Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►page 14
Meet the candidates
Ga. House district 22, 26 up for election ►►page 16
‘Tale of Two Cities’
Aldi breaks ground International grocer comes to Forsyth ►►page 4
West Forsyth stages classic ►►page 19
April 2, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 14
Forsyth ranks No. 1 for health By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
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storage facility during subfreezing weather. The organization lost about $13,000 worth of equipment. “It was a big hit to our bank account,” said Mike Hadzimikalis, a coach with the Miracle League and the head chef at Norman’s Landing. Hadzimikalis said the additional funds will help a lot because the season begins April 12 at Coal Mountain Park in North Forsyth. Norman said this is the 37th tournament at the restaurant. The next tournament will take place in October. “That’s why this restaurant was built,” Norman said, “to raise money for this community.” Visit www.normanslanding.com for more information.
for
CUMMING, Ga. — Who knew a game of Ping-Pong could raise money for good causes? Bill Norman, owner of Norman’s Landing, 365 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming, has seen firsthand the impact the table tennis room at his seafood restaurant has in the community. Since opening the restaurant 19 years ago, Norman has raised nearly $1.88 million for different charities, agencies and schools. “We’re hopefully going over $2 million by our 20th anniversary is our goal,” Norman said. The latest organization to be recognized was the Miracle
League of Forsyth County. About 50 table tennis players competed in the twoday championship, March 25 and March 26. The winner in the singles match was Gerald Echals, and doubles winners were Matt Deane and Hwa Lew. The top prize was dinner at the restaurant. While not everyone played, many patrons donated. “We should be at $2,000,” Norman said. “We had different people give me money toward the cause.” The money is going to help replenish the Miracle League’s bats and uniforms, which were damaged during recent sub-freezing weather. Norman said items became moldy after a pipe burst in a
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Norman’s Landing raises money for Miracle League
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ALDO NAHED/Staff
Steve Kirk, of Dacula, came to Norman’s Landing for the table tennis tournament on March 25.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is 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 Aldo Nahed/Archive Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation last Old and young alike stay active and healthy while skatweek. Behind Forsyth are Fayette, ing at Fowler Park in Forsyth County. Oconee, Gwinnett and Cherokee counties. Doug Derrer, Forsyth dents with health insurance, County manager said the deshigh school graduation and ignation speaks volumes about access to parks and healthy all of the great things the comfoods were also considered. munity has to offer. While the state’s child pov“And it certainly reflects erty rate is 27 percent, Forsyth the fact that the community County’s child poverty continues to support inirate is at 8 percent. tiatives that encourage Other factors a healthy, active the repo include singlelifestyle,” Derrer w e parent homes in said. “We have an Forsyth, which amazing parks total 13 percent, and recreation compared to the system that prostate’s 36 percent. vides countless yth . d The adult obesity ways for residents l a h er rate is 22 percent to be active, offerin the county and the ing everything from state rate is 28 percent. weight rooms and fitness When it comes to the least classes at our three recreation healthy, Clay, Taliaferro and centers to hiking trails and the Warren counties made the list. Big Creek Greenway.” Dr. Patrick Remington, asThe study used data such sociate dean of the University as obesity and smoking and of Wisconsin, said in a webcast alcohol use to determine their the gap between the healthy findings. and unhealthy counties is Socioeconomic factors growing. including the number of resi-
public safety
2 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Man exposes self to children in store
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CUMMING, Ga. — A bread vendor working inside a Walmart was allegedly seen committing a sexual act in the presence of two young girls. Police arrested and charged Marty Allen Smith, 28, of Cumming, with child molestation smith and public indecency. The event unfolded March 15 after an employee of Walmart, 1500 Market Place Boulevard, called 911 to report Smith was exposing himself in the store to the little girls. The employee said she saw Smith walk
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.
through the clothing racks in the men’s/ boys’ section and staring at two young girls between the ages of 9 and 12. The girls were standing in the lingerie section about 20 feet away from him. When the store employee approached Smith, she saw him with his genitals exposed outside of his khaki shorts. The worker reported the incident to her manager. Officers said as the employee gave her statement, her voice shook, her face and neck were flushed and her eyes were teared-up. Officers reviewed the video surveillance and saw Smith walk through the store and glance back over his shoulders. They then
to calm down. Officers advised the park personnel to call police when parents engage in heated arguments to prevent a violent act from happening.
Scammer flees, Rowdy mom hits hides in women’s woman during game bathroom CUMMING, Ga. — A fight broke out between two women during their sons’ basketball game, according to a Cumming Police incident report. Officers were dispatched March 17 to Dobbs Creek Recreation Center, 1115 Dahlonega St., when fans grew rowdy and violent. The suspect said during the game the fans were cursing at her and using racial slurs. She said the fans were also directing the racial slurs toward her son’s team. After the game, she said the fans of the opposing team jumped her and hit her. The victim said she and the suspect were in an argument about the game. As began to walk away, she alleged the suspect hit her. Several other witnesses said the suspect was loud and boisterous during the game. She had to be restrained by fans of her son’s team and told
CUMMING, Ga. — A man tried to return an air filter with an obviously fake driver’s license, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Advanced Auto Parts, 5596 Atlanta Highway, told deputies the suspect looked nervous when he tried to return the $60 air filter without a receipt. He handed the employee a driver’s license for identification that had been cut into two pieces and taped back together. When deputies arrived and questioned the suspect, Brett Cortiss, 28, he took off running. Deputies chased the man through a used car lot and into a Kroger parking lot across the street. The suspect was found hiding in the handicapped stall of the women’s bathroom. After being ordered out several times, he finally unlocked
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saw the suspect as he stood up against several clothes racks and unzipped his shorts, apparently moving from rack to rack to keep the children in view. Police charged Smith with child molestation because he committed an “immoral or indecent act in the presence of a child with the intent to arouse or satisfy his sexual desires,” according to the report. Smith was also issued a criminal trespass warning from Walmart. This is not Smith’s first run-in with authorities. In September 2013, he was charged with public indecency at a Kroger Supermarket in South Forsyth, and March 17 he was charged with probation violation. Boulevard location for $24.86. After viewing video surveillance, the new employee was seen with the gift card at both locations.
the stall and came out. Cortiss was charged with identity fraud, a felony, and obstruction, a misdemeanor, and taken to Forsyth County Detention Center.
Lottery tickets stolen from counter
Senior’s ‘help’ helps themselves CUMMING, Ga. — An elderly woman reported a homecare giver allegedly helped herself by taking taking a grocery store gift card from the victim. A woman in the 6000 block of Menlow Court told deputies March 11 her mother had caregivers helping her on a daily basis. On weekdays, one employee goes grocery shopping and uses a Publix gift card as payment. A few weeks ago, the daughter said a new employee started to show up to help her mother. The elderly woman told her daughter she realized the card was missing from the dining room table for a few days. The daughter called the supermarket and they said it had been used. The first charge was at the Publix off Buford Highway for $52, and the next charge was at the Peachtree Industrial
CUMMING, Ga. — A customer took advantage of a gas station cashier’s momentary absence, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Mobil Food Mart, 3715 Browns Bridge Road, told deputies March 13 that $164 in lottery tickets were missing when he checked the balance for the day. He said he had gone over the paperwork several times to make sure, but could not find an error. After he reviewed video surveillance, he spotted a woman reach under the lottery tickets and pull off five to six “$10 million cash spectacular” tickets from the rack. The tickets were valued at $30. She slipped the tickets in a newspaper and walked over to an accomplice standing nearby in the store. The employee said this was done when he was in the back mopping the floors. He said
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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 ►► Gloria E. Tejada, 28, of
Newt Green Road, Cumming, was arrested March 16 on Franklin Goldmine Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and too fast for conditions. ►► Hugo Daniel Zacarias, 24, of Lakeside Trail, Cumming, was arrested March 16 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, hit and run, no license and open container.
Blotter: Continued from Page 2 the suspects are regulars who shop there almost daily.
Grandmother falls for old scam CUMMING, Ga. — A confidence woman used an old but reliable scam to bilk a Forsyth grandmother of nearly $6,000.
public safety ►► Tahereh Sazegar, 36, of
Nancy Lane, Cumming, was arrested March 16 on Pilgrim Mill Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Kenny M. Jenkins, 39, of Frederick, Md., was arrested March 11 on Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Robert Strickland Jones, 64, of Township Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested March 17 on Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Kimberly R. Thomas, 27, of Canton was arrested March 18 on Castleberry Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Eli Eddie Corn, 22, of Hickory Trail, Cumming, was The scammer called the woman telling her that her grandson was in trouble, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A woman in the 1000 block of Woodridge Court, told deputies March 4 she was contacted by a man named “Joe Logan.” Pretending to be a public defender, the thief said the grandson was hurt in an automobile accident, and the grandmother needed wire $2,800 immediately to cover the judge’s fees so he could be
arrested March 18 on Piney Grove Drive in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Peter Quan Trinh, 24, of Dawn Valley Trail, Cumming, was arrested March 12 on Matt Highway in Cumming for DUI and tag light violation. ►► Johnny Kyle Woodall, 19, was arrested March 14 on Settingdown Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Mark Anthony Giddens, 32, of Ivy Summit Court, Cumming, was arrested March 19 on Atlanta Highway in Cumming for DUI and following too closely. ►► Virginia M. Ferris, 60, of Crow Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 18 on Browns
See ARRESTS, Page 21 released without charges. When she followed his instructions and wired the money, the thief called back about an hour later to say she needed wire money to cover the grandson’s $2,900 in medical bills. The woman again complied. After sending all the money, she spoke to the grandson who was unaware of the transactions and any “Joe Logan.” That’s when the family realized the grandmother was scammed. They called 911.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 3
news
4 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Aldi brings Euro discount to Forsyth County By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
The new Aldi will be located at 1760 Buford Hwy in Cumming. in the Southeast and 32 in greater Atlanta.
