Forsyth Herald - January 18, 2023 by Appen Media Group

Regional commission offers updates, awards to green communities ► PAGE 4

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Chamber recognizes MLK Day with week of service FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community-wide week of service Jan. 11-18. The chamber’s OneForsyth initiative encouraged businesses and residents to engage in service projects

for local nonprofits at work and at home. Nonprofit partners in the week of service included Meals by Grace, The Place of Forsyth County, Furkids Animal Rescue and Family Promise of Forsyth County. The week of service culminated

with a celebration at the Forsyth YMCA Jan. 15. The 2 p.m. gathering offered on-site service opportunities and information about Forsyth County nonprofits. The initiative was presented by SYNESQO. “By being part of the MLK Week of

Service, we believe that we are part of a society that respects all people and values people based on their character, not on any visible or invisible difference,” SYNESQO Alpharetta Site Manager Donna Drake said. — Shelby Israel

County approves $114 million for new administration campus

FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

At a Jan. 9 work session, the Forsyth County Commission approved $114 million to construct a new administration building and employee center. Construction of the whole health building, at left, remains unfunded.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After more than four years of planning and anticipation, Forsyth County has approved $114 million for construction of its new administration building and employee center on Freedom Parkway. At a Jan. 9 work session, the County Commission awarded Carroll Daniel Construction the contract to construct the two buildings. The vote will be finalized in the consent agenda at an upcoming formal meeting. The Board of Commissioners began reserving funds in 2019 to move operations from the current 55,000-square-foot Administration Building to a larger, new facility. When the current building opened in 1996, the population of Forsyth County was around 68,000. Today, it is home to more than 260,000 residents. The new administration building, estimated to cost some $81 million as

of August, is funded completely through surplus capital outlay funds and will not put the county in any debt. The cost was previously estimated at $47 million in 2022. The employee center is funded through surplus dollars in the county’s employee benefit fund. The facility will serve as a place for recruitment and retention efforts. County Manager David McKee said the campus will serve as a 40-year investment in the community. The county aims for the new administration building to serve as a one-stop shop for all resident needs, with 17 departments consolidated into one location. Currently, McKee said, many offices are spread across the county, with some in leased spaces. McKee estimated the county will save $420,000 annually by eliminating the need for leased space. “Another big, key component that we

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Dacula woman cited for driving with no tire

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 25-year-old Dacula woman Jan. 4 for allegedly driving on Ga. 400 with a missing tire and a suspended license. Deputies reported spotting the vehicle on southbound Ga. 400 near Peachtree Parkway around 9 p.m. There were sparks coming from the rear of the vehicle, which was missing its rear driver’s side tire. Deputies stopped the car and spoke with the driver, who said she heard noises coming from the back of her car, but she wasn’t certain what the noise was, the report states. The Georgia Crime Information Center reportedly showed the suspect’s driver’s license was suspended because of a failure to appear in August 2022. The suspect told deputies she forgot to pay a ticket before her court date, and she did not go to court, the report states. She was charged with misdemeanor defective tires and driving while license suspended.

Deputies arrest suspect for $4,200 check fraud FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 32-year-old Gainesville man Jan. 4 who allegedly defrauded a gas station of $4,200 by cashing a bad check. On Dec. 21, the owner of a gas station on Ga. 9 reported the man cashed the check in August for “labor he had done,” and he received the money. Wells Fargo contacted the owner Nov. 28 and told him the check was fraudulent. The owner reported speaking with the suspect, who said he would give the money back, but he never did.

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PUBLIC SAFETY The suspect was later located and charged with felony theft by taking, forgery in the third degree and identity fraud.

Norcross man charged with felony shoplifting FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 41-year-old Norcross man Jan. 3 who allegedly stole more than $2,800 in merchandise from Target on Peachtree Parkway in November. Target loss prevention employees reported the suspect swiped $1,634 worth of goods Nov. 24. He allegedly returned Nov. 29 and stole an additional $1,179 in merchandise. The employee reported the suspect shoplifted 14 electric shavers, a microwave and a cooking set Nov. 24. On Nov. 29, he allegedly swiped steaks, a coffee maker, a speaker, a Nintendo Switch controller and case, and two Lego sets. The employee said the man was previously arrested for shoplifting at Target in DeKalb County. He was charged with three felony counts of theft by shoplifting and is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $10,080 bond.

Deputies arrest three for drug violations FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a Commerce woman and two Gainesville men Jan. 3 on drug charges following a traffic stop on Devon Drive. Deputies reported spotting a vehicle with no taillights driving northbound on Bannister Road around 8:30 p.m. The vehicle stopped at the end of Devon Drive. When approaching the vehicle to speak with the driver, deputies reported smelling marijuana and seeing a small plastic bag beside the driver’s leg. Deputies asked the three occupants to exit the vehicle. During a search, deputies reported finding a large amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, THC oil, scales and packaging

materials associated with the distribution of drugs. The driver, 46, was charged with felony trafficking of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He also received misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana under 1 ounce, possession of drug-related objects, driving while license suspended, driving with suspended registration, attempting to misrepresent tag and illumination of taillights. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond amount. The female suspect, 26, was charged with felony trafficking of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor possession of marijuana under 1 ounce, possession of drug-related objects and giving a false name to law enforcement officers. She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond amount. A second male suspect, 20, was charged with felony possession of a schedule one controlled substance. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail. Bond is set at $11,020.

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Hundreds honor MLK with annual unity walk By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Hundreds packed St. James United Methodist Church Jan. 15 to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with an annual community service and unity walk to downtown Alpharetta. Following an hour of prayer and song, Fulton County Probate Court Chief Judge Kenya Johnson spoke on the theme “Leaving Your Legacy,” a message inspired by Proverbs 13:22. “It has been said that if you want to touch the past, touch a rock,” Johnson said. “If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. But, if you want to touch the future, touch a life.” Using her expertise as a probate court judge, Johnson explored estate planning through the biblical lens of leaving behind an inheritance for one’s descendants. Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin also addressed the crowd to recognize great men such as King, Mahatma Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau, whose legacies encourage unity in times of division. “We all leave legacies,” Gilvin said. “We are all creating a legacy with every day, everything we do. Now, it can be good, or it can be bad. It can be intentional, or completely by accident. But it's important for us, as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, that we take responsibility because King, unfortunately, gave his life for his legacy.” Gilvin encouraged guests to carry on King’s message through positive, intentional actions. St. James Senior Pastor the Rev. Gregory S. Williams also presented the church’s MLK recognition award

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Congregants and community members form a procession down Academy Street Jan. 15 in the annual St. James Alpharetta Martin Luther King Jr. Day unity walk. Hundreds gathered at St. James UMC at 10 a.m. to celebrate and honor King’s legacy. to Jimmy McKinney, whose nonprofit, the Jimmy Mac Foundation, assists the needy through youth mentorship, food, community outreach and educational assistance. The foundation has provided more than $70,000 in scholarships and more than 500,000 meals to those in need internationally. After the 10 a.m. service, guests lined up outside St. James for a unity walk to Brooke Street Park in downtown Alpharetta , just over 1 mile from the church at 3000 Webb Bridge Road.

Board of Education members approve new slate of officers By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Education elected its 2024 officers and representatives at a called meeting Jan. 9. Darla Light will serve as Student Attendance Council representative and retain her role as Board of Education chairwoman. Mike Valdes will serve as the School Board’s vice chairman and legislative

liaison. Board Member Lindsey Adams, who served as vice chairwoman in 2023, was named liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and delegate to the Georgia School Boards Association. Board Member Tom Cleveland was appointed representative for the Youth Drug Council, and Board Member Wes McCall was named representative for the Homeless Youth Council. The Board of Education held its first formal meeting of the year Jan. 16.

