Forsyth Herald — March 18, 2021 by Appen Media Group

M a r c h 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | 5 0 ¢ | Yo u r H e r a l d n e w s p a p e r i s i n s i d e

AVALON SPRING 2021 A 4 page feature wrap section highlighting the spring season at AVALON.

2 | Spring 2021

Spring into Warmer Weather with Avalon’s Open-Air Seasonal Experiences Refresh your weeknights and weekends with Avalon’s 2021 Signature Events Series! Beginning April 5 and running through October 27, the Alpharetta mixeduse destination welcomes the community back for another season of open-air, family-friendly experiences along the Boulevard. To ensure the health and safety of guests, Avalon has reimagined this year’s events to accommodate social distancing between parties. While on property, guests are encouraged to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking. The full list of safety measures taken can be found on Avalon’s website. The weekly events schedule and ticketing details are outlined below: Punchline Comedy Night – Start the month on a high note with laugh-out-loud performances in the open-air Palmer Plaza (located between Colletta and Oak Steakhouse). The first Monday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m., guests are invited to reserve a socially distanced ring and enjoy hilarious live comedy acts, food and beverage specials and more. Tickets are $15 per ring with a max of two guests per ring. Little Acorns – Take a mommy break and bring your preschool aged tot for playtime in the Plaza twice a month on Tuesday mornings. From 10 a.m. to noon, little ones will be entertained with interactive learning activities including kids’ yoga, storytime, music class and more. Number of guests will be limited to ensure social distancing. Tickets are $15 per social distance ring with a max of four kiddos per ring.

AvalOM – Namaslay your Wednesdays with Alpharetta’s favorite outdoor workout experience. From 6 to 7 p.m., find your inner Zen in the open-air Plaza with weekly yoga, barre and pilates classes taught by local studios and instructors. Individual yogis can reserve a socially distanced ring for $10. Avalon Nights Live – Unwind after a long work week with Avalon Nights Live in the Plaza. Every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., start the weekend in the mixeduse destination’s central greenspace with live music by local favorites, food and beverage specials and plenty of dancing. Tickets are $25 per social distance

ring with a max of four people per ring. Each month, all ticket proceeds from the signature events will benefit a different local charity. April’s proceeds will be donated to The Lionheart School and Lionheart WORKS, a local organization dedicated to providing developmentally appropriate education for children who need a specialized learning environment. Make sure to keep an eye out for more upcoming spring events along the Boulevard! For the latest information on Avalon and event details, visit: www.experienceavalon.com.

SAT 1 2— 5 P M

SUN-FRI RETURNING THIS SPRING

RETURNING THIS SPRING

PAT I O S E AT I N G AVA I L A B L E PATIO SEATING AVAILABLE

M a r c h 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 4 , N o . 1 1

Officials work to attract larger residential lots

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County to overhaul water meter system

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JOE PARKER/HERALD

Local restaurants banking on better days ahead Gasthaus Tirol in Cumming and other local eateries have struggled to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but several are reporting increasing sales as daily cases of the virus decrease and vaccinations have become more widely available. Read more, Page 9

Education bills advance under the Gold Dome

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2 | March 18, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

POLICE BLOTTER 770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

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All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

East Point man charged with theft of auto parts FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies on March 9 nabbed a suspect March 9 wanted in connection with the theft of several catalytic converters in the area. Forsyth County has dealt with a rash of the stolen auto parts over the past few months. Demetrice C. Frederick, 37, of East Point was arrested on Kelly Mill Road. He was charged with theft by taking, fleeing/attempting to elude, reckless driving and driving while license suspended. He remained held at the Forsyth County Jail with no bond. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was doing a business check at a bakery along Post Road around 10 p.m. and spotted a Dodge Durango parked in front of business trucks behind the store. Richardson pulled out of the parking lot when the deputy arrived. Noticing a catalytic converter lying on the ground, the deputy pursued the Durango and tried to stop the vehicle near Evans Road. Richardson sped away

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and crashed on Kelly Mill Road near Wil Ray Lane. He then left the vehicle and fled on foot. He was quickly tracked and apprehended by K9s. Detectives spotted a number of catalytic converters and a power tool battery in the back of the Durango. At the scene of the bakery, there were 11 catalytic converters cut from six of the business’ trucks, according to deputies. Investigators also found a DeWalt power tool and spare blades under one of the vehicles.

Deputies cite Roswell man for alleged terroristic texts FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies arrested a Roswell man March 3 on Peachtree Parkway after he reportedly threatened a contractor that he refused to pay. Anthony Pergola, 52, was charged with terroristic threats and acts. The victim reported that he did work for Pergola and the man stiffed him, causing an argument between the two. During the dispute, Pergola sent the man threatening text messages, according to deputies.

Man faces rape charge after August incident

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Cumming man accused of raping a woman in Au-

DRUGS & DUIS arrests Robert Earl Cole, 35, of Canton Highway, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 25 on East Courthouse Square for DUI, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, failure to maintain insurance and expired or no license plate or decal. Sherry Ann Hand, 59, of Cactus Lane, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 26 on Keith Bridge Road for DUI and possession of open alcohol container by driver. Donald James Andersen Jr., 67, of See ARRESTS, Page 5 gust was arrested along Carlton Road on March 3. Guillermo Martinez-Gaspar, 57, was charged with strong-arm rape, false imprisonment and furnishing, purchasing permitting possession of alcohol of someone under 21. Deputies said the victim told them she went to check on Martinez-Gaspar at his home because she hadn’t seen him in a while. When the victim knocked on his window, she said he pulled her into his residence and sexually assaulted her. Martinez-Gaspar was being held without bond, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

