D e c e m b e r 2 2 , 2 0 1 6 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 9 , N o . 5 1
Tis’ the season to assemble toys
Local brotherhood of guys drinking beer come together for a cause ►►PAGE 8
Thank you, commissioners
Outgoing Boff, Tam recognized for service ►►PAGE 4
Traffic, water and cities
Local legislators discuss issues ►►PAGE 6
Fermob opens in Forsyth KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
Local law enforcement provides Christmas cheer The annual Cops and Kids event held Dec. 13 allowed nearly 150 local families to choose items and gifts, without having to worry about paying for it. Xander, Mariam Bolin, Hal Bennett, Stephen Lavin and Harlem enjoy picking out toys. Read more, Page 10.
French furniture company unveils headquarters ►►PAGE 16
Empty Nest Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22
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2 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
Employee reportedly steals $1,499 worth of gas 770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 143 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An employer went to the Forsyth County’s Sheriff’s Office after noticing an employee was reportedly stealing from him. The employer of a used car shop said he noticed the company’s fuel cost was extremely high. He reviewed the statement and noticed one of the gas cards, which was misplaced in October, had a multiple charges on it. The 50-year-old employee had access to the other employees’ pin numbers as he had previously filled up cars for
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Vandals damage church sign FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The sign in front of the Joy of All Who Sorrow Russian Orthodox church at 6728 Campground Road was shot multiple times Dec. 12.
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Father Eugene Antonov showed a deputy the sign which was shot at least twice. The bullets apparently passed through the sign and continued through to the front of the church. The bullets were found in front of the church, but a third hole was found in the back of the sign. Two of the exit holes were approximately 20 feet above the ground, so the deputy was unable to make a close inspection.
Burglars damage 82 storage units FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A deputy
performing routine patrols at 6 a.m., Dec. 11 of a business park noticed the gate for the Secure Self Storage facility on Parkway North Boulevard was open. Upon investigation, she saw the gate’s chain in the motor was cut and the storage units’ locks were cut off, ripped and damaged. Approximately 82 storage units were counted as damaged and possibly entered. The damage was estimated at well above $500. The cameras on scene were not available for viewing, but more information is expected when contact is made with the owner. Deputies found no one on the premises when they arrived.
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them. Video footage showed the employee filling up his own car using the gas card while using other people’s pin numbers. He was confronted about taking the gas, which totaled $1,499 in charges, and he reportedly admitted it. The employee was terminated and said he was going to pay back the money for the gas. According to the police report, the employee had not paid it back yet and the employer wanted to press charges.
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
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Friendship Lane, Dawsonville, was arrested Dec. 11 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI, open container and improper passing. ►► Shawn Douglas Gravitt, 24, of Sunrise Circle, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 15 on Canton Highway in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and driving on the wrong side of an undivided highway. ►► Michael Keith Wood, 33, of Lawson
Circle, Gainesville, was arrested Dec. 14 on Browns Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Randy Yother, 40, of Medlock Road, Gainesville, was arrested Dec. 15 on Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville for DUI, failure to maintain lane and too fast for conditions. ►► Shruti Pathak, 25, of Griffin Trail Way, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 13 on Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming for DUI and driving on the wrong side of an undivided street. ►► Amanda Leigh Blanchard, 38, of Waverly Court, Dawsonville, was arrested Dec. 13 on Browns Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane, possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamines. ►► Randolph Scott Wyrembelski, 54, of
Archer Avenue, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 15 on Archer Avenue in Cumming for DUI. ►► Ku Woo Rhee, 81, of Wentworth Drive, Duluth, was arrested Dec. 15 on Wentworth Drive in Duluth for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to report striking a fixed object.
DRUG arrests ►► Keiara Bianca Folson, 25, of Hollow
Brook Court, Sugar Hill, was arrested Dec. 13 on McGinness Ferry Road in Suwanee for possession of marijuana and speeding. ►► Jimmie Mario Tucker, 29, of Mead Road, Decatur, was arrested Dec. 14 on Buford Highway in Cumming for possession of marijuana.
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 3
What is Blended Vision? By Niraj Desai, M.D.
Niraj Desai, M.D.
Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Undoubtedly, many folks in their 40’s who were previously unburdened by funny contraptions fashioned from glass and steel (aka glasses!) have painfully realized the limitations of the human visual system with ageing. Their ability to see near, far and everything in between begins to betray them and they awake one day wishing that their arms could grow just a few inches longer or, perhaps, that they could have a selfie stick fashioned as a book holder permanently attached to their arms (or perhaps, not). Funny or not, it is a real issue that affects patients as they turn the midlife corner.
The human visual system as an inherent ability to focus on near objects by a mechanism called ‘accommodation’. This begins to slow down in our 40’s and comes to a screeching halt around 60 years of age. For centuries then, your good eye doctor has been available to prescribe magnifying glasses so you may finish at long last , sew those newborn blankets and beat those crossword puzzles! That is all fine and well, but can you improve upon this concept of magnifying glasses when it is time for cataract surgery?
Happy Holidays from the Milan Eye Center team.
Yes, is the short answer. Though, beyond the scope of this article, there are a variety of options to help with the goal of unaided near or intermediate vision such as multifocal IOLs, monovision and blended vision. Let us focus on blended vision here. When a cataract is removed, whether you are far-sighted, near sighted or just a perfect specimen of optical humanity, ie no need for distance glasses, you lose your ability to focus within a 2-3 foot range. This can be addressed, however, with some planning and thought. One of the well received and well tolerated options for patients opting for insurance covered single vision implants at the time of cataract surgery is blended vision. Instead of defaulting both eyes for distance and, thereby, sacrificing all near and mid range focusing ability, the non-dominant eye is purposefully targeted to mid range vision. This allows a significant increase in functional vision during day to day tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping, playing sports, seeing the instrument panel when driving, working at the computer etc. Glasses are still sometimes necessary for reading fine print, but tablets such as the iPad with font expansion at your fingertips have done away with even this exception for many patients. Even patients with significant astigmatism can benefit from blended vision if they have toric IOLs implanted. By focusing the dominant eye, which some patients know as their ‘shooting eye’ or ‘aiming eye’, at distance, you cover the brain’s desire to have the dominant eye focus well at distance. The non-dominant eye then, is focused at a mid range target generally ~ 3 feet away or as desired by the patient. Alone, this eye then will not have the same sharpness as the dominant eye will at distance as it is focused on more near targets, but with both eyes open the vision is seamless from midrange and beyond. It imparts a tremendous ability to a visual system that is, otherwise, dependent on bifocals or progressives to function. Blended vision is not for everyone, but has shown great success in a large group of patients. Some caveats to consider are the need for over the counter glasses to read small print, possible haloes at night when driving and time needed to adapt to this new vision for some patients. In summary, cataract surgery has advanced in many ways and through careful planning and consultation, the patient may attain lifelong benefits by procedures such as blended vision.
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4 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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Outgoing commissioners recognized Jim Boff, Brian Tam end terms by end of year By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Two Forsyth County’s commissioners end their run as elected officials as this month comes to a close. Jim Boff and Brian Tam were recognized Dec. 15 through resolutions by their fellow commissioners and Sen. Michael Williams. Tam took office on Jan. 1, 2005, representing commission District 2. He was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as vice chairman of the board in 2005 and 2006, elected chairman in 2011 and elected secretary from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure on the board, Tam completed the Certified Commissioners’ Training Program through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. “It’s been an honor and privilege to serve,” Tam said. “I had no idea when I first came into office I would stay as long as I have. But it seems like the job is never done. You get into something and want to continue on to see it finished.” Tam was instrumental in the board decision to present to voters the $100 million Parks, Recreation and Greenspace Bond, which resulted in new passive parks and a recreation center in District 2. While serving as chairman of the transportation committee, Tam “had a vision for enhancing the county’s
transportation infrastructure which led to the transportation bond that ultimately was approved by the voters and will enhance the county’s roadways and benefit all the residents of Forsyth County,” the resolution read. Often over his 11 years of service, Tam said he was asked why he took the job and how he does it. “You try to listen more than you talk. Always try to build a consensus, even when you can’t,” Tam said. “The job is really what you make of it. But more importantly, it’s about coming to work. Because there are opportunities at every meeting for which you can do something for your constituents and this county if you do your homework, put the time in and show up at the meetings.” Boff took office on Jan. 1, 2009, representing commission District 5. He was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as secretary of the board in 2010, elected chairman in 2012 and elected vice chairman in 2013. During his tenure on the board, Boff also completed the Certified Commissioners’ Training Program through ACCG. Boff championed a new park in District 5 and voted to use green space funds from the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond which ultimately led to the construction of Haw Creek Park, the resolution read. Boff also recommended to the board of commissioners that a Ga. 20 East Overlay Committee be formed to discuss standards and enhancements for Ga. 20 which resulted in the approval of the Buford Highway Overlay District,
I had no idea when I first came into office I would stay as long as I have. But it seems like the job is never done. You get into something and want to continue on to see it finished.” BRIAN TAM Forsyth County commissioner the resolution read. “During my time I’ve tried to be a good public servant and represent my district in the entire county,” Boff said. “As time has gone on, it’s become more apparent to me how much support and guidance I’ve needed and how much I’ve received along the way.” Williams said no one knows better than the board how it is to be a commissioner in a fast growing county. “I’ve talked with several other elected officials across the state and there’s consensus you guys have the most difficult position of any elected official,” Williams said. Neither Boff nor Tam ran for reelection. Rick Swope will take over for Tam, and Laura Semanson for Boff. The new commissioners will begin in January.
