Forsyth Herald — April 1, 2021

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. 470-639-3910 10800 Alpharetta Highway geico.com/roswell-gordon ¡Hablamos Español!

A p r i l 1 , 2 0 2 1 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 4 , N o . 1 3 Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO 20_582734891

Short term rental permits revisited

► PAGE 3

Forsyth Hockey wins state title

Forsyth County’s “AA” Georgia Student Hockey League team won the GSHL AA state championship with a 4-2 win over Woodstock High School March 15, the program’s second state title in five years. The team compiled a 12-4 overall record this season. The GSHL is a non-profit organization serving as the USA Hockey high school partner for Georgia.

SPECIAL

Officials review parks upgrades

► PAGE 4

Local support keeps restaurants afloat

► PAGE 8

PUBLIC SAFETY

2 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

POLICE BLOTTER 770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

THECRIER.net Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence

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.

Arrest made in stabbing at Collection at Forsyth FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies arrested an Alpharetta teen tied to a March 19 stabbing at The Collection at Forsyth shopping plaza along Peachtree Parkway.

Christopher James Hamill, 19, was charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a weapon. He was held at the Forsyth County Jail without bond Saturday.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the stabbing occurred around 6:30 p.m. It stemmed from a road rage incident. A verbal altercation kicked off between Hamill and the victim after traffic bottlenecked at the mall. Hamill allegedly stabbed the man multiple times when the argument turned physical.

The victim was rushed to North Fulton Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

Deputies arrest men on gun, drug charges FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A March 17 traffic stop along Deerfield Crossing led to a pair of drug arrests after deputies seized guns, narcotics and stolen credit cards.

Ezel Myron McElroy, 21, of Duluth, and Blake Bakari-Ladel Benford, 22, of Detroit, Michigan, were both charged with five counts of identity fraud, obstruction, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm

2018

by a convicted felon.

Deputies stopped McElroy driving a Dodge Charger Hellcat with illegally tinted windows and detected the scent of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Benford, who was a passenger, refused to give the deputy his ID and McElroy refused to exit the vehicle. After a brief verbal exchange, McElroy put the car in reverse and tried to maneuver around another deputy’s patrol vehicle at the scene. Deputies reached inside the Charger, unlocked the doors and pulled both men out of the vehicle.

Officers found a small bag of marijuana shake, several sets of Dodge keys and $3,700 in cash in Benford’s pocket.

There were several Dodge key fobs in McElroy’s possession as well. Deputies also found four Visa debit cards in his wallet with different names.

In the vehicle, deputies found individually packaged bags of marijuana along with $2,400 in cash and another Visa debit card. There was also a loaded 9mm Glock in the glove compartment.

Both men had felony convictions in Michigan that prohibited them from owning or possessing a gun, deputies indicated.

Woman notices stranger sitting in her vehicle FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A customer was shopping for snacks inside a Valero convenience store along Keith Bridge Road on March 19 when she noticed a strange man in her car outside.

Police responded and arrested Brian Daniel Grindle, 35, of Cumming. According to officers, the woman noticed Grindle sitting in her driver’s seat and yelled for him to get out of her car.

Deputies nabbed him near the car.

Grindle was charged with loitering and prowling. He’s been released $5,630 bail.

twitter.com/forsythherald

2018

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. 470-639-3910 | geico.com/roswell-gordon 10800 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell | ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply.Seegeico.comfor moredetails.GEICO & affiliates. Washington,DC 20076© 2021GEICO

DUI & DRUG arrests Amanda Evelyn Calabrese-Barchard, 30, of Hendrix Road, Cumming, was arrested March 9 on Browns Bridge Road for DUI, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

Lonnie Paul Anderson, 36, of Hughes Court, Dawsonville, was arrested March 9 on Shady Grove Road for DUI, failure to maintain lane, failure to report striking fixed object and failure to maintain insurance.

Thomas Hyde Dickey, 61, of Preston Lane, Suwanee, was arrested March 9 on Old Atlanta Road for DUI, possession of open alcohol container by driver and two counts of failure to yield right of way/turning lane.

Hayley Elizabeth Barron, 22, of Glendale Road, Liberty, was arrested March 11 on Atlanta Highway for possession of schedule I controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, possession of hydrocodone, possession of marijuana and tag light required.

De Marquis Antonio Malone, 26, of Wakefield Bluff Court, Alpharetta, was arrested March 11 on McFarland Parkway for DUI, possession of open alcohol container and defective or no brake lights/turn signals.

Yasaman Mansoori, 28, of Freemanville Road, Milton, was arrested March 11 on Atlanta Highway for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Marko Todorovic, 30, of Pilgrim Pointe Extension, Cumming, was arrested March 11 on Commonwealth Lane for possession of a schedule II controlled substance and theft by receiving stolen property.

Jennifer Irene Goble, 45, of Little Mill Road, Cumming, was arrested March 11 on Little Mill Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Jose Miguel Borges, 26, of Champions Fairway Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 11 on McFarland See ARRESTS, Page 20

NEWS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 3

Commission revives discussions on short-term rentals ordinance

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Just as the dust had settled on Forsyth County’s short-term rental ordinance, the issue is being kicked up again.

The county is considering changes to the ordinance that would add another permit layer to those seeking to rent out residential space for fewer than 30 days, a practice popularized by rental websites like VRBO and Airbnb. The last update to the ordinance passed in 2019.

With its access to Lake Lanier, its proximity to Ga. 400, shopping districts and north Metro Atlanta, Forsyth County had become a popular site for these properties. County officials estimated some 250 short-term rental homes/ rooms were in operation when they began considering the regulations.

The 2019 update to the county’s Unified Development Code, which commissioners passed 3-2, banned short-term rentals on properties zoned residential.

It limited short-term rentals to properties zoned agricultural or agriculturalresidential, which are typically larger

lots. It also required the owners of those homes to obtain a conditional use permit.

The issue, batted about for two years, proved contentious.

Proponents of the stricter regulations argued short-term rentals were acting as businesses and should not be allowed to operate in residential areas and neighborhoods. There were also complaints from neighbors of noise, parking, traffic and unruly behavior.

Opponents of the revised ordinance condemned the regulation as government overreach. They also contended groups of short-term rental property owners could be self-regulating.

The revision sparked two lawsuits.

A state lawsuit was dismissed by the plaintiffs, while a federal lawsuit remains pending and is now on appeal before the 11th Circuit following an order of dismissal.

The ordinance took effect in January 2020, but now the county is considering tightening the reins. Officials are tossing around the idea of requiring a specific

See RENTALS, Page 20

twitter.com/forsythherald

CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A

SBA Loans (Small Business Administration Loans) 770-455-4985

SBA LOANS RANKED #1 IN GA

(Fiscal year 2009-2012, 2014-2019 in total dollar amount)

Residential Mortgage Loans

Jimmy Song (NMLS#1218336) 770-454-1871 (Duluth Branch) Sandy Na (NMLS#983548) 770-454-1861 (Norcross Branch) Headquarters | 5114 Buford Highway, Doraville, GA 30340 Metro City Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of MetroCity Bankshares, Inc, (Nasdaq: MCBS).

