Forsyth Herald, December 24, 2014 by Appen Media Group

Empty Nest

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Comcast issues mount Residents vent about cable company ►►PAGE 4

Going his own way Mick Fleetwood displays photography at the Ann Jackson Gallery ►►PAGE 9

The joy of giving A note from Santa’s Desk ►►PAGE 8

December 24, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 51

Commissioners approve modification to alcohol ordinance

Reduces distance requirements for alcohol consumption on the premises licenses By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Restaurants seeking to serve alcohol in Forsyth County can now do so much closer to churches and schools, after the Forsyth County Commission voted to amend the distance requirements for alcohol consumption on the premises licenses.

KATHLEEN STURGEON

From left are Commission Chairman Pete Amos, Board of Education Vice Chair Kristin Morrissey, Commission Vice Chair Cindy Mills, Commissioner Brian Tam, Kelly Tam and Niki Collela, executive director of Forsyth County Community Connection.

Helpings of Hope dinner fills stomachs and hearts By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — When Forsyth County Commissioner Brian Tam and his wife Kelly were running Tam’s Backstage, 215 Ingram Avenue, they realized something was missing in Forsyth. “We recognized a need in the community when we first opened and we wanted to support the community that supports us,” said Brian

Tam. “We reached out to the senior center and some of the other organizations that operate with those in need. We extended an invitation to get them to come have dinner with us and celebrate the holiday season.” About nine years later, it has become a tradition that many look forward to each year, and this year’s event Dec. 16 was no different. Tam’s Backstage donates all the food and some of the staff.

The rest of the helpers are made up of volunteers from around the county, including the Forsyth County Community Connection (FCCC) board members, locals like Principal Gary Davison from Lambert High School and everyday citizens who want to help their community. FCCC reaches out to various organizations to split the available dinner spots,

See DINNER, Page 14

The distance requirements for alcohol consumption on the premises licenses was reduced Dec. 18 from 100 yards to 20 yards from schools and churches. The distance would be measured as a straight line from property line to property line, and the licenses can be for distilled spirits, beer or wine.

See ORDINANCE, Page 4

Former Falcon Tim Green promotes reading at JCES Said ‘reading is like weight lifting for your brain’ By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — When former Atlanta Falcons football player Tim Green would go into the locker room between quarters, he wasn’t discussing the game or reviewing plays — he was reading. His coach, Chuck Clausen, would find Green with his head in a book. Green was drafted in

See GREEN, Page 11

KATHLEEN STURGEON

Tim Green reads from his book, “New Kid.”

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2 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Homeowner shoots at intruder

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CUMMING, Ga. — An unidentified suspect broke into a man’s home, and the man fired his “pistol” in return, according to a Cumming Police incident report. At about 1:30 a.m. Dec. 10, officers were dispatched to a home in the 1000 block of Glenwood Circle after reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found the homeowner lying on the kitchen floor propped up against the island. Officers said the man was not shot, but that he had fired two to three rounds from his Glock pistol at the intruder. In the report, the man said he awoke to a loud noise, so he grabbed his pistol from his safe and went to investigate. He said he asked his wife to call 911, because he could hear someone lurking in the house. The man said he walked toward the back room and saw the door was wide open.

POLICE BLOTTER 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.

Burglar throws register in bush CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into a fast food restaurant, and stole a computer and cash register, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A manager of Arby’s, 3595 Peachtree Parkway, told deputies he arrived for work at about 9 a.m. Dec. 8. He said opened the store and saw the computer and cash register missing. When deputies arrived, they searched the property and did not find any signs of forced entry. They did find the empty cash register in the bushes in front of the store. The closing manager said there was only $20 in cash left in the register when they left the night before. The closing manager said she locked up at about 1 a.m. and saw nothing suspicious.

Copper cut from cell tower CUMMING, Ga. — Someone cut and removed $800 in copper from a T-Mobile tower, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of T-Mobile told depu-

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ties he received a call at about 6 p.m. Dec. 8 to go a tower that stopped working at 345 Tidwell Road, When the employee arrived, he said the chain link fence had been cut. He said someone had cut all the RF connectors and had taken a 14-inch by 3-foot copper bus bar. When deputies arrived, they found a white cloth bag on the ground by the front gate. The bag had several tools inside like wire cutters, bolt cutters and a wrench. Deputies also found a knife lying on the ground where the bus bar was stolen.

Cars broken into at restaurant CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into two cars parked at a restaurant and stole cellphones, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident reports. A couple told deputies they parked their 2006 Chevrolet C/K 1500 at Texas Roadhouse, 510 Lakeland Plaza, at about 7 p.m. Dec. 11. When they returned about an hour later, they saw damage to the driver’s side door under the handle. The man said it appeared someone had tried to pry it open. Once they got inside, the couple said they were missing their cellphones worth $500 each. Another man said he parked his 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe by the restaurant around the same time. He said he thinks his cellphone was dangling from its charger cord outside the car door at the time it was stolen.

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As he turned around to walk into the kitchen, the man said he was hit on the side of his face so hard that it knocked him into the door and knocked out a tooth. When he regained his composure, the man said he saw the outline of a person with a large build. He said he fired three times at the suspect when the suspect came at him. The suspect fled on foot out the back door in an unknown direction. The man said he was “100 percent sure he struck the unidentified person.” The man said nothing seemed to be missing from the home. Officers, deputies and a K-9 unit were unable to track the suspect, and no suspect or any persons with unexplained gun shots had been located at the time of the report. Shortly after entering the restaurant, the man said his wife got alerts from his personal accounts due to failed password attempts. The man said he saw no sign of forced entry to his car, but his cellphone was gone.

Man wheels wine out of store FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man went to a grocery store and walked out without paying for eight bottles of wine worth $465, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Publix, 5180 McGinnis Ferry Road, told deputies a customer informed the store of the shoplifting that occurred at about 12:45 p.m. Dec. 12. After reviewing video surveillance, deputies said a man took eight bottles of wine totaling $465 off a shelf. They said the man put them inside a reusable shopping bag in his cart and wheeled it out the store.

Man borrows cellphone, runs off CUMMING, Ga. — A restaurant employee let a man borrow his cellphone, but the man ran off with the phone after making a few calls, according to a Cumming Police incident report. Larry Chadwick Harrison, 31, was charged with theft by taking, a misdemeanor, and taken to Forsyth County

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DUIS & DRUGS 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.

DUI arrests ►► Kimberly A. Brown, 51,

of Walker Avenue, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 2 on Walker Avenue in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Lynda Grace Pope, 46, of Trout Place Road, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 3 on Bald Ridge Marina Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Christopher Scott Combs, 51, of Gainesville was arrested Dec. 3 on Pilgrim Mill Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Nellie Arlene Smith, 56, of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 5 on Three Chimneys Lane in Cumming for DUI. ►► Michael O. O’Shea, 61, of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 5 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee for DUI and following too closely. ►► Marc McGrath Aragon, 49, of Gentry Walk Court, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 5 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, open container and suspended registration. ►► Joseph Michael Hatch, 44,

of Gainesville was arrested Dec. 5 on Freedom Parkway in Cumming for DUI. ►► David Sungsik Shin, 45, of Summit Crossing Way, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 5 on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Travis Ray Rawlins, 28, of Estates Path, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 5 on Castleberry Village Drive in Cumming for DUI, open container and suspended registration. ►► Mindaugas Sateika, 28, of North Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 20 on Atlanta Street in Roswell for DUI, expired tag and failure to obey a traffic control device.

Drug arrests ►► Stanley Jean Pierre,

21, of Tidewater Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 4 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, no insurance, suspended registration and expired tag. ►► Spencer Jordan Ward, 25, of Somersal Court, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 4 on Old Atlanta Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► James Edward Beach, 23, of Oxborough Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 7 on Windermere Parkway in Cumming for possession of marijuana.

Forsyth Herald | December 24, 2014 | 3

Man charged in road rage incident MILTON, Ga. – Milton detectives have charged a local man in a road rage incident. Julio Angel Martinez, 29, of Milton was arrested by Milton Police officers on Dec. 6. Martinez was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and aggressive driving. On Dec. 2, two victims reported a road rage inci-

dent. The victims said they were followed by Martinez, who taunted and harassed them while driving. He folMARTINEZ lowed them into the parking lot of 13000

Deerfield Parkway. While there, Martinez allegedly got out of his vehicle and threated the male victim with a knife. Milton detectives were able to identify the suspect and take warrants for his arrest. He was arrested at his home without incident and transported to the Fulton County Jail.