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Atlanta Regional Commission recognizes green communities By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — During his first meeting as chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission Jan. 10, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens previewed the year ahead and recognized several local governments as green communities. The ARC is the official planning agency for the 11-county region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties. The Georgia General Assembly created the Atlanta Regional Commission in 1971, the state’s first Metropolitan Area Planning and Development Commission. The agency is designed to assist local governments in improving the quality of life of residents by focusing attention and resources on issues affecting the region. The Atlanta Regional Commission Board consists of the commission chair from each county surrounding Metro Atlanta, mayors throughout the region, 15 citizen members and a representative from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

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From left, Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman Andre Dickens and Executive Director Anna Roach field questions from board members Jan. 10. Dickens is the first Atlanta mayor elected chairman of the board for the agency. In the commission’s 53-year history, Dickens is the first Atlanta mayor to serve as chairman. The 41-member board unanimously elected him Nov. 8. “I look forward to collaborating with each and every one of you as we work together to fulfill ARC’s vision

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of creating one great region,” Dickens said. “We are all residents here, and we all want the region to thrive.” The first discussion item at the board meeting was a presentation on the Green Communities Program, which encourages local governments to reduce their environmental footprint.

The program aligns with one of the commission’s goals of healthy, safe and livable communities in Metro Atlanta, Dickens said. Green Communities is a voluntary certification program developed in 2009 that provides cities and counties with a framework for environmentally sustainable practices. Some examples include reducing energy and water use in operations, providing curbside recycling and educating the community about emerging clean energy opportunities. Crystal Jackson, a planning manager for climate and sustainability, presented seven Metro Atlanta cities and counties with certification awards. “When we created the program many years ago…we wanted to create a culture of sustainability within our local governments and communities,” Jackson said. “We wanted Metro Atlanta to be known as a green region, and we’ve done that over the past several years.” The program has 10 categories and 80 measures for judging applicants, including land use, transportation and

See ARC, Page 5

ARC: Continued from Page 4 energy efficiency, with points assigned to each area. The Green Communities Program has four certification levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. In 2021, the cities of Norcross, Roswell, Woodstock, Douglasville and Milton joined Cobb, DeKalb and Douglas counties to recertify as Green Communities. Jackson said the application process typically takes six months for local governments to complete. Every four years, local governments must recertify. At the Jan. 10 board meeting, five communities were recertified, and two local governments were certified for the first time. “It’s not a static program,” Jackson said. “The measures we put in place in 2009 are not the same measures that we are using today.” DeKalb County and the cities of Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners, Sandy Springs were recertified as a gold-level Green Community. Brookhaven and Johns Creek were recognized with a sustainability certification for the first time in 2024. While Brookhaven received gold-level certification, Johns Creek met the bronze standard. After the board meeting, Dickens said he believes Atlanta performs as a region and collaboration across communities can deliver more for residents. When asked about the importance of the Ga. 400 corridor, Dickens said reducing commuting time and increasing public transportation are important to him. “It’s one thing to have everybody in car being able to get back and forth between Alpharetta, Atlanta and the airport,” Dickens said. “It’s also important to have public transit.” ARC Board looks ahead Dickens thanked former Board Chairman Kerry Armstrong, who served in the role for a decade, for working with him during the transition of the board’s leadership. As chair, Dickens was tasked with appointing three officers to positions. He appointed Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell as vice chair, Forsyth County Commissioner Chairman Alfred John as secretary and Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson as treasurer. In addition to his role as board secretary, John was also appointed as chair of the Ethics Committee. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul will serve as vice chair of the Strategic

COMMUNITY Relations Subcommittee. Dickens outlined upcoming events and regional priorities for his twoyear term as chairman, including reconnecting the region, emergency preparedness funding and health care access. In 2024, the ARC is set to approve the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which allocates $168 billion in federal, state and local funding through 2050. The four-year update to the plan concluded last year, and its final review and adoption is anticipated in February. The plan includes improving major roads and interchanges, expanding transit service, building a network of express lanes and developing a bikeped network. Dickens discussed additional planning efforts in 2024, including the development of a climate action plan, an update to the region’s freight plan and a clean electricity plan. Agency updates from staff include adopting a new 4-year plan on aging for Metro Atlanta, selecting projects for funding through the 2024 Livable Centers Initiative and several initiatives related to affordable housing. “Now serving as the chairman of the board, the center of the region can carry out the quarterbacking for some of these conversations,” Dickens said.

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FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

From left, Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John is joined by fellow Atlanta Regional Commission Board officers Nicole Hendrickson, Michael Caldwell and Andre Dickens at a meeting Jan. 10. John was named ARC Board secretary and Ethics Committee chairman.

Forsyth County Commission chairman appointed to posts on regional agency FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Atlanta Regional Commission Board Chairman Andre Dickens appointed Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John the agency’s secretary at a meeting Jan. 10. The Atlanta Regional Commission, or ARC, is a collaborative planning effort representing most Metro Atlanta governments. Forsyth is the 11th and the newest member county. Dickens also named John chairman of the ARC Ethics Committee. “In both roles, I aim to help position Forsyth County, and the region, in the best position possible to win infrastructure and other grants as we continue making our community Georgia’s finest,” John

said. The ARC Board is composed of the county commission chairs from each member jurisdiction; the mayor and a councilmember from Atlanta; a mayor from each county; and 15 citizens. John joins Atlanta Mayor Dickens, Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell and Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson as the 2024 ARC Board officers. “It is an honor to be selected to serve in these capacities with the ARC Board as Forsyth County’s role in Metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia continues to grow,” John said. — Shelby Israel

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ATLANTA — State lawmakers returned to the Gold Dome Jan. 8 for what is expected to be a lively election-year legislative session. But for now, lawmakers are mostly tending to the usual housekeeping tasks that greet each session, like setting a calendar that will dictate the length of the session and meeting dates. The session started just a month after lawmakers met for a tense special session to redraw Georgia’s political maps after a judge ruled the first attempts passed in 2021 illegally diluted the voting strength of Black Georgians. That same judge has since approved the new maps. “Good morning, seems like just yesterday that we were here,” Speaker Jon Burns said after gaveling the House into session. The chilly first day attracted proPalestine protesters who chanted on the Capitol steps while far-right activists rallied across the street at Liberty Plaza for paper ballots and continued to repeat claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Inside, the state Capitol was abuzz, with lobbyists, advocates and others filling the hallways. Some of them were adjusting to a crackdown on unattended bags and other items, with new signage sprouting up warning of confiscations. Lobbyists commonly leave their belongings on tables at the Capitol while working the halls. The first day also brought a noticeable showing of Capitol Police officers and bomb-sniffing dogs. And over in the Senate, security was also on the mind of lawmakers. Several senators spoke on the chamber floor about the need for tougher criminal and civil penalties for falsifying reports of serious crimes following a recent rash of swatting threats made against GOP leaders, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Republican Sen. John Albers shared his own harrowing experience. Roswell police showed up at his home the day after Christmas following a hoax domestic dispute call with someone threatening to shoot another family member. Albers, who chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee, called the swattings foolish pranks that put police and victims at risk. “You may also know that just a few

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days ago, someone emailed a bomb threat to our Capitol building as well as buildings throughout the entire United States,” he said. “Again, these types of actions are foolish and dangerous. “You see much increased police presence here at the Capitol today,” Albers said. “We’ll continue to see that both visibly and non-visibly to make sure that each one of you and our families are protected.” Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, said that a real challenge for lawmakers is finding a balance between protecting law enforcement and the public from threats that continue to rise as a result of the ongoing culture wars. He urged lawmakers not to respond in a manner that further widens political and ideological divisions. “When it comes to the very basics of government, will you do what’s necessary, not just to protect our members from a law enforcement public safety perspective, and protect the public at large, but are we going to protect our shared commitment to govern for everybody and not assume the worst in each other at some of the most difficult vulnerable moments that we face?” McLaurin said. Atlanta Democratic Sen. Nan Orrock said the threats against public officials are another example of how more governing bodies and people are treating dangerous rhetoric as normal public discourse. “We should absolutely come together and use the bully pulpit to model behavior that is not divisible, not rancorous, not tearing down but sound of the message of coming together to address the needs of our constituents in our state,” Orrock said. This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom that covers statewide issues.

