Cost: $15 adults; $12 students. Web: johnscreektheatre.com
‘FIRST TOP GUN’ TALK
What: Hear the author of “First Top Guns.” present on black soldiers in WWII aviation history with a special focus on the Tuskegee Airmen of Georgia. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross Street When: Saturday, Feb. 21 Hours: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Web: roswellroots.com
ROMEO AND JULIET
Hours: Introduction for 9th graders at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:15 p.m. Contact: chamblessa@fultonschools. org
SPORTS:
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT
All are invited to Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road in Milton, to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest park by dancing to tunes from a local string band, enjoying food truck treats and hot chocolate. Saturday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contact courtney.spriggs@ cityofmiltonga.us for more info.
ST. BRENDAN’S BLOOD DRIVE
FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS
What: Come out to experience live birds, live music, and leave with a greater appreciation for our feathered friends. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell When: Saturday, Feb. 21 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Web: chattnaturecenter.org Info: Pre-registration required
KICK OFF JAMBOUREE
RUMC PRESENTS OKLAHOMA! CHS CHEER TRYOUTS
What: Informational tryout meeting for those interested in the football sideline/competition cheer team. Where: Band room at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend in Milton When: Thursday, Feb. 26
What: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Presented by Roswell UMC’s Acting Up. When: Saturday, Feb. 20 Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 general admission, $25 reserved seats Info: Friday night only Web: rumcactingup.webs.com
22 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Community
Lysa Terkeurst will be the guest speaker.
Beacon of Hope ‘Amazing Grace Gala’ sets goal of $250K Funds to serve those facing unplanned pregnancies ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Each year, the Beacon of Hope gala provides 50 percent of the funds needed to sustain its services to women and men facing unplanned pregnancy in the North Fulton community. Funds raised by the Amazing Grace Gala and Silent Auction help make it possible for Beacon of Hope to provide compassionate medical, emotional and long-term care that transforms and saves lives. When a woman walks through Beacon of Hope doors, she may be facing one of the most challenging times of her life. Beacon of Hope not only provides the medical services she is seeking but establishes a relationship that lets her know she is not alone. By providing compassionate support to the woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, they are also able to impact the unborn child and, in many cases, the father of the baby. The life change that begins when a young woman decides to continue her pregnancy or when a young man steps into the role of father has a ripple effect
If you go What: “Amazing Grace Gala” fund raiser When: Saturday, Feb. 28 6:30 to 10 p.m. Where: The Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta 5750 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 Register at: www.abeaconofhope. com that affects the entire community. Guest speaker will be Lysa Terkeurst. After finding great healing in her local medical pregnancy center’s post-abortion Bible study, Terkeurst has gone on to be a voice for the unborn. Terkeurst’s personal adventure of following God captured national media attention when she and her husband adopted two teenage boys from a wartorn orphanage in Liberia, Africa. Terkeurst’s amazing story led to appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America” and “The 700 Club” and in USA Today newspaper, among other media. Terkeurst’s ministry, Proverbs 31, encourages 500,000 women through their daily online devotional. She is also a New York Times bestselling author of 16 books.