The alternative grocery shop also has locations in Mil-
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CUMMING, Ga. — Aldi is coming. The supermarket has plans to open a new store on 2 acres at Buford Highway/Ga. 20 and Trammel Road/Samples Road next to the Cumming Beverage Mart. The location, 1760 Buford Highway in Cumming, would be across from Publix-anchored Cruse Market. Aldi is planning for a summer opening date, possibly June. In August 2013, the German-based company opened a location in Johns Creek at Jones Bridge Road and State Bridge Road. The supermarket is known for using its European brands instead of the national brands found in other stores. The stores stock some 1,400 items sold under the Aldi brand on its shelves in addition to discounted produce. Aldi has 1,200 stores in the United States with 52 of them
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AJ McNaughton/Staff
ton, 12990 Ga. 9, and Roswell, 600 Mansell Road.
Forsyth holds low unemployment rate By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A year ago in February, the unemployment rate in Forsyth County was 6.6 percent. In just released numbers for February this year, the unemployment rate had dropped one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.3 percent.
Randall Toussaint, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of economic development, said he doesn’t expect Forsyth County to slow down on the job market. Since January, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce has attracted four new companies to the area, collectively forecast to
GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 22
MILTON: 6 families: Fieldstone Farms Subdivision, Fieldstone Trail, across from While Columns Golf and Tennis. Friday 4/4 and Saturday 4/5, 8am-3pm. JOHNS CREEK: Parsons Run Subdivision, 5450 Hampstead Way. Moving! Saturday 4/5, 9am-2pm; Sunday 4/6, 11am3pm. Clothes, furniture, miscellaneous ROSWELL: Willow Springs Community Sale! Large 700+ home community! 2500 Old Alabama Road 30076. Friday 4/4 and Saturday 4/5, 8AM-2PM. View and download map of participating homes: www.willowsprings.org. Info: 404502-7006 ALPHARETTA: 1585 Eversedge Drive 30009. Friday 4/4-Sunday 4/6, 9am-4pm. NO EARLY BIRDS; EVERYTHING MUST GO! ALPHARETTA: Multi family. Mayfair Subdivision, 3220 Arborwoods Drive 30022. Saturday 4/5, 8am-12pm. Collectibles, antiques, kids’ items, household, miscellaneous
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generate 90 new jobs and approximately $9.2 million in new capital investment. In addition, a new Walmart in South Forsyth is generating about 300 new jobs. The numbers released last week by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) also brings metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate down to 6.9 percent in February, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 7.1 percent in January. That rate was 8.4 percent in February a year ago. The unemployment rate is not seasonally adjusted. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate also fell to 7.1 percent in February from 7.3 percent
Unemployment rates at a glance National: 6.7% Georgia: 7.1% Metro Atlanta: 6.9% Forsyth County: 5.3% in January. The national unemployment rate is at 6.7 percent. The county with the lowest unemployment rate in the state was Oconee County at 4.0 percent, followed by Forsyth, Clarke and Madison counties, all at 5.3 percent. More state labor data is available at www.employgeorgia.com.
Parts stolen off boats in storage CUMMING, Ga. — While preparing his boat for the warm weather, a man noticed that the outboard portion of the motor was removed, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A customer who stored his boat at a facility at 4585 Browns Bridge Road told deputies he visited the property in the beginning of March, but nothing was out of place. When he came back on March 20 to clean up his boat, he saw the outboard of the motor was removed. He said he walked around the boat yard and saw two other boats with their outboards removed. The man estimated the cost of repairs and labor at about $10,000.
news
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 5
Prep to begin for second April is Pet CPR First Aid Month downtown parking facility Please Join Us Satur Saturday, April 26th from 2-5pm FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Site preparation for the new Mason Street parking facility – the second of two new parking facilities being built in downtown Cumming – is expected to begin this month. This parking facility and the Castleberry parking facility, which is currently under construction, are part of the new courthouse and jail project funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VII program. The five-level, 491-space Mason Street facility will be built near the County Administration Building.
for Pet First Aid & CCPR Training.
To allow for site preparation to begin, a construction fence was erected in late March. This will result in the loss of a section of public parking spaces and a section of county employee parking spaces. Weekday and daytime public parking spaces are available at several locations near the County Administration Building. Look for the parking spaces marked with a red dot in designated lots. Forsyth County will continue to provide designated parking at the Cumming Fairgrounds and shuttling for those summoned for jury duty.
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schools
6 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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CUMMING, Ga. — Not everybody is perfect, but Andy Rodriguez’s score on the ACT surely was. Rodriguez, son of Carlos and Gabriela Rodriguez, is a junior at Pinecrest Academy, who earned a top composite score of 36 on a recent ACT test. While the number of students who earn a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, on average, less than
one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT nationally earn the top score. Among test takers in the high school Rodriguez graduating class of 2013, only 1,162 of 1.8 million students earned a composite score of 36.
“Andy is an extraordinary student and an outstanding young man, and he is also the typical teenager; he plays sports, is fun to be around and comes from a beautiful family,” said Jocelyn Sotomayor, Pinecrest Academy High School assistant principal. “When it comes to school and academics, he is all business. He is naturally gifted, but his impeccable work ethic is a big part of his success.”
Forsyth Central makes strong showing at state conference ATHENS, Ga. — The Forsyth Central High School students recently participated in the state leadership conference March 13 through March 15 in Athens. “They were professional in their dress, behavior and competitive spirit throughout the three day event, shining examples of young professionals,” said David C. Johnson, STEM Academy – engineering teacher and robotics club advisor. This event was the state level culminating activity for the Technology Student Association, with just over 2,000 students attending from around the state. It also marked achievement of a goal set back in 2008. “We had a chapter from each of our five High Schools in attendance,” Johnson said. Next, we need representation from all of our middle schools. Forsyth Central HS chapter had a strong showing with 15 students in attendance. “We returned with 10 top-ten finishes, a third place award for Technology Bowl – written, and a first place trophy for the Electric Vehicle Rally,” he said. The electric vehicle team lapped the entire field to decisively win the race. Students included: Stephanie Gangwish, Amy Zhai, Amber Shell, Emily Brickell, Brad Shuford, Evan Welch, Ryan Cox, Sean Cummings, Zach Brumbalow, Shaun McCarthy, Simon Langen, Trevor Perdue, Seth Fowler, Zach Robertson and JD McCarthy. –Aldo Nahed
Bradley Schuford gets ready to race Forsyth Central High School’s electric car.
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schools
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 7
Forsyth students attend STEM education workshop By CHARLES ATKEISON news@northfulton.com ATLANTA — The growth of women entering highly competitive fields in science and technology is forcing some colleges and universities to look to the preteens of today for the jobs of the next decade. A group of sixth-grade girls attended a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational workshop hosted by Kennesaw State University March 24 as the school looks to inspire girls interested in STEM-related fields. “We are encouraging girls to think about a STEM career, and so we want to start with our middle school girls,” said Gilda Lyon, STEM coordinator at the Georgia Department of Education. “We have lots of workshops that encourage girls to go into STEM careers, and it’s all very hands on so that girls can see that it’s a lot of fun to build and create and produce things.” One of NASA’s educator-astronauts was in attendance to help motivate and give advice to more than 200 students from across north Georgia. Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger flew aboard space shuttle Discovery for a one-week visit
er lifted-off aboard Discovery in the predawn hours of April 5, 2010. “I remember it launched just before sunrise, and the rocket made colorful smoke and vapor trails which were illuminated as the sun rose,” recalled Rachel, a student at Piney Grove Middle School in Alpharetta, who was just 7 years old at the time. Now 11, Rachel and her fellow students are exercising new paths in science as they read books on tech, visit museums and attend special science conferences at an earlier age than their parents did. Rachel credits watching the space shuttle’s powerful launch up close as inspiration for her now active role in science and technology. Fellow Piney Grove teammate Jaden expressed an interest in outdoor sciences.
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, who flew aboard space shuttle Discovery for a one-week visit aboard the International Space Station in 2010, addresses students. aboard the International Space Station in 2010, and offered words of encouragement and inspiration to the students. “We have real issues that we are dealing with in our society that have an answer in the STEM fields, and we need talented men and women to answer these questions,” Metcalf-Lindenburger pointed out. “I want girls to see themselves as capable of doing science, technology, engineering and math and being interested in it,” the shuttle veteran continued. “I know they have re-
ally good questions, and today is a place where they can start to answer those questions.” One science-motivated young student was in attendance at the Kennedy Space Center as Metcalf-LindenburgFrom this... To this...
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“I would love to become someone who can help our environment, like stopping the reduction of trees and animals due to mass construction,” Jaden said. As the students attended their workshops, laughter and amazement echoed through the rooms as they created new ideas and structures related to STEM core ideas. (Charles Atkeison reports on aerospace, science and technology. Follow updates via @ AbsolutSpaceGuy.)
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8 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Cumming Council designates April as Confederate History Month Senior FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – At their March 18 meeting, Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and the Cumming City Council presented a proclamation designating April as Confederate History and Heritage Month to the Col. Hiram Parks Bell Chapter 2641 United Daughters of the Confederacy. Receiving the proclamation from Gravitt and members of the City Council were Teresia Dean, L ynn Briggs and chapter President Monty Johnson. The group plans to celebrate a Confederate Memorial Day Service on April 26. Call Johnson at 770-475-5680 for more information.
Services to host spring concert April 6
From left: UDC members Teresia Dean, Lynn Briggs and chapter President Monty Johnson received the proclamation from Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and the Cumming City Council.