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State Rep. Martin seeks more aid for students pursuing degrees By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA — Rep. Chuck Martin is seeking to revisit the Georgia College Completion Grant this legislative session, a measure that could make MARTIN it easier for students to finish their degrees. In the 2023 fiscal year, the program awarded $7.3 million to more than 6,000 undergraduate students at eligible colleges and universities across the state. The grant program, which launched July 1, 2022, can cover up to $2,500 in financial aid gaps for students who are at least 80 percent finished with a four-year degree program. The need-based effort is meant to help students who are low-income or who have outstanding balances that may serve as a barrier to attending classes. Last spring, Martin, the chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, sponsored House Bill 249, which sought to raise the maximum award under the program to $3,500, as well as lower the four-year degree completion requirement to 70 percent, or 45 percent for a two-year

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The Georgia College Completion Grant is set to be revisited this legislative session. Rep. Chuck Martin said he plans to work with the Governor’s Office and reintroduce the proposal with a focus on helping students wrap up their degrees. degree. The bill saw overwhelming support in the House and the Senate, but Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed the measure in May. “I support veterans initiatives and making education more affordable,” Kemp said in the veto message. “However, the proposals in this bill are subject to appropriations and the General Assembly failed to fully fund these educational incentives.” In addition to the expansion of the Georgia College Completion Grant, HB 249 would have enabled veterans to receive free training to operate commercial vehicles. In an interview with Appen Media,

Martin said the bill will run this year with a focus on helping students finish their programs of study. “We feel real good about the information we have thus far,” he said. “We're going to keep working with the Governor's Office and the folks here, too, in the House and the Senate, to try to move that forward this year.” The Georgia College Completion Grant is the product of House Bill 1435, which was also sponsored by Martin in the 2022 legislative session. The grant program will conclude June 30, 2025. In the Georgia House, Martin represents District 49, which covers much

of North Fulton County, including Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek. Martin said the Georgia College Completion Grant was aimed at ensuring students can complete their degrees without being dropped from courses or potentially having to take a break from school because of financial barriers. “Then, they're in a position to earn more because they have their certificate, or they have their degree, and can earn more and be a big part of our economy,” he said. “And if they have other student loans, they're in a position to earn. They have a degree. They have their certification and can earn and pay those back.” While HB 249 would make it possible for students to receive additional aid, Martin said a student is not guaranteed an increase. The dollars would still be awarded on an individual basis. “It is dollars that are important and hard to come by, so we want to make sure they're being deployed in the best possible way,” Martin said. According to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, 58 percent of College Completion Grant recipients earned a degree, diploma or certificate in the 2023 academic year. The Georgia General Assembly convened Jan. 8.

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Chattahoochee River brewpub seeks buy-in from residents By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Steve Mollica and the group behind a proposed Chattahoochee River brewpub at Roswell Road and Roberts Drive will participate in a community meeting Jan. 22. A brewpub is a hybrid between a restaurant and a brewery, where beer is primarily brewed for sale inside the establishment. Typically, breweries will produce more beer annually and will not include food services. “We’re basically going for a brewpub, super simple,” Mollica said. “We are not going to distribute or anything, so it will all be onsite.” When Mollica brought the brewpub rezoning proposal to a community meeting last summer, he said some 20 residents strongly opposed the effort. Residents along Roberts Drive said at two public meetings July 28 and Sept. 20 that they did not want a brewpub in their neighborhood at two community meetings. The Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods also advocated against rezoning the property in a protected neighborhood. “We applied last year, and then they kind of pushed our application to this year because of some administrative stuff,” Mollica said. “So basically now, we are starting the process over.” The property is on the east side of Roswell Road before the bridge crossing the Chattahoochee River into Roswell. “The only thing that is on the waterfront in Sandy Springs is Ray’s on the River,” Mollica said. “We’re trying to do something for regular people.”

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A Street View image from Google Earth shows the property at 9755 Roberts Drive in March 2022. For the proposed Chattahoochee Rover brewpub to be constructed at the site, the property must be rezoned. Ray’s on the River, an award-winning restaurant on the Cobb County border, requires a dress code for diners. Mollica joked that his proposed brewpub would allow hats and flip flops. Following the success of Pontoon Brewing in Sandy Springs, Mollica said the location along the river would provide the perfect location. William Odrey owns the 1.72-acre property at 9755 Roberts Drive. According to the Fulton County Board of Assessors, Odrey bought the property for $650,000 in August 2006. Mollica said he has an agreement with Odrey to buy into the property, pending a rezoning. Before Mollica tried to buy

the site, Odrey had been trying to get it rezoned. Mollica said he posted a notice about the public meeting on the “ATLbeer” subreddit page Jan. 3 to bring the brewpub to the attention of Sandy Springs residents who support the rezoning that would allow commercial. “We need people, especially those who live in Sandy Springs, and especially those who live on the north side of town to come out and support our cause,” the post said. As of Jan. 11, the post has received seven upvotes and one comment. While Mollica did not survey the homeowners on Roberts Drive, he said residents in the area were overwhelmingly

supportive. “We just got to find the people on our side, and they’re out there,” Mollica said. There are a few hurdles for a brewpub along the Chattahoochee River. Mollica said a character area change and zoning change will each take about six months to complete. If the property is rezoned for commercial use, construction of the brewpub would take another year. While the brewpub remains up in the air, Mollica said he has a few local brewers on board. Potential operating partners are still farther down the road. “The building has to be mostly up, for those conversations to even happen,” Mollica said.

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Johns Creek schedules Lunar New Year gala JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek will host a Lunar New Year celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at Heisman Field off Medlock Bridge Road. Presented by Dezhu U.S., the gathering will feature a taste of Asia

Campus: Continued from Page 1 wanted to accomplish with this building is being able to separate our public meetings and that public meeting space at close of business from the rest of the building,” McKee said. At the existing administration building, guests can enter through the public exits to attend meetings, and staff secures the building after business concludes. Because the meeting chambers at the new facility will be separated, staff can lock up without waiting for guests to leave. The full administration campus will occupy 42 acres on Freedom Parkway just south of Ga. 400. Forsyth County acquired the land in September 2021. Once operations are moved to the Freedom Parkway campus, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will relocate its headquarters to the existing Administration Building on East Main Street. The Magistrate Court will move

and cultural performances. City staff said the family-friendly event celebrates cultural diversity in the community. Admission is free and open to all. Pets are not allowed, but service dogs are permitted.