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 5
NEWS
6 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
Local legislators discuss community topics Subjects include water, traffic, possible municipalities By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The creation of new municipalities, water and transportation were among the topics covered Dec. 13 at the annual pre-legislative session breakfast hosted by the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. Michael Williams, Rep. Wes Cantrell, Rep. Geoff Duncan, Rep. Sheri Gilligan, Rep. Kevin Tanner and Rep.-elect Todd Jones took on local, state and national issues at the event just weeks before they go back into session in January. Asked about creation of new municipalities, Gilligan said officials need to look at the best options for the county and residents. “Studies must be done and looked at in all sincerity,” she said. “Then we have to find the best solution for all of us. Whether that means it would result in the creation of a new city or not, I don’t know the answer. Whether it expands the current city of Cumming, I don’t know the answer to that. But there are a lot of conversations to have. We need to sit down, not be angry and not have a dog in the fight to find out the best solution.” On another subject, Duncan said there will be more decisions on the local level concerning the “water wars” between Georgia’s neighbors on shared bodies of water. “The biggest step we can take is
KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. Michael Williams, Rep. Wes Cantrell, Rep. Geoff Duncan, Rep. Sheri Gilligan, Rep. Kevin Tanner and Representative elect Todd Jones discuss issues facing Forsyth County. make local decisions on water and not make it a federal issue,” Duncan said. “Many of those decisions are made from people in Washington, D.C. who have never been down here and don’t realize the economic impact. It’s a great trend to see decisions being made more locally.” Tanner said while no one really knows what will happen with the water wars, recently more cites have been using technology to control water consumption. “If we continue to see that trend, there will be opportunities to be able to show Forsyth and Cumming can treat water at a higher quality,” he said. “That will allow us to draw the water out and pump cleaner water back into our rivers and lakes.” Officials were also asked about a plan that would return water back to Lake Lanier, basically creating a system of water independence. Williams said multiple legislators have already spoken with the Georgia Environmental CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A
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Protection Division twice in the past two years to advocate Forsyth getting its own straw to the lake. “Hopefully in the next couple of years it’ll happen,” Williams said. “So we are just waiting for it to happen.” Gilligan added legislators been meeting with national and local agencies to explore access to water sources. “We have to make sure the EPD and (Environmental Protection Agency) are not going to change the rules when we get started,” she said. “We have the technology, capability and staff who are willing to do everything they can to make this happen. We just need to make the rule set in stone, strong enough that we can actually go forward with the plan.” Mass transit was another hot topic. Gooch, who is vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said the different transit systems need to unite. “We have a lot of transit systems over Georgia. There are 120 systems,”
Gooch said. “Cities and counties have their own systems. Forsyth County has a public transit system. The problem we’re seeing is these systems are not working together. We as taxpayers are paying for things we should be getting more out of. The state, House and Senate are looking at how to solve this problem.” If the issue can be resolved, Gooch said it could allow an expansion of transit up Ga. 400 into areas where it’s needed. “Obviously Forsyth County is growing at a rapid pace,” he said. “You’re going to need some kind of public transit. We’re going to have to put people on buses and other forms of transit. I’m not saying MARTA will move into Forsyth County, ever. But the county may, with its leadership, decide to partner with an entity. If we can consolidate the regional transit authorities into one, you’ll see better expansion in the near future of five to 10 years.”
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 7
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8 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
OPINION
Somewhere among all these guys are the toys they assembled to make sure local children have a merry Christmas.
HATCHER HURD/HERALD
Christmas giving a two-way street B.O.G.S.A.D.B.A.P.T.T.* raises season’s spirits (*Bunch of Guys Sitting Around Drinking Beer and Putting Together Toys) LAKEMONT SUBDIVISION – Tis the Christmas season for the celebrants for a certain band of brothers who harken to the words, “Some assembly required.” For some, the HATCHER HURD yuletide season Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com begins Thanksgiving weekend with pulling out all the Christmas decorations and putting up the lights around the house. And of course for merchants and shopping malls it begins the day after Labor Day these days. For the rest of us, the Christmas season has many rituals that may signal the true start of the holiday season. For some it is the ritual of picking out just the right Christmas tree to take home and decorate. For others it may be sending out handwritten cards to friends and family. For one dedicated group of guys, the Christmas season begins on the first Friday in December with what has become a now-27-year ritual known as
Bunch of Guys Sitting Around Drinking Beer and Putting Together Toys. From all across North Fulton and beyond they come. These sturdy lads each year take the pledge to assemble one wheeled toy to be delivered to the Greater North Fulton Charities to brighten one child’s Christmas morning. In return, we have a reunion of sorts, for many of the faces have become quite familiar. I was not an original inductee into the brotherhood, but I did receive my 20-year pin not too long ago, and I am considered one of the elder statesmen of the group – well, one of the elders anyway. It was begun all those years ago by two Roswell attorneys, Rich O’Donnell and Steve Dorvee, who decided to sponsor a party that required participants to come with a toy (preferably with wheels) and assemble it during the party. Messrs. O’Donnell and Dorvee in turn would provide food and beer and other accoutrements for the mutual conviviality of all. This “some assembly required” party largely consists of the old hands standing around kibitzing as the newbies struggle with tools or the directions
(one memorable soul had directions in five languages – only English was missing). My “rookie” year is still remembered among the old hands as I struggled with only a short-handled screwdriver to piece together a large wooden airplane with wheels, wings, propeller all devised by Satan. I was mercifully rescued by a couple of guys who finished it because they wanted to get home before dawn. Once assembled, all of this rolling stock winds up in the hands of the Greater North Fulton Charities and the Roswell Child Development. These worthy organizations use the presents to bring cheer to children who otherwise would not have much to cheer about Christmas Day, So each year, the true meaning of Christmas is brought home to me again. For me the Christmas season begins that first Friday in December. This holiday is about giving, not receiving. No gift I receive under the tree gives me quite the inner glow that the one child’s bicycle I bring each year to Casa O’Donnell, the Squire of Lakemont Court. I know at least one kid is going to
get that thrill I received when I saw my first bike that one Christmas morning that is now dim in the mist of time. None of us mention any of this during the party, of course. We talk about the usual stuff guys do in such informal occasions – football, baseball, politics – and then repeat. I don’t know if it is simply a product of getting older, but I find it particularly satisfying when I can find a gift that will truly mean something to the recipient. You know, not just another sweater or gadget in among the pile of sweaters and gadgets we always give. Maybe it’s an old photograph of a loved one you found and put in a new frame. Perhaps it’s some other forgotten memento from the past that you give to someone who will appreciate it. I guess I lean toward the sentimental, but isn’t that the dominant emotion during Christmas? I think the best presents can’t be bought at Macy’s. At this time of year, aren’t we usually busy trying to recapture what we loved best about the Christmases past? That was what Dickens tapped into with his “Christmas Carol.” So each time the first Friday in December rolls around, I content myself with creating at least one special Christmas memory for a child I’ll never see or know. And that gives me a warm feeling right down to my mistletoes.
NEWS
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 9
Holiday
The county is seeking public input on the proposed Ga. 369 widening project.