Texas man arrested for Milton home invasion MILTON, Ga. – U.S. Marshals arrested a Texas man Dec. 11 in connection with a home invasion that occurred in Milton Aug. 18. Octavius Scott, 22, of Houston, Texas, was taken into custody by marshals in Houston. He was wanted in connection to a home invasion in Milton. In this case, the victim reported that at least one man entered her home and subsequently tied her to a chair. The suspects then went through the home

taking electronics, jewelry and money. Scott is believed to be the leader of a home invasion ring that was targeting victims of Asian/ Middle Eastern descent. He is being held in Texas and is also wanted in connection to home invasions in Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

OCTAVIUS

NEWS

4 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Cumming holds second hearing about Comcast By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

Also at the meeting

CUMMING, Ga. — Cable boxes in water, workers stealing cables and getting phone calls from the person’s own number are just a few of the issues that residents in Cumming have with Comcast. At the Dec. 16 Cumming City Council meeting, citizens who use Comcast cable had a chance to speak their mind at a public hearing. The first public hearing on this issue was Nov. 18, but due to cold weather, Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt decided a second meeting would be necessary. One suggestion was to add an option to email Comcast with issues rather than calling, because customers have had more issues over the phone, such as getting disconnected after waiting to speak with someone, the wait time being over two hours or speaking to someone who cannot speak English well. Other complaints were about the physical boxes and cables themselves. “We’ve been waiting for over a year to have the orange cable, which runs from the boxes out to the home, be buried,” said Ken Vanderhoff, who has apartments that are served by Comcast. “We have to move them every time we mow the grass. It’s an eyesore and it’s dangerous.” Jerry Parker also spoke at the meeting. He said that he and his wife moved to Forsyth County in September and had previously used Comcast for 35 years in DeKalb with relatively no issues. “We couldn’t get service because we didn’t have an orange cable, we had a black cable,” said Parker. “They would argue with me about it when I would call. I couldn’t get anyone to talk to me and I never got service until late November. Then three days later, I lost the Internet; and six days later, during the Georgia Tech versus University of Georgia game, I lost my TV connection. We asked them to credit us back, but they argued. No one knows who you’ve talked to before or what

Ordinance: Continued from Page 1

The Forsyth County Commissioners voted several times in order to get a final answer. In the end, the commission voted 3-1, with one recusal, to approve the new distance requirements. At an earlier meeting Dec. 4, the commissioners had voted on the topic, but the motion was tied. Chairman R.J. (Pete) Amos and Vice Chairman Cindy Jones Mills voted in favor of reducing the distance requirements, while Commissioners Todd Levent and Jim Boff were opposed. Because Commissioner Brian Tam was absent, the vote was pending and moved to the next meeting. When it was Tam’s turn to vote, he decided to give a conditional recusal. “I’m still exploring if this will impact a situation I have,” Tam said.

• The 2015 budget resolution was unanimously approved. The general fund is over $13 million, while the water and sewer budget is over $14 million. • The council approved a payment for Bald Ridge Marina and Market Place Boulevard improvement, paying a cost of up to $250,000 of the $405,786 bill. Costco will have to pay the difference. • An emergency repair costing $15,479 was approved for heating duct and lighting supports in the therapy pool at the Cumming Aquatic Center. • It was also announced that the Aquatic Center won the bid for the 2015 Georgia Recreation and Park State Meet. you’ve said. We finally fired them. I don’t know if they know they’re fired. We signed up for a new service and everything was in place within four days.” Other issues brought up during the meeting ranged from a man getting charged for high definition television service because the technician installed the incorrect box. A woman said that when she tried to switch her landline to her new house, the technician told her the number was already being used. When her friend called the number a month later, it said that number was disconnected. At this meeting, Andy Macke, the vice president of government and community affairs for Comcast, was in the audience to listen to complaints and provide feedback. “We apologize for the issues,” said Macke. “We certainly understand that when problems go unresolved that’s a point of frustration. We will do everything we can to get all of those addressed as quickly as possible. We are committed to

We certainly understand that when problems go unresolved that’s a point of frustration. We will do everything we can to get all of those addressed as quickly as possible.” ANDY MACKE Vice president of government and community affairs for Comcast

provide a positive customer experience.” Gravitt said the reason the city wanted to hold public hearings on this issue was because he and the other board members were constantly getting complaints about Comcast. “Most everybody in this area is Comcast or AT&T,” said Gravitt. “I thought it was important, along with the board, that we had this public hearing to hear what people are talking about. Since the first meeting, we received many emails about the problems people have, such as every time it rains, the cable goes out. We’ve heard all kinds of stories about Comcast. I know that Comcast is a big conglomerate around the world and we want to make sure that all of the problems that the people in this area have are taken care of.” The board also questioned why the Comcast office in Cumming was shut down. Macke said the stores are only in areas that will use it and support it, but he will look into getting the Cumming location put back.

The setbacks regarding package sales stay the same – wine and malt beverages sales would stay at 100 yards from a school; distilled spirits would stay at 100 yards from church and 200 yards from school.” JODI GARDNER Director of communications for Forsyth County County Attorney Ken Jarrard said that because the vote was tied, it did not pass. “Since this matter is no long susceptible to being approved by majority of the board,” said Jarrard, “the matter is defeated.” At the Dec. 18 meeting, a motion was made for reconsideration. Again, Tam did not vote due to his recusal. This time,

however, Amos, Mills and Levent voted in favor of the change. Boff voted in opposition. Levent decided to change his vote after questioning if this vote will affect people who already have permits, to which Jarrard confirmed they will be grandfathered in. Previously, the ordinance stated that all businesses holding alcohol licenses must be

100 yards from churches and schools. This hurt restaurants that had alcohol consumption on premises licenses. “The change that was proposed was regarding the setback pertaining to licenses for consumption on premises,” said Jodi Gardner, director of communications for Forsyth County. “The setbacks regarding package sales stay the same – wine and malt beverages sales would stay at 100 yards from a school; distilled spirits would stay at 100 yards from church and 200 yards from school.” Also at the meeting, the commissioners granted an extension to the 90-day moratorium on enforcement of the message/copy frequently limitation of the Forsyth County sign ordinance for automated changeable copy signs. “The reason we can’t vote on it tonight is because we want more changes,” said Mills. “We came up with a whole new way of looking at it.”

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6 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald

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Lanier Tech named TCSG College of the Year Georgia’s ATLANTA — The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia has selected Lanier Technical College as this year’s recipient of their Perdue Award for the Technical College of the Year. Each December, the board chooses the award winner from among the system’s 23 technical colleges. The top college is named after a review of almost two dozen performance categories including technical education, adult education and economic development. TCSG State Board Chairman Joe Yarbrough made the announcement during the board’s monthly meeting in Atlanta on Dec. 4. “The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia is pleased to present Lanier Technical College with the Perdue Award for the 2014 TCSG Technical College of the Year,” Yarbrough said. “We congratulate President Ray Perren and his faculty and staff for their excellent record of high educational achievement and strong commitment to student success in the classroom and on the job. We’re proud of the outstanding work of each of the 23 TCSG colleges, but

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From left are Technical College System of Georgia State Board member Doug Carter, State Board Chairman Joe W. Yarbrough, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, Lanier Tech President Dr. Ray Perren and State Board member Dinah C. Wayne. the record shows that Lanier Technical College has clearly earned our respect and commendation as this year’s top college.” Perren accepted the award for his college. “On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and all of the

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8 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

