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O c t o b e r 1 , 2 0 2 0 | 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 3 , N o . 4 0

Regional agencies battle over county membership

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Hospital network adds five new physicians

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SPECIAL

Handling the hardships

Milton resident Donna Choate teams with Bill Rawlings of Cumming to present “Hustle,” a new Appen podcast that focuses on ordinary people who overcome hardship to make significant contributions to the community. Choate also serves as the co-host of “My Second Act” with her husband, broadcast personality Cadillac Jack. Rawlings serves as both an executive strategist and the senior vice president for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. Read story, Page 4

Pandemic challenges women-run businesses

► PAGE 16

2 | October 1, 2020 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

Suspect charged with taking homeless man’s credit card 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

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CUMMING, Ga. — A 20-year-old Cumming man was arrested Sept. 15 after he reportedly used a homeless man’s credit card to make a fraudulent purchase. According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the victim lived in a homeless camp. He told deputies his wallet fell out of his pants pocket, and the suspect found it and returned it

POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Porch pirate nabbed for stealing package CUMMING, Ga. — Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies on Sept. 18 nabbed a 24-year-old Johns Creek man who admitted to stealing a package from the porch of a Cumming residence. The victim captured the alleged theft on her security camera and investigators identified the suspect. When questioned by detectives, the man admitted to stealing the package, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies charged him with theft by taking and he was released from jail on $1,340 bond.

Deputies arrest suspect in theft from woman’s car ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies investigated reports of a suspect stealing a security camera from his neighbor’s car. The victim told deputies a man rummaged through vehicles in her driveway and stole the security camera, according to the Sheriff’s Office. She said she

to him. Investigators learned the suspect may have used one of the victim’s cards to purchase an item from a Miami knife dealer, reports indicate. Deputies charged the suspect with transaction card fraud, theft and fraudulent use of transaction card. He was released from jail on $3,650 bond.

DUI & Drug arrests Michael Andrew Messer, born 1990, of Westport, Washington, was arrested Sept. 14 on McGinnis Ferry Road for DUI and possession of an alcohol container. Steven Dustin Keys, born 1989, of Cash Road, Flowery Branch, was arrested Sept. 15 on Buford Dam Road for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, giving false name, address or birthdate and possession of drug-related objects. Kerry Allen Bates, born 1971, of John Burruss Road, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 16 on Veterans Memorial Boulevard for possession of methamphetamine, driving while license suspended or revoked, burglary, theft by taking and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of a felony. Tabitha Jean Land, born 1985, of Red Rider Road, Dawsonville, was arrested Sept. 16 on Veterans Memorial Boulevard for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and unlawful to cross guard lines with weapons. Kelly Brandon Ohern, born 1976, of Hammock Way, Cumming, was ar-

rested Sept. 16 on Beaver Ruin Road for DUI. Alex Grigorian, born 1971, of Bradford Lane, Suwanee, was arrested Sept. 16 on Laurel Oak Drive for DUI and possession of an open alcohol container. Robert Belton McDaniel, born 1979, of South Lee Street, Buford, was arrested Sept. 17 on South Lee Street for possession of methamphetamine. Anslim Charles Marcano Jr., born 1994, of Sweetfern Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 17 on Silver Leaf Drive for DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of open alcohol container and defective tires. Kristin Lang Duclos, born 1964, of Hampton Court, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 18 on Polo Fields Parkway for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Sherry Ann Breen, born 1962, of Wexford Court, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 18 on Atlanta Highway for DUI, failure to maintain lane and unlawful use of wireless device. Larry Joe Kirkland, born 1979, of Dilbeck Road, Ellijay, was arrested Sept. 18 on Pilgrim Mill Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Christopher David Calhoun, born See ARRESTS, Page 5

recognized the suspect as her 19-yearold neighbor and provided deputies with photos of the incident. The suspect admitted to deputies that he stole the camera and threw it

in the woods, a sheriff’s office report indicated. He was arrested Sept. 21 and charged with criminal trespass and theft by taking.