County holds open house regarding Ga. 369 widening project Also seeks input on Ga. 369 over Ga. 400 interchange project
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County held a public information open house Dec. 13 to give citizens a chance to learn more about a proposed project to widen Ga. 369 and upgrade the intersection of Ga. 369 and Ga. 400. The Forsyth County Engineering Department along with the design group American Engineers, Inc. held the public information open house regarding a proposed project that would widen Ga. 369/Browns Bridge Road from an existing two-lane roadway from just west of Ga. 9 to slightly east of Ga. 306 – a distance of approximately 2.4 miles. The proposed typical section of Ga. 369 would include four 12-foot wide travel lanes (two lanes in each direction) with a 20-foot wide raised median, 10-foot wide multi-use trail along the south and 5-foot wide sidewalks along the north. The right-of-way is anticipated to be a corridor width of 120 feet along the Ga. 369 mainline. In addition to the proposed road-
way widening, the project will include a replacement of the existing signalized intersection of Ga. 400 and Ga. 369 with a grade-separated, partial cloverleaf interchange. Funding for the widening and intersection upgrade comes from the Forsyth County Transportation Bond approved by voters in 2014. Written statements concerning the project will be accepted until January 21, 2017. Written statements may be submitted to: Tim Allen Assistant Director, Forsyth County Engineering Department 110 E. Main Street, Suite 120 Cumming, Georgia 30040 The displays used at the public information open house and the meeting transcript will be available for review until December 23 at the Forsyth County Engineering Department located in the County Administration Building at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 120, in Cumming. For more information on this proposed project and other county transportation projects, visit forsythco.com and click on Transportation Projects near the bottom of the home page.
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10 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
A ‘BLUE’ CHRISTMAS:
COMMUNITY
Cops and Kids brings Christmas to local children Fraternal Order of Police event supports hundreds of families By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — While many families and children are looking forward to Christmas just around the corner, some in the community may be worried about being able to provide gifts. But thanks to the annual Cops and Kids event, nearly 150 families won’t have to worry this year. For the 21st year, the Sgt. David P. Land Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge brought its annual Cops and Kids holiday shopping event to the Cumming Walmart Dec. 13. FOP President Eric Silveus said children who might not otherwise receive Christmas presents are paired with law enforcement officers from Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Cumming Police and surrounding agencies, including Sandy Springs Police, Johns Creek Police, Brookhaven Police, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol and Fulton County Police, to shop the night away. Often the children will pick gifts for siblings or items for the home that many people take for granted. “They’ll shop for siblings or buy something for their parents,” he said. “A lot of times it’s sad because they’ll
Arturo and Ricardo Chavez enjoy picking out items with Cindi Thacker.
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
Sean Owen, Elli Owen, Bill Loring, Abbi Owen, Nathalie Van Bever and Justin Scoggins choose items to buy. buy basic necessities for themselves like shampoo, towels or a blanket.” Donations from citizens provide $100 for each shopper, and the children are chosen through the Forsyth County Schools system. “Every year the program grows,” Silveus said. “No matter the circumstance, we try to support all the children.” Some of the shoppers are from Abba House, a Christian addiction recovery ministry for women, and the Bald Ridge Lodge, a non-profit stabilization and assessment center for boys. Amber Koentop recently graduated a ministry program from Abba House. And because she doesn’t make much money, she brought her children, Evan and Lexie, for the first time this year. “It was awesome. The deputy was nice and friendly, helped the kids pick things out and joked around with them,” Koentop said. “This is such a blessing. Shop with a cop helps us come out and do stuff like this so my kids can have a Christmas just like everybody else.” The event is beneficial for the children, families and officers, and Silveus
Sophia and Angel Bogart are excited to see Santa.
Kelly Burndrett helps Zury Placensia choose socks.
said the officers might even get more from the program. “It’s a great program for the officers to interact with the children in a different light,” he said. “A lot of times the officers go out in negative settings like car accidents or domestic situa-
tions. Often the children see the officers through unforeseen circumstances and through no control of their own. Tonight bridges the gap between law enforcement and the children to try and make at least one night special during the holidays.”
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 11
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12 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
COMMUNITY
Brandywine ES receives large book donation Gift comes from Change4Georgia, Better World Books, Georgia Dept. of Education By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Visiting the media center and checking out a book or two can be an exciting time during a student’s day. And now at Brandywine Elementary School, there are 2,000 more options. Thanks to a donation from Better World Books to local nonprofit Change4Georgia who then gave the books to Brandywine, the school nearly doubled its library book collection. Remington Youngblood, the CEO of Change4Georgia and a student at Lambert High School, said one of the group’s main focuses is literacy. Since its inception, the nonprofit has collected over 200,000 books. Those books are then distributed to military veteran families or local schools. “Reading is an enjoyable pastime,” Youngblood said. “It cannot only entertain you but also help with your education and classes.” This donation will help kick start Brandywine’s library as the school opened in August.
A donation of 2,000 books were given to Brandywine Elementary School. “We hope this gives the students the sense that reading is important even though it may not seem like it or they may not think it is fun,” Youngblood said. “It’s such an important thing from a young age to be able to learn how to read because you’ll use that skill for the rest of your life.” Reading is something Georgia Su-
perintendent Richard Woods enjoys and has since he was little. “My mom made sure I always had a book in my hand,” Woods said. “Books and reading allow you to succeed in all classes, not just English.” This donation was also in partnership with the Georgia Department of
KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
Education, which has given out more than 100,000 books over the past year to children throughout the state. “We care about you and want you to have books in your hands,” Woods told a class of students. “Reading is that important. It’s something once you learn and take with you, the world is in your hands.”
LHS football team spreads Christmas joy Team partners with Change4Georgia to bring gifts to homeless children By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Christmas and gifts go hand-in-hand for most children, but some local families are forced to go without. Thanks to the giving hearts at Lambert High School and Change4Georgia, however, dozens of children can enjoy the holidays with the rest of their peers. The Lambert High School football team recently partnered with Change4Georgia to bring hundreds of presents to the families at the Rainbow Village homeless shelter in Duluth. This is the second time that they have held a toy collection drive for Rainbow Village, which was started and headed by Change4Georgia member and Lambert High School senior quarterback Richie Kenney. Last year, they donated mostly sports equipment, but this year, the students went out of their
way to fulfill Christmas wish lists by the children at Rainbow Village. “For the kids, knowing that it’s other students from other areas coming to give back to them means so much more to them than just a bunch of parents donating money,” Kenney said. “Seeing students come and bring them gifts, and then hanging out with them just means a lot to them.” The Lambert High School Change4Georgia members also regularly visit the Rainbow Village children on Fridays to spend time and act as positive role models. “More members have been wanting to get involved this year after seeing the pictures of us playing with the kids,” Kenney said. “I’ve had so many football teammates approach me this year asking to help out.” Remington Youngblood, a student at Lambert High School and the Change4Georgia president, said that they have been receiving great feedback from the school and at Rainbow Village for their partnership. Kenney and Youngblood delivered the toys and other donations Dec. 15, just in time for the holidays. They said that it was a delight to meet the re-
cipients in person and see the children’s faces light up with joy when they got their presents. “I’m very proud of the program, and the people that have helped it grow,” said Kenney, who is graduating this year. “It’s always good to leave a program more successful than when it was when I got here.” Kenney and the football team’s work at Rainbow Village is just one example of the projects created through JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD Change4Georgia. The Richie Kenney, left, and Remington Youngblood hold founder, Youngblood, some of the presents that they collected for homeless first started Changechildren. 4Georgia when he was 10 years old and was unable to find comservice projects for homelessness, the munity service opportunities because environment, military, literacy and of his age. His difficulties inspired him senior citizens. to create his own program, which now Change4Georgia regularly holds serspans across the Atlanta area and is vice and leadership opportunities year inclusive for all students. round for people of all ages. To learn In Forsyth County alone, there are more and to get involved, visit changeover 130 student members that tackle 4georgia.org.
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 13
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14 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
Sharon ES honored as Blue Ribbon School Ga. Superintendent Richard Woods visits school
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — It has been said it “takes a village to raise a child.” And at Sharon Elementary School, that is exactly what they’re doing. It’s also why the school was one of seven Georgia public schools named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. Forsyth County has six schools which have earned this distinction. Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized in two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. Sharon earned its award for high performance. Schools with that distinction include some of the highest performing schools in their states as measured by state assessments
Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods listens as students discuss their work.
