ARTS & COMMUNITY
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Progress 2015 A publication of
March 29, 2015
Forsyth:
The Stats Add Up
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION
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2015
March 29, 2015
Business & Industry
HEALTH & RECREATION
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Progress
Progress 2015
Progress A publication of
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A publication of
A publication of
March 29, 2015
March 29, 2015
Government & Education
Health & Recreation
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2D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
About this section The designations have seemingly been drilled into Forsyth residents, whether they’ve lived here eight weeks or eight decades. From health and wealth to education and youth, most know that the county is at the forefront of north Georgia and the northern metro Atlanta area — if not the state — in various factors that help shape quality of life. These factors often come with their share of numbers. Indeed, politicians and others are fond of touting such statistics. With that in mind, the staff of the Forsyth County News contacted government and school officials, business owners and public safety personnel to compile some interesting and easy-to-read figures from the past year. For example, consider that in 2014: • The fire department answered 12,799 emergencies. • There were 2,859 babies born at the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Women’s Center. • Some 43,900 residents commuted out of Forsyth to work, while about 25,600 commuted into the county. • Rooster’s Café in Cumming sold about 1.12 million wings. If that piqued your interest, join us in the pages of Progress 2015 as we look at many other various Forsyth County topics — by the numbers.
Local humane society helps homeless animals By Mark Schullstrom
For the Forsyth County News
The Humane Society of Forsyth County has had one mission for nearly 40 years — to assist with the caring of homeless animals in Forsyth County until they can find a new home. This above all things is our passion. The society has seen tremendous success, placing more than 5,500 animals in loving home in the last five years alone. For the 2013 and ’14 calendar years, the society adopted more than 1,400 animals each year, a 23 percent increase over
2012. While that is our primary mission, the society has also worked within the community to help families in need with our pet food pantry, provided low-cost spay and neutering services and offered affordable rabies and microchip clinics. We have also provided education on the responsibility of pet ownership and benefits of spay and neutering to control animal population. The following is just a small sampling of the number o f a n i m a l s w e h ave affected in 2014 • Animals adopted —
1,401 • Dogs — 750 • Cats — 651 • Live release rate — 99.4% • 200 — Approximate n u m b e r o f vo u c h e r s (redeemable at participating local veterinarians) issued through the spay and neuter assistance prog r a m t o a s s i s t l ow income pet owners. • 500 — Approximate number helped through rabies/microchip clinics that provide affordable vaccinations for the most common health needs, as well as, low-cost microchip services. As you can see, the
651
1,401
Animals adopted out of Humane Society society was able to positively affect many lives in 2014. None of this can happen without support. As a nonprofit organization, the society receives no funding from state/local governments or any other welfare o rg a n i z a t i o n s . Our financial existence relies entirely on: private donations; fundraising activities; family memberships; corporate sponsorships; and federal grants. And the society’s thrift store, which supplies needed funds by providing donated items at reasonable prices to the community in order to assist in the caring of animals. In addition, the society could not exist without the tireless efforts provided by our army of volunteers and our small paid staff. They work
countless hours, following their passion to care for these homeless animals, until new homes can be found. Without their efforts, we don’t exist. In 2014, Forsyth County News/ ForsythNews.com readers named the society the best “Place to Volunteer” of the “2015 Best of Forsyth” contest. We at the society also want to give back by educating and enriching the community, in regards to our “no-kill” mission. It is our dream to create a
“no kill community.” Wi t h o u r H u m a n e Hearts program, we reach out to classrooms and nursing homes with our certified therapy dogs to enrich the lives of special groups within our community. Our Humane Smarts program, provides truly amazing life lessons through education about respect for life both in the home and in the community. Mark Schullstrom is president of the board of directors for the Humane Society of Forsyth County.
Contact For more information about the Humane Society of Forsyth County, its programs and how to get involved, please contact info@forsythpets.org or (770) 887-6480. Or visit 4440 Keith Bridge Road in north Forsyth.
About the cover A student plays with blocks at Cumming First United Methodist Church’s preschool. Join us in the pages of Progress 2015 as we explore some of the facts and figures that shape Forsyth County. Photo by Micah Green, Forsyth County News.
Cats found homes
Presents...
Artwork by Three Amazing Artists! Thomas Kinkade “Cinderella Wishes Upon a Dream” Image sizes: 12x18 /18x27/24x36
All Cinderella pieces are sold out but we have a few!
Thomas Kinkade Master Highlighter Event Fri., April 24th & Sat., April 25th
Mark Keathley “Welcome Spring”
Image sizes: 12x16/ 18x24/ 25x34
Mark Keathley Sign & Sketch Event Sat., June 27th
Robert Finale “Paris Memories” Image sizes: 12x18/ 18x27/ 24x36/ 32x48
Robert Finale Sign & Sketch Event
Sat., April 11th 1 - 5 pm
770.888.9924
Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6, Closed Sundays
527 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming, GA 30040 Ga 400 @ Hwy 20 www.parsonsthomaskinkadegallery.com
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 3D
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Great things happen when ‘We Live United’ Organization helps fill needs of community
On the Net
For the Forsyth County News
such as The Place and St. Vincent DePaul were there to help. Electricity/Gas payment assistance accounted for about 13.1 percent of the calls, mortgage/rent assistance accounted for 11.1 percent and food assistance accounted for 11.4 percent of the total calls received. Through the annual 6th Annual Give Kids A Smile Day, about 105 children received dental services from five dental practices volunteering to help the children and youth who needed services the most. The initiative is a collaboration between Forsyth County Schools, the local United Way and area dentists. In its sixth year, with the help of Publix Super Markets and local businesses, churches and community organizations, United Way’s Stuff the Bus event collected more than 46,000 school supply items during the months of June and July. These items have gone to benefit children and youth in Forsyth County schools. In 2011, through one of the areas of need identified in a 2005 needs assessment, United Way
$1.3 million
To find out more about United Way of Forsyth County, go online at www.UnitedWayForsyth.com. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/UnitedWayForsythCountyGA and Twitter @UnitedWayFCGA.
The year 2014 brought together more than 6,900 stakeholders to support more than 60 nonprofit organizations and programs that provided direct services to residents throughout the Forsyth and Dawson County communities. Their investment of more than $1.271 million created more opportunities in the areas of education, financial stability, health and basic needs. All of these areas play a key role in building a good life. Food, one of the most basic needs, was the focus of the 22nd Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. A partnership between the United Way of Forsyth County and the Cumming Post Office, this two-day event collected an estimated 30,000 pounds of food that was distributed to 10 different food pantries in the county that served those families most in need. Data from the 211 information and referral hotline charted 1,558 calls for utility assistance, mortgage and rent payment, and food assistance in 2014. Programs
developed an initiative to provide transportation services for young adults with special needs to and from employment opportunities. In 2014, about 38,930 miles were travelled, transporting 11 individuals to a total of six Forsyth County job sites five days per week. United Way supported Little Mill Middle School’s Morning Tutoring program by supplying Pop Tarts as incentives. More than 100 students participated in this program. Free tax preparation services were provided to 19 moderate- to low-income individuals through the VITA program at the United Way office in March of 2014. United Way of Forsyth County saw its largest ever Day of Caring event in September 2014. Using nearly 700 volunteers, this year’s event continued a format that was new to the event in 2013. With the help of 440 community volunteers from local corporations, small businesses, civic clubs, schools and churches, 60,000 dried, ready-to-eat meals were packaged for distribution to 9 local food pantries.
THE PLACE OF FORSYTH COUNTY
14,868
Approximate funding from United Way At a glance The following is a breakdown of 2014 United Way of Forsyth County funding by impact area:
• Substance Abuse/Mental Health/Domestic Violence Services: $110,034 • Promoting Self-Sufficiency/Strengthening Families & Seniors: $294,795 • Therapeutic Services for At-Risk Children & Youth: $266,373 • Promoting Community Health, Safety, Leadership, Information and Referral & Nonprofit Education: $189,481 • Strength-Based Support Services for Children & Youth: $279,451 • Services for Citizens with Special Needs: $109,351 • Donor designations made outside Forsyth County: $22,166 • Total investment: $1,271,652
Source: United Way of Forsyth County
This was an increase of 10,000 meals from 2013. An additional 250 volunteers participated in more than 30 projects at 11 other locations through the county. United Way’s mission is to improve lives in the community by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of residents. This is accomplished by bringing together donors, volunteers, community leaders, large and small businesses and many others to assess needs and find the best way to meet those needs. By coming together, they were
$955,087 24,174 Total assistance from The Place
Quantity of total assistance from The Place
3,997
2,915
Meals served at The Place’s Wednesday Noon Day Meal event
The Place of Forsyth’s surplus clients
able to make a significant impact on the lives of more than 66,812 Forsyth and Dawson County residents in 2014 and continue their work in 2015. Thank you to everyone who continues to give back to this great community we call Cumming and Forsyth County through United Way. Your time, financial resources and sheer dedication make it the best place in Georgia to raise families, work, relax, stay healthy and retire.
The Place’s food pantry bags/boxes
— Note: Does not include restaurants in the Cumming city limits*
The Cumming Playhouse Proudly Presents...
April 24th thru
May 17th @ The Cumming Playhouse 8:00 PM & Sun 3:00 PM
T, F, S
(For Mature Audiences)
770-781-9178
www.PlayhouseCumming.com Cumming Playhouse 101 School Street Cumming, GA 30040
770.781.9178
www.PlayhouseCumming.com
North Georgia Chamber Symphony
The Chuck Wagon Gang
May 19th
May 30th
The Fly Cats June 13th
4D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Playhouse staging another big year By Crystal Ledford
For the Forsyth County News
The Cumming Playhouse, located inside the 1923 Cumming schoolhouse at 101 School St., is the heart of performing arts and history in Forsyth County. The facility was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 through the efforts of the Historical Society of Forsyth County. This school was the first high school in Forsyth County, issuing the first diplomas to graduates. The facility, which is owned by the city of Cumming, was restored through local 1-cent sales tax revenue in 2004. As a center of history, the facility also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County and the Col. Hiram Parks Bell Center for Southern History and Genealogical Research. As a performing arts venue, the playhouse opened its doors in 2004, providing quality entertainment throughout the season, offering plays, musicals and concerts. Each year, the playhouse provides a wide range of entertainment to thousands of patrons. Everything from concerts and traveling shows to full-scale, main stage plays and musicals grace the historic stage each year. So far in 2015, the venue has been the site of the classic play “Love Letters,” as well as a Mardi Gras show partially benefitting Age Well Forsyth, a nonprofit that works to help families of those suffering from dementia. Comedic greats such as Bob Hope, Red Skelton and Jack Benny were also honored during “On the Air,” a tribute show to radio performers from the 1940s and early 1950s. In addition, nationally-known musicians the Quebe Sisters presented a concert featuring their unique Americana Swing style. Jason Petty presented his tribute show to Country music legend, Hank Williams, while Hiroya Tsukamoto presented the sounds of Japanese guitar, and members of the local group, the Cumming Playhouse Singers, presented a concert. There is still plenty more to come in 2015 at the playhouse.