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4 | October 1, 2020 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

Regional agencies play tug of war over Forsyth County Local officials seek to join metro-based commission By MATT BRUCE newsroom@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Forsyth County is ready to cut ties with its regional lobbyist and join more urban counties in Atlanta’s metropolitan hub. But Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, or GMRC, is mounting a fight to block the county’s move and keep Forsyth in its fold. For the past 58 years, Forsyth County has been a member of the GMRC, a rural regional commission that represents 13 counties in North Georgia. But the county’s population has more than doubled to nearly 245,000 over the past 20 years. On Aug. 21, Forsyth County petitioned the state to transfer its regional allegiances and be represented by the more urban Atlanta Regional Commission, or ARC. GMRC leadership responded by sending the Georgia Department of Community Affairs a six-page letter Sept. 15 challenging Forsyth County’s petition to transfer. The letter was among several recent moves by GMRC officials that has irked Forsyth County commissioners. Commissioners didn’t mince words about it during a Sept. 22 workshop. “We’ve been treated in a manner that I don’t see a path forward with [the GMRC],” Commission Chairwoman

Laura Semanson said. “They’re clearly more concerned about the impact to their organization than they are with how that impacts us as members.” GMRC is one of 12 regional commissions that represent sections of the state. Each serves as a public funnel through which millions of dollars in state and federal resources are distributed. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs oversees these regional bodies. County files formal request Forsyth submitted its transfer petition to the state on Aug. 21. Semanson said the county is slated to go before the state agency for a hearing Oct. 16. GMRC represents Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties. Like other regional commissions, it offers a swath of services like technical assistance, economic development, community planning and workforce development. But the Atlanta Regional Commission has been courting Forsyth County for nearly two years. Its representatives pitched Forsyth on what it could offer the county in January 2019. The ARC already represents Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties, and the city of Atlanta. GMRC is not happy that the most populous county in its region could soon

For the past 58 years, Forsyth County has been a member of the GMRC, a rural regional commission that represents 13 counties in North Georgia. be poached. Forsyth’s population has skyrocketed by about 40 percent over the past decade and the county has added nearly 150,000 residents since 2000, according to U.S. Census numbers. In its Sept. 15 letter, GMRC said it “strongly opposes” Forsyth’s proposed move and argued that realigning regional commissions based on population sets a dangerous precedent that threatens rural counties. Thirty-five members of the regional council signed the letter. “If the county moves to ARC, however, and in doing so establishes a trend, then that portends the (regional commissions) surrounding metro Atlanta will continue to grow weaker while ARC grows stronger,” it warned. Semanson sent GMRC leaders two emails earlier this month, describing

the regional commission as “cowardly” and criticizing its handling of the matter. Semanson accused GMRC of discussing Forsyth County’s petition and fishing for signatures during an Aug. 27 meeting she did not attend. She noted the agenda for that meeting included no such items for discussion. “They’ve controlled all of the dialog with the other members by doing this the way that they’ve done it,” she said. “How they purport to send a letter on their own letterhead that speaks for the entire organization is just mind blowing to me. It certainly doesn’t represent our opinion, nor does it represent the opinion of several other folks I’ve spoken to.”

See COMMISSION, Page 17

Appen Podcast Network explores adversity in ‘Hustle’ By ADAM DARBY adam@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Appen Podcast Network recently launched their new show “Hustle,” with its premiere episode on Aug. 24. The podcast, co-hosted by Donna Choate and Bill Rawlings, focuses on ordinary people who overcome difficulty and hardship to accomplish significant

things. With their first three episodes currently available, the two are always looking to speak with inspirational guests with big stories to tell. “They are from all walks of life, different ages, and backgrounds,” Choate said. “Bill and I loved the idea that hustle and grit can lead to success in the same way that education and opportunities do… It is fascinating to find out how people use challenges to propel