National Blue Ribbon Schools from Forsyth • Sharon Elementary School, 2016 • Johns Creek Elementary School, 2015 • South Forsyth Middle School, 2014 • Daves Creek Elementary School, 2013 • Big Creek Elementary School, 2011, 2001 • Otwell Middle School, 1991 or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels. Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods visited the school Dec. 12 and said purposeful expectations are one reason Sharon earned this honor. “Excellence doesn’t happen by chance, but by design,” Woods said. “From the leadership of (Forsyth Superintendent) Dr. Jeff Bearden to the school level, the expectations are very spot on.” Woods said he can see that there is a team effort taking place at Sharon. “They are expanding their possibilities here,” Woods said. “Learning is not just something students receive, but it’s something they participate it.” Principal Amy Bartlett said it takes a collective effort from parents, teachers and the community to fully educate students. “We focus on relationships and
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PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
Sharon Elementary School was recently recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. From left, Assistant Principal Jenny Spartz, Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods, Principal Amy Bartlett, Forsyth Superintendent Jeff Bearden and Assistant Principal Megan Thompson accept the award. continuous improvement and innovation,” she said. “We have to identify how we want to improve and always work toward that.” A lot of the programs in place at Sharon are built off of Bill Daggett’s “The Daggett System for Effective Instruction,” specifically his work of rigor, relevance and relationships. “Relationships are fundamentally the foundation of everything we do,” Bartlett said. “Then we talk about how we can enhance the level of rigor in our education. The relevant piece is figuring
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out how to make things tangible for our students. We want them to experience learning rather than just reading or being told about something.” And with all the techniques and programs combined, Bartlett said this honor is a “great affirmation.” “It shows what can happen when you have that collective effort,” Bartlett said. “It’s all stakeholders, not just one facet. It’s the synergy that comes from everyone working together. We are unlocking the potential of our students here at Sharon.”
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 15
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Prosperity is pouring over the borders. For Forsyth County, folks have been running into the county year after year. You have a choice of where to put your business where the growth is. ROB WOODALL, U.S. Rep. 16 | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016
Fermob opens headquarters in Forsyth French patio furniture company is wholesale distributor By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — If you’re looking for outdoor furniture with a French flair, look no farther than Forsyth County. Fermob is a French wholesale distributor of outdoor lounge furniture products and accessories. Fermob USA sells outdoor furniture directly to the trade and to consumers through a network of retailers. It’s known for its eco-friendliness as well as bright color options. Multiple parks around the United States have Fermob’s chairs. The company officially opened its new 40,000-square-foot United States headquarters Dec. 12 at 1610 Redi Road in Cumming. Its former location was in Dawsonville, but the company had outgrown its 19,000-square-foot facility. Fermob USA has grown steadily over the years and needs more warehouse space to accommodate growth, according to Leslie Thompson, Fermob COO. “We are thrilled about our European-inspired building as it offers a
The ribbon cutting Dec. 12 marks the opening of Fermob’s new United States headquarters in Cumming.
modern open office design to encourage collaboration among our employees,” she said. “The new warehouse will help us streamline our processes and increase efficiencies so we can continue to grow and serve our customers.” Her husband, Jim Thompson is president of the American location and said the couple fell in love with the company while visiting France. “We thought the chairs we saw would be great for a pine table I was building,” he said. “But it’s turned into much more than that.” The couple chose Forsyth as they liked the community and lived there already. “I was looking for a place for quite
a while, but there was nothing that fit my need,” Jim Thompson said. “So we ended up going the building route. And we are happy to have done it.” They couldn’t have picked a better place, according to U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall who represents Forsyth. “Prosperity is pouring over the borders. For Forsyth County, folks have been running into the county year after year. You have a choice of where to put your business where the growth is,” Woodall said. And Fermob national President Bernard Reybier also says the company’s new American headquarters will thrive. “Georgia is the right place to embrace the European spirit,” Reybier said. “Fermob is a mix of European style with French style. I am so proud of what we have done and what we will do together.” To learn more about Fermob, visit fermobusa.com
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 17
New Year momentum based on data, not opinion The housing market seems to have gained a momentum as we turn the corner into 2017. Whereas in years past, it seemed to be experts’ optimism GEOFF SMITH that fueled moAssurance Financial, mentum leading gsmith@lendtheway.com into the new year, this year the data is doing the talking. According to RE/MAX of Georgia, there were 32 percent more closed transactions in the Metro Atlanta area this past November compared to November 2015. In that same period, the median price of those homes jumped 6 percent. I am a mortgage banker and in my industry everyone likes to have a theory as to why homebuyers are doing what they are doing. This summer, housing activity was relatively flat for what is normally the busiest time of the year. Many folks quipped that people were just waiting for the election to get over with. I heard stories of how millennials were clogging things up delaying buying their starter homes because they were either strapped with too much student debt, or they just don’t care about buying houses. They were perfectly comfortable enjoying the freedom that renting affords. Theories are just coming in as to why activity now is picking up during what is usually the slow time of year. Housing inventory levels have stayed pretty low throughout the year, but they did seem to stop dropping. Last year, inventory levels dropped steadily as the metro area added almost 90,000 jobs while
about the same number of people move here. New construction could not keep up. I have not seen those population numbers for 2016 yet, but there was a surge in permits issued for new home construction. Among major metropolitan U.S. cities, the Atlanta Metro area ranked third in new housing permits issued through October of this year with 31,174, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Of those, 19,804 were single-family units and 11,236 were five units or more. In the same period for 2015, only 25,234 permits had been issued, and that was up from 21,787 in 2014. Each of those years was a sharp increase compared to 2009 when permits bottomed out at only 5,393. But they were still nowhere near the pre-recession numbers in 2006 when 60,764 permits were issued. While we did see a healthy increase in new permits issued this year, many wonder why there weren’t more. Builders give many reasons. Everyone agrees that skilled labor is hard to find. After construction came essentially to a halt in 2008, many workers either switched to other industries or moved back to their home countries. Builders today are competing
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for skilled workers to build their projects and that slows the building process and drives up costs. Many builders also say that increased regulations at the local levels have made permitting and building more cumbersome and expensive. And I just read a report in the Wall Street Journal where some national builders are blaming those millennials for staying on the sidelines and not doing their share to stoke greater demand for lowerpriced housing. There is another theory as to why builders are focusing on the more upmarket buyers. Mortgage interest rates have risen sharply since the presidential election. The average 30-year conventional rate has risen a full 1 percent from around 3.5 percent to almost 4.5 percent, according to Mortgage News Daily. If you bought a $350,000-house today, you would be paying almost $160 more a month than you would have if you bought the house just before the election. The rise in rates has not dampened the spirits of homebuilders, though. According to another Wall Street Journal article, the National Association of Home Builders’ sentiment measure rose to its highest level since July of 2005. The article says homebuilders believe that a President Trump will improve the economy and clear many of the regulatory hurdles that either stifle some construction projects or make them too costly. Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group
Getting referrals from networking events Do you attend networking events as part of your weekly routine? How many networking events are you going to each month? Attending networking events should be a top priority for small business owners because they DICK JONES can help generate a lot Founder & President of new business leads. Jones Simply Sales For many small business owners, networking events have lost their importance as a concept in their overall growth strategy. Without a plan for networking, your small business will not grow to its maximum potential. It’s best to start by putting together a plan and strategy on where you are going to spend your time, how often you are going to do this, and what your specific objectives are for doing this. Showing up at a lot of events, shaking a lot of hands, and handing out a lot of business cards is not a measure of effective networking. When you show up at a networking event, be prepared. It is not the time to spend 20 minutes telling a few people about your business. It’s a time to spend a few minutes with a lot of people letting them know who you are, what you do, the type of customers you serve, and the value you provide. Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries, business associations, industry groups, and professional associations all offer a tremendous opportunity to develop new contacts. Pick your networking events wisely because going to all of them is simply impossible. If you’re not attending networking events, you’re missing a big opportunity to generate more business leads. Put a plan together and get out there. You’ll be happy you did!