This is what we do An old friend from the Miami Herald emailed me a story about a Washington Post (and former Miami Herald) photojournalist who has died while covering the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. His name was Michel du Cille, and the story was written by another ex-Miami Herald reporter, author and one of du Cille’s contemporaries, Joel Achenbach. As I read what Achenbach wrote, I lost focus on my surroundings and fell face first into this story. I began to suspect that the story provided an answer to something that I have been trying to get my arms around for quite a while. That is, we – you and I – are on the verge of losing something vital because of all the changes in our traditional news reporting organizations and the environment in which it functions. The news mission, the resources dedicated to reporting the news, the standards upon which our news reporting has been based and, sadly, the demand for the news as we have known it, has changed. From this writer’s perspective, the demand for news is under siege and in great peril. I have always said that without the traditional news infrastructure, we would not have had the Watergate investigation. Nixon would not have resigned from office, and who knows what else would have (or have not) occurred with the butterfly effect. But the more I read the story about du Cille, I began to realize that his story is one about a canary in a coal mine. This canary not only plays a major role in the lives of the miners – it warns them of danger and in some cases keeps them alive – but it is also a beautiful animal with radiant colors, flight and song. Not everything about the canary is a life-and-death issue; the canary is also about beauty and small things of life. The state of journalism today is not too dissimilar to that of the canary in the mine. To a degree, both have fallen out of favor and have been replaced with alternatives. We’re not going to see many more Michel du Cilles, because in part, the organizations that support people and efforts such as his are no longer willing to pay for it. In some cases, they can’t pay for it. There is diminishing demand for what du Cille did. There is less trust, less empathy, less connection. And we are and will be so much diminished by this loss. Yes, we’re still in the same mine, but the canary is not going to be there to protect or entertain

RAY APPEN

Publisher ray@northfulton.com

Yes, we’re still in the same mine, but the canary is not going to be there to protect or entertain us much longer unless something changes. us much longer unless something changes. Michel du Cille won three Pulitzers for his photojournalism and died while reporting on Ebola in Liberia. He went where there was conflict, war, pain and human suffering and recorded that for us. We weren’t there but he was, and he brought what he saw to us because we needed to see it. His Pulitzers were for his reporting on a natural disaster, crack houses in Miami and the plight of veterans at Walter Reed Hospital. But he also shot countless stories on small things and average people too. When questioned why he constantly risked his life in the Sudan, Afghanistan, Liberia and all the other war-torn zones around the world, his response was simply, “That is what I do.” That is what he did, and we all are the better for it. What I have never been able to write or describe is what we lose when we lose people like du Cille or the organizations that support people like him. The story that Achenbach wrote successfully conveys what I could not. Please take the time to read it. It’s important. And if it changes your opinion of the “news” just a millimeter, that will be a great way to honor a man who deserves great honor – Michel du Cille. Follow this link to get to Achenbach’s story in the Washington Post: http://wapo. st/1Gu5oxH, or just Google “Achenbach Michel du Cille.” Canary in a mine. This is what we do.

OPINION

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NOTES FROM SANTA’S DESK:

Santa learned joy of giving early in life This time of year, my desk traditionally looks as cluttered and chaotic as a Friday afternoon traffic tangle on Atlanta’s I-285. And smiling across the clutter is a framed picture of me intricately dressed as one of the most easily identifiable personalities in the world: Santa Claus. That particular picture was taken just after news arrived that Time magazine had chosen me as one of the Top 10 Santas in the U.S., an honor that still gives me a jolt – a mixture of feelings ranging from gratitude to elation to humility. Playing the role of Santa has been the greatest blessing I ever received. But how did a little boy from Roswell, Georgia, mature into one of the most believable, likeable, well-received Santas around? Well, I’ll tell you. The reason, I have to confess, is because I am not the first Santa in my family. I was blessed with exceptional parents who taught me from the beginning the value and satisfaction of giving to others. They grew up hard, surviving the Great Depression with not much more than each other and a strong faith and the character to pull through. My father Ben was the oldest of eight children of Ena and Guy Tolbert. Growing up in the Great Depression, he remembered well waiting in a “soup line” for some basic nourishment. He knew what it meant to have nothing, and it was something he never forgot. He promised himself and God that one day he would be able to help others. As a boy every Christmas Eve, Ben and his siblings would hang up clean socks – they were called stockings back them – on small nails hammered into the edge of the mantle. His mama would hand wash the socks because they should be clean for Santa. Christmas morning, each stocking held an apple, an orange, some nuts and a few pieces of hard candy and peppermint sticks. Every Christmas morning, he would receive the same gifts. Little Ben heard about the gifts other more fortunate children received. He wondered why his family had it so hard, but in his heart, he knew this was the best his parents could do. And he was thankful. Dad grew up, managed to go to college and through long days of hard work and dedication, he opened a cloth-

THOMAS TOLBERT THE REAL SANTA CLAUS

ing store in Roswell. Franklin Roosevelt had just been elected president of the United States. It was 1932. The store prospered and Ben decided it was time for payback. He shared his Christmas dream with Roger Weaver, a childhood friend, and the two set about making a dream a reality. Throughout the year, they collected toys that had been discarded, broken or simply were no longer wanted. In their spare time, they repaired them. Old bicycles got a fresh coat of paint. Broken dolls were glued together like new and given clean clothes. Balls were cleaned up and filled with air. And sometimes two broken bicycles were turned into one serviceable bike. All this was done quietly and without any fanfare. At last, it was Christmas Eve and it would be cold. Still, Ben and Roger loaded all the “new” toys into the back of his rickety, old Ford pickup truck. He dressed up in a Santa outfit he had bought from a local five and dime store. Now, this was a complete getup. The pants and jacket were pretty much as you might imagine they would be. But the beard was attached to a plastic Santa mask with rosy cheeks and a cotton mustache. Then Ben placed a chair in the truck bed with toys all around him. Roger was the driver. They fired up the truck – it was old but it did start with a key not a crank – and off they went down bumpy dirt roads through the countryside around Roswell. When they spotted a house with lights on, they turned in and Roger honked the horn. That first year, they were greeted with a good deal of apprehension. Picture it: Out of the dark December night, Christmas Eve no less, when most people were home with family and loved ones, here comes this pickup truck with a man dressed as Santa Claus, laughing the traditional “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and inviting the chil-

dren to come to the truck and choose one toy each. Some parents asked, “How much?” Not a cent! Some had to be convinced there was no catch. And one doubtful, cantankerous man stood guard on the porch of his unpainted frame house with a shotgun while his four children rushed out to try to decide what present to choose. For many of the children, it was their first encounter with Santa Claus. He knew how they felt. He saw their eyes, bright and shining and he heard the sincere “thank-yous.” Ben had to fight back tears when one little girl, clutching her doll, climbed into the back of the truck to hug Santa and promise, “I’ll take real good care of her.” When all the toys were delivered and it was time to head back home, Ben stayed in the back of the truck instead of riding in the heated cab. It was cold and the wind was as sharp as if it had blown cross a whet stone, but Ben didn’t feel it. It was a clear night and the sky was filled with millions of stars. You can see them still when you get away from city lights. It was his personal Thanksgiving a month after the official day. He was thankful he was able to do this, and he and Roger continued to do it for several years. “Giving back gives you a wonderful feeling,” Ben would say. “Some people never feel that, and I feel sorry for them.” Even today when I appear at Christmas functions and children line up and wait their turn to tell Santa what they are wishing, I keep nearby a bowl containing an apple, orange, unshelled nuts, hard candy and some peppermint sticks. Those simple items define Christmas for me. And when I look into those children’s eyes, I can feel how my father did all those years ago in the back of an old Ford truck.

My father promised himself and God that one day he would be able to help others.

