Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►PAGE 16
Cherry Street brews success Opens taproom ►►PAGE 6
State swim meet 2015
Cumming’s second year as host ►►PAGE 21
Members of the year
Cumming Vietnam Veterans honor two locals ►►PAGE 7
December 31, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 52
A
B
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D
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A look back on 2014 Each year, our editors comb through the year’s archives of stories to select the most talked about and impactful articles. This year’s selections look at stories at the local level that are helping to shape Forsyth County and the city of Cumming.
While there were more stories that didn’t make this year’s “look back,” a brief compilation and review will help to quickly remind our readers of stories we presented this year and some that we’ll continue to follow in the New Year.
A: Forsyth County hosted the Triple Crown/USA National fastpitch tournament from July 14 - 17. B: Dennis Ronald Marx stormed the Forsyth County Courthouse the morning of June 6 armed in a heavy vest and gasmask. Marx died of gunshot
See “Year in Review,” Pages 10 & 11
wounds sustained in a fire-fight that morning. C: Councilman Rupert Sexton claims he is a whistleblower and “has done nothing illegal, immoral or unethical.” See page 4. D: Two massive snowstorm wreaked havoc on the
county, January 28 – 29 and February 11 – 13. E. Forsyth County saw numerous national grocery chains move into town including Aldi, Costco and Sprouts Farmers Market.
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‘Grinches’ swipe packages from doorways
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Online shoppers beware, because thieves are making off with presents and packages left unattended after delivery, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Eight victims so far have reported to deputies about $1,200 in packages stolen off their property after confirmation of delivery. One woman in the 6000 block of Warminister Green told deputies she was working in her home office at
about 2 p.m. Dec. 19 when she saw a red Chevrolet pickup truck pull into her driveway. No one rang her doorbell, so she looked out the window again. She then saw a woman running from the porch back to the truck with a package in hand. The woman said she tried to follow the suspects in her car but was not able to keep up. The woman said she saw several
packages fall out of the truck, and they were addressed to a home off Olde Atlanta Parkway and The Twelfth Fairway. Another woman in the 4000 block of Wilshire Crossing told deputies she watched a woman steal two packages from her neighbor’s front steps at about 5 p.m. Dec. 10. The woman said she yelled at the suspect as she ran back to a silver Infiniti sedan. A man was waiting in the driver’s seat, and the two suspects sped off.
DUIS & DRUGS
Leeward Walk Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 19 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Ashley Morgan Terrell, 25, of Dawsonville was arrested Dec. 19 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane. ►► Richmond Jaymes Love, 27, of Buford was arrested Dec. 11 on Highway 20 in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jordan Elizabeth Allen, 24, of Cleveland, Georgia, was arrested Dec. 11 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI and speeding. ►► Matthew J. Singleton, 31, of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 11 on Buford Highway in Suwanee for DUI.
Dahlonega was arrested Dec. 12 on Parks Road in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines. ►► Samuel David Veal, 29, of Dawsonville was arrested Dec. 12 on Parks Road in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines, suspended license and brake light violation. ►► Chelsy Renee Cox, 25, of Hamilton Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 8 on Little Mill Road in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug-related items. ►► Carlos Ardon, 39, of Sanders Road, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 8 on Market Place Boulevard in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Corin Torres, 34, of Falls Landing Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 18 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and expired registration. ►► Christopher Brian Campbell, 25, was arrested Dec. 10 on Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta for possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and wanted person. ►► Andrew Michael Waters, 43, of Lawrenceville was arrested Dec. 10 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana and tag light required.
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 ►► Robert Brewer Carpenter, 27, of
Bright Water Place, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 12 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee for DUI, speeding and driving in the gore. ►► Israel Lacerda Ferreira, 27, of Zachary Court, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 3 on Northridge Drive in Cumming for DUI and wanted person. ►► Sharon Renee Barone, 45, of Canton was arrested Dec. 18 on Robins Walk in Alpharetta for DUI and possession of methamphetamines. ►► Eduardo Lira-Flores, 29, of Park Bridge Lane, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 18 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and no license. ►► Karen Victoria Farina, 37, of Mountain Top Place, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 18 on Turner Road in Cumming for DUI. ►► Adam Michael Rosovsky, 44, of
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.
Victim tackles thief to ground CUMMING, Ga. — A woman saw a man walk out of her home carrying her personal items, so she jumped on him,
Drug arrests ►► Christopher Thomas Willis, 23,
of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 12 on Buford Highway in Cumming for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, altering the identification of a weapon, suspended license and tag light violation. ►► Benjamin Ross Altmiller, 29, of according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A woman in a home in the 5000 block of Hendrix Road told deputies she pulled into her driveway at about 1 p.m. Dec. 16 and saw blue van parked along the roadside. When the woman got out of her car, a man got out of the van. She asked him what he was doing by her house, and the man said he wanted to know where the highway was. She said the man got back into the van and drove to the neighboring drive-
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way. Then another man walked out of her house carrying a cedar box that her father had made her. As the second man tried to walk by her with the box, the woman tackled him to the ground. He got back up and ran to the man waiting in the van in the next driveway. The two suspects sped off toward Matt Highway, but the woman said she was able to take a picture of the van. The woman said nothing else
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Burglar hits strip mall CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into a shoe repair store, stole cash and then repeated the act at a neighboring business, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. At about 8 a.m. Dec. 14, deputies were dispatched to Simply U Beauty Salon, 655 Atlanta Highway, after a business alarm went off. When deputies arrived, they talked to the owner who said about $150 in cash was missing from the cash register. Deputies reviewed video surveillance and saw a man in a dark hoodie pull up to the store in a white Ford pickup. He was wearing white gloves with black fingertips and used a tool to push open the front door. The video showed he went straight to the cash register, stole the money and left out the front door. Deputies said the neighboring business, Cumming Shoe Repairs, was burglarized the same way a few minutes before the suspect went to the salon. The owner of the store said he was unaware of the burglary until he saw $28 in cash missing from the drawer. Deputies said there was no forced entry into the businesses, because the tool the suspect used pushes the lock in far enough for entry without damage. Deputies said the front door relocked after the suspect left the shoe repair store, so it appeared nothing happened.
Scammer caught returning stolen items CUMMING, Ga. — A woman was caught allegedly returning items to an Aldi that were previously stolen from another Aldi location, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Aldi, 1760 Buford Highway, told deputies a woman wanted to return six facial washes and two specialty lights totaling $108 on Oct. 15. Then, the woman came back to the store Oct. 28 and returned six facial washes and three heart monitors. The manager said she was suspicious because of the high dollar amount. The managed checked the receipts and saw they had been altered.
The manager called other locations and found an incident at the Milton Aldi was reported where a woman matching the suspect’s description tried to return similar items Oct. 29. Then, the mangers said a customer matching the suspect’s description was caught stealing products from the Oakwood Aldi store Dec. 2.
Copper piping taken from home CUMMING, Ga. — Thieves removed all the copper piping underneath a home and did not bother to turn off the water, according to a Cumming Police incident report. The property owner of a home in the 400 block of Kelly Mill Road told officers the theft occurred between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 1. Evidently the suspect entered through the crawl space and removed about $3,000 of copper piping. The water left running damaged the interior walls, cabinets and flooring, which will cost about $5,000 to $10,000 to repair.
Shoplifters take medicine, leave box FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Two men stole five packs of medicine out of the boxes and put the empty boxes back on the shelf, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A loss prevention officer of Walmart, 2395 Peachtree Parkway, told deputies he saw the two men take about $30 in medicine at about 5 p.m. Dec. 15. The employee said he confronted the suspects, and one took off running.
Tip lands wanted man in jail MILTON, Ga. – An anonymous tip Dec. 15 landed a man with numerous warrants in jail. Police received the tip about 4:20 p.m. that two men were “smoking illegal drugs” on the back deck of a residence. When police arrived, they found no one on the deck, but a man was getting out of a vehicle in the driveway. He initially identified himself as “Lewis Spencer.” A check of that name turned up a man with six traffic tickets. The suspect denied ever having a ticket. Police called his work who said the man’s name was Samuel Smith, 34, of Milton. A check of Smith’s record showed active warrants for
his arrest out of Arkansas and Tennessee. Smith eventually admitted that was his real name and that he lied to the police. Police searched Smith’s vehicle and found suspected marijuana. He was arrested for possession of marijuana and giving a false name to police.