The well-known American musical, “A Chorus Line,” hits the stage, under the direction of BK Productions, from April 24 to May 17. Three diverse concerts follow: The North Georgia Chamber Symphony on May 19; the Chuck Wagon Gang on May 30; and the Sounds of Sawnee community band on June 27. Another beloved American musical comes to the local venue through A Pie-in-the-Sky Production from July 16 to Aug. 9. “Annie Get Your Gun” is sure to delight summertime audiences. The month of August will wind down with four concerts. Katie Deal, daughter of Georgia’s Gov. Nathan Deal, presents her Patsy Cline Tribute Show on Aug. 15, while Mark Pitt performs as Elvis on Aug. 16. Two playhouse favorites _ Riders in the Sky and Branson on the Road _ return for performances on Aug. 22 and 29, respectively. Both groups travel the country bringing their family-friendly shows to audiences of all ages. Another playhouse favorite, “Smoke on the Mountain,” returns from Oct. 1 to 25. While this show has been featured several times in the past, this year’s production company, Swan Rise Productions, will hold open auditions for the community on June 26 and 27. Swan Rise is looking to cast all characters, as well as additional musicians and choir members in the Gospel musical comedy. During the Christmas season, several local groups will present performances, including the annual “Christmas Classics” show and concerts from the N o r t h G e o rg i a B a r b e r s h o p Singers, Cumming Playhouse Singers, the North Georgia Chamber Symphony and the Sounds of Sawnee community band. A main stage, long-running Christmas presentation will be announced later this year. The 2015 season wraps up with Sentimental Journey, a Big Band/Swing style group, performing on New Year’s Eve. A complete a list of all upcoming shows, including show times and ticket costs, can be found at www.playhousecumming.com.
“Tarzan,” “Gypsy” and “Oliver” were among some of the productions held at the Cumming Playhouse in 2014.
File photos
Upcoming shows at the Cumming Playhouse • “A Chorus Line” – April 24 to May 17; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays • North Georgia Chamber Symphony: Spring Concert – 8 p.m. May 19 The Chuck Wagon Gang: Grass Roots Gospel Music – 3 and 8 p.m. May 30 • Sounds of Sawnee: Early Summer Concert – 8 p.m. June 27 “Annie Get Your Gun” – July 16 to Aug. 9; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays • Patsy Cline Tribute Show – 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 15 • Elvis Tribute Show – 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 16
• Riders in the Sky: The Cowboy Way – 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 22 • Branson on the Road – 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 29 • “Smoke on the Mountain” – Oct. 1-25; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays • “Christmas Classics” – 8 p.m. Dec. 15 • North Georgia Barbershop Singers – 8 p.m. Dec. 16 • Cumming Playhouse Singers – 8 p.m. Dec. 18 • North Georgia Chamber Symphony – 8 p.m. Dec. 19 • Sounds of Sawnee – 8 p.m. Dec. 21 • Christmas main stage production – TBA • Sentimental Journey Big Band – 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 31
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 5D
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
CUMMING PLAYHOUSE
225,000
Guests served since 2004 opening
182
Seats in the theater
1923
2000
300
11
Countless
Approximate number of shows since opening in 2004
10
Theater companies that have produced main stage shows
April 4th
Taste of Forsyth Along the Hospitality Highway
Saturday 11 am - 6 pm Food Samples: $1.00 - $4.00 FREE Easter Egg Hunts 3 & under - 11:30 am 4 thru 7 - 12:30 pm 8 thru 10 - 1:30 pm Admission: FREE
Year the old Cumming Public School, which houses the playhouse, was built.
Years of education required to receive a high school diploma in 1923
1955
Year the city of Cumming acquired the building from the Forsyth County Board of Education
Number of historic artifacts from Cumming and Forsyth County housed inside the playhouse. Too many to count, but everyone is invited to come try.
Year of last graduating class from Cumming Public School
July 3rd & 4th
Independence Day Festivities
July 3rd - Street Dance • Food & Craft Vendors Childrens’ Activities 6 pm - 11 pm Fireworks 9:30 pm at Fairgrounds July 4th - Annual Steam Engine Parade @10 am
September 4th - 6th
IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) World Championship Rodeo
Friday & Saturday 8 PM • Sunday 7 PM Admission: 13 & up - $15.00, 5 - 12 - $10.00 4 & under - FREE, Seniors 65+ $12.00 7 Event Rodeo includes: Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Calf & Team Roping
October 8th - 18th
Cumming Country Fair & Festival
Mon- Thurs 4 pm - 10 pm • Friday 4 pm - Midnight Sat. 10 am - Midnight • Sunday 12:30 - 9:00 pm Admission: Adults - $7.00, Students 5 - 18 - $3.00 4 & under - FREE Parking - $3.00 Advance Tickets Available Sept. 1st - 30th Adults - $5.00, Students 5-18 $2.00
Free Concerts & Shows with Paid Admission
Heritage Village • Indian Village • Working Exhibits Cotton Gin • Sawmill • Sorghum Mill • Cider Press Blacksmith • Grist Mill • Quilters • Schoolhouse Churches • Doctor’s Office • Dentist’s Office Barber Shop • Post Office • General Store • Printing Press • Midway Rides • Daily Ground Acts • Petting Zoo & Local Entertainment • Grand Concert Lineup
6D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Vo
te
dB
est Brewer y!
CHERRY STREET TAPROOM
25 Cherry Street Taps • Craft Cocktails • Tapas Located next to the Brewery to the right of Tanner’s
Forsyth’s only Brewpub In partnership with Rick Tanner’s Grille & Bar, located in Vickery Village Neighborhood
Hours | Wed-Sat | 4pm-midnight www.cherrystreetbrewing.com
770.205.5512 5810 Bond Street | Cumming
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES featuring:
Monday
Family Night, KIDS EAT FREE & BINGO at 6pm
Wednesday
Team TRIVIA at 8pm
Thursday
LAS T TU ESD AY BEE R BA SH
CHERRY STREET BEER SPECIALS OPEN MIC at 7:30pm
Local Charity Sponsor, Live Music, Spec Beer Release Next Charity: Cumming Local Harvest • NextialBeer : Rye Pale Ale
Friday
Tuesday March 31st, 5pm - 10pm
Current Beer: Dunkel Weisse • Current Charity: GA Craft Brew A collaboration with Hop Alley Bewpub Fundraising ers Guild. Event to Fight For Better Beer Laws
For Events & Beer Releases:
www.cherrystreetbrewing.com
Check out our page for details
@BrewingCoop
Rick Tanner’s Griller & Bar at Vickery Village
Serving Breakfast
Mon-Fri 7am-11am • Sat & Sun 8am-11am Biscuits, Omelettes, French Toast, Egg Platters & Bowls, Steak & Eggs,Kids’ breakfast Menu
Breakfast • Lunch Dinner • To-Go • Catering
Prime Rib & Steak Specials
Saturday
Prime Rib & Steak Specials Brewery Tours from 2-4pm
Sunday
Brunch 11am-2pm & Live Music
Rotisserie Chicken, Chicken Fingers, Wings, Chicken Lips, BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, Veggies & More!
Catering to Go - Sports Banquets Corporate Luncheons & Meetings Holiday Parties - Reunions - Party Packs
5810 Bond Street, Cumming • 770-205-5512 (At the corner of Post Rd. & Majors Rd. in Vickery Village)
See our menu at www.CherryStreetBrewing.com
770-205-5512 www.CherryStreetBrewing.com Open Mon-Fri 7am Sat & Sun 8am
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 7D
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FACTORY SUPPLIER PRICING AVAILABLE TO THE
CONSUMER!
PURCHASE BRAND NEW CHEVYS BELOW... 2015 Chevy
SILVERADO 1500 LT Double Cab
$2500 below
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Pricing! with rebate
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s u l p
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1 3 STEP
Stk# T10669
2015 Chevy
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with rebate
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New Chevy Spark starting at...
2015 Chevrolet
! k r Spa
5 9 9 , $12
2012 Dodge JOURNEY!
2010 Ford FOCUS!
2010 Nissan CUBE!
2007 Dodge RAM 1500!
$16,853
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Stk# U4408
Stk# U4381
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2012 Ford FIESTA!
2013 Chevy SPARK!
2012 Kia FORTE!
2010 Chevy HHR!
$10,487
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Stk# U308
Stk# U4485
Stk# U325
Stk# U4511
2006 Pontiac 2011 Nissan 2013 Nissan 2008 Pontiac G6! SENTRA! VERSA! TORRENT!
LOCAL TRADE-INS LEASE TERMINATIONS RENTAL RETURNS
$11,998
$11,990
$12,987
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Stk# T561A
Stk# U4469A
Stk# U4454
Stk# U338
2008 Pontiac SOLSTICE!
2012 Ford FOCUS!
2012 Chevy SONIC!
2012 Chevy CRUZE!
$13,748
$13,916
Stk# U4471
Stk# U328
REPOSSESSIONS ATTENTION:
VEHICLES FOR
5 9 9 6 $
2003 Ford Mustang Stock # T10921A Plus Tax, Tag, and Title with approved credit
VEHICLES FOR
$199
A MONTH
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$4,988 2004 FORD FOCUS $4,990 4DR, Sedan, Auto!... 2000 VW NEW BEETLE 2DR, Coupe, GLS Turbo, Man!... $5,987 2001 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 Regular Cab, Standard Box LS!... $6,915 2008 FORD RANGER $7,995 2WD, Regular Cab, Auto... 2011 CHEVY MALIBU $8,998 FWD, Auto, Keyless Entry!... 2011 SMART CAR Cabriolet Passion, Pwr Windows!... $9,490 2006 CHEVY SILVERADO Regular Cab, Stnd Box,WorkTruck!... $9,545 2010 CHEVY HHR LS, Manual, Pwr Windows/Locks!... $9,990 2001 BUICK PARK AVE Auto, FWD, Loaded!...