Thomas Tolbert has made a career and a ministry of portraying Santa. Time magazine once named him one of the Top 10 Santas in America. He considers it a privilege to be Santa to thousands of kids every year.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

| Forsyth Herald | December 24, 2014 | 9

Rock legend stops in Roswell Mick Fleetwood exhibits art By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Music fans of legend Fleetwood Mac had a treat Dec. 16 when Mick Fleetwood appeared at Ann Jackson Gallery on Canton Street. Fleetwood stepped out from behind the drums to pursue his other true passion – being behind the camera’s lens. With a photo exhibit titled “Reflections,” Fleetwood showed off about 30 photographs and art he has made over the years. Fans of his music and his art had a chance to gather in Roswell to take in both his photography, art and the man himself. “This is a huge deal,” said Scott Jacobs, who is the drummer in a Fleetwood Mac cover band, “White Wing Dove.” “I would love to meet [Fleetwood] and talk drums for five hours,” he laughed. “Since I was 14, I was a Stevie [Nicks] fan,” said Jacobs’ band member Barbara Joy as she awaited Fleetwood to appear at the gallery. Fleetwood did appear and spoke about his art and moti-

Fans of Mick Fleetwood’s music and art turned out to the Ann Jackson Gallery Dec. 16. vations behind the pieces. “I’ve always been into photography,” Fleetwood told the crowd. He said he started taking photos while touring, and only recently – in the last 10 years – has been showing them publically. “As music has thus far defined my career …this collection of my work titled ‘Reflections,’ defines my thoughts through my art,” Fleetwood said. “I am quite proud of this presentation. The collection is a body of over thirty works, both original photographs as well as hand-enhanced original photographs that are startling in their complexity and in their

conception. “Each one of the works housed in this collection have a distinct and personal story; and one that reflects my life, my roots, my journey and my passions …...who I was and who I am.” Valerie Jackson, owner of Ann Jackson Gallery, said the event was a “huge success.” “It was a huge hit,” she said. “Most people think these things only happen in urban cities. I’m happy we were able to bring this to Roswell.” Jackson said she hopes to bring similar displays to her gallery, at least two a year. She is working to get a John Lennon exhibit as well as one

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10 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald

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Carrington Academy donates to Angels Over Forsyth Student donations fill foster children’s Christmas wish lists By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Twenty foster children will wake up Christmas morning to presents under their trees, thanks to Carrington Academy. Carrington Academy, 6140 Atlanta Highway, teamed up with Angels Over Forsyth (AoF) to collect and donate Christmas gifts for 20 foster children in Forsyth County. This school is just one of many sponsors that donate to AoF. Nicole Razey, the assistant principal of Carrington Academy, said the whole school helped collect items. “We got a list of 20 children,” said Razey. “We put a tree up in our school lobby and put the children’s names on ornaments. Our parents donated all of the gifts that the children requested, plus extra blankets, pillows, diapers and other things that they’d need besides just what they asked for.” Extra generosity was the foundation of Angels Over Forsyth when Carol Walters cre-

ated the organization 20 years ago, said Kathy Goodberlet, the current director for AoF. “She wanted to do something nice for the kids in the community,” said Goodberlet. “It started off small with just a few kids. Over the years, it’s grown to doing full wish lists for the kids in foster care, juvenile court and CASA.” CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was how Goodberlet first heard about AoF. “I got one of my cases late in November,” said Goodberlet. “There were two little girls who we had to remove. I didn’t know how they were going to get Christmas. We’re not allowed to give them gifts, so I called Carol. We gave them Christmas that year.” This inspired Goodberlet to continue to volunteer and help AoF. The program has grown since she first started. This year, between 215 and 250 children will receive gifts. The gifts are donations from people around the community who want to help, including the Carrington Academy. Jan Migliaccio, the princi-

KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF

In the front row, from left, are Berlin Lemke, Jasper Windham, Amrutha Tatipathi, Gabriela Antunez, Isbelle Dawson, Manasi Kishore and Carson Clark. In back, from left, are Kimberly Stuckey, Chantal Thomas, Nicole Razey and Jan Migliaccio. pal for Carrington Academy, said it’s important for the students to see that in their community there are children who have needs. “Not everyone is in a comfortable home and have parents around them all the time,” said Migliaccio. “For us, this is a community that needed help.” Razey said that they wanted their pre-kindergarten students to realize that not everyone is the same. Carrington

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Academy put a name on each ornament so the students would associate that the gifts are going to other children. “We don’t all come from the same background,” said Razey. “Everyone is different and if we are fortunate enough to be able to give back, then we need to give back to the community because not everyone is able to do so.” These types of volunteer donations are what keep AoF

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going, said Goodberlet. “We have a great community,” said Goodberlet. “Forsyth County is really good at helping its kids. We’ve got great sponsors — most of them are not wealthy. They’re just regular families who want to do something for somebody else. They don’t know the kids and will never see a picture. But they know Christmas morning that they helped one kid have a really good day.”

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Forsyth Herald | December 24, 2014 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Registration opens for Forsyth Fire Dept. Citizens’ Fire Academy Free program educates citizens about fire and emergency services FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Fire Department is once again inviting citizens interested in learning more about Forsyth County’s fire and emergency services to sign up for a free 10-week Citizens’ Fire Academy. Participants in this program will gain an inside look at the profession of firefighters by learning about fire, firefighting equipment and the variety of services offered by the fire department, as well as interacting with first responders. The Citizens’ Fire Academy debuted in the fall, providing participants with a unique opportunity for insight into the fire department operations. “The inaugural session of the Citizens’ Fire Academy was a great success,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “We are proud to once again offer this program to engage our citizens and share with them information about the

many services the Forsyth County Fire Department provides every day.” The upcoming session of the Citizens’ Fire Academy will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesday evenings. The session begins Feb. 17, 2015 and continues through April 28, with final end-of-session activities on May 2. The course will be held at Fire Department Headquarters at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex, 3520 Settingdown Road. Participants must be 18 years of age or older, have no prior felony conviction, pass an acceptable background check and be a resident of Forsyth County. Participants must be willing to make a 10-week commitment to the program. Those interested in applying for the Citizens’ Fire Academy must submit a completed application, a signed and notarized liability release and a signed and notarized confidentiality agree-

Submit completed application packets to Mail: F orsyth County Fire Department ATTN: Rebecah Green 3520 Settingdown Road Cumming, Ga. 30028 Fax: 770-781-2194 Email: rlgreen@forsythco.com ment. The application packet is available on the fire department page on the Forsyth County website at www. forsythco.com. Space in the program is limited. Please note that if submitted via fax or email, original copies should be retained by applicants to turn in during the first meeting of the Citizens’ Fire Academy.

Capt. Joey Smith assists a participant in the Citizens’ Fire Academy. For more information about the Citizens’ Fire Academy, call the Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at 770-781-2180.

Green: Continued from Page 1 the first round of the National Football League (NFL) by the Atlanta Falcons where he was a defensive player for eight years. Green realized during his time with the Falcons that he one day wanted to write a book. “I had always wanted to write,” said Green. “I love books and reading. I was an English major in college. It was something I always wanted to do.” Green has written over 30 books and was at Johns Creek Elementary School (JCES) Dec. 15 talking to students about the importance of reading and doing well in school. “I worked in school,” said Green. “You’re here to work and make yourself better. That’s how you get anything you want in life — you have to work for it. Your academic performance is almost as important as your athletic performance if you want to play college sports.” Green said that often students who want to play sports don’t see the point in doing well in school. He also said boys tend to not like admitting they enjoy reading, but Green hopes to change that. “It’s my mission and passion to get kids excited about reading,” said Green. “And to think about reading as something that not only will benefit them intellectually, but also something that’s supposed to be fun. I work hard to make my stories entertaining.” Alyssa Degliumberto, principal of JCES, said her son loves reading Green’s books

KATHLEEN STURGEON

The students at Johns Creek Elementary School made signs for Tim Green’s visit. and that’s part of what initially sparked the idea of getting Green to visit the school. Two Parent Teacher Association (PTA) mothers, Lisa Hill and Cathy Stewart, started thinking about how they could get Green to visit their school and speak to the students. Hill’s father is Clausen, Green’s former Falcons coach, so they put their minds together and planned the assembly. “We really wanted to bring that love of reading to life and how you need reading your whole life,” said Degliumberto. “It’s so important for students to see that no matter what job you have in the future, whether you’re a sports star, teacher, lawyer or anything else, you need to love reading and have good character.” Having good character, talent, luck and being hard working are the keys to being successful in the future, Green said. “I love that you control your destiny in education,” said Green. “It also never abandons

you. After sports end, you’re only what you are from your

education. What’s more important than what is in your arms

and your legs is what’s in your heart.”