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themselves forward as opposed to having it define them in a negative way.” Choate is no stranger to podcasts. She also serves as the co-host of “My Second Act” with her husband, wellknown Atlanta broadcast personality Cadillac Jack. Rawlings serves as both an executive strategist and the senior vice president for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. The show came to fruition while the two were eating dinner together. Choate initially came up with the show’s title and premise before recruiting Rawlings to join her as co-host. Rawlings said it was then when the real brainstorming began, and they discussed guest and concept ideas. However, they both wanted to ensure that everything covered in each episode was completely natural in a way that goes beyond a straightforward interview. “What makes ‘Hustle’ unique is that we have many unknown guests sharing

their stories, and we do so through the means of a conversation as opposed to a direct Q&A,” Rawlings said. “Listeners will be able to escape from their daily trials and tribulations to hopefully put their challenges in perspective.” Choate and Rawlings shake things up with each episode by featuring guests who are either famous or unknown. In their most recent episode, they spoke with Aidan Anderson, a teenager who hosts inspirational TED Talks of his own. Listeners can also look forward to upcoming episodes featuring discussions with Brian Brasher, founder of the rock band Creed, and reality television star Todd Chrisley of “Chrisley Knows Best.” “Hustle” aims to inspire and engage listeners with unforgettable stories from fascinating people. With the world still experiencing a global pandemic, there couldn’t be a better time. “Hustle” is currently available on all podcast platforms.

PUBLIC SAFETY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2020 | 5

Arrests:

Continued from Page 2 1998, of Glenvalley Drive, of Decatur, was arrested Sept. 18 on Majors Road for DUI and possession of open alcohol container. Crystal Dawn Crosby, born 1974, of Little Mill Road, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 18 on Browns Bridge Road for possession of methamphetamine. Renee Sylvia Wilson, born 1977, of Terracewood Lane, Gainesville, was arrested Sept. 19 on Jot Em Down Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. James Avery Moore, born 1985, of Forrest Street, Buford, was arrested Sept. 19 on Canton Highway for DUI, possession of an open alcohol container, failure to maintain lane, driving while license suspended or revoked, and defective tires. Mary Rebecca Richardson, born 1973, of North Forest Boulevard, Gainesville, was arrested Sept. 19 on Ga. 400 for DUI, following too closely and failure to maintain lane. Robert Leon White, born 1955, of Salem Church Road, Jasper, was arrested Sept. 19 on Ivey Pine Pointe for DUI. Dustin Michael Poss, born 1981, of Gwynn Street, Zebulon, was arrested Sept. 19 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Asa Elijah Morgan, born 1996, of Jefferson Drive, Sandy Springs, was arrested Sept. 19 on McGinnis Ferry Road for DUI and speeding. Vincent V. Voravong, born 1976, of Liberty Court NW, Atlanta, was arrested Sept. 20 on Ga. 400 for DUI, impeding traffic flow and failure to maintain lane. Patrick Michael Owen, born 1994, of Cecilia Square, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 20 on Ga. 400 for DUI, failure to maintain lane and speeding. Lunye Geter, born 1966, of Delamar Drive, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 20 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Jerry Eugene Yarbrough Jr., born 1966, of Hillcrest Drive, Dahlonega, was arrested Sept. 20 on Pilgrim Mill Road for DUI and operating vehicle without lights required by law. Patricia Del Carmen Godoy, born 1989, of Lexington Farm Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 20 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. Luciana Tome Garcia, born 1982, of Bandlwood Way NW, Lilburn, was arrested Sept. 20 on Centerglen Lane for DUI, possession of open alcohol container and failure to maintain lane.

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A glimpse into the future of the future

My PhD biologist friend told me a while back that being in this pandemic is like sitting in the stands at a ball game, except that instead of watching the competition, we are watching natural selection, live RAY APPEN before our eyes — the Publisher Emeritus future of the future as ray@appenmediagroup.com we see and observe it. My world-wise accordion-playing, half-time Dog Island resident and halftime Vermont, Boston and Cape Bretton resident, dear friend Virginia, who has seen maybe too much in her around 80 years, swears that we are done for and are just preparing the earth for our progeny — bacteria. And she is really adamant about that. Maybe those “macro” concerns are accurate and maybe they are not. What real changes in our daily lives can we expect in the future? Let’s look at just one

