Forsyth Herald - January 25, 2024

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County School Board sets timeline to hire new superintendent

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

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A crowd of close to 80 people gather at the Jan. 18 Forsyth County Commission meeting to oppose the county’s decision to exclude plans for a whole health building from its new administration campus on Freedom Parkway. Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a $114 million construction bid that includes a new administration building and an employee center.

Crowd denounces administration campus contract

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Pursuit of a new Forsyth County government campus on Freedom Parkway hit headwinds Jan. 18 when some 80 residents gathered to oppose a County Commission decision to exclude a mental health building from current plans.

Another blast came at the same meeting when an old Georgia law was unearthed that may prohibit official business from being conducted at the proposed campus because it lies outside the city limits of the county seat, Cumming.

At its formal meeting Jan. 18, county

commissioners voted 3-2 to award $114 million to Carroll Daniel Construction to build a new administration building and an employee center on a 42-acre site on Freedom Parkway.

Money for the new administration building, $81 million, will come from surplus capital outlay funds. The employee center building, $21 million, will be paid through surplus dollars in the employee benefit fund. The whole health building is estimated at $38 million and, if approved, would likely be paid for through American Rescue Plan dollars the county has received.

Mirroring a vote taken at a Jan. 9 work session, Commission Chairman Alfred John and commissioners Laura

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Semanson and Kerry Hill voted in favor of the contract.

Commissioners Todd Levent and Cindy Jones Mills cast dissenting votes, citing the lack of the health center building in the contract.

Officials in favor of the contract say the new campus is necessary because government operations have long outgrown the current administration building on East Main Street and the Sheriff’s Office on East Courthouse Square.

The new campus will consolidate 17 departments into one location and allow Sheriff’s Office staff to relocate to the

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County School Board has set a timeline for its search for the first new superintendent since 2014.

At a Jan. 16 formal meeting, the Board of Education issued a request for proposals from search firms to aid in the recruitment process.

After gathering stakeholder input in February and March, the school district will accept applications from candidates throughout March and April. Candidates will be screened and interviewed in May before the finalist for the position is announced in June.

Current Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden is set to depart from the role Nov. 1 after 10 years in the position. He formally announced his plans to retire at a December School Board meeting.

The Board of Education will select the firm that will handle the work by Feb. 13.

Also at the meeting, School Board members recognized a slew of student teams and coaches for their successes in 2023.

The School Board honored the Lambert High School economics team and its sponsor John McCormick for placing second at the 2023 World Economics Cup. Students Neal Karani, Justin

2 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of six suspects in a monthslong animal cruelty case Jan. 17.

Forsyth County Animal Services reported responding to 5675 Archer Avenue several times since April after a puppy sold from the residence died from parvovirus.

Animal Services staff said they told the residents to not adopt other animals until those at the residence were treated for the virus, but their pleas were allegedly ignored.

Between December and January, three puppies from the house were euthanized because of the virus.

Animal Services found another sick animal inside the home and a dead dog on the front porch Jan. 11.

All animals at the property were seized the following day.

Officials said the residence was “in extreme filth and disarray, with trash,

feces and urine throughout the home.”

Twelve dogs and two bearded dragons were seized and are now receiving treatment at the County Pet Resource Center.

Sheriff’s Office detectives reported receiving a tip Jan. 16 that two of the residents adopted two more dogs. The two dogs and a cat are also now in the custody of Animal Services.

“Knowing parvovirus to be dangerously contagious, the residents of the household maliciously and with intent, failed to provide sanitary conditions and medical treatment to the animals living within the residence to the extent it resulted in the death of five animals,” Sheriff’s Office officials said.

A 28-year-old female suspect was charged with three felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and four misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. She is being held at the

Forsyth County Jail on a $68,780 bond.

A second woman, 22, was charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and five misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Her bond is set at $28,885.

A third woman, 28, was charged with six misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $13,850 bond.

Another 24-year-old woman was charged with four misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Bond is set at $8,900.

A fifth woman, 18, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Bond is set at $3,340.

A male suspect, 34, received one charge of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. He is being held at the County Jail on a $2,220 bond.

— Shelby Israel

Police investigate break-ins at north metro businesses

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA — Police are investigating a series of smashand-grab break-ins this month at businesses in Roswell and neighboring cities linked to the same group of suspects.

At around 4 a.m. Jan. 15, Roswell police responded to a burglary alarm in Ellard Village on Holcomb Bridge Road where suspects broke into four businesses and where there was an attempt at a fifth location.

Police observed the front door to Arte D’Oro Diamonds had been smashed open, the incident report says. The owners told police they were last at the store at 2 p.m. the day before and could not identify

what had been taken.

While conducting a search on the premises, police also found that Ground and Pound Coffee, Bruster’s, and Dyar Persian Grill and Bar had been burglarized, in addition to an attempt at The Spot sushi bar which had broken glass but no visible entry.

Surveillance footage showed four male suspects entering Arte D’Oro Diamonds, wearing masks and gloves. Police also identified a blue Hyundai Sonata entering the parking lot at around 3:45 a.m. that morning, from which two suspects exited, running toward the jewelry store.

According to a second incident report, police also responded to 4 Seasons Wings and Taco Takeout on Holcomb Bridge Road Jan. 15 at

around 4 a.m. Cash registers had been taken at each location.

Roswell Public Information Officer Timothy Lupo said similar smashand-grabs had occurred at 880 Holcomb Bridge Jan. 10, linked to the same group of suspects.

In an email, Lupo said investigators are currently evaluating connections between the burglaries and those in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and in Gwinnett County, that occurred around the same time frame.

“Our officers are continuing and increasing our proactive business checks in the area and have been able to utilize the resources of our Roswell Crime Center to establish some excellent suspect information to follow up on,” Lupo said.