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schools
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 23
Pinecrest Academy named mock trial region champions CUMMING, Ga. – Pinecrest Academy’s Mock Trial team won every round of their Regional Competitions in Cartersville on Saturday, Feb. 7. Pinecrest defeated multiple schools from across the state to become the Mock Trial Regional Champions. The team will travel to Dalton, Ga. on Feb. 28 to compete in the District Level Mock Trial Competition. The Georgia Bar Association sponsors mock Trial competition events, and approximately 24 local attorneys, sitting judges, and other legal professionals volunteer to judge students. Criteria on which they are judged includes their knowledge of court procedure, rules of evidence, knowledge of facts of the case, knowledge of the law as it pertains to the facts and oratory performance. The Pinecrest team has been preparing for the competition since Oct. 2014. During the six rounds of the Regional competition, Pinecrest students earned ten special recognition awards: Maria Andrade earned an award for “Best Attorney.” Maddie Brabrook earned two awards for “Best Attorney.” Clay Childress earned an award for “Best Attorney” and
Pinecrest students pose at their regional competition. Pictured from left to right, Row 1: Dawn Childress, J.D. Adisson Maalouf; Row 2: Carrie Richardson, Esq.; Row 3: Jeffery John, Maria Andrade, Danielle Miller, Andy Rodriguez, Maddie Brabrook, Maggie Pfiel, Julianna Tollett; Row 4: Charles Medlin, Esq., Christobal Urzua-Frindt, Brian Flanagan, Luke del Balzo, Marty Wehner, William Childress, Jan Rodriguez, Coach Bill Donlon an award for “Four Years Participation.” Danielle Miller earned two awards for “Best Witness.” Andy Rodriguez earned two awards for “Best Witness.” Adisson Maalouf earned special recognition and an award
for “Four Years Participation.” “I’m incredibly proud of this team, and it’s rewarding to watch how hard the students try and how much they improve their performance each year.” said Bill Donlon, Pinecrest Academy Mock Trial
Teacher Coach. “Students are not judged on whether they win or lose the case, but on their arguments, performances and adherence to court rules. The judges consider how well the participants know the facts and how well they understand
how the facts pertain to the applicable law,” he continued. “Many of these students feel that the Mock Trial Competition is the most valuable experience they have throughout their high school years.” –Adam Barth
schools
24 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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King’s Ridge Christian could be ‘healthiest school in country’ ALPHARETTA, Ga. – High school students at King’s Ridge Christian School have been identified as attending perhaps “the healthiest school in the country” after completing a survey to measure the use, perceptions and attitudes about alcohol and drug use.
As the 14-year-old independent school prepares their ninth class of college-bound graduates, King’s Ridge leaders sought a way to assess the culture surrounding substance abuse among the high school student body. The school engaged the ex-
pertise of FCD Education Services, a global nonprofit substance prevention organization. FCD helps provide private, public and parochial school students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy decisions about drug and alcohol use.
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FCD partnered with the independent school in September 2014 to administer an online survey to 202 high school students. The survey is highly complex in design with credibility checks throughout to identify errant participants. Survey outcomes noted that King’s Ridge Christian School students are not following the same behaviors seen in the typical high school setting, in which substance abuse is a form of entertainment, a way to reduce anxiety and a rite of passage for acceptance into peer groups. “There are unbelievably great numbers of students who have never had a whole drink of alcohol,” reported Renee Soulis, a senior prevention specialist with FCD. “The survey results of the King’s Ridge students are incredibly well below national norms for teenage substance abuse in that 96 percent of King’s Ridge students don’t drink and 98 percent never use marijuana.” The results were communicated independently to the high school students, faculty and parents. “You have an outrageously healthy environment in respect to substance abuse and could easily be called the healthiest
school in the country,” Soulis said. “We believe in filling the emotional cup of our students as they learn to identify and accept their uniqueness as individuals in the journey for life impact experience,” said Lowrie McCown, associate head of school. “Our students understand that they are a work in progress and know they have a highly structured network of support amongst their peers, teachers and a faith-integrated high school program.” Ninety-two percent of the students surveyed felt teachers and staff care for them as individuals, and 88 percent felt valued as a person. “The survey results are very encouraging,” said Jeff Pickren, dean of students. “This is not to say there aren’t students using alcohol or drugs, it’s just that they are in the vast minority of our student body. “While we were thrilled with the survey results, the last thing we can to do is to sit back and become complacent,” he said. “We will continue to be vigilant to monitor and encourage our students that there are healthy alternatives to relieving stress and others ways to become engaged in a community beyond substance abuse.” –Adam Barth
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 25
Matt ES wins third place in Lego Competition Athens, GA — The Matt Elementary School RoboDragons won third place overall Feb. 7 at the Georgia First Lego League Championship Tournament at the University of Georgia’s Miller Learning Center. The “Champions Award – Third Place” award represented
the team with the third-highest combined score in the robotics competition. The event was one of two state championship events held in Georgia this year. The other was held at Georgia Tech Jan. 24. Sixty-four out of 500 FLL teams across Georgia
were divided evenly between the two tournaments after advancing from regional and super-regional qualifying events. Members of the RoboDragons include Lane Stiffler, Nickolas Koerner, Noah Dotson, Emma Turner and Rajeshwari Raja.
