Forsyth Herald — September 12, 2019

S e p t e m b e r 1 2 , 2 0 1 9 | 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 2 , N o . 3 7

Authorities recover stolen AR-15

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A stroll to the border Both Forsyth County and the City of Alpharetta are working out plans to complete more than 3 miles of the Big Creek Greenway that will link the two sections into a solid path stretching from Cumming south to Roswell. The tree-lined route, like this portion near the Fowler Park trailhead, remains one of the most popular amenities for residents in all the areas it touches. Read more, Page 4

Lawsuit charges woman with embezzlement

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Subdivision planned for Shady Grove Road

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Centennial, Roswell renew gridiron rivalry

DENISE RAY/HERALD

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2 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

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 Northside Woman: ext. 128 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 Northside Woman: 18,000 circulation

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Public Safety

Woman threatens employee AR-15 recovered, while fleeing with valuables suspect identified CUMMING, Ga. — The manager of the CVS on Buford Highway reported two women made off with items Aug. 24 and threatened to return to the store with a gun.

The manager told deputies that after the women entered the store, one approached him to return baby formula. After her purchase had been refunded, she asked where the baby and adult Orajel was located. The woman began yelling at the manager, accusing him of watching her. During the confrontation, the man-

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.

Woman reports theft of package from home CUMMING, Ga. — A woman reported that someone had stolen a package that had been delivered to her residence on Brookmere Way Aug. 21. The package contained a GPS system for tracking trucks. There were no surveillance cameras in the area, and the woman said she does not know who stole the package. She requested a report from authorities in order to notify the contacts that they will be in need of a new GPS tracking system.

Man reports trailer stolen from aunt’s backyard CUMMING, Ga. — A man reported to

ager noticed the other woman leaving the store and sounding off the door alarm.

The other woman followed, sounding off the alarm as well. When he asked the two suspects to return and show what was inside their bags, one of them threatened that she would return to the store with a gun.

The manager could not provide a description of the vehicle, but video surveillance footage captured the women’s faces.

The stolen items were valued at $511. authorities Aug. 22 that someone had stolen a trailer from his aunt’s residence on Delo Lane.

He told deputies he had parked the trailer behind the residence near a detached storage shed early last month. He said he thinks the trailer was stolen sometime between Aug. 1 and Aug. 22.

The trailer is described as a black utility trailer measuring 5 by 8 feet. Photos of the trailer were provided to aid in the investigation.

Woman’s car burglarized while parked at Greenway CUMMING, Ga. — A woman reported to authorities Aug. 25 after finding her vehicle’s back seat driver side window shattered near the Greenway on Union Hill Road. She told deputies her wallet was still in the glove compartment and nothing was missing from the vehicle.

She said she had locked the doors when she left the vehicle and returned to find the damage. She said she hadn’t seen anything suspicious and no evidence was recovered. Police took photos of the incident.

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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in vehicle break-ins

By DENISE RAY denise@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY — An AR-15 rifle stolen from a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office detective’s patrol vehicle, part of a slew of vehicle break-ins Sept. 3, has been recovered.

The firearm was recovered in Clayton County, and a suspect has been identified, according to Cpl. Doug Rainwater with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

“We have identified a suspect and he is being held in another jurisdiction until we can get warrants for him.” Rainwater said. He did not say how the suspect was identified or how the AR-15 was recovered.

The Clayton County Police Department and Greene County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Forsyth County law enforcement in the investigation.

On Sept. 3, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to three different subdivisions on Dahlonega Highway in northeast Forsyth County in reference to entering autos, a motor vehicle theft and a home burglary, Rainwater said.

Two of the vehicles involved were law enforcement vehicles, including one marked vehicle from another agency and an unmarked Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, according to the report.

A taser was taken from the other agency vehicle, and two personal weapons were taken from the Forsyth County vehicle.

“It is unknown at this point if the law enforcement vehicles were targeted,” Rainwater stated.

The three subdivisions, all located off Hopewell Road in north Forsyth County, affected were Wild Meadows, Whisper Point and Orchard Lakes.

After reviewing home security footage from area residents, two males were observed entering parked vehicles and a garage. They also allegedly stole a Dodge Charger from the driveway of a residence.

Forsyth Sheriff’s Office detectives and fugitive units are currently investigating leads in South Atlanta, according to the statement.

Working in conjunction with the other two agencies, he said that they hope to identify a second suspect and recover more stolen items.

Authorities are requesting that citizens review home security videos for any footage showing the suspects or suspicious activities, and if located contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office at 770-781-2222.

NEWS

Blotter:

Continued from Page 3

Driver charged with DUI after crashing her vehicle CUMMING, Ga. — Authorities arrested a woman for driving while impaired after a single-vehicle crash Aug. 24 at the Shady Grove Campground on Allyn Lane Memorial Way. Deputies arrived at the scene and found a woman standing near her damaged Toyota Camry.

The woman said that she was in a dispute with family members and that she was injured by her mother in law. She said she left, then returned to get her kids who were with their father. Deputies investigated the dispute and did not find any signs of serious danger.

Deputies determined the woman was intoxicated while operating the vehicle and charged her with driving under the influence. She consented to a blood test at the Forsyth County detention center and the vehicle was released to her husband. She was transported to the detention center.

Owner reports phone stolen while en route to company JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man called police Aug. 28 after an iPhone worth $450 was lost in the mail or stolen.

The man shipped the phone on June 22 to Xfinity in a brown package. The company reported that it received a white package with the man’s tracking number, but there was no phone inside.

The phone was deactivated before it was sent.

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Suit charges Cumming woman with embezzlement from charity

By DENISE RAY denise@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING — A Forsyth County woman has been accused of embezzling charitable donations for an organization founded by her husband.

