Forsyth Herald - March 28, 2024

The Gathering shares confidence in bringing NHL to Forsyth County

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The developers of The Gathering at South Forsyth expressed confidence in securing a National Hockey League team in Forsyth County at a community meeting March 19.

More than 100 people packed into a conference room at Lanier Technical College to hear the latest updates from project staff and share their thoughts on the proposed $2 billion mixed-use development off Union Hill Road, Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Ga. 400.

The 90-minute meeting featured presentations by Krause Sports and Entertainment CEO Vernon Krause, The Gathering Senior Project Executive Frank Ferrara, SCI Architects partner Tone Frisina, Kimley-Horn Vice President Jim Hamilton and Nelson Worldwide principal Lamar Wakefield, who designed Alpharetta’s Avalon and

We think we have, by far, the best location, the best project, the best team to pull this thing off, and we’re going to do it”

VERNON KRAUSE CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment

The Battery in Cobb County.

“We think we have, by far, the best location, the best project, the best team to pull this thing off, and we’re going to do it,” Krause said.

Krause said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed enthusiasm when he presented the plans to him in September, and discussions continued through the end of the year.

Campaign to clear litter seeks local volunteers

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is hosting a Great FoCo Cleanup from March 23 to April 22 to remove litter from community roadways.

Groups and individual volunteers are invited to clean up roadways and drop off the bags at one of the county’s recycling centers by April 22.

Participants can pick up supplies and a free Keep Forsyth County Beautiful 30th anniversary shirt by scheduling a pickup time at 426 Canton Highway through April 16.

“We look forward to this event every year, and witnessing so many participants making a positive impact on the community is a joy,” County Environmental Programs Manager Tammy Wright said. “We always appreciate the hard work the community puts in to

help our county thrive.”

Those interested can register for a pickup time and learn more on the Keep Forsyth County Beautiful website at keepforsythcountybeautiful.org.

— Shelby Israel

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, fields audience questions on The Gathering at South Forsyth at a community meeting at Lanier Technical College March 19. The public forum was held a week before a scheduled Forsyth County Commission vote to move the project forward.

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POLICE BLOTTER

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Man cited for weapons on school property

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 21-year-old Cumming man March 12 for allegedly driving recklessly and having weapons on Forsyth County Schools property.

Deputies reported speaking with staff at West Forsyth High School, who said the suspect was driving recklessly around the parking lot while leaning out of the window, shouting obscenities and blasting music.

Employees photographed the suspect’s license plate before he sped off, the report states.

Deputies stopped the vehicle driving south on Post Road near Majors Road.

The suspect allegedly admitted he had a Glock handgun in the door of his vehicle and a box of 9 mm rounds, and deputies found a machete, a hatchet and two knives in the trunk, the report states.

The suspect reportedly said the weapons were for protection, and he did not intend to harm anyone.

Deputies reported the suspect also stopped by East Forsyth High and Cumming Elementary schools earlier.

He was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon without a license in a school safety zone.

Deputies cite woman for violating court order

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 44-year-old Cumming woman March 8 who allegedly contacted her ex-husband and his wife after receiving a no-contact order.

The wife reported the suspect emailed her a copy of the protective order with a skull emoji, and the suspect also texted her

husband the same image Feb. 8.

The suspect was later located and charged with misdemeanor violation of a temporary protective order for sending the messages.

She was also charged with felony aggravated stalking March 8 for a separate incident with her ex-husband.

Cumming man charged for alleged obstruction

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 40-year-old Cumming man March 12 on alleged obstruction charges while being detained for a probation violation.

Deputies reported spotting the suspect walking near Bannister and Riley roads around 7 p.m.

The suspect reportedly confirmed his name but refused to be arrested until deputies showed him the warrant for his arrest.

Deputies reported the suspect continued backing away, kept looking around and held his body in a manner that suggested a fight.

The suspect walked into oncoming traffic, and when deputies tried to grab him to avoid being hit, he ran across the street, the report states.

Deputies reported stunning the suspect with a Taser, but he continued trying to get up after being told to put his hands behind his back. The suspect allegedly grabbed the Taser and attempted to turn it on, and deputies struck him with a closed fist, the report states.

Two bystanders pulled over and assisted deputies. The suspect reportedly continued to resist by trying to fire the Taser and pulling his arm free.

He was charged with felony probation violation and misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement officers.