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4 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
NEWS
Leaked documents show nonemployees receiving benefits Councilman investigated to get impeached By KATHLEEN STURGEON Kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — In a 4-1 decision, the Cumming City Council voted Dec. 23 to consider impeachment of longstanding Councilmember Rupert Sexton for releasing personal information of city employees. Sexton contends he is instead accused of airing skeletons from the city’s closet. Sexton is accused of releasing a document disclosing personal financial and health insurance information for the city of Cumming employees on social media, including longtime Mayor H. Ford Gravitt’s supposed girlfriend, Angela Mullinax. The document caused many to question why Mullinax was listed as receiving health insurance paid for by the city of Cumming. Mullinax is not a city employee and the insurance is paid for by taxpayers. “I was trying to save the taxpayers in the city of Cumming money,” said Sexton, defending himself. “I discovered things that they didn’t want me to know. Somehow these people got on the list and have been getting benefits the entire time.” When questioned about the accusations, Mullinax declined
What we know about Angela Mullinax: According to media reports, Mullinax began receiving health benefits in August 2005 when she was named the city’s sponsor procurement specialist. Phil Higgins, city human resources manager, said Mullinax recruits sponsorships for city events but does not receive a paycheck and is the only person who has ever held the position. The job description indicated holding the position does not constitute employment with the city.
to comment. “She does a lot of work for the city of Cumming,” said Gravitt. “I put her on [the list]. I think the city pays $663 a month for her insurance — that’s it. I think we got a good bargain.” Sexton says Mullinax’s health and dental policies have cost Cumming taxpayers roughly $75,000 over the years, which could amount to
KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF
The City of Cumming City Council listens to Dana Miles as he speaks about the procedure for a possible impeachment.
theft. This all unfolded after the council voted on whether to proceed with the possible impeachment of Sexton. Before Gravitt entered the council meeting room, Sexton shook hands and chatted with the other councilmen. Once Gravitt called the meeting to order, City Attorney Dana Miles discussed the facts the city knows today. “A week ago, on Dec. 16, Councilman Sexton made a motion to go into executive session to discuss employee benefits,” said Miles. “After that executive session, Councilman Sexton requested a proposal for councilmembers’ wives as
employees with no designated job duties, but for the purpose of getting paid city health benefits. That was not a proper purpose for an executive session and the executive session was immediately adjourned.” Miles said Sexton did not seek to add this proposal to the regular meeting agenda. “But instead Sexton remarked twice that he was now going to, ‘do what he had to do,’” said Miles. “In that same evening, an Excel spreadsheet containing the financial and health insurance information on the city’s 139 employees was posted on social media.
See SCANDAL, Page 21
Forsyth Schools above Ga. average for CCRPI College and Career Ready Performance Index shows Forsyth at top By KATHLEEN STURGEON Kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Usually giving grades, Forsyth County Schools (FCS) were the ones being graded when the College and Career Ready Performance Index was recently released. The district’s overall score was an 89.8, an increase from last year’s score of 89.4 and the 87.8 score from 2012. Georgia’s overall state score was 72.6 for elementary, 73.2 for middle and 68.4 for high school. In 2013, Georgia’s overall elementary schools overall scored 77.8, middle scored 74.6 and high schools scored 71.8. In 2012, Georgia’s overall elementary schools scored 74.5, middle schools scored 73.8 and high schools scored 72.8. The overall score for elementary schools in FCS was 90, an increase from 88.7 in 2013 and 86.7 in 2012. Middle schools in FCS
scored 91.5 overall, a slight decrease from the 91.6 in 2013 but an increase from 89.5 in 2012. The high schools in FCS scored 85.7 overall, increasing from 85.5 in 2013 but decreasing from 86.3 in 2012. Karl Mercer is the director of accountability for FCS. He said FCS’ results were overall higher than the states for several reasons. “This is due to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and district personnel,” said Mercer. “Our parents are very involved and reinforce the need for a great education and to perform well in school. We also have a strong relationship with business partners and the community. This helps us determine how to best prepare students for success after high school.” Mercer also said that FCS has a focus on standards based teaching and learning and increasing the rigor in the
Our parents are very involved and reinforce the need for a great education and to perform well in school. We also have a strong relationship with business partners and the community. This helps us determine how to best prepare students for success after high school.” KARL MERCER Director of accountability for FCS
classroom. Previously, the district was measured by Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). “This only focused on math, reading / English / language arts and attendance in elementary and middle school,” said Mercer, “or graduation rates in high school. CCRPI focuses on the totality of what a school does — making sure kids are college and career ready.”
Mercer said with the support of the community, school staff and business partners, FCS will continue to improve. “School and district administrators work together to review previous CCRPI scores and determine their strengths and areas of need,” said Mercer. “This work fuels their school improvement process and goal setting.”
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Cherry Street celebrates two years; opens taproom By KATHLEEN STURGEON Kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — When Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative opened two years ago on Dec. 12, 2012, Nick Tanner never thought he’d see his business grow as big as it is. “It came way too quickly,” said Tanner. “Two years flew by. I always thought this anniversary would be something you’d look way down the road at.” While it may have come as a shock to Tanner, Cherry Street, 5810 Bond Street, has received praise for quite some time. “In the two years I’ve hired more than four full-time people,” said Tanner. “We distribute our beer in a third of Georgia, we’ve won many awards and accolades over the years and we now have the most beer on draft at any brewery or brew-pub in the state. So we’ve come a long way in a couple of years.” One of the newest additions to Cherry Street is its new taproom. “The taproom is essentially a nicer word for bar,” said Tanner. “The taproom is a bar that
focuses on craft beer and having a larger number of taps.” Currently there are 28 different beers on tap and out of those, 22 beers are brewed in house. “The other six are what we call ‘guest taps,’” said Tanner. “Guest taps are mostly going to be local beers. I’m family friends with New Belgium Brewing that does ‘Fat Tire’ so we always have New Belgium on draft. We use the other taps when special beers come into availability or if we want to get some nice imports. It’s a way to bring in some other nice beers too.” The taproom had a soft opening on the two-year anniversary, Dec. 12. Tanner, who is the founder and brew master, said this addition will do a few things for Cherry Street, Rick Tanners and the community. “Our intention with the new space is an increase with production for the brewery so they can brew more beer in the long run,” said Tanner. “We now have an increase in barrel aging space. One of the big trends recently is starting to barrel age beers, so we’ll have dedicated space to be able
to put our beer into different things like whiskey or bourbon or wine barrels that will get different flavors.” Tanner said they call themselves a pub already because what happens at Cherry Street and Rick Tanners is similar to what pubs were originally intended to do. “A public house was the central point of the community,” said Tanner. “Everyone gathered there to conduct their social business. In our restaurant, we have judges, sheriffs and football coaches and all these different people gathering in a positive way. The taproom opening is going to impact the community in a positive way.” One way the taproom will impact the community is something that it has to deal more with helping others rather than beer. “We’re a responsible bar so it’s not about over-consumption,” said Tanner, “but it’s more about bringing the community together. We do a lot of charity work with local charities, so we always have beers and events that we donate the proceeds from sales to local charities. The new taproom will
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Rick Tanner’s Grille and Bar and Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative Facebook page promote the event. allow us to have more space for doing these events.” While the taproom gives Cherry Street a little more space, Tanner said they do have future plans of expanding. “As we grow with our offsite sales, so as Cherry Street grows with its distribution sales,” said Tanner, “we’re going to have to create another facility to brew more beer to handle the market. We will not be able to keep up within the next couple of years with the
way we’re heading out of this facility.” But for right now, Tanner said they are thankful for the community support. “I feel like we do a really good job of bringing the community together right now,” said Tanner, “and the taproom will only strengthen that.” Tanner said towards the end of January, Cherry Street will have a grand opening of the taproom. Visit www.cherrystreetbrewing.com for more information.