Documents recently filed in Forsyth County Superior Court allege that Jodi Ford, of Cumming, embezzled at least $130,000 in donations for a local charity that serves sick and dying children.

In the lawsuit filed by Kingdom Kids Charity, Inc., allegations state that the Forsyth woman used her “position of trust” to divert funds for her own personal use.

Jodi Ford, a volunteer employee, is the estranged wife of Kevin Ford, CEO of the organization. She is accused of having used the funds for personal expenses, utility payments and personal debt.

Kingdom Kids Charity Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit that was started in 2009 to “improve the quality of life for children facing challenging circumstances.” Kevin Ford and Justin Hutchinson are co-founders.

According to the organization’s website, Kingdom Kids is a “wish-fulfillment organization.”

The complaint states that around the middle of May of this year, Kevin Ford began an audit of Jodi’s work after it was brought to his attention that he should review its accounts and recent transactions.

“Mr. Ford noticed numerous discrepancies in the

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bank statements, credit card statements and operating account,” the complaint reads.

In response to the discrepancies, Jodi Ford allegedly admitted to her husband and others that she had appropriated “some assets and funds of Kingdom Kids to her own personal use” but “greatly” minimized her actions.

Jodi Ford was fired from the organization and ordered to pay back the funds, but according to the complaint, she has refused to cooperate with the organization when asked for financial statements and other disclosures.

The complaint states that Jodi Ford’s conversion of the charity’s property was “malicious and in bad faith.”

It alleges that she knew that the property belonged to the organization and was aware of its purpose.

Kevin Ford has been named as a third-party defendant in the action.

He is alleged to have used identifying information of volunteers and employees and listed them as board members without their consent or knowledge in order to qualify for IRS exemptions.

Kevin Ford did not respond to a request for comment at press time. Jodi Ford could not be reached for comments. Attorney Logan Butler, who will represent Kingdom Kids in the lawsuit, did not return a phone call request for comment.

The lawsuit will be presided over by Superior Court Judge David L. Dickinson.

4 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

Alpharetta mines accounts to fund Greenway shortfall Forsyth County has plans to extend path southward Local voters earmarked $5.1 million for the

By PATRICK FOX Greenway extension as pat@appenmediagroup.com part of a $52 million ALPHARETTA, Ga. — For all its popularbond referendum in ity with residents, the Big Creek Greenway remains unfinished in Alpharetta.

But there are signs the city is mount- 2016, leaving the ing a final push to complete its portion project now about of the trail that was first conceived 25 years ago. $5.2 million short of Its last link — a 2.5-mile stretch funding for completion. north up to the Forsyth County line — has been in the planning stages for more than six years. The route has faced property battles and funding challenges, and even if it does get built, it may end abruptly, because Forsyth County hasn’t built its connecting extension to meet it.

Both sides seem to be working toward that point on the border, but it may take another couple of years.

Late last year, Alpharetta dropped embattled plans to run the trail near the Golf Club of Georgia and opted for another route that will run along Windward Parkway. That change added another $119,000 to the price tag, pushing the completion cost to around $10.4 million, twice what the city has available.

The Big Creek Greenway is a linear park featuring a 12-foot wide path along Big Creek. It runs about eight miles from Roswell north to Alpharetta to a point near Webb Bridge Road. Forsyth County’s portion runs almost 10 miles, from Kelly Mill Road in the north down to McFarland Parkway, about a mile shy of the county line.

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor said plans are to complete the project in the next couple of years, but ultimately, the timing will depend on the Georgia DOT’s plan to widen McGinnis Ferry Road. That’s where the two trails would meet, he said.

Pryor said the county has already worked out a land swap deal with the developers of Halcyon, who have agreed

to extend the trail another third of a mile south to their property. That leaves just a little more than a half mile to go, he said.

Initial plans for that stretch include adding a multi-purpose path along Ronald Reagan Boulevard south to McGinnis Ferry.

But Pryor said a lot of the final stages will depend on when the state completes its work on McGinnis Ferry, and that isn’t set to start until next spring.

Alpharetta isn’t sitting still either.

At a recent public workshop, Alpharetta Finance Director Tom Harris outlined to members of the City Council possible funding sources to help pay for the extension.

Right now, the project has funding for about half its estimated cost.

Local voters earmarked $5.1 million for the Greenway extension as part of a $52 million bond referendum in 2016, leaving the project now about $5.2 million short of funding for completion.

Harris presented a list of nine bond fund accounts from which the city can draw to make up the difference. The city can tap about $3.2 million by using money earmarked for other projects, like sidewalks and park land acquisition, because these projects have either been completed as advertised or, like the pro-

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PATRICK FOX/HERALD

posed performing arts center, have been deemed unfeasible, he said.

Another $1 million could be made available through impact fees, and just shy of a million could be available within the allocations for the transportation sales tax.

Other sources of funding, Harris said, could come from the city’s annual capital projects fund and from the sale of condos at the new Milton Avenue parking deck.

Mayor Jim Gilvin said he doesn’t want transportation sales tax dollars diverted because the city is already being asked to contribute more money to widening McGinnis Ferry Road.

“It’s certainly part of the discussion… but I don’t know if we’d want to move it from transportation to the Greenway,

and then have to move something else back to transportation,” Gilvin said.

Councilman Jason Binder said he’s grateful to see an end in sight for the project.

“I think when we did the bond, this one was probably on top of everyone’s list,” he said.

Gilvin, who was on the City Council when the bond passed in 2016, said the extension has been a struggle.

“We made this commitment to the residents four years ago now…and it’s been a struggle,” he said. “When you don’t own the property and you’re having to go to these multiple, different partners and redraw routes based on who’s willing to allow participation and things like that, it’s been a challenge.”