FIRST LEGO League is an international program 9 to 14 year old children (9 to 16 outside North America) created in a partnership between FIRST and the LEGO Group in 1998 to get children excited about science and technology – and teach them valuable career and life skills.
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More parking opens up in downtown Cumming FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Additional public parking near the Forsyth County Administration Building in downtown Cumming is now available. A surface parking lot on the east side of the Administration Building has re-opened for use, after a temporary closure to allow for improvements and reconfiguration. The lot, which is off of Mason Street and accessible from Main Street, offers spaces for handicapped parking and onehour public parking. Also completed are improvements to Mason Street, which motorists can now use to access the new five-level, 491-space Mason Street parking facility. This entrance to the parking facility is in addition to the one located off of School Street that has served as the deck’s entrance since it opened in December. Handicapped van accessible spaces are located on the ground level of the parking deck and can be accessed only from the Mason Street entrance. Another new parking deck in downtown Cumming, the three-level, 222-space Castle-
The parking improvements are part of the new courthouse and jail project funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII program. berry facility at the intersection of Castleberry Road and Maple Street, opened for use last summer. A map illustrating the parking areas is available at www. forsythco.com. The parking improvements are part of the new courthouse and jail project funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII program. The courthouse and jail are slated to open later this year.
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Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 27 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Teens invited to murder mystery game at library CUMMING, Ga. — There’s been a murder at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and only a dedicated team of middle and high school sleuths can figure out “whodunit” at the first-ever mystery role-playing game for teens Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road. “Our patrons have shown a strong interest in programs that include a little history, a little mystery, and an opportunity to become part of the story,” said Lisa Echols, youth services supervisor at the Post Road Library. “We first tried out this kind of role-playing game with adult patrons and the response was incredibly positive, so we’d like to give
our teen patrons a chance to gather their friends and get in on the mystery-solving action.” The game is set in New Orleans, and the premise of the story is that local residents are thrilled the owners of the old Madison Avenue Mansion are once again hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. However, the mansion is rumored to be haunted by ill-spirited ghosts from the mid-1800s when the manor was first built. Everyone knows something is bound to go wrong when events are held there – wedding ceremonies end in divorce, travelers visiting the mansion go missing and uninvited guests crash parties and
choke to death on stolen cake. But this Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will top them all for danger, deception and intrigue. Teens are invited to dress up in spectacular Mardi Gras style for the event. Thrill-seekers who want to help figure out which suspect committed the crime should register to attend
this event. Admission is free. “Middle and high school students who register early will have a chance to be selected to perform as a suspect,” said Echols. All other attendees will act as detectives. “During the game, we’ll get into character by designing masquerade masks,” said
Echols. “Then we’ll enjoy king cake and other refreshments while we study the crime scene, question suspects and search for clues to solve the mystery.” For more information about this event, or other programs for teens, visit www.forsythpl. org.
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Gov. Nathan Deal, center, with officers of the Georgia High School Fencing League and more than 100 high school fencers. The front row included Susan Pappas, secretary of Georgia High School Fencing League (GHSFL), Kathy Vail vice-chair GHSFL, Deal, GHSFL Chair Terry White and Deirdre Donlon, treasurer of the GHSFL and a Pinecrest faculty sponsor for the fencing team.
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Pinecrest attends fencing league day at State Capitol ATLANTA — Pinecrest Academy fencing team co-captain Nicole Chai, four other members of the team and faculty sponsor Deidre Donlon were among more than 100 fencers from area high schools to attend the first annual Georgia High School Fencing League (GHSFL) Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 29. Chai was also one of nine students invited to serve as a page for state Rep.