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Fulton County commissioner plans human trafficking forum ATLANTA — A Fulton County commissioner will co-host the 2024 Human Trafficking Forum from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

District 6 Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman invites community members to attend the forum to learn about how to identify and prevent trafficking crimes.

Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry which targets

the most vulnerable citizens, including low-income individuals, runaway youths and children in foster care.

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Month in January, Commissioner Abdur-Rahman will be joined by Wellspring Living, a Christian-based organization that provides care to sex trafficking victims.

During the two-hour forum, guests will hear how officials are advocating for survivors and working to stop

human trafficking throughout Fulton County and Georgia.

“Human trafficking is the fastestgrowing criminal activity in our country,” Abdur-Rahman said. “It is a criminal industry that strips individuals of their human dignity and rights, with human traffickers preying upon our most vulnerable citizens.”

In 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners appropriated $500,000 to Wellspring Living to help victims of domestic sex trafficking

and people at risk with specialized recovery services.

“Last year's hybrid event shared valuable tools and insights to the community,” Wellspring Living CEO Christian Murphy said. “This year, our goal is to bring more awareness and solicit a charge to the community and leaders to support survivors and help end sexual exploitation.”

Residents can report possible cases in Georgia’s 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-363-4842.

Continuum of Care to expand reach to aid Fulton County homeless

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com ATLANTA, Ga. — The Fulton County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board of Directors held their first 2024 meeting Jan. 18 over Zoom to discuss plans and activities for the new year.

Board members spoke on items they would like to see in the coming months. One of the current developments underway is the addition of different communities concentrating on specific areas of the organization’s mission to resolve homelessness throughout the community.

“A big part of this meeting is to look at and plan activities for this year,” said Director Stan Wilson. “We’re really excited about establishing a broader group of committees; an executive and governance committee…in the past, we’ve had board members lead everything and we’re stretched thin.”

Wilson discussed the updated

governance charter and what it entails before opening the floor to input from other board members. To broaden the board’s representation, changes to the charter include the future establishment of three officers, annual performance reviews and an annual agreement between the Fulton County and the CoC to outline roles and responsibilities. The committee plans to include both board and CoC member representation with a recommended quarterly CoC membership meeting structure to accommodate the recent increase in committee activity.

“Part of the reason for [quarterly meetings] is that we are going to be having some of our members on these committees…the bigger intent [of the charter] is to broaden the scope of the board and make it a little different than it has been in the past,” Wilson said. “It gives them an opportunity to volunteer and then participate in these meetings without putting too much of a burden on folks.”

CoC Board members will vote on the

Search: Continued from Page 1 Wang, Anant Verma, Anish Madireddy, Arhan Barve and Samhitha Kovi were recognized for individually ranking at the competition, which hosted more than 400 teams from 50 countries.

The School Board also recognized Denmark High School Head Coach Jen Barr for being named Georgia High School Coach of the Year for Girls Soccer by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

West Forsyth High School boys lacrosse Coach John Laden was commended for being named National Coach of the Year by the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association. Laden led his team to the 7A state championship in May.

SCREENSHOT

At a Jan. 16 Forsyth County Board of Education meeting, the Lambert High School economics team is recognized for placing second in the 2023 World Economics Cup. The team competed against more than 400 teams from 50 countries.

updated charter in March before final approval.

The Board is also preparing for the CoC’s Point-in-Time (PIT) Count to establish the number of people experiencing homelessness in Fulton County. Currently, 134 community volunteers have signed up to canvass North Fulton on Jan. 23 and South Fulton on Jan. 24.

“We are excited for the 2024 Point-inTime Count…this year, the work and the organization for the canvassing has been

led by subcommittees that are staffed by community volunteers who have done an exceptional job,” said Dawn Butler, division manager for Homeless Services with the Fulton County Department of Community Development.

For more information on Fulton’s Continuum of Care and how to become involved, visit www.fultoncountyga.gov/ inside-fulton-county/fulton-countydepartments/community-development/ homeless-services/continuum-of-care or call 404-612-4000.

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4 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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PHOTOS BY CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

Students in North View High School’s Black History Club gather at Johns Creek’s first Unity Breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15. The group volunteered with the event’s setup and check-in.

Brianna Yancey and Mikaela Ayira, juniors at Chattahoochee High School, perform for the MLK Unity Breakfast Jan. 15.

JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY; 5.0417 in; 6.745 in; Black Only; 44699_1; Hans

In an interview with Johns Creek resident Kaaryn Walker, Civil Rights activist John Suttles speaks before the crowd at the city’s first Unity Breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15 at Taylor Lodge at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church on Parsons Road.

Johns Creek hosts talk from Civil Rights leader JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek held its first Unity Breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15, welcoming resident and Civil Rights activist John Suttles to share his story.

Suttles became a Civil Rights activist on March 7, 1965, as one of the youths involved in attempting a voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to Montogomery. Despite the marchers being beaten and gassed on Bloody Sunday, he was not deterred and continued to work throughout his life to encourage change.

Mayor John Bradberry offered welcoming remarks at the Unity Breakfast, which saw the help of volunteers from North View High School’s Black History Club.

The event, held at Taylor Lodge at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, also featured performances from vocalists Brianna Yancey and Mikaela Ayira, juniors at Chattahoochee High School.

“When MLK said that our nation should live up to the true nature of its creed, ‘that all men are created equal’ and that we ‘should be judged not by the color of our skin but by the context of our character,’ he was seeking to fulfill the promise of our nation’s founding,” Bradberry said in a statement to Appen Media. “He was a great American who helped bring us closer to building ‘a more perfect union.’”