The celebration will be held in the fields across from the Alanta Athletic Club at 1930 Bobby Jones Drive. The entrance is on the west side of Medlock Bridge Road. — Shelby Israel

To register as a sponsor or vendor, visit eventeny.com/ events/johns-creek-lunar-new-yearcelebration-8879.

to the previous Sheriff’s Office, and the Board of Assessors will relocate to the Magistrate Court offices. Ultimately, McKee said the new administration building will streamline county business and provide better customer service to residents. “We have an opportunity to set ourselves apart and really do something for, number one, retention of employees, but also for our residents in providing that one-stop shop that I believe that the citizens and this board demands from a public service and from a customer service level,” he said. McKee presented the County Commission with three options. It would cost $148,477,000 to construct the administration, employee and whole health buildings, some $36 million over budget. To save $12 million, commissioners could approve the construction of the employee and administration buildings but remove the public health component from the whole health building, leaving only mental services. McKee recommended the third

option: nixing the health building from the campus. By accepting the $114 million bid for the other two facilities, the project would require no additional funding, coming in under the $134 million budget. Because the cost of the health building came in $12 million over budget, the county must reassess its options. “What we do with that is, do we scale it back?” McKee said. “Do we find another location? There is a number of things that we need to do from a programming standpoint to determine what we can do.” County Commission Chairman Alfred John and commissioners Kerry Hill and Laura Semanson voted in favor of the $114 million construction award. But, commissioners Todd Levent and Cindy Jones Mills took issue with the removal of the whole health building from the plans. In October 2021, plans for a mental health facility on the campus were added.

But, the whole health building would offer more comprehensive services. The 65,000-square-foot facility is estimated to cost $38 million, funded through American Rescue Plan dollars. It would house the County Health Department, a mental health center and a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) unit. Levent and Mills cast dissenting votes when the contract award for only the two buildings was approved. Mills, a vocal advocate of mental health awareness, argued the services are essential. “There is a lot of things that are being done locally to try to help, but there’s nothing we can do without a center, without having a place for it,” Mills said. “And for us to sacrifice that so we can have plush offices in this economic time, it’s hard for me to swallow.” Commissioners will revisit the whole health building’s funding at a meeting in February. The Freedom Parkway campus is slated to open in summer 2026.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 11

Appen Press Club presents

Listening Tour 2024

Reporter-Led Event Series Seeking Story Feedback and Ideas

Dunwoody – Thurs. Jan. 18, 4–5pm Open to the public and FREE to attend! YE OLDE DUNWOODY TAVERN OTHER UPCOMING LISTENING TOUR 2024 DATES & LOCATIONS: February 14th

From the Earth Brewing Company (Roswell)

5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 DunwoodyTavern.com | (770) 394-4164

TO RSVP

RSVP is not required but appreciated. Visit appenmedia.com/join to let us know you are coming.

March 21st

Sugo (Johns Creek)

April 18th TBD

May 16th

Six Bridges Brewing (Milton)

June 20st TBD

July 18th TBD

TO JOIN

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level. Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

›

12 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Calendar

JAN. 18 — JAN. 28

SAXOPHONIST REGGIE HINES

What: Whether he’s performing at international jazz festivals in Stockholm, Montreux, Bermuda and St. Lucia or closer to home in and around Atlanta, veteran saxophonist Reggie Hines always asks his audience the key question: “How many of you want to go on a musical journey?” When: Friday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: $42 More info: thevelvetnote.com

JESSE COOK

What: An accomplished guitarist and prolific filmmaker, Jesse Cook composed his first album “Tempest” more than 25 years ago, playing all the instruments. His compositional style mixes flamenco with everything from classical and jazz to zydeco, blues and Brazilian samba. When: Friday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets starting at $47.10 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

TALKING TECH WITH BILL NUSSEY

What: Bill Nussey, partner at Tech Square Ventures and Engage and author of “Freeing Energy,” will speak about clean energy and the history of computers in the Computer Museum of America’s “Talking Tech” speaker series. When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2-3 p.m. Where: Computer Museum of America, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell Cost: $10 to $15, free for museum members More info: computermuseumofamerica.org

PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF ATLANTA EXHIBITION

What: The Portrait Society of Atlanta presents its annual member exhibition. When: Until Jan. 20, business hours Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

LYRICS AND LAUGHS

TALKING TECH WITH BILL NUSSEY

What: Join this comedy show, featuring award-winning comedian Rita Brent as the co-host, along with Griff from the “Get Up! Morning with Erica Campbell” morning show. There will be performances by comedian Rodney Perry, seen in “Coming 2 America” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” comedian Cocoa Brown from BET’s “Comic View,” as well as musical guests. When: Sunday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m. Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets starting at $65 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

Cost: $15-28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

THE MAD HATTERPILLAR

What: Local author and former U.S. State Department official Dorothy “Dot” Padgett will speak and sign copies of her book “Jimmy Carter: Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts.” Padgett organized the Carter presidential campaign effort known as the Peanut Brigade. Her book chronicles Carter’s path from a peanut farm in rural Georgia to the White House. When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell More info: forl.net/atlanta-authors

What: “The Mad Hatterpillar” is a puppet-centric children’s musical, following the journey of Maddie, a caterpillar determined to become a butterfly and escape her mundane garden walls. Like her real life counterpart, she sheds her heads at each new stage of life, stacking the molted heads upon her new one. Each of these heads symbolizes a stage of Maddie’s growth into self-acceptance. When: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAYS: POP UP SHOP

What: Once a month, J. Keaton Designs hosts a pop-up shop with local businesses in one-hour shopping sessions. Reserve a slot online. When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 12-5 p.m. Where: J. Keaton Designs, 9 Dunwoody Park, Dunwoody More info: jkeatondesigns.com

ATLANTA AUTHORS SERIES: DOT PADGETT

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

GALLERY RECEPTION: EARTHBOUND What: This reception is for an art exhibit that ponders questions about Earth, which has inspired and intrigued artists, poets, philosophers, scientists and everyone who has somehow been touched by its invisible warmth. What physical and emotional impact does the environment have on humanity? And, how might humanity care for this Earth for future generations? When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 5-7 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: artsalpharetta.org

GRABBING THE HAMMER: A TRUCKER NARRATIVE

What: “Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative” is a one-act play about prodigal rebellion and fleeting moments for redemption. The play is sponsored by Roswell Roots, a community-wide, monthlong festival that celebrates Black History Month. When: Sunday, Jan. 28, 4 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $18-20 More info: roswell365.com

Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date Click the red button that reads “Create event” That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

Sponsored Section

January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | 13

PROVIDED

Nurturing minds, fostering faith, and building lasting connections Brought to you by - King’s Ridge Christian School Beyond Academics - A Personal Touch in Education At King’s Ridge Christian School (KRCS), we understand that education goes beyond textbooks and exams. What truly sets us apart is the profound emphasis on personal relationships between our dedicated staff and students. In every classroom, from Pre-K to 12th grade, we prioritize building connections that extend beyond the academic realm. Faith-Filled Mentorship - A Journey Together Our commitment to a Christian college-preparatory program is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about embarking on a spiritual journey together. The staff at KRCS is passionate about cultivating personal relationships with students, guiding them not only in their academic pursuits but also in their individual walks of faith. This mentorship extends beyond the classroom, creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Shaping Lives, One Relationship at a Time Since our inception in 2001, KRCS has been more than a school; it's a community where personal connections shape lives. Our enduring mission is to equip students to know, serve, and believe

in Christ, and this mission is deeply rooted in the relationships our staff forms with each student. We believe that by fostering a strong sense of community and connection, we are preparing students not just for academic success but for a fulfilling and purposeful life. Freedom to Flourish - Encouraging Individual Growth At KRCS, we strive to educate, not indoctrinate. This approach extends to empowering students to explore their unique talents and callings fully. Our staff not only provides the freedom for students to pursue their passions but also actively encourages and supports them along the way. The result is a school environment where personal growth is as integral as academic achievement. Experience the KRCS Difference Whether you're a KRCS graduate, a friend of the school, or someone seeking an educational institution that values personal connections, we invite you to visit campus. Discover how our staff's commitment to building lasting relationships creates an atmosphere where learning is not just contagious, but where faith deepens, and exciting personal and academic growth happens. Join us at King’s Ridge Christian School, where education is personal, transformative, and geared towards building meaningful connections that last a lifetime. www.KingsRidgeCS.org