Cheney: Continued from Page 9 also previously worked in the Savannah-Chatham County School District. “In a nutshell, I am ready for a different challenge and have always been the type of individual that embraces professional change,” Cheney said. “The SFHS campus has been my home away from home, and words cannot
Mike Dudgeon (R-Johns Creek) as part of the day’s activities. The Capitol visit brought recognition to the sport of fencing at the state level and helped lay the foundation for fencing to become a varsity sport in Georgia. Dudgeon presented House Resolution 59 to GHSFL Chair Terry White and Vice-Chair Kathy Vail, honoring the GHSFL for their dedication to the sport. express how proud I am to be associated with such an outstanding high school.” The local, state and national rankings for a variety of accomplishments are meaningful, but not as important as the friendships and relationships I have fostered with our students, parents and community, Cheney said. “The level of dedication, engagement and commitment from our staff is amazing,” Cheney said. “You are simply awesome.”
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Getting to know ‘Bachelorette’ Ashley Salter Milton grad finding fame on “The Bachelor” By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com Ashley Salter has packed a lot of living into her 24 years, and is still only about five minutes into what is likely to be her 15 minutes of fame. But something about Salter feels like it may just stretch a bit beyond that. A Milton High School and Auburn University graduate, Salter was among the 30 women culled from thousands looking for a shot at love and marriage on this season’s “The Bachelor.” The show remains a big draw, and within the group of female contestants, a few emerge more notable than the rest. This season, Salter, or “Ashley S. from Brooklyn, N.Y.” as she was referenced, became one of the more well-known contestants, despite the fact she, alas, did not get the final rose. Salter laughs when she talks about the New York tag, noting she has not lived in New York for long and her DNA is much more Georgia Peach than New York Apple. “When I found out I was cast, I lived in Brooklyn, and so they always referred to me on the show as ‘Ashley S. from Brooklyn, N.Y.’ Obviously I am not from Brooklyn,” laughed Ashley, recognizing perhaps that New York City might fit the script better than suburban Atlanta. On a visit back to Alpharetta, she spent time with Northside Woman magazine.
While I was there, I interviewed with salons and ended up getting a job offer on the spot at an Aveda salon in the Lower East Side. So I ended up staying – I didn’t go back home. My parents had to bring my clothes to me since I only had a few things. I found a place in Brooklyn and commuted into the city for work. What is life like in New York City? New York City is so urban, with such a great mix of generations, races, cultures, values, so everyone is very open and accepting. One thing I really appreciate is the ease of public transportation (the subway is always full of surprises) and the walkability to most anything, any time of day. You can have any kind of food delivered to your door, even milk and cookies. And then there’s shopping. Ahhhhhhhh… Love the shopping! I love New York…it is just full of energy. What did you miss most about Georgia? The thing I missed most about Georgia was the sense of community, particularly in the Alpharetta area, and my family and friends. And all of the outdoor activities, like swimming, golfing, tennis and cycling. It’s hard to find that in the city. I didn’t have a lot of down-time in New York – you really have to work to live there. One of my must-do’s when I’m back home is I have to eat at Milton’s. That is my absolute favorite local restaurant.
Surprisingly, the girls on the show are all great women, and through the process, I ended up making a lot of new friends. A couple of them will definitely be lasting friendships.
How did you end up in New York City from Alpharetta? When I graduated from Auburn, my parents allowed me to attend cosmetology school, which is something I had always wanted to do. I attended The Aveda Institute in Buckhead for a year. After I graduated, I went to visit a friend in New York City for what was supposed to be a quick visit.