Farm Bureau invites farm owners to apply for award CUMMING, Ga. – The Forsyth County Farm Bureau encourages owners of farms continuously operating for 100 years or more to apply to be recognized by the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. This program recognizes centennial farm owners through one of three distinguished awards. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Family Farm Award
recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Since farmers make up only about 1 percent of our country’s population, a farm that has been in operation for at least 100 years deserves the recognition the Georgia Centennial Farm Program of-
fers,” said Wesley V. Hall, Forsyth County Farm Bureau president. “Honoring the family farming tradition is important, and I encourage anyone whose farm meets the criteria for one of the three awards to apply.” Applications for the 2014 awards must be postmarked by May 1. If interested in nominating a farm for recognition in 2014, visit www.georgiacentennialfarms.org to download an application, call 404-651-5287 or email at Charlie.miller@dnr.state.ga.us. —McKenzie Cunningham
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County Senior Services is celebrating spring by hosting a “Spring Concert” for all ages from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 6 at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road in Cumming. The Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band will perform as part of the ongoing concert series hosted by Senior Services. “Our concert events have continued to grow in popularity, and the past three have sold out,” said Julie Gruen, Senior Services special events team leader. “We are looking forward to another great turnout.” The cost is $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Refreshments will be included in the concert admission price. For more information, call Forsyth County Senior Services at 770-781-2178. —McKenzie Cunningham
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 9
We Have Exciting News! In the last five years (2008-2013) which media use is increasing? 47% 48%
17%
Survey Question: “Which of the following news sources would you say that you rely on the most for news about issues and problems in Johns Creek? 18%
15%
13% 5% 5%
Atlanta Journal Constitution
5/2/2013
10/1/2008
Johns Creek Herald
Johns Creek Patch*
9%
7% 3%
Johns TV Stations Creek From Neighbor** Atlanta
1%
Internet
4% Other
4%
5%
Unsure or Refused
APPEN MEDIA newspapers reach 40% more (over 30,000 more homes) in North Fulton / South Forsyth than the next closest competitor and is by far the preferred source for local news. If your business depends on reaching buyers in North Fulton or South Forsyth, we deliver. Why settle for less? Let us connect you. Call now for more advertising information 770-442-3278.
Circulation Comparison
AppenMediaGroup.com Survey of Voter Attitudes in Johns Creek, Georgia conducted from April 30 - May 2, 2013 by The Tarrance Group for the City of Johns Creek. Question #QD7. *Listed as Johns Creek Post in 2008 survey. ** Not included in 2008 survey.
AJC WEEKDAY 16,481
AJC SUNDAY 29,241
NEIGHBOR 43,250
APPEN 73,500
Data based on the following: 2013 CVC Audit for Appen, 2013 ABC Audit for the AJC, 2013 CAC Audit for the Neighbor. Comparison only of circulation in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, and Forsyth county.
10 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Sponsored by
Having lived in North Fulton for almost 20 years myself, I can attest to the area’s appeal to qualified workers. Brandon Beach, president of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
JOIN TODAY: 770-993-8806 • www.gnfcc.com
Verizon to hire hundreds in North Fulton Customer service, retail, network, IT focus of jobs By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Telecom giant Verizon Wireless is bringing 450 jobs to Georgia this year – more than 200 of which will be in the Alpharetta and Milton area. Verizon has offices on Deerfield Parkway at the border of Milton and Alpharetta. “Since Verizon Wireless opened its doors in Alpharetta over 14 years ago, the company has been an integral part
of the area’s business and job growth. This announcement further solidifies Verizon’s position as a leader in our city,” said Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle. More than 200 of the available positions are for customer service-related opportunities at call centers located in North Fulton. The company is also seeking positions in retail, network and information technology. “As we continue to grow Georgia’s economy, cuttingedge technology companies like Verizon Wireless are critical to the production of innovative products and new jobs,” said Brandon Beach, president
of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. “Having lived in North Fulton for almost 20 years myself, I can attest to the area’s appeal to qualified workers.” Verizon Wireless employs more than 4,500 employees in the state, and over 72,000 employees nationwide. The company has been named one of the best companies for working moms by Working Mother for 13 straight years. Computer World lists Verizon Wireless as one of the “100 Best Places to Work in IT.” Those interested in applying for the new positions can find them online at www. vzwcareers.com.
Jonathan Copsey/staff
Verizon Wireless announced it intends to bring hundreds of jobs to Alpharetta and Milton. They currently have offices on Deerfield Parkway, in Milton.
Harry Norman Realtors honors agents
From left are Senior Vice President Todd Emerson with Amy Barocas, Phoenix Award recipient Katie Bellew, Donna Augello and Dan Parmer.
ATLANTA – Harry Norman Realtors honored its leading agents of 2013 at its Celebration and Awards Breakfast in Buckhead. President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Parmer congratulated the firm’s more than 1,000 associates, acknowledging their efforts in “making 2013 such a successful year with $3 billion in closed sales, an amazing 36 percent increase over the previous year.” Bonneau Ansley III of the Buckhead office was saluted as the No. 1 agent company-wide in sales and also the No. 1 agent in closed listing units. Pam Scudellari of the North Fulton office was recognized as the top agent in total closed units. The President’s Award for distinguished service in the profession, in the community and in civic organizations was awarded to Julie Altenbach of the East Cobb office. The highest Phoenix Awards were presented to Sandy Abrams of the Buckhead office, recipient of the Diamond Award for 45 years of Mil-
North Fulton agent Marny Midkiff was honored with the Phoenix Award. lion Dollar Club membership, and Fran Shivers of the Sandy Springs office, given the Platinum Award for 35 years of Multi-Million Dollar Club membership. —McKenzie Cunningham
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@forsythherald.com
RESTAURANT »
BusinessBriefs Alex Kim has signed an agreement to open a restaurant in Johns Creek later this year, while new multi-unit franchisee Jim McGlynn will open two restaurants, targeting sites in the Alpharetta and Perimeter Mall areas. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations and 19 franchised restaurants in development across the country. Last year, the company opened its first franchised restaurant in Atlanta across from the Mall of Georgia. An additional location is slated for development in North Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown, Buckhead, Cumberland and Norcross. Visit www.burger21.com for more information.
Pollo Tropical to open in Johns Creek Co-owners Antonio LoRusso and Wesley Lovvorn.
Cuoco Italian Table opens in Forsyth CUMMING, Ga. — Cuoco Italian Table sets the stage for Italian meals that are festive and simple, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients. “Cuoco Italian Table is a whole new experience in Italian cooking,” said restaurant manager Antonio Lo Russo. The restaurant, 1475 Peachtree Parkway, recently opened and has started serving Sunday brunch that includes homemade frittata, eggs Benedict on homemade focaccia bread and capicola ham, shrimp and polenta Romana. Cuoco’s entrees are prepared by Chef Aaron Avers and his staff. The pastry chef is Vivian Munson. “We combine the quality of fine dining with the casual atmosphere and generous portions of a family gathering,” Lo Russo said. For more information, visit cuocoitaliantable. com or call 678-807-7472.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Pollo Tropical got final approval to begin work on their new restaurant location at State Bridge Road and Medlock Bridge Road. The restaurant first submitted plans two years ago. The restaurant was stalled because it did not meet Johns Creek Planning Commission guidelines, including a pitched roof and the color palette approved by the city. Last year, the Miami-based company opened locations in Alpharetta at 10900 Haynes Bridge Road and Cumming at 1510 Market Place Blvd. Visit www.pollotropical.com for more.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Burger 21, a Tampa, Fla.,based burger franchise, founded by the owners of the Melting Pot restaurants, announced it has signed two new agreements to develop three units in the Atlanta area.
TECHNOLOGY »
Sciplay receives 2014 Product Launch of the Year Award ATLANTA – Scientific Games Corporation announced that its Sciplay technology platform received the 2014 Product Launch of the Year Award from the Technology Association of Georgia. Sciplay is a scalable, flexible technology platform that securely delivers lottery and gaming content, player account management and payment processing through traditional digital and mobile channels. Sciplay launched in August 2013 as a replacement to the existing Minnesota Lottery subscription system and again in December 2013 as a new product offering with the North Carolina Educational Lottery’s new player subscription service. Both product launches were managed by Mike Brandsma, Sciplay product manager at Scientific Games, and a team of interactive technology professionals at the company’s Global Technology Center of Excellence in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.scientificgames. com.
Neil May joins Carmichael Consulting Solutions ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Carmichael Consulting Solutions, recently relocated to offices at 319 North Main Street in Alpharetta, has added a new member to its team. Neil May has joined the company as director of service delivery. May brings years of information technology (IT) expertise to the company, as well as a passion for MAY customer service. May will lead full-time support techs and contractors. Email neil@carmichaelconsulting.net or visit www.carmichaelconsulting.net.
ACQUISITIONS »
Volcano Asian Bistro opens in Alpharetta Burger 21 eyes locations in Johns Creek, Alpharetta
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 11
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Volcano Asian Bistro recently opened its doors at 5316 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Featuring a sushi bar, the bistro serves freshly made-to-order Southeast Asian dishes from Thailand, China and Japan. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 678-366-9668 or visit www.volcanobistro.com.
Georgia Eye Partners acquires Eye 1st Vision and Laser JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Georgia Eye Partners recently acquired Eye 1st Vision and Laser. The combined companies will move forward under the name Georgia Eye Partners. The addition of the former Johns Creek office of Eye 1st Vision and Laser (10080 Medlock Bridge Road) will be George Eye Partners’ third office in the metro-Atlanta area. The company currently has offices at Northside and Emory Midtown. Patients with questions about the acquisition should call the Johns Creek office at 770-623-3931. For more information, visit www.GaEyePartners. com.
Join us
April p 3rd, 5:30pm at Taqueria C Corporate Office Join the Alpharetta Chamber for a can’t miss after hours at the new PURE Taqueria corporate headquarters (located next to the restaurant). Bring business cards, network, and have a great time!
JOIN TODAY!