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12 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald

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Forsyth County Christmas tree farms support local economy CUMMING, Ga. — ‘Tis the season to decorate, and for many families, a Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday festivities. While artificial trees offer convenience, many families still want the feel and aroma of the real thing. That’s a good thing for Forsyth County’s agriculture industry. According to the 2013 University of Georgia Farm Gate Value Report, Georgia’s Christmas tree industry generates $10.18 million, up $2 million since 2010. Forsyth County’s Christmas tree industry is ranked eighth, with a farm gate value of $210,000. Forsyth’s Christmas tree growers offer an on-farm experience that goes far beyond wandering aisles of pre-cut trees. “Kinsey Family Farm is my favorite place,” said Melanie Suggs, a retired teacher who teaches at the farm during the fall field-trip season. “Kinsey’s makes it family-oriented because they are a family.” Visitors ride on a wagon to the Christmas tree field, where they can wander among the trees until they find

the perfect one to cut for their home. They can also roast marshmallows, enjoy hot chocolate, shop at the farm store or visit the petting barn. Suggs said there are also plenty of places for taking family photos. Dennis and Sandra Bottoms of Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm have supported Trees for Troops, a program that donates Christmas trees to U.S. military families, for 10 years. “Families come out to enjoy the farm and the animals, to be in nature and away from traffic,” said Dennis Bottoms. “We have families who come every year. We have a ‘growing tree’ where parents can take photos of their children to show how much they’ve grown since last year. We provide complementary cider, hay rides and there are homemade jams, jellies and breads in the farm store.” In addition to bolstering the local economy, local farms help green space in the county. Visit www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com and www.bottomstreefarm.com for more information about these local farms.

Justin and Sallie Power with their kids, Ella and Raleigh have a blast at the Bottoms Tree Farm.

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful recycles trees after Christmas County has recycled more than 85,000 trees since 1994

Sawnee EMC participates in toy drive to benefit SAFFT CUMMING, Ga. — In recent weeks, Sawnee EMC employees and members of Sawnee’s Consumer Advisory Task Force (CATF) have been donating toys in conjunction with the cooperative’s first annual toy drive. The toy drive benefits children that receive services from Supporting Adoption and Foster Families Together. Almost 200 brand new toys were delivered on Dec. 15 to Forsyth County Fire Station No. 1, which has been a toy collection site for many years.

“Our employees, and the members of our task force, have really embraced this toy drive,” said Blake House, vice president of member services at Sawnee EMC. “We have always done a lot for charity, but when you mention that we are doing something to help kids at Christmas, it brings on a whole different spirit of giving. You can see the pride in their eyes when they bring in a sack full of toys knowing that a needy child is going to now get to open something on Christmas morning.”

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After the ornaments are removed from the Christmas tree, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) invites residents to continue their annual tradition of recycling thousands of trees during the “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling event from Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. Last year, Forsyth County recycled more than 5,500 trees. Christmas trees can be dropped off at locations located throughout the county, where a wood chipper will process the trees into mulch. “More and more Forsyth County residents recycle their trees every year,” said Environmental Program Manager Tammy Wright. “We are looking forward to another great turnout.” On the designated dates and times, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the following locations: • Home Depot – 1000 Market Place Blvd.; Accepting trees only Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please, no trees at this site after 4 p.m. on Jan. 3. • Home Depot – 2635 Peachtree Parkway; Accepting trees only Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please, no trees at this site after 4 p.m. on Jan. 3. • Vickery Creek Elementary School – 6280 Post Road; Accepting trees Dec. 26 through Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please, no trees

at this site after 4 p.m. on Jan. 3. • Tolbert Street Recycling Convenience Center – 351 Tolbert St., 770-781-2176, open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Accepting trees starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. • Old Atlanta Recycling Convenience Center – 3678 Old Atlanta Road, 770205-3010, open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Accepting trees starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. • Coal Mountain Recycling Convenience Center – 3560 Settingdown Road, 770781-2071, open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Accepting trees starting at 1 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 24.

Big or small they chip ‘em all.

All three recycling convenience centers will open at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26. The centers will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Wood chips made from the recycled trees will be available for county residents near the Forsyth County Roads and Bridges facility on County Way just off of Ga. 400. Interested residents are responsible for loading and hauling their own wood chips. For more information, visit www.keepforsythcountybeautiful.org or call KFCB at 770205-4573. “Bring One for the Chipper” started in Georgia in 1991. Forsyth County residents have been participating since 1994 and have recycled more than 85,000 trees during that time.

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | December 24, 2014 | 13 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Thirty-nine awards were given to firefighters for lives saved throughout the year.

The school winners for youth girl and boy were Maddie Fisher with a time of 27:50; Jack Millican and Cameron Newfield at 27:23. Adult male and female winners were Manoj Nambiar at 28:23 and Valerie Fisher at 30:00.

Forsyth firefighters honored Over 200 participate in Dolphin Dash at awards ceremony By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — The Forsyth County Fire Department held an awards ceremony for graduating recruits, emergency medical technicians, firefighter achievements and other honors Friday, Dec. 12 at North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Road in Cumming. Lt. Todd Sliger and firefighters Robert Eubanks and Chris Smith were awarded Medals of Honor for rescuing Tracy Boone from a residential fire in December 2013. The department had previously only awarded one medal. Four other awards related to Boone’s rescue were

given out. “I’m very grateful for the collaborative effort that gave me a second chance at life,” Boone said. “I owe my life to each man and woman who ran to my rescue that fateful day.” The department gave 16 unit citations for acts of heroism and 39 life saved awards. At the ceremony, Lt. Shane Milford was promoted to captain, volunteer coordinator. “We are very fortunate to have [Milford] for our quartermaster,” Shivers said. Firefighter and EMT Christopher Black, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was promoted to fire lieutenant. The fire department graduated its first emergency medi-

cal technician (EMT) class, of 14 people. The ceremony also included the graduation of 11 firefighter recruits. “Here we have 10 young men and one lady who are true survivors,” said Jason Shivers, technical services division chief, who was master of ceremonies for the event. Recruits went through 14 weeks of instruction, logging over 560 hours of fire training. Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar was the keynote speaker for the graduating recruits. “It takes someone special to do this job,” Edgar said. “People hold us in a high regard, and we need to exceed their expectations every day.”

CUMMING, Ga. — The fourth annual Dolphin Dash charity event at Daves Creek Elementary School, 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, took place Nov. 15. More than 200 adults and children participated in the 5K walk/run, which raised over $1,500 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “For the past four years, we have picked a local charity that gets our students and families actively involved in the fundraiser and gives back to the community” said Shannon Thompson, a physical education teacher at Daves Creek ES. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the only global organization with a strategic research plan to end type 1 diabetes. “We want to keep people with T1D healthy and safe today until we reach our ulti-

mate goal of a cure and universal prevention of T1D, and turn type 1 into ‘type none,’” said Sheri Kightlinger, a local supporter of the foundation. “This has been a great way to raise awareness about local charities for our students and allows them to feel like they are doing a good thing and contributing to a good cause” said Joey Garner, also a physical education teacher at Daves Creek ES. “Local businesses work together to help sponsor the event by contributing raffle items for the participants at the conclusion of the race.” The school winners for youth girl and boy were Maddie Fisher with a race time of 27:50 and Jack Millican and Cameron Newfield who tied with a time of 27:23. Adult winners were Manoj Nambiar at 28:23 and Valerie Fisher at 30:00.

Forsyth students earn recognition in statewide video contest Forsyth County extends local business initiative Fun activities like this video jingle contest help ATLANTA — Forsyth County’s Mashburn Elementary was named the statewide winner and Kelly Mill Elementary placed as a finalist in the Ready Georgia Winter Weather Jingle weather preparedness video contest. In their winning submission, Mashburn students performed a tune named, “Plan, Be Prepared and Stay Informed,” to the music of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Mashburn teacher Karen Jones led the project. Ready Georgia, the emergency preparedness campaign from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA), asked students in third through fifth grades from across the state to share their knowledge of winter weather preparedness by creating a two-minute preparedness-themed jingle for the holidays. “We are always impressed to see how Georgia students incorporate information they’ve learned about winter weather preparedness,” said Charley English, director of GEMA. “Fun activities like this video jingle contest help students internalize important information about readiness, and we hope that they will carry the preparedness message home to their parents too. Winter weather can become dangerous quickly, and it’s important to prepare before snow and ice is in the forecast.”

students internalize important information about readiness, and we hope that they will carry the preparedness message home to their parents too.” CHARLEY ENGLISH Director of GEMA

The winner will receive a classroom pizza party from Domino’s Pizza (1686 Buford Hwy. in Cumming). All finalists are featured on the Ready Georgia Facebook and YouTube pages. For more information, visit ready.ga.gov. –Shannon Weaver

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission recently voted to extend the county’s local business initiative through Dec. 31, 2015 to provide more opportunities for local companies to do business with the county government. Since its inception in 2009, the goal of the program has been to return as much taxpayer money back into the local economy as possible. The local business initiative is currently applicable only to projects with a total cost of up to $500,000. Beginning in 2015, it will apply to projects up to $1 million. Under any applicable solicitation or bid issued by the county, vendors desiring to qualify for the program are required to complete an affidavit demonstrating they satisfy all of the requirements. Currently, this must be done each time a vendor submits a bid, quote or proposal and would like to be considered under the initiative. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the affidavit will only need to be submitted once for the entire year, with businesses required to notify the Procurement Department if they move out of the county and are no longer eligible. For solicitations less than $1 million, a qualified local business that submits a responsive and reasonable price receives a local preference credit of 5 percent. Some projects, such as public works and road projects, are excluded from the initiative. For more information, visit the Procurement Department page at www.forsythco.com.