He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $1,175 bond.

Wheels reported stolen off vehicle outside home

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man reported March 16 someone removed the

wheels and tires from his vehicle outside his home on Gardner Drive.

The victim reported parking his vehicle around noon March 15, and when he came outside the next morning around 8 a.m., he found his vehicle sitting on two cinder blocks with all four wheels missing.

He said the lug nuts were left on the ground beside the vehicle, the report states.

No suspects have been identified.

Woman taken for $30,000 in Social Security scam

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman reported March 15 someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration extorted her for $30,000 in Bitcoin.

The victim reported receiving an email that appeared to be from the Social Security Administration Feb. 16. She said she called the provided number and spoke with a woman, who told her the email was legitimate.

The victim said she received more emails and calls from people who claimed they worked with the SSA and the Drug Enforcement Administration, the report states.

The fake agency representatives reportedly accused her of wiring money to 10 to 15 Mexican bank accounts and said there was a vehicle rented in her name that was found in Texas with blood and narcotics inside.

The victim reported the suspects threatened to suspend her Social Security number and to obtain a warrant for her in Texas.

She reported being told things like, “This is an open investigation, and we cannot go into any details,” whenever she questioned what was happening.

The victim said the suspects told her to move $30,000 from her bank accounts and into Bitcoin so she could access the money after her Social Security number was suspended, and they directed her to a specific machine on Haynes Bridge Road, the report states.

The victim reported making the transactions between 4 and 5 p.m. March 14.

No suspects have been identified.

County forms committee to address mental health

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials have formed a task force to address mental health concerns in the community after weeks of receiving pushback for not funding the whole health building.

At a formal meeting March 21, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved appointment of commissioners Kerry Hill and Todd Levent and County Manager David McKee, or a representative on his behalf, to the Mental Health Advisory Committee.

The County Commission is also requesting the membership of two Forsyth County School Board members; Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden or his representative; and Sheriff Ron Freeman or a representative.

The committee will identify existing treatment, education and prevention resources that address mental health illness in the county; determine the existing and future need for mental health services; and identify gaps between existing resources and what is needed.

The committee was first proposed at a County Commission work session March 12.

Commissioners were originally scheduled to consider and possibly vote to fund construction of a whole health building on the planned administration campus on Freedom Parkway at that meeting. But, after a nearly two-hour discussion, Hill proposed forming a task force to find solutions, and ultimately, determine the fate of the building.

The whole health building was one of three buildings proposed for the county’s new administration campus. It would house the Health Department, a mental health center operated by Avita Community Partners and a sexual assault nurse examiner unit.

The county intended to use some $38 million American Rescue Plan dollars to fund the facility, but after the project cost came in $12 million over budget in January, a vote on the building has been postponed while the county reassesses funding options.

That decision has sparked backlash from residents and mental health professionals, who argue the building is a necessity.

A majority of commissioners have balked at the idea of constructing a facility using federal dollars that could open its use to non-Forsyth County residents and leave the local community lacking in full access.

The task force will operate for 90 days, and its findings are set to be presented to the Board of Commissioners no later than its first work session in July.

Also at the meeting, the County Commission recognized the 2023-24 North Forsyth High School Lady Raiders basketball team for finishing its season with a 31-1 record.

The team was also named Class 6A State Runner-Up. This season marked the team’s first state finals game and its seventh consecutive region title.

FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

County commissioners recognize the 2023-24 North Forsyth High School Lady Raiders basketball team at a formal meeting March 21. The team finished its season with a 31-1 record and was named Class 6A State Runner-Up.

Hi, I’m Shelby Israel and I report on all things in and around Forsyth County and Alpharetta. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at shelby@appenmedia.com

This graph shows the number of students who qualify as homeless under the McKinney Vento program in Forsyth County Schools. An additional student qualified after the graph was made, bringing the 2023-24 count to 1,044 as of March 19.

Jimmy

Homelessness count sees uptick among Forsyth County students

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The number of Forsyth County Schools students lacking adequate housing has grown 2 percent since the 2022-23 academic year.

Homeless Education Liaison Kim Pluhar presented the school district’s annual Homeless Youth Council update at a formal Board of Education meeting March 19.

up due to the lack of affordable alternative housing options.”

Since the beginning of the year, she said the school district is seeing one to two address changes daily, and doubledup families are moving every two to three weeks.

