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January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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January 2011
JSL of Forsyth County members
Volume 2, Issue 7
26 Featured Articles
24 & 25 On the Cover Brain Balance
Left to right: Lisa Carrusca, Assistant Center Director and Jennifer Williams, Center Director. Photography by Kim Bates
11 Humane Society Year in Review
A look back at the amazing work this group has done.
18 Readers’ Choice Voting Begins!
Vote for your favorite local businesses.
22 Forsyth Arts AroundAbout — Cumming is printed using soy-based inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
Spotlighting 10-year-old author Sarah Voskamp.
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Mentors
32 Backyard Beekeeping
Julie Brennan is the Title Manager for AroundAbout — Cumming magazine. Julie is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. She may be contacted at cumming@ aroundaboutmagazines.com. 2
Making a difference one child at a time.
An ideal hobby for some Georgia residents.
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January 2011
26 A League of Their Own
Community
— Nicole Lea
What a Difference a Day Makes
— Nancy Johnson
27 How Birds Survive Winter
— Scott Lemmon
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28 Positive Talk — The Words We Say Make a Difference
11 6 The Path is Not Always Straight
— Julie Brennan
10 Notes form Senator Murphy — Sen. Jack Murphy
— Christine Roberts
It’s January 2011 . . . Now What?
— Mark Young
38 Marriage Moments
29 Resolving to Focus on Forgiveness
Faith
— Rev. Bill Ratliff
39 An Invitation to Succeed
— Monique A. Honaman
— Maria I. Morgan
Resolutions: We Make ‘em We Break ‘em
12 S.W.A.N.
— Pete Thomas
41 The Country Preacher
A Plan to Achieve — Parkey Thompson
— David Hill
13 Children and Youth with Special Needs
— Ruth Goode
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15 Autism Talk
— Chuck Pugh
Surviving
— Mike Brennan
Schools & Sports 34 Get Ready for the Second Semester
— Kathy Martin
Lifestyle
22 In Every Issue Birthdays.................................. 9 Forsyth County Government
21 Time Out
News...................................... 14
— Vanessa Butler
Community Calendar.............. 16
22 Norm’s Tasting Notes
Humane Society..................... 17
School Information................. 36
— Norm Bentley
Houses of Worship......... 40 & 41
23 Livin’ La Vida Local
The After the Decorations Are Gone Blahs!
Clubs & Organizations............. 42
— Shelly Kent
— Valerie Donta Young
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January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
Community Numbers............. 44 Elected Officials...................... 46 Classifieds.............................. 47 3
Community
www.aroundaboutcumming.com Keeping you plugged into the latest online happenings
Publisher AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc.
by James Ball
Owners Karen and Jon Flaig
This month, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about a new feature on our website. Consider this an open invitation to use it as well!
Executive Editor Kara Kiefer kara@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3309
The Community Calendar feature on our website has been populated previously by the staff here at AroundAbout — Cumming... until today! Now, we’d like to invite you to add YOUR events to our Community Calendar! We encourage you to help keep your community informed about your events!
Title Manager Julie Brennan julie@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3322
Advertising Director Leslie Proctor leslie@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3304
Events such as:
Art Director Michelle McCulloch
Concerts l Charitable Fundraisers l Family Fun Days l Fall Festivals l Parades l
michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 6153307
Digital Marketing Director James Ball james@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3310
You get the idea!
AroundAbout — Cumming, a franchisee of AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The mission of the magazine is to build a sense of community and pride in the Cumming area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. 18,500 copies are distributed free by mail and at 3,000 are placed at key distribution points to local residents and businesses.
For us, there’s nothing worse than hearing about an incredible event that we’ve missed because we didn’t hear about it beforehand. To submit your event, simply click on the banner on the top of our website that looks like this:
AroundAbout — Cumming welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. AroundAbout — Cumming is not responsible for errors or omissions.
You’ll be taken to a simple form when you click on the image. Fill in the form with the name, date and details of your event – we’ll handle the rest. To keep our entries within the spirit of our online presence, they are subject to editorial control as well as editing for space purposes.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011.
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Volume 2, Issue 7
January 2011
Community
The Path is Not Always Straight by Julie Brennan One of the neatest things I get to do and thoroughly enjoy is walking my “girls.” Maggie and Shadow are my four-legged constant companions. Over the years, I have met other dogs in the neighborhood who have, in turn, introduced us to their people/ owners. Joining Maggie, Shadow and me are Rosie and Berkley, the neighbors’ dogs who enjoy the stroll as much as we do. The last few months have been interesting, to say the least. I always make sure I have time to take the clan for a walk. I have the opportunity to think, ponder and perhaps find solutions to life’s opportunities. I decided to carefully watch the dogs as they stop, sniff, smell, wonder and enjoy their time outside. If you’ve ever walked a dog you know what I am referring to – everything is interesting. A broken limb, a turned rock or another dog, or person, passing by. What I’ve learned from my daily walks with the dogs are simple lessons that I hope will help me through 2011. Everything you see is worth checking into – you never know what you’ll find.
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Just because you noticed something once, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out again – it may have changed slightly.
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Carrying a treat with you is worthwhile – you never know when you might need it. Or you may need to give it to someone else who may need it more.
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Don’t rush. Take time to smell, dig, and uncover the beauty that nature offers.
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When you see a stranger along the way, “wag your tail.” You never know who you might meet. If nothing else, at least you took the time to say hello.
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You don’t have to change the routine all the time; following the same path can still be fun. Just look at it carefully and you’ll find something new.
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Look up at the sky and smile… someone is watching and smiling back.
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Life is certainly not to be over-simplified by the lessons learned from a daily walk with my dogs. But I will say, carefully adapting their ways to my daily living can be enlightening. Ultimately, though the clan depends on me to get up and initiate the walk, the dogs remind me to never stop doing what I care most about. Happy 2011, from my clan to yours!
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January 2011
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Happy New Year from the staff of AroundAbout — Cumming magazine January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Community
News Around Cumming Jesse’s House Makeover Completed
Forsyth County Geographic Information Services Department Recognized In a December meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the Forsyth County Geographic Information Services (GIS) Department for receiving the Emergency Management Digital Distinction “Most Efficient Use of Technology” Award. The honor was received for the“Mobile GIS Emergency Response System” that is used throughout Forsyth County to provide direct support to first responders for local, regional and state-level emergencies and disasters.
The staff and residents at Jesse’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency and long term care to female youth, are enjoying the makeover of their facility, chosen as the 2010 Designing Dreams recipient. Allison Havill Todd, Forsyth County interior designer and founder of the Designing Dreams project, expressed the sentiment of the judges who chose Jesse’s House, when she said, “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Jesse’s House. The work they do with young girls in our community is vital and this gives Designing Dreams the ability to help improve the environment for all the youth that pass through their doors.” The redesign focused on the main living area, which includes the community room and an adjacent meeting room. While functional, both needed a facelift to make them warmer and more cheerful. Todd and her team started with the flooring. Industrial carpet was replaced by hardwoods and stain-resistant area rugs. The result is easier to clean and maintain, yet it makes the whole room feel cozier. The walls were painted with new colors and inspirational sayings. Furniture was replaced with leather sofas and upholstered easy chairs that will wear well for years to come. after
“This system is an outstanding example of projects which facilitate first responders and their mission of keeping citizens safe,” said Forsyth County Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse. The award was open to any emergency management agencies, including fire, public safety, law enforcement, and homeland security, that utilize information technology projects that result in measurable improvements in the lives of the people and businesses served.
before
Honaman Recognized by WBENC Monique Honaman, Forsyth County resident and CEO of ISHR Group, will be given an award of excellence by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) during a March gathering of corporate executives and government and nonprofit representatives in Maryland. Honaman is being honored for leadership in the business community, her inspiration to other women business owners and her active role as head of the ISHR Group. ISHR Group helps assess, develop and coach leaders and their teams, with clients from Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Surrey, Sao Paolo, and throughout Georgia. 8
before
after
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January 2011
Happy Birthday!
Marc Rosenfeld Age 50 on January 1
Nick Andrews Age 14 on January 6 Son of Lynne & Mark Andrews
Sophia Camak Age 14 on January 7 Daughter of Lynne & Lael Camak
Ryan Pillittere Age 10 on January 4
Jake Pillittere
Age 3 on Jan. 22 Sons of Tammy & Scott Pillittere Brothers of Alyssa
Alicia M. Celebrating on January 8
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free!
Charlene
Knight Bankston
Celebrating on January 12
Age 14 on January 16 Son of Colleen & Darren Bankston
January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
E-mail to: cumming@ aroundaboutmagazines.com. Deadline for February is January 15.
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Community
Notes From Senator Murphy by Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Ga 27th District
Join AroundAbout – Cumming’s Online Community
Happy New Year for 2011! As we prepare to go into the 2011 session, there are many topics to be covered. The budget for 2011 will be on top of the list. Georgia faces a $1-$1.5 billion deficit that we will have to make up. Revenues have shown some improvement, but are not enough to
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Community Events Calendar
make up the shortfall. As Senate Chairman of the Immigration Reform Committee, we will take a broad, in-depth look at ways to confront this problem and offer concrete solutions to improve the regulations we have on the books already. We will also at expanding the use of E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification), a program that helps to ensure that a company has a legal workforce by electronically confirming the information on employees’ Forms I-9, Employment Eligibility “State immigration Verification, as well as the reform would not enforcement of the illegal alien be necessary if the detention. Why is illegal immigration so important to Georgians and America?
Videos Photos Neighborhood news stories
federal government had done its job.”
Just consider one problem: the education of illegal aliens. It costs approximately $587 million in Georgia to educate illegals. It costs more than $40 billion to educate illegals in the United States. In these economic times, we cannot afford to educate the children of non-tax paying residents. Make no mistake about it; I am for immigration, legal immigration. Our country was founded by hard-working immigrants. One example is a Greek restaurant owner I had a chance to meet. He came to this country 40 years ago, set foot in New York with 50 cents in his pocket. He now owns six restaurants in the Atlanta area, employs people who pay taxes and contribute to our economy. That is what helps to make this a fantastic country.
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State immigration reform would not be necessary if the federal government had done its job. States have a right to protection. The 10th Amendment is clear: the federal government did not create the states, the states created the federal government. It is time Washington helps the states, rather than hurt them.
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Wishing all a very happy and prosperous new year! Senator Jack Murphy (R-GA 27th District) may be reached at jack. murphy@senate.ga.gov or (404) 656-7127. 10
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January 2011
Humane Society of Forsyth County
No Kill Shelter: A Year in Review by Jill Gooch Countless volunteers help rescue and care for animals in need, and argue the case for kindness at every chance—whether speaking with neighbors or policy makers. Our volunteers take action. And that action, multiplied millions of times over, is making ours a better society. That’s not rhetoric. That’s fact. The Humane Society of Forsyth County had a big 2010! Pet adoptions were up an all counts: 3 Exceeded 2009 cat adoptions by almost 30 percent. 3 230 cats and kittens found their forever homes. 3 Exceeded 2009 dog adoptions by 19 percent. 3 400 dogs and puppies found their forever homes. In addition, the society was able to help even more pets by: 3 Taking 654 cats and dogs into the no-kill program. 3 Feeding 1,450 dogs and cats through the Pet Food Pantry. 3 Spaying and neutering more than 200 owned dogs and cats through the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. 3 Partnering with other local rescues to help the West Bank Park Feral cats: 30 cats were trapped, neutered and relocated or adopted.
k n a h “T You!”