14 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald

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Fire Dept. provides safety devices for hearing impaired Dinner: FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Forsyth County Fire Department has received $3,000 from the 2014 Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant, which will be used to provide fire safety devices for the hearing impaired. The safety devices include smoke alarms, fire alarms/ clocks and bed-shakers that are specifically designed for the hearing impaired. The devices will be provided and installed free of charge to hearing impaired residents who might otherwise not be able to afford them. “The smoke alarm itself is much like a traditional smoke alarm, but in addition to the audio alarm, it also features a strobe light,” said Division Chief Jason Shivers. “The bedside fire alarm acts as an alarm clock, but when it detects the smoke alarm has gone off, it sounds a very loud warning and lights up showing the word ‘FIRE.’ The bed-shaker unit is connected to that fire alarm, is placed between the mattress and box

spring and shakes the bed vigorously to awaken a sleeping person.” Together, the goal of these devices is to alert a hearing impaired person of smoke or fire in their home. The grant is named after Brant Chesney, a Gwinnett firefighter who was killed in line of duty while volunteering for Forsyth’s fire department in 1996. It honors the memory of Chesney and all other fallen firefighters who have paid the ultimate price in service to the state of Georgia. The grant is administered by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. “The Forsyth County Fire Department is most appreciative of the grant funding through the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation to fund this important program,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “This grant in particular is especially meaningful to us in that it is in honor of Brant Chesney, who will forever be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”

Continued from Page 1

Fire Prevention Training Officer Laura Coleman places a bedshaker unit designed to alert a hearing impaired person of smoke or fire in their home. For more information about the devices for the hearing impaired, contact Fire Prevention Training Officer

Laura Coleman at 770-2055699 or llcoleman@forsythco. com. – Joe Parker

said Kristin Morrissey, Forsyth Board of Education vice chairperson and FCCC Board member. This year’s spots were designated to Supporting Adoptions and Foster Families Together (SAFFT), Jesse’s House, Bald Ridge Lodge, Faith’s House, The Place of Forsyth and Abba House. Earlier in the day, there is a seniors’ luncheon. Both events served about 200 people. “The guests do not get the opportunity to have a sit down dinner in a nice setting or restaurant as a family,” said Morrissey. “The diners are treated like any other customer and it really sets the tone for the holiday spirit. I can’t imagine kicking off the holidays without this event. The families relax, smile and we all get to socialize with them as we work.” This is why Tam said the event has been successful every year. “It’s important to see the whole community and recognize that there are those who are less fortunate,” said Tam. “It’s a good reminder for us and our staff and the younger people to come in and appreciate what we have.” To learn more about FCCC, visit http://connectforsyth.org.

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Pinecrest soccer teams honored for academic excellence CUMMING, Ga. — Pinecrest Academy’s varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, under the leadership of head coach Chris Kane, have been awarded the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Awards for Academic Excellence for the 2013-2014 academic year. For a team to be considered, it must have a composite team grade point average of at least 3.25 for all team members who appear on the official roster for the season, and the coach must be a current NSCAA member. Pinecrest Academy is one of

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only 53 high schools nationally, out of a total of 334 teams, to receive this award for both the boys’ and girls’ programs. Pinecrest’s boys finished the year with a GPA of 3.77 and Pinecrest’s girls finished with a 3.87. Both teams will be honored at a banquet during the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan. 14-18, 2015. For more information and a complete listing of winning teams, visit http://www. nscaa.com/awards/201314-high-school-team-academic-award.

Regional allstar cheer team named FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The inaugural Region 6-AAAAAA all-star cheer team has been announced. The team includes student-athletes from eight high schools in Forsyth and Fulton counties. The all-star team is comprised of members of their school’s respective competitive cheer squads. The team was created by Shayla Brawner, South Forsyth High School’s varsity cheer coach. – Joe Parker

The winning team is composed of, in back, coach Asmir Kokorovic, Coco Carleton, Naomi Moleka, Emma Armstrong, Tori Dellaperuta, Lily Johnson and Kate Liebel. In front are Ella Zimmerman, Maddie Baker, Dani Mullins, Ella Ciardullo and Taylor Robinson.

United Futbol Academy’s U11 Premier girls win ORLANDO, Fla. —At the Disney Junior Soccer Showcase Nov. 2729, the United Futbol Academy’s U11 Premier girls’ team won the national tournament in Orlando. The three-day event featured teams from around the country, and four teams from Georgia made it to the finals — Concorde Fire North, Concorde Fire Central, Top Hat Gold and United Futbol Academy. —Kathleen Sturgeon

2014 6-AAAAAA All-Region Team • Autumn Ashley (10), Lambert High School • Madison Baskette (12), West Forsyth High School • Madi Brock (9), South Forsyth High School • Camryn Fetzer (9), Alpharetta High School • MacKenzie Hudson (12), Johns Creek High School • Taylor Jenkins (12), Chattahoochee High School • Megan Koenigs (11), South Forsyth High School • Cassie Koes (12), South Forsyth High School • Jeanine Lombard (12), Centennial High School • Katie Murray (12), Habersham Central High School • Ellie Pond (11), Johns Creek High School • Sydney Rhodes (11), Lambert High School • Dani Spera (9), Lambert High School • Kelley Swanson (11), Alpharetta High School • Anali Vitulli (12), North Forsyth High School • Alex Willis (12), Lambert High School

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Many options for choosing a cardiologist exist within Forsyth and North Atlanta. At Atlanta Heart Specialists (ahsmed.com) we believe we offer a unique approach to cardiovascular health and disease prevention. Although we work out of 5 hospitals our goal is to keep you out of these institutions. We believe that combining a holistic approach with evidence based therapy offers you the best opportunity to take control of your health and prevent heart attacks and strokes! Waiting when you are worried is never good. We offer same day office visits from 9-5 and 24/7 physician access to our patients so that you can relax and be reassured. If you do end up in the emergency room know that one of our physicians is always available to you. Knowledge is power and in todays multimedia world AHS offers multiple tools to get the information you need. At heartdrsingh.com articles on prevention, testing and treatment are available for easy reading and downloads. Social media sites and a monthly patient newsletter ensure that you stay on top on the latest advances in heart health. With 7 offices and 12 board certified, award winning cardiologists, AHS

can offer the full spectrum of cardiac care from pacemakers to stents , echos to ablations, stress tests to radial (arm) caths. In those rare situations where outside expertise is needed, as one of the few remaining independent cardiology groups we can access the expertise you need regardless of which hospital system it exists within. At the Cumming office, Dr Narendra Singh leads an internationally recognized clinical research unit that offers groundbreaking clinical trials. His team has early access to some of the most promising therapies in cardiovascular medicine and its all available for free to eligible Forsyth patients. So while you have choices … take the time to make the right one. You heart will thank you! With open hearts…Your AHS physicians!