— Amber Perry

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024 | 5

Coaches and players for the Chattahoochee High School lacrosse team assemble for their first practice at midnight, Jan. 15, the first official day practice is permitted under the Georgia Athletic Association.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIE CAVIN/PROVIDED

Chattahoochee High lacrosse team gets early jump on the competition JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — In a new tradition, the Chattahoochee High School boys lacrosse team stepped onto the practice field at midnight Jan. 15, the official start of the Georgia High School Association’s lacrosse season.

Head coach Nate Kellis began the tone-setting tradition last year, in his

first season with the team, allowing players to be the first in the state to get a head start. The players arrive at the stadium at midnight and begin bonding as a team, while running practice drills.

— Amber Perry

Two dozen attend session of news staff in Dunwoody DUNWOODY, Ga. — Two dozen people attended Appen Press Club’s first stop on its 2024 “Listening Tour” January 18th at Dunwoody Tavern.

Members of Appen Media’s newsroom made themselves available to the public to listen to feedback from readers and talk about what they would like to see more of in their local newspaper.

The Dunwoody Crier has been serving the Dunwoody community since 1977 and is currently delivered to 18,000 homes weekly. It also serves as the legal organ for the City of Dunwoody, which means that it publishes all of the City’s legal notices about public meeting dates, tax dollar allocation and rezoning of property.

Newsroom staff also fielded questions about what and how news makes the print editions of the newspaper, how it resolves conflicts of interest, and the parameters for its public safety coverage.

Said Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen, “We greatly appreciate the opportunity the citizens of Dunwoody provided us to give us constructive feedback on how we’re doing. We thought it was a productive and worthwhile experience and we promise to be back soon.”

The next stop on the listening tour is in Roswell at From the Earth Brewery Company on February 15th. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www. appenmedia.com/join.

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6 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Continued from Page 1 vacated former administration building, which was built in 1996 when the county’s population was 68,000. Today, Forsyth County is home to more than 260,000 residents.

While there has been some contention over presumed luxurious amenities in the new building and employee center, most public outcry has centered around the absence of the whole health building, which was originally included in the plans.

County Manager David McKee previously recommended commissioners scrap the health building after it came in $12 million over budget.

Community outcry The county intended to use some $38 million American Rescue Plan dollars to fund the whole health facility, but John said the funds were not committed to the use.

The whole health building would house the County Health Department, a mental health center operated by Avita Community Partners and a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) unit.

More than a dozen residents spoke Jan. 18 to emphasize the importance of having a mental health crisis facility in

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FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

This proposed rendering shows the forthcoming Forsyth County administration building on Freedom Parkway. Because of an antiquated law, the Board of Commissioners may be unable to cast formal votes at the new facility.

Forsyth County.

Speakers included Linda Fitzwater, president of the Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

As mother of a son who lives with a mental health diagnosis, Fitzwater said she can attest to the crisis happening in Forsyth County.

“Our loved ones either receive no services in this county, they are transferred out of county or transferred to a jail or juvenile justice system,” she said. “When they don’t get the treatment that they need, there is always a bed in the jail.”

Avita Community Partners CEO Cindy Levi said she was involved in the design process of the whole health building and invested more than 100 hours of her time.

“We were not given a budget,” Levi said. “It wasn’t until last week that I was told that there was a budget when I watched [the Board of Commissioners] meeting, and the three different options were presented.”

Levi said she is confident the design of the whole health building could be adjusted to fit within the project budget.

When she helped build a similar facility in Hall County, she and staff went through the value engineering process to cut the cost by some 30 percent.

Other speakers shared more personal anecdotes. Some were parents of children who died by suicide. Others had children who have experienced mental health crises. Many were professionals in the mental health field or leaders of local nonprofits.

“Forsyth County has an opportunity to be an example of what it is like to fully support its residents’ whole health, including behavioral health, and reduce the stigma,” said Cristy Ferencie, CEO and president of The Place of Forsyth County.

Following the lengthy public comment, commissioners acknowledged a need for expanded mental health services in Forsyth County.

But John, Hill and Semanson said if the whole health building is built as designed and operated as a state facility, there is no guarantee Forsyth County patients will be given priority.

“So, we are looking at a situation where we are going to have to dig into more county coffers for what is a state facility,” Semanson said. “It is not a local facility. And as such, with the federal grant, and it being a state facility, there is no guarantee that there’s a bed available for a single Forsyth County resident.”

The county seat As part of discussion on the dais, Commissioner Mills said she learned the County Commission would be unable to vote in the new administration building because of an “antiquated law” that dictates formal operations must be held in the county seat – in this case, Cumming.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard confirmed the law is real, and he is aware of it.

He said the law states governmental operations, including formal votes and the court system, must occur in the county seat. He said the law likely was drafted when transportation was difficult.

“There are various methods to overcome it,” Jarrard said. “One would include a referendum of the county.

Others would be potential change to the general law of the state, and general law of the state means law that’s changed, that affects every county equally. And we would have some time to do it.”

The Freedom Parkway campus isn’t scheduled to open for at least another two years.

In a phone interview, County Communications Director Russell Brown confirmed the project is still on, and there is nothing preventing the approved construction of the campus.

In a worse-case scenario, Brown said commissioners would have to hold their formal Thursday meetings at the East

More information The county will hold a special called meeting to field public feedback on the whole health building on or by Feb. 5. Visit appenmedia.com for updates.

The Board of Commissioners is slated to take up the issue of the whole health building at a work session Feb. 6.

Main Street building, where business is currently conducted, while all other administrative functions would be at the Freedom Parkway campus.

When exactly county staff and officials first discovered the county seat issue is under dispute.

John said he first became aware of it in “late 2021, early 2022,” and the other commissioners were also informed.

Mills said she first learned about the conflict in September, and Levent said he heard about it from Mills. Hill said she found out the morning of the Jan. 18 meeting. Semanson also said the meeting was the first she had heard of it.

Forsyth County purchased the 42-acre site for the new campus for $5.4 million from 400 Pilgrim LLC in September 2021.