OPINION

important area of probable permanent change — education. Forward a couple years. It’s early 2023. The vaccines have finally begun to have a widespread impact, and students have started returning to campus. By the end of 2024 however, there has been an increase in brand new online-only universities — fully accredited — as well as a near-complete conversion of a small number of well-known, established institutions — outliers. Even though these changes are on their radar, the majority of colleges and universities have settled back into the status quo — in-person classes, large numbers of employees, sports-generated funding, burdensome brick and mortar fixed expenses, extremely expensive tuition and “the college experience.” By 2024, enrollment in the primarily online universities has begun to accelerate. These early-to-market pioneers have started to realize the benefits of their competitive advantages over the traditional education model, including the ability to eliminate geography from the education model. That is, the online model is beginning to allow these outlier universities to have a nationwide and worldwide student body with enrollments many times greater than any traditional-model university. Low tuition, convenience, and the same accreditation as the traditional institutions drives enrollment and proves

unstoppable. Rapidly, the price of tuition at the well-known universities that have converted primarily to the online-only model has dropped to a fraction of the average cost of the traditional-model universities. The operating costs at these onlineonly universities begins to drop precipitously. One professor is able to teach thousands of students instead of hundreds. These universities also quickly realized that their portfolio of brick and mortar, all the real estate formerly associated with their cost of operation — classrooms, dorms, maintenance facilities and stadiums — as well as costs for maintenance, insurance, property taxes and energy can be eliminated. And it is. Tuition continues to decrease and never reverses. The traditional-model institutions cling to their model. They cling to the sports revenue. They are convinced that “the university experience” is too important to their “customers” — us. They make only incremental change. Meanwhile, the number of students enrolled at the new model institutions keeps accelerating. Hedge funds discover the incredible margins in online educations and jump into the game, fully funding new universities and acquiring a number of Ivy League schools which have begun to fail. The new online-only universities begin to pay seven figure salaries for the best, most famous, most skilled professors to teach

their classes. Increasingly, fewer and fewer professors are required, but those who do teach — the marquee professors — get rich, just like football coaches. In late 2027, professors begin to write case studies about the evolution of education post-pandemic. They quickly realize that they have seen this before — with the newspaper industry. The core facts are almost identical. By 2028, consolidation of education institutions has begun the final phase — worldwide. Tuition costs are now miniscule compared to pre-pandemic. College sports is no longer directly associated with specific geographic-based institutions because there are none. The value of a college education has plunged because the supply of college-educated people has multiplied, and most work is now performed by educated workers in developing countries. In early 2029, Mark Zuckerberg announces that Facebook will fund all education worldwide. Education will become free. Apple’s CEO and Google’s CEO team up to try to stop Zuckerberg but are unsuccessful. Zuckerberg has too much political power. Almost all education becomes free with the exception of a few elite private institutions in Switzerland for a small number of ultrarich families. So, what’s in it for Zuckerberg? Why would Facebook pay for the world’s education? The data, of course.

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COMMUNITY

Five physicians added to Northside Hospital network

NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Five new physicians have joined the Northside Hospital network in Cumming, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs. Dr. Harpaul “Paul” S. Gill joins Atlanta Cancer Care in Alpharetta and Cumming. A hematologist and medical oncologist, Gill specializes in treating patients with lung cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancer, lymphoma and benign hematology. Through his fellowship training, he had the opportunity to serve a broad patient population and gain valuable experience in treating both the medical aspects of cancer care as well as the social and psychological aspects. Dr. Beverly Schuler has joined Laureate Medical Group in Alpharetta and Cumming. Schuler is a board-certified physician in internal medicine, and she offers a wide range of services, including preventive healthcare, women’s health, acute care and chronic disease management. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Georgia Campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her residency was completed at Michigan State University, where she was the hospital chief resident. She also completed a fellowship at the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Dr. Schuler embraces the osteopathic philosophy and emphasizes the importance of how lifestyle contributes to each patient’s health. Dr. Brandon Naylor has joined Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists in Alpharetta and Cumming. An orthopedic surgeon, Naylor trained at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and he has expertise spanning complex hip and knee reconstruction, orthopedic trauma and sports medicine, including ACL reconstruction. Vascular Surgery has welcomed Dr. Thomas C. Matthews to its Cumming location. A board-certified vascular surgeon with extensive experience in complex aortic reconstruction/open aortic surgery, Matthews is a Connolly Castle Top Doc. He has performed more than 2,000 vascular surgical cases within an academic setting and has been engaged in private practice for the past four years. He has also been involved in providing post-graduate education to medical students, resident physicians and fellows. Dr. Samuel E. Victoria, Jr. also is joining Northside Vascular Surgery at the practice’s Sandy Springs and East Cobb locations. Victoria is a vascular surgeon who specializes in limb salvage, pedal access, hemodialysis access, venous disease, and minimally invasive cutting-edge