Approximate number of animals helped: 2,334! To further the no-kill mission and increase humane treatment for animals, Forsyth’s Humane Society also: 3 Added a Dog Walk Park to the property and trained “Rescue Walkers” to bring mental stimulation and physical exercise to the shelter dogs. 3 Submitted a proposal to Forsyth County for operation of a new county animal shelter with the goal of creating a no-kill community. The proposal was approved during the December 16, 2010, meeting. To increase our presence in the community, the Humane Society of Forsyth County: 3 Increased membership with 415 new members. 3 Opened a 10,000-square-foot thrift store to create a more constant revenue stream. 3 Worked with local schools to increase student involvement. Please join us in looking back with pride at a year for the animals. We would like to thank you, the community, for your continued support. Jill Gooch is the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Forsyth County. For more information about the HSFC visit www.forsythpets. org. Twitter: HumaneSocietyFC and Facebook (Humane Society of Forsyth County). January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Community
A Plan to Achieve
The Sensational Women’s Alliance Network (SWAN) is an exclusive network and business development group for today’s professional business women.
by Parkey Thompson Happy New Year—and a year of new opportunities! As the old year ended, did you stop to reflect on your successes from 2010? For many individuals, it was a year of challenges that they are anxious to leave behind. For others, it was a reflection on how fast a year can go by and a realization of just what they had accomplished. This time of the year is a very profitable period for weight-loss centers and workout facilities. With all of your grandiose plans, you sign up for the things that you know are going to help you fulfill your resolutions. In reality, over the next several weeks you are back to the same old routine you had prior to setting resolutions. What are your resolutions this year? Lose weight? Quit smoking? Make that career change? Get in financial shape? Whatever your resolution, what is keeping you from achieving it? One of the biggest points of failure is a lack of planning. Little thought, if any, is put toward how you are going to be successful in your resolutions. This year can be different if you do it differently. Try these suggestions and make your resolutions a reality: 1. Change your resolutions to goals. Goals are those things that we work hard to achieve, while resolutions come and go. Write your goals down! 2. Begin with the end in mind. Envision yourself successfully achieving your goals and what will be different about you once you achieve your goal. 3. Break down your goals into manageable tasks or steps. As you complete the smaller tasks, you achieve your goals! 4. Set dates. Don’t be afraid to set dates of completion. Commit! 5. Track your progress. Monitor your goals regularly and see how you are progressing towards your goals. Keep track of your goals, your progress, and your completion. Be aggressive.
“Our mission is to create a community of collaborating businesswomen with a desire to grow and add value to others in order to get results both in business and in the community,” explained Rico Peña, founder and president. SWAN’s mission is accomplished by asking one simple question: what can I do to help your business? “And we mean it, with no agendas and no pressure. As a group, we work together to understand each other’s business desires, needs and clients,” Peña said. All members receive skillbased training from onsite experts to help each member develop a long-term and profitable business. Peña has more than 25 years of business experience, and attributes his business successes to his mentors, guidance, and education. “The greatest accomplishment comes when I can share and help others find their passion and succeed in it,” he said.
Rico & Andi Peña
Joining Peña is his wife, Andi, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and is the co-founder of Sensational You. “The more research I did about finding a job after completing my degree, she noticed that there was a “hole” in the marketplace for women to get the tools and skillbased training they needed to succeed. It was then that my husband, Rico, and I decided to create Sensational You for business women,” Andi said. For more information about SWAN, visit www. sensationalyou.net.
Did You Know?
6. Secure an accountability partner to help you focus. 7. Don’t forget to celebrate. As you achieve your goals, celebrate your success. The ability to celebrate will help you to tackle the next goal with even more aggressiveness.
Women rank pets, sex, and food -- in that order -- as the things that make them happiest.
The nice thing about this list is that it works with any goals -personal, spiritual, family, financial, career -- these steps help you become successful.
The No. 1 thing women want more of is time. (Money and love rank second and third.)
Don’t let your goals fall by the wayside this new year. Go after them with a plan—a plan to achieve! Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach at Financial Focus. He offers a free 30-minute consultation. Call 678-648-9940 or visit www. myfinancialfocus.net
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The women market is the fastest growing consumer and business owner group in the nation. *Source: Michael Silverstein, co-author of Women Want More: How to Capture Your Share of the World’s Largest, Fastest-Growing Market in an interview with Fortune Magazine, August 2009
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January 2011
Children and Youth with Special Needs by Ruth Goode
Groups throughout the community come together in a variety of ways to share in the holidays and the elementary school Special Olympians are no exception. Since 1992, the Cumming Civitan Club has hosted Christmas parties for these exceptional athletes, their buddies, teachers and volunteers. On a Friday in early December, everyone gathered at Central Park for a delicious pizza lunch, danced to their favorite Christmas music and enjoyed the main event – photos with Santa! It was an absolute joy to see how much fun everyone had; even the biggest high school football buddy was out on the dance floor doing the hokey pokey with his Special Olympian, because “that’s what it’s all about!” In addition to the Christmas parties, the Cumming Civitan Club hosts Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties for middle and high school Special Olympians. From holiday parties and summer camps to after school care, United Way of Forsyth County helps this unique group of children and youth through a variety of programs. In 2010, the Cumming Civitan Club received a grant from the United Way to match fund to ensure these parties continued. The Civitan Club began the Partners in Special Education Program with the Forsyth County Schools to provide support for Special Education teachers and their classrooms. United Way and its employees in Forsyth have elected to support Ms. Claire Comb’s class at North Forsyth High School. Businesses and individuals can become Partners in Special Education with a $250 donation. These donations are given to special education classrooms in the county. Currently, six classrooms are benefitting from these donations. The Civitan’s goal in 2011 is to get 20 businesses or individuals to donate, increasing that classroom number from 6 to 20. Other Special Needs programs supported by United Way include:
Camp Cool Kids & Camp Cool Teens The program, started in 2001 by the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department, is the county’s only summer camp program exclusively for children and teens with special needs. Campers participate in swimming, outdoor games, crafts and other activities. The counselor to camper ratio is low, to better meet the needs of the campers. United Way funds additional counselors and facility fees for the camp.
Hope House The long term community based housing for homeless persons with mental disabilities began more than 20 years ago. Special needs adults live as independently as possible in a permanent, affordable setting. United Way provides funding for food, supplies, and transportation costs for the residents.
Challenged Child and Friends Challenged Child and Friends provides high quality educational, therapeutic, nursing and family support services in an integrated environment to children with disabilities. United Way provides funding for the early intervention treatment portion of the program, which includes the morning classroom program and music therapy as well as occupational, speech and physical therapy services. Funding is also provided for counseling and family services and the extended day portion - early arrival and afternoon care services allow clients to stay at CCAF for up to 10 hours a day.
Forsyth County Preschool Special Education The Preschool Special Education program partners with families and local day care facilities to lead and support the education of young children and to provide each child with special needs a rich and challenging educational experience. The preschool program has grown from four classes to more than 20, experiencing the largest growth in population of all special education programs with a 300 percent rise since 1999. United Way purchases sensory equipment and provides funding for the Forsyth County School System so that they can provide onsite training in various sensory methods in order to give the daycare the resources to help children find success.
Learning Bridges After School Care United Way provides after school care for students with disabilities by funding staff and training needed to work with the students.
Special Olympics Special Olympics of Forsyth County was developed so that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities could participate in competitive sports throughout their lives. It also provides social opportunities for the athletes. Athletes from ages 5 and up are encouraged to stay active and take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and build new friendships. United Way provides funding for the quarterly newsletter to be distributed, shirts for athletes, teachers, volunteers and buddies and food for competitions. To find out more about United Way programs, please visit www. UnitedWayForsyth.com or call (770) 781-4110.
January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Community
Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com (770) 205-3010, open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Saturday Accepting trees through January 22 Coal Mountain Recycling Convenience Center - 3560 Settingdown Road (770) 781-2071, open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Saturday Accepting trees through January 22 The recycling convenience centers will be closed on New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Free tree seedlings and vegetable seeds will be available while supplies last on January 8 at all sites, beginning at 9 a.m.
Bring One for the Chipper Forsyth County residents have made it a tradition to end the holiday season by recycling thousands of Christmas trees during the “Bring One for the Chipper” event. In 2010, 5,950 trees were recycled. After the presents have been opened and the final ornaments are removed from the trees, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) takes trees dropped off at various locations in the county and runs them through a wood chipper, which makes mulch from the trees. On the designated dates and times, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the following locations: Home Depot - 1000 Market Place Boulevard Accepting trees only 9 a.m.-4 p.m. January 8. Please, no trees at this site after 4 p.m. January 8 Home Depot - 2635 Peachtree Parkway Accepting trees only 9 a.m.-4 p.m. January 8 Please, no trees at this site after 4 p.m. January 8 Vickery Creek Elementary - 6280 Post Road Accepting trees 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through January 8 Please, no trees at this site after 4 p.m. January 8 Tolbert Street Recycling Convenience Center - 351 Tolbert Street (770) 781-2176, open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Saturday Accepting trees through January 22 Old Atlanta Recycling Convenience Center - 3678 Old Atlanta Road 14
For more information about Christmas tree recycling, visit www. forsythco.com or call KFCB at (770) 205-4573. “Bring One for the Chipper” started in Georgia in 1991, and Forsyth County residents have recycled 67,000 trees since joining the effort in 1994.
Attention HOAs: Learn about Stormwater Maintenance Homeowner and property owner associations interested in learning about stormwater maintenance can view the video, “A Forsyth County Guide: Stormwater Maintenance.” Produced by TV Forsyth, the video outlines the responsibilities of stormwater maintenance and provides helpful tips that association members may want to consider. To watch the video, go to www.forsythco. com, find the TV Forsyth page and click on A Forsyth County Guide from the categories list on the left.
Retire Worn American Flags Residents who want a proper retirement for their worn-out American flags can deposit them in a flag drop box at the Forsyth County Fire Station #1 at 234 Castleberry Industrial Drive in Cumming. The Forsyth Fire Department and the American Legion are co-sponsoring the service.
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January 2011
Autism Talk
Surviving
Identifying Unmet Needs for Children with Special Needs in our Community by Chuck Pugh Reflection is a natural part of what we do as we end one year and approach the beginning of another. We consider what went well, or not so well, during the year that passed. We celebrate the successes and evaluate the shortfalls as we set goals for what we want to accomplish in the coming year. As I reflect on the past year, there is much that our community does well in serving families of children with special needs. The North Georgia Children’s Center (NGCC) works hard and is passionate about helping children with special needs reach their full potential through one-on-one therapies, training, and private school. In previous articles, we have mentioned what individuals, churches, civic groups, and professionals can do to lighten the load for these families and help the children succeed. As I think about conversations we’ve had with families and professionals serving this population, however, it becomes increasingly clear that there are gaps where our community is not sufficiently serving needs that are out there. These areas include access to affordable early diagnosis, respite care, and support for families “The North Georgia with young adult children Children’s Center with special needs who can no longer be served through (NGCC) works hard and the schools. is passionate about
helping children with special needs reach their full potential . . .”