LOCATION: 103 Roswell Street • Alpharetta, GA 30004 On-site, street parking, city lot on Roswell St., or complimentary vallet at the restaurant. (678) 240-0023 • puretaqueria.com
www.AlpharettaChamber.com
BusinessPosts
12 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Lake buyers fear the past Zillow and Trulia – good or bad for real estate? It won’t come as a surprise to you that the Lake Lanier market is a different market than the rest. Housing inventory is, and has been, very low for some time now. That isn’t the case on Lake Lanier. The lake is a little more sensitive to seasonality than the rest of the market. Also, geographically, the lake is a much smaller part of the housing market, so it should be looked at differently. For home sales specifically on Lanier, the absorption rate (the rate at which the market will consume current inventory) is four times higher than the rest of the county. Currently, at the time of this article, there are 108 homes for sale in Forsyth County with a boat dock on Lake Lanier. Over the past 12 months, there have been 101 sales of similar homes – which equates to 12.8 months of lake inventory compared to 3.4 months of inventory for non-lake homes throughout the rest of Forsyth County.
Robert Strader
Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty
Currently, only 7 percent of lake inventory is listed under $300,000, but nearly 17 percent of all sales fall into that price range. At the opposite end of the spectrum, 30 percent of listed inventory is priced over $700,000, but only 10 percent of sales fall into that price range. So there is still significant downward pressure on luxury lake home sales while buyers are – as usual – snapping up bargains at the lower end. The main reasons affecting lake sales are the very slow recovery of the second home market and buyers’ fear that the low water issues during the drought in 2007 and 2008 will occur again. Water depth at the dock is paramount.
Are Trulia and Zillow good or bad for the real estate industry? That question is one of the most contested amongst real estate agents today. Not contested is the fact that both companies have enjoyed impressive revenue and valuation growth. Real estate agents subscribing to their “lead-generation” services represent the lion’s share of each company’s revenue. These agents pay on average $3,100 per year and $2,300 per year to Zillow and Trulia, respectively. Some of the good things about Zillow and Trulia: They provide greater listing exposure to millions of consumers. The addition of tax records, school ratings and other information to listings is good for consumers and makes the agents’ job easier. They level the playing field for newer agents and agents without many listings, give consumers access to FSBOs (for sale by owner), foreclosures and other non-agent represented properties, which paints a fuller picture of the available mar-
ROBERT AIKEN Senor VP, Managing Broker Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lanier
ket, and create a new, broadly reaching advertising platform for agents to advertise their skills. Some of the bad things about Zillow and Trulia: A high percentage of their “available” listings are actually sold or off the market. This confuses and upsets consumers and makes agents look
bad. The sites’ property valuations are often way off, making agents’ jobs harder. They promote non-listing agents alongside listings that aren’t theirs, tricking consumers into believing they know the property, and they sell to any agent, regardless of experience. The title of “Premier” or “Pro,” the “leads” generated for subscribing agents, are low quality, non-responsive and a waste of time, and the cost of being a subscribing agent is too high for what you get. Basically, use Zillow and Trulia only as a reference. Go to a professional to verify and provide accurate real estate information.
Using a sales methodology improves win rates Is your small business using a sales methodology to enable a more effective sales process? Do all of your sales representatives adhere to your sales methodology to qualify and pursue new business? Most small businesses don’t follow a defined sales methodology, and subsequently, they sub-optimize their win rates and revenue growth potential. What exactly is a sales methodology? At its core, a sales methodology provides sales professionals with a framework and step-by-step instructions on all aspects of the sales process. Don’t confuse a sales process with a sales methodology. A sales process tells you
Thanks to
Dick Jones
Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
what to do, and a sales methodology shows you how to do it. Knowing what to do without how to do it is a recipe for disaster. It’s like baking a cake. You may know what ingredients to use and how long to bake the cake. But the methodology of baking a cake is the step-by-step directions on how to mix the batter, when to add the ingredients, how long to
bake it and what to do when it’s done. It’s the same thing for sales. All sales professionals know that you find leads, convert them to opportunities and then close business. But there are many routes you can take in this process, and all of them don’t produce the same results. Following a sales methodology can help you better qualify leads, work more effectively with opportunities and close more business against your competition. Using a sales methodology is a proven way to improve your win rates, and if you are winning more business, it is helping you grow your small business!
Georgia’s first energy efficiency store opens in Alpharetta Business: SuperGreen Solutions Owner: Marvin Austin Opened: November 2013 What: SuperGreen Solutions is Georgia’s first energy efficiency store. SuperGreen leads the market as one of the world’s premier advisors, suppliers and installers of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions, making us truly a “one stop energy solution shop.” Launching SuperGreen provides an opportunity to do something with a purpose in an emerging industry and fulfill an
ambition to build a winning company with high values and talented people. As such, it is our plan to achieve favorable results by doing business the “right way.” Where: 1605 Mansell Road, Suite D in Alpharetta Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday by appointment. Call: 770-755-1686 Email: marvinA@supergreensolutions.com Website: www.supergreensolutions.com or www.trumarkhomecare.com
for hosting the March Networking Event
North Fulton Alliance of Young Professionals
Join us today at www.nfayp.com!
nfayp
nfayp
Submit your event online at forsythherald.com
Ryan Pieroni
Calendar Editor ryan@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.
LOCAL LIVE MUSIC »
The Festival benefits a scholarship fund for local artists administered by the Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. April 12. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive Northeast, Sandy Springs. Please call 404-873-1222 or visit sandyspringsartsapalooza. com.
ART » SANDY SPRINGS ARTSAPALOOZA
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces presents the Third Annual Sandy Springs Artsapalooza. Artsapalooza is one of the premiere art festival attractions in the Sandy Springs area and draws a large crowd each year to the beautiful treelined streets of Sandy Springs. Equal parts art show, music festival and street party, Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is the perfect way to kick of spring festival season in Atlanta. This festival will feature up to 150 local and regional artists representing disciplines in painting, ceramics, glass, woodwork, handcraft, mixed media and more. In addition to the selection of artwork, the festival will also include a lineup of gourmet food trucks, live acoustic music, children’s activities, and free parking and admission.
of “Cattle Drive in Roswell,” and other stories from the book “Blue Locusts” by author Marion Blackwell, to be held in the Historic Gardens of Great Oaks. 7 p.m. April 3. 786 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Please visit roswellhistoricalsociety.org.
THEATER » Mello-Drama Productions presents “Oliver” at the Cumming Playhouse, the classic musical based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. Show times vary. Through April 19. 101 School Street, Cumming. Please call 770-781-9178 or visit playhousecumming.com.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 13
concessions including gourmet food trucks. This event is organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and volunteer artists to benefit the local community. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. April 5 - 6. 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Northeast, Atlanta. Please call 404-873-1222 or visitfestivalonponce.com.
YOUNG ADULT AUTHOR JACKSON PEARCE
‘OLIVER’
JAZZ VOCALIST DIANE SCHUUR
The legendary jazz vocalist Diane Schuur is coming to the Velvet note. With a long and prestigious career, including even a performance at the White House for the Reagans, Diane Schuur’s performance is sure to be spectacular. Tickets for the Sunday show have already sold out, so be sure to get the tickets for Monday’s show early. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. April 7. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 855-583-5838 or visit thevelvetnote.com.
calendar
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT FORSYTH YMCA The Easter Eggstravaganza at the Forsyth YMCA will feature an Easter egg hunt, decorating eggs, face painting, Easter crafts and bounce houses. A great free event for the family. 2 – 4 p.m. April 6. Y Street, Cumming. Please call 770888-2788.
Come and learn about the publishing industry with accomplished young adult author Jackson Pearce at the NE/Spruill Oaks Library. Navigating the publishing world is tough, from writing queries and short summaries to how advances and royalties work. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. April 12. 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek. Please call 770-360-8820 or visit afpls.org.
Top Five EVENTS ‘CHARLOTTE’S WEB’
The Center for Puppetry Arts presents “Charlotte’s Web,” an adaptation of the novel by E.B. White, in which Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig become unlikely friends. Show times vary. April 10 – May 25. 1404 Spring St. Northwest, Atlanta. Please call 404873-3391 or visit puppet.org.
ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY THEATRE NIGHT
The Roswell Historical Society will host a Theatre Night, featuring a dress rehearsal of “Camelot” at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. A preperformance reception will be held, featuring light refreshments and a silent auction. 5:30 p.m. April 8. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Please visit roswellhistoricalsociety.org.
ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL
AUDITIONS FOR ‘DRIVING MISS DAISY’
Presented by Gypsy Theatre Company at the Sylvia Beard Theatre (Buford Community Center), performing July 10-27. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. April 8, 9 and 12. 2200 Buford Highway, Buford. Please call 770-870-7697 or visit gypsytheatrecompany.biz.
EVENTS » FORSYTH COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE
Featuring a wide assortment of native plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables, garden art and free presentations throughout the day, the Master Gardeners Plant Sale is a must for anyone with a green thumb. The funds received from the Plant Sale goes to supporting county-wide gardening projects, demonstration gardens and sharing gardening knowledge with the community. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on April 11 and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on April 12. The Barn at Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Please call 770887-2418.
ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY READS ‘BLUE LOCUSTS’
The Roswell Historical society presents a reading
Join the more than 20,000 people who attend the Atlanta Film Festival each year and enjoy an incredible variety of documentaries, shorts, narratives, animated films and more. As an Academy Award qualifying festival, this is your chance to be among the first people in the world to see the short films that could be nominated for best picture. 6 p.m. Through April 6. 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave. North, Atlanta. Please call 678-929-8103 or visit atlantafilmfestival.com.
SWEET AS A PEACH INDIE AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING
Into the Night Reviews is hosting the first annual Georgia Indie Author Event. This year’s theme is Sweet as a Peach, and more than fifty authors will be in attendance. The event will be donating food to a local children's charity, so any donations of canned goods would be greatly appreciated. 2 – 6 p.m. April 5. 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Please call 770-781-6974 or visit gaindieauthorevent. blogspot.com.