$112,998 $12,990 Stk# T10459
Stk# U4345
2008 Buick ENCLAVE!
2011 Nissan 2012 Toyota LEAF! COROLLA!
2012 Ford FOCUS!
$13,990
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2011 Honda ACCORD!
2010 Ford RANGER!
2012 Kia SPORTAGE!
2014 Jeep PATRIOT!
$14,456
$14,990
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Stk# U306
Stk# U4514
Stk# U4392
Stk# U4398
Stk# T10511A
Stk# T10877A
Stk# U4452
Stk# U4473
BILL HOLT CHEVROLET 250 Liberty Blvd. Canton, GA 30114 888.527.4706 Sales 888.855.1544 Service 888.527.4706 Parts
Jerry Williams
GM Mark of Excellence Winner 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013
www.BillHoltGM.com
Sales Manager “See me for Special Pricing!”
8D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
CUMMING AQUATIC CENTER
3,500
Private lessons taught
70
1,057,000
Gallons of water in all three pools
3,600
Group swim session registrations
21,600 90
Group swim lessons taught
Staff members expected for summer 2015
— Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
1,700
Memberships/passes sold
10,000
Silver Sneakers visits (This is a free program for senior citizens)
Staff members in summer 2014
27
Swim/dive/ water polo meets
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9D
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
KEEP FORSYTH COUNTY BEAUTIFUL
97,800
Trees recycled since 1994
21
Years since the first Christmas tree recycling event
4,000plus Trees were collected in 2015 at six different sites around the county.
26,986 Weight in pounds of electronics collected at the 2014 spring and fall events
766,470
Weight in pounds of electronics collected since first electronics recycling event in spring 2005
FORSYTH COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES
250-plus People who made the Celtic Concert on March 22 a great event. That included 180 attendees, 66 entertainers from Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band and North Atlanta Pipes and Drums, and at least six staff and volunteers.
521
Seniors who went on 23 day trips last year through the department
700-plus Gifts donated by community for high needs seniors through holiday gift angels program
1,134
Community members who attended eight concerts at Sexton Hall Enrichment Center in the past year
50 200
Sawnee Artists Association
Presents March “Art” Madness
14th Annual & Members Show
Sale
Now thru April 4, 2015 10 - 6 Mon - Sat • 1 - 5 Sun
All Original Art
Painting, Photography, Wood, Glass, Pottery, Jewelry & More...
Gift Shop • Lunch & Learn Artist Demonstrations Location The Brannon-Heard House 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd Cumming, GA
Saturday, April 4th only Forsyth County Orchestra at 11am Visits with the Easter Bunny (must bring your own camera)
from 1 - 6pm
Free Admission Sa wne ion e Ar tists Associat
Seniors in the Hearthstone Hiking Club
Volunteers who each month deliver more than 3,000 meals, help in the Sunshine Club and make seniors smile
The Brannon-Heard House Project
For more information:
www.sawneeart.org
10D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Fun first at Cumming Fairgrounds By Crystal Ledford
For the Forsyth County News
The Cumming Fairgrounds helps keep local traditions alive. From its signature event, the Cumming Country Fair & Festival, to the early-1900s heritage village maintained year round, administrator Dave Horton says the fairgrounds offers family-oriented fun. The annual fair, which takes place in October, was the first event at the fairgrounds, starting in 1995 as a six-day event. The festival has since expanded to 11 days, featuring wellknown musical acts, a variety of performance groups and the traditional rides and games galore. “It’s just a great gathering place for the community,” Horton said. “It’s like a homecoming. You see people you haven’t seen in a year or several years, and you meet a lot of new folks.” The 19th annual fair in 2013 saw record-breaking numbers. Horton said the event, which drew more than 167,600 people, “smashed” the previous attendance record, set in 2012. That number was about 141,000. The 2014 fair had a few days of weather concerns, but still posted 154,406 for attendance. The 2015 fair is slated for Oct. 8-18. Besides the Cumming Country Fair & Festival, the fairgrounds also provide a wide range of other activities and events throughout the year. The schedule each year stays about the same, from the fireworks display and steam engine parade in July to the Christmas celebration in December. The fairgrounds, also puts on an IPRA Championship Rodeo over Labor Day weekend. The city of Cumming also presents the Taste of Forsyth, which is held on Easter weekend at the
File photo
The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is held each October.
fairgrounds. The event offers patrons the chance to sample a wide range of food at a low cost. The popular event, renamed Taste of Forsyth Along the Hospitality Highway, invites restaurants from across the county to share samples of their dishes. Outside groups also use the fairgrounds venue for charity events, such as Relay for Life, or other community gatherings, such as church-sponsored car shows. Each November, the fairgrounds is the site of what is fast becoming one of the largest professional barbecue competitions
in the nation. The National BBQ Cup: Que ‘N’ Cumming was first presented in 2011. From 2012-14, the event grew in size and popularity, with more than 100 professional and amateur teams from across the country competing and about 15,000 spectators attending each year to sample world-class ’cue. The National BBQ Cup is always held the weekend before Thanksgiving in November. The North Georgia Quarter Midget Association plays host to several races for competitors ages 5 to 16 on many weekends, when
On the Net Check out the full schedule of Cumming Fairgrounds’ events at www.cummingfair.net .
the fairgrounds isn’t otherwise being used, Horton said. In July 2013, the site played host to the association’s QMA Eastern Grands championship, drawing thousands of people. In June, the NGQMA will hold a National USAC race. The Bill Thomas Raceway at the fairgrounds has held national tournaments in the past, with some former competitors growing up to become NASCAR
drivers. The races, like most of the events at the fairgrounds, Horton said, bring in revenue to the local economy. Fairgrounds staff members work year round to keep the area well maintained and continue to plan for big events. The annual fair involves a full year of preparation to bring in a variety of acts and entertainment for the families visiting the fair.
29,866
Single day fair attendance record, set in 2013
11 1,600
Days fair runs every October
167,616
Fair attendance record, set in 2013
154,406
2014 fair attendance (weather affected)
Bags of ice used at fair; equals 32,000 pounds
30 to 35 Rides each year in the James H. Drew Exposition
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11D
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL
15
120
Steel support poles on the Georgia Mountain Cable Lift
Ride buckets in the Georgia Mountain Cable Lift
44
Average height in feet of the poles, with the tallest being 50 feet
1,680
Length in feet of the Georgia Mountain Cable Lift
24
Bales of cotton produced by cotton gin during course of the fair
400 to 500
Weight in pounds of each bale of cotton
4 to 5
32
Carvings produced for auction by Brian Ruth, the “Master of the Chainsaw”
Number of ground acts per year; each performs 2 to 3 shows daily
12 to 15
Native American educators presenting programs at the Heritage Indian Village
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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Please us Registration development of spirit, mind and andJuly body.27-31 We promote thejoin values February1 .................... Early Begins June 22-26 February1 .................... Early Registration Begins February1 .................... Early Registration Begins at of our open respect, houses or Y Family Fun events. of one caring, honesty, and responsibility. Please join us Bird Registration March 1 ........................ Early MarchEnds 1 ........................ Early Bird Registration Ends June 29-July 3 March 1 ........................ Registration EndsKids Day at one of our open houses or Y Family Fun events. April 25.......................... Camp Open HouseApril & Healthy Kids Day Early 25.......................... CampBird Open House & Healthy REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT DATES Aprilpm25.......................... Camp Open House ........................................ 10:00 am-2:00 ........................................ 10:00 am-2:00 pm & Healthy Kids Day Overnight Camp February1 .................... Early Registration Begins MayDATES 25 ........................ Memorial Day, CAMP REGISTRATION & IMPORTANT MayCLOSED 25 ........................ Memorial Day, CAMP ........................................ 10:00 am-2:00 pm CLOSED CAMP STAFF March 1 ........................ Registration Ends May 26 Camp Begins February1 .................... Early Bird Registration Begins June 6-15 Early July 6-10........................ May ........................ 26 ........................ Camp Begins May 25 Memorial Day, CAMP CLOSED April 25.......................... Open House & Healthy Day Night at Eagle June 11 .......................... Family March 1 ........................ Camp Early Bird Registration Ends Kids JunePoint 11 .......................... Family Night at Eagle Point May 26 ........................ Camp Begins ........................................ 10:00Open am-2:00 CampatatEagle EaglePoint Point For more information orHouse to pm register, July 16 .......................... Family April 25.......................... Camp & Healthy Kids Day Night at Eagle July Point 16 .......................... Family Night June 11 .......................... Family Night at Eagle Point May 25 ........................ Memorial Day, CAMP CLOSED Laura Douthit ........................................ 10:00 am-2:00 pm visit www.wakelanier.com CAMP STAFF May 25 26 ........................ ........................ Memorial Camp Begins laurad@ymcaatlanta.org July 16 .......................... Family Night at Eagle Point May Day, CAMP CLOSED YMCA MEMBERSHIP YMCA MEMBERSHIP CAMP STAFF June 26 11 .......................... Night at Eagle Point May ........................ Family Camp Begins Camp Prices are listed for YMCA facility members (MEM) and Camp Prices arePoint listed for YMCACamps facilityat members (MEM) Private & Group Lessons the Forsyth Y and at Eagle July 16 .......................... Family Night atAvailable! Eagle Point(PRO). Facility membersCamp June 11 .......................... Family Night at Eagle Point program members enjoy reduced program members (PRO). Facility members enjoy reduced YMCA MEMBERSHIP Sarah Pedarre Laura Douthit Camp at Eagle July 16 .......................... Family Night Pointof membership. For those ratesatasEagle a benefit who to Point rates aswish a benefit of for membership. For those who wish to laurad@ymcaatlanta.org Camp Prices are listed YMCA facility members (MEM) and sarahp@ymcaatlanta.org Laura Douthit YMCA MEMBERSHIP participate in Y programs without use of the facility, a Y programs without use of the facility, a participate in program members (PRO). Facility members enjoy reduced laurad@ymcaatlanta.org Camp Prices are listed for YMCAYEARLY facility family members (MEM)membership and program ($40)Camps is required before YMCA MEMBERSHIP YEARLY family programYmembership ($40) is required before at the Forsyth PAYMENT rates as a benefit of membership. For Become thoseMETHODS who wish to program members (PRO). members enjoy reduced in the program Become a facility Camp Prices are listed forFacility YMCAregistration facility members (MEM) andof choice. registration inForsyth the program of choice. a facility Sarah Pedarre Camps at the Y A weekly deposit of $35for rates as a benefit of membership. For those who wish to in Y programs without use of the facility, ais today save up to $250participate per child on camp for program members (PRO). Facilitymember members enjoyand reduced visit: ymcadaycamping.com member today and save up to $250 per child on camp sarahp@ymcaatlanta.org Sarah Pedarre required for all camps. When participate in Y programs without use of the facility, a theFor entire summer! Visit more about value Visit rates as a benefit of membership. those who wish to the Y to learn the family entire the summer! the Y to learn moreisabout the value YEARLY program membership ($40) required before sarahp@ymcaatlanta.org scroll Forsyth County. for any of our day camp YEARLY family membership ($40) is required of use membership and for a tour of theregistration facility. Facility participate in Yprogram programs without of the facility, abefore ofThen membership and for ato tour ofregistering the facility. Facility in the program of choice. Become a facility PAYMENT METHODS programs, you the maysummer choose to from the registration in the program of choice. Become a facility memberships must remain current throughout the summer toremain current YEARLY family program membership ($40) is required before memberships must throughout member today and save up to $250 per child on camp for A weekly deposit of $35 is following payment options: PAYMENT METHODS member today and program save up to per child on camp for qualify for MEM rates. registration in the of $250 choice. Become a facility qualify for MEM rates. When required for all camps. the entire summer! Visit the A weekly deposit of $35 is Y to learn more about the value the entire summer! Visit up thetoY $250 to learn the value member today and save permore childabout on camp for registering for any ofaour dayof camp Pay Full Facility required for all camps. When of membership and for a tour of the facility. Facility of membership and for tour the In facility. the entire summer! Visit the Y toFINANCIAL learn more about the value ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE programs, you may choose from the If you are registering for a session registering for any of our day camp memberships must remain current throughout the summer to memberships throughout of membership and for a tour ofWe thebelieve facility.every Facility child and family should have the must We believe everyremain child andcurrent family should have thethe summer to
404.683.0287
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12D | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
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Progress A publication of
2015
March 29, 2015
Inside: Lanier Tech tops in the state for 2014
2E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Forsyth organization Many highlights in honors one of its own 2014 for chamber Hailed for efforts to recruit businesses Kelly Whitmire
kwhitmire@forsythnews.com
The Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce is usually bringing in outside business, but on Nov. 7 the organization honored one of its own. Randall Toussaint, the chamber’s vice president of economic development, received the Chairman’s Award for his efforts to attract industry and new jobs for the local economy. “This was tremendous,” Toussaint said after accepting the award during the chamber’s 2014 Annual Dinner & Celebration at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center. “I honestly haven’t really received an award of this magnitude before and to receive it from our community and from our chair is just incredible.” Toussaint, who has been with the chamber since 2009, was presented the award by outgoing chair Ann-Margaret Johnston. “We got Randall in 2009. We had no idea how lucky we were,” Johnston said. “Randall, in his time since then, has added more than 4,000 jobs to the county and more than $4 million in investments in our county. “Randall works behind the scenes. You don’t really see him a lot. He’s out there doing deals. He’s making sure we’re getting businesses in this county.” Toussaint was quick to praise his colleagues.