County Manager McKee said the county stumbled upon the information by accident after the land had already been purchased.

Brown, the communications manager, said the county is aware of the issue and has been for some time, but there is not a large amount of concern surrounding it.

He emphasized the county does not intend to operate outside of state law, and he anticipates there will be a resolution before operations move to the new campus.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024 | 7

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They like that we’re really quick. They like that I’m on-site as the owner — you know, quality assurance.

SCOTT HESSING, Owner of United Home Restoration 8 | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024

‘They love us’

Remodeling company, community partner provides clients with quality, peace of mind

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, was in El Trompo Mexican Taqueria in Johns Creek for Taco Tuesday with some of his crew sharing the response from clients whose homes had received a makeover.

“They love us,” Hessing said, sipping on the free horchata, courtesy of Taco Tuesday. “They like that we’re really quick.

They like that I’m on-site as the owner — you know, quality assurance.”

From his experience, Hessing said other contractors tend to go on-site once to take some measurements, make sure the materials are there, then sign on. But, he’s there with his crew throughout the entirety of the job, starting at 8 a.m. sharp.

United Home Restoration, a remodeling company based in Johns Creek, installs decks and fences, performs custom trim work as well as interior and exterior painting. The business covers residential and commercial property in Metro Atlanta, but Hessing said he’d charter his crew out of state.

Hessing, who his crew calls “Frijoles,” meaning “beans” in Spanish, said his company values three things — safety, quality and efficiency.

“The catchphrase is ‘Big Deck Energy,’” Hessing said.

Once doing handiwork on his own, he loves the business he built because he gets to see the astonishment from clients who witness “four dudes” quickly putting

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Middle, Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, gathers with crew members Vicente Perez Hernandez, left, and Trister Castro Hernandez, right, in front of El Trompo Mexican Taqueria, a go-to lunch spot. Hessing’s Johns Creek business does remodeling work for residential and commercial properties in Metro Atlanta, including installation of decks and fences, custom trim work and interior and exterior painting. something together for a fair price. But, he also gets to bounce around, so it’s never monotonous.

“It’s a rewarding job, whether you make a bunch of money or not,” Hessing said. “You get to see it come to life and learn something new every day.”

He also values the camaraderie with his crew. Trister “Vato Cholo” Castro Hernandez and Vicente “Hefe” Perez Hernandez were at the table, too. Hessing,

See DECK, Page 9

SCOTT HESSING/PROVIDED

On right, Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, stands with his crew on a newly built deck at a home in the Seven Oaks neighborhood in Johns Creek.

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Deck: Continued from Page 8 who would occasionally speak to them in Spanish, has three crews for a total of a dozen employees.

His mother is from Cuba, and he improves his Spanish working with the guys, who he calls his brothers — they bond over artists like Colombian singer Karol G. and Mexican singer Peso Pluma.

As the small restaurant became packed, Hessing said that meant people were securing jobs. Over the holiday season, as Hessing went to El Trompo during the work day, it was much slower.

“God definitely blessed me with that,” Hessing said, who grew up in Johns Creek.

Hessing incorporated about a year ago with the help of his mentor and owner of StormROOF Systems, Clint Crowe. He provided Hessing with advice on getting United Home Restoration insured.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024 | 9

Knowing the area well has helped Hessing grow a client base. One time, while on-site for a job, Hessing was referred to the client’s neighbor who happened to be his sixth grade teacher at Taylor Road Middle School.

“I don’t think she would have ever thought that I would have started my own business,” Hessing said.

A community advocate, Hessing sponsored North View High School’s football team, though he attended its rival school, Chattahoochee High School. He also takes breakfast to Lifeline’s animal shelter, along with toys, blankets and newspaper. That day, he had a stack of newspaper in his car ready for transport.

“At a very young age, my mother taught me the importance of giving back to the community or giving to the less fortunate,” Hessing said. “As I have gotten older, I have grown to appreciate and value these lessons more and more. I am thankful to be in a position in my life to be involved in nonprofits and community sponsorships.”

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SCOTT HESSING/PROVIDED

Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, brings breakfast to employees at Lifeline animal shelter.

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Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

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Accepting new patients. We accept Medicare.

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Microbes like bacteria and fungus are increasingly brazen in announcing their presence. Gone are the days when you could count on bacteria to behave and exist silently in nooks and caves like one’s nose or colon. Instead, bacteria and fungi are increasingly loud, proud, and making their presence known.

Take pseudomonas, for example.

This bacteria is a frequent colonizer of the toes. When pseudomonas gets in the toenails, it produces a pigment called pyocyanin that can stain one’s toenails green. Pyocyanin acts as a form of chemical warfare. It can kill other bacteria and help ensure that pseudomonas is the top dog at the tips of your toes. Zwitterions are molecules that have positive and negatively charged regions. Such bipolar molecules can often cross cell membranes easily and wreak havoc on the competing bacteria or cells that they enter. Green and mean, pyocyanin is the Incredible Hulk of our list.

Next in our lineup of graffiti artists is Hortaea werneckii. Nobody knows how to pronounce this. If they claim that they do, they are both lying and showing off.

H. werneckii is famous in the dermatology world because it can mimic melanoma. This fungus is a black or brown mold that infects the surface of the skin.

It likes sweaty cool places and usually infects the palms or soles. It begins as a small black or brown spot that gradually enlarges forming an increasingly large

brown or black patch. When a dark spot keeps getting bigger, one’s first instinct is to worry about melanoma, but this fungus can often be painlessly scraped away easily with the edge of a scalpel blade without ever cutting the skin. In contrast, the pigment of melanoma cannot simply be scraped away.

Other bacteria are staining the world pink. Serratia is a common bacteria that can cause a pink ring around a bathtub or shower drain but can, in rare instances, colonize one’s armpits or groin.