Please Contact Us For More Information 770-455-4989. www.metrocitybank.com

Spring Break Art Camps April 5-9

Drawing & Painting, Ceramics, Sparkle Camp, and Digital Illustration!

Over 60 Summer Art Camps Available!

June 1-August 6

Drawing & Painting, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Digital Arts, Writing, Sewing, and more!

Camps Available for Grades K-12. Camps run Monday-Friday from 9 am-3 pm. Aftercare available for summer camps until 6 pm.

4 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Commissioners review revised park plans Upgrades for Bennett Park, Sawnee Mountain Preserve under funding consideration

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Major upgrades are slated for the county’s oldest park and its largest. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners reviewed master plans and approved redevelopment of Bennett Park and sections of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve at its March 23 work session.

Bennett Park, a 36-acre site off Burrus Mill Road created in 1978, is the county’s first and oldest park, according to Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor.

Now in its fourth decade of operation, the site has become outdated with septic and access problems, issues that spurred creation of a renovation plan.

The master plan calls for a bevy of upgrades, including new ballfields, pavilions, restroom areas, a trails system and a large community building.

The number of baseball/softball fields would be cut from five to three, but the new spaces will be larger at 300-feet from home plate to center field. Pryor said there are means to shrink dimensions for age groups needing smaller fields, and T-ball can be played on a multi-use field at the park. New ballfields are also on tap for nearby Lanierland Park for additional playing spaces, Pryor said.

The Bennett Park plan also calls for an additional multi-use rectangular field with artificial turf, two basketball courts, new batting cages, five picnic pavilions, new bleachers and a central playground area.

About 1-mile of 10-foot-wide concrete paths will be built, along with a half-mile natural trail on the greenspace located on the southeast portion of the park.

A 4,200-square-foot community building is also shown on the site plan that can be configured in vari-

Matt Community Park trail closed The county announced March 22 the multi-use trail system at Matt Community Park, 6555 Wallace Tatum Road, is closed until mid-summer for installation of a sanitary sewer line. ous ways with chairs and tables. A representative with the county’s consultant developing said the building was designed in conjunction with election officials and can serve as a voting location.

Commissioners also reviewed a revised master plan proposal for renovations at two portions of the 821-acre Sawnee Mountain Preserve.

In November, Pryor presented the first draft of proposed upgrades to the Barker Overlook, which formerly housed the flying-saucer shaped “Barker House,” and the Sawnee Mountain Visitor Center area.

At that meeting, Commissioner Molly Cooper objected to the draft’s lack of handicapped access at the Barker Overlook. The updated plan addressed those access concerns.

Pryor said new sidewalks and ramps will allow access to the entire site.

“It might take a little longer and require a less direct path, but it does meet [Americans with Disabilities Act] standards,” he said.

The blueprint for the improvements includes new trails, a restroom building and a plaza on the summit of the overlook.

Parking at the Visitor Center along Spot Road was another issue that required adjustments from the November draft.

The earlier proposal showed a new multi-use field and 34 new parking spaces on 2.6 acres of land previously purchased by the county for $170,000.

Some board members said they felt using most the acquired land for a field when parking at the area is

JOE PARKER/HERALD

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners reviewed park upgrades for Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Bennett Park at its March 23 work session. The county previously reviewed renovations to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center, but redrafted the blueprint following parking concerns.

limited was not a positive return on investment.

Pryor said the updated draft retains the field, but a driveway to the new field is now proposed under the master plan that would allow it to serve as an overflow parking area when warranted. The move also prevents possible stormwater runoff issues from creating traditional parking spaces, Pryor said.

The board backed the updates and approved the redrafted site plan. Other updates slated for the Visitor Center include a new pavilion, improvements to the grounds and a storage building.

Both proposals will go before the board for final approval at an upcoming Board of Commissioners meeting.

McFarland Parkway mixed-use development gets nod of approval

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After five years in limbo, a mixed-use development off McFarland Parkway moved one step closer to fruition March 23 when the Forsyth County Planning Commission voted to approve zoning changes.

The zoning change request will now go before the Forsyth County Commission for a final vote.

The request by Liu Investment Partners seeks to rezone a 19-acre site at 100 McFarland Parkway, adjacent to Brandywine Elementary School, from commercial business district to a mixeduse designation — master planned district. The site plan calls for 67 townhomes and several commercial buildings totaling 44,000-square feet, dubbed Villages at Brandywine.

One building will include commercial spaces on the lower level with residences above in what Planning Commissioner Jessica Thorsen described as a “prototype” for the county moving forward.

The plan also calls for amenities like pocket parks, a playground, walking trails, a picnic area and open spaces.

Thorsen, who represents the area on the Planning Commission, said she is pleased with changes to the proposed development since it was first presented in 2016. She said she thinks it meets the requirement of a master planned district. The zoning designation promotes mixed-use properties that are compatible with surrounding land uses that also promote mobility within the site, transitions between commercial and residential properties and high aesthetic quality.

The original site plan called for 80

townhomes and a “big box” store commercial concept.

The Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval for the rezoning.

Commissioner Stacy Guy cast the dissenting vote. He told the commissioners during a March work session he believed more residential-over-commercial buildings would benefit the development.

“I’m concerned about the concurrency issues on this,” Guy said. “I think what you are going to get out of this project… and I hope I’m wrong…is townhomes and a daycare center and grass fields. And it’s going to look like that for years and years and years. It’s gotten better, but it’s still not where I think it should be.”

Thorsen has argued the development could launch the beginning of a needed revamp of the area.

“Where I really support this project, and I’ve not made any secret of this, that

area of Highway 9 needs help,” Thorsen said. “And I think this is a good step in the right direction to elevate that area and to attract better businesses, attract better commercial and kind of buffer and protect that school that’s there. Because, if you have [commercial business district] backing up to the school, you don’t know what you are going to get there, and I think that protects that school.”

The Planning Commission also recommended approval for two other rezoning requests that will move to the Board of Commissioners.

They include a request by John Wilson to rezone 29 acres from agriculture district to low-density residential to develop 28 homes at 5960 Hendrix Road. Also approved was Domain Realty’s request to rezone from agricultural district to residential 11 acres along Dickerson Road to construct eight single-family homes.

NEWS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 5

Agencies, clinics step up efforts to vaccinate Georgians Numbers show sites running at full throttle

Five things to know about the COVID-19 vaccines

By ZOE SEILER newsroom@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA — Georgia opened the door wider March 25 for those seeking a vaccination for the deadly COVID-19 virus.

Georgians age 16 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccines.

“I feel like we’re turning a corner,” Alpharetta resident Debbie Engler-Key said following her vaccination.

She said people are getting vaccinated for themselves and for others.

“In order for the whole community to go back, the whole community needs to be vaccinated, so it’s almost like your civic responsibility to me,” she said.

Engler-Key has received both doses of the Moderna vaccine.

Heather Wagner, also of Alpharetta, has received one dose.

“It feels good to have the vaccines and now to be able to be eligible and get them,” Wagner said.

The vaccination effort spans public and private sectors.

Vaccination sites are being operated by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security, and by the counties. Private pharmacies, like CVS and Kroger, are also administering shots.

All sites are operating at full throttle in north Metro Atlanta.

Forsyth County Communications Director Karen Shields said that as of March 23, healthcare workers had administered 1,997 vaccines at the county’s site at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

Fulton County had administered 525,000 doses of the state’s 3.2 million doses by March 22, Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis reported.