The NGCC board includes experts in market research. We are planning to organize and conduct focus groups early in 2011 to help us identify and prioritize for action those gaps in services that exist for families of children with special needs, including but not limited to those on the Autism Spectrum. We are looking for participants who are parents, grandparents, and friends or family of children with special needs, school special educators and counselors, professionals providing support therapies, medical personnel such as developmental pediatricians, and representatives of government units and nonprofits that interface with this demographic group. We plan to hold these meetings in February through April. If you would be willing to participate, please call Ann Tallant at (770) 844-8664/8624). Great things can be accomplished if we work together. Chuck Pugh is the President of the Board of Directors, North Georgia Children’s Center, Inc.
by Mike Brennan There are a number of people who suffer from afflictions that drastically change their lives: heart attacks, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, to name a few. Sometimes they change the lives of those who knew and loved them. Richard’s fate changed one Sunday evening when he passed out in his house. A few hours later, he was treated at a nearby emergency department and, to the amazement of all who loved him, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His mother had suffered the same fate, and her life on earth ended after a twoyear battle with the disease. So many thoughts went through “I was in awe as I my head when I heard the news. watched how well I thought of this young man, my Richard handled younger brother, the challenges this seemingly he had already faced having been tragic situation . . .” diagnosed with a fistula problem (changes in the air pressure in the middle ear, causing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting, an unsteadiness which increases with activity, ringing or fullness in the ears, and hearing loss) and being added to the list of disabled Americans. But mostly I thought of his other brothers, father and sister, who so vividly recalled the disease that took away their beloved mother and wife. I was in awe as I watched how well Richard handled this seemingly tragic situation, particularly after a second large tumor had to be removed from his brain. Like a warrior in the battle of a lifetime, he took his sword and moved forward, taking along with him his most wonderful supporters — his family. It was Richard who gave hope, trust, confidence and acceptance to his family and friends. Richard even hosted a “Family Gala,” when everyone enjoyed talking and reminiscing, laughing and crying, all together at the home of their youth. Unexpected times tend to do that – provide families who lead busy, fast-paced lives with the opportunity to sit, relax and recall. The wonderful world of e-mail also had given him an outlet. Weekly updates were sent, in which Richard included his day-today challenges, triumphs and defeats. And I guess that is what impressed me the most – the mostly quiet man I knew was now the beacon that kept everyone else going. His notes included messages like: “I just wanted to write a short note telling you that my blood test from last Thursday was really good. Once again, I could not get my scanner to cooperate with me. But, both white and red blood cell counts are within the normal range. I questioned why my white cells were at the top continued on page 43
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Community
Community Calendar: January Pinecrest Academy Open House
Date: January 9 Time: 1 – 4 p.m. Location: 955 Peachtree Parkway Information: A private Catholic school with a focus on students from PreK3 through 8th grade. Students will have the opportunity to meet department chairs, review the curriculum, and meet some of the teachers. For details, call Sandy Reardon at (678) 965-2072.
Mentor Me Volunteer Fairs
Dates: January 17 & 22 Time: 10 - 11 a.m. Location: The Cumming Playhouse, 210 Dahlonega Street (Hwy. 9 between City Hall & BB&T Bank) Description: Find out more about becoming a mentor and learn what Mentor Me is doing in Forsyth County. Information: (678) 341-8028.
Branson On The Road Dates: January 13-16 Times: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Matinees at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Location: The City of Cumming Playhouse and Historic School, 100 Main Street Information:
®
Branson On The Road®, brings the fun of a Branson show directly to you! Classic country, hilarious comedy, bluegrass, rockabilly and hand clappin’ gospel. Call (770) 781-9178 or visit www. playhousecumming.com.
Mardi Gras “Street Scenes”
Dates: January 21-23 Times: 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Location: The City of Cumming Playhouse, 100 Main Street Information: Based on the life of Baroness Michaela Rojas Pontalba, a fictional New Orleans character. The show features many local performers including the “Dazzlin Dames,” the “Sophisticated Ladies,” the Christian Fine Arts Jazz Band and Performing Group of Forsyth, the Cumming Playhouse Ensemble Singers, the Dancing Divas, and the Sassy Seniors of Forsyth County. Jacqueline Groover, “Ms Senior Georgia 2010,” Danny Lee Pendley, and others
also will sing, dance and entertain. Information: Call (770) 781-9178 or visit www.playhousecumming.com. The closing scene from the world premiere of La Fanciulla del West at the Met on Dec. 10, 1910.
The Metropolitan Opera: La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the West)
Date: January 26 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: AMC Avenue Forsyth 12, 350 Peachtree Parkway Information: Puccini’s wild-west opera set in 1849-1850 in a mining camp in the high Sierra Madre Mountains in California. Information: Call (888) 262-4386 or visit www.amctheaters.com/AvenueForsyth.
Forsyth County Schools Mentor Training
Date: January 31 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Forsyth County Board of Education 1120 Dahlonega Highway Information: Mentors are asked to spend 30 minutes a week during school hours with a student for the rest of this school year. The program offers community members a chance to partner with the school system to help children. Call (770) 887-2461.
Holding a Summer Camp? Reserve your space now in our Summer Camp Section Our readers use this section to plan their summer. E-mail information to: cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com To advertise in this section, call (770) 615-3334. To be listed in our special Summer Camp Section for the March issue, the deadline is February 15. 16
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January 2011
Looking for a forever home . . . Lorett
a under 1 is a just yr old a nd to play with oth loves er dogs .
Recentl y adopte d:
Banjo! Thank y ou for g iv Banjo t he forev ing e r home he dese rves!
sweet is a very t a h s Nata ing little girl tha r. and lov met a strange ld er has nev rox 5 months o p p a She is ! dy to go and rea
ily
ect fam
f is a per weet! Bandit ing, & s
ing ppy, lov dog: ha love to go jogg ld u He wo u. with yo
th 10 mon
Bear is natal short hair.
Middie is a free
spirited and independent three year old cat. She prefers to initiate cuddling and playtime.
Humane Society of Forsyth County 4440 Keith Bridge Rd Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-1365 or (770) 887-6480 www.forsythpets.org email: Rescue@forsythpets.org
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nnabelle is a beau tiful calico/tabby. Sh e is laid back and loving but also likes to play when give n the chance.
old, Orie unusual an lmost He has hich is a w g in r colo silver!
The shelter is open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. – 7 days a week! Check our Web site for dates/times for Petco and PetSmart adoption events.
January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Feature
Readers’ Choice Awards It’s time to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite local businesses today It’s that time of the year again! Time to vote for your favorite businesses in the Forsyth county area! We’re doing things a little differently this year so please refer to the Question and Answer section below. Q: How do I vote for my favorite businesses? A: Go to www.aroundaboutcumming.com. Click on the “Readers’ Choice 2011” button. You will be directed to the online ballot. Q: How many times can I vote? A: You may vote four times from the same IP address, which allows additional members of your household to cast their votes. Q: Why are some businesses listed? What if the business I want to vote for is not listed? A: When a business receives a vote, it will appear on the list of choices. The population of these businesses is done strictly for the convenience of the voters and does not indicate endorsement or preference by AroundAbout-Cumming. If you don’t see your business listed, enter the name of the business in the place marked “other,” and the vote will be counted. Q: Do I have to vote online? A: If you don’t wish to vote online or don’t have access to the Internet, we will have paper ballots available at our office, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189. One ballot per person will be issued. Q: Are any photocopies of the ballots permitted? A: No photocopies of blank or completed ballots will be accepted. Q: How long do I have to vote? A: Voting will end on February 15, 5 p.m.
Look for this button: AroundAbout Community Magazines
Readers’Choice
Vote Here
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It’s easy! Just log on to www.aroundaboutcumming.com and choose your favorites. Submit your votes by Tuesday, February 15 at 5 p.m.
AroundAbout — cumming
January 2011
Readers’ Choice Categories Restaurants
Hair Salon
Grocery Store
All-Around Restaurant
Home Improvement/Repair
Hardware Store
Bakery
Insurance Agent (specify agent)
Home Improvement Store
Barbecue Place
Lawn Care
Jeweler
Breakfast Place
Medical Doctor
Liquor Store
Coffee Shop
Nail Salon
Music Store
Dessert Place
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
Pet Supply Store
Ethnic Restaurant
Orthodontist
Shoe Store
Fast Food Restaurant
Painter
Specialty Foods
Fine Dining Restaurant
Pediatrician
Sporting Goods
Italian Restaurant
Pest Control
Tire Shop
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Pet Groomer
Toy Store
Lunch Place
Plumber
Mexican Restaurant
Photographer
New Restaurant
Physical Therapist
Recreation and Entertainment
Oriental Restaurant
Print Shop/Copy Center
Dance Studio
Pizzeria
Travel Agency
Fitness/Health Club
Seafood Restaurant
Tutoring
Golf Course
Sports Bar
Veterinarian
Gymnastics Center Movie Theater
Services
Retailers
Auto Repair
Boutique
Car Wash
Children’s Clothing
Residential Development
Caterer
Convenience/Gas Station
Apartment Community
Chiropractor
Custom Automotive
Subdivision
C.P.A.
Drug Store
Day Care/Preschool
Electronics/Appliance Store
Day Spa
Florist
Dentist
Frame Shop
Dry Cleaner
Furniture Store
Electrician
Garden Center
Financial Institution/Bank
Gift/Home Décor Store
January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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January 2011
Time Out It’s not just for kids by Vanessa Butler
“Without stress, there would be no life.” Hans Selve Wake up. Get the kids on the bus to school. Help hubby with his papers. Clean the kitchen. Get dressed. Go to work. Pick up the kids. Sports practice. Piano lessons. Dental appointment. Feed the dog. Pick up the laundry. Attend meeting. Cook dinner. Pay the bills. Clean up. Bathe the kids. Eat. Clean up. Return phone calls and e-mails. Sleep. Repeat… There are only 24 hours in a day. According to the American Institute of Stress, “stress is an unavoidable consequence of life.” While talking to friends about the topic of stress, I was reminded of the ‘70s series “Lost in Space,” where the Robot would advise the Robinson family, Dr. Smith and the crew when imminent danger approached, by vigorously waving its metallic hands declaring, “Danger, Danger.”
Just as distress can cause disease, it seems plausible that there are good stresses that promote wellness. Stress is not always harmful. Stress has been compared to a string on a violin; not enough tension produces a dull, raspy sound, but too much makes a shrill, annoying noise or snaps the string. The right degree of tension can create a magnificent tone. Stress is something that must be dealt with, whether you see it as the strings in a violin, a streetcar that won’t stop, or a mean shark eating you up bit by bit.. The majority of us are not superhuman. We are, however, runners in this marathon called life. And like a good runner, it takes practice, training, coaching and desire to make it work. Vanessa Butler is a certified personal trainer and provides in-home/private training. She may be reached at (678) 333-5843 for a free consultation.