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COMMUNITY
Two named ‘members of the year’ for Cumming Vietnam Veterans
CUMMING, Ga. — Two Forsyth County residents were awarded “Member of the Year” honors at the December meeting of the Cumming chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The honor is given out annually to an individual or individual whose work on behalf of the organization and its work for veterans and the community is exemplary. The 2014 honorees are Jack Lynn of Jekyll Road and Joe Nolan of Pine Tree Circle. “One of the reasons our group has been successful is due to the heavy lifting by individual members who go the extra mile to get the job done,” said Chapter President Billy Darby. “Jack Lynn and Joe Nolan are the kind of people every organization From left to right, Arthur “Joe” Nolan, VVA Chapter President needs to meet its goals.” Billy Darby and Jack Lynn as the honorees pose with their Nolan, a native of Long “Member of the Year” awards. Island, N. Y. has lived in Forsyth County since 1991. He is retired after nearly 22 years in the US Navy and during his career spent all or commercial construction where he worked for a part of five years in Vietnam or aboard the USS general contractor. Topeka off the coast of Vietnam in the South VVA Chapter 1030 meets the first Monday of China Sea. each month at Golden Corral Restaurant, 2025 Lynn, who has lived in Forsyth County for Market Place Boulevard. around 15 years, served in Vietnam during Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the meeting at 7 1966-67 as a member of the US Navy Seabees. p.m. All Vietnam era veterans are invited to atHe’s a Hall County native who is retired from tend.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 31, 2014 | 7
Sawnee EMC to buy utility-scale solar power CUMMING, Ga. — Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee) announced Dec.17 that its Board of Directors recently approved for the Corporation to execute a twenty-five year power purchase agreement with Southern Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, to purchase 15 MW of solar capacity and the associated energy, from a new photovoltaic (PV) solar project which will be constructed in Taylor County, Ga. “We are very excited to be participating in this project, along with two other Georgia EMCs” said Michael A. Goodroe, president and CEO of Sawnee EMC. “This transaction is projected to provide our member-consumers with several long term benefits, one of which is an affordable and reliable renewable energy source over the life of this agreement.” The solar facility, of which Sawnee will take 11.4 percent of its output, will be located on a 911 acre site in Taylor County, Ga. It will consist of approximately 1.6 million thin-film PV solar
modules, which are mounted on single-axis tracking tables manufactured by First Solar. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in September of 2015, and it is expected to achieve commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2016. “This is the second such solar transaction that our Board has approved in the past few months” said Blake House, vice president of member services. “The staff has been very focused on identifying and seeking Board approval for sustainable, central station generation solutions that are in the best long-term interest of our members.” Earlier in 2014, Sawnee entered into a power purchase agreement with Green Power EMC for 10 MW of capacity and the associated energy from a PV facility located in Hazlehurst, Ga. These two projects, along with Sawnee’s other committed renewable generation assets, expands Sawnee’s existing generation capacity from what is considered to be renewable resources.
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8 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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FCHS finished National Runner Up in the National Engine Builders Challenge CUMMING, Ga. —The Forsyth Central Bulldog Engine Team finished National Runner Up in the National Engine Builders Challenge sponsored by Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dec.1012. The contest is a race to accurately rebuild a small block Chevy engine without dropping anything and following a very precise procedure. The contest involves four preliminary heats followed by three heats in the finals over four days. The average lowest time wins. The Bulldogs held a lead right up until the final run of the competition and finished just 30 seconds from the championship. The Bulldogs qualified two
teams for the National Championship and won second place and sixth place, respectively. The sixth place students won $22,500 in scholarships each while the second place team won $28,500 in scholarships each. Team Derale-2nd Place Jordan Schaller Daniel Ryan Jacob Cochran Shahbaz Aslam Blake Hughes Brandon Taylor Team DeeZee-6th place David Bird Shelby Bowen Scott Gross Estiaan DuPlessis Logan Decker Matthew Roberts
Team Derale, which won second place, is made of Jordan Schaller, Daniel Ryan, Jacob Cochran, Shahbaz Aslam, Blake Hughes and Brandon Taylor.
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution present Public Safety Awards during the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Dec. 18 meeting.
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Public Safety personnel recognized FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) presented Public Safety Awards during the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Dec. 18 meeting. Following the presentation of colors by representatives dressed in Revolutionary Army
uniforms, Mike Jones presented the awards on behalf of the Robert Forsyth Chapter of the SAR. David Bradley received the Firefighter of the Year award, Daniel Anderson received the EMS Person of the Year award and Duane Piper received the Sheriff Deputy of the Year award.
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COMMUNITY
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 31, 2014 | 9
Bank of North Georgia helps Feed the Hungry Campaign Collects $45K in Donations ATLANTA – Just in time for the holidays, Bank of North Georgia, a division of Synovus Bank, concluded its annual Feed the Hungry food box campaign raising more than $45,200 in donations – enough to provide more than 270,000 meals to families in the Bank
of North Georgia service area. This far exceeded the goal of $35,000, and nearly doubled last year’s $28,000 in customer and corporate partner donations. Bank of North Georgia partnered with Action Ministries for a second year, in support of the nonprofit’s Feed the Hungry Food Box program. Customers and friends visited any of the 40 Bank of North
Bank of North Georgia presents its check for its Feed the Hungry Campaign to Action Ministries for its fight against poverty in Georgia. From left are BNG Tallapoosa Branch Manager Marcelle Robinson, Chief Community Banking Executive Allen Barker, BNG President and CEO Rob Garcia and John Moeller, president and CEO of Action Ministries.
Library to expand evening hours in 2015 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Thanks to additional funding from the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, the Forsyth County Public Library will expand its evening hours beginning Jan. 4, 2015. All four branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, library branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Branches will be open on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This change marks a return
to full hours of operation before the recession began. “We had to shorten hours beginning in January 2010 and over time we have been able to add some of the hours back,” said Stephen Kight, assistant director for public services. “We are very grateful to see our hours expand, and we know that our patrons will be excited to see all four branches open four evenings every week.” For more information on library services, please visit www.forsythpl.org.
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Georgia locations and donated $5 to sponsor a food box that will feed a family of four for up to five days. “At Bank of North Georgia, we don’t just work in the markets we serve, we strive to be active community participants,” said Rob Garcia, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of North Georgia. “We live here, we raise our children here, and we work hard to make our communities better.” We encourage our team members to be hands-on with the organizations that they support.”
“We chose Action Ministries because they are a 50-yearold, well-respected nonprofit with an excellent track record of success,” continued Garcia. “Last year alone, they served nearly 144,000 individuals in need across North Georgia, but the need is much greater. Their service footprint mimics ours perfectly, so it’s a great fit.” said John R. Moeller Jr., president and CEO of Action Ministries. said the support of Bank of North Georgia and its customers helps Georgia which has the third highest poverty rate in the country and ranks
second in the nation for homeless children and veterans. “The need for our services continues to grow at a rapid pace,” said Moeller. “By meeting the basic needs of hunger relief, housing and education, Action Ministries removes barriers that prevent thousands of Georgians from breaking the cycle of poverty and realizing their potential.” Action Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit that provides an extensive network of community partners and volunteers with the tools and expertise to lead fellow Georgians out of poverty.
10 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
YEAR IN REVIEW
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Forsyth considers a second city FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The formation of the Sharon Springs Alliance (SSA) started off the year in Forsyth. A group of South Forsyth residents formed SSA in January, a nonprofit created to study the pros, cons and feasibility of establishing the city of Sharon Springs. The lengthy process to become a city requires a state-mandated feasibility study be performed by the Carl Vinson Institute of the University of Georgia. The SSA was seeking funding through online donations and announced in November that the feasibility study was completely funded. SSA hosted a series of public meetings to introduce the proposed map, discuss the pros and cons of cityhood and share feedback between residents, local businesses and interested stakeholders. The Board of Commissioners discussed in December the possibility of adding a second city. As for next year, the study will be done and further actions may then be taken.