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2020 | 7

procedures such as TransCarotid Artery Revascularization for carotid disease and the prevention of stroke, Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair and percutaneous deep venous thrombectomy. He is among a few vascular surgeons in the state with the expertise to perform the FEVAR procedure, which offers hope for patients with an aortic aneurysm near the kidney and mesenteric arteries. His clinical expertise is informed by eight years of research experience, and he is registered in vascular interpretation.

American Legion to host local scholarship competition FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — American Legion Post No. 307 has invited all Forsyth County high school students to compete in the 2021 Annual American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program. The invitation was announced by Post Commander Gary Ely and Post Oratorical Chairman David Mullis. The topic each year is selected by American Legion. It will focus on some phase of the U.S. Constitution, selected from the Articles and Sections. The subject in the prepared oration portion of the contest must be about some phase of the selected portion, emphasizing the duties and obligations of a United States citizen. The prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant. Post 307 will hold its local contest Jan. 9, 2021. In the months prior contestants should be researching and preparing their presentations. The winner will receive financial award and the opportunity to continue in the various rounds of competition at the district, area, department and national levels. Awards are presented at each level. The national contest features awards college scholarships of $20,000, $17,000 and $15,000 to the first through third places in the national finals. Each state winner who competes in the first round of the national contest will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Participants in the second round who do not advance to the national final round will receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The top three youth orators who have won all previous elimination rounds of the contest will vie for top honors in the national contest in April in Indianapolis. The American Legion will pay the expenses of state winners at the national contest. High school students in Forsyth County who are interested in entering the competition can find complete rules and contest information at www.legion. org/oratorical . Interested students should contact their high school counselor or Post 307 Oratorical Chairman Mullis at GAPost307Oratory@gmail.com.

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NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 33 South Main Street, Suite 201, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.475.0505 ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.

12 | October 1, 2020 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

A summer of success Brought to you by — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties overcomes adversity to achieve a record-breaking summer. As we head into the fall season, we close the chapter on what might go down as one of the most unique summers in our nation’s history. From the spread of COVID-19 to social unrest and everything in between, there is no doubt that 2020 will not soon be forgotten. One of the things that drastically changed throughout this year, is how companies have been forced to re-evaluate their business plans and transition into a different way of conducting dayto-day operations. In an industry like real estate, which is heavily dependent on face-to-face relationships, these times have been challenging, however, one real estate brokerage has found ways to stand out as a leader in innovation and success. Led by President and CEO, Dan Forsman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties announced that the company had the best summer ever in terms of sales in the history of