Likewise, our bodies warn us about impending danger – whether from stress or from disease. Most of us know how to detect or prevent physical illnesses and fight them off. And while we may recognize some signs of stress, such as loss of energy, depression, feelings of tension, headaches, apathy, or anger, how can you fight off everyday duties and responsibilities? Stress is a normal part of life. The ability to succeed in dealing with stress is dependent upon finding a balance that best works for you, and having a support system that can help you accomplish the tasks that must be completed in each 24-hour period. The goals are to retain focus, remain centered, and create time to have fun, relax and enjoy who you are. A few ways to deal with stress would be taking a bubble bath, reading the Bible, listening to music, cleaning, reading novels, going to the movies, or exercise. Investing your time with a personal trainer is a great way to de-stress, spend some time on yourself and is beneficial to your health. There are those who do not allow challenging situations to stress them out. These lucky folks have found emotional balance in their busy lives. Finding balance is key, and comes when you realize that there is no single solution to making it all work out. One thing is certain – we can’t do it all alone. It helps to ask for help from your support system. Your family, friends, and colleagues can often help you bear the challenges that life throws your way.
Mindful Tips Eat healthy. Talk and walk more slowly. Do one thing at a time. l Exercise on a regular basis l Listen to yourself and discover your own needs l Give yourself 15 minutes in the day to be still. l Keep your mind on the task at hand. l Take time to notice the beauty around you. l Think about the direction of your life and follow the path with your heart. l Listen to music that relaxes you. l l
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Feature
Forsyth Arts
Norm’s Tasting Notes
Ten-Year-Old Cumming Author Releases Her First Book
by Norm Bentley
2008 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay #nb-21-10
Ten-year-old Sarah Voskamp is quick to explain that she was inspired to write her first book when she was nine years old and intends to be the next JK Rowling. With the release of her first book Filly Girls this month, Sarah has a good start toward accomplishing her goal. Sarah’s mother and father, Kim and Leo Voskamp, recognized their daughter’s talent and wanted to do everything they could to encourage Sarah to keep writing and dreaming. Leo is Sarah’s business advisor and coach who helped her find the right publisher, and Kim is the marketing director. Both Kim and Leo make it very clear to everyone concerned that Sarah was, and will continue to be, involved in every decision that is made regarding her book. “This is Sarah’s voice and dream, we’re just here to help her in every way we can,” said Kim. “In this delightful story about three horseback-riding best friends, Ellie learns that not all dreams come true the way you expect them to,” Sarah said about her book. “These three young girls learn what it takes to go after their dreams and then live with the outcome—even though it might not be what they expected. Yet no matter what happens, they will be together, forever and always, chasing their dreams.” According to publisher Terri Leidich, with Boutique of Quality Books Publishing Company, Sarah’s book has strong character development and a good story. “Sarah’s main character, Ellie Kerhage, is a precocious, rather spoiled 12-year-old girl who is used to getting her way. Yet this young author does a great job in taking the adolescent reader along on the journey as Ellie learns some valuable life lessons,” said Terri. Sarah’s book Filly Girls is for 7 – 12 year-olds and the book is currently available online at www.boutiqueofqualitybooks.com. Sarah is already working on her second book.
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The 2008 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay is a superlative wine and almost perfect with a dish like Coq Au Vin, which I recently prepared for dinner with “The Chardonnay Queen,” my wife Mary. Coq au Vin is a tasty boneless chicken breast cooked in red wine (Merlot), fresh garlic, and butter. I also served wild and long grain rice, and asparagus cooked in olive oil with sea salt, with fresh warm French bread on the side. The 2008 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay received the stamp of approval from “The Chardonnay Queen.” The aroma of the Napa Chardonnay literally leaped out of the glass with an abundance of fragrant tropical scents. The flavor was true to Chardonnay, with lots of apple and pear, but there was also a wonderful spiciness, which suggested roasted pineapple with a hint of cinnamon. This was a fruit- forward wine with lush overtones and a clean and crisp finish which really stood up to the wine and garlic flavors of the chicken. Robert Parker, founder of the bi-monthly newsletter The Wine Advocate, said this wine was, “A sleeper of the vintage as well as a stunning value, the 2008 Chardonnay Napa ranks alongside some of the great bargains in California…” I truly enjoyed this wonderful Chardonnay, and hope you will too. Price: $11 - $15 | Norm’s score 90 Happy Tasting! Norm Norm Bentley may be reached at normwine@bellsouth. com. Since 1984, he has successfully managed and operated beverage stores.
AroundAbout — cumming
January 2011
Livin’ La Vida LocaL It’s The Ice, Ice Baby
The After the Decorations Are Gone Blahs! by Valerie Donta Young
by Shelly Kent Attending the avalanche of kids’ parties at the same venue week after week is about as exciting as those piles of laundry waiting for me. Now that I’m trying to plan my child’s birthday party, the choices are that much harder. How can I avoid stale, overdone venues while keeping the party local, fresh, and exciting, and ---budget friendly? During this time of planning, I found The Ice on Highway 9 in Cumming. Now here’s something to get excited about. Growing up in the north, I was accustomed to ice skating but it was never something I could share with my kids down here. When the kids put on their blades for the first time and hit The Ice, they got that look every parent covets — a face covered with pure adulation. I found myself laughing, snapping pictures, and living vicariously through them — knowing I had found the perfect The Ice, Skating and Ice spot to bring the whole family or Hockey Complex host future gatherings. 1345 Atlanta Highway Cumming, GA 30040 The pricing at The Ice was (678) 845-0103 surprisingly reasonable, as I am usually braced to hear a number beginning with 2 or 3 from most birthday party venues. But an approximate $150 for an all-inclusive party for 10 caught my attention. I know from attempting home-based birthday parties that one can easily top that — even when trying to pull it off with dollar-store finds and homemade entertainment. And aside from being a great party venue, The Ice is a place we can take the whole family that doesn’t feel juvenile to my older kids or leave my youngest feeling like she’s got to stand on her tippy toes next to the measuring stick that determines if a child is tall enough to ride a ride. It lasts as long and costs about the same as a movie, but the fun we have interacting on the ice and creating family challenges make it a welcome choice in our household. It also sneaks in some much-needed exercise. I’ll bet a lot of future stars are in the making at The Ice. Where the rink is regulation size, according to the National Hockey League. With open skates, parties, practices, leagues and competitive games at the rink, they’ve got something that will appeal to everyone in the family. And if you’re more of a people watcher, you can catch the action from the bleachers or from the heated waiting room with a great view of the ice from behind a grass wall. The Ice offers a way to cool off in the summer or enjoy a touch of an authentic winter sport! Shelly Kent is a North Atlanta-based writer and can be reached at shellykent@comcast.net.
The holidays are gone for another year! Are you walking around your home, thinking about how blah it looks now that all of the festive decorations are stored away? I have joked about leaving up my 12-foot tree year-round and decorating it for each holiday. Let’s see, hearts in February, shamrocks in March, bunnies in April, etc. But I am worried that my neighbors (who can see the tree, because the entire back of my home is glass) might call the little guys with the white coats to come and take me away. What is one to do? The easiest and most economical way to brighten your home after Christmas is to add punches of color with new accessories. I’m not talking about new draperies, “The colors you use furniture, or changing the paint in the winter are color in a room; just add throw pillows, a new piece of art, perhaps usually different some plants, or a brightly colored than the ones you afghan that makes the entire room use for spring and come alive. Remember, these are summer.” seasonal changes, not permanent ones. The colors you use in the winter are usually different than the ones you use for spring and summer. Winter colors usually are more vivid: red, orange, purple, or any bright color to evoke warm and cheery thoughts. If you don’t want to use your fireplace, put lots of candles in it. Use candles in your rooms; don’t just wait for guests to let everyone enjoy the warm glow that candles bring. Candles create that same festive glow that your Christmas decorations cast (and the neighbors won’t think you’re ready for the funny farm).
*** Got ideas for adding sparkle to your home after the holidays? Share your ideas with us. My panel of judges will review all the ideas submitted and the best idea chosen will receive a wonderful gift from me. The winner will also be featured in this column in our February issue. Put on your creative hats and send your ideas with photos (if available) no later than January 12 to valerie@thefrugaldesigner.net. Happy winter decorating! Valerie Young, aka “the Frugal Designer,” is a resident of Cumming. She may be reached at (770) 844-6337.
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Feature
Balance and Achievement: A multi-faceted approach helping your child achieve optimum body and brain function.
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slow progression of language skills, an avoidance of eye contact, dyslexia, processing disorders, learning disabilities; each day, hundreds of American children are diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/HD) and several other disorders. Unprecedented advances in brain research during the last two decades have revealed startling truths about neurobehavioral/developmental childhood disorders. Researchers now know what is going on in a child’s brain, and this knowledge is revolutionizing treatment.
The Brain of a Child “We now know that the most accurate diagnosis for children with autism, Asperger’s disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and other disorders is actually Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS),” explained Dr. Pete J. Scire (commonly known as Dr. Pete), the Executive Director of Brain Balance Atlanta. “In FDS there is a functional disconnection between the two hemispheres of the brain, which makes them unable to share information in synchrony, resulting in the negative symptoms traditionally labeled as ADD/HD, autism and other disorders.” “While in graduate school I took a special interest in neurobehavioral disorders. One of my teachers was Dr. Robert Melillo, the author of best-selling book Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other Neurological Disorders. He spent over a decade of his life developing protocols to recover kids suffering from ADD/HD, Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, Tourette’s, and autism spectrum disorders. He inspired me to do what I do today,” Dr. Pete added.
Achieving Balance “Brain Balance changed our family’s lives,” said Acacia Roman, about her son Juan’s treatment.
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“His self-esteem and confidence are so much stronger than ever. He was not able to ride a bike and now he does and is so proud of it. He solves problems, calls neighbor friends and invites them over. He is now so aware of what is going on around him. He also loves to participate in parties, school dances and interacts with everybody.” During a recent trip Puerto Rico to spend time with family and friends, Juan was able to connect with every family member. “He is able to have a conversation with them. I am so grateful, happy and satisfied.”
The Brain Balance Method To gain a full understanding of each child’s difficulties, a comprehensive assessment of all areas of their brain and body function is conducted first. Each exercise or activity at every session is recorded so improvements can be noticed and changes made as necessary. Progress reports are based on data, not observations. “Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with
January 2011
“You don’t move because you have a brain. You have a brain because you move.” — Dr. Robert Melillo dietary change, we are able to correct the underlying imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors,” explained Jennifer Williams, Center Director. Williams trains the staff in the neurology of the brain and how the motor skills and the brain skills are connected. “Through my teaching experience I realized there was more to the issues that my students faced than just the label they had been given. Many of the children I taught had sensory issues, nutritional needs that were not being addressed and social/behavioral concerns that they physically could not control,” explained Williams. Williams began working at Brain Balance when her son started his treatments at the center. “After nutritional changes, strengthening core areas, and stimulating my son’s brain, he is medication free. He is more confident, more compliant to complete homework,
and knows more about how his brain and body function together more than most nine year olds,” Williams said. The staff at Brain Balance wants families to feel that there is hope and a future for their child. “At Brain Balance we address the whole child. We assess your child’s sensory-motor development, cognitive development, and their nutritional profile. We keep the cost of the assessment low, so all families can have access to find out what underlying causes are affecting their child’s performance academically, socially, nutritionally, and all other aspects of their lives,” said Lisa Carrusca, assistant director. Her son Christopher, now 11, attended Brain Balance for six months. “He is a charming young man that is able to learn, thanks to the work at Brain Balance.”.
happy child with a bright and promising future. For more information about The Brain Balance Program, contact the centers or visit www.brainbalancecenters.com.