Costco opens in Cumming CUMMING, Ga. – After plans stalled and construction was halted in the summer of 2013, a long waiting period of negotiations and much doubt ensued; but the wait was over. Costco plans moved ahead in early January, and in March dozens of crews were turning up red dirt on the property as a 148,000-square-foot building with about 650 parking spaces were built. On Aug. 29, the location opened off Ga. 400 and Exit 15 at 1211 Bald Ridge Marina Road.
Snow shuts down Forsyth County FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth saw snowfall twice this year and consequently traffic, emergencies and 911 calls. Things got bad around noon Jan. 28 and lasted until about 3 p.m. Jan. 29. During that time, the Forsyth County Fire Department responded to a total of 52 incidents, of which 15 were medical emergencies,
Sydney Ridings honored, then remembered FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – While Sydney Ridings, 14, was battling Ewing’s Sarcoma, she brought the community together on multiple occasions throughout the year to fundraise and raise awareness of child cancer research. On Feb. 10, those in support of Ridings convened at Liberty Middle School for a celebration fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s and Locks of Love, which makes wigs for child cancer patients. In all, Liberty and its community raised about $15,000, event officials announced, far surpassing their goal of $5,000. In November, Ridings passed away. The community once again gathered together, although this time for a more somber occasion at her funeral where they celebrated Ridings’ life by releasing red balloons.
22 were motor vehicle accidents, four were investigating smoke calls, one was a vehicle fire and the others were miscellaneous calls, including a water leak inside a structure. During about the same time frame, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office attended to 196 accident calls, 155 road obstructions and 94 calls to assist motorists. Then from 1 p.m. on Feb. 11 through 1 p.m. on Feb. 13, when the winter weather warning was lifted, the Forsyth County 911 Center handled 793 calls for service, including police-initiated calls.
YEAR IN REVIEW Forsyth Superintendent steps down Citizen journalist continues to get kicked out; receives retribution Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | December 31, 2014 | 11
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – In March, Forsyth County School Superintendent L.C. “Buster” Evans announced he would step down from his post and take on a new job with the state. Gov. Nathan Deal tapped Evans to increase the number of inmates with high school diplomas at state prisons. In June, the Forsyth County Board of Education selected Jeff Bearden as the finalist for superintendent of schools. Bearden, the former superintendent of the Rome School System, has served as a school executive for over 25 years.
BEARDEN
Forsyth ranked number one for health FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Germaphobes rejoiced in April when Forsyth County was ranked number one as the healthiest county in Georgia — again. For the second straight year, the county ranked first out of 159 counties in the state, according to a report ranking the health of all 50 states. In 2012, Forsyth had come in second place. The fifth annual report — County Health Rankings — was published by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in late March. The study used data such as obesity, smoking and alcohol use to determine their findings. Socioeconomic factors including the number of residents with health insurance, high school graduation and access to parks and healthy foods were also considered. While the state’s child poverty rate is 27 percent, Forsyth County’s child poverty rate is at 8 percent. Other factors include single-parent homes in Forsyth, which total 13 percent, compared to the state’s 36 percent. The adult obesity rate is 22 percent in the county and the state rate is 28 percent.
CUMMING, Ga. – One of the first incidents of local blogger Nydia Tisdale getting kicked out of public meetings was in April of 2012. Nearly two years later this April, Tisdale was yet again kicked out. This time, Tisdale was told to shut off her camera at an event held by the Republican Women of Forsyth County. Tisdale is a blogger for AboutForsyth.com and has dubbed her work “Nydeos.” Later this year in August, Tisdale had a week of mixed emotions. She received a positive ruling on her two-yearold Open Meetings case against the City of Cumming. However, two days later on Aug. 23, she was kicked out of another political event and this time arrested in Dawsonville. On Aug. 21, Judge Robert Adamson ruled in favor of State Attorney General Sam Olens in a lawsuit filed on June 2012. In that case, Tisdale was told by the City of Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt to stop filming a council meeting that took place April, 17, 2012. She complained to the Attorney General who took on the case. Judge Adamson ruled that the city will have to pay $12,000 in penalties and also ordered the city to pay attorney’s fees in an amount to be determined at a later hearing.
Cumming Courthouse gets attacked CUMMING, Ga. – The usually peaceful town of Cumming was rocked June 6 when a lone gunman, Dennis Ronald Marx, opened fire outside the courthouse. Marx fired at a deputy through his windshield and struck the deputy in the leg. Eight other deputies stationed inside the courthouse, jail across the street and a SWAT team training nearby rushed to the entrance of the courthouse. They started to shoot at Marx and he fired back. For about three minutes they exchanged bullets. Marx then threw out homemade tear gas and smoke grenades at deputies. And shortly after, Marx died of his gunshot wounds. MARX When deputies searched his SUV, they found assault rifles, plastic flex ties, water and a lot of other weapons. No one else was hurt. It was something no one had ever seen in downtown Cumming. Marx was due in court that morning on drug and weapons charges, but he appeared prepared to take over the courthouse. Marx was also suing the sheriff’s office, alleging excessive force and civil rights violations.
Forsyth residents approve $200M transportation bond FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – On Nov. 4, Forsyth County residents overwhelmingly approved a $200 million general obligation bond that would be used to finance a variety of transportation projects in the county. Of the up to $200 million, $81 million is proposed for projects in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation to leverage state and federal funding with the remaining $119 million proposed for county projects. Sixty-three percent, or 34,764 voters, approved the bonds, while 37 percent did not at 20,030 votes. Now that the bond referendum has been approved, the bonds will create a tax increase over the next 20 years. A home valued at $250,000 will pay an additional $121 annual tax for repayment.
Taubman development to bring over 7,800 new jobs to Forsyth
County opens animal shelter
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –More options for shopping, living and playing are coming to Forsyth County, as a developer moves forward on a large-scale project in the southern part of the county. Taubman Centers Inc. has been working on a luxury, regional retail and mixed-use development, said James McCoy, president and chief executive officer of Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. The mall has not yet been named, however, and an opening date is still unknown. The 164-acre site will be at the intersection of McGinnis Ferry and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, south of the interchange at Ga. 400 and McFarland Road, said McCoy.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County officially opened the county’s new animal shelter Aug. 22, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new Forsyth County Animal Shelter is located just off Ga. 400 at 4065 County Way in northern Forsyth County. Construction of the approximately 13,700-square foot facility was funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII program approved by voters in 2011. When the 43.5 percent euthanasia rates in September were released, animal lovers were enraged. Changes happened including a Facebook page and more rescue group help, which then dropped the rate drastically to 25.5 percent euthanasia rate for October and 20.2 percent for November.