SPRING FESTIVAL ON PONCE
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Spring Festival on Ponce on April 5 – 6, 2014. Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, children’s area, live acoustic entertainment and local food and beverage
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
The Forsyth County Lions Club presents its First Annual "Breakfast With The Easter Bunny at Fowler Park. This event will feature a pancake breakfast with the trimmings, a visit from The Easter Bunny, plus various children's activities, storytelling and a performance by the local barbershop quartet, “Three Score and More.” All proceeds will be used to help low-income uninsured Forsyth County residents receive vision and hearing care. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. April 12. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming. Please call 770-887-8478 or visit forsythcountylions.org.
RACES & BENEFITS »
JAZZ TRUMPETER JOE GRANSDEN Joe Gransden, a jazz trumpeter hailing from New York, will be coming to the Velvet Note. 7 and 9 p.m. April 13. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 855-583-5838 or visit thevelvetnote.com.
SMITH’S PLANTATION EASTER EGG HUNT
This Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the historic grounds of the Smith Plantation for Children ages 8 and under, who should bring their own baskets and enjoy finding candy-filled treasures. 10 – 11 a.m. April 11. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Please visit archibaldsmithplantation.org.
CHASTAIN CHASE
The Chastain Chase 6k will wind through beautiful and historic Chastain Park. The event benefits the Cancer Support Community Atlanta (an affiliate of Northside Hospital) and will fund support and education programs for cancer patients in the area. Event begins and ends at Road Runner Sports. 8 a.m. April 6. 3756 Roswell Road Northeast, Suite 16, Atlanta. Please call 404-843-1880 or visit cscatlanta.org.
SWEEP THE HOOCH RIVER CLEANUP EVENT
Sweep the Hooch is the largest river cleanup event in Georgia, traversing 60 miles and including 27 sites. Registration is required, so be sure to register for your preferred site early. 9 a.m. April 12. Various locations. Please visit sweepthehooch.org.
14 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com | Recycled paper
News and Advertising for New Homes • Realtors • Developers • Commercial Properties • and more
April 2014
A l p h a r e t ta • C u m m i n g • C h e r o k e e • D u l u t h • F o r s y t h • G w i n n e t t • J o h n s C r e e k • M i lt o n • R o s w e l l • S U WA N N E E
Spring buying starts strong By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker North Atlanta Office, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Spring is off to a great start here at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, as we have seen a good beginning to home buying for the spring season! And we’re not the only ones, according to “Realtor.com® Report: 2014 Home Buying Starts Strong.” The nation as a whole is off to a strong start for the season already finding inventory levels rising as there are more homes arriving on the market and home prices are rising. This booming market we are beginning to see, is enticing for both buyers and sellers. Many buyers have been very anxious to make a purchase, but rather discouraged with the limited inventory available through the past few months. On the flip side, sellers are now more enticed to put their homes on the market with the economy coming back and higher home list prices being more
justified. According to the article, “The median list price for January rose 8.3 percent compared to the same time last year...” Although the harsh winter storms have had a tremendous effect Rawlings on both the real estate market and even the nation as a whole, it seems that everyone is motivated by the beginning of the spring season. Buyers and sellers alike are ready for and welcoming the warmer weather and hopefully a stronger market along with it. The article states, “…the national median existing home price is projected to rise about 5 percent to 6 percent in 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.” Despite the lull in inventory and reluctance to list during the cold winter months, the overall consensus is that people are ready to get back out there and start buying and selling!
Atlanta’s housing market in 2014 expected to be strong By ROBERT AIKEN
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With the spring sales season just around the corner many homeowners are wondering if this is the right time to buy or sell their home. Harry Norman, REALTORS are here to say NOW is the time! Analysts believe that 2014 is going to be a very strong year for the Atlanta housing market. According to the National Association of Builders, new home starts were up almost 70 percent in 2013 in the Atlanta Metro area. We have not seen this type of increase since before the recession. The current inventory of available homes continues to remain low, so as the spring season approaches builders will have to work hard to keep up with an increasing demand. This creates a great opportunity for homeowners who are looking to list their homes. Lower inventory means less competition! As consumer confidence in the market contin-
ues to climb, the demand will be even greater as more and more buyers enter the market. From a buying perspective, interest rates are rising but continue to remain low. Buyers should take advantage of the lower rates now. With consumer and builder confidence on the rise and the increase in construction spending stimulating the economy, rates are predicted to rise as the economy stabilizes. With all of the positive changes occurring in the Atlanta real estate market, Harry Norman, REALTORS believes now is the perfect time to buy or sell a home. The Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office can be reached at 770-497-2000, ashley.panter@ harrynorman.com or visit their website at www.HarryNormanForsyth.com.
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16 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
ELECTIONS
Meet the candidates for Ga. House District 26 race Name: Rep. Geoff Duncan City: Cumming Occupation: Builder Family: Wife Brooke, children Parker (12), Bayler (8), Ryder (3) Website: DuncanforGeorgia.com Email: GeoffDuncan26@gmail.com Why do you want to run? I am seeking re-election in order to continue sharing our community’s conservative values with the rest of Georgia. As the proud father of three young men, I hope to continue to influence the legislative process in a way that affords the next generation the same opportunities afforded to my generation. While some in Washington are attempting to destroy our way of life, I am seeking re-election to protect our individual liberties, expand opportunities and promote accountability. What makes you the best candidate?
As one of the most conservative legislators in our state, I have been a strong advocate for expanding tax cuts, reducing spending and eliminating the red tape choking our small businesses. As a husband, father, successful small Duncan business owner and legislator, I have the experience necessary to be more than just another vote – but to be a strong voice for our values. What goals do you wish to accomplish if elected? Each day, I ask myself how I can be more than “just another vote.” I will continue to influence the legislative process in such a way that a majority of members in the legislature feel called to embrace smaller government, lower taxes and individual liberties.
Name: Tom Knox City: Cumming Occupation: Attorney Family: Wife Michele Email: captknox@bellsouth.net Phone: 770-887-0400 Why do you want to run? I have a passion for service to my county, state and nation. We are blessed to live in Forsyth County, in Georgia and in the United States of America; and those of us who can serve, should make the sacrifices necessary to leave a future for those who come after us that is better than the one we inherited. What makes you the best candidate? The combination of my education, experience as a small business owner, professional and life skills, along with the knowledge gained from previous service in political,
elected positions makes me uniquely qualified to help reduce the size of government, reduce taxes, allow small business to grow and create jobs. Knox
What goals do you wish to accomplish
if elected? 1. Reduce or eliminate income taxes on individuals and small business. 2. Restore the private health care and insurance businesses in Georgia and allow a market that provides affordable health care to flourish in Georgia. 3. Reform transportation priorities in Georgia. 4. Reform the budgeting process in state government.
Meet the candidates for Ga. House District 22 race Name: Sam Moore City: Ball Ground Occupation: Retired Family: Wife Galina Website: voteformoore.com Email: sam@voteformoore.com Phone: 678-216-7526 Why do you want to run? The State House continues to Moore raise taxes, increase spending, take our freedoms and encourage the spread of welfare and big government. It continues to help line the pockets of others with our tax dollars. These actions destroy jobs, self-respect and personal responsibility. As the most conservative State House representative under the Gold Dome, my re-election will send a message that voters want Republicans to start acting like Republicans. Learn more at voteformoore.com. What makes you the best candidate? Not only am I the most experienced candidate in this race, I hold the most conservative voting record of any other Georgia State House representative. I sponsored the strongest anti-Obamacare bill in history, was one of only two representatives who fought to maximize our Second Amendment rights, and was only one of two State House representatives who didn’t vote to increase the state budget. I stood alone when others caved into pressure, resulting in me being the only State House representative with a perfect conservative voting record. I am only down there to serve, so turned down all legislative perks, including a vanity tag, health benefits and even the state pension plan. I am the only representative who has accepted zero lobbyist gifts. Almost half of my legislative budget will be returned to the state, instead of being spent. As I only accept donations from voters, I am the only candidate not beholden to anyone other than the voters, and my voting record proves it. What goals do you wish to accomplish if elected? I plan to fully restore our Second Amendment rights, restore local control of our children’s education and restore our personal freedoms. I already voted to cap the state income tax and repeal the state death tax, so my next goal is to completely eliminate state property and income taxes. We need to stop the election-year Band-Aid method of setting educational standards, so I will push to eliminate big-government mandates and restore local control of our schools. I will continue to promote individual responsibility as the best way to protect each other and our families, while halting federal government intrusion into our lives. Finally, I aim to stop the engine of corruption that keeps such good, conservative legislation from passing.
Name: Meagan Biello City: Ball Ground Occupation: AP microeconomics and honors U.S. history high school teacher Family: Husband Alex Website: biello4statehouse.com Email: biello4statehouse@gmail.com Phone: 770-316-0599 Biello
Why do you want to run? I am running to be your next representative in the State House because Cherokee, Fulton and Forsyth counties deserve dependable and effective representation. I am a true conservative that will work to ensure that our conservative values are being reflected under the Gold Dome. My background in economics, political science and education make me the perfect candidate to bring a voice of reason to Atlanta. I live in this community, and I work in this community. I shop and dine out in this community, and my children go to school in this community. My husband, Alex, and I have a vested interest in keeping District 22 a place where people want to live, work, play and send their children to school. I will work to ensure that the needs of the community are met through effective representation. I will do what’s right by the people of District 22, and I will work to ensure that our conservative values are put into action through positive interaction with other members of the State House. What goals do you wish to accomplish if elected? I intend to listen to the constituents and take their ideas to the General Assembly. I will work to support law enforcement and keep our families safe, attract new jobs to help grow the economy, support the Georgia Fair Tax, fight against Obamacare, improve education choices and funding for all of Georgia’s school children and I will promote pro-life values as well as fight to protect our Second Amendment rights. What makes you the best candidate? I believe I am the best candidate because I have the most invested in the community. I also have the background required to be able to make decisions about attracting new businesses, improving education and reducing the size and scope of government. As an AP microeconomics teacher, I understand what it takes for governments to have a positive impact on the economy. Fostering an economic environment in which all businesses can thrive will be a top priority for me as a legislator. I will always fight to ensure the safety of our families and children. I will be the responsible, dependable and effective representative of the people.