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County considers courting larger residential lots By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — As Forsyth County’s population boom continues, officials are exploring ways to curb density by incentivizing developers to create larger residential lots. The topic was discussed by the Board of Commissioners at its March 9 work session. Planning and Community Development Director Tom Brown laid out some proposals for consideration that could sweeten the pot for developers. For subdivisions of six lots or fewer, Brown suggested the county could allow developers to have expanded ability to use on-site septic service, provided the lots are at least 2 acres. He added that such lots would have less stringent stormwater requirements. Incentives were also drawn up for subdivisions of seven to 20 lots in which homes are at least 2,000-square feet. For these larger subdivisions, the county is considering creating a 2-acre lot size minimum that would require no rezoning or sketch plat endorsement to expedite the approval process. Developers could also waive a requirement to install curb and gut-

ter or sidewalks along roads and have expanded ability to use on-site septic service. Brown said typically these subdivisions would also have fewer roadblocks in meeting stormwater requirements. Commissioner Laura Semanson shared her support for the proposal, stating many typical subdivisions in the area have 1-acre lot size minimums, so larger lot subdivisions could allow for a “unique product.” Commissioner Molly Cooper said the county wants to court custom-built homes, and incentivizing larger lots is a way to accomplish that goal. Commissioner Todd Levent spoke in favor of the enticements for developers, but he suggested the county consider allowing them on lots of 1.5 acres south of Ga. 20, where he thinks meeting 2-acre minimums would be far more difficult than in the northern section of the county. Also up for consideration was some leniency to developers in Res1 zoning, which allows for a density of 1.09 units per acre. Under Brown’s proposal, developers meeting a 1-acre minimum lot size could apply for a conditional use permit that would expand their ability

to use on-site septic and develop streets without curb and gutter. These subdivisions would still require a rezoning, if necessary. The City of Milton was mentioned several times by commissioners in their discussions, with the county’s proposal mirroring some recent moves its neighbor approved to promote the development of larger lots. In 2018, Milton approved similar

measures for residential lots of 3 acres or more. The city took things a step further than what Forsyth County has proposed by not requiring properties to have road frontage. Instead, homes could be accessed by a shared driveway. Earlier this year, Milton expanded on those incentives by allowing an unlimited number of lots on such developments provided they meet the three-acre minimum threshold.

Commission OKs overhaul of water meter system By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is moving forward with a $19.6 million plan to overhaul its water meter system that officials say will have benefits for customers and the county alike. The Board of Commissioners approved a contract with a firm to advance the project at its March 9 work session. The project will replace existing water meters with an “Advanced Metering Infrastructure” that allows for automatic readings through direct communication. Though water meter readings may not be at the forefront of concerns for residents, interim Water and Sewer Director Barry Lucas said the new system has significant benefits for the county’s water customers. With the AMI system, customers will be able to track their water usage on an hourly basis instead of once a month. The customer web portal, which is a free, optional service, allows for real-time leak alerts and other notifications. Customers can also view their water usage before their next bill, set up water budgets, use self-service features, access a leak-finder guide and continue to pay bills online. “There’s just a lot of benefits to the customer from the AMI system,” Lucas said. “It also helps our customer service representatives be more helpful to the customers because they can have a lot of insight into what’s going on with that customer.” The updated system will also have advantages for

the county’s coffers. Lucas said the meters currently being used lose their accuracy over time and underregister use. They also cannot detect leaks, he added. “The bottom line is, we’ve been losing revenue due to [the current meters],” Lucas said. Last August, the county was approved for a lowinterest, $19.6 million loan to pay for the system upgrade. Lucas said the county would have likely spent that same money over the next 20 years by replacing meters currently in operation.

The county could receive about $2 million in savings from that spending plan if it is able to retrofit existing meters. No additional structures will be needed for the new system. Typically, Lucas said, new antennas must be installed for it to operate, but in this instance, antennas can be placed on existing towers. Lucas said he expects the meters to be fully deployed over the next 18 months with a total project completion in March 2023.

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 Garmon Road, Hiram, was arrested Feb. 27 on Veterans Memorial Boulevard for DUI, possession of open alcohol container by driver and failure to maintain lane. Tamel Olandis Price, 27, of Bellemeade Court SW, Marietta, was arrested March 2 on Ga. 400 for possession of schedule I controlled substance and two counts of possession of schedule I controlled substance. Timothy Blake Sherman, 55, of North Gwinnett Street, Buford, was arrested Feb. 10 on Dawsonville Highway for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects. Juan Carlos Merino Antunez, 34, of Pleasant Grove Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 11 on Keith Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Wamunyima Ikasaya, 37, of Landmark Lane, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 11 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Jose Alfredo Martinez, 23, of Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 11 on East Courthouse Square for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Kyle Wellington Olsen, 33, of Wright Bridge Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 11 on Ga. 400 for DUI, failure to maintain lane and possession of alcohol container by driver. George Yen-Win Lin, 28, of Ivy Summit Court, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 11 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI. Sterling Jamaal Dix, 24, of Springberry Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 11 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI, possession of marijuana and improper turn. Timothy Brad King, 43, of Black Mountain Road, Dahlonega, was arrested Feb. 12 on Atlanta Road for DUI and failure to obey traffic control devices. Casey Matthew Samples, 37, of Dawson Forest Road E, Dawsonville, was arrested Feb. 12 on Browns Bridge Road for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, possession of marijuana, possession of firearm or knife during commission of a felony, driving while license suspended or revoked, expired or no license plate or decal and tag light required. Michael Cole Ford, 23, of Roseman Landing, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 12 on Pilgrim Mill Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Christine June Heath, 47, of Sunrise Lane, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 12 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Carey Elizabeth Pelt, 38, of East Addison Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 12 on McFarland Parkway for DUI and possession of open alcohol container by driver. William John Larson, 48, of Cagle Road SE, Fairmount, was arrested Feb. 12 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI, following too