Towels and clothing can become stained pink when they contact affected skin.

According to a case report in a reputable medical journal, a man infected with Serratia sought treatment at a dermatology clinic because his wife disliked the effect that he was having on their towels.

He only chose to seek treatment after his wife locked him out of their bathroom.

Amazingly, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Bacillus cereus can cause your sweat to be blue. Yet corynebacterium might be the wildest of the bunch. This bacteria can infect people’s skin as patches that are otherwise nearly invisible but that fluoresce coral-red under a type of black light called a Wood’s lamp: a sort of UV patchwork quilt.

If you have a new or changing (perhaps colorful) spot, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs and Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C and our wonderful team are honored to take care of you and your family.

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024 | 11

FREE Fall Risk screening now available!

Brought to you by - Johns Creek Physical Therapy Did you know?

• Every year in the United States 1 out of 4 older adults has a fall?

• Death rates from falls have increased by 31% in the last decade?

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again?

• Falls can cause fractures, head injuries and other medical injuries?

For a limited time, Johns Creek Physical Therapy is offering a FREE Fall Risk Screening featuring Biodex Balance Technology. A preliminary baseline assessment compares your individual balance score against age related normative data.

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If you would like to see just how good your balance is, now through the end of February, we are offering this Comprehensive Balance Test at NO CHARGE! (normally $99).

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At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of neck and shoulder pain. shoulder injuries are prevalent. The most common shoulder injuries involve the rotator cuff. Normally you will have pain in your shoulder while reaching out to the side, over your head or behind your back. But sometimes the shoulder pain can actually be coming from your neck. It’s important to discover where the pain is actually coming from so you can address the root source of the pain. If you don’t find the actual source of the problem, you can find yourself constantly chasing your symptoms and end up taking unnecessary medication or spend money on expensive tests.

If you are having neck or shoulder pain then don’t miss the next Free Neck and Shoulder Pain Workshop on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 12:30 pm.

During the workshop, you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of neck and shoulder pain. You will also learn how the pain in your shoulder can come from a problem in your neck. We will also teach you the #1 single biggest mistake people with neck and shoulder pain make that keeps them from healing. Finally, you will learn how you can treat yourself without medications, injections, or surgery and resolve your shoulder pain once and for all.

REGISTRATION IS FREE! All you have to do is register online at: johnscreekpt.com/shoulderws or call 770-622-5344 to hold your spot.

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Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344 2018

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12 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

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Medicare is running out of money What can you do to help the problem?

Brought to you by - Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare There is a big problem for current and future Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare is BROKE…well not quite yet, but if you research this topic, you’ll see that around the year 2031, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will be depleted.

Lawmakers will need to give attention to this topic very soon and it will probably include some major redesign to the program.

But how can the individual Medicare beneficiary help?

This is a national problem- not just one community, and not just one person will solve it- but I believe we can all contribute by making lifestyle changes that will keep us healthier. Here’s a few ideas that I have introduced into my own lifestyle: Exercise: Whether it’s joining a gym, lifting light weights for 15 minutes, or walking for 15 minutes- get moving! In the past, I’ve started workout programs with great intentions, only to flake out weeks later. I burned out before I really even got started! So, make the exercise regimen a level you can fit into your lifestyle. Don’t be a shooting star!

Eat Less & Eat Better: When dining out, take half of your meal home or if you

are out with a significant other, split your entree.

In the North Atlanta area, I’m seeing less and less new fast food restaurants opening, and more health-conscious options available. Now it’s up to you to choose which one you will go to. And, try to cut back on the sugar...easier said than done sometimes, but being conscious about it will help.

Get Your Annual Physical (with a full blood panel): I am not a doctor, but I know the value of preventative care. Yes, a physical can catch something major like cancer, but it can also let you know your vitamin levels, and ultimately help you live a longer, healthier life.

These are just a few steps we can all take to stay healthier, enjoy life more, and help the solvency of the Medicare Program by preventing the need for costly major medical services. Sometimes these major medical services are unavoidable and at no fault of your own, but with the new year here, we can all improve somewhere. Start today!

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14 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Calendar

JAN. 25 — FEB. 4

THE MAD HATTERPILLAR

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 selfacceptance.

When: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15-28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

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

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 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

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

DUELING PIANOS AT SUNNY

GALLERY RECEPTION: EARTHBOUND

ARTIST RECEPTION: DAKORO EDWARDS’ EXHIBIT AT CITY HALL

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

What: Andrew Brothers Dueling Pianos will perform in an evening that benefits Sunshine on a Ranney Day, a nonprofit that builds custom rooms for children with special needs. Food from 1920 Tavern and Springfield BBQ, beer from From the Earth Brewing, and wine from Deep Roots Wine Market will be provided.

When: Thursday, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Sunny and Ranney, 109B Oak Street, Roswell Cost: Tickets starting at $150 More info: sunnyandranney.com

What: Meet Dakoro Edwards, an abstract expressionism painter, at a reception for his exhibit at Sandy Springs City Hall. His work will be on display through the beginning of March.

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.

When: Thursday, Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Sandy Springs City Hall lobby, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘MAKING OUR MARK’ EXHIBIT RECEPTION

What: “Making Our Mark” is an exhibit celebrating the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s annual theme, “African Americans and the Arts.” The mission of the organization is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black stories, history and culture to the global community.

The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 26 to March 22 during business hours.

When: Friday, Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell More info: roswell365.com

MAX AMINI LIVE

What: Max Amini returns to Georgia, outfitted with an array of new comedy delights, from side-splitting stories to spot-on impressions.

When: Friday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets starting at $35 More info: citysprings.com To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

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ALPHARETTA POLAR BEAR PLUNGE What: The Alpharetta Rotary Club is hosting the sixth annual Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge, encouraging nonprofits, school clubs/teams and other community organizations to put a team together and raise money for the benefit of their choosing.