The DeKalb County Board of Health reported that, as of March 20, its sites had administered 44,487 doses of the vaccines. The number doesn’t include private providers or retail pharmacies, such as CVS, Kroger, Publix and Walgreens, said Eric Nickens, manager at the Office of Marketing and Business Development for the DeKalb County Board of Health.

Forsyth County Forsyth County’s vaccination site at Lanier Technical College has been open since March 17. Prior to that, the county partnered with Northside Hospital and other organizations to administer vaccines at two churches over eight weeks in January and February. During

Where to get a vaccine The Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and local counties are administering the vaccines. Appointments can be scheduled through the state each agency’s website as well as myvaccinegeorgia.com.

The state department of public health also has links to private vaccination sites like Kroger, Publix, Walgreens and Walmart.

Anyone struggling to schedule an appointment can call the health department vaccine scheduling resource line at 888-457-0186.

that time, 11,644 vaccines were administered, Shields said.

Forsyth County residents have been pleased with the process that provides second dose appointments when the first dose is administered, Shields said.

GEMA operates nine sites that administer the Pfizer vaccine. Its lone Fulton County site at the Delta Air Lines Museum had administered 25,756 doses as of March 16. GEMA operates no sites in DeKalb or Forsyth counties, said Erica Inniss-Alexander, external affairs specialist for GEMA.

department, and two, because there isn’t enough vaccine for the cities really to jump in.”

Bodker said some cities have volunteered emergency medical technicians to help.

“What the cities have done is we›ve provided paramedic personnel to help supplement the number of people that are there giving the vaccinations at the county sites,” he said. “We’ve all volunteered a certain number of days of paramedic help to help administer the vaccines.”

Tracking residency Keeping track of the number of residents vaccinated in a city or county is virtually impossible, based on the state’s wide-open rollout.

“The reality of that data is that it seems a better indicator of how many vaccine doses have been administered in a county, as it does not account for where the individuals receiving the vaccine actually live,” said Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard. “Given that we know people are crossing county lines seeking vaccinations, this is a critical issue in that data.”

Outside of Atlanta, cities do not operate their own health and human services departments.

That is left up to the counties, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said.

“The vaccination program to date has been run through a combination of the county and the state, mostly at this point,” Bodker said. “[That’s] because, one, the vaccines come into the health

Fulton County in full swing The Fulton County Board of Health is operating three sites. One at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, another at 4700 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta, and the third in College Park at the Aviation Cultural Center.

Of the estimated 525,000 doses administered in Fulton County, about 25 percent were done at the public health sites, County Commissioner Ellis said.

Depending on the supply from the state, the Fulton County sites have the capacity to administer about 1,000 doses a day. So far, the largest number of vaccines given on one day between all three sites was about 4,700, Ellis said.

He said he has received good feedback about the North Point Parkway site in Alpharetta, which also serves as a COVID-19 testing site.

Alpharetta’s Drinkard said the city has found the vaccination site to be running efficiently, but he noted that

See VACCINE, Page 6

Eligibility As of March 25, all Georgia residents age 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccines available The three vaccines available are the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Not all vaccination sites have each option available, and the options are noted online.

Currently, 16 and 17 year olds can only receive the Pfizer vaccine due to FDA approval, and a parent or guardian must accompany them during their appointment.

Cost of the vaccines Vaccinations are free, but providers may be able to charge administration fees. The fee will be billed to one’s insurance with no out-of-pocket cost, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

There is also no out-of-pocket cost to the patient at vaccination sites run by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

What to bring to an appointment Patients going to county or GEMA-operated sites should take identification and the QR code provided when they signed up for the appointment. Additional information can be found on the GEMA, county and private providers’ websites.

NEWS

6 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Continued from Page 5 the major issues are related to the ability to get an appointment.

Alpharetta residents Wagner and Engler-Key said they experienced issues scheduling an appointment but the vaccination process itself went smoothly at

private pharmacies.

Early on, Engler-Key signed up on multiple websites, but all appointments were full. She heard through friends that smaller towns had more supply than the cities, so she was prepared for a road trip.

“I heard back from a couple of others,” she said. “They emailed me back right away saying ‘our appointments are full. Try back again later.’ So it was a little discouraging.”

First IC Bank,We can help you to own your dream home.

Take care of all your financial needs at First IC Bank.

First IC Bank, Smart choice for a brighter future.  Conventional loan

 FHA loan

 Refinance loan

 Portfolio ARM

 Jumbo loan

DORAVILLE BRANCH

770.451.7200

SUWANEE BRANCH

770.495.1310

MORTGAGE OFFICE

DULUTH BRANCH

SUGARLOAF BRANCH

CARROLLTON BRANCH

BAYSIDE (NY) BRANCH

770.810.8600

NORCROSS BRANCH

770.359.7717

770-810-8600 www.firsticbank.com

678.417.7474

469.986.3100

678.475.0585

718-701-3810

JOHNS CREEK BRANCH

770.418.1363

PALISADES PARK (NJ) BRANCH

201-882-0200

Later, she got an email from a pharmacy in Mableton that said if she could arrive by 5 p.m., she could receive the vaccine.

“So, I jumped in my car and drove over there,” she said.

Engler-Key said she had better luck with scheduling by calling or emailing providers. She had no responses from websites she signed up through.

Wagner also struggled to find an appointment.

“I was trying to go through a lot of different sites, and just couldn’t find one available at the time,” Wagner said.

“I was waiting patiently because I’m under the educator category and just waiting until I was eligible.”

She made her appointment over the phone at the Kroger on South Atlanta Road.

“It was just surreal in a way of, oh my goodness, we finally are getting this going, and just going through that process was just like I was going to get my flu shot as regular as it was, but just internally so excited and relieved,” Wagner said.

The Alpharetta site at North Point is the closest government-run site to Johns Creek. The city has received few complaints about the site and those were addressed, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said.

“If you look at Fulton County as a whole, the number of people that have

gotten vaccinated within Fulton County is basically equal to the other metro counties combined,” Bodker said. “So, they are doing a very effective job of vaccinations, all things considered.”

Scheduling an appointment As eligibility has expanded, demand and volume are significantly increasing.

Nickens offers this advice: Be patient because many others are trying to find a vaccine appointment too.

Be nice, particularly when interacting with someone over the phone.

Try searching for appointments during the early morning or late evening, during off-peak times.

Double check the spelling of all information entered during registration.

Your name should match your legal identification. Typos or incorrect information can cause delays at check-in and may result in missing phone calls or emails.

People should be prepared to drive to another county if they are able.

If an individual schedules an earlier appointment at another location but already has an existing appointment somewhere else, health officials ask that you cancel the later appointment.

“That location is holding a vaccine dose just for you and if you don’t cancel, that could end up being a wasted dose,” Nickens said.

Creating smiles one plate at a time!

The Best Breakfast in Atlanta is located here in Alpharetta.

Our made from scratch confetti pancakes are melt in your mouth buttermilk pancakes that are riddled & topped with party festive confetti, dusted with powdered sugar, & served with our homemade whipped cream. Discover just how fresh our food is. Made from scratch, healthy and savory. The Original Pancake House has become the place for adults and children to indulge.