PUBLIC SAFETY closely and possession of open alcohol container by driver. Liana Viamonte, 58, of Samples Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 12 on Samples Road for DUI and improper right turn. Samuel Bennett Ewers, 27, of Almadine Way, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 12 on Buford Highway for DUI, following too closely, too fast for conditions and expired or no license plate or decal. Garrett Blake Britt, 23, of Robin Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 13 on Buford Dam Road for DUI and too fast for conditions. John Robert Bryan, 49, of Drew Road, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 20 on Keith Bridge Road for DUI, possession of open alcohol container by driver and failure to maintain lane. Amit Washy Nainani, 26, of Ettington Drive, Suwanee, was arrested Feb. 20 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Christopher Curtis Black, 44, of Island Pointe Drive, Buford, was arrested Feb. 20 on Veterans Memorial Boulevard for DUI, reckless driving, driving in gore/median/emergency lane, failure to maintain lane, improper/erratic lane change and no horn/improper use of horn. Eric Alexander Rodriguez, 40, of Orchard Lake Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 20 on Haw Creek Circle for DUI and possession of open alcohol container by driver. David Dale Day, 58, of Golden Leaf Point SW, Gainesville, was arrested Feb. 21 on Pilgrim Mill Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Tammy Kay Cottrell, 40, Royal Colony Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 21 on Mullinax Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Ashley Joanna Moss, 29, of Pirklewood Circle, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 21 on Dahlonega Street for DUI, speeding, failure to maintain lane and driving with suspended/revoked/cancelled registration. Floris Juan Baptiste, 21, of Pebble Ridge Lane, Buford, was arrested Feb. 22 on Buford Highway for DUI, possession of marijuana and tag light required. Patrick Wilson Bolton, 71, of Oak Farm Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 22 on Oak Farm Drive for DUI and failure to report striking fixed object. Philip Granito, 58, of Bridgeshaw Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 23 on Ga. 141 for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane. Oscar Macias, 39, of Columns Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 23 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI and improper turn. Douglas Allen Lewis, 46, of Lake Road, Dawsonville, was arrested Feb. 24 on Bethelview Road for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and probation violation. Amanda Leigh Reed, 39, of Jenkins Road, Dawsonville, was arrested Feb. 24

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | March 18, 2021 | 5

on Bethelview Road for possession of methamphetamine, failure to maintain lane and probation violation. Ivern Kennedy Morgan, 29, of Windsor Street SW, Atlanta, was arrested Feb. 24 on Ga. 400 for DUI, speeding, possession of marijuana, possession of firearm or knife during commission of a felony and endangering a child by DUI. Rhonda Scott Nelson, 52, of Pruitt Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 25 on Kinnity Court for DUI and possession of open alcohol container by driver. James Gerard Robinson, 45, of Sunrise Lane, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 25 on Keith Bridge Road for possession of methamphetamine and failure to maintain lane. Barbara Ann Daugherty, 52, of Deaton Henry Road, Flowery Branch, was arrested Feb. 25 on Keith Bridge Road for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related objects and failure to maintain lane. Kerri Segars Ortiz, 43, of Austin Garner Road, Sugar Hill, was arrested Feb. 25 on Buford Highway for DUI. Jennifer Nicole Jackson, 27, of Ashley Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 25 on Bald Ridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Drew Patrick Brosnan, 58, of Harbour Ridge Drive, Dawsonville, was arrested Feb. 25 on Ga. 400 for DUI, possession of open alcohol container by driver, following too closely and failure to maintain lane. Aleshia Michelle Meadows, 38, of Impala Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 26 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Kevin Gregory Connell, 28, of Ben Higgins Road, Dahlonega, was arrested Feb. 26 on Ga. 400 for DUI and speeding. Garrett Frank Cannon, 33, of Carriage Court, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 27 on Bethelview Road for DUI and speeding. Wendy Lee Hubbard, 30, of Samaritan Drive, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 27 on Atlanta Road for DUI and expired or no license plate or decal. Ashley Nicole Smith, 30, of Valley Court, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 27 on Ga. 400 for DUI and speeding. Cleophus Shelton Jr., 50, of Old Beth-

saida Way, Riverdale, was arrested Feb. 27 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Eduardo Zavala, 23, of Whittier, North Carolina, was arrested Feb. 27 on Ga. 400 for DUI, possession of open alcohol container by driver and failure to maintain lane. Ravshan Kopadze, 33, of Norcross Street, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 27 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI. Jennifer Lynn Carroll, 44, of Julius Drive, Suwanee, was arrested Feb. 28 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for DUI, driving in gore/median/emergency lane and failure to maintain lane. Erich Stephen Lee, 40, of Tufton Trail SE, Atlanta, was arrested Feb. 28 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for DUI, driving in gore/ median/emergency lane and failure to maintain lane. Joseph Franklin Fowler, 27, of Masters Court, Duluth, was arrested Feb. 28 on Shady Grove Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Marvin Navarro Castro, 21, of Bannister Park Lane, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 28 on Ga. 400 for DUI, possession of cocaine, possession of schedule I controlled substance, obstruction of law enforcement officers, fleeing and attempting to elude felony offense, reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to use seatbelts. Jessica Callahan Bercich, 35, of Moore, South Carolina, was arrested March 1 on Peachtree Parkway for possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of schedule III, IV, V controlled substance and possession of drug-related objects. Maliksha Mardanovich Mukhtazov, 57, of Red Barn Court, Cumming, was arrested March 1 on Kelly Mill Road for pedestrian under the influence. Colby Ray Cooper, 47, of Five Points Road, Gray, was arrested March 2 on Matt Highway for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects, expired or no license plate or decal and failure to maintain insurance. Jonathan Taylor Stanford, 28, of White Oak Drive, Newnan, was arrested March 2 on Bethelview Road for DUI and speeding.