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18 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
BUSINESSPOSTS
Crabapple: More than quaint; now a destination With 7 restaurants, posh boutiques, City Hall on the way, Crabapple transforming into trendiest new ZIP code By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – For 40 years the cachet for Crabapple had always been quaint and charming with good antiques stores. Well, Crabapple has grown along with the rest of Milton and now looks poised to parlay its charm to become a signature destination for all of North Fulton. Once a quiet back-channel way to get from Alpharetta to Roswell, Crabapple now boasts vibrant neighborhoods and a thriving “Main Street” with shops, businesses and a growing array of fine restaurants. Joining in the construction boom is Milton’s new City Hall. It is looking more and more like Crabapple will be the hub of city life in Milton. Working arm-in-arm to make Milton a premier North Fulton destination are Adam Orkin, CEO of Orkin & Associates, and Ron Wallace, the former president of UPS International who makes Milton his home and who doesn’t know the meaning of retirement. Both are bent on making that once sleepy village of Crabapple into a truly unique place. “There won’t be any chain stores, no neon. What you will see is traditional neighborhood development,” Orkin said. Their development, flying under the banner of Crabapple Market, wants to create an urban corridor that will be
SPECIAL/CRABAPPLE MARKET
Space is available for retail or office in Crabapple Market.
inviting. Instead of Avalon, Crabapple Market will evoke Seaside, Fla., or Carmel, Calif., Orkin said. “Visitors will see the same great architecture, traditional neighborhoods, and it is all walkable,” Orkin said. What Orkin and Wallace are doing is taking that traditional hometown everyone remembers and recreating it on the bones of Crabapple. Trendy small businesses and one-off restaurants and eateries dot the main drag, Crabapple Road, while a unique mix of housing is rising up along both sides. With Milton’s City Hall coming up out of the ground, Orkin and Wallace are promising a throwback community with more in common with 1901 than 2001. “We are making a community that will appeal to people because, for many, it is the hometown they’ve left behind,” said Wallace. That appeal doesn’t just happen. It is something Orkin and the Milton Planning Department are carefully crafting. “What has kept Carmel the same charming city known all over? It’s the tough development codes that recognize the elements that make Carmel what it is,” Orkin said. Called the New Urbanism, it calls for replacing the urban sprawl patterned after development since the 1960s. It is a return to walkable village-like communities where shops, offices and
Milton’s Crabapple community is rapidly becoming a place people want to live, work and play. Two of the architects behind this reimagining of Crabapple are entrepreneur Ron Wallace and developer Adam Orkin, standing outside Wallace’s Olde Blind Dog in Crabapple.
SPECIAL/CRABAPPLE MARKET
Architecture, landscape and hardscape should all come together to create an harmonious effect, says developer Adam Orkin.
homes are in the same mix of uses. “Milton is in the forefront for such traditional neighborhoods, Orkin said. “Places where you can park your car and walk, bike or take a golf cart to move around. The city leaders get it.” The look of Crabapple is no accident. City Architect Bob Buscemi and Development Director Kathleen Field have a good understanding of what makes downtown a walkable community, Orkin said. It is so important that the three elements – architecture, landscape and streetscape – work together in harmony, he said. “So the building, the landscape and the elements of the hardscape – the manmade elements of a space – all blend to create one harmony.” Crabapple is also finding it appeals to small business owners who have their own ideas about what people want. Milton is a city with a lot of talented people who bring their ideas to a place like Crabapple, he said. Orkin pointed to Urban Farmhouse. It is an old farmhouse home designer Kim Hirsch has stocked with an eclectic inventory of furnishings, designs and accessories to suit her unique vision. Up the street is Henry & Pearl Apparel and Gifts. Wallace says it is typical of shops in Crabapple because the people who serve you are often the owners. “The people who come here to open a business are drawn to do what they are doing. And they like to do it in Crabapple,” Wallace said.
Dining out in Crabapple* OLD BLIND DOG – Only Irish pub to be named “Best Irish Pub” outside of Ireland. ‘Nuff said. St. Patrick’s Day is not to be missed. MILTON’S CUISINE & COCKTAILS – The oldest restaurant on the block. Fine quality white tablecloth dining featuring “New Southern” cuisine from Chef Derek Dollar. CANS TAQUERIA – CANS has the Mexico City cuisine with millennial atmosphere. Casual chic that is family friendly too. INDIGO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE – Crabapple’s new fine dining restaurant and an instant success. Owner/executive chef Todd Hogan has done it again. Excellent food, elegant ambience and live music that adds mood to the magic. 850f BARPIZZA – Boasts the largest American whiskey selection bar none. Pizza correctly cooked at 850 degrees Fahrenheit. Pasta, penne, meatballs, calamari, wings just for starters. Full bar with wine. A good fit in Crabapple. GRAND CHAMPION BBQ – Wood pit and slow cooked – just like granddaddy did. In addition to pit-cooked barbecue, patrons rave about its brisket and Brunswick stew. Mac and cheese draws praise also. MUGS ON MILTON – The laid-back coffee shop without the Starbucks hoopla. Closed Sundays, it offers great coffee and a different sandwich five days of the week with basil tomato soup Mondays. *Three more restaurants are in negotiations to locate in Crabapple
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 19
APPEN MEDIA CONGRATULATES THE FCS PALADINS AND ROSWELL HORNETS ON TREMENDOUS SEASONS! 2016 marked the second consecutive appearance in the state championship for the Roswell Hornets. They went up against Grayson and would lose in overtime 23–20, giving them a 14-1 record on the year. The Fellowship Christian Paladins had the most successful season in school history, going 13-1 and making it to the Class-A private state championship for the first time ever. The Paladins ultimately lost in double overtime 34-27 to the defending champions Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN Head Coach: Al Morrell 2 Braden Webb 3 Ryan Reid 4 Merrick Haigler 5 Andrew Johnson 6 James Milhollin 8 Reed Bott
9 Trevor Lewis 10 Cody Tapley 11 Jack Hardin 12 Chase Cochran 13 Trey Robinson 14 John Consoli 15 Brooks Bryant 16 Hunter Mcmickle
17 Caleb Jackson 18 Nathan Shirley 19 Cam Cochran 21 Carter Isaacs 22 Blake Scott 23 Aj Nardone 24 Michael Ostenson 25 Ethan Minkert
26 Brandon Williams 27 Cameron Gill 28 Michael Pineyro 31 Davis Wynn 32 Jack Pritchard 33 Trexton Lewis 34 Garrett Depew 40 Matt Morton
44 Andrew Minkert 50 Matthew Curry 53 Brett Eppinger 54 Mason Russell 55 Jackson Eubanks 56 Jack Powers 60 Charlie Thompson 65 Nolan Lavergne
67 Zachary Murray 70 Billy Mccurry 72 Tad Aycock 76 Jackson Kreikemeier 77 Andrew Jordan 79 Davis Shaw
ROSWELL Head Coach: John Ford 1 Sheldon Evans 2 Corey Reed 3 Christian Ford 4 LeAnthony Williams 5 Jayden Comma 6 Gabe Reeves 7 Malik Willis 8 Kevin Holliday 9 Justin Ellis 10 Kentrell Barber 11 Melik Murchison 12 Walt Warren
13 Jack Pinniger 14 Jajuan White 15 Xavier McKinney 16 Jordan Ford 17 Justus Harris 18 Jalyn Williams 19 Tripp Cooper 20 Jesse Bridgman 21 Caleb Brown 22 Jaiden Harris 23 Thomas Bowie 24 Jacob Viccari 25 Christian Smith 26 Sam Antona
28 Ryan Pike 29 Cade Gonzales 30 Frankie Small 31 Sam DiRoberto 32 Koby Cumberlander 33 Griffin Allen 34 Max Boyd 35 Kevin Hong 36 Kamonty Jett 37 Tim Bolton 38 Matthew Smith 39 Josh Reid 40 Bret Simons 41 Matt Huelsman
42 Grant Whiteman 43 Cole Puckett 44 Cole Anderson 46 Cijay Morgan 47 Dane Delaune 48 Matthew Nay 49 Taylor McDonnell 50 LaMon Titus 51 Joe Lee Schlachter 52 Mitch Stone 53 Oscar Garcia 54 Lucas Adams 56 Cameron Schwartz 58 Rylan Summerour
59 Kent Donaldson 60 Shaun Rosenquist 61 Chandler Egan 62 Grant Silver 64 Keshawn Lawrence 65 Carson Barrett 66 Alex Barrett 67 Jack Whitten 68 Charles Vickers 70 Hudson Chuck 74 Alek Nikolich 75 Jack Nichols 77 Jordan Tucker 78 D’Andre Johnson
79 Christian Martin 80 Matthew DoVale 81 Jadon Henderson 83 Stephen Nganga 87 Onassis George 88 Tyneil Hopper 89 James Luster 91 Turner Barckhoff 92 Jeffrey Lubin 93 Thomas Green 96 Parker Hannon 97 Daniel Delacruz 99 Wesley Lucciola
20 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
CALENDAR MILTON CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
DWAN BOSMAN’S JAZZY CHRISTMAS
Enjoy the seasonal sounds of saxophonist Dwan Bosman and the Dwan Bosman Quartet as they move the crowd with jazzy renditions of Christmas tunes, just in time for the holidays. The show will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 7:3011 p.m. at The Velvet Note on 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thevelvetnote. com. Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton. com/Calendar.
