Forsyth Herald – December 20, 2018

D e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 | 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 1 , N o . 5 1

County talks new wastewater facility

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Ga. 400 express lanes discussed by GDOT

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Local decorates White House

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KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

Cops & Kids gift holidays to nearly 160 families James Cronan, 5, MaKayla Miller, 8, and Ashley Carter go shopping with Deputy 1st Class Zachary Archer and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office accountant Jennifer Archer, far right, during the 23rd annual Cops & Kids event Dec. 11 at Walmart on Marketplace Blvd. Read more, Page 9.

The Place brings holidays to families

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2 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Public Safety

Verizon store reports phones taken in burglary 770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — About 20 phones were stolen recently from the Verizon Wireless store on Keith Bridge Road.

The manager said someone burglarized the store overnight and took the phones from a locked safe.

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Driver points handgun during road rage incident FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The driver of a pickup reportedly pointed a gun at another driver recently along Mirror Lake Drive.

The victim told authorities he was northbound on Ga. 9 behind a pickup truck when both vehicles arrived at an intersection. The victim said he drove around the pickup truck which then swerved left as if to make a wide turn.

The victim said he honked his horn because he thought his car would be struck. The other driver then turned around and followed the victim into a subdivision.

They drove through the entire neighborhood before the victim pulled over at the pool area. The other driver reportedly took out a pistol and started yelling at the victim, who apologized for honking.

The man then left and the victim went home. The victim said he had the make of the truck, a description of the man and his home has security cameras which may show the confrontation.

Woman reports salesman took her iPad during visit FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 79-yearold woman reported her iPad stolen after a salesman entered then left her house.

The woman allowed the man inside

No other damage was done to the store.

The manager said he fired an employee recently who had turned in his keys when he left, but who knew the codes to the safe.

but said she was not interested in the presentation. She later noticed her iPad was missing. She said she thought the salesman took it because she saw him pick something up as he was leaving.

The woman requested the salesman be arrested if he is found.

Deputies locate driver passed out in parking lot FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 28-year-old woman from Cumming was arrested for DUI recently after she was found passed out behind the wheel in an Arby’s parking lot.

Deputies were looking for the car after they received reports of her nearly hitting another vehicle and sitting through stop light cycles.

The driver was slumped over and not moving when deputies found her in the parking lot. She finally woke up, and deputies saw a plastic vodka bottle in the cup holder. She had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol and slurred her speech, according to the report.

She was found to be driving under the influence and was arrested. When she got to the jail, she blew a .392.

Trace to retrieve some items, but she said to get off her property. He left a tablet and pairs of pants worth about $840 total.

Deputies called the girlfriend who said she was at work and they needed to get off her property. When deputies told her she would be charged with theft, she said she did not have anything and hung up.

Man finds home damaged after serving stint in jail FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After spending a few days in jail, a man went home to discover his house and valuables had been heavily damaged.

The man said someone had busted the screens on two televisions, his computer monitor was also damaged along with numerous U.S. Naval awards. The sheet rock behind the frames was also damaged.

Many clothing items in his bathroom, bedroom and closet were bleached.

The value of the damaged property was set at $25,000. The man told authorities his ex-girlfriend was the only other person with a key to the house.

Ex-girlfriend charged for taking man’s items

Woman reports loss of $50,000 in jewelry

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An ex-girlfriend was charged with theft by taking after she refused to give her ex-boyfriend his items back.

The 58-year-old boyfriend said they had dated for about two months until he decided to get back together with his wife. The man went to his 54-year-old girlfriend’s house on Indian Overlook

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Six rings, totaling more than $50,000 in value, were stolen from a 91-year-old woman’s residence off Doc Bramblett Road.

The woman’s daughter told authorities her mother has a caretaker who rearranged the room where the rings were

See BLOTTER, Page 11

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 3

4 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

County considers plans for new water reclamation facility

BY KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — There was standing room only in the commissioners’ meeting room Dec. 12 during a town hall to present plans for a water reclamation facility in the northeastern portion of Forsyth County.

The facility is proposed to sit on 99-acres and will use advanced wastewater treatment. The county currently manages one drinking water facility and seven water reclamation facilities. It also manages a water distribution system of 1,066 miles and a wastewater collection system of 590 miles, with 57 pump stations.

As early as 2002, Forsyth County has been planning for a water reclamation facility in the area that would use advanced wastewater treatment processes.

The purpose of this facility is to allow development on public sewer, reducing the number of septic systems and private wastewater treatment facilities. Back in 2000, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division told the county it needs to reclaim and treat wastewater so it can be returned to streams and lakes.

While no plans are finalized, the county expects the facility to be constructed in phases beginning in 2020, with an initial capacity of 2.5 million gallons per day. The plant would then be

expanded to treat 5 million gallons per day and then to 10. The highly treated wastewater would be released into Lake Lanier, somewhere in the Chestatee Bay area, off Waldrip Road.

Funding for the project would come from Water and Sewer capital improvement funds, which come from connection fees paid by new sanitary sewer customers.

County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said this topic is emotional for a lot of people.

“I know many of you are angry and upset,” she said. “I hope this can be a time we learn from each other. This conversation does not end tonight. We will come together and meet again. This is early on in the process and a lot of questions can’t be answered yet because we haven’t submitted for any permit and the facility hasn’t been designed.”

Over the next 20 years, the county population is s expected to rise to more than 325,000. The population projections are used to calculate wastewater flow estimates and, along with other factors, determine the necessary system improvements. A new facility in the northeast portion of the county is one of those identified system improvements.

The county said this location was chosen, rather than an industrial area, because: • The property is an appropriate size

Forsyth County Government/Special

The proposed water reclamation facility is designed to collect wastewater from homes and businesses within a drainage basin to a central location for advanced treatment approved by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. for this use and will allow good setback and buffers for the facility.

• Most remaining property in industrial areas is not large enough to accommodate this facility.

• The property is central to the area that will be served and in close proximity to the anticipated discharge location.

• This site is most suitable for both the

county and the Board of Education (proximity to a new school).

• The location provides the ability to return reclaimed water to Lake Lanier.

Forsyth County answered more questions and gave additional information which can be viewed at https://bit. ly/2B3SYTy.

Warnings, citations considered for short-term rentals

BY KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After a year of discussion and public hearings on the matter, the Forsyth County Commission is still struggling to nail down a comprehensive policy to govern short-term rentals.

At a Dec. 11 meeting, County Attorney Ken Jarrard said short-term rentals present a unique enforcement challenge.

The commission is working to find a company to help maintain records on the properties and issue citations when violations occur.

County officials say they expect the company to report regularly on enforcement efforts.

After months of hearings and hours of public comments, the commission decided in August to enforce its current short-term rental ordinance.

Also in August, the commission voted to direct planning staff and legal counsel to create a proposal for a conditional use permit that would define if and where short-term rentals could operate. It would include some or all of the

At a Dec. 11 meeting, County Attorney Ken Jarrard said short-term rentals present a unique enforcement challenge. The commission is working to find a company to help maintain records on the properties and issue citations when violations occur. elements of the short term ordinance as performance standards.

The county also is working on a modification to the county’s Unified Development Code that authorizes short-term rentals in residentially zoned properties for periods of less than 30 days only upon applying for and receiving a conditional use permit.

The changes will be discussed by March 1, 2019.

All other short-term rentals in residential zones, or any rentals for periods of less than 30 days, shall be prohibited completely according to the proposed

UDC revision.

Jarrard said he works with county Code Enforcement Division Manager Steve Zaring to see what kinds of patterns he is noticing related to the short-term rentals.

“The purpose of the county’s ordinance is mainly compliance,” Jarrard said. “It’s not intended to be punitive, but mainly compliance. That’s what we’re after. However, if people know what our rules are and continue to act in defiance of our rules, the county may have to issue citations.”

The commission voted in August for the county manager will retain a short-

term rental company to assist staff in locating all short-term rentals to further enforce the codes.

“My expectation is that that software package will allow us to do something we’ve never been able to do which is identify parcels and owners who are engaging in this activity,” Jarrard said.

“Some are probably perfectly consistent with our code and some are not. If that is occurring, my proposal is we develop that list and put those people on notice by the county. Not just the ones doing it wrong, but everyone and let them know what the rules are.”

After a certain amount of time, Jarrard said the county can use that data and check whether the improper activity is still occurring, then the county could give them final notice.

“The objective of the county is not to haul people into court,” Jarrard said.

“There was a lot of discussion about that, and it’s not what we’re trying to do.

This is a regulatory ordinance but it is compliance. Forewarning is important.