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Great FoCo Cleanup set for March 27 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is asking residents to participate in removing litter from local roadways during the Great FoCo Cleanup slated for March 27. The effort is a part of the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup. Participants, either organized teams or volunteers, can pick up supplies at 9 a.m. the morning of the event at one of three locations; Cumming City Hall (100 E Main Street), Coal Mountain Recycling Center (3560 Settingdown Road) or the Old Atlanta Recycling Center (3678 Old Atlanta Road). Volunteers will then depart to clean up roadways in the community. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to step outside and make a positive impact,” Forsyth County Manager of Environmental Programs Tammy Wright said. “We are always thankful to see the community come together for events such as this to help our county thrive.” Volunteers are asked to bring their bags of trash back to the pick-up locations before 1 p.m. Volunteers with pickup trucks are also needed following the event to help collect trash from the various clean-up locations. Pre-registration is required, and participants can learn more detailed information by visiting KeepForsythCountyBeautiful.org, emailing KFCB@forsythco.com or by calling (770) 205-4573.

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Police say ex-Russian mafia member charged in drug ring Law enforcement agents raided a DeKalb County warehouse March 3, confiscating tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal drugs.

By MATT BRUCE newsroom@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — An ex-communicated Russian mobster was a methamphetamine wholesaler who supplied streetlevel dealers in Forsyth, DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, according to authorities from a local drug task force. Law enforcement officials say Eduard Bobrik’s drug distribution operated out of a 16,000 square-foot meat warehouse in DeKalb. Investigators from the Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Forsyth County Drug Task Force helped crack the case against Eduard Bobrik. Agents raided Bobrik’s meat factory on March 3 and seized 11 pounds of meth, $60,000 in cash, guns, pills, marijuana, heroin and ketamine. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office indicated Bobrik, 45, of Alpharetta, was based in Forsyth County. He was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. He has pending federal charges for trafficking methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bobrik was booked into the DeKalb County Jail. Authorities say several different types of meat were butchered and distributed

from the warehouse, whose location remains undisclosed. There was also a meth factory and pill press in the building’s office. Agents found the meth stashed in an industrial refrigerator stocked with frozen meats. They also seized 400 grams of meth gummy bears, 200 oxycodone pills, 100 MMDA pills, 300 grams of heroin, 50 grams of marijuana,

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seven loaded guns, a money counter, a vile of ketamine and several cell phones, The Johns Creek and Forsyth County drug task force began investigating Bobrik late last year and passed their information on to a Forsyth County deputy who was assigned to the DEA Atlanta task force. Investigators were then able to identify Bobrik as the alleged drug trafficker.

“This is a great example of the importance of our relationships with our State and Federal partners,” Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman said in a statement March 11. “Drug dealers know no boundaries, and we, likewise, will relentlessly pursue those who endanger our citizens, regardless of where you run to.”

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Crossover Day yields winners and losers among education legislation Voucher expansion advances; transgender athlete bill fails BY CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com (ATLANTA, Ga.) — The closing bell of the 2021 General Assembly is set to toll on March 31 — Sine Die — giving state lawmakers only a handful of days to debate and act upon legislation before the 40-day session concludes. The long list of bills under consideration at the start of the session in January was significantly narrowed after Crossover Day on March 8. The 30th day of the 40-day session is the deadline for bills to pass out of at least one chamber, House or Senate, to be considered in that session. In a session dominated by debate over voting rights and gambling, education bills still garnered attention. Consensus formed around Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget bill which restored previous cuts to funding, but deep divides remain over vouchers for private schools, transgender rights in high school sports, charter school funding

and other issues that appear annually. Bills that did not cross over on day 30 are effectively dead for this session, but look for some to reappear as amendments to other bills before session end. Lawmakers refer to these bills as “Christmas trees” on which legislation is attached in the closing days of the session. “Just because a bill didn’t pass doesn’t mean that the language in that bill is now dead,” said Justin Bierman, a legislative analyst with the Georgia School Boards Association. “At any time [lawmakers] can add language to a bill that has crossed over or completely rewrite a bill during a Conference Committee.” He noted it is only year one of a twoyear legislative session, so many of the bills that did not cross over this year may be brought back next year. The most closely watched bill by education advocates were the two bills that expanded the state’s special needs scholarships to include more categories of eligible students. While parents cheered the legislation, the state’s education advocacy groups were united in opposition. The results were split, with the Senate bill successfully being passed in

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both chambers, while the House version failed to receive Senate approval. Bills to limit transgender rights in girls’ sports also failed, along with the annual push to raise the age of mandatory education to age 17, as well as allowing homeschooled athletes to play on public school teams. Education bills that successfully passed by Crossover Day and remain under consideration: House HB 32 - Awards a $3,000 tax credit for teachers in rural schools and lowperforming schools HB 146 - Grants paid parental leave for full-time educators and state employees. HB 287 – Adds tobacco and “vape” products to alcohol and drug education courses HB 455 – Allows motor vehicles other than school buses for pupil transportation. (Version also passed as SB 159) HB 606 - Adds Georgia Independent Schools Association as approved accrediting agency HB 681 – Requires personal financial literacy courses for students in 10th or 11th grade Senate SB 20 – Expands Georgia’s Child Advocate Advisory Committee to include a foster parent, a former foster child, and a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) SB 42 – Removes school discipline data from School Climate Star Rating SB 47 – Expands Georgia’s current special needs scholarship program to include students with 504 accommodations SB 51 – Allows home school students to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools as long as they enroll in one course at their local public school SB 59 - Provides additional funding to local charter schools, allows char-

ter school educators to participate in the State Health Benefit Plan, requires public school educational facilities to be available to local charters or provide a facility stipend SB 88 – Includes most components of Gov. Brian Kemp’s teacher pipeline initiative to increase the teacher supply across the state SB 106 – Requires schools to provide services for students in Pre-K through 3rd grade before issuing suspensions SB 153 – Creates Graduation Opportunities and Advanced Learning (GOAL) charter schools to help reduce dropout rates SB 204 – Creates a pilot program to help students earn a high school diploma from a technical college SB 220 – Creates a commission to oversee Georgia civics education SB 226 – Requires local school boards to create a process to handle complaints of school media obscene material in school media centers SB 246 – Limits state requirements on student “learning pods”, where parents voluntarily group children together to participate in or enhance their primary educational program Education bills that failed to pass by Crossover Day: HB 60 – Expands eligibility for special needs vouchers for private schools HB 276 – Prohibits public schools to allow transgender female athletes to participate in athletic programs designated for females. (A similar Senate bill, SB 266, also failed) HB 517 – Allows home school students to participate in extracurricular activities at public school if enrolled in at least one course at that school HB 589 – Creates a commission on civics education in the state SB 3 - Raises the compulsory attendance age for students from 16 to 17 SB 240 – Creates a program on elections for 11th- and 12th-grade students