‘ THE NUTCRACKER’ PERFORMANCES: ATLANTA BALLET
When: Through Dec. 24, times vary Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $20 More info and tickets: foxtheatre.org
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: GINGERBREAD HOUSES
What: Avoid the mess at home, and bring the family to the Publix Apron’s Cooking School to decorate their own gingerbread house. Children should be at least 4 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Publix, 4305 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: publix.com
AVALON ON ICE
What: Ice skate on the Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza. Watch for theme nights and enjoy warm, tasty treats rink side. Enjoy special events throughout the season and sign up for ice skating lessons. When: Through Jan. 22, 2017, times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: general admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com
ADVENTURE TO SANTA
What: Meet Santa Claus in this immersive holiday experience. This season, the all-new attraction lets the family join Po and Friends for interactive games and an immersive, cinematic journey. Photo packages available. When: Through Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Where: North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharetta.com
CHRISTMAS AT SMITH PLANTATION HOME
What: Enjoy images of Christmas, including reminders of traditions from years-gone-by. Decorations are set up in all 10 rooms, plus an outdoor cook house and exteriors. When: Through Jan. 2, 2017 Where: Smith Plantation House, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell More info: visitroswellga.com/ christmas-2016
CHRISTMAS AT THE ROSWELL VISITORS CENTER
What: Santa is holding court as the Visitors Center salutes the North Pole with an old-fashioned tree featuring bubble lights, tinsel, icicles and many vintage Santas from days gone by. Stop by for a family photo. When: Through Dec. 31, times vary Where: Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell More info: visitroswellga.com/ christmas-2016
SANTA’S VILLAGE LIGHT DISPLAY
What: Come see this holiday light display made up of about 14000 lights, including several additional displays and an animated singing Santa Band. Train rides are available. When: Through Dec. 31, 6-9 p.m. Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell More info: bit.ly/2fKmTbB
EVENTS: VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR
What: Facebook is giving people a chance to experience virtual reality. Attendees will be guided through several virtual worlds and can leave a GIF of themselves in VR to share with friends. When: Dec. 21-24, 27-28; times vary Where: Avalon Entertainment Center, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta
What: Milton Grows Green, with Casey Tree Experts and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, are hosting a Christmas tree recycling event. Or, for a $15 fee, Boy Scout Troop 841 will pick up your tree. When: Dec. 26-Jan. 7 Where: Scottsdale Farms, Milton High School and Home Depot, Milton More info: facebook.com/ events/1826737317602568
FORSYTH COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
What: Keep Forsyth County Beautiful invites residents to recycle their Christmas trees during the annual ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ event. Wood chips from recycled trees are available first-come, first served. When: Dec. 26-Jan. 7 Where: Six locations across Forsyth County More info: keepforsythcountybeautiful. com
watercolor, clay and more. When: Through Jan. 13, times vary Where: Roswell Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com
GEORGIA NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION EXHIBIT
What: The Georgia Nature Photographers present this quarter’s gallery hanging that highlights awardwinning photography taken throughout the state. Works are available for purchase. When: Through Feb. 28, times vary Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Cost: $10 for non-members, free for members More info and tickets: chattnaturecenter.org
LIBRARY EVENTS:
MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: TROUBLE IN TOYLAND
What: Lee Bryan, “That Puppet Guy,” will present a show about saving Christmas. The toys are unfinished, the elves are on strike, Santa has lost his laugh and Rudolph has a runny nose. When: Dec. 21-23, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell Cost: $5 More info and tickets: roswellcac.com
ALVIN STONE
What: Alvin Stone, a claims adjuster turned musician, will be performing “My Favorite Things.” Enjoy his soulful singing, characterized by a rich, powerful baritone and dramatic phrasing. When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 7:30-11 p.m. Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: $24 More info and tickets: thevelvetnote. com
SYNERGY
What: Thirteen artists from the Brushwork Society of Atlanta will present their artwork in the 2016 exhibition. Enjoy a variety of paintings, including landscape, still life and figurative work. All are for sale. When: Through Dec. 30 Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell More info: thebrushworksociety.com
HOLIDAY SHOW
What: Get into the holiday spirit with great local artwork at this annual Holiday Show. View works in a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil,
BACH TO ROCK TODDLER MUSIC CLASS
What: Everyone is invited to the Bach to Rock’s Rock-n-Roll music class. This is a high-energy and stimulating music and movement class for toddlers and their grown-up. Make sure to RSVP as space is limited. When: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 11-11:45 a.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: liane. wagner@fultoncountyga.gov
ESL GROUP
What: Join for a free chance to enhance your conversational English as a Second Language techniques. Ages 18 and up. For beginner to intermediate English speakers. No textbooks needed. When: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 4-5:30 p.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org
THURSDAY MORNING ESL
What: Practice conversational English skills with other ESL learners at this free class. For high beginner through advanced levels. New students accepted at any time. No textbooks needed. When: Thursday, Dec. 29, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: michael.salpeter@ fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-6735
CALENDAR
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 21
GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA:
Wintertime fishing tips for Delayed Harvest streams DROP-IN NEEDLECRAFT
What: Get together with like-minded crafters to socialize while you work on your projects. Come knit, crochet, embroider or cross-stitch at the library. No RSVP needed. When: Thursday, Dec. 29, 1-3 p.m. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org
PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185
FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958
OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: MIRACLE ON MONROE
What: Experience Atlanta’s first Christmas pop-up cocktail experience, Miracle on Monroe. With expertly crafted cocktails and a warm fire, it’s the perfect evening out for Christmas lovers, cocktails connoisseurs and tinsel enthusiasts alike. When: Through Dec. 24, times vary. Where: Tapa Tapa, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta More info: facebook.com/ BudEtheElfsBar
FESTIVAL OF THE SEASON
What: Get ready to experience an underwater winter wonderland at Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson, including family favorites like Wake Up Santa, Scuba Claus and the Holidazzle light show. When: Through Jan. 1, times vary Where: Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $30 More info: georgiaaquarium.org
By the time you read this, the volunteer-assisted “bucket brigade” stocking at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area’s Whitewater access point will be hisSTEVE HUDSON tory. That means Get Outside Georgia, Chattahoochee Media Group that there will be plenty of newly-stocked trout in the river, waiting to match wits with anglers who come to enjoy the great catch-and-release fishing that Delayed Harvest offers. Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources has done a great job on our state’s Delayed Harvest fishery. Be sure you get out there and enjoy it! But just because there are lots of fish in the Hooch, DH streams does not necessarily mean that they’re easy to fool. Let’s talk about one of those other DH streams for a minute. Let’s take a look at Smith Creek. Last week, for example, I visited one of my favorite DH fisheries – Smith Creek in Unicoi State Park. My schedule gave me about two free hours at the end of the day, and a quick call to my wife got me the okay to spend ‘em on the stream (yes, even us outdoor writer types have to run such requests through Scheduling Central). Smith Creek is a small stream – in fact the smallest of Georgia’s Delayed Harvest streams. It offers a unique small-water fishing experience that in many ways is simpler than what you find on larger DH waters such as the Chattahoochee. Many anglers are especially fond of it for that very reason. Anyway, after putting on the waders and stringing up the rod, I moseyed on down to the water. How was it? Low and clear, especially on a small stream. That’s the recipe for “no fish” unless you get sneaky and stealthy. Because the water is so skinny, the fish will see you coming a mile away if you’re not careful. Those conditions call for Ninja-like fishing, with careful approaches to likely holding water and a minimum of overhead movement. Even camo is not out of the question, and it’s not unusual to see the most serious DH anglers easing up on the water as if they were Special Forces ops on a mission. Yes, it can take almost nothing to spook fish on a low, clear stream. My Ninja skills are not quite what they used to be (thank you, knees) but
they must have been good enough. I found that if I could sneak up on a deeper run or small hole I could tempt one of those Smith Creek trout often enough to keep it interesting. But if I went in standing tall, my only trouty encounter might be one with a fishshaped shadow heading the other direction at full speed. Lesson 1, then, is simple: on a small stream like Smith Creek, be sneaky and keep a low profile. What’s lesson 2? Well, that one has to do with tactics. During the cold months, the fish will tend to be deep. On a stream like Smith Creek, “deep” is a relative term. Look for water that’s even a six inches deeper than the water around it, and fish that “deep” spot thoroughly. It’s amazing how often that strategy pays off. Many DH anglers concentrated only on the very deepest spots, and those certainly do hold fish. But remember that every other angler on the creek that day has probably fished those same “deepest” spots before you. Think outside the deep-hole box a little bit, and your success rate will go up. How do you identify those deep spots? It’s a situation where the old adage “you’ll know ‘em when you see ‘em” really does apply. I find that if I’m asking myself whether a place is “deeper” enough, then it probably is.