“So that is a different trend, and that is a different face of homeless education this year,” Pluhar said.

The Homeless Youth Council is a group of community leaders who facilitate resources for youths experiencing homelessness in Forsyth County.

As of the presentation, Pluhar said there were 1,044 students in the district’s McKinney Vento program, up from the 1,020 students recorded at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

There were 610 students in the program in 2019-20.

McKinney Vento, a federal, state and local program created during the Reagan administration to address attendance issues related to homelessness, identifies homelessness as the lack of fixed, adequate or regular nighttime housing.

The program defines homelessness from an educational perspective and differs from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The program counts student homelessness as those living in shelters or those living with multiple families in one home due to economic hardship, which is called “doubling up.”

“Our numbers of doubled-up families have grown significantly,” Pluhar said. “And we’re not only doubling up, tripling up — last year, we talked about quadrupling up — now we’re quintupling

McKinney Vento also defines homelessness as being unsheltered or living in accommodations that are not regularly used for sleeping, such as cars or abandoned buildings; or living in motels, hotels or camping grounds without alternatives.

This year, Pluhar said there are 106 students experiencing homelessness who do not have a parent or guardian at nighttime.

School Board Member Wes McCall said the Homeless Youth Council’s membership and resources have grown dramatically over the last three to four years. McCall serves as the group’s representative on the School Board.

“When we have our meetings, the room is full because we have so many organizations in our community that serve, [in] some way or fashion, the homeless youth, and we just bring them together,” he said.

This year, McCall said the council is partnering with Mentor Me North Georgia for mentoring and coaching; opening a housing support drop-in center; and working on increasing the number of available foster and respite homes for students.

McCall said The Place, one of the Homeless Youth Council’s partner organizations, needs food items, and people can help by donating. A list of needs can be found at theplacega.org/ food-donations.

SCREENSHOT

Appen staff opens ears to Johns Creek in newsroom ‘tour’ of North Atlanta

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The newsroom at Appen Media Group stopped at Sugo in Johns Creek March 21 to listen to residents about the stories they want to see.

This was the fourth stop on Appen Media’s “Listening Tour,” where reporters are visiting the company’s seven coverage areas to gather story ideas, tips and feedback from readers. The next event is scheduled for April 18 at Cherry Street Brewing, Vickery Village in Forsyth County.

Staff reporters Amber Perry, Shelby Israel and Hayden Sumlin kicked off the event with general questions to more than a dozen in the audience, from how readers get their news to what coverage is missing. The reporters also gathered potential sources for beats they hope to dive into, like housing, environmental

Forsyth County welcomes Danish officials, Gov. Kemp at opening of Kamstrup facility

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia and Danish officials joined Kamstrup leadership March 21 to commemorate the opening of the company’s new North American headquarters in Forsyth County.

The noon ribbon cutting at the new 150,000-square-foot facility on Forsyth Commerce Way featured remarks from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Møller Sørensen, Kamstrup CEO Søren Kvorning, Kamstrup Vice President and Country Manager Bruce Bharat and Chris Smith, honorary consul of Denmark.

Kamstrup is a water metering solutions and services company based in Denmark that aims to reduce waste and support production of clean water and energy. Its U.S. operations began in 2013 and focus on supporting water utilities. The company’s previous headquarters opened in Roswell in 2018.

Kemp said the new headquarters and manufacturing facility would not be possible without support from Forsyth County government and Georgia’s longstanding relationship with Denmark. The first Danish consulate in the state was established in 1802 in the Port of Savannah.

“I’m so excited about Kamstrup and certainly want to thank the ambassador for being with us today and for his support of this great company,” Kemp said. “It’s an honor to have him in the State of Georgia. We had a great visit about this, so many things that

reporting and traffic issues.

The hour-long event was filled with guests vocalizing the need for more diverse voices in the paper, to better represent the varied ethnicities and backgrounds of those living in Johns Creek, high school sports coverage and highlighting the dozens of nonprofits that operate out of the city.

Town Center was another point of discussion, with one guest voicing her excitement about the businesses that have already been secured for the area, like biomedical engineering giant Boston Scientific and Atlanta restaurant group Fado. She wanted staff to continue to keep an eye out for new developments.

The project, spanning 192 acres, will be anchored by the pond behind City Hall, also the centerpiece to the future Creekside Park.

our state and his country are doing together, and we’re excited about the future of that.”