its existence, despite the unprecedented challenges that continue to arise. “Our entire team came together and committed to not let the pandemic define this year’s success,” said Dan Forsman, President and CEO Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Instead, we all rose above adversity and achieved an amazing accomplishment of over $500 million in sales in just one month. We stepped up to the challenge and beat our company record for the best month ever in our organization’s history. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by the best sales and marketing talent in the industry.” “A home is something that is more important than ever in this day and age,” said President and CEO, Dan Forsman. “It’s a place of security and stability, and it’s our job as Realtors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a place to call home, no matter what is happening in the world around us.” Historically low interest rates continue to make this a prime time to buy, sell or refinance. With COVID-19 stay at home restrictions loosened, it appears that both buyers and sellers are taking advantage of Atlanta’s strong housing market.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Avoiding DIY catastrophes Brought to you by — Remodeling Expo Center DIY shows are among the most popular programs on TV. They are instructional, materials are plentiful at big box home improvement centers, and they always come out just perfect at the conclusion of the ½ hour episode. So how could a DIY project possibly go wrong? The ugly truth about home improvement shows is that the hosts are actors, the work is actually performed by contractors (who are rarely filmed), all the products are provided free of charge in exchange for advertising (so the true project cost is grossly understated). The total time period is rarely mentioned accurately and none of the jobs are ever permitted. So, what we love to watch is a “Hollywood” like creation for the sole purpose of entertainment, not practicality or accuracy, but we knew that already. Didn’t we? “It’s not uncommon for a bathroom or kitchen to be completely demolished when we first arrive to someone’s home and learn it’s been that way for 6 months” says John Hogan, owner of Remodeling Expo Center. “TV shows are actually motivational and serve a great

purpose but occasionally they lead to DIY Bravado. It is the home improvement version of irrational exuberance; when homeowner embark on projects that exceed their skill level. It happens more frequently than I care to talk about” DIY projects are fun and extremely satisfying when they have short time frames, are on the home’s exterior, and/ or do not impede the homes normal operation, painting or landscaping are great examples. DIY catastrophes almost always involve bathroom and kitchens (because of the required careful planning of electric, plumbing, carpentry, tile, appliances, etc.) as well as basements (because of the afore mentioned), plus water intrusion and humidity issues. The lack of planning or poor execution is catastrophic because errors are very costly to fix. “My advice to homeowners is keep it simple, know your capabilities and seek professional assistance, especially in the planning phase”, John Hogan continues. To learn more about making your remodel project fun, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969, via our website, www.RemodelingExpo.com or come into our Design Center at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2020 | 13

14 | October 1, 2020 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

How to make your home office space a selling point Brought to you by – BILL RAWLINGS Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty As more employees have adjusted to RAWLINGS working from home, the demand for office space within the home has increased exponentially. According to a REALTOR.com® survey, 63% of respondents plan on buying a new home given they must work remotely. Additionally, listings with a home office sell nine days faster at a 3.4% price premium compared to homes without a home office on average. 1. Be mindful when converting rooms Although the demand for home offices has increased greatly, the number

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of bedrooms is still more important to buyers, according to real estate professionals. Potential buyers could overlook your property if one of the bedrooms only works as a home office. Rather, focus on creating dual-purpose spaces by potentially adding a combination guest room and office, filling a space with a freestanding desk or maximizing closet space. 2. Pick somewhere quiet Having an office in the central part of the home is not practical for a quiet, productive home office area. It’s best to choose a spacious room situated far from main living spaces like the kitchen, living room and dining room. Doing so will allow an environment conducive to work efficiency. 3. Transform unused areas This is an opportunity to get creative! By identifying underused attributes

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of your home, you could transform a finished basement, area under the staircase or dead space upstairs into an ideal work-from-home spot. If you have no other option than to set up an office in the main area of the home, be sure to separate it by a curtain, folding screen or partition wall.

cial for buyers to envision themselves living in your home. Begin with a clean, clutter-free space, then invest in trendy, functional office storage and furniture. To prevent monotony, add pops of colors through rugs, décor, houseplants, curtains and more!

4. Showcase technological capabilities Buyers want to know the true functionality of a home office space. Highdemand details include a multitude of outlets, cord-minimization options and locations for wall-mounted routers. Also, the quality of Wi-Fi is critical! Be sure to advertise access to dependable, speedy internet, if possible.

Get to work creating your perfect home office space! Not only will you enjoy having an ideal work-from-home area, but you will also appeal to a specific buyer demand given the current global environment. If you need assistance creating your home office, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to help!