12 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | appenmediagroup.com
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After Ferguson, Garner cases, local business subsidizes police body cameras By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Private investigator Michael Connell, of Alpharettta, travels all over the state to take photographs, interview witnesses, collect police reports and other evidence. With an online records application, all of the data can be stored in one place. “Chasing down open records has always proved a little difficult,” Connell said. “We decided to create a streamlined location where insurance companies or attorneys can track down evidence from any law enforcement agency.” RiskJockey compiles police reports and other evidence in one database for people to submit open records requests to law enforcement for a convenience fee. Connell also subsidizes body-worn cameras for departments who participate in the program. Connell began the program three years ago. He had started subsidizing body worn cameras for police departments in Norcross, Alma and Tybee Island, but he said the high-profile Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner cases this year raised interest in the cameras and his application. “[Police] weren’t really sold on body worn cameras a couple years ago,” he said. “Once Ferguson hit, the barriers to
entry soon fell, because these departments realized they really needed this equipment.” Now, Connell provides cameras to 12 departments, including Snellville, Milledgeville and Bainbridge. “Every day I get somebody else enquiring about it,” he said. The cameras, supplied by Vievu, are three inches long, about the size of a pager, and worn on the front of an officer’s uniform. They record “pretty much what the officer can see,” said Roy Whitehead, Snellville Chief of Police. Whitehead said Connell has provided 42 cameras to his department, one for each officer. RiskJockey cameras are part of the department’s plan to gradually update equipment beginning five years ago, he said. He said the cameras help them collect evidence as well as address complaints. “So far, when we’ve had complaints, the officer’s been vindicated each time,” Whitehead said. In the North Fulton area, many departments are considering body-worn cameras as an upgrade to the equipment officers already use. The Alpharetta public safety department is considering such cameras, said spokesman George Gordon. “We’re in the very initial steps,” Gordon said. “We want to take a logical evaluation and thought process
because we serve the public, we’re transparent and we have to be mindful of taxpayer money.” The cameras were under consideration prior to Ferguson, but the events in Missouri and New York “sharpened our focus and awareness,” Gordon said. “If it is something that will help us deliver better service to our citizens, by all means we should evaluate it,” he said. Roswell police are in the process of testing for body cameras compatible with their in-car camera system, which automatically uploads video to a server, said Lisa Holland, a Roswell police spokeswoman. “This way they can’t be tampered with,” Holland said. Holland said the videos can help settle disputes and protect police officers. “Often times, people complain on officers and after reviewing the video, there’s a whole different account of what really happened,” Holland said. “You can’t dispute what is said and heard on a video. And when the public knows they’re being videotaped they’re less likely to commit a crime in front of the camera.” Milton has ordered cameras and is developing city policy for them, addressing issues such as privacy concerns. “It’s just another tool,” said Capt. Shawn McCarty,
Chad Henderson, Chief of Buchanan Police, wears a Vievu camera. Milton Police public information officer. “It’s not going to solve all of the problems that we encounter, but it’s something we feel provides a great benefit.” Connell said that more police departments will adopt this technology. “Every police officer in the United States is going to have these at some point,” he said.
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Local leaders graduate from economic development academy NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Eight local business and government leaders took part recently in the 2014 Region 3 Multi-Day Training Program sponsored by the Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Class participants represented a number of professional and non-professional economic development fields, including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators and social service providers from 10 counties in metro Atlanta. The academy provided an understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional and state levels. Fulton County graduates at the Dec. 4 ceremony include: Hans Appen, Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce; Jason Binder, Acolyte Advisors; Beckie Hawkins, Roswell Inc.; Deana Holiday Ingraham, East Point City Council; Charles Knudsen, Georgia Power Company; Donald Mitchell; Alpharetta City Council; Al Nash, Progress Partners of North Fulton
Atlanta and Doreen Scascitelli, Roswell Inc. Since its organization in 1993, the academy has provided training for thousands of professional and nonprofessional economic developers around the state, and since 1998, it has been offered annually. Georgia EMC and Georgia Power provide facilitators for the program, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides staff support. The academy’s multi-day program, taught one day a month over four months, includes training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, downtown development, planning and other essentials for community success. Local elected officials may receive certification training credits through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association for completion of this program.
Fulton County business and government leaders attended a graduation ceremony earlier this month for completing the 2014 Region 3 Multi-Day Training Program sponsored by the Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
Getting off to a fast start in the new year Happy New Year! Hopefully, you’ve spent the past couple of weeks celebrating your success from the previous year and spending some quality time with your family and friends. Now that the new year is here, it’s time to get things in motion. Small businesses that get off to a fast start in the new year are more likely to achieve their annual goals and objectives. To get off to a fast start in the new year, you have to have a plan of action. Documenting your strategic and tactical plans will help ensure you are doing the right
DICK JONES
Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
things early in the new year. Whether it’s hiring new employees, rolling out new products and services or identifying the best prospects you want to meet with, a plan of action will help you get more done. When the new year arrives each year, almost everyone has
“resolutions” they make. What are yours? Based on your performance last year, what changes are you going to make to improve your results? Analyzing what was successful and not as successful last year will help you to identify ways to improve. Too many small business owners waste time in the beginning of the year by not having a plan to get off to a fast start. Don’t let that happen to you. Getting off to a fast start in the new year will significantly improve the odds you’ll have a great year!
14 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
REAL ESTATE »
Chambers Street Properties sells Deerfield Commons ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Deerfield Commons I and II in Alpharetta was one of four multi-tenant office complexes sold recently by Chambers Street Properties. The Princeton, New Jersey-based real estate investment trust sold the four-story building along with a 10-acre lot for $19.4 million. The properties involved in the sale represented 534,849 square feet of office space.
NEW PRODUCT »
Roswell company announces new hearing product ROSWELL, Ga. — Zounds Hearing, with locations in Roswell, has added the Enza in-the-ear hearing aid to its product line. “The Enza is a comfortable and affordable solution for those who want a more discreet hearing aid,” said Sam Thomasson, founder of Zounds Hearing. “It’s unique on the market today, as it employs 20 programmable channels and adjusts the level of hearing in real time to distinguish changes in the environment.” Free hearing evaluations are available at both metro Atlanta locations: 580 E. Crossville Road, Suite 340 in Roswell and 440 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Suite 43 in Kennesaw. For more information, visit www.zoundshearingatl.com.
PEOPLE »
Rozier joins Ledlie Group ROSWELL, Ga. — Rand Rozier, of Roswell, was recently named by the Ledlie Group to serve as an associate in strategic messaging, crisis response, media monitoring and re-
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search. Rozier graduated from Georgia College and State University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in political science.
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KeyWorth Bank adds new associates JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Neil Stevens, president and chief operating officer of KeyWorth Bank, 11655 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, announced the addition of new associates. Jessica McGukin has been named credit support specialist at the Johns Creek location. Jessica Wiley has been named a financial services representative at Johns Creek. Lisa Whitney has been named a financial services representative at Haynes Bridge. Weston Noles was named a financial services representative at Dunwoody.
MDnetSolutions founder retires ALPHARETTA, Ga. — MDnetSolutions, a fully integrated patient engagement company, announced the retirement of its founder Rich Rosenzweig. Rosenzweig will remain a consultant with the company during the next 12 months and work closely with MDnetSolutions CEO Alan Creighton. “Our employees and customers are very important to me, and I want you to know that I am a better person today, having met you along the way,” Rosenzweig said. “At the end of your work day, all of your efforts were directed toward helping people get healthy and to live a better life…What you do is noble and selfless amid a world that is not quite anywhere near that level of caring for people.”
Agilysys promotes Jaddi to senior vice president ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Agilysys, a provider of information technology and hospitality software and services, announced the promotion of Rehan Jaddi to senior vice president of customer support and service solutions. Jaddi previously served as vice president of product development engineering at Agilysys. In his new role, his primary responsibilities will be to oversee product support, customer relations and professional services. “Rehan’s technological and managerial experience makes him an ideal fit for his new role as senior vice president of customer support and service solutions,” said Jim Dennedy, Agilysys president and chief executive officer. “His strong focus on how technology can improve customers’ business performance as well as the guest experience will drive significant growth for our company and our people.” For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com
TECH »
Intelliverse experiences record growth in 2014 ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Intelliverse, a sales accelerated solutions company, announced that it had record revenue and employee growth in 2014. During 2014, sales acceleration software and lead generation managed services experienced a five-time increase in revenue and were responsible for a 200 percent increase in Intelliverse’s workforce. “I am genuinely thrilled with our achievements and customer growth this year and I am even more excited as we move into 2015,” said CEO Sean Gordon. “Intelliverse Labs is already at work on several major product enhancements generated by customer feedback.” For more information, visit www.intelliverse. com.
Bluefin, Priority announce partnership ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Bluefin Payment Systems has announced a partnership with Priority Payment Systems to provide Bluefin’s PCI-validated Point-toPoint Encryption (P2PE) Solution to Priority Payment clients. Bluefin’s PCI-validated P2PE solution secures card transactions by encrypting all data within a PCI-approved point of entry swipe or keypad device, preventing clear-text cardholder data from being available in the device or the merchant’s system where it could be exposed to malware. “With constantly evolving payment solutions, the one thing that the payment industry cannot lose sight of is security,” said John V. Priore, Priority president and CEO. “Priority is dedicated to ensuring that our clients have the best options for securing cardholder information, which is why we are excited to offer Bluefin’s P2PE solution to our existing and new customers.” Under the agreement, Priority will provide Bluefin’s PayConex P2PE through Priority’s current sales channels. Bluefin will fulfill, manage and support all P2PE orders, including device shipping, chain of custody and device monitoring. “Bluefin’s PCI-validated solution applies to all verticals and companies of every size – because fraudsters do not discriminate,” said John Perry, Bluefin CEO. “PayConex P2PE protects the merchant and the consumer, while preserving reputation and brand. We are very much looking forward to working with Priority and their clients on enhancing the security of their cardholder data.”