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We’ve had some of our better weeks recently RON WALLACE, owner of Olde Blind Dog in Milton 9 | Forsyth Herald | March 18, 2021

Restaurants see uptick in sales as recovery takes hold By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — A year after restaurant dining rooms were forced to lock their doors at the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, local eateries that have managed to stay afloat are still trying to recuperate. With warmer weather on the horizon, expanded vaccine availability and a drop in daily cases, many have positive prospects for the months ahead. The pandemic has been especially challenging for the hospitality industry, and restaurants have bore much of the brunt of its economic impacts. While some dining rooms were permitted to reopen under strict capacity limits last April, restaurant sales have continued to languish as their regular customers still are working from home or apprehensive about dining out. And in many cases, togo orders aren’t enough to make up the shortfalls of empty dining room seats. Though the struggles continue, several local restaurants in North Fulton and Forsyth County are reporting an uptick in business, albeit still far below pre-pandemic levels. “We are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination,” Kelly Hughes, owner of Alpharetta’s Scratch Fresh, said. “We are just keeping the water below our nose.” Hughes said Scratch Fresh has a generally positive outlook for the months ahead. “I think we still have a little journey ahead of us, but I think people are getting more comfortable because the vaccine is there and the number [of COVID-19 cases] are down,” Hughes said.

HERALD FILE PHOTO

A year after restaurant dining rooms were forced to shut down amid the pandemic, local restaurants like Gasthaus Tirol in Cumming are beginning to see increased sales. “We’ve seen some customers that haven’t been out in a year.” Optimism has spread Ron Wallace, owner of Olde Blind Dog in Milton, said his restaurant is still at about 50 percent of its pre-pandemic sales, but the eatery has seen a recent uptick, and he expects that to continue. “We’ve had some of our better weeks recently,” Wallace said. “Things are going pretty well. It’s been very good to see the

uptick, we were operating on a day-today basis there for a long time.” Brain Noeske, owner of Gasthaus Tirol in Cumming, said his business is doing a bit better than most. “We’re doing a little better than okay,” Noeske said. “Our business has been increasing.” With spring only days away, the appeal of outdoor dining should increase. “Having a beer garden has helped to get people out here,” Noeske said. “We’ve

had a 20-by-20 tent since we opened 26 years ago, and we’ve added another tent. That’s helped us out there.” Wallace of Olde Blind Dog said “The Green” at the Crabapple Market, along with the restaurant’s courtyard area, has also provided a boost in customers. Loyal patrons have helped Wallace, Noeske and Hughes all cred-

See RESTAURANTS, Page 10

10 | March 18, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Restaurants:

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

Continued from Page 9 ited government assistance programs and loyal customers for keeping their doors open. “Had it not been for the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) money, we’d already be gone,” Hughes said. “And if we didn’t already have a loyal following, I don’t know how we would have survived. Our loyal customers have kept the doors open.” PPP dollars kept Olde Blind Dog operating. “The bills were backing up big time,” Wallace said. “We were borrowing money just to keep in business. With the PPP, we were able to catch up on bills and pay rent and utilities. It probably kept us alive.” But funding boosts only go so far. Customers still have to come in the door. “The margins in the restaurant industry are very slim, about 6 percent,” Wallace said. “Then, you have a major appliance go down, and what little profit you’ve had gets sucked up for three months. Thank goodness for our loyal customers, they kept the lights on.” Noeske agreed. “Thank God we have had very loyal clients over the last 25 years we have been around,” he said. “Our clientele is crucial.” Restaurant assistance dollars have also allowed employees to return to work. Last year, Wallace had to lay off more than 80 employees at Olde Blind Dog and Duke’s Bar and Grille, which permanently shut its doors last March. Hughes said Scratch Fresh was operating with just one cook at that time. All three owners said they were able to rehire their employees with PPP dollars, and they touted their faithful workers for providing top-notch service. “Some days, it was really hard to find the silver lining, but we stepped up our game,” Hughes said. “This is no excuse not to do the best we can do.”

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Restaurant assistance dollars have also allowed employees to return to work.

HERALD FILE PHOTO

Opportunity to update Restaurants have been forced to adapt over the past year, and some are using the opportunity to make changes that will outlast the pandemic. Wallace said Olde Blind Dog has recently introduced new menu items, revamped the wine menu and created craft cocktail drinks. There are also plans to have concerts on The Green once construction on a

stage is complete. “We’re not really reinventing the Olde Blind Dog, but things can get old and worn out,” Wallace said. “We have a lot of really, really good new stuff.” It’s a similar story at Scratch Fresh. The restaurant recently began offering a steakhouse concept on Friday and Saturday nights and has refreshed its everyday menu. “We’ve pretty much kept the same

menu, but it has been revamped and enhanced, and we have a better menu than we’ve ever had,” Hughes said. “We have always felt we’ve had a great product and service to the community, but now we can provide even more and better than we’ve ever had.” Though sales are still slow, Noeske said Gasthaus Tirol will continue to fight forward. “It is what it is, and we have to make the best of it,” he said. “But our business is increasing, and we should eventually be back to where we were.” Wallace said his restaurant can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, and Hughes is looking for a good finish to the year. “So many things in the last year have touched me,” Hughes said. “But mainly, it’s just the sense of community and trying to take care of one another. We’ve all experienced it time after time in this restaurant. We are trying to take care of everyone, and everyone is trying to take care of us.”