Ambassador Møller Sørensen thanked Kemp for the welcoming business climate in the state, and he recognized Kamstrup’s growth in Georgia from a company with four employees to more than 130.

“As we now look ahead, let us continue to build on this foundation of cooperation and shared goals,” Møller Sørensen said. “And let us work together toward a future that is not only more sustainable, but also full of opportunities for our next generation.”

Local officials including Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John and commissioners Laura Semanson and Cindy Jones Mills also attended the ceremony.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA Appen Media staff field audience questions at the Appen Press Club Listening Tour March 21. Reporters visited Sugo in Johns Creek for the fourth stop on the tour to gather story ideas, tips and feedback from readers.

More than a dozen people gather at Sugo in Johns Creek for the Appen Press Club Listening Tour March 21. Attendees, many Johns Creek residents, vocalized the need for more diverse voices in the paper, high school sports coverage and highlighting the dozens of nonprofits that operate out of the city.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA Kamstrup leadership, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Møller Sørensen and Honorary Consul to Denmark Chris Smith cut the ribbon on Kamstrup’s new North American headquarters in Forsyth County March 21.

Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Kamstrup’s new North American headquarters on Forsyth Commerce Way March 21. Kemp thanked Forsyth County leaders for their partnership with the state to open the 150,000-square-foot facility.

The main goal is to make sure people understand that the Village is so much more than one section, and it’s a destination.

LAUREN SOK, owner, Functionize Health & Physical Therapy

Dunwoody Village businesses sculpting a downtown for city

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — In a continued effort to boost Dunwoody Village as the city’s downtown, a newly formed group of area business owners are working on a game plan.

Dunwoody Village, a neighborhood of shops, offices and residences along Chamblee Dunwoody Road near Mount Vernon Road, has been a focus for city officials for some time.

In 2011, the Dunwoody Village Master Plan was created through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Center Initiative grant program, which incentivizes local jurisdictions to revitalize areas into self-sustaining communities with a diverse range of housing, employment and commercial options.

About a decade later, an update was adopted that focused on rewriting zoning regulations.

Dunwoody Community Development Director Richard McLeod said he had passed Dunwoody Village in the ’70s, growing up in Roswell while his mother worked at Perimeter Mall, and noted it hadn’t changed.

“I thought it was a little weird, and I started talking to some of the councilmembers and some of the folks who live around here, and they said, ‘It’s so tired. It needs a lift,’” McLeod said.

There had been criticism from the community that spanned from the number of banks in the Village to style limitations, he said.

Michael Starling, Dunwoody’s director of economic development, said aesthetics of Dunwoody Village were meant to capture the historic feel of Williamsburg,

Virgnia, but that they became a hindrance to new development. Based on a survey conducted by an architectural firm, Starling said most people were more concerned with function anyway, giving city staff ammunition to incorporate design changes into the zoning code.

The master plan also resulted in more city investment into key Dunwoody Village corridors, like the $2.33 million streetscape project on Dunwoody Village Parkway, completed in 2014. Another project, Village Crossroads, is underway which intends to make Chamblee Dunwoody Road more walkable and bike-friendly with additional traffic calming measures.

Merchants group

Then, last year, the Dunwoody Village

Merchants Association was formed, composed of about a dozen business owners, pulled together by city staff.

“I think the majority of Dunwoodians believe that the Village is sort of their local downtown, and we agree with that and think it needs to look and feel and operate more like a downtown,” Starling said. “One of the things that downtown does is have events, concerts, sidewalk sales, that kind of thing, so that’s what that group is focused on.”

David Abes, an association member and owner of a number of restaurants in Dunwoody Village, said the group is planning for quarterly events. His overall project to do business in Dunwoody, as founder of Dash Hospitality Group, is six years in the making.

Abes first opened Bar{n} around two and half years ago, a craft beer and whiskey bar with a menu that offers charcuterie and small plates.

Then came Morty’s Meat & Supply, named after Abes’ grandfather and featuring a community-created “Wall of Fame” with pictures, a 1976 map of Dunwoody Village and a “shrine” to Dunwoody native Ryan Seacrest, which includes portraits painted by Dunwoody High School students.

“[Seacrest] just posted about Dunwoody yesterday on social media,” Abes said. “So, the mayor actually tagged him and said, ‘You need to go to Morty’s and see your shrine.”