NEWS

Local fishing guide, wife indicted

By DENISE RAY denise@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — A local fishing guide and his wife have been formally charged with multiple counts of theft by taking, theft by conversion and deposit account fraud.

Forsyth County residents Bradley Shane Watson and his wife, Pamela Jo Watson, owners of the Shane Watson Guide Service, were indicted by a Forsyth County grand jury late last month for allegedly unlawfully taking more than $235,000 from seven victims, between February 2016 and December 2017.

Bradley Watson, 51, was arrested in July 2018 after Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office detectives conducted an investigation into accusations over allegedly fraudulent boat sale and investment deals across the state. In October 2018, he was brought up on additional charges when more alleged victims came forward.

Watson, owner of Shane Watson’s Guide Service, has been implicated in fraud and deception charges in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cumming, Gainesville, Marietta, Roswell and St. Simons Island, Ga., Aiken, S.C. and Lumberton, N.C.

Watson has now been indicted locally for 10 counts of theft by taking, seven counts of theft by deception and one count each of theft by conversion and deposit account fraud.

Forsyth County Court records also show that Watson had been the subject of a civil lawsuit involving Carolina Skiff, a Waycross, Ga., boat manufacturer. The civil lawsuit accuses Watson of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and fraud.

According to the lawsuit, Carolina Skiff claims Watson failed to promote or purchase the two boats and instead sold them the day after entering into the marketing agreement. Carolina Skiff also claims Watson deceived the company into contributing to a charity that does not exist.

Watson’s wife, Pamela, 51, has also been implicated in Forsyth County as part of civil suits and criminal investigations. She was arrested by law enforcement agencies in Forsyth and Walton counties on similar charges in July 2018, has been indicted alongside her husband for nine counts of theft by taking and one count of deposit account fraud.

Watson and his wife remain out on bond.

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6 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

COMMUNITY

Nonprofit schedules sober celebration to honor Recovery Awareness Month CUMMING, Ga — A local organization will host an event designed to celebrate life in recovery, raising awareness for September as Recovery Awareness Month.

The Connection, a non-profit addiction recovery support center in Forsyth County will host “Recovery Rocks” on Sept. 22.

Promoted as “a rockin’ good sobersocial celebration for all,” Recovery Rocks will feature inspirational speakers, food and fun.

The family-friendly event will be held at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way in Cumming with live music, inspirational speakers, food and fun.

Slated to perform and “help rock recovery” are headliner band Randall Bramblett, all the way from Athens, Ga. Country singer-songwriter Emily Hackett will also perform. Hackett has won several awards, including Rolling Stone Country’s Artist To Know, The Boot.com 2018 Artist to Watch and CMT’s Artist Discovery. Local favorite Jimmy Cav Project, providing the sounds of classic rock from the ’70s to 2000, rounds out the list of performers. Casey Darnell will host the entertainment. The

Atlanta-based Darnell leads worship on a regular basis at North Point Community Church’s five Atlanta campuses, along with numerous other churches across the country. He recently signed with North Point Music, the record label launched by North Point Community Church in 2009.

The Connection provides free peer support and educational services to people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

COMMUNITY

Community planned for Shady Grove Road

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 7

By DENISE RAY denise@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING — An application to develop a 60-home subdivision near the shores of Lake Lanier has been submitted to the Forsyth County Department of Planning and Community Development.

D.C. Rhoden, Executor Wendell Otwell Estate is listed as the property owner.

The sketch plat for 6090 Shady Grove Road showed 60 single-family “cottage-style” homes on 57.124 acres within a gated community. It is currently zoned lakes residential (LR).

Per the new design, Shady Grove Road would divide the community with 46 homes south of the road and 14 above it. Lot sizes would vary from roughly 0.6 to 0.9 acres, and floor plans would start at 1,200 square feet, according to documents.

“The Ascent” as it is called, would emphasize “wellness,” and have “ample open space and recreational opportunities” including a “wellness walk” through the development.

A private 14-slip dock would be available for the southern portion of the community. A single-slip dock for the north portion would provide access to Six Mile Creek.

The applicant anticipates the project will attract senior residents, although it would not be age-restricted.

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SPECIAL

American Legion honors Boys State participants Cumming Post 307 was honored to sponsor 21 high school seniors from Forsyth County at the Georgia American Legion Boys State, held in late May at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. The week-long event featured programs in civics and participatory government activities. Boys State was started in 1937 by the American Legion as an answer to the German Nazi Socialist summer Camp programs. Only student leaders in Forsyth and other counties across Georgia are selected to attend Boys State where they learn about the functioning of a free republic and Americanism.

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Stay nerdy Labor Day weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending Dragon Con, Atlanta’s largest pop culture convention.

I was not alone.

With an estimated attendance of 85,000 people across five Carson Cook days, this year was Reporter carson@appenmediagroup.com the largest Dragon Con yet.

I’ve always considered myself a nerd.

I love “Star Wars” and comic book movies. I play Dungeons and Dragons. I think staying home with a good book is usually more fun than going to a party.

And I’ve never thought being a nerd was a bad thing. I grew up in a time where being a nerd was cool, or at least wouldn’t get you shoved in a locker.

Fantasy stories like “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones” have become mainstream pop culture.

As a nerd, it’s long been a dream of mine to attend a convention like Dragon Con, one that brings fans of fantasy, sci-fi, history, comics, video games and more all under one roof.

Being so close to Atlanta, this year I

OPINION

Carson and her friend enjoy a panel at Dragon Con 2019. finally had that opportunity. And it was a blast!

I got to see celebrities like the charming Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride,” “Stranger Things”) and hysterical Catherine Tate (“Doctor Who”). They were just two stars in an impressive lineup that included George Takei, David Tennant and Zachary Levi.