Over the last 10 years, Brain Balance has helped hundreds of children become more focused, improve their academic performance, and enhance their communication and social interaction skills. “We have hundreds of success stories,” affirmed Williams. Success means children functioning at levels never dreamed.. And success, ultimately, means the resurrection of every person’s dream-the dream of a healthy,
Call for a seat at our free lecture in our newly relocated Suwanee Center to learn more about our program.
Brain Balance Achievement Centers www.brainbalancecenters.com
780 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 400 Suwanee GA 30024 (770) 614-4790 January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Lifestyle
What a Difference a Day Makes by Nancy Johnson Is there really so much difference between one day and the next? Can much change between two 24-hour periods, from one evening to one morning? We seem to think so. There seems to be all the difference in the world between December 31 and January 1, no matter what the year. The world may turn just the same, but for us, one day is an ending, the other a beginning.
A League of their Own by Nicole Lea Anthony D’Angelo wrote, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” Anchored by this powerful quote, the Junior Service League of Forsyth County is conducting a recruitment drive this month. “We are an organization of women who volunteer together to meet the pressing needs of our community. We dedicate our time to service and fundraising projects that benefit Forsyth County residents,” said past president Heather Tallant. The members of the organization find tremendous fulfillment in working to help their neighbors. “We strive to continue our reputation as women who care by reaching out to others.” Community service is the heart of the organization. Members collectively logged 829 service hours in. The Junior Service League of Forsyth County strives to find meaningful opportunities to help those who are in need in our community. Members participate in various service projects each month. “During 2010, we focused our energies to help the special education departments in our school system. They are in need of various projects, from recording books on tape, to helping with year-round Special Olympics events. We have been searching for opportunities to work with our local children and we’re excited that we have found this one,” Tallant said. League members are working with the food pantry at Cumming First United Methodist Church inventorying and sorting food, transporting food, and other organizational activities. The service league is developing a Teacher Grant Program for local school teachers, using proceeds raised from fundraisers. “The first cycle of teacher applications will be accepted this year for the 2011-2012 school year. The forms and application process information will be posted on our website, www. jslforsyth.com, later this month” said Tallant. Potential members can see open house dates at www.jslforsyth. com.
It is the beginning that we celebrate every year. Across our nation, January 1 is a day off from work, even if it falls in the middle of the week. The assumption is that we have spent the long night before in revelry, honoring the old year and calling in the new. Another assumption is that we have made resolutions. Chances are your local gym is counting on it. New Year’s resolutions are funny things. They seldom last very far beyond February, and yet we continue to make them. Statistics show that nearly half of us make resolutions each year, and nearly half of them fall by the wayside after the first month. But what is so special about the first day of January? Why not the first day of June? Or August 18? The idea of a new start is very enticing; letting all of the mistakes of the past drop away and pledging to do things differently in the future. Somehow, giving this new start an official date makes it easier to believe in. We may feel that there is a greater chance of success when we are all on the same calendar page together. Something about the new year gives us the enthusiasm and hope that things can be really different. The truth is, however, that fresh starts are always possible. We may not have the horns and confetti of the New Year (unless we really want to), but we can begin again any time we’d like. It is just a matter of choice. The excitement and energy we feel on the first of January as well as the fear of change at all other times, probably have their roots in the fact that change is very difficult. We are all creatures of habit and comfort. Leaving that comfort to embark on a new voyage can be harder than it seems at first. Our initial energy can quickly wane, so we rely heavily on the impetus provided by the new year. What we need, though, is not belief in change but belief in ourselves. In our harried world with its unrealistically high expectations, our best chances for self-improvement and wholeness will emerge from self-care. Changes that have a positive impact on our lives and the world around us require that we first care enough to make them. Working in the interest of our own well-being is not selfish. Instead, doing so will equip us to be better and stronger members of our community.
Nicole Lea is a member of the Junior Service League of Forsyth.
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continued on page 43 January 2011
How Birds Survive Winter by Scott Lemmon Birds use a variety of techniques that range from what they eat to feather adjustments and shivering to stay warm during winter.
Food Food is the most essential element that gives birds the energy, stamina and nutrition they need. To stay warm, birds will expend energy very quickly, some losing up to 10 percent of their body weight on extremely cold nights. An ample supply of high-calorie foods, such as black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet, can be crucial to a bird’s survival. We can play a vital role because feeding the birds becomes critical during extremely cold conditions. At these times, a supply of food can mean the difference between life and death for a bird. Most birds also keep warm by adjusting their feathers to create air pockets. You will often notice the birds look fatter or “puffed up” during cold weather. This is because the birds are fluffing up their feathers; the more air space, the better the insulation. Staying warm is not all about food and feathers though. Some birds perch on one leg at a time, drawing the free leg to their chest for warmth. Most birds will shiver for short-term adjustments to the cold. Shivering converts muscular energy into heat for the short term, but the energy must be replenished shortly thereafter.
Water As winter temperatures fall, many people are helping wild birds stay warm by allowing them to take dips in birdbaths. In addition to drinking, birds need a place to bathe when temperatures drop. Clean feathers help birds stay warm, and a birdbath with open water is often the only way for some birds to
drink and stay clean when it’s cold. Many bird enthusiasts are using birdbath heaters in their plastic or stone birdbaths to provide water. Some are trying birdbaths with built-in heaters. Most birdbath heaters shut off automatically when the temperature reaches approximately 40-50° F, or when it is out of the water. It is important to understand that as long as there is an opening in the water, the heater is doing its job. The birds only need an opening in the water to be able to drink, so the entire bath does not have to be thawed. While it is important to provide birds with water in cold weather, it is also important for owners to take proper care of their birdbaths. Bird baths made from porous materials should not be used during freezing temperatures, even with a birdbath heater. Most importantly, people should never add chemicals to birdbath water because it can be very dangerous to the birds. If someone wants to attract birds during these cold times, there are better, safer ways. While birds are equipped to withstand most winter weather, survival can be made easier by providing food, a heated, open source of water and protection from the elements with natural plant cover or a roosting box. Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or e-mail him at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net.
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Lifestyle
Positive Talk — The Words We Say Make a Difference By Christine Roberts When our son was a baby, we taught him how to eat, where he could go in the house, and what he could touch. You know that age when they’re into everything and you can never relax! We said things like: Don’t throw your food on the floor. Don’t go up those stairs. Don’t touch that vase. Guess what he did… threw his food… went up the stairs… and touched the vase! After seeing that this was not working, we realized that everything we said focused on what he couldn’t do, instead of speaking positively and telling him what we wanted him TO do: Keep your food on your tray. Stay in the living room. Keep your hands to yourself. It was amazing the results that we got when we remembered to do this. But don’t get me wrong, we still couldn’t relax. Does this ever happen to you? We all speak this way to a certain extent to our significant others — children, parents, co-workers — and we don’t even realize it. “You never help me.” “Don’t run in the house.” “You can’t do it that way.” How much better do the positive comments sound? “I appreciate you taking out the garbage.” “Please walk when you are in the house.” “Here is how you do it.” Those we speak to using the negative verbiage usually don’t realize it at a conscience level;, they just respond by tuning us out or getting angry. Who can blame them? We have all had someone speak to us that way as well and we have the same reaction. When you notice that negative terminology entering your mind or slipping off your tongue, stop and think or say the opposite of what you were about to say. Try it and, hopefully, it’ll become more of a habit. It’s not easy to change how we speak or think, and usually our comments are reactive, but it’s worth a shot. The subtle changes that we strive to make ultimately add up to improve our lives, even just a little. Just think how much better off we’d be if we all changed our language to speak positive and focus our words on what we want? Christine Roberts is a volunteer at Jesse’s House, (www.jesseshouse. org), a nonprofit organization that works with state agencies to provide a safe haven and long-term care for girls age 7-17 who are confirmed victims of abuse. To volunteer, e-mail: volunteere@jesseshouse.org Christine can be reached for speaking engagements at cmroberts10@ comcast.net. 28
It’s January 2011 . . . Now What? by Mark Young The celebrations, parties, gift giving and receiving are history. Most of us don’t want to open that credit card envelope with the bill inside, but we will and dutifully write the check or pay the bills online. May I suggest that this month we take time to make sure our homes and families are as safe and secure as we can make them with prevention and testing. Take 10 to 15 minutes to check the batteries in your smoke detectors; better yet, replace them all. Every year, more than 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. Most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. Most deaths and injuries occur in fires that happen at night while the victims are asleep. Follow the procedures recommended by the manufacturer of your smoke detectors. Also, if your smoke detector begins to broadcast a chirping sound, replace the battery immediately. Test your alarm monthly.
Children Sleep Through Smoke Alarms Recent information from broadcast news programs and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) demonstrated that children can sleep right through the sound of a smoke alarm.
“Every family should develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.”