There’s also an old program from a

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Business owner David Abes leans on a community-created wall inside his restaurant Morty’s Meat & Supply, which features a “shrine” to Dunwoody native Ryan Seacrest. Abes, who also owns the nearby Bar{n} and Message in a Bottle, is a member of the Dunwoody Village Merchants Association, a group of business owners working to further define the area as the city’s downtown.

Situated between business owner David Abes’ Bar{n}, Morty’s Meat & Supply and Message in a Bottle, is the Dunwoody Village courtyard, a community gathering spot. Abes noted his work to transform the space into something more vibrant and welcoming.

Village:

Continued from Page 6

Dunwoody July 4 parade — this year, Abes was elected as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

“I said, ‘Am I old enough for this?’” he said. “Because I have gray hair, but … No, it was a really nice honor.”

Gathering place

Across the way is Message in a Bottle, a seafood restaurant and Abes’ latest addition. In another interactive feature, Abes invites families to submit their beach pictures for a TV display as well as write messages to be placed in stacked bottles near the entrance.

All his restaurants, including his food truck Yoffi which serves Mediterranean food, are situated around a courtyard. In a tour, he highlighted the work he had done to transform the space into a more inviting community hangout spot with investment from Regency Centers, the property owner.

“There were literally two metal benches in the whole place and one lamppost,” Abes said. “So, we cleaned it all up, added furniture, the stage, the big screen.”

The courtyard also features colorful murals for picture-taking moments, one with his trademarked “Funwoody” and another with “Good Vibes.”

Abes said he and other merchants saw

Lauren Sok

Health & Physical Therapy and

of the Dunwoody Village Merchants Association, and

Shiver

vice

of engagement at the Perimeter Chamber, stand together during a recent Chamber meeting. The Chamber took over the association in December.

missed opportunities, looking over to the “cool” events that Alpharetta and Roswell were hosting.

Two years ago, he created Green Eggs and Kegs which will be the group’s first event, held in the courtyard on April 20. It will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, hitting close to home as his son was diagnosed as a toddler.

“I always want to do stuff for charity,” Abes said. “I think that’s very important. Whatever we do — it’s like you got to do it community-focused.”

Dunwoody Village, a neighborhood of shops, offices and residences along Chamblee Dunwoody Road near Mount Vernon Road, is the focus of area business owners working to further define it as the city’s downtown.

All the Village

The association also plans to host an all-day, back-to-school event in August called “Funwoody Field Day,” which will include school field day classics like relay races and a scavenger hunt as well as a sidewalk sale in the second half of the day.

Lauren Sok, association member and owner of Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, said Funwoody Field Day will be spaced out throughout all the Village.

“What we realize is when most people say the ‘Dunwoody Village,’ they think it’s the side where Fresh Market is,” Sok said. “All of the businesses in the greater Chamblee Dunwoody/Mount Vernon area are part of the Village.”

Light Up Dunwoody, a pre-existing city event, will be the group’s fourth-quarter focus, but Sok said they plan to make it more magical and again, ensuring it is held throughout the village, with hot chocolate stands, carolers and maybe a petting zoo.

“The main goal is to make sure people understand that the Village is so much more than one section, and it’s a destination,” Sok said, with a hope that the city’s marketing dollars will go toward the area.

The Dunwoody Village Merchants Association is under the auspices of the Perimeter Chamber now, allowing them greater autonomy and an organized platform.

As a longstanding Dunwoody resident, Perimeter Chamber Vice President of Engagement Paula Shiver said she has always felt like there were things that can be done to the Village to bring cohesiveness to the space and that Abes has had that same vision.

“The whole thing sort of clicked and fell into place was his motivation and his enthusiasm and people really seeing how just a little bit of effort can bring a whole community together,” Shiver said.

LAUREN SOK/PROVIDED

, owner of Functionize

member

Paula

,

president

SCREENSHOT

Living with guilt vs. Living with gusto!

Brought to you by

- Alice D, Hoag, EdD, LPC, Summit Counseling Center

A few years ago, I intercepted one of my sons as he was descending the staircase and heading outside. He explained, with a guilty expression on his face, that he was going to go outside to smoke a cigarette. Ever since I was my grandmother’s companion during her final months of life as she went through chemo and radiation treatments for lung cancer after her 50 years of smoking cigarettes, I’ve not been a fan of cigarette smoking. And he knew this. I stopped him and challenged, “Either do it with gusto or don’t do it at all.” I went on to encourage him, “Fully enjoy inhaling and blowing smoke rings or whatever you do. Get the most out of whatever it is that you do. Choose wisely, then do it with no guilt. If you cannot enjoy it fully, then don’t do it at all.”