And that brings us to lesson 3, which has to do with the how of fishing those deep spots. How do you do it? Easy – by getting down deep. Yes, there’s that word again. But it may be the big key to Delayed Harvest success. Since the trout are going to be deep, you’ve got to get your fly down deep too. And this applies not just to Smith Creek but to every other Delayed Harvest stream too. Sometimes when I’m fishing, I’ll see another angler who isn’t having much success. Sometimes we’ll chat for a moment, and as we talk about tactics it will often turn out that my newfound friend as only a little weight on his leader. In flowing water, even in a small creek like Smith Creek, it can take a surprising amount of weight to get flies down near the bottom, where the fish are, and on many occasions the simple act of adding more weight has turned that angler’s day completely around. It happens to me too! I might be fishing a run with, say, a single BB shot and doing nothing, even though I know fish are there. But by simply adding additional split shot to take my offering deeper and closer to the bottom, I go from not-a-strike to fish-on, sometimes on the very next cast. So there you have it – three tips that can help you have greater success on Smith Creek. Be stealthy, look for the “deeper” spots, and use enough weight to get your flies down where the fish are. And how did my two hours on the water turn out? Better than I deserve! Which flies worked? Well, the short answer is that I caught fish on tiny flies (little midge patterns such as the Blue Assassin), on big streamers (Rolexes, black Woolly Buggers, and the one that they’re calling the “Hudson Streamer”). In fact, those same flies have been working well on other DH streams too. Next week we’ll look at the long answer, flies-wise, to help you further meet the delightful challenge of fishing for Delayed Harvest trout. Check out Steve Hudson’s book FLYFISHING 101, which teaches you everything you’ll need to know to get started in this exciting outdoor activity. It’s available from local outfitters, on Amazon, or direct from the author at chattahoocheemedia.com.
22 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
22 | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016
Sponsored Section
What made you choose Village Park of Alpharetta, Mr. Knight? “I have seen other projects by Tim Gary and extremely impressed with his quality of work and the layout of the project. I just knew this one will be just as good as his other projects.” “I also appreciate the fact that Village Park has a wide selection of accommodations, everything from our roomy Bungalow to the Cottages to the apartments which offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. With that, there is everything you can ever want in one community, right here! What are you looking forward to the most about moving into Village Park, Mrs. Knight? “The convenience of the location and the fact that you are near Avalon, which is a wonderful place for entertainment, restaurants, shopping and it is right around the corner. Guess What? We can even walk there from Village Park and enjoy it more often.” Village Park is the NEXT-LEVEL SENIOR LIVING community currently under construction on the corner of Webb Bridge Road and Morris Road. The community plans to open in late Spring of 2017 and currently taking reservations. Call Carla Breakwell at 678-740-3499 for more information or go to villageparkseniorliving.com.
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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section
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fine shopping and dining. Arbor Terrace is a one-of-a-kind community offering a luxurious lifestyle with concierge services, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and more, without a large investment or long-term commitment. “We have changed the way people live,” says Beth Richardson, Executive Director at Arbor Terrace. “With a more convenient lifestyle, our residents find they have the time and energy to actually enjoy life while receiving as little or as much support as they need.” Try us on for size, stay for 3 weeks and get a 4th week free to experience all we have to offer! Spaces are limited so call today! For more information on Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, please call (770)999-9577 and visit our website at www. at-johnscreek.com.
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 23
24 | December 22, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
COMMUNITY
Santa visits Mentor Me Christmas party
Bette
Tommy
Pets of the week: Bette and Tommy FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Humane Society of Forsyth County has an abundance of animals waiting for loving people to adopt them this holiday season. This week, Bette, an eight-month old calico, is new to the cat room. She had a happy home until her owner unfortunately had to move, and was unable to take her with her. Now, Bette is settling in to the cat room while she waits for another loving home. Bette is very sweet and affectionate, the perfect holiday gift for an empty household needing companionship. Bette’s adoption fee is only $50 right now so come fill out an application online at forsythpets.org. Another prospect pet is Tommy. This mellow guy is overlooked, and it’s definitely time for him to know a loving home. Rescued from a kill shelter, this sweet tabby adult is relaxed and easy going. He would be a great companion for a person, or make a great addition to a family with kids. Right now, possible owners can adopt Tommy with a reasonable donation. Come meet Tommy at the adoption center at 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are 12-5p.m., TuesdaySunday.
CUMMING, Ga. — Santa Claus paid a visit recently at the 2016 Mentor Me Christmas party. The party featured Christmas festivities for the children and adult mentors who volunteer with the Forsyth County non-profit organization. The highlight of the party was the appearance by Santa, who handed out presents and had his picture taken with every child. More than 70 children attended, from the one-on-one mentoring program and the after-school reading program. Mentor Me North Georgia provides one-on-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adults and children, along with other mentoring programs. The annual Christmas party is sponsored by the Forsyth County Optimist Clubs. “The Optimist clubs of Forsyth County support the Mentor Me organization because it represents our slogan and what we do best - bringing out the best in kids,” said Russ Thomas, president of the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club. “The smiles of children at the Christmas party pay Optimist members in dividends that cannot be measured. The Mentor Me Christmas party is just one of several Optimist community service projects that touch the lives of children.” It’s great to see the joy in the kids when they meet Santa, said Sylvia Cardona, executive director of Mentor Me. “The evening is a refreshing oppor-
Cumming residents pack 5,000 meals for local food banks CUMMING, Ga. — On Dec. 3, 27 Cumming residents and Boosterthon team members packed and donated 5,000 meals for local food banks in the Cumming and Atlanta areas at Kelly Mill Elementary. This giveback day is a part of Boosterthon’s 2016-2017 giving initiative, A Million Students Strong. In a partnership with Feeding America, Boosterthon seeks to donate 160,000 meals to local food banks across the country. Because of the hard work of the students, faculty members and parents in the Cumming area, Boosterthon provides three meals for a local food bank when a class reaches $30 per lap during the Boosterthon Fun Run. So many classes
were able to reach this milestone, 27 Cumming residents and Boosterthon team members were able to pack and donate 5,000 meals to local food banks. Boosterthon is a nine-day fitness, leadership and character education experience for students that raises money for their school by garnering pledges for each lap they run in the program’s culminating event-- The Boosterthon Fun Run. During the Boosterthon Fun Run, students run, on average, 30 to 35 laps. Students learn how to be active, and the Boosterthon Fun Run allows them to feel a part of the community as parents, teachers and friends cheer them on. For more information on Boosterthon, visit boosterthon.com.
Residents pack more than 5,000 meals.
Santa is a popular guest at the 2016 Mentor Me Christmas party, sponsored by the Forsyth County Optimist Clubs. tunity for them to relax, have fun, and bond with their mentors,” she said. “We are grateful to the Optimists clubs for making this Christmas tradition possible for our kids for the last 10 years. But many children in Forsyth County still need mentors. So I invite all in our community who have a special place in their hearts for children to contact us.” Mentor Me is a Forsyth County United Way agency. However, the organization depends on private donations for 50 percent of its funding. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Sylvia Cardona at 678-341-8028 or sylvia@mentormenorthga.org, or go to mentormenorthga.org.