Okay, onto “The Bachelor.” How did you end up as a contestant? I didn’t audition – I was nominated by a friend a year before they contacted me. I didn’t know my friend had nominated me, so when the show contacted me, I honestly thought it was a joke at first. From there, the interview process included meeting with casting directors and producers. I really don’t know how many candidates there were, but I know there were a lot. The show is cast from all over
Even though Ashley Salter lives in the Big Apple now, she still calls Alpharetta home. the country and Canada. This season, there were 30 girls selected, which was the largest group in “Bachelor” history. Once you decided to be a contestant, what was your goal going in? My goal was to take this opportunity to meet a really great guy and to see what would come of it. You can’t negotiate love. I was definitely interested in meeting (bachelor) Chris Soules, and if nothing came of it, then it would still be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I told myself going in, “If I can’t laugh at myself at the end of the day, then I’ll come home,” and that’s what I did. I have watched “The Bachelor” since Season I, but the experience of being on it was nothing like I expected. So, give us a peek inside the California mansion with
30 other contestants. Is it really the constant drama we see on television? Well, it is reality TV. There have been some surprises watching the episodes airing now because when the other girls are having one-on-one time with Chris, or out on a one-on-one or group date that you’re not on, you really have no idea what is happening or what conversations they’re having with one another, so that’s been interesting (as I watch it now). Tell me something that people would find surprising about your experience. Surprisingly, the girls on the show are all great women, and through the process, I ended up making a lot of new friends. A couple of them will definitely be lasting friendships. They’re all great people, and we were all there for the same purpose.
Tell me about the filming process. When did it start, how long did it last? Filming started in September, and depending on how long you make it through the season is how long the filming is. (Note: Ashley made it through three rounds of “rose ceremonies” before being eliminated in the fourth week. She was among the final 15 of 30 contestants.) Looking back, is being on “The Bachelor” something you would do again? And would you recommend others to give it a try? I don’t regret it. And, as far as would I recommend it to others, that’s not a question I can answer. To each their own. I know the show is not for everyone, but if someone really wants to try it, then I say, go for it.
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30 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald
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Taproom: Cherry Street Brewing unveils latest addition Continued from Page 1 lets us bring people together within our community to have a place for great socialization and hanging out, trying new things,” Tanner said. Cherry Street is considered a brew pub because it is a restaurant that brews its own beer and is under the same license as Rick Tanner’s. Tanner said they’re lucky to be considered a brew pub because other similar breweries, such as Jekyll or Sweetwater, are regulated on the tours and tastings they can do. Cherry Street isn’t regulation-free though, Tanner said, because they are restricted on volume and production numbers, but not sales like breweries. The opening of the tap room will increase beer production, Tanner said, and they hope to increase the amount of beer they brew this year by 40 percent from last year. “That’s going to allow us to get more distribution and get our beers out in the open market with the other bars and restaurants,” Tanner said. “It’ll
allow us to have better beer and do more.” Among the things they want to do more of is give back to their community, Tanner said. “We call ourselves a cooperative because we focus on community, sustainability and education,” Tanner said. “Community is our focus, so the surrounding areas, the neighborhoods, the people. It’s what makes us so successful is this community, hands down. We like to give back and we do a lot of charity events and have a beer that donates to a charity. We’re all about bringing community together.” Tanner said the tap room wouldn’t be open without the support of the community which is why they like to give back so much. “The community helped get us going,” Tanner said. “It’s tremendous and never ending.” The hours for the tap room are currently Wednesday to Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight. Tanner said they’re looking into expanding their hours on Saturday and being open Monday and Tuesdays.
Crowds came out to celebrate Cherry Street’s tap room opening Feb. 7.