14 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Woodward Academy launches new Maymester Program Brought to you by - Woodward Academy Woodward Academy is launching a Maymester program in May 2024 for Middle and Upper School students. This program is an integral goal of Woodward’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, an Unparalleled Student Experience, which highlights the need to increase real-world application offerings in the curriculum to better prepare students for the future. The Maymester program will take place during the last two weeks of May, after the conclusion of the spring semester, and will provide students exposure to ideas, cultures, community, and relationships through experiential learning and real-world applications. Maymester students will partake in a concrete, hands-on learning experience followed by focused and intentional reflection. Maymester will offer multiple settings in which students can participate and learn on campus, in the community, or via a domestic or international travel experience. Our Maymester courses will be anchored to Woodward’s mission statement of creating a richer learner community and exceptional academic opportunities for our students in order to nurture lifelong learners. The faculty have designed intriguing cross-disciplinary courses born from their own passions. Course proposals include Zoology, Game Design, Sports Marketing, Public Speaking, The Civil Rights Movement in Georgia, Business in a Box, Writing a Novel, The Chemistry of Food, Ancient Civilizations and Cultures, Auto Maintenance, and more. Assessment will be based on a deliverable that students create at the end of the course in the context of their learning. These deliverables could be presentations, journals, audio/video logs, peer reviewed feedback, or another method designed and approved by the teacher. With the exception of Class of 2024 seniors, all Woodward Middle and Upper School students are required to participate and will receive course credit for the Maymester program.

Woodward Appoints Academy Psychologist Ms. Daena Shearer was selected to serve as Woodward’s newly appointed Academy Psychologist. This position was created in response to the Academy’s 20222025 Strategic Plan goal to proactively foster, develop, and support the social and emotional well-being of each member of the Woodward Academy community. Ms. Shearer has spent the last nine years working as a school psychologist in public and private school systems in New York and Georgia, most recently at the Lovett School. She has extensive experience working with pre-K through 12th grade students experiencing socialemotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Additionally, Ms. Shearer has provided in-home therapy for students with developmental delays, autism, and other genetic disorders, and has a wealth of experience conducting individual and group setting counseling. Ms. Shearer is an expert in conducting psycho-educational evaluations and is proficient in using those assessments to tailor academic and behavioral interventions in both school and home settings. Her therapeutic techniques include play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, and applied behavioral analysis. Ms. Shearer is excited for the opportunity to join a community that deeply values mental health, and to use her therapeutic background to further advance the Academy’s mental health and wellness initiative. She shares, “I admire Woodward’s emphasis on meeting each student where they are, and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to achieve success, no matter their learning differences.” Ms. Shearer holds a B.A. in Psychology from The City College of New York, as well as an Advanced Professional Diploma in School Psychology and a M.S. in Education, specializing in Therapeutic Interventions, from Fordham University Graduate School of Education in New York.

PROVIDED

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 15

16 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Providing an exceptional college preparatory program since 1976 Brought to you by - Saint Francis School

Saint Francis School is a SACS/SAIS accredited, independent, non-profit, nonsectarian college preparatory school founded in 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic ability in a structured environment that is challenging and supportive. Kindergarten – 8th grades are located on the 24-acre Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47-acre Alpharetta campus. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on structure and organization allows students to enjoy success in academic areas and develop the self-confidence necessary to be successful in college. Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional and Support classes. With a 100% acceptance rate to college and with the majority of graduates qualifying for the Hope Scholarship, Saint Francis alumni attend a wide variety of programs ranging from Ivy League schools, to small private colleges to prestigious Art Institutes. Saint Francis is a Google Apps for Education Classroom, utilizing

PROVIDED

laptops in grades 4 – 12. Specialized reading programs offered include Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words® and supplemental support from Cars® and Stars® Reading

Comprehension. Sports are offered at both the middle and high school (GHSA) including football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball and equestrian.

For more information call 770.641.8257 Ext. 56 (Grades 1– 8) and 678.339.9989 Ext. 33 (Grades 9 – 12) or visit our website: www. saintfrancisschools.com.

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Fulton Science Academy Private School

Accredited and STEM Certified College Prep Gifted School Integrity, Curiosity, Advocacy, Resiliency, Empathy Brought to you by - Fulton Science Academy Private School Recently named as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, recognized as a National Character School by Character.org, ranked as the best private school overall in Georgia by Niche.com, and named Best K-12 Private School in North Atlanta by Appen Media, Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) offers Georgia students a transformative education. FSAPS serves a high population of advanced and gifted students in Pre-K through High School. As an accredited and STEM certified school, FSA has a reputation for its exceptional academic results. FSAPS ranks in the top 1% among all subjects and all grades in nationally normed tests in comparison to other schools in the nation. FSAPS provides its students with

opportunities to grow, learn, and play in an environment conducive to fostering academic growth. We have developed a high quality advanced academic program emphasizing a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) curriculum and gifted education. Our approach to learning focuses on using hands-on, collaborative, and engaging instructional practices to prepare students for life beyond FSAPS. FSAPS’s environment is structured to minimize distractions and stress, while cultivating work ethic, self-initiative, strength of character, and well-developed social skills. Nestled in the heart of Alpharetta near downtown, FSAPS is accessible and strategically located. With approximately 960 students, FSAPS emphasizes small classes and intimate student-teacher ratios. The small and structured environment, along with uniforms, keeps

students focused on their studies. Since there are little to no disciplinary issues, the faculty and administration invest their time in teaching and continually improving their educational model. The school considers the development of the whole student as important as academics. For a creative outlet, students take part in art, music, engineering, and computer classes every week. Many other enrichment opportunities are offered, including free after-school clubs, band, orchestra, top performing academic teams, and athletics to develop students’ social skills. FSAPS is proud to have some of Georgia’s strongest academic teams. FSA offers a daily Social Emotional Learning program, which is facilitated by our Counseling Team and executed by classroom teachers. This curriculum teaches students how to develop the skills necessary for constructive and

compassionate interaction with others, and the lessons are an integral part of every school day. Additionally, the high school program includes daily College Preparation Time helping the school achieve a 100% graduation rate and a 100% 4-year college-bound rate with students attending some of the nation’s top colleges every year. FSAPS has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture where students embrace an innovative, STEAM curriculum. The FSAPS student body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon the core values of character, excellence, and innovation, FSAPS has engineered a school of tomorrow, today. Enrollment is open to all Georgia residents. www.fultonscienceacademy.org

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 19

Integrity. Curiousity. Advocacy. Resiliency. Empathy.

Serving Advanced and Gifted Students

2019

2020

2021

We Thank the Community for Naming our School as the Best K-12 Private School in North Atlanta for Five Years in a Row! Our approach to learning focuses on using hands-on, collaborative and engaging instructional practices to prepare students for life beyond FSA. • STEAM powered learning visible in every classroom

• Focus on gifted education by providing a challenging curriculum 2022

2023

• Various opportunities for individualized education

• Intentional design for the use of 21st Century Skills

• Incorporation of college and career readiness into daily learning Enrollment is open to all Georgia residents. Competitive Admission Criteria 3035 Fanfare Way • Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 admissions@fultonscienceacademy.org • www.fultonscienceacademy.org • 678.366.2555

20 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Sowing the seeds of organic learning Brought to you by – Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment. Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery. In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses. The multi-aged classroom gives every child regular opportunities to be the learner as well as the leader in the security

of a home-like environment which is cared for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori classroom is ordered and beautiful, filled with materials that are aesthetically pleasing, materials which capture the imagination and assist in physical, academic and social development. Montessori develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence. Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy

PROVIDED

or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The

JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic” www.JCMSOG.org 770-814-8001

2022

Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning We follow all CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. • All Day, year-round, authentic Montessori Program with rolling admissions • School Administration Team with Advanced Academic Degrees • Montessori Trained Lead Teachers in every classroom providing individual customized lessons • Scientifically designed, hands on, multisensory learning Currently materials in all our beautifully organized classrooms Accepting Applications For 2024 Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia

6450 East Johns Crossing • Johns Creek, GA 30097

www.JCMSOG.org • 770-814-8001

• Designated School Personnel only allowed in the school building • Thorough handwashing/hygiene practices consistently taught and enforced • Healthy, nutritious lunch and snacks provided daily and included in tuition fees Limited Openings Available – The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person, schedule a tour or visit with your child and observe our “Montessori Magic.”