But my favorite thing about Dragon Con wasn’t the celebrities. It was simply walking around and seeing all the people

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 9

CARSON COOK/Herald

— many in costumes that they must have spent hours creating — who had turned out for the celebration of nerdiness.

To be a nerd, by my definition,

means allowing yourself to be genuinely, expressively excited about something.

(This means, by the way, that people who wear their favorite player’s jersey to watch a game or spend hours researching to perfect their fantasy team are sport nerds. No less nerdy than the cosplayers and gamers as Dragon Con.) When concentrated in a few city blocks, that enthusiasm is contagious.

It brings a smile to your face even when your feet hurt from waiting in line or walking in crowds.

Everybody has something they become a nerd for. Maybe it’s traditionally nerdy things like “Star Trek” or “Lord of the Rings.” Maybe it’s sports, fashion or crafting.

Whatever it is, we shouldn’t try to downplay our enthusiasm. We shouldn’t try to hide it or pass it off as an ironic interest in an effort to seem cool.

When we put aside fears of embarrassment and loudly share our passions, we find people with common interests and the enthusiasm and joy spreads.

Dragon Con was a welcome reminder to me, and by writing this hopefully to some of you, to stay nerdy.

You are, in many ways, the envy of many cities across the nation, with over 700 tech companies and many that are on the board.

Tino Mantella, Tech Alpharetta board member 10 | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019

City extends Tech Alpharetta contract to three years Nonprofit says commitment will send strong message to organization’s sponsors

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — It didn’t take long for Tech Alpharetta to turn the tide on its funding contract with the city.

Barely a month after the City Council voted to restrict its agreement with the nonprofit to a one-year term, officials voted Aug. 19 to extend its annual $100,000 stipend to a three-year term.

It was a major victory for Tech Alpharetta.

“It’s very important for our stakeholders to know that the city is behind us, supporting us, not just financially, but supporting us as an agency,” Tech Alpharetta CEO Karen Cashion said following the vote. “That enables us to bring on more sponsors and more partners for the organization.”

Tech Alpharetta’s mission is to grow technology and innovation in the city by fostering existing and startup companies through strategic advice and rental of office space.

For the past three years, the city has appropriated $125,000 annually to Tech Alpharetta through the Alpharetta Development Authority. In addition to that financial support, last year, the city contributed $25,000 in sponsorship for the organization’s Ag Tech Conference of the South. The city stepped in again to cover shortfalls when the Ag Tech Conference proceeds fell short of expectations.

But this year, members of the City Council took a stand to hold the organization accountable for finding its

own financial path for the future. The $100,000 allowance for this year represents a 20 percent cut in city funding.

Council members have pointed out that the city’s obligation to the nonprofit was never intended to be ongoing but merely seed money until the organization found its footing. City leaders had stood firmly on the notion that a funding contract beyond a one-year term would not be feasible until the organization provided a clear strategy for becoming self-sustaining without public money.

They asked for a list of goals the organization would expect to achieve with a long-term contract before committing the city to anything beyond an annual agreement.

Its Tech Incubator program has generated more than $45 million in investor funding to young companies since 2015.

At the Aug. 19 meeting, Cashion told council members that the additional two years on the contract would generate approximately $760,000 in public relations and economic development for the city and will create approximately 175 new jobs in Alpharetta. It will also enable new and renewal agreements with the nonprofit’s sponsors and its sub-tenant companies, she said.

The extended contract, Cashion said, would also allow Tech Alpharetta to launch new programs, such as a partnership with Fulton County Schools’ Innovation Academy, to help prepare students for a future career in the tech industry. Another proposal calls for linking young tech startups with existing businesses for possible collaboration and investment.

Cashion’s presentation was enough to satisfy city leaders that the organization had set a list of criteria to gauge its

State official pushes for STEM curriculum Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan reiterated his call of support for STEM education in the state as a means of keeping pace with Georgia’s goal of becoming the Tech Capital of the East Coast.

In an address for Tech Alpharetta’s Speakers Series Aug. 28 at the Microsoft Technology Center at Avalon, Duncan said including STEM instruction at all levels in school will ensure a skilled workforce for the future. He cited recent legislation mandating computer instruction in all Georgia high schools as a positive step in that direction.

More than 110 area technology executives attended the event. success over the term of the contract.

Tech Alpharetta board member Tino Mantella also spoke in favor of the extended contract.

Mantella, president and CEO of Turknett Leadership Group, said he served 12 years as president and CEO of the trade association Technology Association of Georgia. During that time, he said Alpharetta’s reputation as a friend to technology was known statewide.

“You are, in many ways, the envy of many cities across the nation, with over 700 tech companies and many that are on the board,” Mantella said.

He said it’s important the city continue to make the longer-term commitment so that company executives, who also put their time, talent and treasure into the organization, know they have a partner.

SPECIAL

Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan speaks to a crowd of more than 100 executives at the Aug. 28 Speakers Series event sponsored by Tech Alpharetta.

But the council also heard from one resident who questioned the wisdom of funding the nonprofit.

John Courtney said taxpayers have supported Tech Alpharetta to the tune of $623,000 over the past five years.

“Every time I read about it, I wonder if it’s just a black hole that keeps sucking away at the city,” he said.

Courtney said it may be a better investment for the city to put its money into Technology Association of Georgia because its membership, its corporate sponsorship and its reach is much greater.

“It seems that the scale is there and could get you a better return for your money,” he said. “I don’t make those decisions, but to me, it’s a curiosity as a citizen.”

BUSINESSPOSTS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 11

Former Fannie Mae chief addresses affordable housing When pressed, I’m happy to tell how I came through the near economic collapse our country went through in 2008. It’s a story about getting knocked way down only to work a hard Geoff smith row back up. I’m Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com certainly proud, and I certainly had a lot of help from some great people.