5. Stage your home office well Like any other room, staging is cru-

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I think the ones that will make it through this will have a lot of pent up energy and ideas, and they’ll think of new ways to do business. WHITNEY BRYANT, chairwoman, Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce 16 | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2020

SHE-CESSION PART 3

Recession presents big challenges for female-led small businesses By TIFFANY GRIFFITH newsroom@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek business owner Shellie Dimery Noisette represents many of the issues that have defined 2020. The Black Lives Matter demonstrations were a reminder of her multicultural heritage. Her years of traveling the world as a Marine gave her early warning about the coronavirus. And her efforts to keep the doors open at Twisted Spokes Bicycles during a recession, repeated the challenges of being a female entrepreneur. “I think it would be more difficult if I didn’t have men that looked to be the face of my business,” said Noisette, even though she’s the majority owner and can fix bikes worth thousands of dollars. She had to ask potential customers to leave her store after they refused to wear masks. The coronavirus also affected sales, with bikes and necessary parts stalled in China and Taiwan. Twisted Spokes Bicycles is among the 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, according to Fundera, a business funding matchmaker. Data shows America’s female entrepreneurs generate $1.8 trillion in revenue and employ approximately nine million people across the country. Women run 40 percent of all U.S. businesses, and the coronavirus recession has some local female business owners on edge. Noisette said surviving the coronavirus recession is why women in business

should be taken more seriously. “As women, being business owners, it allows men to see us in a light that we’re not in the backseat. We’re right there on par,” Noisette said. “And sometimes, more than a few steps in front of them.” Cory Holtz, owner of Holtz Creative in Johns Creek, says running a company and being there for your family was difficult enough before the pandemic. “To juggle regular business is hard, but I think a pandemic on top of that is even harder,” Holtz said. “Because you have to double your efforts to stay relevant and stay in business. The competition is a little harder.” Holtz said now is the time for female entrepreneurs to get a good business plan in place to market their services and generate more revenue. “They need to know who their target market is, who they want to reach out to, and they need to be very clear with their message,” she said. “That can be tricky with what is happening during the pandemic. A lot of companies are hitting the same keywords and using the same graphics.” Bonnie Mauldin with The Mauldin Group in Roswell said female entrepreneurs need to refocus on self-care and find support among each other. “Once women learn to support each other, and help each other with these things, we’ll have more time to focus on growing our businesses and careers,” Mauldin said. Many of these women said they know other female entrepreneurs who had to walk away from their businesses during the recession.

TIFFANY GRIFFITH/HERALD

Johns Creek business owner Shellie Dimery Noisette of Twisted Spokes Bicycles represents many of the issues that have defined 2020. Start:Me helps build and grow small businesses in the Atlanta area. Program Associate Alina Bills shared the program’s recent survey, detailing some of the tough circumstances local small businesses face because of COVID-19. “Seventy percent are cutting hours or closing operations, 76 percent saw a significant drop in sales, 67 percent required significant emergency funding,” Bills said. Going out of business can have a ripple effect. Bills said, although most female small businesses run on fewer than 10 people, operations help keep 500 related workers employed. Each woman expressed a need for more investment in woman-owned businesses. Some argued the small business loans offered by the government only helped in a limited way. However, Bills has seen a shift this year. “Access to capital is something our

entrepreneurs always struggle with,” Bills said. “More loans and grants for women and minority-owned businesses have come out within the last year.” Bills suggests business owners connect with Startup Atlanta and look into the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for further assistance. Whitney Bryant, chair of the all-female led Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. Recommends employers reach out to their local chamber for funding, resources and support. She also took an optimistic view of female entrepreneurs post-coronavirus recession. “I think we’ll come roaring out of the gate,” she said. “Of course, there will be some that won’t survive. I worry about a lot of different businesses. But I think the ones that will make it through this will have a lot of pent up energy and ideas, and they’ll think of new ways to do business.”