Become a Divemaster or join a team that is already registered and help them reach their goal, or register for $50 to jump yourself.

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.

Where: Wills Park, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta More info: facebook.com/ AlphaPolarBearPlunge

JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘CENTER STAGE RHAPSODIES’

What: Award-winning piano powerhouse Awadagin Pratt will bring his signature sound to Johns Creek in a concert with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, featuring Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $20 to $50 More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

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16 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

Following up on Christmas cards My column in December about Christmas cards generated more response than almost any other one I have written recently, I think. Go figure.

I wrote the column about the deRAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus crease in cards we ray@appenmedia.com received this year, and I speculated about what was going on. My wife guessed social media was the culprit. I guessed “timestarved” and in a hurry society. My wife, at least according to the responses received, was right – as usual.

I got back maybe a dozen responses. All but one agreed that they received fewer cards this year than in previous years. Most blamed social

media. That was the #1 cited reason from readers. Interestingly enough, the increase in cost of postage and cards also was cited in more than half of the responses.

Readers responding tended to be older. Many reflected on a tradition of sending and receiving cards.

A number commented on the value and satisfaction they got from actually hand-writing notes, addressing envelopes and putting on the stamps.

They tended to comment on the nature of doing that – that it was an act of personal connection in a world of flashy objects. I so agreed with that sentiment.

A few commented on how much their address list had shrunk. I know mine is down by at least half. I never delete the names on my list though, even if the person has died – and death is about the only reason that

someone stops receiving my Christmas letter and photos. I think I leave the names on my list to remind me of them; I don’t want to forget a single one. I also keep all the names on the list to remind me of time passing – to remind me of mortality. I will say too, that when your Christmas list is down by half, it is hard to ignore mortality.

Over and over, I read or I hear about the importance of personal connections – of people spending time with other people – face to face.

I hear about how this personal connection – especially at the end of life – is what people need the most. Those who end up alone, with no friends or people to interreact with, surely don’t last as long as those who have them.

The connection, the personal connection, I sort of see as blood – as a necessity of life – something that not only sustains life but also gives a rea-

son to live.

Today, the trend of our lives seems to be toward less and less real personal connection – remote work, Facebook friends, texting and relating to the world around you in front of a screen via TicTok or Instagram.

We have entire generations now that have no other frame of reference than what they get from a screen. And that is about as sad of a statement as I can imagine.

Screens are not people. Saying Merry Christmas via text or on Facebook is soulless. There is no beating heart in screens. The screen will not be at your bedside in the hospital or deliver dinner to you at home when you are convalescing. But we all have the freedom to choose. Our collective march toward a digital wasteland is a choice. It doesn’t have to happen.

Ball is in our court!

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

With a little patience, you can see a lot watching a river

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

You know what?

It’s been cold these last few days. How cold? Real cold.

Reeeeeal cold.

One of my kids lives up in Wisconsin now, up there in the frozen north country.

He called me yesterday and said they had 8 inches of snow

the previous night.

“But I rode my bike to work today,” he added. Rode his bike. To work. In the snow.

“Yeah,” he continued. “I only slipped and fell once, but that was just as I was getting home.”

He’s an academic, a purveyor of pedagogy, and he’s not yet 40 years old.

Sub-40 academics can be interesting people.

Me? I’m over 40, so I invoke what’s known as the Over-40 Rule: “I’m over 40, so I don’t have to do that anymore.”

But what do I like to do when it gets cold? Well, believe it or not, I like to go fishing.

For years, in one of my favorite wintertime activities was to watch for the coming of a gray, cold, and preferably snowy day. Then I’d round up a rod and set out to spend the afternoon wading around in liquid nitrogen, hoping to fool fish who, being smarter than me, were probably hunkered down under

a rock somewhere drinking the trouty equivalent of hot chocolate. It became tradition, and somewhere deep down I enjoyed it. Now and then I’d even catch a fish. But mostly I just stood in the water, numb, shivering.

Yesterday (it was that really, really cold one, remember?) I briefly entertained keeping that tradition alive.

But then I remembered the Rule.

Still, I wanted to go to a river, most any river, just to sit near the water and see things. Just because. If I dressed right and didn’t fall in, I’d be fine.

I got in the car and drove north a ways, up to what they call the Steele Bridge over Amicalola Creek. There’s a nice little place there where you can park your car and sit on the hood, if your car is old, and watch the river flow by. I figured it would be as good a place as any to scratch that particular itch on that particular day.

Sometimes you’ll see a lot if you just sit by a river and just watch.

Pretty soon I arrived. I pulled off the road onto a gravel turnout not far from the bridge. Then I climbed out and leaned up against the hood, the lingering warmth of the now-stilled motor keeping the cold at bay. I’d stay just a little while, I told myself. I’d stay till I got cold and it was time to leave.

For a while I had it all to myself.

But then, from down the road, here comes Mavis. I know her name was Mavis because that’s what Lem called

her when they pulled up behind me a moment later, and I know his name was Lem because that’s what Mavis called him. We journalist types are highly trained when it comes to the art of observation, you know. We don’t miss a thing.

Mavis opened her car door and got out and walked the3 yards to the edge of the gravel. The river was right below her.

“Hey Lem!” she hollered. “Lem, you gotta come see this. It’s just bee-yooteful!”

Lem climbed out of the car then, bringing with him an unopened silver can of beer. He walked up beside Mavis and popped the top and took a long, slow drink.

“Bee-yooteful sure enough. Mavis, where’s that durned camera?”

Mavis turned back to the car, rummaged in the back seat, and emerged with a small camera, an old one, the kind that uses film.

“Hey mister,” she said to me. “You mind taking our picture?”