But none of it comes close to the story of my recent podcast interviewee, Egbert Perry.

Perry was born on the Caribbean island of Antigua, where today, the average salary is about $23,000 a year.

He was one of 10 siblings raised on a chicken farm there. If you ask him about it, he’ll tell you how great it was growing up there.

“We had 365 beaches there,” he says.

“And it was a real village where everyone looked after each other.”

Somehow Perry found out about a scholarship opportunity for a private high school in New York. He somehow convinced them to award him the scholarship. He went on to study civil engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MBA at Wharton School of Business with majors in finance and accounting and worked his way up to eventually becoming a chief principal at the nation’s third largest African-American owned business. He became well known around the country as a brilliant man and after the near economic collapse in 2008, was asked to sit on the board of directors for Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae was at the epicenter of the financial crisis, which was born out of bad mortgages being bundled together and sold as good mortgages. Fannie Mae’s role is to encourage home ownership by taking significant risk off the shoulders of the banks and lenders, so they’ll be more aggressive in giving people loans. Fannie Mae, and others like

Fannie Mae was at the epicenter of the financial crisis, which was born out of bad mortgages being bundled together and sold as good mortgages. it like Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration and Veteran’s Affairs, basically tell banks and lenders “if you underwrite your loans according to our guidelines, we’ll pay you back for losses incurred if the borrower stops making monthly payments.”

Fannie Mae’s way of doing that is to promise to buy the loans from the bank or lender, no matter what. So in 2008, it was buying billions of dollars in bad loans. It was near the brink of collapse and was bailed out by the taxpayers.

It is still owned by the federal government today. Perry was put on the board to help right that ship during the worst economic storm in recent history.

Then, five years into the job, he was asked to be chairman.

I was of course thrilled to be able to interview him and talk about his time there, and what the atmosphere was like at Fannie Mae during that crisis. I’m a mortgage banker, so clearly I wanted to know as much as he was willing to talk about it. But I also was very interested in something else he is doing today that is starting to gain traction throughout the country. Maybe it’s because of his roots, but he seems to be driven by the desire to see less affluent families live and play in the same communities as more affluent families.

I’ve seen him talk before about how less affluent families have to live in parts of town that do not have the same schools or opportunities as the more affluent parts of town. And he’d like to figure out how we can mix people with different economic backgrounds.

One roadblock is that land has become so expensive that it’s really hard for developers to build houses that sell for under $300,000 these days and still make a profit. Certainly in more affluent areas, where land values are even higher, the problem is even worse. In the interview, Perry seemed to be under the impression that more affluent people do not want to live near less affluent people and he had an argument for this: “If you are a city planner, or if you are someone who has any say in where things get built, think of where you have to live if you don’t make a lot of money, and ask yourself if you would want someone you love living there,” he said.

“I think if we make it personal, we may start thinking differently about this.”

He said the will of the people has to be there, because the only way for builders to build more affordable houses is for local municipalities to have the political will to offer incentives to builders specifically for more affordable housing.

It was a fascinating interview for me and I hope you’ll go in and have a listen.

You can find it at https://businessradiox.com/podcast/north-fulton-studio/ atl-developments-geoff-smith-egbertperry-integral-group-llc.

Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases.

Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

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Henry Ford has been quoted as saying “Whether you think you can or think you can’t… you’re right.” And he was right. This couldn’t be more important in starting, operatdick jones ing and growing Founder & President Jones Simply Sales a small business.

So, do you think you can, or do you think you can’t?

We can talk all we want about work ethic, planning, decision-making and hundreds of other attributes associated with successfully running a small business. However, the cornerstone of success is believing in yourself. This not only has connotations to the attitude you have, but also your vision that anything is possible.

Henry Ford always believed he could create an automobile, but no one believed that he could mass-produce them, except him. His assembly line concept is not only used today for cars, but also for hundreds of other products.

Having a “can do” mentality and maintaining it is very difficult and requires focus and a meticulous work ethic. Things don’t get done by just thinking about them. They get done through hard work, learning from mistakes and failures, and getting up when you’re knocked down.

Successful small business owners know this firsthand, because they said “no” to can’t and “yes” to can.

They just didn’t take no for an answer and tried and tried again when they hit a roadblock. While this slogan has been used for close to one hundred years, it remains relevant today for any and all small business owners looking to be successful.

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12 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR More info and registration: northviewcrosscountry.com

STA FIT FEST 2019 ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2019 TOUR OF HOMES

Homes will be open to the public to view.

Roswell is a city known throughout the South for its rich history and especially for its beautiful historic homes. The 2019 tour will give people and tourists alike a rare chance to see inside some of the homes that make Roswell so special. Ticket prices are $30 per person in advance. Parking and check in at Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. The Tour of Homes will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit roswellhistoricalsociety.org.

feature YOUR EVENT online and in print!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people both online and in the Herald Newspapers.

To promote your event, follow these easy steps: 1. Visit NorthFulton.com/Calendar; 2. Click the red button that reads “Go to Form” under the submit an event header; 3. Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date; 4. Click the red button that reads “Create event” 5. Select to either feature your event online only for $25 or online and in print for $40 (print submissions must be submitted at least two weeks prior to event.)

FEATURED: ALPHARETTA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SPECIAL CONCERT

What: his special event will feature works by Spohr and Onslow, along with the premier of a piece composed by local talent Zac Lavender. Includes wine and light hors d’oeuvres.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta Cost: $20 More info and tickets: alpharettasymphony.com

WWII ROUNDTABLE LUNCHEON

What: Atlanta World War II Roundtable invites the public to attend its luncheon meeting.

Featured speaker is Eric Strachan, from the WWII Museum.