“Ann-Margaret read some incredible numbers, and to be honest, I get a lot of credit for that,” he said. “But the truth of the matter is, I am a member of an incredible team. So I really want to thank our chamber staff for all that they do and allowing me to be part of really the most incredible team in the state of Georgia or the country for that matter.” According to Toussaint, one of the toughest deals he had to close was convincing his parents to move to Forsyth County, where he plans to be for a long time. “Honestly, I love Forsyth. I originally moved up here because it was a great place to raise my family,” Toussaint said. “I have a little guy who just started kindergarten, so I look forward to being in Forsyth for years to come.” During his acceptance speech, Toussaint also thanked Chamber President James McCoy for his confidence in hiring him. “James, I really just want to say thank you to you for five years ago taking a risk, to be honest, on a then much skinnier, 29-year-old African-American male to lead economic development in Forsyth County,” Toussaint said. “That means a lot.” During his closing speech, McCoy made it clear that Toussaint was more of an asset than a risk. “He’s a remarkable, remarkable human being, and has done many great things, and he’s also very modest,” McCoy said. “I want to make it clear to him and to everyone that we didn’t take a risk on a 29-year-old African-American young man, we took a risk on the best damn economic developer in the country.”
25,623
Commuters into Forsyth County
43,917 7,738 65,739 4.9 percent 205,400 228,879 1,003
Channeling resources to create economic opportunity for all By Mark Bond
For the Forsyth County News
I am honored to serve as chairman of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors during such an exciting time. In 2014, the chamber gained 225 new members and 16 new chairman’s cabinet members. Forsyth County’s unemployment rate has decreased to 4.9 percent, in comparison to the state unemployment rate of 6.9 percent. Twenty-three new and existing companies created 1,047 new jobs and invested nearly $104 million dollars in new capital in 2014. It is the chamber’s mission to be the voice of business, provide leadership, information and solutions to foster a strong economic environment and a superior quality of life. This is reached by focusing on various aspects that affect both the community’s business structure and quality of life. The chamber holds several events weekly, monthly and annually to promote networking. Those include Member Power Networking Lunches, Business After Hours and economic development events. In August, the Small Business Services Center held the largest Business Expo in chamber history, with more than 400 attendees. This expo also included a working lunch aspect with a keynote speaker. In 2013, the center assisted 376 small businesses by providing classes, roundtable discussions, business coaching and mentoring. The chamber’s director of tourism attended three trade shows last year to promote local venues to different organizations that bring various tournaments and festivals. From these shows, more than 31 new leads were secured in sports alone, with more than 8,000 room nights.
About
Founded in 1952, the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in our community. By leveraging the support, talent and resources of its members, the chamber is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone in the community. For more information, contact the chamber at (770) 887-6461.
With these events comes hotel room reservations. In 2014 alone, the chamber secured more than 8,200 hotel room nights through these events. Economies are built upon relationships and leadership. The chamber plays an integral part in facilitating those relationships and fostering strong leaders. It is the sole economic development entity in the community. Its partnership with the city of Cumming, Forsyth County and the Forsyth County school system makes it a strong player on the global stage. The chamber acts as an avenue to channel the incredible collective resources of great business people to create economic opportunity for everyone. That opportunity is what makes this community remarkable and sets it apart from so many places around the world. In the coming year, the chamber plans to expand the reach of its economic development efforts and provide additional support to health care, the fastest growing industry in the community. With the economy in a steady upward turn, now is the time to seize the opportunities that recovery will bring. Mark Bond is chairman of the board of directors for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.
Commuters out of Forsyth County
Businesses in Forsyth County
Jobs in Forsyth County
Forsyth County’s jobless rate for December
Forsyth County’s projected population for 2015
Forsyth County’s projected population for 2020
Miles of road in Forsyth County About the cover
Countless girls and teenagers are learning the benefits of dance from Niki Watkins at Cumming Dance Academy. For more on the local business community and its outlook, see above. Photo by Micah Green, Forsyth County News.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE
1,001
Students on Forsyth campus; 19.1% of the college’s total enrollment
61.5%
Instructional hours taught by the 121 full-time faculty members; national average is 29.7%, Southern region is 30.9% and Georgia 49.8%.
64.2%
Percentage of women in student population at Forsyth campus in academic year 2014
100% 67.2% 43.3% 40-plus
Job placement rate at Lanier Tech
Students who receive the HOPE Grant or HOPE Scholarship
Students who took advantage of the Pell Grant
Majors offered in the areas of allied health, business and computer technology, public and professional services, and technical and industrial programs.
361
Students college-wide (64 at Forsyth campus) enrolled in College Credit Now programs (dual enrollment for high school students)
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 3E
Lanier Tech tops in state for 2014 For the Forsyth County News
Lanier Technical College was designated as the Top Technical College in Georgia for 2014. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Lanier Tech serves as the leading work force development resource for Forsyth, Dawson, Hall, Lumpkin, Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties by providing higher education and career-technical education programs leading to associate of applied science degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit. The college also provides customized business and industry training, economic development services, continuing education for technical and professional development and adult education services. Lanier Tech provides quality work force development services in support of economic stability and local growth. The college is the premier provider of work force development and occupational training in the areas of health care and technical/industrial training. Lanier Tech has five campuses conveniently located throughout northeast Georgia and offers more than 40 indemand programs of study through traditional, online, and hybrid classes. The Forsyth campus — a 120,000-square-foot facility on 49-acres with more than 1,000 enrolled students — is an educational provider hub of indemand programs of study in the areas of health care, computer technology, business technology, public safety, and professional services. The programs of study offered at the local campus support the local community with well-trained graduates who have the needed skills for many businesses and industries. The campus’s newest program is its Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree. This two-year program prepares students for entry in to a high-skill, high-demand field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTAs in north Georgia earn an average salary of about $57,000 per year, with job openings expected to increase by 46 percent between 2010 and 2020. The program is currently
Contact Lanier Technical College’s local campus and Forsyth Conference Center are located on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, just south of The Collection at Forsyth shopping center, off Ga. 400 at Exit 13 (Peachtree Pkwy./ Hwy. 141). For more information, call (770) 781-6800 or visit www.laniertech.edu.
accepting applications for admission to its second class of students (deadline June 1). Currently the job placement rate for graduates of the Forsyth campus is 100 percent. The college’s Forsyth Conference Center continues to expand services. In 2014, this 14,000-square-foot facility played host to 73,500 patrons during 372 events. The center can be configured to hold a single large meeting, many small gatherings or a combination of both. It offers a wide range of services, including audiovisual, wireless Internet, video conferencing, laptop rental, and other services for the guests. For weddings and social events, the center offers flexible options to meet community needs in an elegant, affordable setting. Upcoming events at the center include a Regional Job Career Fair sponsored by the college, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and the state Department of Labor. It’s set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 31. Also on March 31, interior design students will showcase their work in a portfolio show from 6 to 8 p.m. From April 20-25, the college’s horticulture program will hold a plant sale, offering a wide variety of beautiful and healthy plants.
4E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-FORSYTH
436
Auxiliary volunteers
65,000 Total Auxiliary volunteer hours
231
Beds
— Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
2,300 1,125,086 Physicians
Meals served
20,000
2,352
Diapers used in past year
Employees
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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 5E
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Regional expert hails Forsyth County for growth, policies By Kelly Whitmire
kwhitmire@forsythnews.com
With numerous creeks, the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, Forsyth County residents are accustomed to water. But Frank Norton Jr. had a simple request for the area during a visit Jan. 27 — keep swimming upstream. “Swimming upstream is what y’all have done b e s t ,” N o r t o n s a i d . “Because of that, y’all are capturing more share of what is happening in Atlanta than all 22 counties we study. That’s pretty amazing. “Because of what you have built here you have pulled yourself out of the pack of other counties and are leading northeast Georgia.” Norton, chairman and CEO of the Gainesvillebased Norton Agency real estate and insurance firm, was the keynote speaker for the 2015 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth County Conference Center. He shared his Norton Native Intelligence report for 2015, praising Forsyth for its growth and economic policies, and offering a few predications of what could happen. He also lauded Forsyth for its rapid growth rate and higher salary average when compared to neighboring counties.