At the same time you replace your smoke alarm batteries, replace the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. Approximately 150 people die each year from non-fire, carbon monoxide poisoning associated with heating equipment home fuel-burning
Every family should develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Practice the plan with your children, baby-sitters, and older family members. During practice, it is important to be aware of and remove obstacles that may prevent a quick and safe evacuation. Look for blocked exits or jammed or barred windows. Parents should hold a fire drill during the night so they can assess their children’s ability to awaken and respond appropriately. If children, or any other family member, cannot awaken to or hear the smoke alarm, the escape plan should be adjusted to make sure all family members can get out safely. Place one smoke alarm on every floor and sleeping room. Be safe and well. Mark Young is an international security consultant, specializing in enterprise level physical security Infrastructure systems. He may be reached at vssconsulting@bellsouth.net
AroundAbout — cumming
January 2011
Resolving to Focus on Forgiveness by Monique A. Honaman What do Benjamin Franklin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Tyler Perry have in common? Does this sound like the start of a bad joke? It’s not. Each of these iconic personalities who transcend historical boundaries of time, culture, and heritage has commented on the importance of one item. Ben Franklin said, “The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness…” Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Tyler Perry said, “It’s simple: when you haven’t forgiven those who’ve hurt you, you turn your back against your future. When you do forgive, you start walking forward.” Powerful words about a powerful force. The New Year has just begun. How are you doing on your resolutions to eat less and exercise more? Why not try a different resolution this year? Why not resolve to honestly and truly forgive that person in your life against whom you are still holding a grudge? Say someone has done something that you don’t like. You get angry. You get mad. You think about it constantly. It keeps you up at night. You can’t seem to let it go. You brood about it. You may turn to vices to help you get through it. You remember every detail of the “infraction,” and you relive it and rehash it over and over. This only creates stress and strife in your life. It affects your health. It affects your emotions. Is it worth it? Enter the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a selfish act. Think about it. When you choose to forgive someone, it’s a decision that you make, and then you feel better. The other person doesn’t have to give you permission to forgive. The other person doesn’t have to accept your forgiveness. You alone are in control of having the power to decide to forgive. How awesome is that? Mistakes and misconceptions. People say to me, “I’m not ready to forgive yet because I don’t want that person to get away with it (whatever ‘it’ might be).” There is a popular misconception that if you forgive someone that it means he or she isn’t going to be held accountable for his/her actions. That is actually irrelevant. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you aren’t going to hold that person accountable. It doesn’t mean that you are going to let that person walk all
over you. It doesn’t mean that there won’t be consequences for actions. It does mean that you are choosing to not dwell on it every day and let anger consume your every thought. We all know how difficult it can be to say those three little words, “I am sorry.” Anyone with children knows how difficult it can be to get one sibling to apologize to the other for the normal acts of sibling rivalry. As parents, we also need to teach our kids a different set of three words: “I forgive you.” Our kids need to learn and understand the power of forgiveness, so they learn to not hold anger inside. Teaching your kids about forgiveness is an amazing gift you can model for them. I am repeatedly asked, “Please teach me how to forgive.” I don’t know how to do that. I wish I did. I want everyone to feel the liberation and peace that comes with forgiveness. Some people “I tell people that like to “own” their anger. They forgiveness will make it a part of their life story and frankly enjoy carrying the happen if they are burden. I think that’s a crazy open to dropping load to carry. I tell people some of the anger and that forgiveness will happen looking forward to if they are open to dropping some of the anger and looking the future, instead of forward to the future, instead of dwelling on the past.” dwelling on the past. The power of forgiveness allows you to feel peace. It doesn’t mean you aren’t still going to face noise, trouble or hard work. It does mean you can be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. Arguably the best-known scholar on forgiveness is Lewis Smedes (1921-2002). Smedes was a professor of theology and a renowned Christian author who wrote the incredibly popular book, “Forgive and Forget.” He said, “Forgiving is love’s toughest work, and love’s biggest risk. If you twist it into something it was never meant to be, it can make you a doormat or an insufferable manipulator. Forgiving seems almost unnatural. Our sense of fairness tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love’s power to break nature’s rule.” This new year, I urge you to look at the resolutions you are making. It can be tough, but I say we resolve to do all we can to ‘break nature’s rule!’ Monique A. Honaman, has called Forsyth County home since 1996. Her book “The High Road Has Less Traffic” was written in response to a need for a book that provided honest, real, and raw advice about how to survive and thrive through one of life’s toughest journeys. Monique can be reached at Monique@HighRoadLessTraffic.com.
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Schools & Sports
mentors I
n recognition of National Mentoring Month, AroundAbout – Cumming magazine would like to commend the hundreds of individuals who give their time, share their talents and help our youth throughout the year. Research shows that youth participating in mentoring programs are significantly less likely to start using illegal drugs or alcohol, or skip school. The research also shows they are more confident about their school performance and get along better with their families. Forsyth County School mentors must complete an application, a background check, and undergo training. It only takes 30 minutes once a week with a child to make a difference. Mentors also may help with academics, social skills, or just listen. “I applaud the mentors that take time to spend with the kids; they listen, learn, and help children feel confident about thier selves. I thank them all!” — Sen. Jack Murphy.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact the Forsyth County Schools (www.forsythcountyschools.org) or Mentor Me (www.mentormenorthga.org) for more information.
“I would like to write about a very special mentor named Dick Sambrook, who has been mentoring Michael Bell, a fifth grade student at Shiloh Point Elementary School. Dick has been faithful in seeing Michael Bell every Wednesday for the past three years. He has always taken a very special interest in Michael by showing concern for Michael’s academic progress as well as just having fun and playing games when he visits. According to Michael’s mother, Deborah Billman, Dick Sambrook is the most dedicated mentor that she has had the pleasure of knowing. Dick always goes out of his way to show his love and concern for Michael. Dick has attended baseball games and taken Michael to the movies. Michael himself sums up his feelings toward Dick by saying, ‘He’s awesome, cool, and funny.’ It is a pleasure to see Michael and Dick together—it’s not uncommon to see plenty of hugs between the two of them—and if not hugs, some very loving looks!!!” Debbie Drake Shiloh Point Elementary Counselor
“One mentor at our school has mentored the same student for the past two years. She works with him on academic and personal needs (such as hygiene, etc). Last year she really focused on helping this second grader remember to brush his teeth every day. The mentor brought a toothbrush and toothpaste to school for the student to use at school each day. She also consistently worked with her mentee to help improve his academics because the student was struggling in all areas of school. They often reviewed flashcards, played math games on the computer, studied important facts and more. This student has grown academically, socially, and emotionally. He is more confident and much more excited about school. All of these changes could not have occurred without the 30 minutes a week that the mentor devoted to mentoring this student.” Andrea Moore Whitlow Elementary Counselor 30
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“Being a mentor isn’t a difficult task and all it really takes is some childhood re-call and a little creativity. It doesn’t hurt to ask the mentee what they are interested in either and when you engage in something they like, right away you have made progress. As with all new relationships, there can be the awkward moments, so when I first started, I took my camera with me and let the kids take pictures around the school grounds while we chatted. As Christmas gifts, I developed their shots and framed them. I play catch with the boys and that includes football if they like it better than baseball (which I happen to be better at). I have attempted basketball and kids like when I can laugh at myself because I’m really not good at it, but it‘s the talking that matters, not my hoop skills. I’ve made charm necklaces with the kids containing positive words I chose for them as individuals, that I felt described them or would give them encouragement. Most of them still wear the charms a year later. I play games with the kids, but most of all I listen. I care about them; I encourage them in their school life and make sure they hear that they can be and do anything in this world that they put their minds to. I’m an adult buddy who remembers what going through middle school felt like and for me, it wasn’t the best time of my young life, so I just try to be the kind of adult that I would have liked to have had in my life when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I love what I do. It’s an honor and a privilege to be welcomed into a young person’s life as a trusted friend, and I recommend to one and all that if you have a free half an hour a week, run to your nearest middle school and make a new friend. It will be one of the most rewarding things that you do in your life.”
Did You Know? THANK YOUR MENTOR DAY™ is January 25.
In Forsyth County Schools…
434 active mentors 252 new mentors trained 4,457.5 hours of their time to students (Data July 2010)
Gaynetta McClain Little Mill Middle School Mentor
“The Mentoring Program builds developmental assets for the mentee resulting in a happier and more productive individual. The mentor is a caring, concerned adult, and an effective active listener. I strongly recommend the Mentoring Program to someone considering it. You will see emotional growth as well academic achievements in your mentee and celebrate their successes. You’re going to give an awful lot, but you’re going to get an awful lot back in terms of the good feeling of giving to the community. It’s something I look forward to every week. What appeals to me most about this program is the direct impact I witness from my efforts. Working in law enforcement provides me with regular affirmations about how important it is for developing minds to have trusted adults to go to for guidance about common situations. So many times I’ve witnessed how a single poor decision snowballs into a life altering event. If they’d just have chosen differently at first, the whole situation might’ve been avoided.” January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Feature
AroundAbout Cumming Backyard Beekeeping by Matt Coutu A recent drive through North Georgia sparked my interest in backyard beekeeping. I sat down with North Georgia residents Bryan Lake and Scott Kempema to talk about their hobby. “Georgia is an ideal place for beekeeping, because of the beautiful climate,” Bryan said. The best climate is above 50 degrees. Both Bryan and Scott started beekeeping just a year ago. “I wanted to become closer to nature. Also, I had a friend who did it too, and I thought it would be a cool hobby to pick up,” said Bryan. To begin beekeeping, according to Bryan, one usually starts with about 10,000 bees which can generally be bought from a local beekeeper (visit www.gabeekeeping. com for information). Bees begin to hatch 21 days after the queen begins laying eggs. The lifespan of the average bee is about six weeks, and each bee produces about 1/12th of a tablespoon of honey. A gallon of honey weighs about 11 pounds, more than an 8-lb. gallon of milk. Honey is collected usually once a year, during the summer. The size of an average hive is about 1 foot by 2 feet and beekeepers will add layers called “supers” depending on how much honey the bees produce. Usually the queen bee lives in the bottom super, or brood-chamber of the beehive. While bees typically require little maintenance, there are a few things good beekeepers can do to keep their bees from swarming (leaving the hive for a new home.) “Feeding the bees protein and sugar water will supplement their diet when natural pollen and nectar are hard to find,” Scott explained. “The feeding process takes about an hour a week for each hive, so it is not that time consuming.” The amount of maintenance depends on the time of year and how many bees are in the hive. In the summertime, less maintenance required because the bees are busy getting nectar and pollen for honey. Supplementary feeding is needed the rest of the year. The bees will usually do a pretty good job of keeping pests away from the hives, but they sometimes need a little extra help.
Did You Know? The honeybee is in a fight for its life! Honeybees are an important part of our ecosystem because they pollinate most of the fruits and vegetables we eat, so the honeybee’s survival is essential to our survival as well. Fiftypercent of the world’s honeybee population has been destroyed because of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Due to CCD, the worker bees abruptly disappear. Some believe that pesticides are the cause while others think it is the Varroa Mite. For details visit www.beedisorder.com.
Along with many others in North Georgia, Bryan and Scott have made beekeeping a passion. “You could call us backyard beekeepers,” Bryan said. Bryan and Scott are members of the Forsyth County Beekeepers Association, which meets the 4th Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. To learn more about this organization, visit http://www.gabeekeeping.com. Matt Coutu is a resident of Cumming. He is a student at Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs and an aspiring journalist. 32
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Schools & Sports
Get Ready
For the Second Semester by Kathy Martin
Remember that “go get ‘em” attitude you and your child had at the beginning of the school year? The certainty that setting aside homework time, limiting TV and recreational Web surfing and staying in close contact with teachers would lead to top grades all year long? If these seem like distant memories now that the school year is half over, you’re not alone. Unfortunately the midpoint of the school year can be a make-or-break time for addressing any problems that have held back your son or daughter. Taking a close look at the following indicators will help you determine if your child’s current studying habits and overall approach to school work are making the grade.
Indicator #1: Grades and teacher conferences Take a look at your child’s overall grades during the first half of the year. If you believe your child could have done better, talk directly with teachers to determine any issues that are impacting his or her progress. It’s also important to tell the teacher about any issues that may affect your child’s academic success. Family tension, financial concerns, health issues or marital problems directly impact a child’s ability to concentrate in school. Creating a partnership between school and home is a responsibility that both parents and teachers share.
as setting aside time for homework each afternoon or evening and maintaining a specific area of your house specifically for homework.