LEADERSHIP NORTH FULTON ANNOUNCES CLASS of 2021 The Greater North Fulton Chamber is excited to announce the NEW Leadership North Fulton Class of 2020-2021. Leaders are often created during times of uncertainty, and the newly selected members of this year’s class have accepted that challenge. Learn more about the Chamber’s leadership programs at www.gnfcc.com and join us in congratulating the following leaders! Alex Battle Spencer Benfield Charlie Brown Erin Carper Katie Carr Jordan Corbitt Cynthia Douglas

North Fulton CID Choate Loyal Trust Bank Carper Wealth Management State Farm Kimley Horn Taylor Morrison

Jeff Dorris Scotty Duncan Stephanie Johnson Sandy Jones Kiran Fatania Tori Kerlin Dequies Lanier

Mauldin & Jenkins Andersen Tate & Carr The Cottage School Artisan Financial Strategies City of Roswell Greater North Fulton Chamber Troy University

BJ Martin Jalpa Patel Nicky Rudd Felix Soto Sean Spitzer Vinay Uchil Jason Wells

Pond Georgia Power Morgan Stanley Wellstar North Fulton Smith & Howard Jacobs Kaiser Permanente

www.gnfcc.com

NEWS

Commission: Continued from Page 4 Agency denies allegations In a Sept. 10 email to Forsyth County attorney Ken Jarrard, a GMRC attorney said the discussion was not on the Aug. 27 agenda because Forsyth submitted its petition the day after that agenda was made public. “GMRC has not attempted to hide anything from Forsyth County,” Molly Anderson wrote in the email. Nevertheless, the recent developments have bred distrust from Forsyth County officials, who said they remain in the dark on what GMRC has told other counties about the petition to move. County officials agreed to request all GMRC’s internal communications, emails and other records to find out what information GMRC has put out on the matter. Forsyth’s commission will have to finalize the vote for the open records request at its Oct. 8 meeting. “I mean, we don’t know anything,” Jarrard said. “We know what our position is, we know where we believe we belong, and we know the rationale for

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State lifts summer burn ban for North Georgia

making those decisions. But we don’t know what has generated this.” In other action At the work session, commissioners agreed to give Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman a $32,900 pay bump for the upcoming fiscal year. Freeman currently earns about $120,000 annually and commissioners called that a “deficient” salary for the position. County officials reviewed the salaries of sheriffs in seven surrounding counties and determined the average salary for top lawmen in the region is $151, 709. Commissioner Molly Cooper said many of those counties have multiple police departments that help carry the law enforcement load. Comparatively, the Cumming Police Department represents Forsyth County’s lone municipal police force. The Sheriff’s Office handles the rest. The board unanimously approved a $32,900 increase in the local supplement the county pays the sheriff on top of the state’s portion of his salary. That local supplement, currently $15,000, will go up to $47,900 when fiscal year 2021Solution begins. I N S E T

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NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia’s annual ban on outdoor burning will ended Sept. 30 in 54 counties, primarily in the northern half of the state. From May 1 through the end of September, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division mandates the restrictions to protect air quality from emissions that may increase ground level ozone. “Our first concern is always safety,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief Frank Sorrells. “Recent rainfall from tropical storms have provided sufficient moisture in some parts of the state to lower the overall fire danger, however there are some pockets of dryness in the northwest part of the state and in the greater Savannah area.” The 54 counties whose burn bans were lifted on Oct. 1 include Forsyth, Fulton, Hall, Cobb and Gwinnett.

Sorrells said the leading cause of wildfire in Georgia is debris burning that gets out of control. In addition to a permit, burners should take extra precautions by clearing flammable material and vegetation from around the fire area, and have a shovel, water and cell phone on hand. Never leave a fire unattended. “The Georgia Forestry Commission recognizes the value of prescribed fire and the desire for residents to utilize fire’s many benefits,” said Sorrells. “Fortunately, technology has enabled us to have very precise weather forecasting abilities. We’re working closer than ever with landowners to keep open burning safe and productive.” For specific information about current fire conditions in your area, permitting and safe burning practices, contact your county’s GFC office or visit GaTrees.org. For specific information about Forsyth County burning restrictions, call 770-387-4900. Fulton County residents can call 404-362-2671. CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A

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DEATH NOTICES Evelyn Bettis Bagley, 93, of Cumming, passed away September 16, 2020. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Martha Bedingfield, 93, of Cumming, passed away September 21, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home. Dennis George Byczynski, 78, of Cumming, passed away September 19, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.