Come enjoy the vast selection and smiles.

$6 OFF Purchase of $24 or more

The Original Pancake House

GA 400

Vaccine:

One coupon per table.

Not valid w\ any other offer. Exp. 4/30/21 Windward Pkwy.

Cabernet

(678) 393-1355 PancakesAlpharetta.com Order online at: pancakesalpharetta.com

5530 Windward Pkwy | Alpharetta Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm | Sat & Sun 7am - 3pm

oody Crier 4/1/21 Crossword

PuzzleJunction.com

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 7

Across 1 5 9 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 27 29 32 34 36 37 38 40 41 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 53

1

Stag Paradise Blue-pencil Water holder Energy Ocean motion Restaurant posting Building block Riding the waves Having a cover, possibly Deli side Lunch meat Kind of school Be theatrical City near Düsseldorf “___ show time!”

Wander Agreement Before bum or bunny Animal Farm author ___ Gang comedies Lacking completeness, as a report Fabrication Meager Escort’s offering NY club Foil’s relative Actress Balin West Pointer Marina sights Den denizen

2

3

4

5

6

13

14

17

18 20

30

22 26

31

32

33

34

43 47

53 58

64

54 59

60

65

There are better ways to spend your time.

61

66

69

68

facebook.com/ForsythHerald

50

52

63

35 39

46

57

62

70 72

71

73

Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

55 57 59 62 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 73

Long, long ___ Conceal Pointer Play disaster Invitee News bit Razorbills Good judgment Bunsen burner Take a break Dispirited Extinct bird

Down 1 2 3 4 5

Skirt feature Blown away Nevada city Horn Dodge

Serving ages 14 months to 12 years

Enrolling Now. Schedule a Tour Today!

678-208-0774 info@montessoricumming.com www.montessoricumming.com

Shopping for insurance isn’t one of them. As an independent agent, we can shop among multiple companies and use our knowledge and experience to find the right combination of quality coverage, competitive prices and personal service Scan to learn more. that meets your unique needs. Rely on us to find you the best value for your insurance dollar!

67

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 21 23 26 28 29 30 31 33 35 37 38

Who ___ that?

Freudian topics Male aristocrats Gr. letter Rumpled Inspiration Squad Enlarge, as a hole Sea bird Fret Game fish Pull Heroic poem Gravy, e.g.

Certain albums Colossus Blue bloods Heavens Electrical unit

39 41 42 45 47 49 50 52 54 55 56 58 60 61 63 65 67

Metro-Atlanta Insurance Agency, Inc.

For fear that Fulton’s power Shellfish The Matrix hero Espoused Supplied Auto Labels Consumed At a distance Bond Bingo relative ___ von Bismarck Proceed crookedly Cal. hours Compass pt.

Former Chinese leader

SOLUTON ON PAGE 21

3034 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041

WANT MORE? FOLLOW US ON

28

49

56

12

24

42

45

51

11

38

48

55

27

41

44

10

16

23

37

40

9

19

21

36

8 15

25 29

7

Georgia’s #1 Indoor Gun Range

Solution on next page 770-500-F-I-R-E (3473) SharpShootersUSA.com 11261 Alpharetta Highway • Roswell, GA 30076

1730 Mount Vernon Rd, Suite C Dunwoody, GA 30338 770.938.1000 insurance@metro-atl.com www.metro-atlantainsurance.com Call us today!

2-7694 07/16

Our Lenders Can Help With Your PPP Loan Experience What A Community Banker Can Do For You. * Payroll Expenses * Rent Expense * Utilities * Mortgage Interest Carlos Laverde Market President

10690 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek,GA 470-422-1200

People banking with People AmericanCommerceBank.com

[The community] has been our biggest cheerleaders…it’s been humbling.

JODI CHIECO, Restaurant owner 8 | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021

Restaurant group credits local support in enduring 2020’s challenges

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

By TIFFANY MORGAN newsroom@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the restaurant industry, but a little over a year after restaurants were forced to close dining rooms, a local, family-owned restaurant group is bouncing back.

The Chieco family owns four restaurants in North Fulton, all offering unique cuisine, including Mercantile Social, Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou and Southern Porch in Alpharetta. Last June, the group acquired CANS Taqueria in Milton.

Despite the prior success of these eateries, 2020 brought a wave of struggles and concerns for the restaurant group. But a little over a year after they were forced to close their doors, the restaurants are beginning to see pre-COVID sales figures.

In a year that saw a slew of restaurants permanently shut down, the Chieco group is crediting local support and changes to their operations for keeping their four businesses afloat.

Jodi Chieco said without the support of the community, their businesses, servers and family would not have been as successful during the pandemic.

From generous tipping to buying gift cards, the community “rallied” for the Chieco family and their local eateries. “[The community] has been our biggest cheerleaders…it’s been humbling,” Jodi said. “They never faltered. We couldn’t ask for better customers. They kept us going.”

Kevin Jeskey, regular customer of CANS, said he frequents the familyowned restaurants. Jeskey finds it very significant to support the local restaurants in North Fulton.

“It’s the upmost importance, as we’ve seen through COVID, [to support local business],” Jeskey said. “We tried to get out twice a week to support local restaurants.”

Joe Rampino, general manager of Mercantile Social, said there was “overwhelming support,” even when the restaurant had to close due to the pandemic. While the dining room was closed, restaurant employees refurbished and decorated for their projected opening in the summer of 2020. The restaurant now offers outdoor seating.

Rampino said being a part of a family business is what makes it possible for them to succeed and come together.

“We all work together as a team,” Rampino said. “It really helps to have that support system and take care of each other,” Rampino said. “It is good to have good people to work for...it’s a whole different dynamic.”

CANS Taqueria general manager Danny Shearer said the restaurant took the opportunity to use curbside pick-up and delivery services like DoorDash and

GrubHub to help keep the lights on.

As business picks back up, the Chieco family is undertaking a new venture.

The family is transforming CANS, located in downtown Crabapple, into a fresh seafood restaurant named Tierra y Mar, meaning “land and sea.” Tierra y Mar is set for a grand opening in April, Shearer said.

Local support helped keep the group’s restaurants open, and Shearer said the family is now planning to give back to the community by working alongside charitable events. Shearer said in mid-June the group intends to collaborate with the Shamrock Foundation.

Last December, the restaurant group donated to the XXX Rotary Club and hosted a “Giving Tree.”

Supporters donated over $2,000, and CANS matching those dollars with its own donation. The money that was raised benefited the Drake House, which provides housing and education programs for homeless single mothers in the North Metro Atlanta.

Name of Business: Village Park Alpharetta - Expansion Name of Owner(s): Village Park Alpharetta Describe the Business: Village Park Alpharetta is a vibrant resortstyle senior living community reflective of Alpharetta’s surrounding upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

Month Opened: Expansion opened 3/2021 Address of Business: 12300 Morris Road, Alpharetta 30005 Phone Number: 678-740-3499 Web Address: villageparkseniorliving.com/commmunity/alpharetta

WANT MORE?