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NORTHSIDE WOMAN

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NFCC holiday program ‘closes the gap’ for families in need Jacquie Tracy directs efforts to provide holiday cheer for thousands in community By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northsidewoman.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – This holiday season, more than 700 families sat down to a complete Thanksgiving dinner, though their pantries were bare, and 1,700 children will have new toys to play with Christmas morning while 1,400 people will face the winter cold in warm, new coats. These simple acts of kindness are part of the annual holiday program through North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC), as well as from the generosity of the community, which continues to recognize the level of need that exists in an outwardly affluent area. “The economy has been getting better, but there are still a huge number of people working minimum wage jobs, or living paycheck-to-paycheck and just one emergency away from a financial crisis,” explained Jacquie Tracy, coordinator for the holiday program at NFCC. This is the first year Tracy has headed up the program, which started in September with the Thanksgiving program and goes through Christmas morning, involving hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours. Tracy readily admits to being in a “learning curve” this year, but she has a solid foundation to continue its success. “I started volunteering for NFCC 10 years ago, helping stock the food pantry a few times a month, when my kids were in school,” said Tracy, recalling her initial connection to NFCC. “Life got busy when I took a job as a preschool teacher, but I continued to volunteer [on a regular basis].” Originally from Oregon, Tracy and her family, which includes husband Brad and daughters Julia and Lauren, moved to North Fulton 12

years ago, and volunteering has been part of the family fabric since the beginning. Six years ago, she was tapped to oversee the Thanksgiving program, and for four years led the efforts to secure donations from businesses and the community to ensure clients had a dinner to sit down to each year. Two years ago, she was asked to take over the entire holiday program, a promotion she loves and supports for its significance to both the clients and the community. The program has been a cornerstone of NFCC for more than three decades, in some form, and has grown as the needs of the community have grown. “This year, we will distribute 1,400 coats to families, two bags of food, turkeys or gift cards for 700 families, open the Santa Shop for 1,700 children, and [take care of] 100 sponsored families,” said Tracy. “The need for our services has gone up every year.” She noted the population boom in the area has led to the need for more people to support the services the community has come to demand – cleaners, landscapers, retail and restaurants – but many of these service workers struggle to find affordable housing and put food on the table. “There is a high level of ‘food insecurity’ in our community, especially among children, and many households are really struggling with just the basic needs,” said Tracy. “It doesn’t take much to throw households off track and into a downward spiral.” She says the need for food is especially high during the holidays when school is closed and kids no longer have access to breakfast and lunch in their schools. This is where NFCC steps in, closes the gap and

ABBY BREAUX/STAFF

From left volunteers, Maggie Duncan and Paula Burzotta, pack cans and boxes of food. provides help for the holidays. “Even for the average household, the holidays can cost a lot of money. So if you have someone barely making it day-to-day, can you imagine the stress?” asked Tracy. “So if we can provide a warm coat, food for Thanksgiving and gifts for the children, it really alleviates the stress.” Each week, the organization distributes several tons of food, which means NFCC needs to have an equal amount of donations to keep the program going. But the community has never let NFCC down, said Tracey. “NFCC could not survive without the help from the community, and I am always just blown away by the generosity on a daily basis. I get calls all the time from companies or individuals telling me they want to help and what can they do. It makes our jobs that much easier,” said Tracy. The work, the phone calls

ABBY BREAUX/STAFF

Holiday program coordinator, Jacquie Tracy, packs cans and boxes of food.   and the needs come in nonstop. Every day involves a level of coordination that mimics yesterday and will be the same tomorrow, but Tracey leaves each day fulfilled and hopeful. “I love working with all the

people at NFCC, the volunteers, the people we serve and the people in the community… and at the end of the day, I go home and know I have done some good. And that is a wonderful feeling,” she said.

Find your paper online at issuu.com/appen-inc August 28, 2013

Legionnaires

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hold Courthouse to donated American artifacts Society by the Historical ► PAGE 4

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Real Estate Report

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'We own the mistakes'

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New Birmingham Cross raised

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State law prohibsewerage its pumping to from one basin Etowah another. The most of Basin serves Ga. – but JOHNS CREEK, needs to Forsyth County, rn porForsyth County the southeaste capacity in Johns add sewerage and tion is in the southeast Forsyth, Creek Basin. owns County one option the looking The county is as Commission 300 acres known Cauley AMOS at is reopening n and the Threatt property. Creek opCreek Reclamatio an as As for the Cauley Reuse Facility it was too early building a facility tion, Amos said alternative to to say anything. the process of from scratch. Reclamation “We’re still in Cauley Creek plants to see lons5 million-gal comparing sewer Facility is a us best,” Amos facility that had in which will suit per-day (mgd) discuss that County in east said. “We will served Fulton but we haven’t Last fall, Fulton the near future, on Cauley Johns Creek. contract with decision made any bought out its saying Fulton’s Creek.” Cauley Creek, into focus, EnvironmenAs plans come own Johns Creek be cheaper county will have would Amos said the discussions” tal Campus in the long “full and open Creek and and as effective ALDO NAHED/STAFF with both Johnsabout Cauley run. to expand its Fulton County Forsyth needs at Fowler. in the Shakerag enjoys skating Creek. sewer capacity has been at that point Elementary student, it “But we’re not a Vickery Creek area, because he said. growth area. Samuel Cushman, a yet,” as ner tapped are Forsyth Commissio Forsyth officials on represents commenting Brian Tam, whosaid it is just are guarded about negotiations Shakerag, also about where the idea since bids for building too soon to talk ongoing and lons-perForsyth is at. a new 2.5 million-gal situation. opened only “It’s a delicate is a numday facility werecounty has $27 there to Somewhere, last week. The sense for us for construcber that makes to say we are million budgeted facility. do this. It’s fair tion of the ShakeragChairby renowned options includwas designed Hollyday, of assessing our Forsyth County rmed the Tam said. – Fowler confi architect Wally in 2008 met ing Cauley Creek,” CUMMING, Ga. are-foot man Pete Amos is in a good Cauley California, who “Forsyth County look at these has talked with is still skaters Park’s 23,000-squ draw county to county 40 it can but We with about position. skate park continues CEO Ron Green, the final design . we have budto help craft bids for which million. And enthusiasts. who very much preliminaryour opfor the park. to skaters, geted up to $27Cauley Creek. For Mark Cushman, “We are evaluatingare still he was at we addition when look In now, a we can had skated s have joined tions. Right need to keep a great opbids we have other enthusiast and BMX So all of them younger, it was comparing the new plant to hang out with the 6 in. Stunt scooters the numerALDO NAHED/STAFF portunity to received for basin,” 10, and SEWER, Page share that See now of Samuel, bikers needs Cumming, of two sons, serve the Conor McKeon, a place ous ramps. Benjamin, 7. are really said Amos. —Aldo Nahed said it’s nice to have “The lights US TO ARRANGE said. “You to BMX. HERE NOW! CONTACT good,” Cushman on page 24 A TEST DRIVE TODAY dark.” More photos can stay until skate park The county’s HURD By HATCHER hatcher@northfulton.com

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hold a place Ga. – Johns in our JOHNS CREEK, n Ivan hearts. We Creek City CouncilmaJan. 9 are relocatFigueroa announced his City Council ing to South he will resign Feb. 1. Georgia, Post 4 seat effectivehe said, “I closer to In a statement citizens for our my sales wish to thank serve seven to territory in allowing me as a City Georgia and FIGUEROA wonderful years in Johns Florida. The Council memberKaren and I wife My move will alCreek. in both markets daughters low me to be time on the have raised our d by wonderand spend less time at home here, surroundesupported by and road and more friends ful we could with my family.” the ﬁnest schools Page 4 imagine. and all it See COUNCIL, “Johns Creek, forever will encompasses,