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Name of Business: Results Rehab Owner(s): James Connelly Business description: Results Rehab is a Concierge, Mobile Physical Therapy practice that specializes in treating active adults to help them return to the activities that they love without fear of reinjury. Opened: April 28, 2020 Address: 2300 Holcomb Bridge Road, Ste 103 #114 Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 470-207-4429 Web Address: www.resultsrehab.org

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11 | Forsyth Herald | March 18, 2021

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lively 7-year-old. The recommendations of physicians are to remove the organs which might cause the cancer. Regardless of what I choose, my daughter may have the same gene. Another woman who has taken this test before having children has decided to have her eggs harvested and tested for the mutated genes which might cause cancers and only use the eggs without this mutation for her future children. After having children she’s decided to remove the parts that might lead to cancer. I am interested in the thoughts of our audience. What do you think about this? By taking action early, this woman will spare her children and future generations from the same mutated gene with which she was born. Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at: info@wilson-legal.com.

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14 | March 18, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

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Mount Pisgah secures state championship Mount Pisgah’s buzzer beater caps incredible comeback for program’s first state title By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com MACON, Ga. — Mount Pisgah’s offense struggled mightily in the Class-A Private boys state championship game against Holy Innocents’ March 10 in Macon. The team was shooting just 30 percent from the floor, and with under three minutes remaining, their hopes to capture their first state title looked bleak as the team trailed by seven points, a large margin considering their cold shooting. But when it counted most, the team got hot. The Patriots went on a 10-0 run in the final two minutes and received a massive defensive play to set up a buzzer-beating bucket from junior Kasheem Grady to take a 43-41 win for the program’s first state title. Solution After watching shot after shot miss the L O D E

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Members of the Mount Pisgah boys basketball team celebrate their title victory over Holy Innocents’ March 10 in Macon. A last-second shot by junior Kasheem Grady secured the win for the Patriots who end the season at 27-6. mark, a put-back basket by Nate Gordon with two minutes remaining sparked the Patriots’ comeback. Moments later, Gordon added two more points from the free-throw line to cut the Patriots’ deficit to 41-37 with just over a minute left on the clock. On the ensuing inbounds pass, a tipped ball found its way into the hands of senior guard JoJo Peterson who put his layup through the basket to put the Patriots within onescore. The Patriots received some help on Holy Innocents’ next possession when the Bears were called for a travel. Mount Pisgah took advantage with a basket to tie the contest at 41-41, sending the Patriot bench into a frenzy amid an 8-0 run. With the excitement at a fever pitch and less than 10 ticks remaining on the clock, Grady pursued a Bears player from behind and snatched the ball away. After mindfully checking the time remaining, he quickly drove down the court. The guard planted his feet on the arc and sent away a leaning jump shot, the ball coming out of his hands just before the buzzer.

Nothing but net. Grady’s swish cemented the Patriots’ title, and he was swarmed by teammates while still sliding on the court following his off-balance shot. The Patriots’ electrifying comeback and 10-0 run put to bed what was an otherwise frustrating game. Mount Pisgah shot just 32 percent on field goals, were 3-18 from beyond the arc and made just six of 11 free throws. However, Holy Innocents’ also struggled offensively, and the Patriots defense never allowed the Bears to build a significant lead. Gordon led the Patriots with 14 points, followed by 11 from Peterson and eight from Grady. Gordon also accounted for 10 rebounds and three blocks. The championship caps off a dream season for the Patriots who compiled a 27-6 record and won the Region 6-A championship over perennial state title contenders St. Francis. The state title comes in head coach Matt Hixenbaugh’s second year leading the program.

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LEFT LANE REVIEWS

OPINION

2021 Toyota Venza The Venza nameplate is back for Toyota about five years after Toyota announced the firstgeneration was getting 86’d. That’s the restaurant term for “no more,” not to be confused with JOE PARKER the Toyota 86, which Editor was recently 86’d in the joe@appenmediagroup.com UK permanently and 86’d for the 2021 model year in the U.S. (it’ll be back in 2022). The Venza comes back onto the scene with handsome styling, standard all-wheel drive and a hybrid-only powertrain. But it remains to be seen if some of the original Venza’s issues — lagging sales, a high asking price and similarity to its Toyota stablemates — will also plague the new gen. Sales figures for the revamped nameplate will have to wait, but from the getgo, it appears as if price concerns and parallels to the RAV4 are already here. The Venza and RAV4 hybrid share a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and on-demand all-wheel drive. Both systems offer 219 combined hp and their mpg figures are, unsurprisingly, almost identical. They both have an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar. Each get the same rack-andpinon steering with electric assist and overall steering ratio, the same brakes, the same wheelbase and same seating capacity. What differences there are mostly favor the old-guard RAV4. The Venza is slightly longer and lower, but the RAV4 has big advantages in cargo space — 37.6-cubic feet of storage behind the second row compared to 28.8 from the Venza, and 69.8-cubes over 55 when the rear seats down. The RAV4 also provides slightly more passenger space. The RAV4 hybrid can be called upon to tow up to 1,750 pounds. The Venza isn’t rated for such work. The Venza also comes with a higher price tag. Depending on trim, the second-gen is about $2,000 to $4,000 pricier than the equivalent RAV4 hybrid. With all that in mind, it is difficult to think why anyone would opt for a Venza over the hybridized RAV4. But, it’s not all about raw numbers. For instance, adding a bouquet garni to a stew sounds a lot more sophisticated than throwing in “a bunch of herbs tied together with a string.” Just like