Our objective is to get you to comply with the Unified Development Code.”

SCHOOLS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 5

Lambert students earns gold for biology presentation

BY KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A group of Lambert High School students showed the world their expertise on containing cholera outbreaks when their presentation garnered acclaim at an international forum held recently in Boston.

The team competed with more than 340 teams from around the world at the annual Giant Jamboree, an international forum hosted by iGEM, an organization that focuses on synthetic biology. iGEM stands for International Genetically Engineered Machine.

The Jamboree, held in October, is the industry’s largest innovation event and the culmination of the iGEM competition.

Student engineers from more than 40 countries showcased their synthetic biology projects aimed at solving problems plaguing the world.

Beyond the technology employed in the solutions, participants are evaluated on teamwork, responsibility, entrepreneurship, sharing and safety.

Lambert’s project was called “Captivate” and focused on solving the current cholera outbreak in Yemen. The team focused on a proactive approach to the

Lambert High School/Special

The Lambert High School iGEM team presented their project on how to control cholera outbreaks at the Forsyth County School Board meeting Dec. 11. epidemic by predicting where the cholera outbreak would spread and how to activate a response.

Their model had an accuracy of

roughly within a two to eight-week time frame.

The team earned a gold medal, placing them among the top collegiate teams

from around the world. In addition, they brought home four awards from the high school division, including Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Presentation, Best Hardware and Best Measurement.

This year’s Giant Jamboree was a display of hard work and ingenuity, said Randy Rettberg, co-founder and president of iGEM. “These students are showing the world what’s possible when we fearlessly tackle tough problems and open our minds to new applications of engineering biology,” he said. “Many of the projects presented at iGEM will serve as the foundation and inspiration for important research, influential companies and international interest to come — these participants are most certainly tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Lambert team gave their presentation at the Dec. 11 Forsyth County Board of Education meeting.

Lambert iGEM team member Christina Lee began the program by discussing how water is a key component essential for life.

As a consequence of poor sanitation and limited access to sufficient resources, Lee said cholera pathogens have

See LAMBERT, Page 21

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6 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

GDOT unveils early plans for Ga. 400 express lane work in Alpharetta

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Alpharetta and Roswell are weighing plans by the Georgia Department of Transportation to create access points along Ga. 400 that will feed into new express lanes that will run from I-285 north to McFarland Parkway.

In some cases, the new express lanes, a $1.8 billion project, will require widening existing overpasses and reconfiguring ramps along the corridor.

GDOT is shopping its early plans to alert the two cities what to expect when construction on the express lane project begins in a couple of years. GDOT is scheduling public information meetings on the proposals in February and March of 2019.

Officials in both cities have so far expressed trepidation.

Roswell has already balked at a proposal to place an express lane access point at Big Creek Parkway.

Tim Matthews, program manager for GDOT’s Major Mobility Investment Program, said his department is continuing discussions with Roswell to come up with a plan both sides can agree on.

“None of these decisions are final until we move through the environmental process and we get public feedback on all these decisions we’re making on the corridor,” Matthews said.

In a presentation Dec. 10 before the Alpharetta City Council, Matthews said the public information sessions early next year will include representatives from GDOT and from MARTA, which plans to implement rapid transit bus service within the new express lanes.

GDOT’s initial plans for Alpharetta call for several initiatives that will require construction at existing Ga. 400

A GDOT rendering of the proposed “Webb+” interchange north of Webb Bridge Road shows how express lane traffic can access and exit from Ga. 400. interchanges and overpasses.

The department is proposing two access points to the Ga. 400 express lanes within the City of Alpharetta.

The first is what the department calls “Webb+,” a special overpass designed for express lane vehicles only. The Webb+ interchange will be located just north of Webb Bridge Road.

The second access point to the express lanes will be along Ga. 400 just south of Haynes Bridge Road. This access point would be located on the highway itself, allowing traffic in the general purpose lanes to cross into the express lanes. The design would be akin to the dotted lines along I-85 that allow traffic in the general purpose lanes to cross into the express lanes.

Insofar as bus rapid transit access is concerned, GDOT is working with MARTA to finalize proposals for transit stations. As it stands now, though, Matthews said there is a proposed station at North Point Mall and one just south of Old Milton Parkway. There is also a di-

rect connection (or bridge flyover) to the existing MARTA Park and Ride facility on Windward Parkway.

Alpharetta city officials stressed they want more coordination with MARTA. “This council has stated more than once that North Point Mall is our preferred transit hub because of who it could potentially affect outside of the residents of Alpharetta,” Councilman Ben Burnett said. “We would really like to see that as the concentrated point, regardless of the other projects that you guys have.”

As it currently stands, GDOT is proposing several points of construction to accommodate the wider footprint Ga. 400 will require to add the express lanes.

The projects include: • Widening the bridge over Mansell Road at Ga. 400 and partial reconstruction of ramps.

• Haynes Bridge Road bridge over Ga. 400 will be retained with partial ramp reconstruction.

• Kimball Bridge Road over Ga. 400 bridge replacement will probably be necessary to accommodate a bus station south of Old Milton Parkway.

• Old Milton Parkway over Ga. 400 bridge will be retained, with partial reconstruction of ramps.

• Webb Bridge Road bridge over Ga. 400 will likely need to be replaced to accommodate the highway widening.

• Webb+ will require a new bridge to provide an access point for express lane entrance and exit.

• Ga. 400 over Windward Parkway, where the bridge will require widening and partial reconstruction of the ramps.

Matthews noted that the McGinnis Ferry Road interchange at Ga. 400 is a separate GDOT project being coordinated with Forsyth County. The project is in the design and right-of-way phase now.

While no one on the Alpharetta City Council spoke against any of the GDOT proposals, Mayor Pro Tem Donald Mitchell said he is concerned about participation from other cities, citing the snag in plans at Roswell.

“The last thing we want to have is more traffic coming into Alpharetta to get onto the BRT lanes just because they won’t participate at this point,” Mitchell said.

Matthews said GDOT is actively working with Roswell and MARTA to come up with access points in the city.

“We’ve gone back and forth with different options and scenarios presented to them that work,” he said.

Right now, Matthews said, the department is in the final stages of developing an alternative it thinks will be a good option and hopes to present it to the city in the coming weeks.

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Photo provided by ALISON STONE/Special

Jacqueline Petros serves soup to Mariann Figueredo and Annemarie Madgey at the Nov. 8 event.

Pinecrest Academy hosts Empty Bowls

By JILLIAN DIMARCO interns@northfulton.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Pinecrest Academy hosted an Empty Bowls dinner Nov. 8 and Nov. 10 to raise money for the “Saint Francis Table” at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Soup Kitchen.

The Empty Bowls initiative is an international project to fight hunger. The Forsyth event was a collaboration of the local community.

Guests got to choose from a selection of handcrafted stoneware bowls made by students, parents and faculty of Pinecrest Academy.

The contribution for a bowl ranges from $10-$25, and they are sold and distributed for the dinner on a firstcome, first served basis.

The attendees enjoyed homemade soups and chili in their original bowl.

“Being able to make bowls and meals that will go towards helping others is one of the ways that artists in the Pinecrest community are able to put a bit of themselves into the gifts they’re giving to others,” National Art Honor Society President and senior at Pinecrest Academy Claire Rivard said.

Pinecrest Academy art teacher Alison Stone has been a part of the initiative for years.

“Fellow art teachers, like Mr. Albie McCann at Forsyth Central High School and Mrs. Natalie Hudson at Cambridge High School helped me fire more than 200 bowls made for this event,” Stone said.

The two Empty Bowls dinners precede Pinecrest Academy’s production of “Seussical, Jr.,” and guests to the dinner were invited to stay for the performance.

The total money raised from both nights of the event was $3,113.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 7

OPINION

8 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

The great toilet invention I was going to try to write a nice Christmas column but decided to write about toilets instead.

I know that right here — at this point in this column — my wife Christina, who has veto power over Ray appen what material I write Publisher ray@appenmediagroup.com actually runs in the papers (which is why the last two columns remain unpublished) has stopped reading and moved on to something else, something important and more worth her time. But that is another column.

I told a friend the other day that we are living in “the time of broke,” as in everything is breaking — our beach from a hurricane, California from fires, the eastern seaboard and much of middle America from floods, The EPA, and “truth” just about anywhere it used to be found. And, oh yes, I almost forgot, my toilet.

We’ve been fixing a lot these days. I really can’t remember a time when “fixing stuff” was more the order of the day.