American Montessori Society The Pan American Montessori Society The Georgia Accrediting Commission, Inc

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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My child is struggling with their body image – how can I help them? Brought to you by - Sarah Mixson, LMSW, at Summit Counseling Center Anyone can struggle with body image; Research shows that children as young as 3 years old can have body image concerns. As a therapist who works with children and teens, this question comes up a lot from parents. And the truth is, cultivating a positive body image in your children starts with you. Children and teens often look at the people closest to them to guide their own relationships with their body. As a parent, demonstrating a healthy attitude towards your own body can promote selfacceptance and appreciation in your child. Some other ways you can help your child include: 1. Encouraging open conversations about their feelings and concerns related to body image. 2. Coming from a place of validation and support and trying to understand where your child is coming from.

3. Focusing on their strengths, talents, and character rather than solely on appearance. 4. Using body neutral language (avoiding words like ugly, skinny, or fat) 5. Having a conversation around social media and how it makes them feel can have a big impact. 6. It’s important to remember that consistency and patience are key in supporting your child through their journey toward a positive body image. Having a poor body image can lead to lower self-esteem and impact emotional well-being. If you are seeing these signs in your child, The Summit’s compassionate team s here to guide you through. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for you and your family. Reach out today to get started at summitcounseling.org or 678-893-5300.

Live Your Best Life Healthy Relationships Positive Coping Skills Balanced Emotions We can help!

www.SummitCounseling.org (678) 893-5300

Discover the McGinnis Woods Difference! • Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade. • Nurturing environment featuring 1 to 1 iPads, outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, hands-on academics, STEM, Discovery Clubs, frequent field trips, and leadership opportunities.

Schedule a Tour Today!

• After School, Sports, Science Olympiad,

Robotics and Drama available.

A quarter century of inspiring students with the passion to excel

5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005 • www.McGinnisWoods.org • 770-664-7764 Cognia, GAC and NAEYC accredited

22 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by - Eaton Academy Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world. Academic Programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address students’ individual learning styles. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students achieve academic and personal success. The challenging, college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant academic and social needs, the Pace Program helps them develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.

The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals

EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • STEAM-Oriented Classrooms • Attention to Individual Needs • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio • Independent Study Classes for Credit • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • Post-Graduate Options Available

to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables aspiring athletes and performers to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility. Sessions can be in person or online. Post-Graduate Programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training, life skill development, and scholastic support. The LIFE program places young adults into their own apartments. Participants

meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support with topics such as budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping. Supported Employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. College Exploratory offers individuals college level, non-credit courses so they can gauge their readiness for university life. Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

CALL 770.645.2673 OR VISIT EATONACADEMY.ORG PHOTOS PROVIDED

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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High Meadows School its renowned Primary Years Program Inspiring future for students in preschool through fifth global citizens and grade. High Meadows School’s accomplished experienced faculty lead each innovative leaders and student on this journey. Through Brought to you by – High Meadows School

There is no place like High Meadows School. Since 1973, High Meadows students in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immersive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, light-filled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive curriculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves. High Meadows lower years classrooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering

interactive, inquiry-based instruction, supported by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learning opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!). When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspectives, an intuitive understanding of life’s interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age, we create within them a love of learning that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that? Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

Visit our website to learn more and schedule a campus tour.

24 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

An experience for all ages Brought to you by - WildeWood Farm WildeWood Farm, Inc., a threegeneration working farm, has been serving this area since 1996. Purchasing 5150 Oak Grove Circle, Cumming in December 2018, we’ve expanded our farm’s animals to include cows, goats, pigs, and sheep to go along with the 32 horses, chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs. Winning BEST OF FORSTYH four years in a row for “BEST PLACES FOR KIDS TO HAVE FUN” as well as “Best Stable” and “Best Equestrian.” Our agritourism farm teaches horseback riding lessons to adults (under 205 lbs.) and to children ages 5+; do supremely fun farm or horse-based birthday parties and other special events; seasonal and summer day camps, as

well as work closely with the middle and high school FFA, 4H, DECA, and SAE projects. The public is invited to participate and attend in our live, interactive Christmas Nativity and Easter plays. Hannah Campbell Zapletal is our head coach and owner. Safety, fun, good horsemanship, and gentle teaching are the cornerstones for all activities. She believes that “Everyone should have access to a farm as it gives a respite from technology, allows for deep friendships, builds community, and gives purpose.” We accept volunteers of all ages (text before you come). The farm is open Monday – Saturday, weather permitting. www.wildewoodfarminc.com, 770-8432478.

Best Place for Kids to Have Fun.

Winner of Best of Forsyth 4 Years in a Row! Birthday Parties • Camps • Riding Lessons Hannah Campbell Zapletal, Owner & Coach, has 28 Years Experience 5150 Oak Grove Circle, Cumming, GA 30028 | wildewoodfarm.com | 770.843.2478

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26 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

Trump, southern border, abortion, Biden, guns, QAnon There, I said it. Full stop. A percentage of the people already stopped reading. A percentage just experienced a rise in blood pressure. Another percentage are angry or are preparRAY APPEN ing to get angry. Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com Why? I recently had lunch with one of my oldest and best friends who lives in Sandy Springs. We have known each other all our lives. We grew up together in Rockledge, Florida, and have been best friends now going on 63 years. Our almost three-hour lunch was fun, and we caught up on everything ranging from our mutual friends to our own health issues to who has died and who got divorced. We also talked about Trump, Biden, Hillary, Israel, Hamas, abortion, guns and a few other similar subjects. We agreed on none of the political topics. In fact, we have polar-opposite opinions on most of them.

So, something odd happened at our lunch. Or, I guess I should say that what did not happen was odd. We didn’t get angry with each other. We didn’t label each other with meaningless generalizations and stereotypes such as “liberal” or “conservative.” Did we offend each other? No. Did one or both of us storm off in a fit anger? No. Did either of us get mad? No. We talked and had lunch. We left our lunch happy that we each found and made the time to catch up and visit. And we both look forward to catching up some more – perhaps on the golf course. Maybe I’ll caddy for him. He is a great golfer – probably close to scratch – and I only play once every two years. I’d be good with that. How did this happen? I honestly don’t know. That is why I am asking. Most of the time I can talk with anyone about anything –- regardless of political affiliation – and have a rational, unemotional conversation – without anger or angst involved. Why is that so hard? The past few years have seen families split apart along political lines. I

know I lost friends. I don’t know anyone that didn’t happen to. In the past I did get mad at people. People got mad at me. We stopped talking to each other. We stopped associating with each other. We stopped sending Christmas cards to each other. We wrote each other off and stopped believing in our shared, collective worlds. Even today, I have truly dear friends who – because we each value each other’s friendship and companionship so much, we avoid discussing like the plague anything even remotely political. To me, that is absurd, yet I go with the flow that maintains the peace. I think I have been able to learn from the past though and can discuss politics or political issues without allowing my side of the conversation to turn into anything personal or snarky. Why my old friend and I can talk about politics without raising our voices, I don’t know, but I am thrilled that we could. We talked, we argued, we referenced sources of our thoughts and beliefs, and we each listened to the other – listened without a whole lot of effort. That back and forth – without any

snarky emotions – was a good thing. I learned some things from him and he pointed out stuff that I had not thought about – and vice versa. I questioned his sources of information, and I suggested that if all the stuff that he communicated to me was true that surely there would be – or would have been action taken within our legal system. Yes, I told him, our system is not perfect, but when both sides have basically unlimited money to “support/ push” investigations and when laws are broken, most of the time “rule of law” holds someone accountable, regardless of party and no matter what the talking heads want you to believe. Usually, when someone breaks the law, they are held accountable – period, fact. Talking to each other and listening to each other are the only ways to really start to begin to understand and deal with the polarization that is killing the country. It isn’t impossible. It isn’t unrealistic or pie in the sky. It can be done, but we must be willing to listen to opinions that we don’t necessarily agree with and not throw a fit about it. Can’t we just get along?