NEW BUSINESS »
Sprouts Farmers Market opens Cumming store Jan. 14 CUMMING, Ga. —Sprouts Farmers Market will open its first store in Cumming on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 a.m. The location, 530 Lakeland Plaza, is the fifth Sprouts in Georgia and comprises 31,448 square feet. Sprouts will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with special events and giveaways for shoppers, including muffin and coffee samples, coupons and shopping bags. Special coupon offers will continue Jan. 17 and 18. For more information, visit www.sprouts.com.
Dentist expands patient base to Johns Creek Call today for your free IT assesment.
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Dr. Randolph Moore is now accepting new patients from Johns Creek without a referral for dental implants with the help of 3D cone beam imaging. The cone beam dental imaging system provides Moore with a more accurate facial x-ray, assisting in the placement of implants. For more, visit www.smilemooredentistry.com.
CALENDAR
EDITOR’S PICKS
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ERICA O’NEAL
Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com
Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
EVENTS:
STARLAB WINTER STARS
BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER
Find out myths behind constellations inside the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s (CNC) inflatable planetarium., 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. Monday, Jan. 5. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost included with general admission and free to CNC members. Visit chattnaturecenter.org for more info.
Where: Saint Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek When: Friday, Jan. 9 Hours: 6-8 p.m. Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for children Online: saintbrigid.org
Christmas tree recycling offered by the City of Milton. Three different drop off locations: Scottsdale Farms Garden Center, 15639 Birmingham Hwy., Alpharetta, Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Hwy. (Freemanville Rd. entrance), Alpharetta, Home Depot, all area Home Depots are drop-off points. Saturday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Visit cityofmiltonga.us for more info.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31 Hours: Celebration begins at 8 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: 678-512-3430 Info: Everyone is invited to bring an appetizer to share. Make reservations by contacting Park Place.
What: An art exhibit from local artist Jane Haessler titled “People on Canton Street.” Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell When: Daily Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Thursday, Jan. 29 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: 770-594-6232
What: Ministries at the Saint Brigid Catholic Church will be offering favorite recipes and tastings for an evening.
A performance by the band Drivin’ N Cryin at 37 Main Johns Creek, 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy., Johns Creek. Saturday, Jan. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit 37main-store.com for more info.
WINTER FAMILY CARNIVAL
Forsyth County Public Library invites the community to learn about what the library has to offer with special events scheduled. Events include a chance to win a Kindle, a costume contest, storytime with Badkitty and more. Lanier Tech Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Saturday, Jan. 10, 1-5 p.m. Free. Visit forsythconferencecenter.laniertech. edu for more info.
PEOPLE ON CANTON ART GALLERY
2ND ANNUAL ‘TASTE OF SAINT BRIGID’
DRIVIN’ N CRYIN
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE OPEN HOUSE
What: Alliance Francaise at the Roswell location welcomes the public to enjoy French wine and cheese, learn about French classes, take a tour of the Alliance Francaise of Atlanta. Where: Alliance Francaise Roswell, 435 Jones Dr., Roswell When: Tuesday, Jan. 6 Hours: 6-8 p.m. Cost: Free Online: afatl.com Info: Register online at afatl.com/livefrench/events/winter-session-openhouse-roswell/
ROOMS OF CHRISTMAS PAST AND MORE
What: The Roswell Garden Club gives tours of nine rooms at the Smith Plantation decorated with unique Christmas trees and past themes as well as new future themes. Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell When: Daily Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Sunday, Jan. 4 Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MondaySaturday and 1-3 p.m. Sunday Cost: $8 for adult tickets, $7 for seniors and $6 for children Online: roswellgov.com
Hours: Registraion begins at 4 p.m. and the 5K race begins at 6 p.m. Cost: $35 per person Online: fumclv.org
THEATER:
MUSIC: AUDIOWOLF AT THE VELVET NOTE
What: A local high school band performs at The Velvet Note Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta When: Friday, Jan. 2 Hours: Performances at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $22 Online: thevelvetnote.com
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RACES & BENEFITS: ANNUAL FLASHLIGHT 5K NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
What: A New Year’s Eve party at Park Place with games starting at 8 p.m. Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
What: A 5K run on New Year’s Eve benefitting Family Promise of Gwinnett County. Where: 1st United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, 395 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville When: Wednesday, Dec. 31
ONE SLIGHT HITCH
What: A theatre play about a wedding plan gone wrong by the Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Rd., Roswell When: Thursday, Jan. 8 through Sunday, Jan. 25 Hours: Showtimes vary Cost: Ticket costs range from $22 to $35 Online: get.org
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Sponsored Section • Forsyth Herald | December 31, 2014
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Good schools equate to a more vibrant community By Carroll Cunningham Strong public schools are an important facet of any housing market. The difference between a good elementary and a great elementary school can translate into thousands of dollars. Home buyers will stretch their budgets $10,000 to $15,000 more to get into an area where the schools have been ranked high academically. Good schools equate to a more vibrant community. If the real estate market is hot in a particular area… so is the local economy. It has been shown that there is a definite correlation between the school system and the real estate market. The Rand Corporation did a study for the city of Santa Monica, CA and found 4 major impacts made by the school system on the community. They were: Housing values, crime rate, tax revenues and civic participation. There was also strong evidence that the quality of education impacted the physical and mental health
in the community. A one year increase in the average education levels showed a substantial reduction that same year in major crimes CUNNINGHAM – 27% fewer murders; 30% fewer assaults and 20% fewer motor vehicle thefts. The study noted that a 1% increase in the average school district reading or math scores equated to a .5% to 1% increase in property tax revenue. The higher housing values, the higher the property tax revenues are for the community. Schools definitely impact our community. Another impact comes from our community leaders. They must be made aware of a very dangerous term, “Student Mobility.” This refers to the phenomenon of students changing schools for reasons other than grade promotion. Frequent movement of students from
school to school puts those students at greater risk for academic and behavioral problems. Many drop-out students have been victims of frequent school change. Housing is the most important issue that must be addressed with this critical problem. Often times a family moves due housing being cheaper for the family. When this movement occurs, and schools end up with a 40 to 60% mobility rate, the quality of the education for all students in the system are impacted. Being a Principal and teacher for 30 years, I know how important schools are to the community. It is so essential for the community leaders, the school system and the real estate companies that
operate in that community to work together to preserve high academic standards for our clients. We all must remember that students are clients; the citizens who live in our area are clients; and new buy-
ers and sellers of homes are clients. They definitely deserve our cooperation in working together to give them an outstanding community in which to live, work and grow.
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Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
December 31, 2014 17
Resolutions for Success: 5 Tips for Selling Your Home in 2015 If you are considering selling your home in 2015, you should know that a lot has probably changed in the real estate market since you last sold. Knowing what works today — and resolving to put the tips and advice of the past to rest — will position your home for a quick and profitable sale. Appeal to mobile buyers. Nearly all home searches now begin on a smartphone or tablet — not on the web, and
not using the newspaper. Failing to optimize your listing and your photos for mobile devices can result in missed opportunities RAWLINGS with today’s generation of buyers. Separate your home from your investment. Selling a
home can be an emotional time, but not letting emotions get the best of you is crucial to your sale. If you are too sentimentally attached to your home, you may reject a good price or fail to negotiate with a serious buyer. Be ready to change your homeowner hat to your investor hat. Only list your home once you are serious about selling. Do you have a place to go if you sell? Have you fully
cleaned and de-cluttered your home? Have you taken your agent’s advice on staging and pricing? These are necessary steps that guarantee that you present your home in its best possible light. Hire the best agent for the job. The agent you used to purchase the home 15 years ago may seem like the logical choice for listing your home this time around. But are
they really the best option? Research different agents and shop around. If you have any doubt about an agents abilities, hold off on establishing a relationship. Make the best impression online. Today, buyer first impressions are on the Internet. Listing your home without complete information — including photos, description and accurate data — can be detrimental to your sale.