In the decade since that first statement just slipped out of my mouth on its own, I’ve reflected on that sentiment. I believe it is a way of living life to its fullest. “Either do it with gusto or don’t do it at all.”

Guilt and anxiety. Neither is a good option to live with as a way of life, yet I interact with so many people who do live in a constant state of guilt and/or anxiety! It’s their default mode; it just happens without even thinking. Every action and thought

carries with it either a sense of guilt or anxiety.

“Being my best self” is a way of life that I attempt to live by every moment of every day. While I may not hit the “best self” goal all the time, I can certainly choose the “better self” more often than not. It’s an element of being a good steward of what I’ve been given. And we’re all called to good stewardship of everything we’ve been given: time, talent, energy, body, mind, actions, motives, finances, relationships, and on and on.

It is not an easy task to choose our better self (or best self). It requires that we surrender the easy path, the selfish or self-protective default mode in each of us. However, as we do, we become more intentional. When we choose our actions intentionally to be consistent with our best self, we end up being less guilt-driven. And when we act intentionally, there is less anxiety. There’s actually less emotional involvement at all. Acting intentionally requires that we observe the options from several angles, then choose the best version of ourselves to move forward in a direction. This results in freedom, contentment, and joy. That’s living with Gusto!

If you’d like guidance and encouragement on choosing joy and living with gusto as your better self, The Summit would love to come alongside and walk with you on your journey.

Competition is high between Medicare Advantage plans

Brought to you by - Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

Over the past 10 years, the Medicare Advantage Program has experienced exponential growth. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries are now receiving their Medicare benefits through Medicare Advantage, otherwise known as the privatesector version of Medicare.

With this level of popularity for the program, you can imagine there are a lot of insurance companies that want a “piece of that pie”.

If you go to Medicare.gov and input a North Atlanta zip code, you will find there are 10 different Medicare Advantage companies. That’s a lot!

Some of these companies you’ll recognize, some you will not. Some are large carriers, some are small. Because there are so many companies involved in the program now, the plans are becoming better for the consumers!

Here are some of the features we are seeing drastic improvement in: Dental Allowance, Over-The-Counter Allowance, Grocery Allowance, Gym Networks, Hearing Aid Allowance, Elderly Assistance,

and lower Medical Maximum-Out-OfPocket limits.

These features are getting stronger and stronger each year, but it requires analysis of these plans or a check-in with your Medicare insurance broker each year. We would be happy to be that insurance broker for you if you don’t already have one.

You may have been with one of the large insurance carriers for years, and there is nothing wrong with that, but could that carrier have a better plan? Or if you are willing to try out one of the smaller carriers, it could offer more benefits if you’re willing to forgo name recognition.

Keeping an open mind about all the insurance carriers in the marketplace could put you in a better plan for your needs. It’s never too early to start thinking about your next Medicare insurance plan.

We are not currently in an active enrollment period, but depending on your situation, there might be a plan you can switch to right now. Check with us about your Medicare insurance options or ask for a plan review of your current plan today! Call us at (770) 315-8145 or through our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare. com.

Agent

On Occam’s Razor, Hickam’s Dictum and Crabtree’s Bludgeon

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

Arriving at a correct diagnosis is not a simple matter. With the exception of the occasional conspiracy theorist (Is Elvis alive?), most people gravitate to the least elaborate explanation to a question – the explanation that makes the fewest assumptions to fit available data.

Indeed, this approach is known as “Occam’s razor” and is the most famous rule of diagnosis taught in medical school. Within medicine, this rule is sometimes abbreviated to mean that a doctor should seek one single unifying diagnosis that explains all of a patient’s complaints instead of trying to explain five complaints with five diseases. For example, if a patient has a tick bite, rash, fever, headache and confusion, perhaps a single tick-borne illness explains all the symptoms and the patient can be treated accordingly rather than delaying treatment and introducing risk to perform spinal taps, MRIs or other investigations to search for second, third or fourth diseases.