COMMUNITY
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 22, 2016 | 25
Northside hosts Ga.’s first robotic total knee replacement surgery FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — More than 600,000 people in the United States have a total knee replacement each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. With an aging population staying in KROSS the workforce longer and obesity on the rise, that number is expected to exceed 3 million by the year 2030. However, advancements in medical technology allow those new joints to move better and last longer, helping us to live healthier, stronger and longer lives. Northside Hospital Forsyth is Georgia’s leader in same-day joint replacements, performing more surgeries than any other hospital in the state, and has earned Disease Specific Certification for hip and knee joint replacement from The Joint Commission. As part of the Northside Hospital health care system, the hospital also offers patients expertise that ranks in the top one percent of all robotic surgery programs in the U.S. Total-joint specialists at Northside Hospital Forsyth are combining the strengths of these two programs to help patients, especially those with postsports related injuries and osteoarthritis, return to a better quality of life much faster. They recently performed Georgia’s first robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery from Stryker allows surgeons to perform more accurate joint replacements for patients with chronic knee pain as a result of osteoarthritis. The technology has been used to perform unicompartmental knee replacements for years and is now being used to perform total-hip replacements and total-knee replace-
DEATH NOTICES
ments. “This is a great example of how technological advances, coupled with a surgeon’s expertise, afforded the completion of a total knee replacement surgery using a robotic arm,” said Dr. Kenneth Kress, the orthopaedic surgeon who performed the first robotic total knee replacement at Northside Hospital Forsyth on Oct. 17. Through 3D models, motion capture and real-time virtual views of the patient’s anatomy, surgeons are able to provide more accurate implant size and placement. Patients may benefit from better stability and more natural movement of the joint, potentially increasing the lifespan of the implant and reducing the risk for revision surgery. According to Kress, the use of this robotic technology offers reduced post-procedural pain and less recovery time, increasing patients’ mobility faster than ever before and allowing
them to go home within a few hours after surgery. Northside Hospital Forsyth is one of only a handful of programs in the nation with this level of expertise and innovation. “The Mako platform is supported by significant primary clinical research, including peer review, clinical studies and more,” said Dr. Kress. “Two-years of work has now become a reality and I am extremely proud to have performed this surgery.” Total-joint specialists at Northside Hospital Forsyth were the first in Georgia to regularly perform same day (outpatient) total-joint replacements for hip and knee. The surgical team’s experience, combined with more advanced operating room and anesthesia methods, allow them to perform total-joint replacements more efficiently and accurately with smaller incisions, less muscle damage, less blood loss and less post-operative pain. Five years ago the average joint patient in the U.S. was hospitalized 3-4 days after surgery. Today, 65 percent of patients who undergo joint replacement at Northside Hospital Forsyth go home within four hours. “We are committed to returning patients to active lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible,” said Amy Fischer, BSN, RN, manager of surgical services, Northside Hospital Forsyth. “This latest surgical milestone helps solidify Northside’s position as the hub for efficient and cutting edge procedures, using the most innovative technology available and helping patients with the smallest amount of risk possible.” For more information about orthopaedic at Northside Hospital Forsyth, visit northside.com.
Debra Caldwell, of Roswell, passed away December 10, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Govindbhai Mistry, of Cumming, passed away December 11, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
This is a great example of how technological advances, coupled with a surgeon’s expertise, afforded the completion of a total knee replacement surgery using a robotic arm.” KENNETH KRESS Orthopaedic surgeon
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery from Stryker allows surgeons to perform more accurate joint replacements for patients with chronic knee pain as a result of osteoarthritis. Josephine Sommariva, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away December 7, 2016.
Peter Anderson, 62, of Cumming, passed away December 10, 2016. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Arianna Elizabeth Strawn, 11, of Cumming, passed away December 14, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Jerry William Bagwell, 74, of Cumming, passed away December 13, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Ray Wallace, of Alpharetta, passed away December 6, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Nell Boone, of Roswell, passed away December 9, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Jolene Chellis, 62, of Cumming, passed away December 8, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Norman Quinn, of Roswell, passed away December 9, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Robert Harrison Hodge, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2016. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Carole Lee Martin, 81, of Suwanee, passed away December 9, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Nina Marie Senevey, 85, of Cumming, passed away December 13, 2016. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
26 | December December22, 22,2016 2016| |Forsyth ForsythHerald Herald| |forsythherald.com ForsythHerald.com
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BAR STOOLS, 3 wooden swivel top with back, oak finish, $45 all. 770-888-2790 CHILDRENS’ TABLE, cherry Delta $90. 404-889-3233 BEDROOM SET: Single headboard, night-stand, chest, desk with hutch and chair $200. 770-889-8209 ROLLAWAY BED; Folding, single. Used once. Mint! Plus single-sheet set. $150. Originally $208. $45 extra for single bed quilt. 770-343-8075
F R I G I D A I R E FREEZER $125. 404-889-3233
Medical Equipment P O W E R WHEELCHAIR: Invacare Pronto M-91. New batteries. Like new! $1250. 404-396-7807
Miscellaneous LITTLE TYKES COUPE and Fire Engine, both for kids $70. 404-889-3233 JOHN DEERE KIDS’ GROUNDLOADER $150. 404-889-3233 POLARIS 4-Wheeler 404-889-3233
Kids’ $150.
STROLLERS 404-889-3233
$40.
YAMAHA 4-WHEELER 404-889-3233
kids’ $150.
JOHN DEERE GATOR for kids $200. 404-8893233 DUNE RACER (kids) $150. 404-889-3233 MENS’ DANCE SHOES: Black, size 10. $40 firm. 770-241-3273
Musical Instruments PIANO: Henry F. Miller Upright, matching bench $500/firm. 770-552-4034
BUY IT! SELL IT! FIND IT! IT’S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 770-442-3278
Musical Instruments PIANO, Baby Grand: Elegant case, matching bench; warm, rich tone. Sacrifice $1650 obo. 678-445-3654 PIANO, BG, Yamaha. Elegant, walnut, with bench. $1850 obo. 404-455-8845
Recreation SKIS, BOOTS, POLES, womens’ and mens’ 7/1/2 and 9-1/2. $400. 404-889-3233 GOLF CLUBS: Ladies’ complete set, Lynx irons, graphite woods, ball retriever, wood covers, new bag $275. 770-740-9757 GUN CABINET: Wooden, with locking glass front and bottom storage. Holds 5 rifles. $100. 770-888-2790
Wanted to Buy RECORDS: LP’s. Pay cash, rock & Roll. Mojo Vinyl, Roswell 678-534-5043 Vintage Barbie and Friends, Ginny, Madame Alexander, and other dolls, clothing and accessories. (Local). Cell 214-883-8215
Entertainment & Event Services Weddings Tianna’s Place Creating impeccable memories, one event at a time. Full-service, special event-planning. Focusing on corporate and celebratory events. w w w. t i a n n a s p l a c e . com. 678-879-5253/ 404-903-2441
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Book the Taproom for your Holiday Party!
Give the Gift of a Growler or Gift Certificate Available in both Tanner’s and the Taproom. 770.205.5512 • cherrystreettaproom.com com
5810 Bond Street • Cumming (at corner of Post Rd. and Majors Rd. in Vickery Village)
Try our beer flights!
Come Try Our
Holiday Bottle Release Specials
Barrel Aged Beers Nitro Beers Beer Cocktails Craft Cocktails and Full Bar!
Holiday Taproom Hours
Book the Tap Room for your private event
Weekly Events Tuesday 8pm Adult Trivia Wednesday Mug Club Night & Beer Infusion Night Thursday 15% OFF Select Growlers
Saturday 1pm-4pm Brewery Tours 7pm-11pm Live Music
Serving Breakfast
25 Cherry Street beers on tapp
Friday 12/23 @ noon Golden Gremlin Release and 20% Off other select bottles and growler fills.
Taproom will open at Noon Everyday 12/21 - 12/31 (Sundays 12:30pm)
Mon-Fri 7am-11am • Sat 8am-11am Sun 8am-10am • Sun Brunch 10am-2pm
Biscuits, Omelettes, French Toast, Egg Platters & Bowls, Steak & Eggs, Kids’ breakfast Menu
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner To-Go • Catering
Rotisserie Chicken • Chicken Fingers • Wings • Chicken Lips • BBQ Ribs • Pulled Pork • Veggies & More.
SAT/SUN FOOTBALL Watch your favorite NFL and Bowl Games here!
5810 Bond Street • Cumming (at corner of Post Rd. and Majors Rd. in Vickery Village) 770.205.5512 • ricktannerschicken.com