Understanding Escheatment And How To Keep Your Property Safe By Cynthia Nisley (NAPSI)—If you have a bank account, are holding uncashed checks, own stock, are heir to an insurance policy or have property in a safe-deposit box, there are steps you can take to help protect your property from escheatment. “Escheatment� is the term that describes how “abandoned,� “unclaimed� or “lost� property is turned over to the state. If the property owner cannot be found or hasn’t demonstrated an interest in the asset, the U.S. state where the holder lives can take custody of those belongings. If the owner or heir comes forward, he or she can claim it back from the state but early withdrawal penalties or market losses may significantly affect the asset’s value and the funds may not be immediately available. You may say, “But I haven’t abandoned my property. I don’t have anything to worry about.� That’s not necessarily so. Consider the case of an employee of a fast-growing
technology company who held stock certificates with a face value of nearly $500,000. He kept the certificates in a safe and intended to use the funds for his kids’ college education. Unknown to him, his stock had been escheated due to returned mail and lack of contact. His nest egg was ruined and he was able to claim just under $20,000, the amount the state sold his stock for at the time of escheatment. Here are a few similar scenarios that can happen to anyone: • If you don’t cash dividend checks, those checks and associated stock may be escheated unless you have made contact with the transfer agent. Since most states sell shares immediately, you will lose out on any market gains, dividends or stock splits that occur after the shares are sold. • If you move and do not update your address with your financial institution (such as a bank), it will mark your account as “lostâ€? once it receives two pieces of undeliverable mail from the post office. After
three to five years, depending on the state, your assets will be escheated unless you make contact with the institution. • If you have a safe-deposit box and never access it or make contact with your bank, the contents of the box may be turned over to the state and sold at auction. You could claim back the cash value—but not the valuables themselves. So how can you protect your assets? Staying in contact with your financial institutions is the key to protecting your property. To actively show interest in all your assets: 1. Keep a list of all the financial institutions you deal with, such as a bank or transfer agent, and contact them at least once per year. This can be as simple as accessing your account online, calling in to the customer service center, cashing a check, updating your address, changing a beneficiary or voting a proxy. 2. Keep your address updated with all your financial institutions if you move.
3. Consolidate accounts, to make it easier to maintain contact and keep track of your assets. 4. If you receive a notice alerting you to the fact that your account is considered “inactive� or “abandoned,� respond immediately. Note that service providers such as Georgeson may contact you, offering to provide assistance in helping prevent escheatment of an inactive or abandoned account. You have the option to use the service or handle it yourself directly with your fi-
nancial institution—the service provider should disclose all options. 5. Make sure that your heirs know which stocks you own and where you have financial accounts. To find out if any of your property has been escheated, visit www.missingmoney. com and search participating states’ records by the property owner’s name, or for contact information for nonparticipating states. Ms. Nisley is Senior Vice President, Georgeson Inc.
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18 | December 31, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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ATLANTA, Ga — “Being a reporter is one of the noblest things you can do in life. Letting the people know. It’s really a holy cause. Time after time after time, in the middle of corruption and disgrace and bad politics, I’ve seen people come through and do for people. I write about someone in trouble and someone else rallies to help them. Through reporting, things can change.” – Celestine Sibley, April 1999 This quote from Celestine Sibley came from the last year of her life and opens the book, “The Reporter,” a collection of many of her best newspaper stories, edited by reporter Richard Eldridge. One of the first female editors, Sibley reported for the Atlanta Constitution from 1941 to 1999. She wrote more than 10,000 columns, covering state politics, courtroom drama and cultural affairs. Sibley was also the author of nearly 30 books of different genres published between 1958 and 1997, including her memoir, “Turned Funny” (1988) and “Children, My Children,” which won the first Townsend Prize for children’s fiction. Firm in her convictions about her labors, Sibley continued working until the final weeks before her death, with her last regular Constitution column appearing on July 25, 1999. She died of cancer at the age of 85 on Aug. 15, 1999. Celestine Sibley’s many accomplishments have long been celebrated. In 1990, she received the Ralph McGill Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism. A few months before her death, Sibley was awarded the National Society of Newspaper Columnists Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2000, in appreciation for her years of political reporting, the Georgia House of Representatives named its Capitol press gallery in Sibley’s honor. But she is perhaps best remembered for her writing about Southern culture, poignant essays that made her
Sibley at her Sweet Apple Cabin in 1997.
an icon of her beloved South. She held dear a belief in the value of home as a place of refuge from the ever-changing world, a sanctuary from the encroaching developments swallowing up the countryside outside her window. In 1961, Sibley created her own haven, purchasing and renovating a dilapidated log cabin in Roswell, Georgia, for just $1,000. She named her home Sweet Apple Cabin. From there, she enjoyed a simple life and proclaimed the benefits of such an existence in such a prolific and convincing way that for many of her readers, it became an idyllic imaginary home for them, as well. Last month, four journalists with Atlanta connections were enshrined into the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame during a reception ceremony. Celestine Sibley was included amongst the likes of Tom Brokaw, Claude Sitton and Brenda Wood. Bestselling Southern author Kathy Trocheck, better known by her pen name Mary Kay Andrews, inducted Sibley. Sibley’s grandson, Jason Bazemore, accepted the award. “The old show business saying, ‘Don’t follow kids or animals,’ could be changed to don’t follow Tom Brokaw or Monica Pearson,” he joked. But Bazemore is humbled by the experience, well aware of his grandmother’s holy cause and her longreaching influence. “She would have been thrilled and proud to be included with so many old friends and colleagues like her former boss and mentor Ralph McGill,” he said. “Standing up in front of all those people who make a living talking was a little scary, but it was an honor to stand in for Tine.” Remembered and revered for her true, unflinching accounting of life, standing in for Celestine Sibley seems impossible to her readers, but it might be exactly what she intended.
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Hornets’ Whitaker, White help lead South team to Chamber Bowl win By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – After a scoreless first two quarters, a depleted South team managed a pair of second half touchdowns and held on for a 15-13 victory in the annual Chamber
Bowl high school all-star game Dec. 20. The game, which was played at Blessed Trinity, is conducted by the North Fulton Forsyth Touchdown Club and matches seniors from North Fulton and Forsyth high schools. The South team con-
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sisted of schools from North Fulton and Sandy Springs, and the North team featured players from Forsyth schools as well as Alpharetta, Northview and Johns Creek. The South team was operating at a serious disadvantage, dressing out only 25 players, two of whom were solely used in the kicking game. Five of the six Centennial players on the roster were unable to play after contracting food poisoning at the team’s • SACS/CASI Accreditation postseason • Montessori Certified / College Educated Teachers banquet. Cen• Traditional Montessori Student Focused tennial’s Jeff Curriculum Carlberg was • Constructive Model of Educating also sidelined • Member of the American Montessori Society from being the • Spacious Classrooms South’s head • Low Student to Teacher Ratio coach. • Regular Field Trips All three • Indoor Café Fellowship • Two Music Rooms and Learning Kitchen Christian • School Library players on the • Daily Enrichments include: Spanish, Chinese, South roster Music, Art, Cooking, Gardening, and P.E. were no-shows, • Offering Pre-Primary (ages 18 months – 3 years), which left the Primary (ages 3 – 6), Elementary Classes South team (1st – 3rd grade), (4th – 6th grade) with only one • Year Round Program quarterback – Roswell’s James Whitaker. The South also had just one running back and was limited at receiver, with most of Whitaker’s passes January 10th intended for 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Roswell teammate Reggie White.