KATHLEEN STURGEON
Local realtor donates to Forsyth County Schools CUMMING, Ga. – Fourteen years ago, local Re/Max realtor John Heath left the corporate world and got into real estate in order to get more involved in the local community. Since then, Heath and his Your Results Team have developed the school referral program in which the Heath team donates $1,000 to a school, school program, park and recreation team or approved local charity when they receive a referral. The recipient is the referral’s choice and the donation is made when the purchase or sale generated from that referral is closed. If someone personally contacts Heath and his team because of the program, they can chose to either have the $1,000 donated or they can rebate $500 back to the client (school employee) and donate $500 to the designated school. “One of the big reasons Forsyth County has been so appealing to homebuyers is because of our great schools,” Heath said. “So finding a way to invest in our schools just made sense to me. I was already helping sponsor school programs and events, but as a business owner you get asked by every booster club in town to donate and you just cannot possibly say yes to everyone – so I started this program back in 2002 as a way for us to truly partner with the schools.” Since the program, Heaths team has given around $80,000 to local schools and youth programs. Recently, Heath donated to both a local school and school district program through new home purchases by district employees. A $1,000 donation was made toward the school district’s BYOT (bring your own technology) initiative.
John Heath presents a check to Forsyth Central High School at the school’s “Domecoming.” Pictured from left are Athletic Director Dan Kaplan, Ryan McDeermond, Heath, Principal Mitch Young, Asheley Bell and Josh Bell. A $2,000 donation was made to Forsyth Central High School at the request of Josh and Asheley Bell, school resource officer and special education teacher, and science teacher Ryan McDeermond, after the purchase of their homes. “I met Lianna Frantz and John
Heath at a new teacher function where I learned of their involvement with our schools and about their school referral program,” McDeermond said. “They kept in touch with me and when it came time to buy a home, they helped me find the perfect home and guided me through the entire purchasing pro-
cess. Once we closed they rebated $500 back to me to help with moving expenses and also donated $500 to Central High School.” For more information about the school referral program, visit http:// www.northgahomefinder.com/remaxga/index.asp?p=text&id=13015.
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Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 31 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
American Legion announces winners in oratorical contest CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming Post 307 of the American Legion have announced the first and second place winners of the 77th annual High School Oratorical-Constitutional Speech Contest, held at the Georgia National Guard Armory. Josh Carlson, a junior homeschooler from Johns Creek, took home the first place prize, and Shresttha Dubey, a junior from Lambert High School, took second place. Winners in the contest can
win up to $140,000 in scholarships at the national contest in Indianapolis in April. The American Legion is the world’s largest veterans organization with 2.6 million members and is dedicated to serving the veteran, his family, promoting patriotism, national defense and Americanism youth programs such as oratorical programs, Boys and Girls State, Legion baseball, Boy Scouts and others. For membership information, visit www.americanlegionpost307.org.
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From left is Chairman Ron Meier, first place winner Josh Carlson, a junior homeschooler from Johns Creek, second place winner Shresttha Dubey, a junior from Lambert High School, and Post 307 Commander Randy McGhee.
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32 | February 18, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
In front are Christopher Snodgrass, Eden Dunford and Alex Norris. In back are coach Amy Dykes, Brittany Borzillo, Aaron Strickland, Justin Ebert, Emma Browning, Ashley Amukamara and Briana Brinkman.
NFHS wins academic bowl state championship
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for the title. Each of the teams placed either first, second or third in their region. NFHS qualified for the state competition by taking first place in their region. The team will now compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C., at the end of May.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The North Forsyth High School (NFHS) varsity academic team won the 2015 State RESA Academic Bowl Tournament Feb. 7 at Flowery Branch High School. This is the team’s third consecutive state championship. There were 20 teams from all over Georgia competing
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Forsyth Herald | February 18, 2015 | 33 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
New art program through Quinlan Visual Arts Center GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Healing through the Arts, a new art program through the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, is working to expand its community outreach in the arts to senior citizens in northeast Georgia. The Quinlan has partnered with the Guest House, a health care and activities center for seniors who need day-time care and company, with the first set of classes. Specially trained artists and art educators Fox Gradin, Mary Frances Hull and Joe Emery have been teaching portable art classes with activities that provide support, stimulation and social interaction. Based upon other successful area outreach programs each class will result in a finished project. Projects include painting, sculpture, ceramics, book making, mosaics and more. “I had a really nice time with the folks at the Guest House,” said Hull, a Healing through the Arts instructor, after teaching one of the first classes. “One student created her own collage scene with Lake Lanier and boats and floating leaves and sunshine for Groundhog Day. Our oldest student did a forest scene…All these beautiful people are so creative.” Classes meet bi-weekly for an hour at no cost to the participants. Grant funding provided for this programming was awarded by the Northeast Georgia Community Foundation. With only five more months being fully funded, the Quinlan is seeking additional funding to continue the program and offer it to other venues.