Indicator #4: The Work/Life Balance While sports, clubs and other school-related activities can round out the educational experience, they should never become more important than academic progress. It’s important to find the right balance between leisure and learning time. Take a look at your child’s academic success during the first half of the year and weigh it against all of the extracurricular activities that filled his or her schedule. Were there enough hours in a typical day to keep up with schoolwork while enjoying every activity? Working collaboratively, parents and students should prioritize activities that are most important, and create a schedule that strikes the right balance. Kathy Martin, Executive Director of the Huntington Learning Center on Bethelview Road in Cumming, may be reached at (770)292-8994.
Indicator #2: Standardized test results In recent years, parents and students have paid the most attention to standardized tests during the spring, specifically the CRCT, a test that can determine a student’s ability to graduate or move on to the next grade. Help your child prepare for these important tests by looking at the results of tests taken in the fall. If your child scored poorly in reading or mathematics at the beginning of the year, for example, you might pay particular attention to these areas as he or she prepares for the high stakes tests that will be given in just a few months.
Indicator #3: Homework While some students tend to complete homework successfully all year, many may have fallen out of the habit as the December holidays approached. January is a good time to ramp up for the coming months by re-establishing important routines, such
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Schools & Sports
School Information www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Elementary Schools Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 887-4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive, (678) 965-5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road, (770) 781-2240 Principal: Dave Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville (770) 887-2341 Principal: Rebecca G. Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 887-7705 Principal: Debbie Smith dsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street, (770) 887-7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, (770) 888-1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road, (678) 965-5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road, (770) 889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, (678) 455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway, (770) 887-6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (770) 887-1883 36
Principal: Donna Morris dmorris@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
High Schools
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, (678) 341-6481 Principal: Sharon Ericson sericson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, (678) 965-5020 Principal: Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, (770) 346-0040 Principal: Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, (678) 965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Middle Schools Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road, (678) 965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road, (678) 965-5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (678) 455-7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth Middle 2865 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 888-3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road, (770) 667-2580
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Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road, (678) 965-5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 781-2264 Principal: Dr. Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470 Principal: Richard Gill rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Private Schools Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road, (770) 205-8202 Principal: Elaine M. Francel www.cornerstonesch.com Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, (770) 674-2990 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, (770) 888-6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, (678)845-0418 Principal: Tom Davis www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road (678) 947-3583, (678) 947-0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, (770) 781-5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-6277 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 888-4477 Executive Director: Rick Swygman www.pinecrestacademy.com January 2011
Faith
Marriage Moments by Rev. Bill Ratliff What do you want your marriage to be? What do you, as a couple, want to accomplish together in this new year? Most couples I know would consider these questions very significant and have given some thought to the answers. However, most couples have not written down the answers to these questions, much less prayed about them. Even a year before our wedding, my wife and I sat down and wrote out our goals for the future in the form of a prayer. Over the years, we have continued this practice, which has helped us focus our attention on our mutual priorities. I realize some of you are asking yourselves: why should we “Writing marriage goals write down our goals? Isn’t that going a bit overboard? Not at all! Writing with each other helps create marriage goals with each other helps to create common ground, mutual common ground, mutual investment, and shared opportunities for personal growth and your growth as a couple. investment, and shared People make a very serious mistake when they assume they know what their spouse wants in their relationship. Several of television’s reality shows about dating illustrate that point beautifully. When the man orders from the menu what he assumes his date will like it, he doesn’t take into consideration what she might really want. He doesn’t score many points that way. How stupid is that? It is as stupid as not writing down your couple goals, praying over them and asking God’s help in achieving them.
opportunities for personal growth and you growth as a couple.”
Jeremiah 29:11 states; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Date Your Mate: Play the game of Risk with your mate. Make it fun without being too competitive. Use the game as a springboard for discussing and planning for certain risks you may be willing to take to bless each other this year through your marriage. Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766.
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January 2011
An Invitation to Succeed
Resolutions:
by Maria I. Morgan
We make ‘em, we break ‘em?
Remember how you felt when you got a new vehicle; or at least one that was new to you? Remember how you appreciated the new car smell or perhaps the fact that it was so much cleaner than your previous vehicle? You vowed to treat this car better than your last. You wouldn’t allow anyone to eat in it, and you would keep the interior neat and tidy and wash it every week. Then life happens. You’re on a long road trip to visit relatives and the kids are hungry. Surely you can make an exception to the eating rule! And then there are the days you virtually live in your car as you make your way to each child’s sporting event. So much for neat and tidy. When the weather cools down, it’s a bit less motivating to go outside and wash your car. Reality dawns: your well-intentioned vow to take good care of your car has gone by the wayside. New Year’s resolutions are often similar. We really DO want to experience change in some areas, but as January gives way to February and life happens, our good intentions remain exactly that — good intentions. Consider a different approach this year. Before writing down a single resolution, pray. Pray for wisdom as to where God would have you focus this year. Are there one or two areas He brings to mind? Write them down, knowing that He will equip you to work on those areas if you’re willing to follow His plan. He desires for each believer, “...to be conformed to the image of his Son...” (Romans 8:29; KJV). And He has guaranteed your success as you yield to Him, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6). Study His Word so you know what He has to say about the area in which you desire to grow. Remember this isn’t a selfimprovement project, but an invitation to a deeper relationship with the very God of the universe! His Word is a fountain of wisdom that will allow you to grow and have success in each resolution this year. Try it and see! Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for new beginnings. Give me wisdom to identify areas where You desire for me to grow. Show me passages from Your Word where You speak about these things. Give me a humble spirit to obey You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web at www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com.
by Pete Thomas “New Year resolutions are simply checks that people draw on a bank where they have no account.”—Oscar Wilde Ninety-seven percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions will abandon them within the first 30 days. When folks say, “Gee, I’d like to ____, but I just don’t have the willpower….” they are correct. All of us suffer from different hurts, habits and hang-ups. Here are some simple things you can do to improve your life: 1) Realize you’re not God. We all want to be the God of our lives, but we’re just not. We all are powerless to control our tendency to do the wrong thing. 2) If I’m not God, I need to believe that He IS, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover from the hurts that have been done to me, the habits I’ve collected along my life and the wrong way I deal with things, either through anger, shame, fear, etc. 3) Evaluate your relationships. Are you still hanging with the folks that keep you from becoming who you want to be? Ask forgiveness from people you’ve hurt. 4) Start small. You can’t change all of the things about you that you don’t like all at once. 5) Ask yourself, “What causes me the most harm in my life?” That thing you just thought of is where you need to concentrate. 6) Have some accountability. We all need someone who will, out of compassion, check up on us. Knowing there’s someone who will ask how I’m doing will motivate me to work toward my goal. At Celebrate Recovery (CR), we learn that if we live in the past, i.e., missed opportunities, broken relationships, abuse, failure or fret about the future, we lose today. In CR, along with other recovery programs, we emphasize living “one day at a time.” Truth be told, many of us need to live “one moment at a time.” Here are some resolutions you can easily make and keep this year. Be a friend to the friendless. Be an encourager when everything in you wants to give up. Find an accountability partner. Come join us at Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered recovery program for all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Pete Thomas is the Director of Celebrate Recovery. Please visit www. celebraterecovery.gutensite.com or call (678) 764-8660 for more information.
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Faith
Cumming Area Houses of Worship Assemblies of God
Northside Family Worship Center 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming (770) 888-8852 Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.visitnorthside.com
Baptist Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road (770) 887-6900 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. AWANA: Sunday at 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street, (770) 205-6699 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service: 10:50 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive, (770) 887-2428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15 p.m. AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Parkway, (678) 513-9400 Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. – Contemporary Service (SFC) 9:15 a.m. – Blended Service (Auditorium) 10:45 a.m. – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9, 10:45 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Bible Fellowship Pastor: Dr. Richard Lee www.firstredeemer.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road, (770) 887-4802 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening: 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7 p.m. Pastor: Chris Grinstead www.greaterheightscumming.org Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road, (770) 889-1959 www.longstreetchurch.com 40
Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday night adult and youth activities North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway, (770) 781-5433 Sunday Services: 8:30, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Spanish Service: 6 p.m. Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road, (678) 807-7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org
Episcopal St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, (770) 888-4464 Wednesday Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Joseph Greene www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, (770) 887-8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.episcopalholyspirit.org
Greek Orthodox Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., (770) 781-5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org
Lutheran Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday school: 9:30 a.m., all ages Sunday worship: 8 &10:45 a.m. Living Faith Lutheran Korean Church worship: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday evening fellowship meal (6 p.m.) Bible study for all ages (7 p.m.) Pastor Tim Droegemueller www.livingfaithlutheran.com
Other Churches Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 648-5248
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www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com Family By Faith Worship Center Honoring the ministries of adoption and orphan care 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), (678) 230-4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, (770) 887-5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org LDS Church 510 Brannon Road, (678) 577-4991 Sunday Service: 1 p.m. LifePoint Christian Church 5000 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta (678) 366-2797 Sunday Small Groups: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, (770) 888-5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
Presbyterian Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, (770) 887-6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net Korean New Vision Presbyterian Church Meets at Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road, (678) 200-5048 January 2011
The Country Preacher by David Hill December is the old man of yesterday and January is our child of tomorrow. The abbreviated pages of late December have been folded back to reveal January’s longer days and fresh opportunities. Many of the Bible’s greatest events happened in April, “the beginning of months.” After the flood, dry land appeared “in the first month” (Genesis 8:13) and Israel was delivered from Egypt “in the first month of the year” (Exodus 12:2). Our Lord’s death as God’s lamb was in April, as was the probable time of His birth. Our beginning of months is January. George Washington’s colonial army confirmed our Declaration of Independence by crossing the Delaware on Christmas day and defeating the Red Coats of King George. This month, our newly elected government leaders begin their service. The direction of our country was chosen by the November election and our nation will record another page of history. History cannot be our teacher when it is rewritten for political advantage. Imaginary bridges drawn on the map left by yesterday’s old man will not help January’s child ford the rivers of tomorrow. God’s prophet Isaiah wrote (59:14) “. . . truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” When truth is trampled underfoot, the road to
Sunday Services: 1:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Young Jeon Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road (770) 889-8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available for both services Senior Pastor: Bill Ford www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road, (678) 990-9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jon Adams www.thevinecommunitychurch.com
Roman Catholic Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road (770) 887-9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30, 9 & 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon; 5:30 p.m.
justice is obstructed. Today, much of our Christian heritage has been rewritten. Some have degraded the motives of the early settlers who came here for freedom from governmental religious restrictions. Our Christian forefathers have been accused of greed, cruelty and land theft. In reality, they were dependent upon the Indian for survival, their relations were amiable, and they reached agreement over the land. No one could have anticipated the masses of Europeans that came later. The early settler’s concept of land ownership and the Indian’s view of land use were parallel perceptions. Eventually, the world’s greatest warriors were defeated by plowing their prairie, killing their buffalo, and stretching wire that boxed their way of life. The Cherokee established a republican form of government called the Cherokee Nation and adopted many of the white man’s ways, only to suffer from a federal government that considered them wards of the state. After attempting his Total War on the southern women, children and elderly, Sherman plotted to exterminate the Indian. In his words, “The more Indians we can kill this year the fewer we will need to kill the next.” It was not the Christian settlers who were guilty of greed, cruelty and land theft. The constitutions of the 13 colonies required belief in God to hold office! Misrepresenting our Christian heritage is wrong.