FOLLOW US ON twitter.com/forsythherald

Sponsored Section

April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | 9

Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market Brought to you by – BILL RAWLINGS, Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty The spring market in Atlanta has officially RAWLINGS arrived! If you’re considering putting your home on the market, it has never been a better time to sell. This unique seller’s market is characterized by high demand from buyers and a low supply of homes, meaning you can get top dollar for your home; plus, it is even more crucial to have a professional REALTOR® aid you in your transaction. Read on to discover tips from real estate professionals on how to make your home stand out this spring!

Boost Your Curb Appeal The first impression of your home is extremely important because, to entice buyers’ attention, it must appear inviting and well-maintained. Boosting your home’s curb appeal does not have to be complicated – even completing simple tasks such as sweeping porches and walkways and washing off siding and doors can make a huge impact. Also, if you have time, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in brightening your home’s exterior.

De-Clutter Living Spaces When buyers enter your home, they have high expectations for its visual presentation and organization. By following tips from professional organizers such as Marie Kondo, HGTV personalities or any of our professional REALTORS®, little changes will create a lasting impact on the overall appearance of your home.

Simple de-cluttering tricks include removing and storing family photos, clearing off surfaces so only about one-third of the space is covered and concealing extra clothing items such as shoes, boots and coats.

Improve Your Landscaping With the arrival of warmer weather, your yard will need some additional upkeep to restore its beauty after the cold winter months! Our REALTORS® with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty have connections with top local landscaping companies to assist

you, or you can tackle this yourself by sodding and re-seeding your grass, planting new flowers and trees, trimming bushes and removing any dead plants.

Take Spring Cleaning to a New Level This is another home task that can be completed by you or a professional team, but your home should be absolutely spotless before any property photography or open houses occur. A deep spring clean is more than just de-cluttering, you will also need to wipe down baseboards and cabinets, dust ceiling fans and blinds, de-grease your kitchen, wash windows and potentially power wash your home’s exterior and driveway. Buyers will undoubtedly notice your home’s level of cleanliness or lack thereof!

Hire Industry Professionals In a fast-paced market, it is even

more vital to make sure you have the best real estate professionals serving you. By working with one of our REALTORS®, you are receiving the best global and local advertising, marketing collateral, white-glove service and real estate brand available. As the No. 1 brokerage in Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty has the resources to provide unparalleled videography and photography, virtual staging, 3D Matterport scans, social media exposure and more!

By abiding by these professional tips, your home will be ready and equipped for the spring market. If you need assistance selling your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Holly Haynes, Marketing Coordinator

10 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

Tuscany Fine Furnishings, Customer Shopping Experience…

Brought to you by - Peter Benedetto & Riccardo Apreda Customer satisfaction has always been our first priority at Tuscany Fine Furnishings. In 2017, we opened our New, State-of-the-Art 18,000 sq. ft., Showroom and Design Center, in Roswell, focusing entirely on enhancing our customers shopping experience.

In 2019, we launched an Industry First! New Age Website for Design & Interiors…TuscanyFineFurnishings.com.

Tuscany became the first brick and mortar store-front to be recognized by both Facebook and the National Home Furnishings Association as Pioneers… seamlessly integrating social media, combining Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google Business with Maps and Search, offering the best Website/Mobile shopping experience for Design & Interiors.

We recently received an email from Tuscany customers, Vickie and Ben Pruitt, of Cumming, GA. We felt this note captured the essence of customer satisfaction and loyalty, so we asked Vickie and Ben if we might share it with you…

Dear Kathy, I have been going to Tuscany Fine Furnishings for over 15 years. We live closer to many other furniture stores, but I still go to Kathy and her designers, now Peter and Riccardo. Not only is the pricing much better, Tuscany designers, Peter and Riccardo are always helpful, but you never feel under pressure to purchase.

Tuscany’s guys that deliver the furniture have been there for as long as I remember and are fabulous, as well.

The whole shopping experience is such

a pleasure. They are personable and always care how the furniture works in your home. Tuscany always has beautiful and up-to-date styles.

All the Best, Vickie and Ben Pruitt Cumming, GA Bravo Peter and Riccardo!... your professionalism always shines through your customers, like Vickie and Ben Pruitt and thank you Vickie and Ben for your loyal patronage all these years. Kathy McConnell, Interior Designer & Owner.

Peter Benedetto, is an accomplished, award winning Interior Designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, Offering Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…23,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on Facebook, Instagram, Google Business and YouTube Everyday!

Riccardo Apreda, Store Manager and an accomplished, award winning interior designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, providing …Lifestyle Driven Design...

Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…23,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE ... Everyday!

TUSCANYFINEFURNISHINGS.COM

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 11

12 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 13

14 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

Let Go and Live Lake Oconee Karen Salter & Lurline Craig-Burke, Ansley Real Estate

CRAIG-BURKE

Last year demonstrated that many of us can successfully work from home, so much so that many will continue to work remotely even after the world looks a little more normal. This realization has opened up more opportunities for us to decide not only where we work, but also live and play. Home buyers are now thinking more about buying a home where they can conveniently do all three!

Welcome to Lake Oconee Lake Oconee – referred to by insiders as “LO” checks all three “live, work, play” boxes, and provides countless other benefits as well.

SALTER Those who call Lake Oconee home describe a relaxed, “lake country” environment with neighbors who are downto-earth, friendly, and happy to embrace the “stay and play” lifestyle. They report that an actual LO phenomenon occurs in the moments spent crossing over the water on arrival, where they can literally feel their breathing change, and their bodies beginning to decompress.

Variety in Real Estate and People Homes in Lake Oconee are available in all price ranges, and offer something for everyone including lakefront luxury estates, condominiums, townhouses, 55+ communities and senior long-term living communities as well as a robust offering of rentals.

Residents are a mix of full and part-timers comprising all age groups… many calling LO their “second home.”

Golf Of course we can’t write about Lake Oconee and not mention golf! With eight area golf courses in five gated communities with different membership levels, there are abundant choices, including six courses in the communities of Reynolds Great Waters, The Landing and Reynolds Lake Oconee.

Additionally, there are the communities of Cuscowilla and Harbor Club each with one course.

Rounding out the outdoor fun, each neighborhood has its own marinas and amenities that include workout facilities, tennis courts and pickle ball courts.

Community, Shopping and Dining Lake Oconee offers amazing shopping, dining and events for everyone to enjoy year round. Favorite restaurants include Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton (where Carrie Underwood was married) that offers the fabulous Linger Longer Steakhouse and Gabby’s

Lake and Poolside Restaurant. There are lots of other local restaurants including three offering boatside service along with seasonal live music. There’s also a Saturday morning Farmers Market where local farmers and artisans offer their goods to the community.

The Lake The biggest jewel of all is the pristine, inviting waters of Lake Oconee covering nearly 20 miles where swimming, fishing, boating, pedal boats, kayaks, and jet skis provide fun for the whole family.

There are nine local marinas to serve lake lovers.

Location Situated halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Lake Oconee is an easy commute for those who choose, or are required to split their time.

Karen Salter and Lurline Craig-Burke with Ansley Real Estate would love to show you all the things Lake Oconee has to offer. Contact them today and prepare to have fun and breathe easier!