Occam’s razor might sound like obvious and sage advice. Unfortunately, it proves wrong often enough that a Dr. John Hickam, former departmental head of medicine at Indiana University, felt the need to remind students that Occam’s Razor is sometimes wrong. He coined Hickam’s Dictum, which states “patients can have as many diseases as they [darn] well please.” (Dr. Hickam used the other D word, but we may have children in the audience.)

How often is Occam’s razor wrong?

In my physical diagnosis class in medical school, a professor taught us that there was a study of inpatients admitted at a university hospital in which the researchers looked at how often at least two diagnoses were necessary to account for the patient’s chief complaint. The result? One third of the time at least two diseases were to blame. Hickam’s dictum counterbalances Occam’s razor and reminds us of not becoming nearsighted or prematurely triumphant upon reaching a plausible single diagnosis. Sometimes two or more diseases are to blame. Sometimes, the patient in respiratory distress has the flu and covid.

A third rule, Crabtree’s Bludgeon might be my favorite. Who doesn’t love a good bludgeon? (You can tell I am a father of boys). Crabtree’s bludgeon says that a motivated individual will figure out an intelligible method of explaining away a set of contradictions, no matter how contradictory they are and how wrong they might be. This rule hints at the extent to which we humans often doggedly stick to a certain conviction or belief despite all the evidence to the contrary. New evidence says we might be wrong? No problem. We simply reason out elaborate new rules and exceptions that fit

our previous beliefs and account for the new evidence. Never underestimate the ability of people who are wrong to invent reasons not to admit it and to figure out how the new evidence actually further proves that they are right. (Think Flat Earthers)

Sometimes, a doctor can cling to an erroneous diagnosis far too long when what the patient needs is a complete reassessment. This is one of the most compelling arguments for patients receiving second opinions.

One of the most interesting cases that I have encountered in my medical career occurred when I spent a month studying at Stanford University. A patient presented to Stanford’s dermatology clinic with a tumor near her optic nerve and with certain birthmarks of her skin. She was sent by the ophthalmology department to the dermatology department for an opinion on whether the eye tumor was related to the birthmarks.

The stakes were high. If the eye tumor was deemed connected to the skin findings, then the ophthalmologists planned on watchful waiting and observation of the tumor. If not, then they planned surgery which could result in blindness in that eye. I spent hours researching the embryology of her findings and discovered reasons to believe that the patient’s tumor was very likely an atypical presentation of a disease called segmental neurofibromatosis. I concluded that the tumor and the birthmarks were very likely part of a single syndrome.

When I presented the case at Stanford’s dermatology grand rounds, Occam, Hickam, and Crabtree all showed up. Great debate ensued. The first professor to speak argued for the optic nerve tumor being unrelated to the birthmarks. Other professors found my evidence for a syndrome convincing. When the first professor found herself outnumbered, she doubled down and bludgeoned her way into arguing that the data was not only weak but actually backed her argument.

How did things turn out? The patient chose observation instead of surgery. My visit to Stanford ended, but I corresponded with a professor there, and the last update that I received was that the patient was doing well with no further growth of the tumor on subsequent MRIs.

I hope that you enjoyed this peek into diagnosis within medicine. For readers with children or grandchildren, I suggest that the lessons to be learned from Occam, Hickam and Crabtree are worth sharing and have relevance far beyond the field of medicine.

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Gathering:

Continued from Page 1

“In December, I met with him again, took our investment banker with us, and had a good, healthy discussion with him,” Krause said. “And he said, right before we left the room, he said, ‘Vernon, go get your deal done with the county. Bring me a binding MOU, memorandum of understanding, and I'll tell you when to start the arena.’”

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement on principal terms and authorization to continue with The Gathering Jan. 31.

In the agreement, the county agreed to foot $350 million for the construction of the arena and $40 million for an arena parking deck through revenue-backed bonds if The Gathering secures an NHL tenant.

A binding agreement between the developers and the county is scheduled to be considered at a called Board of Commissioners meeting March 26.

Krause also recognized Alpharetta’s interest in securing an NHL tenant at its North Point Mall.

Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group announced March 12 its petition to the NHL with backing from Neil Leibman, Peter Simon and Aaron Zeigler in partnership with NHL veteran Anson Carter.

“So, rather than just go to the media and make up things, like I believe Alpharetta is doing, we are going to send a binding memorandum of understanding to the commissioner, and I think that puts us in the queue,” Krause said.