“In northeast Georgia, and we do still count Gwinnett County as northeast Georgia, you are the third largest,” he said. “But you are actually the fastest growing county of all of them. “If we look at the median household income, you outstrip every other county.” Much of Norton’s presentation hinged on the changing demographics of the area. “I used to think we were surrounded by baby boomers,” he said. “I started out writing my forecast on the power of baby booming in northeast Georgia. [But] if we go to Forsyth, [there are] 60,000 [Generation] Ys, 49,000 [Generation] Xs and only 43,000 baby boomers.” As part of appealing to the younger sets, Norton advised local officials to rethink lake frontage. He said the county has more than 5,000 lakefront homes, most of which were built in the 1950s and ’60s. The shoreline could be revitalized for new second homes to appeal to those in the metro Atlanta area looking for somewhere to go on weekends. “The first [plan] is turn north Georgia into a second-home mecca,” he said. “That’s the best cash revenue that you could ever want and ever get. “[Those property owners would] eat at your res-
‘In northeast Georgia, and we do still count Gwinnett County as northeast Georgia, you are the third largest. But you are actually the fastest growing county of all of them.’
Frank Norton Jr.
Chairman and CEO of the Gainesville-based Norton Agency
File photo
Frank Norton Jr. shares his Norton Native Intelligence report for 2015 for Forsyth County.
taurants as regulars,. They want entertainment, they shop in your grocery stores and they leave their … sales tax dollars here and go home.” Norton said another way to appeal to Generation Y was to “rethink work” and offer more tech-driven careers. He added that MercedesBenz’s recent move to the north metro area likely will spur growth along Ga. 400. “We need to refocus
our definition of work,” he said. “Ga. 400 has that potential of being Atlanta’s high-tech corrid o r. T h e i m p a c t o f Mercedes choosing Sandy Springs, the base of that pipeline, will have a profound effect on housing in south Forsyth and a profound effect on smaller businesses located in Forsyth that serve Mercedes. That’s the power and potential of rethinking work.” Norton’s’ final point on
the future was to become self-sufficient, especially in regards to water from Lake Lanier and areas to store it. “We need a water initiative, like a transportation initiative, in every county in northeast Georgia. Because I’m not going to rely on the judges of the [U.S.] Supreme Court to decide my water future,” he said in reference to the decades-long legal battle over water between Alabama,
Georgia and Florida. “We’re going to grow where we want to grow. Or if we’re going to grow where we don’t want to grow, but get there anyway, how are we going to keep from getting parched?” The breakfast event was put on by the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, LanierForsyth Rotary Club and Community & Southern Bank.
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6E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 7E
8E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FORSYTH COUNTY’S POPULATION
11.3% Change in population from April 2010-13, estimate
29.3% Younger than 18
10.7%
195,405
Older than 65
50.3% Female
Population estimate
43.8%
25 years or older with a bachelor’s degree or higher, 2009-13
29.9
Minutes (mean travel time) to work for population 16 or older, 2009-13
— Note: Numbers as of July 1, 2013 unless otherwise noted.
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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9E
10E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
LAKE LANIER
160 feet
692
Depth of Lanier at its deepest point when lake is at full pool
10,300
Miles of shoreline (30 percent of it in Forsyth County)
Estimated number of docks on Lake Lanier
700
Number of families whose land became Lake Lanier
1,077.2
feet above sea level Highest level the lake has reached, which was in April 1964
1,050.79 feet above sea level Historic low level of lake, reached on Dec. 26, 2007
192 feet
69
Years since Congress authorized the construction of Buford Dam and Lake Lanier
Height of Buford Dam
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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11E
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
DINING OUT
23
New restaurants from January 2014-March 2015*
242
Restaurants in Forsyth County*
20,478
58
Restaurants opened 10 or more years*
Wings sold at Rooster’s Café over Super Bowl weekend in February
1.12 million Wings sold at Rooster’s café in 2014
854
Food service inspections completed by Forsyth Environmental health specialists in 2014
— Note: Does not include restaurants in the Cumming city limits*
1,971 Cones given away by Dairy Queen in downtown Cumming on March 16, the day the new Forsyth County Courthouse opened. That coincided with the family-owned eatery’s 75th year in business.
Georgia United Credit Union
School Crashers Program is Back!
Georgia United is committed to helping our communities succeed. In 2014, we launched School Crashers to provide a makeover to a deserving school. Chapel Hill Elementary won the grand prize, beating out 750+ applications.
Will it be your school this year?
Nominations: Apply at georgiaunitedcu.org through April 21, 2015. Donations & Volunteers: Accepting after May 13, 2015 on georgiaunitedcu.org.
770.476.6400 | 888.493.4328 georgiaunitedcu.org *For official rules and to apply, visit georgiaunitedcu.org/schoolcrashers.
GA-CU_SchoolCrashers_ForsythCountyNews_4_91x10_5_BW.indd 1
3/11/2015 12:47:09 PM
12E | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
AMERICAN PROTEINS STARTED MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO WHEN LELAND BAGWELL BEGAN OPERATING A SMALL RENDERING PLANT IN NORTHEAST FORSYTH COUNTY. AT THAT TIME THE POULTRY INDUSTRY WAS JUST GETTING STARTED IN NORTH GEORGIA, AND THE BY-PRODUCTS FROM THE PROCESSING PLANTS HAD TO BE HAULED AWAY AND BURIED. AS A VISIONARY, MR. BAGWELL SAW A NEED AND WAS DETERMINED TO FILL IT. HE RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO RECYCLE BY-PRODUCTS GENERATED BY THE INTEGRATED POULTRY INDUSTRY. TODAY HIS VISION, AMERICAN PROTEINS, IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND AN ESTABLISHED, INTEGRAL PART OF THE MODERN POULTRY INDUSTRY. THE COMPANY HAS GROWN FROM A SMALL, SINGLE PLANT OPERATION TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT POULTRY RENDERER WITH DIVISIONS IN 4 STATES.
12
4
CURRENTLY. AMERICAN PROTEINS RECYCLES OVER BILLION POUNDS OF INEDIBLE POULTRY EACH YEAR USING THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY SECURE METHODS AVAILABLE. WITHOUT THIS RECYCLING PROCESS, THE REMAINS OF OVER 34 MILLION CHICKENS PER WEEK WOULD BE BURIED IN LANDFILLS, CONSUMING SIX ACRES A DAY.
Growing together and depending on each other.
American Proteins Inc.
GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION
F
Progress 2015 A publication of
March 29, 2015
Inside: New Forsyth County Courthouse opens
2F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Courthouse dedicated Officials hail project years in the making By Kelly Whitmire
kwhitmire@forsythnews.com
F l a g s f l ew, m u s i c played and hundreds gathered March 12 in downtown Cumming to celebrate the opening of the new Forsyth County Courthouse, a facility officials hope will last for many decades. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, several speakers recalled the difficulty of securing the funding for a new courthouse. The structure took about 18 months to build, but three elections and 15 years of planning. “You can’t overstate or understate what a great day this is,” said Pete Amos, chairman of the Forsyth County commission. “Forsyth County needed a new courthouse. The citizens stepped forward and voted it in [2011] and we built it. “We’ve needed this for years. We’ve been working on a new one since 2000, and finally got it passed.” Four times between 2001-11 Forsyth voters rejected in referendums bonds to build a new jail and/or courthouse. Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, who has held the post since 1971 and served as a councilman prior to that, said he has seen many changes during his tenure. “A s a y o u n g m a n growing up in Cumming, five generations here in the city of Cumming, I
The new Forsyth County Courthouse opened March 16 in downtown Cumming.
File photos
would have never imagined we’d have some 200,000 residents living in [the area],” Gravitt said. “I would never have thought that someday sitting right here in the city of Cumming we’d need a five-story facility. “But I’ve been blessed to be able to witness all the positive changes that have happened … over the decades.” Construction of the courthouse began in July 2013. It, along with a new four-story jail across East Maple Street and two nearby multi-level parking decks with hundreds of spaces each, was funded through an exten-
sion of the 1-cent sales tax program that voters approved in a November 2011 referendum. The first $100 million from the sales tax is going toward the structures. Two of the biggest criticisms of the new courthouse have been its location and the cost. Amos defended both. “We’re on time and under budget,” he said. “… Don’t believe the [social media] blogs. We’re not millions over, we’re under budget. “The city of Cumming participated highly, they helped us put it in the center of Cumming. Some people complained about that, but it
turned out to [be] a great location the city allowed us to use.” Forsyth County Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley noted that the previous courthouse had a relatively short life. But, the judge said, population growth and Forsyth’s transformation from a rural community necessitated the new facility. “The 1978 courthouse was occupied as such for only 37 years, not a long
time for a courthouse, but few counties have seen the phenomenal g r ow t h t h a t Fo r s y t h County has seen.” And the 1978 courthouse will remain in use, just for different purposes. Plans call for it to house Probate Court and the sheriff ’s office. Bagley said the changes have brought tremendous opportunity. “Forsyth County is not the same place in which I grew up,” he said. “Of course, we are more crowded, there’s more traffic, we’re losing rural nature and some of the small-town atmosphere. “On the other hand, opportunities abound. We can boast of being the most affluent community in the state and, most importantly, the outside perception of our community has changed.” The ribbon cutting ceremony also featured remarks from Jacob Ruiz and Erin Tozier, the middle and high school winners of the courthouse’s time capsule essay contest. Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court Hugh Thomas gave the keynote address. “A s I ’ m s u r e y o u know, you already have an outstanding court system that has earned a reputation for excellence, fairness and equality, Thomas said of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit. “Now you have a living, breathing show-
case that will help instill confidence [for] all those who enter here … that justice will be theirs.” John and Karen Raibikis, county residents of nearly 20 years, said the county needed something new. “I think the framed documents are just such a great touch to the c o u r t h o u s e ,” K a r e n Raibikis said. “We’ve been here 19 years, and it’s seen such a growth since we’ve been here. This is what we needed and it’s beautiful.” The nine replica documents form the basis of American government and include the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and Ten Commandments. Their cost was covered through donations. Like its four predecessors, the courthouse sits in the downtown Cumming square, though it has another, unplanned, connection with the most recent courthouse. “The then new courthouse across the street opened for business on March 16, 1978,” Bagley said. “Monday we open for business, and it’s March 16. Please know that I did not know that tidbit of information when the opening for our courthouse was scheduled. “ C o i n c i d e n t l y, o r maybe not, our new courthouse will open for business exactly 37 years to the date after the 1978 courthouse opened.”