Karen Salter, Realtor® 770.284.9900 – office 770.309.7309 – cell Lurline Craig-Burke, Realtor® 770.284.9900 – office 678.463.8106 – cell

Promote your listings digital marketing Package

Reach the right audience

WITH EACH PACKAGE YOUR LISTING WILL BE FEATURED ON: AppenMedia.com, the most viewed site for local news in Georgia. Target engaged, high demo prospective home buyers by showcasing your listing online.

SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE

The Real Estate Report E-Newsletter, a real estate centric newsletter filled with information on listings, market trends and agent information for the North Atlanta market.

Discounts available for promoting multiple listings.

Why only have a slice when you can have the whole pie?

Print • Digital • Social Media • Native Content • Email • Video • Branding • Media Buys

advertising@appenmediagroup.com | 770-442-3278 | 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta

MAKE THE SALE

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 15

16 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

The empty nester’s guide to home improvement Brought to you by - Remodeling Expo Center The kids have graduated college, the weddings are paid for, and it’s time for you to enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, you may have also realized that “downsizing” has become more expensive than keeping your existing house! ”Not simply accounting for the transactional costs of moving, but the terrible reality of the present housing market, is that newer small homes cost more than your larger home” says John Hogan president of Remodeling Expo Center.

John continued, “an increasingly large number of our customers are empty nesters, and they’re all adapting their 1980’s or 1990’s-built home to become more current and appropriate for their later years. The present interest rate environment is fueling the rapid growth in remodeling in the form of the cash-out refi”.

These are the most common empty nester remodeling projects in North Atlanta.

Kitchen Upgrade. Adapting the kitchen for more occasions, and more people, kids plus grandchildren. Frequently improving circulation by incorporating an island with an eating area for grandchildren is a common goal.

Improving accessibility of cabinets with roll-out drawers and improving storage are almost always included.

Flooring and Stairs. A highly desirable upgrade is the front entry to the home because it’s the first this you see when entering the house. Removing aged carpet runners on stairs, replacing white pickets with black metal on stairs, and re-staining hardwood floors from the 1980’s honey color to one which is darker, are all common changes made by empty nesters.

Master Bathroom. Empty nesters are very focused on, not only improving the “feel” of their bathroom, but also safety aspects. “Fortunately, there are a wide range of products that incorporated safe, non-slip surfaces that also look fabulous” says Brittany Lingerfelt, head designer at Remodeling Expo Center.

Grab bars, frameless glass, level entry showers, and therapeutic tubs are all common requests.

Value Preservation. Empty nesters are increasing young at heart, and just because the kids are out of the house, doesn’t mean they’re not focusing on value and return on investment. “This is where we can offer significant consultation”, says John Hogan, “We understand our customers and they rely on us for honest advice.

For more information of how to improve the value of your home, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www.RemodelingExpo.com.

REAL ESTATE • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 17

Hidden Benefit to Hiring an Attorney Worth Thousands Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Wilson Legal, PC Dear reader, I am writing to tell you about a recent client experience that has been repeated for many clients. The client came to me for help in creating an estate plan either with a will or trust.

We talked about options and drafted the documents and signed them. Part of our WILSON process involves asking clients to check their beneficiaries. “Michelle, I’m so glad you asked me to check my beneficiaries,” the client said in a meeting last week. “I found an old life insurance policy with my ex-wife still named as the beneficiary.” This client recently had surgery. If things had gone wrong during surgery, his ex-wife would have received $75,000. When was the last time you checked your beneficiaries? Hiring an attorney can save you thousands of dollars because attorneys are looking at the whole picture and not the one or two documents or items that you believe you need. At Wilson Legal, we provide solutions that work. The way we provide solutions that work is by encouraging... even nagging clients to check beneficiaries. Don’t give thousands to the wrong person. Check your beneficiaries today!

Michelle Wilson, Eldercare Attorney Wilson Legal, PC 407 East Maple St., #105 Cumming, GA 30040 770-205-7861 michelle@wilson-legal.com

Get More News, Opinion & Events Every Friday Morning Stay in the know with Herald Headlines.

Join for free at northfulton.com/newsletters

A NEWSLETTER FROM

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Religious Services

18 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Celebrate the Easter season with these places of worship

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 19

20 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

COMING SOON

Buy a card for $20 and get 20% off at retail stores in Alpharetta* Shop the month of May with your card.

Part of the proceeds from card sales will benefit The Drake House.

Purchase your card soon at bit.ly/3kLyXr9 *Retail stores do not include restaurants. See website for complete details and to purchase your Alpharetta Retail Month card soon.

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 Parkway for DUI, unlawful use of wireless device, possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related objects.

Cindy Cliff Hazard, 61, of Azalea Circle, Cumming, was arrested March 11 on Tri County Plaza for DUI and failure to obey traffic control device.

Edward Scott Taylor, 52, of Poplar Street, Buford, was arrested March 11 on Ga. 400 for possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, two counts of possession/purchase of controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, driving while license suspended or revoked and window/windshield or wiper violation.

Christy Ann Evans, 37, of Shoreland Drive, Buford, was arrested March 11 on Ga. 400 for possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, two counts of possession/purchase of controlled substance and possession of drug-related objects.

Kyle Elijah Foster, 23, of Lathen Drive, Murrayville, was arrested March 11 on Habersham Gate Drive for DUI, possession of methamphetamine and failure to maintain lane.

James Edward Barnett, 35, of Vintage Court, Cumming, was arrested March 12 on Pilgrim Mill Road for DUI, reckless driving and possession of open alcohol container.

Amanda Lee Almond, 41, of Watson Road, Cumming, was arrested March 12

Rentals: Continued from Page 3 short-term rental permit in addition to the conditional use permit, which primarily focuses on land use.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard suggested the short-term rental permit was intended when the county originally proposed regulations on the properties.

“As at least envisioned at one moment in time in the past, I’m thinking probably 2017 and 2018, the short-term rental ordinance looked a little different than what it actually manifested itself into the UDC today,” Jarrard said. “It was more of a permitting scheme.”

With the county beginning to field requests for conditional use permits, officials decided to review the possibility of implementing the specific short-term rental permits in addition to the landuse permit to create more “enforceable” regulations. The proposed rules include parking limitations, septic regulations, noise constraints, posted notice require-

on Piney Grove Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Cristina Carlos Sanchez, 24, of Rex Road, Dawsonville, was arrested March 12 on Pirkle Ferry Road for DUI, unlawful use of wireless device, possession of marijuana and failure to maintain lane.

Kirk Prideaux Lakeman, 62, of Nix Bridge Road, Dawsonville, was arrested March 12 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Charles William Roth, 60, of Suwanee Mill Drive, Buford, was arrested March 13 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Casey Alexander McWright, 27, of McIntosh Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 13 on Atlanta Highway for DUI, possession of marijuana, failure to maintain lane and driving while license suspended or revoked.

Gina Michelle Evans, 49, of Cortland Walk, was arrested March 13 on McFarland Parkway for DUI and speeding.

Brenda Michelle Sparks, 60, of Waveland Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI and failure to obey traffic control device.

Jack Douglas Litras, 23, of Preston Pointe Way, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Old Atlanta Road for DUI. Steven James Elliot Jr., 23, of Hickory Hills Road, Cumming, was arrested March 14 on Jot Em Down Road for DUI and possession of open alcohol container.