Name: Wes Cantrell City: Woodstock Occupation: Young adult pastor at Woodstock First Baptist Family: Married to Jane for 28 years, three children, Jacob (24), Josh (21married to Olivia) and Katie (18) Website: cantrellforhouse.com Email: wes@cantrellforhouse.com Phone: 770-580-0335
Cantrell
Why do you want to run? House District 22 has a legacy of public servants committed to doing the peoples’ business. Embodied by the late Calvin Hill, these servants worked to serve people above all else. I’m a pastor, and my life is centered on that same value system. I firmly believe we need a return to that legacy. What makes you the best candidate? I’m 52 years old, married 28 years and have raised three fantastic children. I have a wealth of life experience and experience leading large organizations. My department at the church has over 1,500 members. My wife and I were one of three founding families of the Kings Academy, a hybrid school in Woodstock which serves over 800 students. I served on the Board of Life Resources of Georgia, a pro-life organization which provides funding and training for pregnancy centers all over our state. I serve on the Board of Patch Our Planet, an organization dedicated to solving the worldwide orphan problem through partnerships between churches and orphanages. I taught in the public schools for seven years and served as the executive director for a nonprofit which trained student leaders and formed networks of churches to serve the schools in their community. This seat belongs to the people. I have a lifetime of public service. Whether education, protecting life or helping families across our district, I’ve done the work. I know what it takes. I am the only candidate that can honestly make that claim. What goals do you wish to accomplish if elected? A. I will work to abolish the state income tax and replace it with the Fair Tax. B. I support term limits to guarantee we have a citizen legislature working for Georgians. I will serve no more than four consecutive terms. I am the only candidate in this race to make this commitment. C. I will fight for the protection of the unborn by ensuring that no state money is ever used to fund abortive procedures. D. I will defend Second Amendment rights, and ensure that the rights of law-abiding citizens are valued above all else. E. I will promote the right of parents to pursue the best education for their children.
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Military briefs Send us your news! Email to news@forsythherald.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Local residents graduate from Air Force basic training SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Several airmen from North Fulton and Forsyth County have recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Each of the following airmen completed the intensive eight-week course in military discipline and studies and basic warfare principles and skills. They also earned four credits that could be applied toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brittany R. Gordon, the daughter of Jeffrey and Pamela Gordon of San Antonio, is a 2008 graduate of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2013 from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Air Force Reserve Airman Christa V. Dennis is the daughter of Maria Townsend of Norcross and a 2013 graduate of Alpharetta High School. Air Force Airman Trevor A.
Sellers is the son of Michelle Lipham of Cumming and Chris Sellers of Clermont. He is a 2007 graduate of Forsyth Central High School in Cumming. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicolas A. Martin is the son of Nicole Martin of Cumming. Air Force Airman 1st Class Casey J. Motes is the son of Chris Motes of Cumming and Beverly Combs of Alpharetta. He is a 2013 graduate of North Forsyth High School in Cumming. Air Force Airman Paul M. Perez is the son of Cynthia Perez of Galway, N.Y., and Paul Perez of Cumming. Air Force Airman Jamanne Anderson is the son of Juanita Brown of Roswell and William Anderson of Decatur. He is a 2013 graduate of Centennial High School in Roswell. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle J. Leblanc is the son of Michele Driskell of Cumming. He is a 2007 graduate of Forsyth Central High School in Cumming and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 from the University of Georgia in Athens. Air Force Airman Austyn R. Chevalier is the son of Tracy and Robert Chevalier of Cumming. He is a 2013 graduate of North Forsyth High School in Cumming. Air Force Airman 1st Class George P. Edmund Jr. is the son of Linda and George Edmund Sr., of Cumming. He is
a 2004 graduate of South Forsyth High School in Cumming and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Local midshipmen select ships ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Two local midshipmen recently selected their first ship assignments during a ship selection ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Navy Midshipman Jack W. Dembowski, son of Walter P. and Linda E. Dembowski of Alpharetta, is scheduled to report to USS Fort McHenry. Dembowski is a 2010 graduate of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell. Navy Midshipman Michael J. Nugent, son of Laurence J. and Patricia A. Nugent of Alpharetta, is scheduled to report to USS Lake Erie. Nugent is a 2010 graduate of Milton High School in Milton.
Flores completes Navy basic training GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Navy Seaman Apprentice Daniel Flores, son of Kristen L. McCall of Roswell, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Flores completed a
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 17 variety of training that included classroom study, practical instruction and the capstone event called “Battle Stations,” which is designed to galvanize basic warrior attributes in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and values. Flores is a 2013 graduate of Roswell High School in Roswell.
Petrasek graduates from Navy’s Nuclear Power School GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Alexander J. Petrasek has graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Officer Nuclear Power School at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Goose Creek, S.C. Nuclear Power School is a rigorous six-month course that trains students in science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants. Graduates next undergo additional instruction at a prototype training unit before serving as a surface warfare officer aboard a nuclear-powered surface ship or as a submarine officer aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. Petrasek is the son of Jean and Emil Petrasek of Gainesville and a 2010 graduate of North Forsyth High School in Cumming. His wife, Meghan, is the daughter of Narda and Daniel Meeks of Gainesville.
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schools
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Piney Grove holds oratorical contest FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Piney Grove Middle School held their annual oratorical contest on Feb. 19. First place was awarded to eighth-graders Anika Potluri and Manthan Sonawane. Second place was awarded to sixth-grader Aayushi Chaudhary and eighth-grader Om Purohit. Students spoke on the topic: “How My Passions Impact the World.” Jim and Dawn Clemente of Sunview Mortgage sponsored the Piney Grove oratorical contest and awarded cash prizes and trophies to both the winning and runner-up students. —McKenzie Cunningham
varsity briefs Send us your news! Email to news@forsythherald.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Trevecca Nazarene University NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chauncey Arner, a senior commercial music major from Cumming, was named to the Trevecca Nazarene University fall 2013 Dean’s List. Persons on this list achieved a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester.
Wofford College SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Two local Wofford College students traveled abroad for study during the college’s interim term in January. Interim is a time for exploration and experiential learning away from the rigors of traditional academic courses for students and faculty alike. Matthew Banks, class of 2016, of Duluth, studied abroad in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Mary Bleekrode, class of 2016, of Alpharetta, studied abroad in Malta, Monaco, Andorra, Vatican City and San Marino.
Southwestern University GEORGETOWN, Texas – Samuel Guess of Alpharetta has been named to the Dean’s List at Southwestern University for the fall 2013 semester. To be selected, students must have at least a 3.6 grade point average.
Samford University Cumberland School of Law BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The following local residents have been named to the Dean’s List
Howlin receives $40k Citadel scholarship From left are winner Manthan Sonawane, Jim Clemente and Dawn Clemente of Sunview Mortgage and winner Anika Potluri. for the fall 2013 semester at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. They are: Kyle Anthony Scholl of Alpharetta, Tina Thapar of Alpharetta, Annique J. Cooke of Roswell and Neil Hutchens McCollum of Roswell.
2013: Haritha Aribindi of Alpharetta, Swetha Aribindi of Alpharetta, Linda He of Johns Creek, Han Sol Park of Suwanee, Andy Wong of Johns Creek, Vinita Gogate of Alpharetta and HaeSoo Cheon of Cumming.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Butler University
WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester Polytechnic Institute has announced that Andrew Portera of Alpharetta, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2013 semester.
University of Charleston
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kayla Dozier of Alpharetta was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Charleston. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Creighton University OMAHA, Neb. – Yongchan Gil, a sophomore from Duluth in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Elizabeth Vermillion, a junior from Roswell in the Heider College of Business, were both named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 term at Creighton University. Full-time students who rank in the top 10 percent of their class for the semester and earn a 3.5 grade point average are eligible for the Dean’s List.
Cornell University ITHACA, N.Y. – The following local residents have been named to the Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s List for fall semester
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Kate Trinkle, an international studies major and a resident of Alpharetta, earned Dean’s List honors at Butler University for the fall 2013 semester. Students on the list are in the top 20 percent of their college.
Clearwater Christian College CLEARWATER, Fla. – Amani Morcos of Alpharetta received the Dean’s List Award at Clearwater Christian College for scholastic achievement during the 2013 fall semester for earning a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.90. Morcos, a senior elementary education major, is a graduate of Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, and the daughter of Sami and Lori Morcos of Alpharetta.
Furman University GREENVILLE, S.C. – The following local Furman University students earned recognition on the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 term. Furman’s Dean’s List is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher. Jordan Delk, of Alpharetta, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Delk. Anna Mazzuckelli, of Alpharetta, is the daughter of Katherine Mazzuckelli and Thomas Mazzuckelli. John McDonough, of Alpharetta, is the son of Cynthia McDonough and Joseph McDonough. Lauren
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.—Jake Howlin, an honors student at South Forsyth High School, has signed to run cross country at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. His signing guarantees a $40,000 scholarship to the school. Howlin is a Sunday school teacher, graduate of the American Legion Boys State Program, swim coach and member of SFHS cross country and swim teams. —McKenzie Cunningham Pinion, of Alpharetta, is the daughter of Cheryl Pinion and Byron Pinion. Samantha Postell, of Alpharetta, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Postell. Elizabeth Smith, of Johns Creek, is the daughter of Theron Smith and Nancy Smith. Alexandra Buchalski, of Johns Creek, is the daughter of Celia Buchalski and James Buchalski.