About the cover The University of North Georgia’s Cumming campus has surpassed expectations since opening in fall 2012. For more on the campus, see page 4F. Photo by Micah Green, Forsyth County News.
FORSYTH COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
225
Maximum inmate capacity
65
Employees (includes civilian staff)
Let Your Skin Shine Through.
29 1 Female jail staff
Meal option, exceptions made for medical and religious needs
— Note: The new Forsyth County Jail is scheduled to open next month.
FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
63 5
Civilian positions
254
Sworn deputies
K9 dogs
54
Non-sworn deputies
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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 3F
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FORSYTHCOUNTY GOVERNMENT Your Community. Your Future.
Leading the way for the community Quality services for citizens including top-notch public safety, recreation centers and programs, and award-winning libraries, while maintaining tax rates among the lowest in metro Atlanta Outstanding amenities for all ages, including parks, green space, senior centers and more
Leading the way for the future Making infrastructure improvements to serve the county for years to come, including the newly-opened courthouse, new animal shelter opened in 2014, and the new jail currently under construction Improving transportation through new roads, major road widenings, traffic safety improvements and more
FORSYTHCOUNTY Your Community. Your Future.
2015 FORSYTHCOUNTY Board of Commissioners Forsyth County government works every day to make our community the best it can be, today and in the future. It is the mission of the county’s elected officials and employees to provide effective, professional public service with integrity and a commitment to excellence. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. R.J. (Pete) Amos
Brian R. Tam
Todd Levent
Cindy Jones Mills
Jim Boff
District 1 Commissioner Chairman
District 2 Commissioner Secretary
District 3 Commissioner
District 4 Commissioner Vice Chairman
District 5 Commissioner
FORSYTHCOUNTY Board of Commissioners | 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 | Cumming, GA 30040 | Phone: 770.781.2101 | Fax: 770.781.2199 www.forsythco.com | TV Forsyth - Comcast Channel 23 and AT&T Channel 99
4F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
16,604
Fall 2014 total enrollment
725
Fall enrollment at Cumming campus. Dahlonega has 6,648 students, Gainesville 6,490 and Oconee 2,201
1,951 (or 12%)
Students in fall who had a county of origin of Forsyth
22.4
Average age in years of all students (undergraduate and graduate) at the four UNG campuses
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
UNG brings programs to Forsyth County area For the Forsyth County News
On the Net
The dual enrollment program for high school students at the University of North Georgia’s Cumming campus has tripled in size since the campus opened in 2012 and is projected to top 150 students this fall. “Our Cumming campus is a tremendous example of collaboration between the University System of Georgia, government officials and community leaders to expand opportunities for higher education in this region,” said UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs. “The combination of price, functionality, attractiveness and partner collaboration has established a new template for how to provide higher education in areas that are underserved.” UNG’s dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit by taking college courses. Tuition for students enrolled in the program is usually paid by Georgia’s Accel program and does not count against potential HOPE Scholarship awards. A high school student who begins taking courses in his or her junior year could enter college as a sophomore, saving a year of time and college tuition. Jason Pruitt, executive director for the Cumming campus, has watched the program grow from 44 students in 2012 to 119 students from 17 area high schools in 2014. He expects the trend to continue for fall 2015, as more than 400 students and parents attended two dual enrollment information sessions in January. “We’re committed to growing our dual enrollment program on all of our campuses,” Pruitt said. The Accel program, offered in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education, draws students from public and private high schools in Forsyth, Dawson and Cherokee counties, Pruitt said, and accounts for about one-fifth of the enrollment at the local campus. In addition to dual enrollment, UNG offers a wide range of courses in Cumming that keeps the campus bustling from early morning until late at night with students of all ages taking classes, Pruitt said. “We start early in the day with our dualenrollment high school students, then throughout the day we have students who are working on multiple degree programs,” he said. “In the evening, we have adult learners who are taking certification courses or classes like photography just for fun. And we
For more information on the University of Georgia, go online at ung.edu.
end the day with our master’s degree students, who are in class until 10 p.m.” Most of the undergraduate courses offered in Cumming are the general education or core curriculum courses required of all students, regardless of their chosen field of study. Two UNG graduate programs also are based on the Cumming campus: the Cottrell MBA program and the master of arts in teaching. To support the growing student body on the local campus, a pavilion and casual indoor and outdoor seating have been added recently to give students places to relax and study between classes. Also, a sand volleyball pit will be installed this summer and additional classroom furniture is on order, Pruitt said. As the campus continues to grow, long-term plans include adding a second classroom building. Pruitt added that he’s been pleased with the lasting relationships the faculty and administrators have forged as UNG has been welcomed into the area. This year, he’s working on establishing a community council. “A big thing for us is the involvement with the community and the partnerships that we are developing and have developed in the community, and not only the high schools,” Pruitt said. The Cumming campus was developed as an outgrowth of a long-term partnership between North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College, which consolidated in January to form UNG. In addition to the two schools, the local campus represents the culmination of many years of effort with the city of Cumming and various Forsyth County civic leaders to bring a university presence to the area. With more than 16,000 students, UNG is one of the largest public universities in the state. The regional, multi-campus university offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional doctoral programs. UNG is one of six senior military colleges in the United States and is designated as a University System of Georgia leadership institution and as The Military College of Georgia.
A K A OS
STEAK & SUSHI
22.3
Average age in years of all students (undergraduate and graduate) on UNG’s Cumming Campus
63%
UNG instructional faculty members who have a doctorate or other terminal degree
78%
Full-time instructional faculty with a doctorate or other terminal degree
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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 5F
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
City of Cumming
Cour t h
ouse R ibbo
n Cut ting
g
ouse
tin n Cut Ribbo
th Cour
For 170 years, the City of Cumming has been the heart of Forsyth County. That tradition still holds true today. Many memories are made every year at City of Cumming events and amenities. Home to the Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming Playhouse, Cumming Aquatic Center and several other Recreation & Parks Department facilities, the city offers something for everyone. Long-standing traditions, such as the Cumming Country Fair & Festival and high-quality performances at the Cumming Playhouse, will continue this year. But the city also has some big additions planned for 2015. By late fall, Cumming City Park on Pilgrim Mill Road will be completely made over. The old park closed in January 2014 for demolition and to make way for new, modern playground areas, an amphitheater, and a 27,000-square-foot, multi-purpose building that will offer several classrooms and office spaces, a conference center and kitchen areas. A new roadway is also slated to be complete by the end of this year. Lanier 400 Parkway will extend from Bald Ridge Marina Road to Pilgrim Mill Road. The project - with its close proximity to Ga. Hwy. 400 as well as the University of Georgia’s Cumming Campus, the National Guard Regional Readiness Center, Cumming Aquatic Center and Georgia Drivers’ Services Center - is the perfect spot for continued economic development for future use and enjoyment by Cumming and Forsyth County residents. The Cumming Aquatic Center, with its three pools for fun, exercise and education, has again been tapped to host the Georgia Recreation and Park Association statewide swim meet this July. The center first hosted this event in 2014, drawing some 1,200 swimmers from around the state and more than 8,000 of their supporters. As with all City of Cumming amenities, the Aquatic Center is open to all residents of Cumming and Forsyth County, as well as surrounding areas. In 2014, the center provided more than 21,000 swim lessons to kids and adults throughout our community. And that’s on top of the hundreds of participants in water and land exercise classes offered throughout the year. Speaking of water, as the provider of water and sewer services to much of Forsyth County, the City of Cumming’s Utilities Department is working on several major expansions as well. The largest is the addition of sewer services to an area that compasses land between Hwy. 369, Hwy. 9, Dr. Bramblett Road and Spot Road. The city also plans to add new waterlines in the same area to accommodate expected residential growth. With fiscal stability, strong leadership, and support from our businesses and residents, the City of Cumming is thrilled to move through 2015, making a lot of “Progress!”
Courthouse Ribbon Cutting
4th of July Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks
The Brannon-Heard House
Cumm
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Bui ool
Sch
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Cumming Country Fair
Fair untry ing Co Cum min g
Cumm
Cou n
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Fai
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Cumming Country Fair
Congratulations to the Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming Playhouse, and Cumming Recreation and Parks Department for earning various “Best of Forsyth 2015” recognitions by Forsyth County News readers! If you haven’t checked out all that the City of Cumming has to offer, you should soon!
BEST OF FORSYTH
City of Cumming H. Ford Gravitt Mayor
Lewis Ledbetter Councilman
Quincy Holton Councilman
Ralph Perry Councilman
John D. Pugh Councilman
Rupert Sexton Councilman
File name: forsyth-co-news_21x21 Version Date:March 19, 2015 12:43 PM
6F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
Final Ad Location: Advertisements - misc. SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015 Designer: Reata Strickland • reatastrickland@ung.edu
TOP 25
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTH —America’s Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report
With more than 100 programs of study and a broad range of degree programs, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degree’s, UNG offers student multiple pathways to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
forsyth-co-news_21x21.indd All Pages
This ad has been approved in its current form. Should any changes be required for production adjustments or any other reason, please notify me immediately. We reserve the right to cancel payment on any ads in which the publisher makes changes to the appearance SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015 of an ad without our consent.
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 7F
3/19/15 12:44 PM
8F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Excellence abounds at Pinecrest Academy For the Forsyth County News
Pinecrest Academy is a coll eg e p r e p a r a t o r y, p r iva t e Catholic school serving students from PreK3 through 12th grade. Founded in 1993, the school moved to its permanent campus on Peachtree Parkway in southern Forsyth County in 1997. From its initial beginnings as a lower school in modular buildings, the beautiful 68-acre campus has grown to comprise permanent three-story brick buildings. Those include a high school building and middle school building (with gender-separate classrooms), free-standing chapel and two gymnasiums — a modern upper school gym and a full-size gym for the lower school, completed in 2011. In addition, the campus includes three athletic fields. The current enrollment is 807 students. Pinecrest has been recog-
nized for the eighth consecutive year as a Cardinal Newman Society School of Excellence and in September was named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. The school’s mission is to provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason. We prepare our students to become committed Christian leaders, eager to transform a global society. We accomplish this in a gender-separate environment on a co-educational campus. We challenge our students to identify and use their gifts in service to others. Recognizing the parent as the primary educator of the child, our mission embraces the entire family. We provide a safe, moral and spiritual environment, which leads to positive peer groups and joyful, caring, confident students.