Let me tell you about my toilet. At

our newspaper office, we started getting leaks in the ceiling — in the kitchen/ break room, one of the bathrooms, and in the conference room. We’ve always tried to keep the roof maintained and it’s really not very old. But it started leaking and then it really started leaking.

So I started getting quotes to patch the couple small areas in the roof right over where I was seeing water inside.

What could a couple patches cost anyway?

We ended up deciding that patching didn’t make sense (it still made sense to me). We were quoted somewhere close to $15,000 for a brand new roof. Hummmm, I thought, that’s a lot of fixing.

But we now have this amazing awesome looking architectural shingled roof, right?

“Come on, loosen up”” I said to myself. “Be happy. “ With the roof fixed, we could paint all those wet spots and stains in the inside ceilings. But, the problem with that is now the new painted areas will stand out from the old painted areas. So, we thought, maybe it’s time to paint the interior, you know, freshen it up. Yes, we decided we’ll paint too.

Just before we called our favor-

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ite painter, Harry, (see the end of the column for his contact information because he is the best I’ve ever seen but not the cheapest), we noticed that the floors were starting to look long in the tooth, and if we painted the interior and the floors looked not so good, it would make the nice newly painted insides look bad. What could a simple flooring replacement cost anyway — added to the interior paint job?

Did you know that putting laminate on top of old hardwood floors can be a challenge when one side of the room is 2-3 inches higher than the opposite side — in almost every room? And did you know that if you don’t seal an old hardwood floor before you put leveler on it to compensate for the unevenness, the floor will absorb the leveling material so that what you thought was level is not, the next morning — when you then have to go out and buy more leveling material and hope that it is not absorbed into the floor — which it is? And have you ever heard the foreman of your flooring company say that “We’ve never done a job where so much leveling was required?”

If you ever hear that, be scared.

So we arrived at a new beautiful roof; new beautiful freshly painted interior walls and ceilings and doors; a stunningly beautiful, modern, and trendy sort of gray laminated floor, which, by the way, cost let’s guess $12,000 more in overage than the original estimate because, of course, you know that when the crew installing the floor spends an unbudgeted week pouring leveling compound on the old hardwood floors that keeps being absorbed into the floors that it is going to cost more.

But, of course, it is the “time of broke,” and we know there are always

unanticipated things in life and we all just need to deal with it. Right?

So as Ricky-Bobby used to say, “Shake and bake” baby.

Our new office has everyone smiling.

It feels, well, so digital now… just like the smell of 1’s and 0’s in the morning.

Then I feel something — a drop. Then another. Drip, drop. Drip. Drop.

“Did the flooring guys re-install the toilets” my bride asks me “or “did you?”

“Well I did and we saved a bucket of cash,” I reply.

“Really?” she says.

“I installed all four,” I say.

I’m one hell of a toilet installer now, I think to myself. “Shake it and bake it, baby.” Why doesn’t she smile? I thought I was pretty funny at this point.

My office is directly beneath one of the upstairs bathrooms. My ceiling is dripping — slow, single resolute drops.

See TOILET, Page 21

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COMMUNITY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 9

Annual Cops & Kids event unites law enforcement, families for holidays

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With money in their hands, nearly 160 children shopped for any item their heart desired Dec. 11 at the Cops & Kids event at Walmart on Marketplace Blvd.

The 23rd annual event gave 157 children and their families a chance to start the holidays early thanks to the Fraternal Order of Police Sgt. David P. Land Memorial Lodge No. 82 and local law enforcement.

Eric Silveus, 1st Lt. with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and president of the Lodge, said this is one of the biggest years for the event.

“It’s for the children, but you can see our deputies get something out of it, too,” he said. “It’s something special for them to reach out and give back to the community. It’s a great way for the children to see the deputies in a different light. Generally when someone calls 911, we’re coming out for an emergency.

Being part of their Christmas is special.”

The students are referred from the Department of Family and Children Services and social workers with Forsyth County Schools, according to Forsyth Sheriff Ron Freeman.

“The kids are being able to have a Christmas they might not be able to have,” he said. “That comes from donations this community makes all year long to the Fraternal Order of Police. You get to see and light up some kid’s eyes today.”

One of the benefits of the event is fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the children.

“They get to experience shopping with a cop in uniform,” Freeman said.

“They see law enforcement officers as doing something good for them and their family. We get moms and dads who get to see us maybe in a different light than they did before.”

About 150 volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office, the Cumming Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Northside Hospital security, the Forsyth coroner’s office, Citizens Helping and Policing members and the Sheriff’s Office Explorers participated in the event.

“We see a lot of bad things during the year,” Freeman said. “Sometimes we want to help people and just because of time we’re limited in what we can do.

This gives us time to spend with kids.

If you can put a smile on a kid’s face at Christmastime, how is there anything better than that?”

Each kid received $125 to spend as they pleased.

“We see again and again these kids buying for other people,” Freeman said.

“They’ll buy a little bit for themselves.

But a lot of times they’re buying things

KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rick Wiggins shops for clothing with his daughter Rianna Wiggins, and Alexandra Hernandez and her children Isaac, Jonathan and Esmeralda.

for others. They want to buy for their brothers, sisters, moms and dads. You may see a shopping cart of toys, but reality is maybe only one or two is for themselves. It speaks volumes of who the kids are and gives them an opportunity to share a little joy inside their own family.”

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10 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

COMMUNITY

Kindergarteners bring holiday joy to local seniors

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With jingle bells in hand and smiles on their faces, kindergarteners from Primrose School at Johns Creek sang, danced and hugged their adopted “grand-friends” at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek on Dec. 10.

Kindergarten students visit the senior living facility at 3180 Karen White Drive in Suwanee every Monday as part of a music therapy program. All of the “grand-friends” are Alzheimer’s or earlysign Alzheimer’s patients in the Memory Care Unit, so the children use repetitive songs to help their audience remember things like the days of the week and types of weather.

Primrose Director Britney Fuerstenberg said the private kindergarten class has been participating in the Giving Tree Program at Arbor Terrace, which is a musical therapy program that partners children with senior citizens. This is the second year Primrose has been involved with the program.

“They absolutely love coming,” she said. “It brings joy to them and their ‘grand-friends.’ They have an appreciation for spreading joy and being a light in their lives. They’ve also developed an appreciation for music.”

KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

Kindergarteners from Primrose School at Johns Creek dance with their adopted “grand-friends” at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek in Suwanee during a holiday event on Dec. 10.

Claire Morison is a music therapist at the George Center for Music Therapy

which established the Giving Tree Program several years ago. It is now estab-

lished in several facilities in Forsyth and Fulton Counties.

“We know music is a way to connect and a great connector of generations and community activity that everyone can engage in and enjoy,” she said.

Morison conducts a music therapy program at Arbor Terrace along with the student class.

“We do a lot of music interaction, dancing, song writing together where they can ask their ‘grand-friends’ questions and instrument play,” she said. “We keep it developmentally appropriate for the children but also incorporate music that the older adults are familiar with.”

It is important for older adults to know that the young students still care about them. One positive thing happening in a day can improve a person’s mood and mindset, Morison said.

“Intergenerational relationships are important but they’re something we’re losing as a society,” Morison said. “There are a lot of age barriers. Certain ages hang out with certain ages. It’s important to have those relationships knowing that with older adults they still have so much they can contribute, give and communicate. They have so much experience and wisdom that it’s beneficial for the children to receive, but for the older adults to give.”

Forsyth woman selected to decorate White House

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com WASHINGTON — A Forsyth County woman got the chance to kick off the holiday season in a unique way when she was chosen to decorate the White House for Christmas.

Meredith Davidenko was one of about 220 people chosen from around the nation to visit the nation’s capital and ensure the White House is decked out for the holidays.

Davidenko said she heard about the opportunity in the summer through a Facebook group. She answered about 10 questions on an application relating to her family history with the military, her background in interior design and whether she had any experience as a nurse.

“I answered no for all of the questions, so I really did not think I would get picked,” she said. “It asked to write an essay, so maybe I grabbed their attention with my essay.”

In September, she received an email alerting her that she was selected among thousands of applications. She was one of three picked from Georgia. The other two are from Sandy Springs and Pauld-

ing County.

Davidenko flew to Washington a few days before Thanksgiving and worked a Monday-to-Wednesday shift. While the trip was on her own expense, Davidenko stayed in a hotel with rooms blocked off for the volunteers.

“I immediately started meeting people in the lobby,” she said. “None of us knew what we were going to be doing and we didn’t know each other. It was fun that the first person I met was an 88-year-old lady from Alabama who was volunteering. I went to dinner with six other ladies I had just met. It was exciting to share our different backgrounds and where we’re from.”