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Whitaker and White teamed up for a 14-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter to break a scoreless tie, and Connor Dolan of Holy Innocents ran for a two-point conversion. The North team countered on a 36-yard TD pass from Northview quarterback D.J. Pearson to South Forsyth’s Drew Witalis, but failed on the try for two. White got behind the North secondary for a 70-yard reception from Whitaker to set up a 5-yard scoring run by Dolan early in the final period. Pearson again scrambled around before finding an open receiver deep downfield, teaming up with South Forsyth running back Tyler LaFlamme for a 53yard scoring strike with 6:30 to play. The South was able to run off almost five minutes with the aid of a late hit penalty against the North. Another North penalty ended realistic hopes of a late, game-winning drive. The game ended when standout Milton defensive lineman Nick Steinhaus sacked Pearson inside the North 5. Neither offense was able to get anything going in the first half, as the first four series ended on three interceptions and a punt. After having his first two passes picked off, Whitaker managed just 5 yards on one completion in the half. He was five of eight for 128 yards in the final two periods. With no other quarterback on the South roster, Whitaker knew he could not afford an injury. He credited his offensive line with keeping him healthy, even though he was pressured several times and tackled for two no losses. “No hard licks,” he said, with his bigger concern the two early interceptions. “I started
shaky. It’s hard to put in an offense in a week.” Whitaker was glad to have one familiar face among his limited number of targets, pointing out that he and White “already had some chemistry.” His only two completions to receivers other than White came on the South’s 79-yard scoring drive to start the second half. The North team, which had several of the top offensive players from Region 6-AAAAAA, along with multiple defensive starters from both Alpharetta and Northview, was limited to 43 yards rushing and completed just 11 of 28 passes. Pearson was eight of 17 for 147 yards after going two of eight for 20 yards with an interception in the first half. The South secondary of Roswell’s Shakur Jackson and Rodney Dorcement, Chattahoochee’s Jordan Hillman and Michael Fusco and Centennial’s Jordyn Coleman helped keep the North passing game in check, other than a few deep balls set up by Pearson’s scrambling. Coleman was relieved he recovered from the food poisoning in time to provide a Centennial presence. “It was nice to come out here and represent my school and my teammates and get a win,” said Coleman, who was all smiles after the game. Milton defensive coordinator Pete DeWeese stepped in for Carlberg as head coach for the South team. With the limited number of available players, he did not have to make many substitutions, always a challenge for coaches in all-star games. His decision to go for two after the first South touchdown and its successful execution proved to be the difference in the game.
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Cumming Aquatic Center again tapped for state meet Summer event slated to draw more than 1,000 swimmers CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming Aquatic Center has again been selected by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association as host of a statewide swim meet set for July 2015. The facility first hosted the competition in July 2014. Members of the GRPA earlier this month again selected the local aquatic center for the event.
Ryan McCarthy #13
Greg Little, director of Cumming’s Recreation and Parks Department, announced that the facility had been awarded the 2015 event during a meeting of the Cumming City Council on Dec. 16. Little said the 2014 meet drew about 1,200 swimmers from all over Georgia, along with about 8,000 of their supporters. The event netted about
Jacob Hanley #21
$17,000 for the center. The competition also brought an economic impact of several hundred thousand dollars to the Cumming-Forsyth County area. “I know it filled up hotel rooms all the way from Roswell to Gainesville,” Gravitt said during the Dec. 16 meeting. After the meeting, Little credited the mayor and council for their forethought when the $15 million facility was being constructed in 2010 and 2011 as one major factor in securing the prestigious event two years
Mitchell Ojeda #22
Adam Guard #44
in a row. “We’re thrilled and humbled that the GRPA again selected our facility for this event,” Little said. “It’s thanks to the efforts of our city leaders who, during the construction process, allowed several amenities and features to be included in the facility. We knew at that time, those things would pay off for us in the future and now they have.” Some of those features include a larger than average amount of deck space around the Olympic-size competi-
Matt Walters #45
tion pool and seating for up to 1,000 observers. Carla Wilson, manager of the Cumming Aquatic Center, said she and her staff are happy to again be able to provide hospitality to the state’s top swimmers and their families. “Last year’s event was so incredible and we’re honored to be able to host this meet for a second year in a row,” she said. “We’ll be working hard in the months to come to make sure everything goes even more smoothly than it did this past summer.”
Garrison Winter #56
Twelve Pinecrest football players receive all-region status CUMMING, Ga. — Twelve Pinecrest Academy 2014 Varsity Football players recently earned all-region recognition. Pinecrest played in Region 6A, ending its regular season with a 4-1 record. The following
Scandal: Continued from Page 4
That Excel spreadsheet was created by our Human Resources Director, Phil Higgins, and was only given to Sexton upon his request.” “I requested it be changed to a spousal benefit program, which is perfectly legal,” said Sexton. “It was nothing out of the ordinary. Our insurance benefits do not have a spousal benefit section for the council and I wanted to add one group.” Sexton said that apparently didn’t sit well. “The attitude is that you can’t talk about the mayor’s girlfriend.” Miles discussed the procedure for potentially impeaching Sexton, which is outlined in Cumming’s charter, the city code and state law. “The council will be asked to appoint an investigatory panel,” said Miles. “The panel will conduct an investigation of these facts and other facts they can obtain, interview
players were recognized: Lineman of the year: Matt Walters First Team: Ryan McCarthy QB and punter; Mitchell Ojeda RB; Garrison Winter OL; Matt Walters DL; Adam Guard
LB; Jacob Hanley LB Second Team: Logan Stafford OL; Greg Metz DB; Sean Flanigan DB Honorable Mention: Luke del Balzo OL; Peter Nelson LB; Nick Palmer WR
witnesses, look at documents, do whatever they feel like is in their scope to investigate this matter.” The panel, which was selected by Miles, will be comprised of Miles, former Forsyth County Commissioner Patrick Bell and Steve Page, a local businessman. “They are members of our community,” said Miles. “I think they’re people of very high integrity. Our goal is to make this process as transparent as possible.” The next step is coming up with a report, Miles said, that will then be returned to the city council at a subsequent meeting. “If based on that report,” said Miles, “the city council votes to impeach Councilman Sexton, then a trial will be set for the city council on specific charges and Sexton will have all the due process rights to respond to those charges with whatever evidence he’d like to use in that trial. If the city council votes not to impeach Sexton, then the process is at an end.” If Sexton is impeached and convicted of the charges, then
he is automatically removed from his office as a councilmember. Sexton then stood up to give a rebuttal. “I’ve served the citizens of Cumming the last 44 years with utmost integrity,” said Sexton. “I’ve done nothing illegal, immoral or unethical. I have not released to any media source any list or records. I respectfully ask the mayor and my fellow councilmen to provide me with proof of the contrary.” Sexton said that he believes this information can be obtained by any citizen through the Open Records Act, and that he emailed the document to Gravitt, Councilman Lewis Ledbetter and Councilman Ralph Perry. “If you want to impeach me because of some list that went out on social news media,” said Sexton, “then my question is why aren’t Mayor Gravitt, Councilman Ledbetter and Councilman Perry not getting impeached? They got the same list I got and it is public record. I’m going to ask the Georgia Whistleblowers Act be invoked immediately.”
DEATH NOTICES Edward Charles Barnes, 50, of Forsyth County, passed away December 17, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Richard Eugene Phillips, 59, of Blue Ridge, passed away December 20, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Katharine Rhodes Brown, 94, of Atlanta, passed away December 15, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Era Bell Buice Rickles, 96, of Gainesville, passed away December 21, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Yingliang Chen, 82, of Johns Creek, passed away December 21, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Thomas Anthony Rogers, 64, of Cumming, passed away December 18, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Josh Charles Gordon, 20, of Cumming, passed away December 19, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Ruby Ethel Martin, 97, of Cumming, passed away December 16, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Kathleen A. Meetze, 68, of Cleveland, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Walter E. Okenica, 68, of Cumming, passed away December 23, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Marsha Ann Salter, 57, of Cumming, passed away December 17, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son. Marilyn Ann Schroer, 79, passed away December 20, 2014. Arrangements by McDonalds and Son Funeral Home. Jackie Williams, 74, of Cumming, passed away December 21, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
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