Contacts
Administrators
For more information or to schedule a tour of Pinecrest Academy, call (770) 888-4477 or visit www. pinecrestacademy.org.
• Paul Parker, Head of School, pparker@pinecrestacademy. org • Ed Lindekugel, High School Principal, elindekugel@ pinecrestacademy.org • Denise Cress, Middle School Principal, dcress@pinecrestacademy.org • Madeliene Flanagan, Lower School Principal, mflanagan@pinecrestacademy.org
In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Pinecrest offers an excellent fine arts program, including visual and performing arts, band and chorus. Our Symphonic Band played, by invitation, at Carnegie Hall in April 2012, and our art students have received numerous awards, including the prestigious Silver Key award in the 2014 National Scholastic Art Competition. Pinecrest introduced P r o j e c t L e a d t h e Wa y i n 2013, a STEM program offered in the middle and high schools, and launched PLTW in the Lower School this year. The class of 2014 (55 students) was offered $3.8 mil-
lion in college scholarship awards and 7 percent of the class received National Merit recognition (awarded to just 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors). In addition, P i n e c r e s t ’s ave r a g e AC T scores have been consistently higher than those in the state and in the nation since 2009, and its Advanced Placement test averages have been consistently and dramatically higher than both. Pinecrest offers a complete complement of varsity and recreational sports, debuting a girls lacrosse program in spring 2014. Pinecrest athletes
compete in the Georgia High School Association. The dedicated and highly qualified teaching staff meets state and SACS requirements, and more than half of the staff m e m b e r s h ave a d va n c e d degrees. Pinecrest is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and holds membership in the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM TEACHERS
2,871
Staff/certified educators as of August
36 1 7
New educators who came directly from college
328
New educators to school system
Set of twin sisters who are new educators
Married couples who are new educators
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9F
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Progress Starts with Community
Celebrating 30 Years Eagle Ranch helps make life better for children and their families, positively impacting communities for the glory of God. In the early 1980s, the North Georgia community rallied to beat a tight deadline to fund the wooded piece of land that would become Eagle Ranch. A collective voice resounded the belief that children deserve hope and a future. Today, Eagle Ranch is a 270-acre community with homes, recreational facilities, and a SACSaccredited school. Our integrated approach, built on Christian principles, models homelife, emphasizes education, and incorporates multi-faceted counseling. Boys and girls live at Eagle Ranch in Flowery Branch, Georgia, while their families stay actively involved. Our aim is for renewal: of the child’s purpose and identity; of positive family relationships; and of hope for a more promising future.
EagleRanch.org Post Office Box 7200 · Chestnut Mountain · Georgia 30502
Thank you to our sponsors for making this ad possible.
10F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
40,857
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
School system is growing, learning By Jeff Bearden
Students enrolled as of August
For the Forsyth County News
38 2,727 679 211
Advanced Placement courses offered
Largest enrollment as of December, Lambert High
Smallest enrollment as of December, Midway Elementary
Kajeet hotspot devices distributed through the Bring Your Own Technology program
1568
Average SAT score
Forsyth County Schools is proud to be one of the top districts in Georgia and the United States. We are graduating more students and posting higher testing scores than ever before. School districts throughout North America are visiting our schools to learn how to use technology to increase student achievement and improve operational efficiency, and also to learn about our online personalized learning initiative and STEM programs in our schools. And we are expanding our partnerships with local businesses to approach education differently and prepare the future work force. Our success has been accomplished through dedication to our mission and a commitment to continuous improvement through the cooperative efforts of all stakeholders. As the seventh largest of 180 school districts in Georgia, Forsyth County Schools continues to deliver with the highest graduation rate, the highest district SAT score and the highest high school writing test results among Georgia’s 15 largest districts. Forsyth County Schools also maintains the lowest millage (tax) rate and per pupil expenditures in metro Atlanta. Additionally, this school year the school district eliminated staff furlough days and provided step increases for staff. Forsyth County School’s path to greatness is outlined in the district’s strategic plan, which was created with input from students, staff and business and community members. The plan focuses on the needs of Forsyth County Schools’ primary customer, the individual student. The strategic compass for the plan is the learner profile, which is an advanced profile that describes the attributes of students attending and graduating from a Forsyth County school. With these academic skills and personal characteristics, Forsyth County Schools’ students are col-
lege and career ready. The March 2014 a p p r ova l o f $ 1 9 5 million in bonds will allow the district to address capital i m p r ove m e n t s f o r Bearden the next four years. As the third fastest growing school district in the United States, Forsyth County Schools has added more than 8,000 new students in five years. Additionally, during this period six new schools have opened. Currently, the district serves more than 42,700 students and is the largest employer in the county with more than 4,300 full-time employees and 1,300 substitutes. Forsyth County Schools is home to 35 schools — 20 elementary, nine middle, and six high schools which includes iAchieve Virtual Academy, FCS’ 6-12 online school. Brandywine Elementary and DeSana Middle will open in August 2016, and the county’s sixth high school is projected to open in August 2018. Additionally, the five existing high schools will be receiving additions and renovations over the next four years, and improvements will also be made at a number of elementary and middle schools. Forsyth County Schools is excited for the opportunities that are before us, and looks forward to working collaboratively to serve all in Fo r s y t h C o u n t y b y p r ov i d i n g Quality Learning and Superior Performance for All. The district invites you to visit its website, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us, to follow it on social media (FCSchoolsGA on Twitter and FCSchools on Facebook), and to download the updated app, Forsyth County Schools GA, to learn more about the district. Jeff Bearden is superintendent of the Forsyth County school system.
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Pinecrest Academy
A Private PreK Through 12 College Preparatory Catholic School For more information, call 770-888-4477. 955 Peachtree Parkway | Cumming, GA 30041 pinecrestacademy.org
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11F
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Warbington Farms
5555 Crow Road Cumming, GA 30041 Join us for U-pick strawberries, birthday parties, petting zoo, hayrides and more family fun on the farm.
12F | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Great Careers Begin Here! Top Technical College in Georgia Over 40 majors Low tuition rate Education guarantee
Summer semester starts May 18th.
Apply NOW! www.laniertech.edu 770.531.6300
EOI
HEALTH & RECREATION
G
Progress A publication of March 29, 2015
Inside: Health department provides many services
2015
2G | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
Northside Hospital growing with Forsyth For the Forsyth County News
On the Net
Northside Hospital-Forsyth continues to grow with Forsyth County. In fact, in the 13 years since Northside Hospital bought the Cumming site, it has seen tremendous growth. Today, the 1-million-square-foot Northside Hospital-Forsyth medical campus has more than 2,300 employees and 2,300 physicians and includes the 231-bed hospital, the Women’s Center, an advanced surgery tower and four medical office buildings. More than 406,000 patient visits were served in 2014 across a full range of medical services. New advances in technology allow Northside to stay at the forefront of medicine and devote more time to providing the best patient care possible. Over the last year, the local hospital introduced many new technologies to give patients more minimally invasive treatment options. Northside continues to lead the way in surgical care, performing more minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures than any other hospital in the Southeast. T h e M A KO p l a s t y p r o c e d u r e , offered at the hospital, has helped to improve the surgical outcomes for patients requiring hip and partial knee replacements. Through 3D models, motion capture and real-time virtual views of the patient’s anatomy, surgeons are able to provide more accurate fittings and ensure that post-procedure pain is reduced significantly for patients. “The system allows surgeons to fine-tune the implant’s positioning and shape, making the most accurate joint replacements available and increasing patients’ mobility faster t h a n eve r b e f o r e ,” s a i d D r. J o n M i n t e r, o r t h o p e d i c s u r g e o n a t Northside Total Joint Specialists and lead MAKOplasty physician.
For more information on Northside Hospital-Forsyth, visit www.northside.com.
In 2014, Northside HospitalForsyth greatly enhanced its heart a n d va s c u l a r s e r v i c e s , w h e n i t became the first hospital in Georgia to use the new Magellan Robotic System to perform minimally invasive endovascular procedures to treat blood clots in the legs and arms, and repair aortic aneurysms. “This technology grants an unprecedented level of precision to Northside vascular surgeons navigating the extremely complex anatomy of peripheral blood vessels,” said Dr. Joseph Ricotta, medical director of vascular services, Northside Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute and the lead Northside physician for the procedure. Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Ricotta also were the first in the state to use the Lutonix 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter to treat peripheral artery disease in the thigh and knee. The device provides patients with a superior alternative to traditional balloon angioplasty, resulting in more successful outcomes and better longterm results. For cancer patients, the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is one of the largest and most respected providers of cancer care services in the Southeast. N o r t h s i d e H o s p i t a l - F o r s y t h ’s Cancer Center soon will offer the Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion with Extend radiosurgery system to treat a wide range of brain tumors and other neurological conditions through the most advanced and noninvasive technology that delivers Gamma radiation.
About the cover Joseph Ricotta, one of the most renowned vascular and endovascular surgeons in the country, controls The Magellan Robotic System at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. For more on the local hospital, see this page. Photo by Micah Green, Forsyth County News.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-FORSYTH
2,859
Births
15,000 406,952 Births since Women’s Center opened in August 2008
Patient visits
56,428 10,453 Emergency department visits
Surgeries performed
1,171
494
Pints of blood collected through hospital blood drives
Participants screened through free community screenings in 2014
— Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
Thank You for voting us #1 in Forsyth! A proud supporter of Forsyth County Schools.
678.990.8590
Call to schedule your complimentary vein screening
Most major insurances accepted for Vein procedures.
678-513-1600 Peter Wrobel, M.D.
Cumming
4415 Front Nine Dr. Ste. 600 Chemical Peel
www.NorthGeorgiaVein.com
678.990.8592
Dr. Lorenzo Minniti and Dr. Petula Hom provide a full service dental experience for patients of all ages. As a Pediatric Dental Specialist, Dr. Hom can accommodate the changing dental needs of children from the moment their first baby tooth erupts. Dr. Minniti has completed advanced training in cosmetic and restorative d e n t i s t r y, i n c l u d i n g t h e placement of dental implants and surgical procedures. Together, we are proud to provide caring, compassionate care for you and your family! New Patients Welcome - Call (678) 990-8592. 270 St. Claire Drive, Suite 104 & 105 Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.alpharettapediatricdentist.com • drminnitidental.com
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FORSYTH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
75,709 Clinic services (mostly provided for individual health, including immunizations, child physicals, nutrition programs, family planning, etc.)