It was her first trip to the White House.

“It was really hard work,” she said.

“It’s not something for everybody. It was definitely rewarding.”

Davidenko and other volunteers were responsible for stringing lights on the 55 Christmas trees of varying heights scattered through the East Wing.

“I started in the East Room and worked on a 14-foot tree that stood right in front of Martha Washington’s portrait,” she said. “It was directly to the

left of the nativity scene. It was really exciting. There were six of us working on the tree all day long and we still had a third of it left going into the next day.

They have a specific way they wanted us to do it.”

While on the job, Davidenko was able to catch a glimpse of President Donald Trump pardoning turkeys out the window.

“I have no words to even describe how neat it was,” she said. “Later that afternoon we got to watch Marine One land and Melania, Barron, President Trump and his two daughters all get in to leave to go to Mar-a-Lago for the Thanksgiving holidays. It was exciting to see the family so close.”

Davidenko attended a thank you lunch for the volunteers hosted by Melania Trump. Not all of the volunteers were Republicans, but that did not matter, Davidenko said.

“We didn’t really discuss it,” she said.

“I would think the majority of people who applied are Republicans because Melania and Donald are. But I would have been appreciative to have this opportunity no matter who was president. It was a bonus he is my favorite president.”

Photos provided by Meredith Davidenko

Meredith Davidenko was one of about 220 people chosen around the nation to visit the nation’s capital and decorate the White House the holidays.

Blotter:

COMMUNITY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 11

Continued from Page 2 last seen four months ago.

The daughter said she noticed the items were missing only recently when she realized her mother was having memory problems.

The daughter asked the caretaker about the rings, and she said she had not seen them.

She said she might have accidentally thrown them away.

The caretaker did not return to the house after she was asked about the rings.

Video footage catches man using card he found in lot FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies are looking for a man who was seen on video footage picking up a debit card in the Walmart parking lot off Browns Bridge Road, then going inside and using it.

The card’s owner reported it missing soon after she discovered it missing.

Video footage shows her walking to her car when something drops from her hand.

She got in her car and left. Then a man walks up, picks up the card and heads inside.

The Parks and Recreation were recognized during the state banquet on Nov. 7.

Forsyth County

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation receive award FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation received the Georgia Recreation and Park Association Agency of the Year award during the state banquet on Nov. 7.

The award was presented to five population groups within the state, with Forsyth County falling into the largest population category, being 150,000 and over.

“The annual state awards banquet celebrates and recog-

nizes exemplary agencies for their work over the last year,” Parks and Recreation Marketing and Community Relations Manager Laura Pate said.

The agency of the year award nomination entry includes information about staff development, budgeting and resources, facilities offered, use of technology and the nominees are judged on major accomplishments made within the last year as well as new and outstanding programs offered.

12 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

COMMUNITY

Thousands of local kids celebrate the holidays thanks to The Place

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — More than 2,000 children from Forsyth County will wake up Christmas morning to living rooms filled with gifts all thanks to The Place of Forsyth.

The Place serves the community with financial emergency assistance, clothing, food and additional support services throughout the year, but Executive Director Joni Smith said the annual Holiday House is the largest event.

This is the fourth year for the Holiday House, and more than 700 Forsyth County families participated. The families, referred by the school system, must prove their income level and residency.

Several rooms at Freedom Tabernacle Church, 2160 Freedom Parkway, are filled with toys, games, bikes, clothing, makeup and decorations from Dec. 13 to 18. Each family gets a set amount of points they are allowed to spend for items which are priced at various points.

Smith said the community rallies around this event with many businesses and churches hosting toy drives. Bikes are a hot commodity and a local Eagle

Scout restored many that were given out during the Holiday House.

“Families struggle to have a really happy Christmas because it becomes such a stressful time if you’re barely making ends meet and now you want to provide Christmas for your family,” Smith said. “The holidays should be celebratory. This allows the community to come together to provide for lower income families so when the children go back to school, they’ve had just as good a Christmas as any other child.”

It takes 900 volunteers to put on the annual event from setting up the rooms, collecting toys and helping parents shop.

Smith enjoys seeing the volunteers get the chance to love on their neighbors, who look just like them, she said.

“This puts a face to poverty,” Smith said. “Poverty exists in this county and it’s not the person who is holding the sign beside the road. It is working families that are trying and they just can barely get by. Then you throw in a broken down car, medical bill or Christmas, and it throws them out of whack.”

Giving parents the chance to choose the gifts their child would enjoy gives them back some dignity they may have

KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

The Place of Forsyth Executive Director Joni Smith said the community turns out in droves every year to help with the event. lost, Smith said. For example, she said there are numerous variations of Barbie dolls. If someone were to donate a soccer Barbie to a family, but the mother knew her daughter wanted a doctor Barbie, it would make the holidays even harder.

“We can so easily strip dignity from our families even when we have good intentions,” she said. “Our families want to provide for their children. This way they get to wrap and pick the gifts. That little nuance makes a difference.”

Religious Services

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 13

We are so joyous for being here, being a part of the chamber and seeing all the people who serve the city.

Marilyn Margolis, Chamber chair 14 | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018

Johns Creek Chamber hosts holiday luncheon

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders together for a holiday luncheon Dec. 13 at St. Ives Country Club.

Referred to as “the talent of the chamber,” the annual event gave the more musically inclined chamber members an opportunity to show their skills.

Some performed traditional Christmas carols, while others offered a comedic twist, such as “God Rest Ye Merry Working Moms.”

The event also featured a perfor-

mance by the Johns Creek High School chamber chorus led by Shannan O’Dowd.

“We are so joyous for being here, being a part of the chamber and seeing all the people who serve the city,” Chamber Chair Marilyn Margolis said.

The title sponsor for the event was Gwinnett Medical Center, which shared some of this year’s accomplishments, such as purchasing exoskeleton technology.

Chamber CEO and President Kent Davies recognized leaders in the medical industry, arts community and Johns Creek city staff for their achievements.

BUSINESSBRIEF Photos by CARSON COOK/Herald

From left, Rich Tatgenhorst, Peggy Titus-Hall and John Hightower lead the chamber in “Jingle Bells” Dec. 13 at St. Ives Country Club.

COUNTRY FINANCIAL ROSWELL/Special

Country Financial Roswell employees volunteer with HomeStretch, a nonprofit helping homeless families find stability.

Financial group aids local nonprofit ROSWELL, Ga. — Country Financial Roswell employees helped prepare units for new HomeStretch families on Dec. 6 at 113 Millbrook Circle.

HomeStretch guides homeless families toward permanent housing and lasting stability. The Country Financial

Roswell employees helped with painting, spackling, doing handy work and outdoor maintenance.

For more information about HomeStretch volunteering opportunities, visit homestretch.org/volunteer or call 770-642-9185.

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders together at its annual holiday luncheon at St. Ives Country Club.

BUSINESSPOSTS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 15

Experts have a shaky record predicting year ahead Draw up a plan For the first nine years growing out of the disaster of 2008, we had weak economies but ended each year with experts predicting wild success in the year ahead. We ended last year and started this year with Geoff smith an economy hitting Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com full stride, and yet we are heading into 2019 with investors freaking out.

Our economy grew slowly and steadily out of the near-full economic collapse in 2008. Each time we started running and fueling hope that the pre2008 days of wildness were right around the corner, we’d be scared back into our bunkers by instability around the world.

In 2014 it was bad weather, then ISIS, then Russia invading Crimea. We got low oil prices and reports of slower growth in China in 2015. In 2016 we were held captive by a presidential election — oh, and then Great Britain decided to leave the EU. Then finally, last year, we started getting used to our new bold and unpredictable president and the economy was humming.

We started this year in what economists said was a “full-stride,” meaning, we were operating at full productivecapacity. We had almost everyone employed, and we were getting nearmaximum productivity from them.

Our economy ran strong all year. The Federal Reserve promised more rate-increases. Then, all of a sudden, investors freaked out and the stock market started convulsing. The reasons for the volatility are not totally clear. If they were, there probably wouldn’t be so much volatility.

Investors are certainly concerned about our trade war with China. When good news comes out about it, the market does well. When unclear or bad news comes out, it doesn’t.

But the most consistent theme I’m hearing is that investors are concerned

ANNOUNCING

We ended last year and started this year with an economy hitting full stride, and yet we are heading into 2019 with investors freaking out. that we are simply due for a recession.

Things have been too good for too long.

That theme has been in the back of investors’ minds for most of the year.