Clemson University CLEMSON, S.C. – Local residents were among more than 1,100 students who received degrees from Clemson University after the fall 2013 semester. Brandon Scott Carroll of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in financial management. Kirby Eugene Pate of Duluth graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts. Meghan Lee Anderson of Suwanee graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Sarah Jane Kelley of Suwanee graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Ryan David Cox of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Andrew Edward Newell of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in forest resource management. Stephanie Lee Bedenk of Cumming graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications. Russell W. Krenek of Cumming graduated with a master’s degree industrial engineering. Carson Elizabeth Culver of Roswell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic communications. Mallory Maryruth Gray of Roswell graduated magna cum
laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Valdosta State University VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University has announced the following local students qualified for graduation and/or Dean’s List after the fall 2013 term. Graduates: Anne Aronica of Alpharetta – bachelor’s degree in early childhood education; Cole Maenza of Alpharetta – bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology; Kelsey Oliver of Alpharetta – bachelor’s degree in speech communication; Lauren Temmel of Alpharetta – master’s degree in education/communication disorders; Robert Cobb of Suwanee – bachelor’s degree in speech communication; Lauren Comeaux of Suwanee – bachelor’s in business administration/ management; Daniel Garcia of Suwanee – bachelor’s degree in business administration/ marketing; Anna Kesler of Suwanee – bachelor’s degree in office administration and technology; Christine Pulliam of Suwanee – education specialist degree in instructional technology; Hannah Russell of Duluth – bachelor’s degree in history; and Amber Williams of Johns Creek – bachelor’s degree in speech communication. Taylor Clark of Cumming – bachelor’s degree in biology; Carrie Leggett of Cumming – education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction; Stephen Northam of Cumming – doctorate in public administration; Kyle Redner of Cumming – bachelor’s degree in speech communication; Nicholas Wansley of Cumming – education specialist in curriculum and instruction; Amanda Zito of Cumming – education specialist in curricu-
See VARSITY, Page 21
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community
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 19
Studio West adapts ‘Tale of Two Cities’ CUMMING, Ga. — “A Tale of Two Cities, the Musical” came alive on the West Forsyth High School stage March 20 through March 23. Put together by the awardwinning Studio West Productions, the visually stunning performance took the audience to another time and place. The high school show featured elaborate sets, lighting and performances by its young cast. Based on Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a musical that focuses on the love triangle between young beauty Lucie Manette, French aristocrat Charles Darnay and drunken English cynic Sydney Carton – all caught in the clutches of the bloody French Revolution. Eric Gray, Studio West’s director, described “A Tale of Two Cities” as an incredible show filled with love, murder, vengeance and hope. The show’s associate director was Barbara Macko and choreography was coordinated by Rebecca Potter.
Meet the cast Nick Eibler, Lily Dickinson, Peyton Smith, Cody Marshall, Jordan Downey, Elizabeth Powers, Aaron Gonzalez, Lakin Crawford, John Mburu, Noah Causey, Walker Stipe, Malloy Phillips, Nick Andrews, Haley Clark, Molly Godlewski and introducing Madi Bauer as Little Lucie and Jake Wasserman as Little Gaspard. “It was visually stunning with beautiful lighting and a set that seemed to represent another character throughout the performance,” Gray said. “The students have worked extremely hard to produce this show and have looked forward to its opening.” The performers did face several setbacks, including missing three weeks of rehearsals because of the weather and a state conference, where the students
Nick Eibler and Noah Causey perform in “A Tale of Two Cities.” performed their award-winning show “Hands on a Hardbody.” Visit wfhsstudiowestproductions.com for upcoming shows. –Kathy Eibler
Cody Marshall and Peyton Smith.
Forsyth County Young Life Appalachian Trail license raises $90K in 90 days plates raise $1 million FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A short-term fundraising campaign designed to raise the remaining portion of Forsyth County Young Life’s annual budget was completed in February. The campaign kicked off with a phone-a-thon in late November, and then every week for 13 weeks (90 days), a weekly email was sent to about 600 subscribers. Each email shared a story of the ministry’s impact in the community and the financial need to keep the ministry operational. Donations from individuals, families and businesses poured in each week until they hit the goal of $90,000 in 90 days. Through partnering with a committee of adults and creating teams of volunteer leaders to reach out to high school and middle school students, Young Life is rapidly growing and making a significant, positive impact in the lives of students. Young Life club meetings occur weekly during the school year on Monday nights at Fagan’s Biscuit Barn, 1530 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. On any given Monday, between 90 and 150 high school students pack the restaurant. “In 2011, Young Life needed a new meeting place to start the club up again and when we
In 2011, Young Life needed a new meeting place to start the club up again and when we heard of this need, we opened our doors.” Deana Fagan Owner of Fagan’s Biscuit Barn
heard of this need, we opened our doors,” said Deana Fagan, owner of Fagan’s Biscuit Barn. “I think it is amazing we can use our restaurant to impact the lives of so many teenagers.” Forsyth County Young life is now preparing for the 2014 Young Life Invitational Golf Tournament on April 28 at Laurel Springs Golf Club. Contact Michael Cline at Michael.Cline@kaba.com or visit the area website www.fcyl. younglife.org for more information on golfing or volunteering. For general information, email Chris Ashburn at chris@fcyl. younglife.org or call 770-6878122. —McKenzie Cunningham
ATLANTA – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced that revenue received from the sale of Appalachian Trail specialty license plates in Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia recently exceeded the $1 million mark. The Appalachian Trail License Plate Program was established in 2005 in order to support the ATC in its work to sustain the trail into the future. Money generated from the sales and renewals of specialty license plates in Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia is used to complete a broad range of projects along the Appalachian Trail’s southern region through the License Plate Grant Program. Projects that receive funds
The Appalachian Trail vanity license plate. include trail and facilities maintenance, environmental monitoring, natural heritage projects and education and community outreach. In Georgia, $10 of the cost
www.appalachiantrail.org
for the plate is returned to the ATC. For more information about the program, visit www. appalachiantrail.org/plates. —McKenzie Cunningham
Forsyth County recycles 5,500 Christmas trees FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County’s Christmas tree recycling effort organized by Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) recycled about 5,500 trees. Forsyth County residents have now recycled more than 85,000 trees since the county first began participating in the “Bring One for the Chipper” event in 1994. Tammy Wright, Forsyth County environmental pro-
gram manager, extended her thanks to Davey Tree Service, Sawnee EMC and Forsyth County Roads and Bridges for providing chipping services for the trees. Wright also thanked all volunteers who provided time and leadership at the tree recycling locations throughout the county and all those who participated in the tree recycling effort including the Forsyth County Master
Gardeners, Master Naturalists and 4-H Club members. The recycled trees were processed into wood chips. Free wood chips are available to Forsyth County residents while supplies last near the Forsyth County Roads and Bridges facility on County Way just off Ga. 400. Residents are responsible for loading and hauling their own wood chips. For more information visit www.forsythco.com.
20 | April 2, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
sports
Central Park Bandits bring home championship FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Central Park Bandits 14U AAA travel baseball team recently won the USSSA Champs Wear the Rings Tournament in Euharlee. In their first game, the Bandits defeated the Acworth Warriors Orange 11-1, and then
followed that win with a 4-0 victory over the Georgia Scorchers from Canton. In the semifinals, the team faced the Acworth Warriors again, winning this time 9-1 before moving on to crush the Dallas Orange Crush in the championship game with a score of
9-1. The Bandits are coached by head coach Ryan Davis, an instructor at Barrett Baseball in Cumming, team manager Troy Hutchinson of Milton and assistant coach Kevin Hensley of Milton. – Staff
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FCHS’s Max Warner sets school track records CUMMING, Ga. – After setting the 5K school record this past fall in his sophomore cross country season, Forsyth Central High School’s Max Warner has taken to chasing school records on the track. Warner has set school records in the 3,200-meter at 10:03 and in the 800-meter at 2:04 so far this spring, leading his 3,200-meter and 1,600-meter teammates to one of Forsyth Central’s strongest distance track seasons. He will compete in 1,600-meter race with the top runners from all six GHSA classifications in the state at
the Coaches Invitational at Georgia Tech’s Griffin Stadium. Currently, Warner is ranked No. 1 in the region in the 800-meter event. —McKenzie Cunningham
Gov. Deal declares April XL212 holds 2014 year-end awards 26 Ga. Lacrosse Day Jade Davis accepting her award.
Roger Rickman accepting his award.
Kobi Simmons accepting his award.
Cabral Huff accepting his award.
Eric Herrick accepting his award.
Jenna staiti accepting her award.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — On March 10, XL212 hosted a year-end awards banquet to recognize and honor basketball players from all over the North Fulton and Forsyth area. The following awards were presented: • Girls’ Academic Player of the Year: Jade Davis – St. Francis • Girls’ Underclassman of the Year: Jenna Staiti – West Forsyth • Girls’ Player of the Year: Andreona Keys – Roswell • Girls’ Coach of the Year: Eric Herrick – North Forsyth • Boys’ Academic Player of the Year: Roger Rickman – Fellowship Christian • Boys’ Underclassman of the Year: Kobi Simmons – St. Francis • Boys’ Player of the Year: Marcus Sheffield – Chattahoochee • Boys’ Coach of the Year: Cabral Huff – St. Francis The banquet kicked off the inaugural North Metro Senior All-Star Basketball Experience, a week of skill competitions, ending with an all-star game. —McKenzie Cunningham
Local seventh-grader rows to a win a Boston CUMMING, Ga. – Isabel Castro, a seventhgrader at Piney Grove Middle School, recently won the 12/13-year-old women’s four-minute row at the Crash B Sprints Indoor Rowing Championships in Boston. The event was held at the Agganis Arena. Castro currently rows for the Saint Andrew Rowing Club women’s varsity squad in Roswell, a rare accomplishment for a seventhgrader. In 2012, Castro earned a bronze in the
youth event at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints in Virginia. She has also competed at erg sprints at Lake Lanier, the Tennessee Indoor Rowing Championships and Atlanta Erg Sprints. In March 2012, she earned the American and world record for heavyweight women 12 and under for a half-marathon on the erg, and also earned an American and world record for 12 and under women for a full marathon on the erg in 2013. Castro is the daughter of Becky and Carlos Castro.