Venza seems a little bit more upscale than “RAV4,” which sounds like it was pulled from a dishwasher replacement part guide. Looks are also a major factor when deciding between two similar things. A piece of chocolate shaped into a cow pie might taste the same as the bar from which it came, but people are going to want the rectangular option. And styling is where the Venza separates itself from the RAV4 hybrid. Both models are attractive, but the RAV4, with its flat-nosed fascia, menacing headlights and sharp character line, wears a rugged appearance. The Venza is less intense — more mature, if you will. The original Venza looked like what you would get if you crossbred a Sienna minivan with a Camry, essentially a higher-riding van/station wagon. But the new generation throws away the original’s bulbous shape and replaces it with strong lines and gradual curves that lends to an overall handsome and stylish appearance, especially in profile. The Venza’s attractive looks extend to the cabin, which is well-appointed with soft materials and posh amenities in top trim. Again, it’s a bit more sophisticated than the RAV4. The price differential between the Venza and its stablemate is less significant when considering what added features that come standard. All Venza models are well-equipped with wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, four USB ports, smart cruise control, leathertrimmed steering wheel, a Smart Key lock/unlock system for all four doors, blind-spot monitoring, heated outside mirrors and LED lighting. My top-tier Limited tester also included a sizeable, 10-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch display in the gauge cluster, a birds-eye view display, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function in synthetic leather and woodstyle trim. The Limited cabin feels especially upscale with soft materials used on nearly all high-touch surfaces. To enhance the experience, top-tier models can also be fitted with a Star Gaze panoramic sunroof, which can be switched from transparent to frosted with the push of a button. Similar to its stablemate, the Venza doesn’t have engaging driving characteristics. It’s a bit peppy, but it would be a far stretch to call it quick. The Venza is also set up more for comfort than speed. It does a good job of soaking up most road imperfections, but throwing it

See TOYOTA, Page 17

Toyota: Continued from Page 16 around corners is a letdown. The cabin is mostly quiet at a cruise, but wind noise can be a bit of a nuisance along with the whine of the hybrid system when coasting to a stop. Another annoyance comes from the Venza’s controls. In Limited trim, Toyota has ditched standard knobs and buttons for many common inputs, including the climate control functions and radio adjustments, for capacitive sensors that can be finicky to use. Thankfully, XL and XLE models get push-button controls. Toyota has tried to separate the Venza from the RAV4 hybrid — a press release for the Venza says it “breaks the sameness barrier” — but I’m not buying the sales pitch. The Venza appears to be more of a reimagining of the RAV4 hybrid. Take the same powertrain and underpinnings, use less dramatic styling on the body, throw in a few sprinkles of the lux features on a Lexus RX, and viola Venza. And it’s not a bad approach to retool the best-selling small hybrid crossover in the U.S., the RAV4, but it is unclear if that approach will be enough to keep this generation of Venza from the chopping block.

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

OPINION

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | March 18, 2021 | 17

Peering into fishing’s crystal ball I love this time of year. Outside my window, winter’s gray is giving way to the spreading green of spring. Temperatures are warming up. Days are getting longer. And thanks to STEVE HUDSON Daylight Saving Time, there Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net will be an extra hour of daylight after work, too. And so here I sit, gazing out the window at the birds on the feeder. And just like that I’m thinking about fishing. Anticipation… “In spring, a young man’s heart turns to fishing.” Isn’t that what they say? If they don’t, they should. Okay, I may not be exactly young anymore (I like to think of myself as timeless), but “fishing” is exactly what I’m thinking about. I’m ready. It’s been a long winter. To encourage me in this delightful reverie, I have just this minute received the long-awaited annual fishing forecast from our friends at Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. I look forward to this forecast every year. In fact, its arrival is one of those rare events that ranks right up there with the release of a new Star Wars movie or maybe the arrival of the pizza delivery guy. Pure bliss! As you would expect, one feature of

Georgia’s annual fishing forecast is a bunch of up-close looks at a whole bunch of lakes (32, to be specific) all around the state. The list goes from A (Allatoona) to Y (Yonah) (sorry, no big lakes in Georgia start with a “Z.”). No matter where you like to go, it’s a sure bet that one of them will be close at hand. But the forecast is not just about lakes. It’s also good news for folks like me who also love to fish in flowing water. You’ll find forecasts for 18 different rivers, among them the Altamaha, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Conasauga, Coosa, Coosawattee, Etowah, Flint, Ochlockonee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Ogeechee, Oostanaula, Satilla, Savannah, St. Marys, Suwannee and Toccoa. How would I describe these forecasts? One adjective that comes to mind is “specific.” Forecast data was compiled by Fisheries biologists and is based on sampling efforts by the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and on past fishing trends, fishing experiences and information from anglers and marina owners. “It’s one thing to be able to offer general fishing tips, but these fishing forecasts provide specific information about each water body,” notes Scott Robinson, chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “They provide best bets, technique tips

and more, and are even connected to an interactive map, providing an additional layer of information to this already excellent resource.” The info in these forecasts is sure to make any angler’s heart beat a little faster. The forecast goes on to offer specific suggestions for gear and lures, and it even points me toward some areas I want to be sure to check out. There are other helpful reminders, too; for example, the forecast reminds me that I’ll probably want to plan a float trip in my canoe or kayak rather than try to find a place to wade. As icing on the cake, don’t forget that interactive map. Among the many other things it lets me check out are various access and launch points and, on the lakes, some locations of fish attractors too. I told you it was complete. Be warned, though. This thing is addictive. I find myself lost in it, mesmerized by the possibilities of all those rivers and lakes as I read the forecasts and imagine the waters and lose myself in my imagination. Wandering through the forecast is armchair adventuring at its finest. As if I needed something else to distract me in the spring! I really, really, really like this fishing forecast. I think you’ll like it too. To check it out, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/ fishing-forecasts.

18 | March 18, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

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Garage Sale South Forsyth/ Suwanee: Dig for treasures in Olde Atlanta Club in community-wide garage sale! 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway. Saturday 3/27, 8am-2pm. Children’s clothes and toys, collectibles, sports equipment, antiques, household, and more!