And they have been playing musical chairs with their money: investing with one hand, while having the other hand ready to yank it out as soon as the music stops. Increased tariffs both here and abroad have started to show their effects in the way of increased raw materials to build the goods we produce and decreased profits from the sale of some of those goods overseas.

The housing industry is certainly showing weakness. It’s burned out from years of overstimulation where the Federal Reserve helped drive down interest rates to encourage people to buy the houses. The real estate industry makes up over 15 percent of the U.S. economy and it carried the responsibility of keeping our economy alive after the recession. Demand for housing has been far ahead of supply, so naturally prices have risen in most markets at least 5 percent per year for the last eight years.

It’s well known that people on average buy a new house once every 7 to 10 years. If you bought a house 7 to 10 years ago, the more expensive houses you and your family will look to move up to don’t look all that much different than the house you are in. So maybe you are staying put and remodeling. If you finally got rid of your children and want to downsize, you’re likely to pay a lot more for a lot less than what you have.

So many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines. As a result, home values are finally starting to stagnate and

TWO

NEW

houses are sitting on the market longer.

Homeowner’s are finally taking less than asking price. The market has been so very hot the last eight years, maybe it is just in need of a cooling down period.

It’s always hard to tell where things are headed. It’s too big of a world and there are too many players. The good news is that our growth has been slow and steady. Companies are having trouble hiring people right now because of a historic low unemployment.

So one would think they are operating lean and mean. Home values went up because the solid market principles of supply and demand, as opposed to people just paying whatever banks would give them a loan for. It just seems like we don’t have a long way to fall if things do get bad. It’s easier to imagine a stall, than a fall.

And maybe, just maybe, whereas in year’s past we’ve started the new year predicting wild success only to see something pop up and rain on the parade, this year, with everyone feigning caution, we’ll see things take off.

Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases.

Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

PODCASTS

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16 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWBUSINESSSPOtlight

Crabapple Cottage home décor opens in Milton

Come grow with us!

Registration begins in January With over 25 years of service to the community, APC Dayschool offers half-day classes for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Our dedication to excellence ensures a quality education in a Christian environment.

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Dayschool 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770.751.3862 www.APCDayschool.com

Business name: Crabapple Cottage Owners: Cindy “Rodeo” Steedle About: Inspired by her love of farmhouse style, shabby chic and vintage decor, Cindy Rodeo presents her collection, a distinctive line of stylish products that will add some country charm to any home. Crabapple Cottage

provides home decor, florals, antiques, interior design and events curated by Cindy Rodeo.

Opened: Sept. 7, 2018 Address: 765 Mid-Broadwell Road Milton, Ga. 30004 Phone: 470-387-0705 Website: www.CrabappleCottage.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS Family-owned business to close after 142 years

Northside honored with employees’ choice award

CUMMING, Ga. — Parsons and Parsons Gallery in Cumming announced Dec. 12 that they are permanently closing their doors. The family-owned and operated main store Christmas Shoppe and adjoining Thomas Kinkade Gallery will shut down after 142 years of business.

The final day is expected to be in mid-February.

Originally a general store with groceries, hardware, farming supplies, and dry goods, Parsons has evolved, expanded, changed locations, remodeled and totally rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire.

A wall-to-wall store closing sale began Dec. 13 to liquidate every single item of merchandise in the store. The items include all jewelry, handbags, clothing, home decor, art, florals, lamps, seasonal decor, candles, gifts and more.

Store fixtures, furniture and equipment will also be sold.

ATLANTA —Northside Hospital has recently been honored with the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, recognizing the best places to work in 2019.

The hospital ranks number 52 out of 100 employers in the United States and is the only hospital from Georgia to make the list.

Northside Hospital is one of the fastest growing health care organizations in the Southeast and currently employs more than 16,000 employees, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative and support services personnel throughout the Atlanta Region and many parts of Georgia.

Ann Jackson Gallery opens in new location ROSWELL, Ga. — Ann Jackson Gallery has officially opened its new location on 1101 Alpharetta St. in Roswell after a ribbon cutting held Dec. 10.

The business, which provides custom framing and fine art, was previously one of the oldest residents on Canton Street.

It also has one the largest collections of Dr. Seuss art, spanning more than 50 years of art by Ted “Dr. Seuss” Geisel.

Everyone is invited to the grand opening celebration on Jan. 19, 2019.

For more information about the gallery and to RSVP to the grand opening, visit annjacksongallery.com.

Andrew Walker promoted to manager ATLANTA — Brady Ware & Company recently announced that Andrew Walker, CPA, MBA, has been promoted to manager.

Brady Ware & Company is one of the largest certified public accounting and busiWalker ness consulting firms in the Midwest.

Walker specializes in audit, review and business advisory services for international and domestic private enterprises in the manufacturing, professional services, and technology sectors, as well as for a broad range of nonprofits, including public charities and membership associations.

Sponsored Section

December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | 17

$100 holiday bonus when you $100 holiday bonus when you $100 holiday bonus when you $100 holiday bonus when you open Business Checking open new Business Checking open aaanew Business Checking open anew new Business Checking Account December Account Account ininDecember *** * Account inDecember December

American Commerce Bank wishes you a safe and prosperous holiday season: Karen Chavarria, Personal Banker, Carlos Laverde, Market President and Branch Manager Soraya Kenney.

Twelve cyber-security tips for Christmas It’s a festive time of year. Parties, shopping and bustling crowds provide a variety of occasions for holiday joy… and for getting into holiday trouble. As we enter this season of fun and festivity, American Commerce Bank offers you these friendly tips for how to stay safe and secure in the days ahead. We present for you: THE TWELVE CYBER SECURITY TIPS OF CHRISTMAS #12 - Watch out for public Wi-Fi: Public connections are not secure. Never perform banking transactions on a public network. When online shopping, disable public WiFi and switch to your mobile network. #11- Be aware of shoulder surfers: The most basic form of theft is by observation. Shield your device when disclosing confidential information. #10- Wipe your devices before donating: remove memory cards and hard drives from computers, tablets and phones before sale or donation to a worthy cause. #9- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or social security numbers on a mobile device. #8- Protect your phone from viruses and malware just like a computer by

installing security software. Not all carriers provide it with an account. #7- Log out completely when finishing a mobile banking session. #6- Set strong passwords with a minimum of 12 characters. Both upper and lower case plus symbols are best. #5- Before shopping online, be sure the website uses secure technology.

Look for https: and that tiny locked padlock in the url. #4- Be careful about phishing scams: spoof sites, urgent requests and sophisticated email schemes abound on the web. Look carefully for mis-spellings and unidentified links. #3- Avoid positing personal info like home address, birthdays or your mother’s maiden name on social media. #2- Write or sticker contact info on your mobile devices. No, it doesn’t look cool, but it could just get your device returned to you. #1 – And report suspected fraud to your bank immediately. Always.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

For more information about American Commerce Bank, visit us at 10690 Medlock Bridge Road or at www.AmericanCommerceBank.com.

Let’s celebrate our great community Let’s celebrate great community Let’s celebrate ourour great community Let’s our great and thecelebrate holiday season with acommunity special and the holiday season with a special and the holiday season with a special and holidayChecking. season with offer onthe Business Stop abyspecial and offer on Business Checking.

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Stop by and offer on Business Stop by and see how we deliverChecking. big bank business see how we deliver big bank business see how we deliver big bank business see howatwe deliver big bank services a community bank business level. services at a community bank level. services at a community bank level. services at a community bank Happy Holidays from everyone atlevel.

Happy Holidays from everyone Happy Holidays from everyone at American Commerce Bank. at at Happy Holidays from everyone American Commerce Bank.

American Commerce Bank.

Together we are aCommerce Community of One. American Bank.

Together are a Community One. Together wewe are aare Community of of One. Together we aRd, Community One. 10690 Medlock Bridge Johns Creek,of GA. 10690 Medlock Bridge Johns Creek, GA. 470-422-1200 10690 Medlock Bridge Rd,Rd, Johns Creek, GA. 10690 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA. 470-422-1200 470-422-1200 470-422-1200

People banking with people *Conditions apply. Contact branch for details.

People banking with people People banking with people People banking with people *Conditions apply.

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18 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR SOUNDS OF SAWNEE CONCERT BAND

What: The band will present holiday favorites such as “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” during its show “An American Christmas.”

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.

Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $15 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

CLASSIC NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS

“THE POLAR EXPRESS”

See a showing of “The Polar Express” on the big screen, with proceeds going toward Be THE Voice, a nonprofit helping local schools end bullying. The fundraising event will include a special challenge, with prizes to students who can answer the most questions correctly. The screening will be held Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Aurora Cineplex, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information and tickets, visit be-the-voice.org.