Lunch included in price.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Where: United Methodist Church, 1548 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody Cost: $20 per person, $15 for WWII veterans More info and registration: atlantaww2roundtable.com or 770-457-4409

DASH OF THE TITANS 5K AND FUN RUN

What: Northview High School Cross Country Team is presenting the 2nd annual Dash of the Titans 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Race swag bags will include a technical T-shirt and discounts from local retailers.

When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m.

Where: Northview High School, 10625 Parsons Road, Johns Creek Cost: $27 for the 5K, $22 for the Fun Run

What: This event will cover free health screenings and medical services from Mercy Care, as well as demonstrations and services from Fulton County and local restaurants and businesses.

When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta More info: sta.org

TRANSFORMATIONAL PARENTING

What: a four-session workshop guiding parents to “Understand Yourself, Understand Your Child, Engage in Positive Parenting, and Enjoy being a Parent,” presented

by Joan K. Teach, PhD. When: Thursdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Community Resource Center of the Brookhaven United Methodist Church, 1366 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven Cost: $100 Info and registration: ldag.org

SOUTHERN SUMMER

When: The theme of this art show is “Southern Summer” and will showcase a wide range of artists and media.

When: July 1-Sept. 27 Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta More info: artsalpharetta.org

ALL LEVEL COMMUNITY YOGA

What: Weather you’re starting off or finishing your day, do so with a stress release practice that emphasizes flows and gentle strengthening poses. Bring a mat and water. Multiple locations.

When: August-October. In Dunwoody, Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; in Sandy Springs, Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody; and Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, 805 Mt. Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs Cost: $15 More info: TheElitePeasant.com

‘MAMA MIA!’

What: The story-telling magic of ABBA’s songs propels this tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating a show following a young woman’s search for her birth father.

When: Sept. 5-29, times vary Where: Tams School Street Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $27 More info and tickets: schoolstreetplayhouse.com

SENIORS ENRICHED LIVING

What: Thirty-two classes are offered and include history, art, sports, religion, genealogy, music and more. Registration is open.

When: Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 17-Nov. 7 Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $55 for unlimited classes More info and registration: selroswellga.org

EVENTS: ANNUAL GRILLING AND GRIDIRON TAILGATE PARTY

What: Join the tailgate party on the first day of SEC conference play as Southern football traditions combine in support of the Lionheart School.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 1:308 p.m.

Where: Old Roswell Street, Downtown Alpharetta Cost: Tasting tickets are $20 per person, kids under 12 free.

More info and tickets: thelionheartschool.com

MATERNAL CHILD WELLNESS FAIR

What: Fair organizers have partnered with health care providers and community service organizations to have a free, familyfriendly event to learn about health and wellness. Includes screenings and door prizes.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Cumming First United Methodist Church, 770 Canton Highway, Cumming More info: cfumcga.com

IRONKIDS TRIATHLON

What: IronKids Alpharetta allows children ages 6 to 15 to test their strength with a swim, bike and run competition.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, noon – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 15, 7:15 – 11 a.m.

Where: Wills Park pool, 1815 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

Info: awesomealpharetta.com

GREEN HOME WORKSHOP

What: GreenCell ATL is hosting a workshop on green homes.

Topics include learning to compost, growing food, making cleaners and recycling.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 1:305 p.m.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info and registration: tinyurl.com/ghwp19

PERIMETER NORTH FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOP

What: The Perimeter North Family Reunion Workshop will teach tips, tricks, and best practices to make the next family reunion the most memorable yet.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: 246 Perimeter Center Parkway, Dunwoody Info: discoverdunwoody.com

WINE AND READING: MARGARET BALDWIN

What: Enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers as Atlanta’s talented professional actors bring the play’s characters to life.

When: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody Cost: $20 Info: dunwoodynature.org

Sponsored Section

September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | 13

The most advanced form of pain relief available Deep Tissue Laser Therapy Class IV Laser Therapy is the most advanced pain relief technology available to the public and it’s now available right here in Johns Creek. Laser therapy uses a process called photo-bio-modulation to enhance your body’s ability to heal itself. Laser Therapy works by flooding the tissues with photons, energizing the damaged cells and increasing circulation to the painful area. Treatments are fast, painless and don’t require any down time but the therapeutic effect continues to soothe and heal long after you leave the office.

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Johns Creek Physical Therapy, recently voted as the Best Physical Therapy Practice in North Atlanta, is the only medical practice in the area to offer Laser Therapy technology. “I am constantly amazed at what it does for our patients,” says Marc Stewart, PT, owner at Johns Creek Physical Therapy.

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Do You Have Back Pain? Free Workshop Sponsored by JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY

Fall is in the air and this is one of the best times of year to enjoy life. But often times low back pain can get in the way. Low Back Pain is the number one cause of disability in the world and affects millions of people every year. Back pain can keep you from your favorite activities and completely ruin your day. Many times back pain can turn into sciatica. Sciatica is the term given to pain that travels down the back of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs all the way down the back of the leg into the foot. Back pain and sciatica can simply be debilitating.

If you are having this type of pain you won’t want to miss the Free Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 6:30 pm hosted by Johns Creek Physical Therapy with special guest speaker, Dr. Jason Velez from Resurgens Orthopaedics.

At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of Lower Back Pain and Sciatica.

At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of Lower Back Pain and Sciatica. You will also learn how you can deal with each condition using natural treatment methods without medications, injections or surgery. This very simple treatment can help you get rid of your symptoms once and for all.

Perhaps you have already had an x-ray or an MRI and you’ve been told that those findings explain why you are having back pain? We will show you that those tests are not always accurate and may have nothing to do with why your back is actually hurting.

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14 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Getting Chaz back in the game In just his junior year of high school, Chaz Chambliss has already received 30 offers for college football scholarships.

But, without the help of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta throughout the years, the now 6-foot, 3-inch-tall linebacker’s multiple injuries could have threatened his promising football career.