Spanish Mass, 1:30 p.m. Weekdays: 9 a.m Pastor: Father Frank www.goodshepherdcumming.com St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road, (770) 205-7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Spanish Mass: 1 p.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Pastor: Father John Howren www.stbrendansatl.com
United Methodist Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith www.bethelview.net Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, (770) 887-2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon
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Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. www.cfumcga.com Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, (770) 887-0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway, (770) 887-0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net 41
Reference
Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations Business Networking Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Location: The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta Contact: (877) 581-1039 or ron@business400.com Information: The goal is to provide the 400 Community the opportunity to effectively network and to view the 400 corridor as a single economic engine. $250 annual membership fee. Visit twice for free. Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, (770) 886-0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all. Forsyth Area Networking Meeting: Every Wednesday morning from 7:15 — 8:30 a.m. Location: North Georgia Wellness, 104 Colony Park Drive, Suite 800, Contact: Dr. Forrest Watts, (770) 886-7070 or drforrest@ bellsouth.net Juli Phillips, (770) 205-9221 or juli@ForsythAreaNetworking.com. Information: Membership is $90 per quarter. You are required to attend two meetings before applying. Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thursdays 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location: (New) Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Fred Burak, (678) 677-0815 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. Georgia Leads Group of Cumming Meeting: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. Location: Stars & Strikes, 133 Merchants Square Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@ starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: Third Wednesdays from 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, (678) 965-5969 Lunch and Learn Meeting: Fourth Tuesday 11:45 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: Cumming Chamber of Commerce Contact: (770) 887-6461 or cfccoc@ cummingforsythchamber.org Information: Free for first timers. The cost is $5 for members. Pizza and drinks are provided.
South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. No fees. Location: Holiday Inn Express – John’s Creek, 7146 Mcginnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee Contact: Robin Grier (770) 887-2772 rgrier@harborfs.com Women In Business Networking Meeting: First Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street Contact: (770) 887-6461 Information: Free for members; $5 for non-members. Register online at www. cummingforsythchamber.org.
Charitable Organizations Georgia Highlands Medical Services Contact: (770) 887-1668 Information: This is a non-profit Community Health Center (CHC) serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979. Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: (770) 886-5419 Website: www.savethehorses.org Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: (770) 887-6480 Information: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. Website: www.forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: (678) 513-9400 Information: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. Website: www.thereshope.org Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306, Cumming Information: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy. Contact: (770) 889-8302, whisperinghope4u@ bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org
Civic Organizations Ducktown Chapter #460 — Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: 2nd & 4th Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Location: 4655 Canton Hwy. Contact: (770) 887-8147 Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org
Political Organizations Democratic Women of Forsyth County Meeting: Second Thursday Location: Different restaurants in Cumming Contact: Mary Chatfield, (770) 887-1106 Facebook page: DWFC GA Information: Democratic women meet monthly and the meetings alternate between lunch and dinner meetings with programs. Forsyth County Democratic Party Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: CooCoo’s Nest restaurant, corner of Freedom Parkway & Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming Contact: Ricia Maxie at ricialm@aol.com or Mary Chatfield at (770) 887-1106
Recreation & Hobbies Cuong Nhu Martial Arts Club Contact: (404) 423-3524 Meeting: Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: Central Park Website: www.meetup.com/North-Atlanta Cuong-Nhu-Martial-Arts-Club/ Information: No fees, open to 16 years + North Georgia Chess Center Location: 2450 Atlanta Hwy. Suite 1401 Contact: Joseph or Cathy Couvillion 770844-9204, northgachesscenter@gmail.com, www.northgachesscenter.com Information: Call for hours. Membership $15 per month or $150 annually. Lessons are also available please contact us for additional information. Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month; 4th Tuesday is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming Website: www.piecemakersquiltguild.org
Support Organizations AA Cumming Meeting: Meets four times daily Location: Ingles Shopping Center at 432 Canton Highway (Hwy 20) Second suite on far left. 24-hour information line: (770) 886-0696 Information: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County Website: www.aacummingga.org Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club Meeting: Third Thursday of each month Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Imy Rach, imyrach@yahoo.com Information: A luncheon with program, many interest group activities every week (ladies, mens, couples and singles). Open to all women currently living in the county. Website: www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org
continued on page 43 42
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January 2011
Clubs, cont’d
What a Difference a Day Makes continued from page 26
Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com Moms Club of Cumming — North Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com Website: www.momsclub.org Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location: Forsyth County Family Center 133 Samaritian Dr., Cumming, GA Information: Two support groups (family & peer) meet every Thurs. except the last when there is a speaker. Contact: namifdlga@gmail.com Website: www.namifdlga.org
Surviving
continued from page 15
of the normal range. Normally, your white counts only go up when your body has an infection. But, I am fine. The doctor says this is due to the steroid I am taking. I will write again soon. Seven more treatments until graduation!” The patient became a student, and the younger brother… became a hero. I know that our lives have been enriched by this tragedy. Most important, our lives have been made better because we’ve learned from Richard’s illness.
A degree of self-respect is also needed to set realistic and attainable goals. We do ourselves no favors when we aim for impossible targets or try to shape ourselves into something we are not. Finally, even our most sincere efforts require a high level of grace for the inevitable times when we stumble. No matter the date or the season, the future is like a blank paper waiting for the composition of our life. We hold the pen. At any time in our lives, all things can be made new. Nancy Johnson is an ordained United Methodist minister. She can be reached at nancy.johnson@ngumc.net. Read more of her writing by visiting her blog, A Feast For The Soul, at soul-feast.blogspot.com.
The Country Preacher continued from page 41
Our current discussions about making Social Security solvent are ignoring the changes in our values which are the real cause of the problem. We have imitated Europe’s disregard for family and marriage and no longer produce enough children to replace ourselves or contribute to the retirement system. Our federal government has borrowed from Social Security without repaying the money at interest rates comparable with private investment. Out-of-control health care costs also are a moral problem. Sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS are epidemic. There is no cure for many of the diseases that are acquired by our youth. Their medical and pharmaceutical costs will go on forever. Monogamous marriage is God’s solution. Rewriting history is not a cure. God first offers us blessings instead of judgment in hopes that we will repent. “ . . . despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4.
In loving memory of Richard Brennan Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and a frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church.
Holding a Summer Camp? Reserve your space now in our Summer Camp Section Our readers use this section to plan their summer. E-mail information to: cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com To advertise in this section, call (770) 615-3334. To be listed in our special Summer Camp Section for the March issue, the deadline is February 15. January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Reference
Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — Cumming • (770) 615-3334 Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center Medical Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive
6300 Polo Club Drive
(770) 479-1703 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
(770) 844-3200 www.northside.com
Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road
(770) 844-7494 (770) 886-7135
Health Department 428 Canton Highway
(770) 781-6906
Fire and Law Enforcement City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road Georgia State Patrol Libraries Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road Parks and Recreation 410 Pilgrim Mill Road
(770) 781-2000 www.cummingpd.net (770) 781-2180 www.forsythco.com (770) 205-5400
(770) 781-9840 www.forsythpl.org (770) 781-9840 Main Number: (770) 781-2030
Athletic Division
(770) 781-2215
Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road
(678) 455-8540
Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway
(770) 205-4715
Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road
(770) 781-3491
Golf Clubs Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive Polo Golf & Country Club 44
(706) 216-7336 (770) 887-0006 (770) 887-7656
Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road
(678) 513-1000
(770) 887-5432
Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
(770) 887-5715
YMCA 6050 Y Street
(770) 888-2788
POST OFFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road
(770) 886-2388
Schools See page 36 for complete listing Forsyth County Board of Education (770) 887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us UTILITIES City of Cumming (770) 781-2020 Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer (770) 781-2160 110 East Main Street www.forsythco.com Solid Waste Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill (770) 887-6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC (770) 205-6912 2535 Ivy Street East Waste Management, Inc. 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful
(770) 751-1304 www.wm.com
(770) 205-4573
Telephone AT&T Residential Business
(888) 757-6500 (866) 213-6300 www.att.com
Georgia Power Sawnee Electric Membership
(888) 660-5890 (770) 887-2363
AroundAbout — cumming
January 2011
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Reference
Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government: President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
(202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.tomgraves.house.gov
(202) 225-5211 GA: (770) 535-2592
Rep. John Linder (R), District 7 1026 Longworth House Office Building, Washington D.C. 20515 Website: http://linder.house.gov
(202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(404) 652-7003 fax: (404) 652-7123 (404) 656-5030
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602
Senator Steve Gooch (R), District 51 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23 e-mail: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov
(770) 844-6768
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24 e-mail: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov
(770) 887-0400
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
Commissioners: R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
(770) 781-2101
Brian Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5882
Todd Levent, District 3 (R) e-mail: tlevent@forsythco.com
(770) 781-2101
Patrick B. Bell, District 4 e-mail: pbbell@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5884
Jim Boff, District 5 (R) e-mail: jjboff@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5885
Forsyth County School System Superintendent, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.forsythco.com Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 889-0229
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 781-2010
Forsyth County Government:
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2101 Website:www.forsythco.com fax: (770) 781-2199
City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
County Manager Doug Derrer
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
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(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199
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(770) 781-2101
January 2011
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January 2011 AroundAbout — cumming
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Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! Carper & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry Tech............................................................................. 1 (678) 368-5991
Photographer
Kim Bates Photography................................................................ 1 (770) 617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Shelly Kent, Writer......................................................................... 5 (404) 232-9898
The Pawn Father........................................................................... 7 (678) 456-8683
education/instructi0n/counseling
Lake Nantahala................................ Inside Back Cover (828) 321-3101 www.visitlakesend.com
The UPS Store.............................................................................. 48 (770) 999-1052 5485 Bethelview Rd., Cumming
Brain Balance...........................................Cover, 24. 25 (770) 614-4790, (770) 650-8010 www.brainbalancecenters.com
Reflection - Lake Nantahala............. Inside Back Cover www.reflectionlakenantahala.com
Huntington Learning Center...................................... 5 (770) 205-2800 www.huntingtonlearning.com
Baba's Gyros & Kabob................................................ Inside Front (770) 888-8100
Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitaion................... Inside Front, 7. (678) 456-9122
Kennesaw State University, Cont. Education........... 35 (770) 423-6765 www.kennesawedu/coned.com
Dentists/Orthodontists Jordan Dentistry.......................................................... Inside Front. (770) 888-6262 www.jordandentistry.com
Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies Humane Society of Forsyth County........................................... 17 (770) 889-1365, (770) 887-6480 www.forsythpets.org 4440 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming
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Real estate & related services
REStaurants/food services
Good Measure Meals................................................................... 1 (404) 815-7695 Norman's Landing..........................................................................6. (770) 886-0100 www.normanslanding.com
Services/Retailers Miscellaneous
Free Home Traditions................................................................... 5 (770) 889-2570 Lance's Jewelry............................................................. Back Cover (770) 781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com 1705 Market Place Blvd., Cumming
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January 2011