What: Jason Petty and Katie Deal bring the greatest collection of country Christmas songs and the stories behind them, with artists like Grandpa Jones, Alan Jackson, Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley and more.

When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $30 for adults; $25 for seniors, students and military More info and tickets: roswellpresents.com

FORSYTH PHILHARMONIC

feature YOUR EVENT online and in print!

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To promote your event, follow these easy steps: 1. Visit NorthFulton.com/Calendar; 2. Click the red button that reads “Go to Form” under the submit an event header; 3. Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date; 4. Click the red button that reads “Create event” 5. Select to either feature your event online only for $25 or online and in print for $40 (print submissions must be submitted at least two weeks prior to event.)

FEATURED: RACE RELATIONS DIALOGUE

What: The forum helps generate constructive analysis of issues, develop positive positions and implement programs that would result in more inclusive and peace-loving neighborhoods.

When: Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 770-545-9675

VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY JOHNS CREEK

What: Winter and spring volleyball academy for ages 8-15. The sessions are very fundamentals focused and the session will be divided up by age and skill level.

When: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan.7-30; Elementary-aged players practice 6:30-7:30 p.m., 11-15 year olds practice 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Where: Endurance Center, 7340 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 200, Johns Creek Cost: $150 More info and registration: intensityvolleyball.com

“THE NUTCRACKER” PERFORMANCES: ATLANTA BALLET

When: Dec. 8- 24, times vary Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $35 More info and tickets: foxtheatre. org

HOLIDAY EVENTS: “TROUBLE IN TOYLAND”

What: It’s Christmas Eve – but the toys aren’t finished, the elves are on strike, Santa has lost his laugh and Rudolph has a runny nose. Presented by Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” as part of the Roswell Winter Puppets series.

When: Dec. 20 through Dec. 22, times vary.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: Tickets are $5 More info and tickets: roswellpuppets.com

What: Hear the Forsyth Philharmonic play holiday favorites live at “The Most Wonderful Time” concert.

When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m.

Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $15 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

What: In this holiday favorite, Charles Dickens shows Ebenezer Scrooge as he falls asleep in his dingy, cold quarters on Christmas Eve and is later visited by three ghosts.

When: Dec. 7-9, 13-16, 18 and 2023, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Cost: Tickets are $20 More info and tickets: roswellgov. com

JOHNS CREEK ARTS CENTER HOLIDAY SALE

What: Johns Creek Arts Center’s annual holiday sale features original, hand-crafted fine art gifts made by instructors as well as youth and adult students.

When: Nov. 17-Dec. 22 Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

SANTA’S TOY FACTORY

What: Experience the magic of the holidays by entering Santa’s workshop and becoming an official toy tester.

When: Through Dec. 24, times vary Where: North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta More info: northpointmall.com/ en.html

ATLANTA POPS NEW YEARS

What: Usher in the new Year with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, established in 1945 by French immigrant Albert Coleman.

When: Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $30 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

SANTA’S VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

What: A collection of lights, animated characters, trains and Christmas characters for parents and children to enjoy. Train rides also offered.

When: Fridays-Sundays, 6-9 p.m. weather permitting, through New Year’s Eve Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell More info: northfulton.com

NATIVITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

What: Sawnee Association of the Arts is displaying Nativities from Around the World at its new Art Center in downtown Cumming. Admission and parking is free.

When: Through Jan. 6, 2019, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Sawnee Association of the Arts, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming More info: sawneeart.org

AVALON ON ICE

What: Ice skate at Avalon on the Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza. Enjoy special events and themed nights throughout the season. Lessons available.

When: Nov. 19- Jan. 21, 2018; times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: General Admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com

SANTA AT AVALON

What: Jolly Old Saint Nick will be in his cottage at Avalon to spread Christmas cheer, take photos, story time and breakfast with Santa.

When: Nov. 19- Dec. 24 Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: experienceavalon.com

EVENTS: MY BEST FRIEND/DOLL CLUB

What: Bring a doll to join in on a variety of activities like making dollhouses, doll accessories, a doll journal, dressing up in period costumes and tea parties. Ages 6-11.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers More info and registration: autreymill.org

OPEN-HEARTH COOKING AND LIVING HISTORY

What: Living history interpreter and open-hearth cooking expert, Clarissa Clifton, will demonstrate making traditional Southern food.

When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

TREATS AND TRINKETS

What: Treats and Trinkets participants will make nature-themed crafts and gifts, treats for the birds, and trinkets for friends or family.

When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $10 Registration and info: autreymill.org

MORNING MEDITATION AND HEARTFULNESS

What: Learn how to effectively integrate heartfulness meditation into your daily life. This class used to meet at the Roswell Library.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 10-11 a.m.

Where: Roswell Senior Center, 1250 Warsaw Road, Roswell More info: afpls.org or 770-640-1583

ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY OUTREACH

What: Help pet friends in need by donating used towels and blankets at the Ocee Library, which will take them along with newspapers to the Atlanta Humane Society on Mansell Road.

When: Thursday, Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org or 770-360-8897

ENCHANTED WOODLAND TRAIL What: Fairies and gnomes have been busy building all new homes for the Enchanted Woodland Trail opening this winter. Included with general admission.

When: Through Dec. 22, all day Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell More info: chattnaturecenter.org

SMART RECOVERY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

What: This program uses science based tools to provide support for those who are affected by the addictive behavior of someone close to them. Not a twelve step program.

When: Mondays, 7-8 p.m.

Where: DecisionPoint Wellness Center, 1070 State Bridge Road, Suite 6, Johns Creek More info: smartrecovery.org

NAVIGATORS TOASTMASTERS PATHWAYS

What: Reach your personal and professional goals through Pathways, Toastmasters’ new education program.

When: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Where: Club House, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming More info: navigators.toastmastersclubs.org

CALENDAR

ALL RECOVERY MEETING

What: Join an open discussion for those in recovery from addiction or those affected by people with addiction. Not a twelve step program.

When: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek More info: navigaterecoverygwinnett.org or 678-743-1808 x101

WEDNESDAY MORNING NETWORKING

What: Join for networking every Wednesday morning.

When: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $5 for members, $10 for guests More info: johnscreekga.gov or 770-495-0545

HEALTH AND FITNESS:

RELIGIOUS EVENTS:

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:

RYEX UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”

What: Join for an ugly Christmas sweater party for middle school students. The best sweaters win prizes.

Cost includes pizza dinner. Bring $10 or less white elephant gift.

When: Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755, Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $5 More info: roswellpres.org

CHRISTMAS EVE EVENTS

What: Enjoy Christmas Eve with the family, family and North Point Community Church. Includes Waumba Land and UpStreet.

When: Dec. 22-23 Where: North Point Community Church, 4350 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta More info: northpoint.org

CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION

What: Bring peace to the mind and body through yoga and get a great stretch as well. Neniffer Gruher is the yoga instructor.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m.

Where: Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek Cost: $10 More info: congregationdortamid. com

ZUMBA GOLD (FLEX)

What: Combines the international rhythms of the Zumba Gold program with the strength training techniques, creating an easy-to-follow, health-boosting dance fitness program.

When: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace

ENERGY YOGA

What: Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Utilizes Qi Gong and meditation techniques.

When: Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org

JAZZ AT FIREFLY

What: Free, live music each week.

When: Saturdays, 8:30-11 p.m.

Where: Firefly Restaurant & Bar, 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta More info: fireflyalpharetta.com

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: JANE TURNER HASSELER

What: Join for carols and a special communion service. Celebrations include the Chancel choir and solos When: Monday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m.midnight Where: First Baptist Roswell, 710 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell

What: Jane Turner Haesller returns with her “People on Canton” exhibit.

Her acrylic and ink renderings depict the people and businesses on Roswell’s Canton Street.

When: Nov.1- Dec. 29, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

THERAPEUDIC YOGA

AVALON NIGHTS LIVE

What: Gain health benefits from relaxing yoga that emphasizes strength and flexibility. No experience necessary. Taught by an advanced certified yoga instructor.

When: Wednesdays, 9:45-11 a.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info: rumc.com or 770-261-1705

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS OUT

What: Join for weekly dinner and fellowship. Volunteers needed for serving and cleaning.

When: Wednesday nights, 4:45-6:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $7 per adult More info: rumc.com/wno

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS What: Make and grow faith-based friendships for all ages. Enjoy a hot meal and/or volunteer.

When: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 North Main St., Alpharetta More info: afumc.org

NEEDLECRAFTS GROUP

What: Join a community of needlecraft artists once a week to practice skills, learn or teach new techniques. For adults.