Chaz has played baseball and basketball, run track, and thrown shotput, but his favorite sport has always been football. “He started playing when he was 5 years old,” said his mom, Angela.

“People thought we were crazy to let him play at such a young age, but you can tell when he plays football, that’s just his love.”

He has been coming to Children’s since he first broke his arm on the monkey bars in preschool. Since then, he’s also been treated for a broken a bone in his foot during baseball conditioning, as well as had surgery on a cyst on his leg.

So, when Chaz developed a strain on his rotator cuff while playing baseball in middle school, Angela knew exactly where to take him.

Comprehensive care for teen athletes In the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s, Chaz met Colleen Crosby,

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PT, DPT, SCS, Sports Physical Therapist, who helped him correct his throwing motion and rehabilitate his shoulder in order to get him back to the baseball diamond.

But the injuries just kept coming. In February of his eighth-grade year, Chaz started experiencing pain and found it difficult to stand up straight. It turned out he had a stress fracture in his spine.

Stephen Kroll, MD, Pediatric Sports Medicine Primary Care Physician with Children’s Physician Group–Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, joined Chaz’s care team to treat the stress fracture.

Together, Dr. Kroll and Colleen helped Chaz get back into peak condition.

That fall, Chaz was back on the field starting his freshman year on the varsity team in his high school football debut, and he completed the season free of injury.

“Our trusted sports medicine team is trained in age-appropriate techniques and focused on treating sports-related injuries and conditions in elite young athletes like Chaz,” Dr. Kroll said. “We are dedicated to helping make sure they get back in the game quickly and safely.”

Experts in treating growing athletes Our team of pediatric orthopedic

sports surgeons, sports medicine primary care physicians, sports physical therapists and certified athletic trainers understand what it takes to get an elite athlete back on the field after an injury, and to help keep him on the field.

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working with growing bones, but our physicians are specially trained to work with children, teens and young adults.

Where you take them matters. Visit choa.org/sportsmed to learn more about our team and how we help growing athletes get back in the game.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 15

We don’t treat teens like adults, because physically, they’re not where you take them matters Unlike adults, teens have growth plates where bone growth happens.

So when kids or teens get a fracture, it’s important to have them treated by a pediatric specialist. Our team of orthopedic experts understands how to properly diagnose and treat growth plate injuries. Because when it comes to growing bones, where you take them matters. ©2019 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

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16 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Improve your appearance and treat headaches

By Dr. Ushma Patel, D.M.D Center For Advanced Dentistry

A brilliant, white, straighter smile deserves a beautiful framework. Whether you’re blessed with great teeth and have taken good care of them or have invested in a perfect smile through orthodontics, whitening, or other cosmetic work, you may wish to address some of those lines and wrinkles, as well.

Imagine the convenience of getting regular BOTOX™ treatment during your routine dental hygiene visits! Or perhaps you’ve been curious for a while but haven’t been able to schedule time in a cosmetic surgeon’s office. In as little as one visit, we can erase lines and wrinkles from around the mouth, ease pesky crow’s feet, and minimize stress lines on your forehead.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

You may not have heard about an FDA-approved use of BOTOX therapy for head, neck, and/or facial pain. The same effect of BOTOX that reduces the appearance of wrinkles (relaxing muscles) is used to reduce the intensity of muscle contractions. Intense and/or prolonged contractions of our muscles used for chewing can cause pain and damage to our teeth. Pain can be in the contracted muscle or can be referred to a distant site. Severe clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause the teeth to chip, break, or even need root canal treatments. One BOTOX treatment can provide relief for up to three months, and a side benefit is the reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles.

If you’d like to discuss the possibility of relief from pain or the opportunity to look younger and fresher, call us today at 678-8947926 or visit www.HiTechSmiles.com.

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Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek offers exemplary memory care Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek uses Teepa Snow’s trademarked Gem Programming, Positive Personal Approach and other techniques in caring for residents with a dementia challenge. This approach helps families relate to their loved one in a meaningful, engaging way.

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They have several floorplans for Assisted Living and in their Bridges neigh-

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 17

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18 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Symptoms of GERD you should be aware of

By Dr. Thomas Wood Northside Hospital/Surgical Specialists of Atlanta Have you ever suffered from heartburn?

That burning sensation in your chest or throat can be very unsettling. Many times, you Dr. WOOD can taste the stomach fluid in the back of your mouth. If this is something you experience more than twice a week, there’s a chance that you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is a digestive disorder affecting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. This common and chronic disease affects up to 1 in 5 or more adults in the U.S according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.

In many cases GERD may be relieved through some diet and lifestyle changes. In other cases, some medication or surgery may be required to treat the symptoms.

Certain foods can also contribute to GERD. Fried foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrusy fruits and mint can cause GERD. This condition occurs when the LES weakens or doesn’t relax properly, which will cause the contents in the stomach to travel up into the esophagus.

With normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens up to allow the food to pass through the stomach and it closes to prevent food and the acidic stomach juices from traveling back into the esophagus.

Heartburn is one of the most common symptom of GERD, which is a discomfort that is felt behind the breastbone as a burning sensation. The feeling may intensify if the person lies down or bends over after eating food.

Other symptoms include: • Regurgitation of acid up into the throat.

• Bitter taste in mouth.

• Stubborn dry cough.

• Hoarseness.

• Tightness in the throat.

• Wheezing.

• Nausea.

• Feeling as though a piece of food is stuck in the throat.

If left untreated, GERD can lead to other serious conditions which may include: • Esophagitis - inflammation of the esophagus.

• Esophageal stricture – narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.

• Barrett’s esophagus- cells that line

the esophagus change into cells similar to the lining of the intestine, which can turn into cancer.