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By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. wanted to know what – If you ever looked like with every Atlanta’s roads resident driving on them, Tuesday, Jan. 28 should give a glimpse. Schools, businesses and governments all shut same time, turning down about the workers out onto the streets at the same time. Variously called “Snowmageddo n,” “Snowpocalypse,” or “SnOMG,” local governments were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of motorists on the road and the worsening conditions throughout the day. A would normally take commute that 20 minutes turned into a 10-, 14- or 20-hour drive. Alpharetta had 50 Department employeesPublic Works begin salting the roads as the snow began on Tuesday, said Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz. Over the course of Tuesday and the following day, Sewczwicz said hundreds of tons of sand and salt were put down by workers working 12-hour shifts. Unfortunately, as traffic grew, so did Above, in Milton, the problems. Hopewell was like so many others Road “We had all our trucks – clogged with traffic and abandoned ready to go,” he said. “Our problem vehicles. is we couldn’t get anywhere once we treated The worst intersectionsit once.” and bridges were hit first, however, day as the salt trucks with the slugbegan using gish lines of traffi police cruisers as c, the salt trucks escorts to move could not get to the traffic aside. hot nor could they return spots quickly; Conditions became treated. The trucks to those already cal police departments so bad, lobecame as stuck as the traffic. help stranded motoristsrefused to or come to It’s a problem a frustrated fender-benders. Sewczwicz said was unavoidable. “People didn’t know “When cars are backed turn,” said Lisa Holland,where to up and with the you cannot get your Roswell Police Department. vehicles there to treat roads again,” 911 call centers were he said, “and where busy with people are stopped endless calls for help in and you get ice. There’s snow and rain, “We had to save our police. nothing we can do resources with that. We were for the most serious frustrated. Because calls,” Holland of the saturation said. “In 30 years, of traffic, we couldn’t I’ve never seen do more.” anything like this.” A solution showed itself later in the Fulton County Schools See GRIDLOCK, Page let out just as the snow 4 on buses and in classrooms began, leaving students LOU HABLAS due to heavy traffic. stranded

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Blotter: Continued from Page 2

Dog of the week: Bay CUMMING, Ga. – Meet Bay, or as his foster family calls him, Baylor. Bay is about 4 years old and is believed to be a dachshund/Chihuahua or terrier mix. A true gentleman, he doesn’t like to break the rules. He doesn’t bark or whine, and he is house broken and crate trained. He likes humans so much that he wants to be in the same room at all times. Because of something in his past, feet seem to scare him; but he is beginning to learn

that people won’t hurt him. He loves snuggling in bed with his foster family and curling up tight like a ball. He is coming out of his shell and likes to play with a ball and his blanket. A low maintenance dog that doesn’t shed, Bay would love to be in a forever home for Christmas. Only serious cuddlers need apply. Meet Bay at the Humane Society of Forsyth County, 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Cat of the week: Tiger CUMMING, Ga. — Tiger is an adorable orange male cat that’s looking for his forever home. He’s one of the first to greet a visitor in the cat room, and he’s always interested in what’s going on. This playful and affectionate guy is great with other kitties. He would be great with

kids. He’s inquisitive, but he’s also laid back. Rescued from a kill shelter, Tiger deserves to learn what a loving home is. He would be a great addition to a lucky family. For information on Tiger, contact the Humane Society of Forsyth County, 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Detention Center. At about 9 p.m. Dec. 12, officers were dispatched to Golden Corral, 2025 Market Place Blvd., to search for a suspect with the stolen cellphone wearing a black jacket and green hat. When officers arrived, they searched the area and saw a man, Harrison, matching the suspect’s description walking up a hill behind Outback Steakhouse. Officers detained Harrison to conduct an investigation, but the man insisted they “had the wrong guy.” Another officer pulled up with the victim in the patrol car, and the victim positively identified Harrison as the man who allegedly took his cellphone. Officers later found the cellphone smashed into three pieces about 10 feet from where Harrison was walking on the hill. Officers said Harrison yelled, cursed and screamed after being placed in the patrol car.

DEATH NOTICES Peggy Bailey, 61, of Gainesville, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Muriel Baker, 85, of Sandy Springs, passed away November 23, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Marian S. Bengel, 88, of Duluth, passed away December 3, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Patricia Biggs, 89 of Johns Creek, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Rene Bouthillier, 94 of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Avalon Cordell, 79, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Sherry Lynn Craft Childers, 56, of Gainesville, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Charles Cousar, 81 of Decatur, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Stanley Darnell, 72, of Forsyth County, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Josephine Davis, 95 of Alpharetta, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Paula Davis, 62, of Johns Creek, passed away December 1, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

William Gipson, 77 of Decatur, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ruth Glover, 84, of Cleveland, passed away November 23, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

John Douglas Gore, 78, of Cumming, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Donna Kay McNeil, 57, of Cumming, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Lavera Hagan, 88, of Duluth, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Mary L. Mullinax, of Cumming, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangement by Ingram Funeral Home.

Leah Kohl, 92, of Gainesville, passed away December 1, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

George Lee, 67 of Buford, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Annette Maides, 64, of Sugar Hill, passed away November 25, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Patricia Malin, 92 of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ralph Paradise 89, of Roswell, passed away December 7, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Paul Poe, 85 of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Doris Radford, 87 of Norcross, passed away November 30, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ethel Sarphie, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Anne Soboleski, 83, of Atlanta, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ruby Mae Sorrows, 91, of Cumming passed away December 15, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. George Stroh, 70, of Woodstock, passed away December 12, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Shirley Gump Thompson, 80, of Cumming, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. David Whatley, 65, of Sky Valley, passed away November 28, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Franklin Winton, 100, of Roswell, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

BACKWATER LANDING – LAKE KEOWEE, SC Waterfront Cottages, Gated – Prices from $140’s to $395,000 This showcase model now available fully furnished for $395,000 Lodge, fitness center, pool, beach, boardwalk, boat slips and more. 888-663-1133 www.backwaterlanding.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri 1-5, Sat & Sun 11-5 and always available by appointment

Country Ranch

Food Service Worker/Baker FT, PT for fast paced bakery. Minimum 1 year kitchen exp. Must be able to follow instructions accurately, work quickly, be organized, enthusiastic, strong communication & people skills. Work independently. Occasional overtime. P/T Front Counterperson Friendly, greet customers, ring up sales, check inventory, 1 yr retail experience preferred. End of day closing, light cleaning. Flexible evenings & weekends. Resumes: smallcakesofalpharetta@gmail.com

HANDYMAN REMODELING

ALL REPAIRS & REMODELS

678-455-2434 www.HandyHero.net 30 yrs. exp./FREE ESTIMATES 1 YR WARRANTY/Lic. & Ins.

Advantage Painting 770-255-8575 Interior/Exterior Decks Sealed & Stained Carpentry Repairs No Up Front Money Proudly use Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams paints Prompt Professional Service Free Estimate, Insured

28 | December 24, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper

Cherry Street Taproom NOW OPEN! 22 Cherry Street Taps • Craft Cocktails • Tapas Located next to the Brewery to the right of Tanner’s • 2014 King of the Cask Grayson Blues & Brews Fest • 2014 2nd Place Barrel Aged Strong Ale US Beer Open • 2013 Best of Show at Grayson Beer Fest

Check out our website for events CherryStreetBrewing.com

Reserve Your Private Party Today!

Call today to inquire about renting out the Taproom.

Great Rotating Draft Beer Selection

Find Cherry Street at all the local growler shops!

Now on Tap D.E.C.O.S. Double Expresso Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Mon. Family Night, KIDS EAT FREE & BINGO at 6pm Wed. Team TRIVIA at 8pm

Serving Breakfast Mon-Fri 7am-11am Sat & Sun 8am-11am

Breakfast • Lunch Dinner • To-Go • Catering Rotisserie Chicken • Chicken Fingers

Biscuits, Omelettes, French Toast, Egg Platters & Bowls, Steak & Eggs, Kids’ breakfast Menu

Wings • Chicken Lips • BBQ Ribs Pulled Pork • Veggies & More!

Order Your Holiday Catering Today! ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY INDIVIDUAL TURKEY BREAST DINNERS $13 Also Serving Spiral Glazed Hams! ROASTED TURKEY BREAST

Feeds 10-12 People Stuffing & Gravy, Green Beans, Dinner Rolls & Cranberry Sauce Whole Package $74.95 Half $39.95 A La Carte Whole $42.95 Half $24.95 Feeds 10-12 People Stuffing & Gravy, Green Beans, Dinner Rolls & Cranberry Sauce Whole Package $89.85 Half $49.95 A La Carte Whole $59.95 Half $32.95

Thurs. CHERRY STREET BEER SPECIALS OPEN MIC at 7:30pm Fri. Prime Rib & Steak Specials Sat. Rib & Steak Specials RickPrime Tanner’s 770-205-5512 Brewery Tours form 2-4pm Sun. Brunch 11am-2pm & Live Music Limit 1 per group. Must present this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 4-25-14.

5810 Bond Street • Cumming, GA (at the corner of Post Rd. & Majors Rd. in Vickery Village)

770-205-5512