Christopher Earl Odum, 55, of Big Bear Court, Palmetto, was arrested March 14 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for DUI, failure to obey traffic control device, failure to maintain lane and possession of open alcohol container. ments and a mandate that renters sign an agreement stating they understand these stipulations.

Other requirements discussed include setting a minimum six-day rental period and that property owners may only rent one bedroom or the entire property at a time, which could prevent a boarding house situation, commissioner Laura Semanson said.

The stipulations discussed by Jarrard at the March 23 work session were previously presented but never signed into law.

“There was, by no means, unanimity among either the potential regulated parties or the particular folks who live near regulated parties, that this was a perfect fit,” Jarrard said. “And ultimately, this did not become law, as you know. This is…where we ended.”

Commissioners charged Jarrard and county staff to further explore the regulations and to propose changes to the county’s Unified Development Code that would include the short-term rental permit requirement.

Any changes will then go back before the Board of Commissioners for review.

SCHOOLS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 21

Career tech program thrives despite COVID Student participation continues to increase

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com CUMMING, Ga. — Providing an immersive, hands-on experience for students in the college and career development program is always a challenge. Throw in a global pandemic and the work becomes harder.

The Forsyth County Schools Board of Education this month received an update on the district’s College and Career Development/Career, Technical and Agriculture Education (CTAE) program over the past year.

The goal of the CTAE program is to prepare students with skills necessary to succeed beyond high school through partnerships with business and industry.

“There have been impacts to the program we have experienced just like everybody else over the past year,” said Valery Lowe, director of College and Career Development for the district. “[But] there were a lot of unintended ‘good’ consequences as well.”

Over the past five years, student participation in CTAE has grown from

16,000 students in 24 career pathways to nearly 22,000 students in 49 pathways.

That represents nearly a third of total students enrolled in the district.

Middle schoolers begin exploring their interests in 17 different career clusters.

In high school, students narrow their pathway from a choice of career options including agriculture, business, computer science, marketing, healthcare and dozens more.

Students can also apply for workbased learning or job shadowing within their pathway.

“All before graduating from high school, juniors and seniors can participate in internships [and mentorships] which connect classroom learning to an engaging job opportunity…in their chosen career pathway,” Lowe said.

This year under the constraints of COVID-19, many internships and mentorships had to be redesigned or were not available. But other opportunities opened.

“We were very worried about [internships] over the summer, especially with some of our healthcare and clinical sites since we have currently over 600 students in the [healthcare] program,” Lowe said. “But placements were found for all students.”

The district also postponed in-person visits to the Discovery Center which provides an interactive environment to apply lessons learned. The visits resumed in the second semester.

“We had to pivot on some of these [programs] and move into a virtual environment [until] we got procedures in place in terms of safety, transportation and everything else,” Lowe said.

One of the biggest disappointments this year was the loss of competitions and meetings outside the classroom. Many students are part of the Career and Technical Education Student Organizations which helps students see the practical value of their academic studies.

“Usually, this time of year we’re very busy because we’re going from Athens to Atlanta to different places competing, [and] obviously we’re virtual now,” Lowe said. “So, we’ve got a lot of disappointed students.”

Forsyth County Schools has among the largest student participation in the program of any school district in the state.

“The number of our students involved in career tech is impressive, [but] the number of our students involved in leadership positions [within the Career Tech Student Organizations] is incredibly

impressive,” Superintendent Jeff Bearden said. “I’m just really proud of the growth we’ve had.”

The program is also a selling point for businesses looking to come into the county because it provides the potential for a future workforce. It has also changed the look of education.

“Nothing [in CTAE] looks like the schools [we went to],” said board member Tom Cleveland. “And yet it’s real learning and it’s real life…and students are going to be productiveSolution when they leave.”

H A R T E W E R M E N U D O M P E S S E P A C T O U R S C A N E P E B O A G O F L O P A U K S R E S T

E V A E D R E N S S K T Y E A T M A G S

D E N I G O R D O B E S L A P E M I T S K I O E T C H A R M I N A S B E S K A U E S T E N S E D O W N

W O R R Y C A R

E D I T T I D E A S E A H A M T E O V E W E L L L I E M E T S A D E T R R O W I T E M E T N A D O D O

DEATH NOTICES Stephen Alexieff, 89, of Roswell, passed away March 20, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

George Skinner Barnes, Jr., of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2021. Arrangements

by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Christy Collins, 34, of Cumming, passed away March 22, 2021.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Clyde Crail, 79, of Alpharetta, Roswell Funeral Home passed away March 20, 2021.

Green Lawn Cemetary Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Jack

Lanier Crocker, Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839 Sr., of Alpharetta, passed away March 21, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Charles Richard Davis, of Cumming, passed away March 20, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Edna Mae DeRousse, 74, of Cumming, passed away March 17, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Linda Watson Dixon, 69, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Richard Wallace Epps, 86, of Cumming, passed away March 10, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Bobby Etris, 74, of Alpharetta, passed away March 17, 2021. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Pauline Garaffa, 87, of Roswell, passed away March 18, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary

Phyllis Lewis, 102, of Roswell, passed away March 21, 2021.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Martha Little, 70, of Milton, passed away March 19, 2021.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Lawn Cemetery.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Bradley Nozick, 81, of Roswell, passed away March 17, 2021. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn CemetaryCecil Osborne, 101, of

Alpharetta, passed away March Roswell Funeral Home 19, 2021. Arrangements by Green Lawn Cemetary

Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Virginia Poston, 92, of passed away March Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839 22, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home Cumming, Green Lawn Cemetary

Mary Powers, 58, of Roswell, passed away March 21, 2021.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Terry Douglas Price, 72, of Cumming, passed away March 22, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Billy Jean Sanders, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2021. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Earl Odum Smith, 74, of Cumming, passed away March 20, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Beth Ann Southall-Brock, 52, of Cumming, passed away March 16, 2021.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

David Spruill, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away March 18, 2021. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Brenda Stribling, 68, of Roswell, passed away March 18, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home

Jeanne St. Onge, 73, of Roswell, passed away March 17, 2021.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

22 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

ONLINE INCLUDED C a l l t o d a y t o p l a c e y o u r a d 4 7 0 . 2 2 2 . 8 4 6 9 o r e m a i l c l a s s i f i e d s @ a p p e n m e d i a g r o u p . c o m • FA X : 7 7 0 - 4 7 5 - 1 2 1 6

Help Wanted Full-time

LIVE-IN POSITIONS

On beautiful Christian dude ranch; relocate to TN. Modest salary, background check, non-smoking.

• Compassionate caregiver for ranch founder’s mother, with dementia • Ag business internships • Wranglers Resume: info@tnhorsevacation.com

FLORAL DESIGNER Must have experience in all areas of flower business.

Funerals, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. 770-6427878

Part-time Newspaper Delivery Route Open with Appen Media Group Looking for one person or couple interested in delivering newspaper in South Forsyth county and/ or Johns Creek.

Requirements: Perfect driving record and b a c k g r o u n d check, reliable transportation, honest, reliable, and positive attitude.

Send an email to ray@appenmedia. com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and your background/ experience.

IN THE SUBJECT LINE PLEASE PUT “DELIVERY R O U T E ” .