Deputies win state Officer of the Year awards FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Deputy Brian Chatham and Deputy Bobby Francis both recently received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for the state of Georgia. The Veterans of Foreign Wars presented this award to the deputies. A local VFW post nominated Chatham and Francis after learning of their actions on June 6, 2014 during the shooting at the Forsyth
Quinlan Executive Director Amanda McClure’s vision for the program is to ultimately expand and grow. “I’d like to see this program offered weekly for the most benefit to the participants and
to add other venues and partners as well,” McClure said. For more information on the Healing through the Arts program, contact the Quinlan at 770-536-2575, info@qvac.org or www.quinlanartscenter.org.
County courthouse. These two deputies were among the initial officers to arrive on scene and were the first to render aid to Deputy Daniel Rush, who had been shot in the leg. The two applied a lifesaving tourniquet to Rush’s leg, evacuated him from the immediate area and stayed with him until fire and emergency services could arrive on scene. –Adam Barth
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DEATH NOTICES Louise Frances Blalack, 93, of Cumming, passed away January 3, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Nelson Cazenave, 59, of Roswell, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Christopher James Coffey, 44, of Johns Creek, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Charlotte Eberhardt, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Roland Gerald Emmert, 92, of Cumming, passed away February 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. James Wesley Guyton, 66, of Cumming, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
Jimmie Ralston Hamby, 84, of Cumming, passed away February 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Barbara Jane Hontz, 82, of Cumming, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. John Mayfield, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away February 4, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Eleanor R. Minton, 82, of Cumming, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Victoria Jean Pastore, 65, of Alpharetta, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Brenda Sue Roebuck, 56 of Dawsonville, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Kayla Lynn Roy, 23, of Gainesville, passed away February 8, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Gracia Mohr Waddill, 87, of Cumming, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Dorothy Grant Williams, 95, of Forsyth County, passed away on February 4, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Charles Arthur Wuthrich, Jr., 72, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Daniel Ray Zizich, 64, of Hayesville, NC, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
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GORDON WATERS 678.779.2092
THE CARTER GROUP 678.644.9794
AVALON PROPERTY GROUP 770.318.7027
ROBYNN YOUNG 678.333.1737
NATHAN SAMPLES 770.880.8059
RHONDA HOFER 770.871.9600
JENNIFER HIPES 404.217.8877
REUVEN EKLER 404.593.6442
JENNIFER LOMBARDI 770.365.7783
400 North Office | 400North.BHHSGeorgia.com | 770.844.8484 #1 for the
400 NORTH OFFICE JEFF and TRENNA GORDON
678.779.5333
BOWLER/ CONROY TEAM 770.656.4153
GAYLE BARTON 706.455.0180
STEVE GLAWE 678.591.4054
REAL ESTATE REDEFINED
THE SWIGART TEAM 678.462.6792
JACK CAMPRINI 770.856.9725
JOHN R. MORRIS 770.401.3386
DONNA KERCHER-BURNS 770.490.4178
TEAM JOZWIAK 678.327.6621
THE STINEBAUGH TEAM 770.663.7573
ARTHUR PRESCOTT 770.309.7531
LAWLER/WAGES TEAM 404.394.6054
CONSUELO BLANCHARD 770.354.7253
CHARMAINE COURVILLE 678.618.0382
KELLY BENING 770.856.8310
LAURA YOUNG 678.643.3464
THE EAST TEAM 404.917.6112
BOB FITZPATRICK 678.640.9160
ED COCHRAN 770.827.8269
LISTED IN ORDER OF COMPANY GCI - 2014
Georgia Properties
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