7,559
21,531
Environmental Health services (mostly inspection and permitting services, including restaurant inspections, permitting of septic systems, tourist accommodations and public swimming pool inspections, oversight of rabies control program, etc.)
Immunizations
2,250
25
Child health visits (hearing, dental, vision and nutrition)
1,185
684
Child vaccines
Adult vaccines
1,497
1,206
Child flu
Adult flu
Employees, including 11 public health; 5 WIC; 3 dental; 6 environmental health
20,455 Total visits
10,963 Unique clients (unduplicated) — Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
Delivering Comprehensive
Delivering Comprehensive OB and GYN Services OB and GYN Services Delivering Comprehensive Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth... Any day andGYN every day...Services never any exceptions Delivering Comprehensive and The Board Certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are Exclusively at NorthsideOB Hospital Forsyth... experts in colon cancer screenings and evaluating and treating every type and every day... never any exceptions Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth... OBAny anddayGYN Services of digestive disorder, including:
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Any day and every day... never any exceptions
Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth... Delivering Comprehensive Any day and every day... never Comprehensive any exceptions Delivering OB and GYN Services OB and GYN Services Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth...
Any day andatevery day... Hospital never anyForsyth... exceptions Exclusively Northside Any day and every day... never any exceptions
• Crohn’s Disease • Ulcerative Colitis • Intestinal Polyps
• Acid Reflux | Ulcers • Barrett’s Esophagus • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diarrhea • Constipation • Hepatitis
With two convenient locations in your area, getting the care you need has never been easier. For more information, call the office nearest you or talk to your primary care physician.
David A. Atefi, M.D.
E. C. (Chris) Cameron, M.D.
Sagar S. Garud, M.D., MS
- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser -
Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open:
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Yasmin K. Karim, M.D.
Kamil Obideen, M.D
- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser -
91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534
- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser -
Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open: Insurances, Including Kaiser - Suite 305Forsyth 1800 Northside Dr.,GA 91 Nordson Overlook, |2nd Dawsonville, 30534 Our New Location Open: 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500Is| Now Cumming, GA 30041 Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open: Suite 350 | Cumming, GA 30041
Now providing safe, painless hemorrhoid banding
Cumming 1505 Northside Boulevard Suite 2000
(770) 886 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com
91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA305 30534 91 Nordson Overlook, Suite | Dawsonville, GA 30534 Our 2nd3500 Location 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite | Cumming, GA 30041
81 Northside Dawson Dr., Suite 305 3555 | www.npobgyn.com (770) 886 -Blvd, New 2nd Location Is Now 1505 Northside Suite 3500 GA 30041 Dawsonville, Ga| Cumming, 30534 Open:
1505 Northside Blvd, Suite ances,Overlook, Including KaiserSuite -886 3555 | www.npobgyn.com (770) -305 son | Dawsonville, GA 3500 30534| Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 886 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com
rthside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, ew 2nd Location Is Now Open: GA 30041 www.npobgyn.com Overlook, Suite 305|| Dawsonville, GA 30534 886 - 3555
side Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041
86 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com
770.781.4010
Dawsonville 81 Northside Dawson Drive Suite 305
770.781.4010
Now Offering Pediatric and Adolescent Care Located Next to Children's Hospital of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
For more information, visit www.atlantagastro.com or call toll free: 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242]. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
CHOA 100 percent dedicated to kids For the Forsyth County News
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the only health care system in Georgia that has improved the lives of children by providing the special care they need — for 100 years. The Children’s heritage began in 1915 when an orthopaedic surgeon named Michael Hoke decided to donate services out of two rented cottages with 20 patient beds in Decatur, establishing the Scottish Rite C o nv a l e s c e n t H o m e f o r Crippled Children.
The system’s humble beginnings also feature the establishment of Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children in 1928, which pioneered programs in pediatric care; and Hughes Spalding Pavilion in 1952, which served African Americans and provided a training facility for AfricanAmerican doctors at a time when no such hospital existed in Atlanta. Through the generosity and vision of many physicians, staff and community members, Children’s serves kids from all
159 counties in Georgia and has more than 850,000 patient visits each year. Today, it is recognized as one of the top pediatric health care institutes in the country. While other health care facilities might offer a pediatric department, pediatrics has been Children’s only focus for 100 years. Its history is one of breakthroughs, milestones and achievements that have positioned the organization as a national leader in pediatric care. Children’s is dedicated to making kids better today and
FORSYTH COUNTY 911 CENTER
healthier tomorrow. As the organization marks a century of caring for kids, Children’s is just beginning. Its aim is to ensure children have access to the specialized care they need to make them feel better faster – and ensure a healthy future for generations to come. To reach this goal, Children’s is expanding and bringing together community pediatricians to build a system of integrated care, just for kids. The history is more than dates, buildings and administra-
tive decisions. At its core, the organization is about the kids and families treated, the donors and volunteers who provide support, and the dedicated staff, doctors and nurses. Since 1915, no one in Georgia has cared for more kids than Children’s. To learn more about the historic moments that make up the Children’s history, please visit choa.org/100years. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth is located at 410 Peachtree Pkwy. by The Collection at Forsyth.
17,812 4 7 2 8
Most calls in a month, August
Call taker positions
203,513 Total calls
41
Employees
3
Part-time employees
Radio positions
Training positions
Workers per shift
— Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
We’re honored
It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s le Look a little closer and you’ll discover that North
treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than a Northside for our expertise, they also know Visit us online at w
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
d to serve you
eading hospital for maternity and newborn care. hside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and
any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose us for our exceptional compassionate care. www.northside.com
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 7G
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
12,799
FORSYTH COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergencies answered
15,338 6:42
Apparatus dispatched to emergencies
Length in minutes/seconds of average response time
30
Support, administrative and fire marshal personnel
1,489
9.25
Plans reviewed by the fire marshal’s office
3,422 30
Building inspections by fire marshal’s office
Length in miles of hose carried by fire apparatus
17,900 1,649
Front-line fire apparatus and special operations vehicles
142 172
590
Child safety seats inspected
Firefighters in fire stations among three shifts
Amount of water in gallons carried by fire apparatus
Length in feet of all ladders carried by apparatus
448
Smoke alarms installed or batteries changed
Authorized personnel
— Note: All numbers are for 2014 unless otherwise noted.
Cumming
OPEN FOR THE 2015 SEASON
‘The Most Stunning Daffodil Garden Ever!’ Gibbs Gardens Fourth Annual Daffodil Festival bursts on the scene when more than 50 acres of blooming daffodils create a feast for the senses—beginning in March and continuing through mid-April. Gibbs Gardens has the distinction of being recognized as an American Daffodil Society Display Garden, one of only 25 in the USA. Over 20 million blooms, including 60 different varieties make up what Southern Living calls “the most spectacular display of blooms this side of Holland.”
www.gibbsgardens.com
®
770-893-1881 1987 Gibbs Drive Ball Ground, GA 30107
201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-1781 • cac2@cityofcumming.net www.cummingaquaticcenter.com
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9G
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FORSYTH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
51
Baseball/softball fields
25 3 17
Synthetic turf fields
36 223
Miracle League field
70
Scoreboards
Parks
Recreation centers
Playgrounds
81 14 1
Tennis courts
Approximate square miles of parkland
2,585 963
Acres encompassing County Parks
Acres Forsyth County owns on Sawnee Mountain
Full-time staff members
We Want to be
Your Family’s
Medical Care Provider.
Family Practice • Pediatrics • Obstetrics • Prenatal Care • Pharmacy On-site Laboratory Services On-Site Certified Application Counselors for the Health Insurance Marketplace *We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most Major Insurance Sliding Fee Scale Program* If you would like to request an appointment with any of our wonderful providers, or would like more information on our programs and services, please call (770)887-1668 or send us an email at info@ghms-inc.org. Serving Forsyth and surrounding counties since 1979, GHMS is open to anyone; regardless of income, insurance status, or language spoken. New patients are always welcome to our practice.
GHMS-Cumming Family Medical Center 260 Elm Street, Cumming, GA 30040 770.887.1668
GHMS-Canton Family Health Center 220 Oakside Lane, Canton, GA 30114 678.807.1050
GHMS-Bartow Family Health Center 775 West Avenue, Ste A, Cartersville, GA 30120 470.315.4689
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm Thursday: 8:00 am-7:30 pm Friday 8:00 am – 12 pm, Saturday: 9 am-1 pm
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am-7:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am-12 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am-7:30 pm
www.ghms-inc.org
Friday 8:00 am-12 pm
10G | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
SPORTS
2
National championships won by Forsyth County high school teams: Lambert soccer in 2012, Lambert baseball in 2014.
34
State championships won by Forsyth County high schools in the Georgia High School Association. Lambert has the most with 12.
52
Appearances by Forsyth County high school athletes or teams in Georgia High School Association state championship or tournament events in 2013-14.
421
Number of high school athletic coaches in Forsyth County, including community coaches.
$5 OFF a $25 purchase or more Excludes birdfood, optics, DSC Memberships, gift cards, previous purchases, sale and clearance items. Can not be combined with any other offers. Dawsonville location only. Expires April 29th, 2015.
425 Quill Drive, Suite 100 wsonville GA, 3053 Dawsonville 30534 (706) 429 0077 429-0077 www.WBU.com/Dawsonville
Bird Food - Bird Feeders - Bird Houses - Nature Gifts - Optics
forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11G
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
A Family Tradition for over 67 Years Thank You for Voting us #1
James Otwell Jr. opened Andean Chevrolet 67 years ago, naming the business after daughters Patricia Anne and Sara Dean – coining the well known Andean name. Today it is still owned and operated by the founder’s son, daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandsons.
Pictured from left to right: Jacob, Janet, Joseph, Deanie, Jim, and John Otwell
67 YEARS AND GOING STRONG! Monday - Saturday 9am-8pm Closed Sunday
770-887-2316 527 Atlanta Road Cumming
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Other facilities might treat children, but they’re not Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. From broken bones to cancer, we’re the only healthcare system in Atlanta 100% dedicated to treating kids. To learn more or to find the location near you, visit choa.org/locations.
IF YOU DON’T SEE
HOPE & WILL , IT’S NOT CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE
©2015 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.
OF ATLANTA.
CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH – 410 PEACHTREE PARKWAY, CUMMING, 404-785-3100