Auto Donation Donate your car to kids! Fast free pickup running or not - 24 hour response. Maximum tax donation. Help find missing

DODGE

OUTSIDE SALES Public relations position in local Johns CreekSuwanee area, 2-3 days/week. 770-4761313. Fax 770-4760111 or email: larry@ larryhorneinsurance.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

1-844-863-4478 Hearing aids! Bogo free! Highquality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 833-669-5806

Help Wanted Autos

Furniture

Homes

Services

Bargins

Household Haulers Gutters

COVERING NORTH ATLANTA – IN PRINT AND ONLINE!

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | March 18, 2021 | 19

SERVICE DIRECTORY Art/Wallpaper

Flooring

Home Improvement

Picture Hanging: Reasonable pricing. Satisfied customers. Call or text Troy Smith 404-990-7506

PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-8871868 for free estimate.

Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932. Remodeling, handyman. 34 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms. All insurance. Paul

Concrete/Asphalt

We fix ugly

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS $150 OFF

Any job over $1500. Driveways Patios Sidewalks Walls & Steps Slabs NEW or REPAIR Residential Or Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

Call 678-648-2010 Many local references. Competitive rates. McKemey Concrete

Retaining Walls

Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aarons-gutters. com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766

Handyman Wood Rot Repair, Deck Repair and Staining. Roof Leaks, Carpentry, Painting, Siding and Soffits. Flooring, Tile, Electrical and Plumbing. 770-262-6272. Matthew the Handyman: Exterior work. 404-547-2079

Haulers

Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237 Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Call Ralph Rucker

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Phillips Home Improvement We

offer

drywall,

painting,

ROOF

ROOF TROUBLE? • Ceiling Spots • Blistering • Rotting • Buckling Spots Call For A

FREE Roof Analysis 770.744.5700

99 Top Rated • Appen Rated • BBB • Angie’s List

$500 OFF* Roof Repair and Replacement

bath

rehabs.

All

types

flooring.

Also total

CONCRETE CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST

McKemey concrete

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More Call or Text to

678.648.2010

home rehab for those who

have

rental

house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate

Pinestraw

available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and

Call Us For A FREE Quote Tree Services COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment. Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch, Fully insured, Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

$150 OFF* Any service over $1500

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

$250 OFF*

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

BBB A+ Rating

FREE ESTIMATE Call 678-250-4546 Minimum job is $4,500

ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC.

TREE SERVICE

770.744.2200

770.450.8188

Tree Services

Call or Text to

BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD

PLACE AN AD

Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs

TREE SERVICE

Call Us For A FREE Quote

770-442-3278 TO

30 Years Experience

NEW DRIVEWAYS

Mulch. 770-831-3612

678-898-7237

STAND OUT. CALL

CONCRETE

finished,

and

$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

carpentry,

kitchen

Call for a FREE Estimate! 770-284-3123

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

plumbing and electrical. Basements

ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983 Affordable Quality Roofing Based in Roswell

New Roof Purchase

Cannot combine with any other offer or discount. Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.

Home Improvement

delivery/installation

Many local references-

ROOF LEAKING?

Finegan 404-353-5611

PINESTRAW, mulch

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Roofing

ROOF

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges! Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

• Highest rated by customers • Tree removal and tree trimming

• We save trees too • Certified arborist • Licensed/insured

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2011 thru 2017

Call Us For A FREE Quote

98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding

• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7

20 | March 18, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

WE BUY ALL JEWELRY! Your estate jewelry & diamond specialists for 60 years. Schedule a private appointment.

Paying Premiums for Vintage Rolex and Omega Watches

770-751-7222 Call or Text www.iroff.com

3960 Old Milton Pkwy #300 (1.5 miles East of 400)

Restyle or Custom Make Something New! We Take Trade-Ins.

Gold is at a 7 year high!

You get the best price in town, and immediate payment! Over 75% of Our Business Comes from Satisfied Customer Referrals! Jewelry

Gold

Silver

Diamonds

Gemstones

Coins

Watches

Estate jewelry Fine Jewelry Platinum Jewelry Diamond Jewelry Gemstone Jewelry Designer Jewelry David Yurman Tiffany & Co. Cartier

Gold Jewelry Broken Jewelry Gold Watches Dental Gold Gold Coins Gold Bars Gold Nuggets

Sterling Silver Silverware Flatware Bowls Silver Jewelry Silver Bars

All Sizes All Shapes All Cuts All Qualities Loose or Set Chipped/Broken

Sapphires Rubies Emeralds All Precious Semi-Precious Loose or Set

All Gold Coins All Silver Coins All Platinum Coins Silver Dollars Collectable Coins Paper Money

Rolex Cartier Omega Patek Audemars Piguet and other brands Paying up to $150,000

2008-2019 GA 4 00

FREE CASH EVALUATION

Must Present Coupon.

Webb Br id g e

Tuesday – Friday: 10AM – 5PM Saturday: 10AM – 2PM • Sunday & Monday: Closed *Appointments may be available outside of traditional store hours.

Old M

ilton Pkw k P y t n i Kim o P ball dge Rd th Bri Nor

400

WINNER

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist

AVALON

Spring 2021 |3

Avalon in the heart of Alpharetta infuses resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable community of shopping, dining, living, working, and entertaining.

& more! 400 Avalon Blvd. | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | www.experienceavalon.com | 770-765-1000 @AvalonInsider

AVALON

4 | Spring 2021

Spring has sprung along the Boulevard and that means events are in full bloom! Come out to enjoy your signature favorites & more this season, all with additional safety measures added.

First Monday of each Month from 7:30-9pm

Every Other Tuesday from 10am-12pm

Start your month off with lots of laughs from The Punchline Comedy Club featuring live comedy acts, drink specials, and more.

Bring your pre-school aged tot for playtime in The Plaza. Weekly activities may include music class, story time, visits from famous characters, and more!

Wednesdays from 6-7pm Fridays from 6-8pm Unwind after a long week by enjoying live music with friends and family in The Plaza.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Come salute the sun every week for a special yoga, barre, or pilates class presented by various studios and instructors.