A vote on potential redevelopment plans for the Alpharetta mall is still pending. At the Alpharetta City Council annual planning retreat Jan. 22, Economic and Community Development Director Kathi Cook said the city anticipates North Point Mall owners New York Life will present new plans around this summer.

In a press release, Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group announced it is working with the mall owners to redevelop the property with an arena for hockey and concerts designed by architect Frank Gehry; facilities for esports and performing arts; a professional-level outdoor stadium; hotels; and retail, dining and residential components.

Addressing skepticism toward bringing a hockey team back to Metro Atlanta after the relocation of the Atlanta Flames and the Thrashers, Senior Project Executive Ferrara said times have changed, and there are NHL fans spread

evenly across the country rather than just in traditional hockey markets.

In his presentation, Ferrara cited failures of the past as poor fan experience, ownership issues, team performance, financial circumstances, locating the arena too far from its fan base and the eventual relocation of the two teams.

“There were problems with the first two,” he said. “I don’t believe that this is the so called, ‘Oh, they've already had two strikes. Will this be the third?’ This is the first time at doing it right. This is the first time of doing this in the right location.”

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More than 100 people hear the latest updates on The Gathering at South Forsyth at a community meeting at Lanier Technical College March 19. The $2 billion planned development hopes to entice an NHL tenant for its 700,000-square-foot arena.

So far so good: There is no funeral planned

MIKE TASOS Columnist

Recently, I felt like I was the luckiest guy in the world. It had nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness, or the fact that the South’s beauty was preparing to, once again, offer a pleasing respite to dreary Old Man Winter.

I now know what true despair is: Being prone in a hospital bed from January 5th until late February is a phenomenon, I recommend to no one, no matter how proficient someone might be in nastiness. It seems like ages ago when I stared out that hospital window, wishing for snow. But I really didn’t care about the climate. I just wanted to go home.

Ditto for being in that rehab facility. Written on the board in my room were the words “Non weight bearing.” I guess I was a slug, constantly telling myself that this too will pass. But coming home, aside from being around loved ones, didn’t provide the instant return to normal that I had envisioned. I didn’t want to sleep in my bed, reasoning “all in due time.” My recliner, followed by a comfy couch would do me just fine.

Until it didn’t. Mustering up as much gumption as warranted, I went upstairs and experienced the sleep of the just. Lordy, that sleep was so good that I never wanted it to end.

But it did. So, I went out and started my motorcycle, dreaming of rides with friends. I was allowed by my podiatrist/ surgeon, to put weight on my toeless foot. I ditched the wheelchair and used a walker. I had this monstrous shoe on my foot, but loving a challenge, I went out and started my car. Youngest son Greg had done a fabulous job driving his dad to appointments and outings. But it was time to tackle being truly free. I drove

around the neighborhood. Wouldn’t you know it: Mastering the intricacies of the car, a four-wheeled computer, was something to work up to.

A weekend trip to Frazier’s HarleyDavidson lifted my spirits. David, Lil Billy, and Big Carl seemed genuinely happy to see me. And I was elated to see them, figuring the initial trip of 2024 was a time to pump the brakes on goodnatured ribbing. They’re my friends and I cannot wait to mount the Black Beauty, my three-wheeled Harley and walk through the door.

A phone call from high school best friend Klint Schahrer drove home the point that he truly cares. We laughed until it was time to go, then we laughed some more.

Folks called to ask Vicki if there was a funeral. I was a poor communicator of the trials and tribulations of losing toes. Then they seemed grateful at being able to talk with me. A surprise visit from my brother Matt helped me cope with even though I was now “half-footed,” the love of a brother made me feel I’d thrive in a pair of Wolverine riding boots.

Larry Suarez, the Grand Knight from our Knights of Columbus, barbecued a brisket that he and wife Theresa delivered. Neighbors David and Zayra brown brought soup that was so good, I got nary a spoonful. Cynthia Meisner brought a gift card. Father Brian Higgins brought wisdom and Holy Communion.

There have been some lessons learned. When someone says: “Let’s go,” I’ll beat them to the car.

Dorothy was right: There truly is “No Place Like Home.”

Slowly, I’m getting back. Smiling at knowing my family, and many others, love me and want me back.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

9 Book of maps

14 Rush job notation

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16 Dog

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20 Knitted fabric

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58 Shed

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62 Sloughs

64 Driving hazard

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