Part-time GENERAL CLEANER for florist. Processing flowers, keeping workroom & front tidy, vacuuming etc.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9AM-5PM. 770642-7878 OUTSIDE SALES Public relations position in local Johns CreekSuwanee area, 2-3 days/week. 770-4761313. Fax 770-4760111 or email: larry@ larryhorneinsurance. com DINING ROOMWAITERS-ASSISTANT & KITCHEN/COOKS Altobeli’s 770-6648055, altobeli_s@ hotmail.com Administrative assistant for small residental construction company.

Needed for day to day administrative duties.

Immediate start date available. shonda@ oakhallcompanies.com www.southwyckhomes. com

Household LARGE FAN: Brand new upright. $150. Was $289. 678-663-5953

Musical Instruments BALDWIN GRAND “L” PIANO; Bench, pristine condition, wonderful tone, $17,500/ negotiable terms.

GIBSON ES347, $15,000/firm. 770-8769519

Transportation Vans DODGE HANDICAP CARAVAN 2008: Braun enter-van conversion. $13,000. 47,330 miles.

312-718-3359

Business Services Refinance North Atlanta’s Smartest Online Refi Analysis Tool Grab your mortgage statement and complete the easy questions at www.

RefiBenefitQuiz.com to see – clearly and with details –if it’s wise for you to refi given the historically low rates in the market. * No SSN * No Phone Number * No Credit Check BankSouth Mortgage Company LLC NMLS 690971 Subject to credit and collateral approval.

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL 770-442-3278 OR EMAIL US AT CLASSIFIEDS@APPEN MEDIAGROUP.COM

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Auto Donation Donate your car to kids! Fast free pickup running or not 24 hour response. Maximum tax donation. Help find missing kids! 877-831-1448

Education & Training Train online to do medical billing! Become a Medical Office Professional at CTI! Get trained & certified to work in months!

888-572-6790. (M-F 8-6 ET)

Health & Fitness Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www. dental50plus.com/58 #6258 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on diabetic supplies!

Convenient home shipping for monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, catheters & more! To learn more, call now! 877-8100063 Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Life Alert. One press of a button sends help fast 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. Free first aid kit (with subscription.) 877-537-8817 Free brochure.

New authors wanted! Page Publishing will help selfpublish your book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer!

866-951-7214

GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages.

Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!)

Schedule Free in-home assessment. 1-844-334-8353 special financing if qualified.

professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 855-761-1725 Directv Now. No Satellite. $40/ mo 65 Channels. Stream news, live events, sports & on demand titles. No contract/commitment.

1-866-825-6523

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-888-796-8850

Hearing aids! Bogo free! High-

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare!

Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-9093339

guarantee! 833-669-5806

Attention Active Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career & earn a Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 888-449-1713 DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.

Promo Expires 7/21/21.1-833-8722545 BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty &

quality

rechargeable

Nano

hearing aids priced 90% less than

competitors.

Nearly

invisible! 45-day money back

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator

®

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

844-334-8353

Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

FREE 7-Year

Offer valid February 15, 2020 – June 6, 2021

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval.

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don’t wait!

Home & Garden

Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 866-409-0308

Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. CALL 770-442-3278 TO PLACE AN AD

BUY IT, SELL IT, FIND IT! In the HERALD CLASSIFIEDS

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, most advanced debrisblocking protection. Schedule free estimate. 15% off Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-995-2490 The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system.

Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-855-2703785

Miscellaneous

Help Wanted Autos

Furniture

Homes

Services

Bargins

Household Haulers Gutters

COVERING NORTH ATLANTA – IN PRINT AND ONLINE!

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com

CONTACT US AT 770-442-3278

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 1, 2021 | 23

SERVICE DIRECTORY Art/Wallpaper Picture Hanging: Reasonable pricing.

Satisfied customers.

Call or text Troy Smith 404-990-7506

Concrete/Asphalt

We fix ugly

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS $150 OFF

Any job over $1500.

Driveways Patios Sidewalks Walls & Steps Slabs NEW or REPAIR Residential Or Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

Call 678-648-2010 Many local references.

Competitive rates.

McKemey Concrete

Retaining Walls Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker.

Many local references.

Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237 Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Driveway

Haulers

SENIOR

HIGH

SCHOOL

STUDENT

PRESSURE WASHING

Pressure Wash

PRESSURE WASHING

H a r d w o r k i n g /

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Competitive Pricing -

Many local references-

DRIVEWAYS, WALLS, POOL

DECKS,

and

DECKS

Call Ralph Rucker

Saving for College Call Michael @ 678713-0427 for pricing/ scheduling

Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes.

Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887Wood Rot Repair, Deck Repair and Staining.

Roof Leaks, Carpentry, Painting, Siding and Soffits.

Flooring, Tile, Electrical and Plumbing. 770-2626272.

1868 for free estimate.

Gutters

Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

Remodeling, handyman. 34 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Paul

Handyman

Handyman: Exterior work. 404-547-2079 Wood Rot Repair, Deck Repair and Staining.

Roof Leaks, Carpentry, Painting, Siding and Soffits. Flooring, Tile, Electrical and Plumbing.

770-262-6272.

FREE Roof Analysis 770.744.5700

99 Top Rated • Appen Rated • BBB • Angie’s List

$500 OFF*

Improvement We

offer

drywall,

painting,

carpentry,

plumbing and electrical. finished,

kitchen

and

bath

rehabs.

All

types

flooring.

Also total

home rehab for those who

have

a

Roof Repair and Replacement

Call 678-887-1868 for a

Pinestraw

CONCRETE

Call or Text to

678.648.2010

Call Us For A FREE Quote Roofing

ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

$150 OFF

*

Any service over $1500

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

Tree Services

TREE SERVICE

Tree Services COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Text or Call us

delivery/installation

for a FREE quote

insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

99

CONCRETE

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More

Appen-Rated 98

available. Licensed,

$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

McKemey concrete

PINESTRAW, mulch available. Firewood

Call for a FREE Estimate!

770-284-3123

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

rental

house or one to sell.

ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983 Affordable Quality Roofing Based in Roswell

New Roof Purchase

Phillips Home

free estimate the

• Ceiling Spots • Blistering • Rotting • Buckling Spots Call For A

CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST

Finegan 404-353-5611

Home Improvement

ROOF

ROOF TROUBLE?

Cannot combine with any other offer or discount.

Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.

Home Improvement

Basements

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aarons-gutters. com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766

Matthew

678-898-7237

Residential & Commercial.

Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999.

Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more.

Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark.

ROOF

appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch, Fully insured, Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business.Call Free estimates.

Challenges!

Us ForWeALove FREE Quote

770.744.2200

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

99

• Highest rated by customers • Tree removal and tree trimming

• We save trees too • Certified arborist • Licensed/insured

30 Years Experience

NEW DRIVEWAYS

Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs

$250 OFF*

Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.

BBB A+ Rating

FREE ESTIMATE Call 678-250-4546 Minimum job is $4,500

ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC.

TREE SERVICE

ADVERTISE HERE! or Text to CALL Call 770-442-3278 770.450.8188 OR EMAIL US AT Call Us For A FREE Quote CLASSIFIEDS@APPEN MEDIAGROUP.COM 98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding

• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7

BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. Angie’s List Super Service

Award 2011 thru 2017 CALL 770-442-3278 TO PLACE AN AD

24 | April 1, 2021 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com