If patience is a virtue, we may never see heaven’s gate Airline passengers are lucky to have access to information about which airline to choose if ontime arrivals and departures are important. Lounging on airport furniture, PAT FOX reading your Kindle Managing Editor is no substitute for the sunny beach in the Caymans you’d expected to catch that afternoon. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics tracks all sorts of information about flight delays and cancellations. You can get a clear picture of which airlines are most likely to get you on that beach before sundown. The latest data for 2023 ranks Delta as your best bet. The airline and its network carriers pulled up to the gate within 14 minutes of scheduled arrival time nearly 85 percent of the time, according to aviation data firm Cirium. Alaska Airlines came in second with 82 percent of its planes arriving promptly. American was third at 80 percent. Frontier and Jet Blue came in at around 68 percent. And while airlines like to blame weather-related causes for delays, the data shows that most of the time, the fault lies with personnel. Most delays are preventable.

Airlines are required to report performance. There are no such requirements for doctors. More’s the pity. If doctors’ offices were required to track the amount of time patients spend in waiting rooms past their scheduled appointments, imagine the fallout. We could shop around for those practices that value your time as much as theirs. That’s not to say doctors are lazy. There is an enormous shortage of physicians, and it’s getting worse. A 2020 study by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts the United States could experience a shortage of from 54,100 to 139,000 by 2033. About half of those empty slots will be for primary care. Right now, there are more than 1 million physicians practicing in the United States. Over 40 percent of them will turn 65 or older in the next decade, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. Moreover, national surveys following the COVID pandemic show many of these older doctors are likely to leave their practice sooner rather than later. Will anyone be left? Amid the furor surrounding Medicare funding, it might be wise to consider that even if the program survives in perpetuity, there may be no one available to see about your heart condition, your tennis elbow or your chronic cough.

Even so, there ought to be ways to streamline the process of seeing a doctor. Most practices require you arrive 15 or 30 minutes early, presumably to fill out paperwork you’ve already submitted through that black hole the industry calls a “health portal.” Consider that the entire healthcare experience has become so cumbersome, many patients don’t see a doctor until their condition becomes so severe they require hospitalizations. Others forego the doctor’s office and opt for a trip to the emergency room. Is it any wonder? A couple of years ago, I went in for cataract surgery, a procedure I had discussed extensively with my ophthalmologist beforehand. The day of the procedure, with an IV pumping me with sedatives, I was approached by one of the staff who showed me a large cardboard menu of lens options. He wanted me to pick the one I wanted. Is this Pep Boys? I wondered. So, I did the only thing a reasonable cataract patient on drugs would do under the circumstances. I threw a fit. Nurses and staff went wild, bustling about, screaming that there was a problem with the scheduled procedure. The doctor finally approached me and asked what the problem was. I told him I wanted the exact same procedure he and I had gone over and agreed to the week before in his office.

Systolic off the charts More recently, I visited my cardio doctor for a routine checkup. I arrived early as instructed. Then I waited…and waited…and waited. Forty-five minutes beyond my appointment time, I decided to reschedule. I’d driven over 20 miles for nothing. Just then, a young assistant called me in and deposited me in Room 2 for another 10 minutes. When the cardiologist entered, I bucked up and told him that this wouldn’t be a good time to check my blood pressure, and I told him why. He apologized for the wait, saying the workload is such that patients inevitably get backed up. He recommended one way to avoid this is to schedule appointments for the morning. Then, he went over the medications I was taking, asked whether I was having any issues. I wasn’t till then. And, he wished me a good day, apologizing again for the wait. I am not sure how much time he spent with me, maybe 10 minutes tops. I’m sure there are reasons doctors run late. Emergencies pop up. Some patients require extended visits. Records have to be updated. I get all that. And there is nothing I can do about it. But, doctors should know patients value their time, too. Someone has to say it. Sorry.

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 27

World War II from Europe to the Pacific – a local perspective This week’s column is about a big book. Big because it weighs more than 20 pounds, measures 12.5 x 15.75 inches and is 3.25 Inches thick with 986 pages. Big BOB MEYERS because it is a Columnist rare compilation of thousands of photos and news reports about people, places, and battles of World War ll. The book is the work of Ray Carroll who lives in Cumming and consists of the contents of three scrapbooks that Ray’s grandmother Esther Johanna Carroll (1894-1967) maintained throughout the war. Esther, known as Nanny, married Mark Carroll, a mill worker, in 1912. The couple lived in Nashua, N.H., with their five sons, all deceased, and their dog Buster. World War ll began on Sept. 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Three days later the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. The war ended Aug. 14, 1945. It turned out to be the costliest war in history, with 46 million people killed. Esther’s history of the war is not the work of a professional historian. Rather, it is the product of one woman’s “love of her family and acquaintances who went away to war and those who loved them,” according to Ray. Esther’s scrapbooks were well organized, and she diligently added new materials regularly. She had three scrapbooks, two of the European Theater and one of the Pacific Theater. She cut out articles from Life Magazine and other sources and made annotations on some of the entries which were pasted on the scrapbook pages. It took Ray four months to convert the scrapbooks into a book which was published by BookLogix in Alpharetta. The book contains often little known detailed stories of battles, ruined cities and the soldiers, sailors, airmen, doctors and nurses who fought and often died in battle or from wounds. It portrays life inside wartime Germany and other countries, describes the weapons of war and conferences convened by the Allies. It describes the weapons employed by major participating nations and the effects of the war on children. One page consists of photos and a description of a press conference Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring had with American military press soon after he gave himself up to the U.S.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Image of Esther Carroll who collected and preserved photos and articles throughout World War ll out of love for her family members and friends who went off to war.

This is the cover of the book by Ray Carroll consisting of the contents of three scrapbooks carefully assembled by his grandmother Esther Carroll. It contains an amazing amount of information about multiple aspects of World War ll. The book has 986 pages of photos and articles about the war in Europe and the Pacific. It was published in Alpharetta by BookLogix. Seventh Army in May 1945. The article titled “The fat former Reichsmarschall sweats out a press conference” says his “tongue was loosened by whopping slugs of whisky…Although this polite treatment of a vicious war criminal was latter condemned, the tipsy Göring supposedly divulged more Reich secrets than all the sober Wehrmacht generals and state officials put together.” Saint-Lô was the site of one of the most important battles in Europe. In July 1944 following the invasion of Normandy, Allied headquarters decided to break through German lines by focusing U.S. strength at a single point near the town of St-Lô. After heavy fighting in what became known as the Battle of the Hedgerows, on July 25, about 3,000 U.S. planes dropped bombs on a 10-square mile area. American armor and infantry then sped through the gap. Following a week of fierce fighting, the Germans

fell back and the American advance to the east became unrelenting. One of the more interesting human stories is that of Bill Mauldin, who entered the Army at age 23 with a knack for drawing cartoons. He created drawings of GIs at war featuring two combat weary soldiers, Willie and Joe, whose experiences brightened soldiers’ days and made them laugh. Mauldin’s cartoons appeared in Stars and Stripes and other military newspapers six days a week throughout the war. Readers who are interested in knowing more about the book can contact the author Ray Carroll at raycarroll30040@yahoo.com. Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

Nazi Field Marshall Herman Göring at a press conference with American military journalists shortly after he surrendered to American soldiers in 1945. His facial expressions changed during the press conference from sullen and defiant to passive and remote, then smug and ultimately depressed.