When: Thursday, Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: afpls.org or 404-6134050

NEW MOM’S SUPPORT GROUP

What: Join other new moms and babies in an empathetic forum for sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood. Topics will vary from week to week.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.noon Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402

GIFT CRAFTING FOR TEENS

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

What: Children’s and youth Sunday School classes will gather together in APC’s Theater for a special viewing of the movie “The Star.” Wear casual Christmas clothes.

When: Sunday, Dec. 23, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta More info: alpharettapres.com

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: YOGA

What: See the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

When: Dec. 14-Jan. 12, 2019, 8 p.m.

Where: Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $40 More info and tickets: get.org

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 19

What: Unwind after a long week with live music in The Plaza.

When: Fridays, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharettta.com

LIBRARY EVENTS: “THE SANTA CLAUSE MOVIE” MARATHON

What: Bring sleeping bags, pillows and a picnic lunch or popcorn and watch The Santa Clause Trilogy.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 11:15 a.m.4:30 p.m.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

BABY STORY TIME

What: Join for a special themed story time for babies. Ages 0 to 2 with caregiver.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10-10:30 a.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 770-3608897x230

What: Join for an afternoon of creating gifts for family and friends.

For teenagers in grades 6-12. Supplies are limited.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 1-2:30 p.m.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

MAH JONG MEET UP

“RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”

What: Bring sleeping bags, pillows and a picnic lunch or popcorn and watch “Rise of the Guardians” on the big screen. All ages.

When: Friday, Dec. 28, 11:15 a.m.1 p.m.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185

What: Drop in and meet other Mah Jong players. If you have a set, bring one in case the group needs another.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: apfls.org or 404-6134402

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HOLIDAY EDITION

What: Come join new allies in traveling the world and exploring unknown dangers. Premade characters are available. Ages 10 and up.

When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6134402

FREE ENGLISH CLASS

What: This class does not require registration or a textbook and is taught by a trained ESL instructor.

High beginner to advanced levels.

When: Monday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

SLOW FLOW AND STRETCH YOGA

What: In a partnership with the Alpharetta based Lift Yoga Studio, certified instructors lead a weekly morning class. All levels are welcome to attend.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10:3011:30 a.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-6735

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

What: The Latin American Association and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta will provide qualified legal representatives to aid in filling out the U.S. Citizenship Application Form N-400.

When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Gwinnett County Public Library, 4817 Church St., Lilburn More info: gwinnettpl.org/n400 or 770-978-5154

20 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

OPINION

Rise of the Another chance to stock the Hooch modern Grinch Get outside, Georgia:

Ahh, weather. We’ve sure had all kinds lately, haven’t we? One day it’s balmy and in the 70s, while the day before (or maybe the day after) it’s down below freezing. A couple of days ago I was wearing short sleeves, but today is a sweater-and-jacket day.

And now they’re talking about more rain with snow and ice up STEVE HUDSON in the mountains.

Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net Meterological uncertainty has made it a bit of a challenge to plan outdoor activities, and (to the disappointment of many) one event that was impacted by the weather was the volunteer-assisted Thanksgiving week “Bucket Brigade” trout stocking event on the Chattahoochee River at the Whitewater Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

The plan had been for volunteers (that’s you and me) to help stock the river in an area that the stocking truck cannot reach directly. These stocking events are a huge amount of fun, and lots of folks (including Yours Truly) were looking forward to it.

However, as you’ll recall, the weather gods had other ideas. Those torrential rains that drenched us so thoroughly right before Thanksgiving meant that water had to be released from Buford Dam pretty much 24/7 for several days on end. As a result, the river downstream (including the area where the stocking was to take place) was running high and fast — much too much so for safe trout stocking — and Georgia DNR wisely cancelled the Thanksgiving Bucket Brigade.

It was the right call to make. Safety always is.

Alas, that meant that I had to stay home and keep cleaning up the house. I made some progress, but (truth be told) stocking trout into the Hooch would have been a lot more fun. Still, I did find those binoculars…and that box of trout flies I’d lost years ago…and that hiking stick…and – But wait – here’s some late-breaking news!

Volunteer trout stocking is on again for right after Christmas!

Yes, trout fans, Georgia Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Hunter Roop has put the word out that there will be another Bucket Brigade volunteer-assisted stocking of the Chattahoochee River on Thursday, Dec. 27. The location?

CRNRA’s Whitewater Unit, located just inside the perimeter off US 41 via Mount Paran Road, Harris Trail and Whitewater Creek Road.

“We need all the assistance of our Christmas volunteers to help stock Delayed Harvest trout in the Chattahoochee River just in time for the new year,” Hunter says.

Bravo! The Bucket Brigade is back on the books, with plenty of time to plan ahead!

What happens on Bucket Brigade Day? “The stocking truck should be arriving between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.,” Hunter says, and when it does it’s greeted by a cadre of volunteers wearing waders and toting 5-gallon buckets. Everybody lines up, the buckets are loaded with trout, and the volunteers then carry ‘em to the river and (with great pomp and circumstance) release the trout into the river. It really is a brigade of buckets, and when all is said and done, several thousand trout will have a

new home in the Hooch.

There are lots of reasons for being part of a Bucket Brigade. For one thing, it’s a great way to “give back” to the resource.

For another, it’s just plain fun — especially if you have a kid or two in tow. Believe it: Kids absolutely love this kind of thing. Cold water and splashy trout are a sure recipe for fun that’s not soon forgotten.

What’s not to love?

“These events are great for kids to have a chance to help get trout in the water and even catch a few once all the fish are stocked,” Hunter adds.

Yes, after the stocking is completed, it’s fine to stay and fish. Delayed Harvest regulations (artificials only, single hook lures only, and strict catch-andrelease) apply, and you can be sure that there will be plenty of eager fish waiting for you.

As Hunter puts it, “What better way to try out that new fishing pole that Santa brought you, right?”

Want to participate? All you have to do is show up, or you can sign up at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (though the site gets a little confusing to navigate). In either case, you’ll need to bring that 5-gallon bucket and some waders and sign a waiver. Waiver forms should be available at the site.

Also available will be hot coffee and donuts. I understand that the folks from Alpharetta Outfitters will have those on hand, and that hot coffee will be welcome in case the thermostat gets set low!

The only real complication is parking space, which is limited at the Whitewater Unit. Once the lot at the end of the road fills up, folks park along the side of the road. It can get crowded — very crowded — as lots of cars try to squeeze into limited space while still leaving room for the hatchery truck to navigate the road and get close to the river. The best idea is to plan on arriving early. That’s what I’m going to do.

“We look forward to seeing you all on Dec. 27, and we welcome all to attend, especially any volunteers that were planning to attend our cancelled Thanksgiving event,” Hunter says.

I’m planning to be there, possibly with the grandkids in tow, and I’ll look forward to seeing you there.

Now — start thinking good weather thoughts…!

For further info about the Dec. 27 Bucket Brigade, contact the Wildlife Resources Division’s Gainesville region office at (770) 535-5498.

We’ve been living through a Grinch Renaissance.

Each year, the commercialized holiday season creeps up closer and closer, threatening to wipe Thanksgiving off the calendar completely.

Halloween, thankfully, seems to be holding the line for now, if only because it’s frequently cited as people’s Julia Grochowski favorite holiday. But lately, I’ve been noticing some of Christmas creeping Reporter julia@appenmediagroup.com into Halloween. (Or maybe its Halloween bleeding into Christmas?)

I’m talking about figures like the Grinch.

As anyone with a TV, radio, or computer could probably tell you, we’ve recently had a new Grinch remake come out. Again.

I’m weirdly fond of grumpy characters like the Grinch or even Ebenezer Scrooge. As a fan of redemption stories, it’s hard not to be. But was this latest Grinch (a cute, sanitized version of the classic song) really necessary?

Maybe, maybe not. What I’m really interested in is how this latest Grinch is the latest sign of a larger Grinch epidemic.

It’s inevitable around this time of year. Someone is going to complain about the holidays and how annoying they’ve become, how commercialized, and how sick they are of Christmas songs.

The more people push for the holiday spirit to seep into every crack and corner, the stronger the anti-holiday forces grow.

In honor of the holidays, the latest episode of my podcast Myth Roast covers Krampus. He’s an anti-Santa of sorts from Europe that either accompanies St. Nicholas on his rounds and doles out punishments on naughty children where St. Nicholas hands out treats. Or he just goes solo and acts as a more sinister Santa.

Krampus is serious about his punishments, though — none of that lump of coal nonsense. He’s said to kidnap and eat children.