She fiddled with the camera for a second and then handed it to me as Lem took another pull on his beer. Then she grabbed Lem by the hand and pulled him to his feet and said, “Come on.

Smile!”

The camera went click.

Lem took a last long swallow from the can.

Then he crumpled the can and folded it in two.

And then, winding up like a major

league pitcher, he threw the empty far out over the river. It soared through the crystalline winter air in an oddly graceful arc, spinning so it caught and reflected the setting sun, and then it hit the river with a shallow little splash. It bobbed for a few seconds, carried by the current, then sank out of sight in an eddy behind a rock near the head of little pool.

“Be-yooteful!” Mavis said again, turning now to walk back the way she came.

“I’m sure glad we took that picture.

You’re glad, too, aren’t you, Lem?” Followed by Mavis, Lem climbed back into the car then. He turned over the motor and kicked the beast into gear.

Gravel flew from the tires as they drove back onto pavement.

Yeah, you’ll see a lot if you sit and watch a river.

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GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

The story of a once mighty tree, the American chestnut As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word “pandemic” became a household word.

But did you know, over the last one hundred years, the Appalachian CAROLE MACMULLAN Mountain Forest has experienced Guest Columnist several pandemics or transformative events that have reshaped the eastern United States forests.

If we could step back in time, back to the early 1900s, the Appalachian Mountain Forest would look different from the forest in 2023. The dominant hardwood forest trees in Georgia today are the oaks, and their acorns sustain directly or indirectly a significant population of forest organisms, making them a keystone plant.

One hundred years ago, the dominant keystone tree was the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) tree. You might ask, have I ever seen an American chestnut tree and where are they now? During the late 1800s, wealthy Americans began to import exotic plants to create eye appealing gardens along with their stately homes to highlight their wealth and social status. Bringing in foreign grown plants had its peril! In 1904, newly identified cankers appeared on some of the American chestnut growing in the Bronx Zoo. Botanists identified the blight as a fungal disease (Cryphonectria parasitica) originating from imported Japanese chestnut trees. Japanese chestnut trees have a natural immunity to this fungal disease, but the American chestnut does not!

Within a 30-year period, the lethal fungal disease spread throughout the entire Appalachian Mountain chain from Maine to North Georgia.

As the American chestnuts died out, the entire ecosystem changed. If you look at pictures of American chestnut trees, you will be mesmerized by their size. Many of the forest animals were dependent on the nutritious chestnuts that covered the forest floor.

The timber was highly prized for its durability and resistance to rot. Not only did the chestnuts serve as a food supply for the forest animals but also for human consumption. Chestnut Ridge, near my former, western Pennsylvania home, was named for this ecologically, culturally and economically valuable tree that until the mid-1930s covered the mountain ridge.

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a master gardener and a Milton resident.

She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2012 after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club.

Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA) thrift store and acts as chair of their Links to Education scholarship program. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading.

PENN STATE EXTENSION

Left photo: Map of Eastern US showing where American Chestnut trees once grew.

Top right photos: American Chestnut Seed with seed coat opened to show the chestnut.

Want to learn more?

Visit our website at appenmediacom/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz/.

AMERICAN CHESTNUT FOUNDATION

Bottom right photo- This picture, taken in the mid- to late 19th century, gives an idea of just how large and profuse the American chestnut tree was in Eastern U.S. forests. There are now only 100 or so that remain.

The rapid spread of this fungal disease was possible since fungi reproduce by airborne spores.

When the wind carries spores to the American chestnut host tree, the spores germinate and begin to divide.

The fungus cells, in turn, form rootlike hyphae. These hyphae branch out and penetrate the bark of the tree. Over time, cankers grow and interrupt the internal flow of water and nutrients to the tree’s branches, leaves and roots resulting in the death of the tree.

Two factors contributed to their extinction. As American chestnut trees began to die in astoundingly large numbers, lumber companies stepped in and quickly cut down any remaining chestnut trees. The result was the complete loss of vast swaths of forest, creating erosion and in some cases, flooding and changing the Appalachian Mountain Forest ecosystem forever!

With the loss of a tree that could stand 100 feet tall and produce over 6,000 chestnuts at maturity, there has been a desire to see these trees returned to our eastern forests. How can the goal to create a genetically, blight resistant tree be accomplished?

The solution is complicated.

The American Chestnut Foundation was organized in 1989 to achieve this goal. Fortunately, Chinese chestnut trees have a genetic resistance to the chestnut blight. As a result, the two chestnut species have been crossbred, but the resulting first-generation hybrids have only 50% of the desired genetic characteristics of the American chestnut. Over the last four decades, the most blight-resistant hybrids have been crossbred with the American chestnut in an attempt create a chestnut tree that is as genetically close to the American chestnut as possible. Currently, a hybrid has been created that contains 94% of the genes of the American chestnut.

Another group has used modern genetic engineering techniques to create a hybrid with 99% of the American chestnut genes plus genes to provide immunity from the fungus blight. With the cooperation of federal, state and local forest services, as well as research scientists and private citizens, hybrid trees are being grown throughout the American chestnuts’ former Appalachian Mountain habitat to find the most resistant hybrid.

Pilot research projects have been

established in several locations in the Atlanta area. There are 18 hybrid chestnuts growing in the Atlanta History Center orchard, and 13 of them have prospered and five are too weak to grow to maturity. In 2019, Big Trees Forest Preserve in Sandy Springs next to the UGA Extension office, planted several dozen young, hybrid chestnuts. Both locations hope their young, hybrid trees will mature and produce chestnut seeds to help the American Chestnut Society reach their goal of re-introducing healthy, blight resistant, American chestnut trees into the Appalachian Mountain Forests.

Wishing success to the combined efforts of everyone working on the American chestnut restoration project!