28 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

THE INVESTMENT COACH

2024: A year of transitions, timelines and resolve The month of January is named for Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings, transitions, gates, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames endings. LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP and He was depicted Columnist as having two The Investment Coach faces, one looking backward at the past, and one looking forward into the future. And so it goes. We look back at 2023 and taking stock as to where we are, ponder what took place in our lives and that of loved ones and others, contemplations prelude to resolutions and goal setting for 2024 and beyond. New Year’s resolutions are a tradition, but researchers indicate that only 9% of Americans actually follow through and complete them. According to the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week and 43% quit by the end of January. If the gym is overly crowded, wait until February. It’ll be back to normal. A financial plan is a resolution of a sort but it takes a commitment to move forward and a guided process for plan formulation and actualization. Effective planning requires a monitoring process to track progress, along with periodic course corrections and changes to deal with the vagaries of life. Janus dealt with transitions and life transitions

are a fact of being from the moment we came into the world at birth. Put a dot on a piece of paper, and under the dot write your name and date of birth. Extend the dot slightly upward on the paper to another point, a dot with 2034 written underneath. Mark your age in 2034, 10 short years from now. Extend the line further up to another dot, with 2044 underneath it, marking your age in 20 short years. You have created your personal “life transitions timeline.” In 10 short years, a 24-year-old will be 34, and 10 short years after that, 44. A 51-year-old will be 61 in 10 years, 71 in 20 years. The 75-year-old will be 85 and then 95, God willing. Create life transitions timelines for everyone in your family, all of those who depend on you or may do so in the future, everyone you care about. Closely held business owners should draw timelines for partners, key people in your business, potential successors. “Life transitions timelines” are a wakeup call. The older you are, the more you realize how fast time gets past us. Just like yesterday, it was 2014, and “partying like its 1999” even further back. Prince died in April, 2016, at age 57. Once you have your timelines, for yourself and those you love and care about, think about the next 10 years and potentially 10 years beyond that. What challenges do you see, both positive or negative? What challenges do you face currently, or those potentially emerging in the short- or long-run? What must you do

to attain a certain goal or to solve a problem? How do life events for those who depend on you play into challenge scenarios? Getting married, buying a first home, paying for educations for children, career development, skill enhancement, dealing with aging issues for you or loved ones such as parents or grandparents? Janus dealt with endings as well as beginnings. Divorce, separations, death of a loved one, disability or caregiving needs may be a challenge. The initial phases of a guided financial planning scenario involve getting your story, understanding how you got to where you are, your current situation and where you wish to go in the future. For every challenge, the next step is to determine what alternatives exist to meet a given challenge. Next, what resources are needed to power the best alternative, perhaps financial capital, or human capital, or some other specialized resource? Lastly, given the challenges, alternatives, and resources brought to the fore, what are your expectations? What would like to experience? What outcome is desired? The CARE Model comes from the 2006 book written by a friend of mine, The Parent Care Conversation: “6 Strategies for Dealing With the Emotional and Financial Challenges of Aging Parents,” by Daniel Taylor. The first inkling Dan had relative to his elderly dad needing care is when the police found his father out of gas, dazed and confused, wandering around off of a highway in West Virginia. Dan lived in Charlotte, N.C., as did his dad. Dan

quickly found out that you don’t drive up and check a loved one into a care home as one might a Holiday Inn. Dan died too young of brain cancer, but his book is still available from Amazon and other book sellers. I told Dan that the CARE Model is excellent in framing a conversation about the rigors of aging, but the conversational construct − Challenges, Alternatives, Resources, Expectations − is appropriate to any life transitions conversation, indeed, the overall planning model! Dan was a good friend, a creative thinker, and I miss him. Another factor that can derail a resolution is a “fuzzy goal.” If you say things like, “Maybe I’d like to lose weight, or go to Paris, or buy a second home,” you really haven’t decided to do it. Only when you say “I will do suchin-such” and follow it up with a plan for execution, such as saving the money required to meet the goal, a financial plan, or a health plan, or other plan of action, do you have a solid goal. It’s January, 2024. Did you make the same resolutions in 2023, but failed to follow through? The year 2034 isn’t that far away. What is your “Next Ten” plan? Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-441-3553; lewis@capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

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OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 29

No slippers! Santa had the Inside track It would be easy to come at you with a 2024 tale of woe about not getting those cozy warm slippers that I so wanted. It was a mere oversight. Or was it? I’m convinced MIKE TASOS Santa and his elves Columnist have sustained their top billing on the Christmas chart for so long because no one knows “naughty/ nice” like those North Pole denizens do. Whatever the reason, there were no luxurious, fleece-lined slippers under the tree. Turns out that gift would have been a waste, at least for half the pair. Now I’m going to lose a few of you here. You may write and hate me hoping I’ll be banished to Philadelphia, ass one reader suggested. But here’s my personal stand: “I WILL NEVER GET ANOTHER FLU SHOT! EVER. END OF STORY. It’s not exactly the END of the story, but one that has roots in the weeks before Christmas. Trying to be responsible, I received a vaccine. Two days later, the maladies that invaded my body was like there was a war being raged inside of me, Before getting the shot, I was cautioned that I might experience some slight -flu-like symptoms, This was more like a bug that wanted to fight and do a great job of ruining my holidays. I got gypped out of holiday parties, couldn’t attend Mass

with my family and was in a terrible funk all weekend. Like the cheesy TV ad promises “But wait! There’s more!” Somehow, a nasty little infection crept into my right foot, There was no invitation, just body-slamming my weakened immune system. The infection, as I write this, has the upper hand. When a doctor tells you “We’re going to try to save that toe,” and there is nary a life raft in sight. It’s probably time to enlist the help of St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. I desperately need his help in vanquishing this abscess/cellulitis daily double that no one should have to look at. During my daily infusions, it’s a real struggle not to be bitter. I monitor my blood glucose, but somehow, someway, that insidious microbe has invaded me and challenged me to a fight. I sit in my chair, leg elevated, plotting my strategy. Fight! Fight! Fight! I know the odds are long. Diabetes always wins. But maybe if we band together, we can slow it down. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, I’m going to have to be content to band together with good drugs and treatment. And some good thoughts and prayers from you, the most valued readers. Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

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Wade Hansard, 62, of Roswell, passed away on January 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Betty Peyton, 80, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 8, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Dorothy Hayes, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mark Ryan, 55, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 3, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 18, 2024 | 31

LOCAL HOME SERVICES GUIDE CONCRETE

CONCRETE

ELECTRICAL

CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST 30 Years Experience

NEW DRIVEWAYS

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Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.

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STOP

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Any Electrical Work

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell.

Cannot combine with any other coupon.

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

LANDSCAPING

ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.

ELECTRICAL

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contact@EasyBreezynet.com • EasyBreezyNet.com

32 | January 18, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

FURNITURE & ACCESSORY SALE!

Custom Window Treatments | Custom Bed Coverings | Unique Decorative Accessories Eclectic Home Furniture (Name Brands) | Distinctive Area Rugs

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2015

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2021

2022

Visit My Website at www.PaulMartinInteriors.com 920 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 100, Cumming, GA 30041 | 678-947-4899

2023