If you’re into myths, folklore and such similar subjects like I am, Krampus is pretty well known.

But what I wasn’t expecting while looking into it is how many evil Santa figures there are with some pretty intense punishments for misbehaving children — Frau Perchta, Belsnickel, Pere Fouettard, Gryla, to name a few.

These figures, especially Krampus, have been enjoying a revival in the recent years around the same time that more people are getting sick of commercialized winter holidays.

Krampus used to be pretty popular in Europe’s preChristian days, but fell out of favor in the early 1900s.

But no worries, this underdog (undergoat?) has made a modern comeback. With a vengeance.

I haven’t been to one personally, but, if the internet is to be believed, parades dedicated to Krampus have been becoming increasingly common in Europe and even in America. He’s even got his own Krampusnaucht.

The costumes are creepy, scary even. If I showed you some of the photos without any context, you might even think they came from some Halloween party.

As a huge fan of both Christmas and Halloween, I love it. I’ve never been able to choose between the two when asked about my favorite holiday. But if there’s anything Krampus has taught me, maybe I don’t have to.

I can just stick to inevitable blend of Hallowthankmas.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 21

Toilet: Continued from Page 8 A water ring is slowly spreading on the ceiling above my head — on our brand sparkling new, white, crisp, digital ceiling and onto our new suave gray laminate floor. Drip, shake it and bake it baby, drop.

I know when to cut my losses. I find a plumber. Wes, Wes the plumber.

He kills it. Out, out, damned (water) spot! The leak is no more — gone. And Wes refuses my offer of a bucket to drain the water from the toilet so he can lift it up and reset the seal. Instead he pours a magic powder* into the toilet and, in an instant, the water turns to gel — before my eyes. And he lifts the toilet up; replaces the seal; puts the toilet down on the wax; and bolts it down. Then he turns the water back on into the toilet. The gel converts back to water. He flushes it before my disbelieving eyes. I

just wish Ricky-Bobby could have been there to see it.

Shake it and bake it, baby.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “The story is true. Wes does exist and is wonderful. Finally I found a plumber — Wes Temples, 404-557-2332. Harry the painter is real and walks on water — 678-468-8827. Tell him I sent you.

Maybe he’ll take it easy on me next time.

The flooring guys I will not give you their names. They use too much leveler.

Nor will I mention the new gutters installed or the installer or the gutter guard company. After all, if you have a new roof, new floors and paint, new toilets, and the leak is fixed, how much could new gutters cost anyway? And finally, yes, that magic powder is real — “LiquiLock” by a company called Oatey.

Costs about $3 bucks. Never drain a toilet again by hand. Turns the water to gel and back again.

Promise. Its magic.

Lambert: Continued from Page 5 been able to thrive in water sources that families rely on every day.

“We often take for granted the plethora of resources we have, where we leave our taps running, whereas others have no water for their taps to run,” Lee said. “Currently, 844 million people lack access to clean water, and every 21 seconds, a child dies of waterrelated disease. One notorious disease in particular, cholera, is responsible for 2.9 million cases and 95,000 deaths annually.”

These dismal statistics inspired the team to do their project, Lee said. The team visited the Dominican Republic in

April to witness the water crisis.

A majority of the residents did not have access to clean, drinking water, and buying bottled water cost on average 60 percent of a families’ daily income, she said.

“I remember stories shared by families we met of young children suffering from stomach ache, of women carrying 40-pound jerry cans filled with water from nearby streams, and of families who have lived their entire lives without access to a clean, stable water source,” Lee said. “These stories have been ingrained in my head and have served as one of the propelling forces for this year’s project, ‘Captivate.’”

To learn more about the Lambert High School project, visit 2018.igem. org/Team:Lambert_GA.

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DEATH NOTICES Cheryl Rae Baker, 74, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ida Banigan, 94, of Milton, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Dorothy Naslund Bruce, 86, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Melissa Simpson Cahill, 61, of Johns Creek, passed away on December 10, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Walter Thomas Carry, 88, of Cumming, passed away, December 7, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Billie J. Cooper, 65, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Betty Zuidema Darden, 92, of Cumming, passed away December 06, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Robert Edward Eaton, 84, of Cumming, passed away December 4, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mary Giddes, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jimmy Gossett, 78, of Cumming, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Edward Carl Heil Sr., 90, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mary Jones, 102, of Alpharetta, passed away December 8, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jeanne C. Laramee, passed away December 8, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Crematory.

Alexander Micklos, 86, of Roswell, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

Juliet Mowrey, 49, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements

by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Jamey Curry Simmons, 47, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Crematory.

Melvin Stewart, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

Anthony Joseph Volingavage, 71, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

22 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

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 Full-time

Help Wanted Full-time

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Director of Assistance Services. Fulltime.

Needed for A/P. Good NFCC is a locally supported, volunteer based organization serving phone and computer a diverse population in North Fulton with emergency needs. skills required; The Director of Assistance Services supervises and manages collection experience NFCC’s Assistance Team of case workers and support personnel a plus. Peachtree to assess participantLaw needs,Firm plan and implement appropriate Corners. T:\CLASSIFIED Email awise@ ADS_2018\Asif service plans.

Evaluates effectiveness of internal processes. gpcorp.com

Systems Analyst (Multiple Positions): Associate Degree or equiv. + 1 Year Application Development experience in SAP Environment utilizing SAP ABAP, SAP Smart Forms, SAP Scripts, SAP Objects, Net Weaver, Oracle, & PL/SQL.

Systems Analyst (Multiple Positions): Associate Degree or equiv. + 1 Year Application Development experience utilizing Java, Applets, SQL, Servlets, JSP, Tomcat, XML, HTML, Hibernate, Struts.

Mail resume to Northstar Technologies, 3650 Mansell Rd., #225, Alpharetta, GA 30022 Part-time

HIGH-GROWTH

Financial Advisory Company seeking enthusiastic, bilingual, Spanish & English-speaking team members.

Work remotely.

Training provided, no experience necessary.

770-835-5808

FRONT DESK Doctors office. Computer experience. Pleasant team player. Positive attitude.

Alpharetta/ Roswell.

Resume: medoffice123@gmail. com

Cemetery

COCA COLA BEAR: 4’ high, 21” wide, 20” deep. $100. 770-8559772

Cemetery

Auto Donations

Home & Garden

Miscellaneous

GREENLAWN CEMETERY 2 great lots, Fountain Side. Open and close graves being paid for.

Price $8000. Call/text: 678-230-5604

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 20, 2018 | 23 Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

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24 | December 20, 2018 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

LOCAL HOME SERVICES GUIDE TREE SERVICE

678.506.0006

Call Us For A FREE Quote

99 • Highest rated by • We save trees too customers • Certified arborist • Tree removal and • Licensed/insured tree trimming

CONCRETE

How to identify a sick tree It’s easy to miss when a tree is growing sick. Most tree health problems grow slowly, with little visible difference from one day to the next, until leaves change colors or the canopy begins to thin. The longer it takes to spot problems, the more likely the tree’s illness will become serious enough that it needs to be

TREE SERVICE

removed. However, if you can catch the signs early and call for an arborist, it may be possible to treat the sickness or damage and save the tree. Keep an eye out for these common signs of trouble: • Look for wilting or oddly-colored leaves, either along one or two limbs or all over the tree.

• Check for cracks appearing in primary limbs or even in the trunk of the tree.

• Examine dead branches, which may simply need pruning, but which can also indicate that a tree is in poor health.

• Watch for decaying or hollow spots, especially along the trunk and around the joints of the limbs.

• Look for insect damage, such as chewed leaves, holes made by burrowing bugs, silk webs and nests, and dripping sap or honeydew.

Bob Delbridge, President 404-CUT-TREE and finestmulch.com

ELECTRICAL

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McKemey concrete

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Cannot combine with any other offer or discount.

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*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Let Us Connect You Alpharetta-Roswell Herald Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Est. 1983.

Alpharetta’s paper of record.

Johns Creek Herald Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.

Northside Woman 18,000 copies distributed monthly to subdivisions and business in North Fulton and South Forsyth with home delivery to 40+ of the most exclusive gated and estate communities in North Atlanta.

Forsyth Herald Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30040, 30041.

Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998

Milton Herald Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006.

Milton’s paper of record.

Answer Books 40,000 copies distributed quarterly to local real estate agents, doctors, chambers of commerce, visitor’s bureaus as well as personal homes. Each quarter has a different focus including education, relocation, medical and seniors

p: 770-442-3278 | f: 770-475-1216 | e: advertising@appenmediagroup.com | 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009