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | January 25, 2024 | 19

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20 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

THE INK PENN

OPINION

AIKENOMICS

At times, team-building ‘Tell me sweet little lies’ is a murderous exercise Two of my recent reads involved death — or at least the possibility of It — during teambuilding trips. For a portion of my corporate career, I worked in personnel and KATHY MANOS PENN facilitated leadership Columnist programs. And, yes, I facilitated teambuilding events, too. Thank goodness no one ever died.

Why did I read two books like this?

The answer is that I’ve been desperately trying to finish writing the latest book in my cozy mystery series and it’s set during a conference that includes outdoor team building activities. Because my books usually include a book club meeting where the book that’s read that month loosely ties to the plot, these two selections appeared to fit the bill.

For example, book five in my series is set in Tintagel, where King Arthus was allegedly conceived, so the book club selection was “The Once and Future King.” For my Christmas book, I chose “Mr. Dickens and his Christmas” as the choice. In search of something to fit the bill for my current book, I stumbled across two that might work.

“Force of Nature” by Jane Harper As this book opens in the bushland of Australia, five women on a corporate retreat in the wilderness are late to their rendezvous point. They’ve been camping for several nights. Are they experienced campers? No, but they have maps and food and equipment, and this experience has been set up by an outdoor event company. It’s not the norm for a group to be late, nor is it the norm for only four of the five to make it back.

What is the norm, based on my experience, is for tensions to rise. My groups never did overnight trips, but they did spend half to a whole day outdoors working through puzzles and problems. One program even had them build a bridge across a small ravine.

All of that creates an environment ripe for competition and disagreements over the best solution, even raised voices and arguments.

Is the missing woman dead or injured? You’ll have to read the book to find out. The author slowly reveals the backstory of the office relationships and how they spill over into the wilder-

ness, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I realized as I read this one that I’d also read the first book in the series, but I couldn’t remember much about it other than that I enjoyed it. That means “Force of Nature” can easily be read as a standalone.

“Death by Team Building”

by Cheri Baker Given the title, there’s no doubt that someone will die in this book. It’s just a question of who it will be. Again, the setting is a team building retreat, except this one happens at a remote resort in the Pacific Northwest. The participants are the executive team of a hospital, there to bond and work on goals for the next year. There’s also an external consultant and Kat Voyzey, who’s there representing the Director of Personnel, who can’t make it.

I laughed when I read the tag line, "Group work always bites you in the a__. That was true in ninth grade history class, and just as true in a murder investigation." The dialogue is snappy, and the mystery kept me guessing. As one review says, “The amateur sleuth is smart and funny, which makes this cozy mystery very enjoyable. The setting is very Agatha Christie meets the Pacific Northwest.”

Like an Agatha Christie mystery, there may not be that many characters, but everyone has a possible motive for doing away with the victim.

The addition of a snowstorm that means the group can’t leave and the police can’t get to them heightens the suspense. Will a second person die?

You never know. This is book three in a four-book series, but I had no problem enjoying it, even though, in this case, I had not read any of the earlier books.

Though both books involve team building, the tones are very different.

The second one is a cozy mystery and a bit lighter than the first. The first has federal agents and police working to solve the case. The second is solved by an amateur sleuth. I predict you’ll enjoy both.

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books.

Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.

The 1987 Fleetwood Mac charttopper, “Little Lies,” reminds me of some of the things I am seeing out there when it comes to mortgage quotes from lenders. Take this week as an exD.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist ample. I had a clidcaiken.com ent get quoted on a conventional loan with a 735 score, a 30-year fixed rate of 6.125%, and no points or origination fee. While I am all about being competitive, a .375% margin below the national average and probably more given the credit score and no points… you must ask yourself why would the company quoting the rate be that far below the market?

If they were truly at no points and or origination fee, they would have probably won the deal at 6.50% or even 6.625%. I’m not saying that the client won’t close with that rate, but it does make you go hmmmmm?

• The lender, of course, was an internet lender and not based out of the Atlanta Metro area. I have discussed this before; local lenders have a reputation to maintain in their local markets… however, to the “internet” or non-local lender, you are just another transaction. Choose a local lender when getting a mortgage!

• Check references (Do you know anyone who has done business with them?).

• Google them.

• Check their (the loan officer’s) customer surveys.

Remember, quotes over the phone need to be verified with a written cost estimate. Rates in today’s market are now being quoted with origination fees and or points in most cases, and the national averages you see published are, in most cases, quoting anywhere from .50 points to 1 full point in discount points or origination fees. You need to doublecheck once you lock in your rate to make sure you are getting the same deal as was stated to you before.

Keep in mind that rates do change daily and need to be verified once you are able to lock in your rate. Remember, 50% of all loan officers in the U.S. left the business in 2023…. the remaining mortgage bankers are doing whatever they can do to hold on in 2024, and that includes the internet desk jockeys.

Bottomline… if it seems too good to be true… in most cases, the truth is probably grossly different than what you were told.

Staying in the 1987 timeframe… Here is a quote from the hit TV show “Hill Street Blues”:… “Be careful out there.”

D.C. Aiken is production manager and vice president of Bank South Mortgage in Alpharetta.

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22 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

ONLINE INCLUDED C a l l t o d a y t o p l a c e y o u r a d 4 7 0 . 2 2 2 . 8 4 6 9 o r e m a i l c l a s s i f i e d s @ a p p e n m e d i a g r o u p . c o m • FA X : 7 7 0 - 4 7 5 - 1 2 1 6

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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At North Fulton Community Charities, our mission is to help ease hardship and foster financial stability in our community. Our employees and volunteers get great enjoyment of being able to give back to our clients and those in need.

NFCC is seeking a Director of Finance and Administration that would have at least 7+ years of experience in Finance or Accounting, 3-5 years in Project Management and 5- 10 years of senior management experience.

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EEO Statement: NFCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, NFCC does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disabilities, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by the law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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24 | January 25, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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