There are several different ways that GERD is often treated. Typically it will be treated with medication first. If the medication is not effective, other lines of treatment will be offered to the patient.

One of the main treatment options for those who suffer from GERD are proton pump inhibitors. These inhibitors work to decrease the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. If a person has made significant lifestyle changes and their GERD symptoms continue, physicians may recommend surgery options.

Today, there are multiple surgical options now available for the treatment of GERD. Nissen fundoplication: It is the traditional approach where the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus forming a new valve to prevent GERD. LINX procedure: Newer procedure which involves placing “magnets” around the lower part of the esophagus forming a new valve mechanism to prevent GERD. This procedure has a lot of advantages compared to the nissen fundoplication.

TIF procedure: New edoscopic procedure which places sutures around the lower part of the esophagus.

Radiofrequency: Process of using radiofrequency or heat to scar in the lower part of the gastroesophageal junction to prevent GERD. Simple lifestyle and behavior changes can aid in relieving GERD. • Eating food in moderation and avoiding overeating.

• No eating within two to three hours of your bedtime.

• Quit smoking.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated when going to bed.

If you believe that you may be suffering from GERD, you should see your family or general practitioner, who will be able to refer you to a gastroenterologist. To learn more visit surgicalspecialistsofatlanta.com.

Dr. Thomas Wood is a board-certified surgeon with Surgical Specialists of Atlanta, a Northside Network provider. Dr. Wood is trained in the latest robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques and specializes in treatment of adrenal gland, appendix, breast, cancer, colon, gallbladder, hepatobiliary, hernia, liver, melanoma, pancreas, thyroid and parathyroid, spleen, rectum, stomach and reflux conditions.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 19

20 | September 12, 2019 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Eat more dark chocolate – doctor’s orders

By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta The best drink that I have ever tasted in my life wasn’t a cold beer or a full bodied wine; it was a paper cup of dark hot chocolate at Kollar Dr. Taylor Chocolates on Washington Street in the town of Yountville. (Their passion fruit truffle was also particularly outstanding!) I love dark chocolate. And I mean seriously love dark chocolate! There are wine people, craft beer experts, kambucha fans, but for me, dark chocolate is where it’s at. Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco is, for me, hallowed ground.

The other night, as I found myself in search of a dark chocolate late night snack, it occurred to me that I should look into how dark chocolate is good for the skin… somewhat to help my patients and somewhat to justify my vice! So this is my attempt to validate my dark chocolate habit as healthy. Enjoy!

It turns out dark chocolate has been studied A LOT. Particularly with regard to cardiovascular health. Dark chocolate contains polyphenols called flavonoids.

They have been celebrated for their antioxidant effects. Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that induce the release of nitric oxide (NO) through activation of endothelial NO synthase. This can dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and may be cardioprotective. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2007 reported a decrease in hypertension prevalence from 86% to 68% of their study population during an 18 week trial with consumption of between 6 and 7 grams of dark chocolate per day. White chocolate did not result in this decrease, and the study omitted the fact that white chocolate is also not as yummy.

But that was just one study. The Cochrane Database Review is considered the gold standard for determining whether the sum total of published studies have identified discoveries that are real and significant. A Cochrane Database Review found that dark chocolate “may have a small but statistically significant effect in lowering blood pressure by 2-3 mm Hg in the short term.”

Not exactly strong words, but, when it comes to dark chocolate, I will take what I can get.

What about dark chocolate and the skin? Researchers Calzavara-Pinton and colleagues were able to demonstrate that a dark chocolate extract taken every

day for a week made it more difficult for study participants to sunburn – they suggest that dark chocolate may be photoprotective. So practicing sun-safety means sun-protective clothing (check), sunscreen (check) and eating dark chocolate (triple check). Got it.

There is also a hot area of research about connections between gut health and skin health. Researchers increasingly believe that different types of intestinal bacteria may have either a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effect, and some studies suggest that dark chocolate may help shift our gut bacteria towards an anti-inflammatory milieu.

Just as importantly, the International Journal of Dermatology found that regular consumption of moderate amounts of dark chocolate worsened a number of male teenagers’ acne. Thank goodness.

This is excellent news for parents like myself whose spouses scold them for not sharing their chocolate-based desserts with their children more generously.

Dark chocolate is expensive, and my future teenage boys have no business raiding dear old dad’s pantry and eating all of his chocolate, and now science has proven it. So adults everywhere, keep calm and eat dark chocolate!

If you or a loved one hasn’t eaten enough dark chocolate, please consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery for your skin care needs. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, board-certified dermatologist, vein expert and dark chocolate lover.

SPORTS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | September 12, 2019 | 21

For more coverage For a recap of all North Fulton/ Forsyth County games, visit northfulton.com/sports

Centennial vs. Roswell family owned & operated since 1928

210 Ingram Ave. Cumming, 30040 770.887.2388 ingramfuneralhome.com

Now in our 91st year Family owned and operated On site crematory • Serving all faiths Offering: Burials • Cremation • Prearrangements Out-of-state transportation

DEATH NOTICES & Crematory.

Edward Dean Barden, 60, passed away August 31, 2019. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home

Daisy S. Brooks, 72, of Cumming, passed away September 3, 2019.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Michael John Connelly, 43, of Roswell, passed away September 3, 2019.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Victor Howard Henderson, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away September 1, 2019. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Renee Michele Morgan, of Roswell, passed away August 25, 2019. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Steve Nawrot, 63, of Johns Creek, passed away August 29, 2019.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Sandor R. Vukoticm, 37, of Cumming, passed away September 7, 2019.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Jayne E. Stirling, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away August 31, 2019.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Madeline Claire Windover, 66, of Cumming, passed away September 1, 2019. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Troy Joe Turner, 76, of Cumming, passed away August 29, 2019.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

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