ATLANTA – In recognition of the fast-growing popularity of the sport of lacrosse within Georgia, Gov. Nathan Deal has declared April 26 to be Georgia Lacrosse Day. This official day of celebration takes place as the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) celebrates their 27th annual Championship Tournament, which will be played in Johns Creek, from April 25 through April 27. The SELC is a collegiate lacrosse club league that provides organized, regional college-level lacrosse competition and an outlet for high school players to play at the collegiate level. —McKenzie Cunningham
Celtics win back-to-back championships FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.—In the first two tournaments of the Spring Basketball Travel season, the ninth grade North Georgia Lady Celtics captured the Atlanta AAU Division I Super Regional Championships and the YBOA March Madness Division I Championship. In all of their games so far this season, the margin of victory has been 15 to 20 points ahead of their opponents. The Lady Celtics are building upon their success of last season where they captured the AAU State Title, the Atlanta Super Regional Title and the AAU Nationals Classic Championship Title.
The all-star team is made up mainly from the top players from Forsyth County High Schools. Players from Lambert High School include: Kara Kidwell, Brittany Wagner, Leah Cote, Amanda Clarke and Molly Williams; from South Forsyth HS: Mari Jonassen, Olivia Poff and Emily Dreslinski; West Forsyth HS: Casey Gazza and Abby Quincy and from Habersham High School: Ryann Moody. The North Georgia Celtics are led by Head Coach Bruce Kidwell, and assistant coaches Joe Gazza and Rick Poff. —McKenzie Cunningham
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opinion
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 2, 2014 | 21
Private prison bill surrenders our rights What an odd world we live in james carr “The odds of meeting your partner on a blind date: 1 in 34.5.” As a journalist, I’m fascinated by the odds (probabil- Managing Editor ity) of things and, of course, aldo@forsythherald.com by odd (bizarre) things as well. So when I came across “The Book of Odds: From Lightning Strikes to Love at are 1 in 1.1 that you’re a First Sight, the Odds of Evfemale, while for a male, the eryday Life,” I had to get it. odds of reading a romance I wanted to share some novel are 1 in 10.5. of its findings this week. But the power of love is Remember, odds are based strong, because the odds an on recorded past occurrences adult 30-49 will report he or and are not describing parshe would rather suffer than ticulars. let his or her loved one suffer The authors of the book are 1 in 1.1, or 90 percent. warn readers of this upWhen it comes to staying front. at home, a married woman Obviously as the title with one or more children suggests, what are the odds under age 6 has a 1 in 3.7 of being struck by lightning? chance of being a stay-atOnly 1 in 1,101,000. home mom. For a married The odds an adult in a man, the odds are 1 in 125 relationship met his or her he will be a stay-at-home partner at a New Year’s Eve dad. party? The odds a person will die 1 in 465. The odds a person 18-25 years old will binge in a year? 1 in 135. That’s about the same odds that a drink alcohol in a month are male born in 2008 is named 1 in 2.4. David: 1 in 134. And if you’re an underAnd the odds that an graduate student, the odds adult does not have a living that you broke up and got will are 1 in 1.5; the same back together with the same odds an adult does not beperson are 1 in 1.6. lieve in ghosts. Romance reader? Odds
aldo nahed
Arrests: Continued from Page 3 Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jake Calvin Marsh, 43, of Buford was arrested March 21 on Trammel Road in Cumming for DUI and speeding. ►► Christa Simpson Andrews,
Varsity: Continued from Page 18 lum and instruction; Kelsey Crane of Roswell – bachelor’s degree in speech communication; Kevin Johnson of Roswell – master’s degree in special education; Ammu Nair of Roswell – master’s degree in education/curriculum and instruction accomplished teaching; Lauren Roese of Alpharetta – bachelor’s degree in speech communication; Brooke Siflinger of Roswell – bachelor’s in middle grades education; Melody Sobhani of Roswell – bachelor’s degree in biology; Brian Spell of Roswell – bachelor’s degree in history; and Ryan Winkel of Alpharetta – bachelor’s degree in history.
35, of Dawsonville was arrested March 20 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane.
Though Georgia Republicans earned a victory for gun rights in the Georgia State Legislature, they simultaneously ceded the civil liberties of its citizens over to private prison companies. HB 837 didn’t get a whole lot of attention relative to the fact that Georgians can now bring guns into bars and churches, but the bills that do genuine damage rarely do. If signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, private companies will not have to disclose how much probationers pay local governments, nor will the companies have to report how many people are in their control—this despite a system paid for by tax dollars. Additionally, the bill allows for private companies to extend probation indefinitely and to collect additional fees. Sarah Geraghty, an attorney representing the South Center for Human Rights, told The Chronicle the bill is “a gift to the private probation industry.” She may not be entirely wrong. The bill was introduced to the floor by Republican Sen. Jesse Stone of Waynesboro, who also happens to be a candidate for a judgeship in Burke County, which contracts many of its needs out to private prison industries. Coincidentally, The Chronicle also reports the bill was introduced shortly after lawsuits were filed in Richrequired.
►► Michael Martin Brasher,
21, of Coventry Creek Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 13 on Bethelview Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana and tag light
36, of Holtzclaw Road, Cumming, was arrested March 13 on Holtzclaw Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Morganne Carly Nadler, 26, of Whittier Way, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for posses-
Dean’s List: Valdosta State University also announced the names of students from fall 2013 who have earned the academic status of Dean’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Alpharetta: Stephanie Crawford, Dallas Davis, Elizabeth Eaton, Ashlie Gilbert, Allyson Hayenga, Melanie Jackson, Andrew Jeschke, Alexandra King, Colleen McGinn, Emily Raymond, Brynn Rone and Jamie West. Cumming: Maegan Abkemeier, Kristen Bates, Brennan Byrd, Jason Champ, Alison Fay, Maci Fletcher, Alena Franks, Zachary Gainey, Ashley McKenna, Natalie McPherson, Marley Mims,
Cody Mixon, Patricia Price, Rebecca Rusk, Shelby Varchmin, Christopher Whelan and James Whelan. Duluth: Hannah Gorman, Erica Smitherman, Courtney Whitenack and Kyle Wilkerson. Johns Creek: Lucas Bell Roswell: Natalie Ajamian, Caroline Baum, Austin Bohannon, Michael Habib, Daniella Hermoza, Monique Kosloski, James Lord, Jacob Poersch, Alex Porter, Christopher Spooner and Margaret Stauffer. Suwanee: Shelby Jennings, Alexe Kalariotes, Devin Prout, Kimberly Shepherd, Jenna Thomas and Kaitlyn Wild.
Drug arrests ►► Samantha Lee White,
mond and Columbia to challenge the constitutionality of private companies carrying out judicial processes, as well as a judicial ruling in 2013 that blocked private companies from extending probationary sentences on their own, meaning they had to pay back thousands of dollars to taxpayers—threats the private prison will now consider neutralized in Georgia. This bill is another aggressive move towards drivers in the state of Georgia—one of the few states which considers traffic violations as misdemeanors, and thus put anyone driving a car at the risk of
private probation. Super speeder laws continue to rake in money for local police departments, while the new police force in Milton seems hired to fine anybody driving slightly over the speed limit. Georgia’s hefty asset forfeiture laws—described as “among the worst in the country and the very worst in the South,” by Joel Aaron Foster of Americans for Prosperity Georgia while a bill to reform the system lay dormant on the House floor—allow police to seize anything suspected of using in a criminal activity, including cars and cash. So much for innocent until proven guilty. These bills contribute to big profits for the industry, which makes it’s money purely off those in prison or probation— money which should go back to the taxpayers who fund the system. In the last quarter of 2012, Sentinel Offender Services controlled 254,000 Georgians serving probation on misdemeanor terms, resulting in $1.8 million for the company in one month alone. It is one thing to pass a law in the name of safety or good economics. It is another thing to pass a bill that has popular support. But our government should never pass bills that surrender our rights, or our tax money, to private companies—certainly not from the party that supposedly represents strong individual rights.
sion of marijuana and speeding. ►► Adam Stepp, 19, of Twin Creek Court, Cumming, was arrested March 18 on Pointe Vecchio Circle in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Albert Tydingco Manglona, 44, of McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta, was
arrested March 18 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► William Everett Smith, 45, of Macon was arrested March 18 on Highway 53 in Gainesville for possession of methamphetamines and failure to maintain lane.
Guest Columnist news@northfulton.com
...Our government should never pass bills that surrender our rights, or our tax money, to private companies...
DEATH NOTICES Bruce F. AcKinclose, Jr., 70, of Suwanee, passed away March 14, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
Antoinette Giuseffi, 102, passed away March 16, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Greenlawn Cemetery.
Otis Bottoms, 75, of Cumming, passed away March 18, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Kathleen Grindle Hughes, 86, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Linda Cato, 69, passed away March 18, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Greenlawn Cemetery.
Elizabeth Sweeney Lodewick, 61, passed away March 17, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Greenlawn Cemetery.
Jerry Clark, 71, of Suwanee, passed away March 21, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Sheryl Ann Cruz, 52, of Duluth, passed away March 24, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Bobby Neal Pruitt, 63, of Cumming, passed away March 20, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Jane S. Zucker, 68, of Atlanta, passed away March 25, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
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