june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
1
Volume 2, Issue 3
June/July 2010
Featured Articles
9
18 – 21 On the Cover
Lakeside Pharmacy, Jordan Dentistry, American Bodyworks and North Georgia Foot & Ankle Clinic Around About — Cumming is printed with soy-based inks and on paper made from at least 25% recycled paper. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. Mission Statement: Our mission, as a Publisher, is to help build stronger communities through the content of our magazines and to help our customers grow their businesses by providing a conduit through which they can gain market recognition.
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
6
Why My Dad is the Greatest
An essay by Noah Fore.
9
Pathfinder of the Month
Edvique Shaver
10
Livin’ La Vida Local
Simply Southard — Simply Delicious!
23
Voters’ Guide
A guide to help you make an informed choice at the polls.
36
Seniors and Prom Photos
The Class of 2010 celebrates.
Students from Ms. Shaver’s class collected a container ship full of donations to send to Haiti.
6 Kevin and Noah Fore.
In Every Issue Birthdays.............................................. 12
Clubs & Organizations........................... 42
Community Calendar............................ 15
Community Numbers........................... 44
Humane Society................................... 17
Coupons............................................... 45
School Information............................... 39
Elected Officials.................................... 46
Houses of Worship....................... 40 & 41
Classifieds............................................ 47
Contributing Writers Vicki Barnett......................................... 16 Matt Coutu........................................... 33 Ruth Goode.......................................... 13 David Hill.............................................. 41 Nancy Johnson....................................... 4 Shelly Kent........................................... 10 Kathy Martin........................................ 38 AroundAbout — cumming
Maria Morgan...................................... 14 Sen. Jack Murphy................................. 10 Christine Roberts.................................. 16 John Thomas, DC.................................. 22 Ann Vancza........................................... 37 Valerie Donta Young............................. 14 june/july 2010
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
3
Community
Publisher Around About Community Magazines, Inc. Owners Karen and Jon Flaig Title Manager Julie Brennan
It’s Time to Enjoy Life
High School Intern Katie Diem
by Nancy Johnson
AACM Production Staff Kara Kiefer Leslie Proctor Michelle McCulloch
I visited the green market at The Avenue. It was wonderful to see local entrepreneurs and gardeners offering their produce and I was filled with the excitement that generally comes around growing season. My one gloomy moment came from finding a table of tomato seedlings for sale. They were far healthier than mine.
AroundAbout — Cumming, a franchisee of Around About 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. It is distributed free by mail and at key distribution points to local residents and businesses.
I am a poor gardener. Gardening is something that I practice as a hobby, and so I have never bothered to become terribly well informed about it. Not surprisingly, my results show it. I have, therefore, watched as hopeful sprouts become fresh seedlings only to wither and return to the dirt due to unknown causes. I am learning the lessons that often come from tending things that grow: life on this planet offers little certainty.
Around About — Cumming welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.
Few of us will have ever experienced a life in which we did not have significant control over our surroundings. Dinner depends on little more than a trip to the grocery store; not on weather patterns or the luck of the hunt. Our shelter will likely be well insured against calamity. The economic conditions of the past few years have put a dent in our certainty, and yet we can’t seem to slow our chasing after the daydream of control.
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.
We will live healthier and happier lives when we recognize that we can’t catch this dream.
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 2010.
Life does its own thing. Plants will either grow or they will not. The rains will come or they will not. While we do our work and try our best to shape our future, it is helpful to approach the world and our existence with an openness and curiosity toward what is to come; to do our best to find joy in whatever life brings us, regardless of whether or not it meets our expectation. A good friend reminded me recently that none of us can predict the future. We all stand before the vast gulf of the unknown. We might as well take a deep breath and become friends with it, and learn to experience delight in all that life brings. Nancy Johnson is a resident of Forsyth County and the pastor of The River United Methodist Church. She may be reached at nancy@riverumc.org.
AroundAbout — Cumming 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340 Woodstock, GA 30189 Phone: (770) 615-3334 Fax: (770) 516-4809 cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com Franchise Opportunities Available www.aroundaboutmagazines.com
Volume 2, Issue 3 4
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Feature
My Dad is the greatest because he is my role model. He is a special education teacher and Sunday school teacher, cyclist enthusiast, and good person. We talk to each other about everything like the Bible, politics, history, and sports. Dad helps me do well in school by encouraging me to study and make good choices. He teaches me to be a “young man.” I feel special because my Dad loves me so much that he lost everything like his house, car, and money while defending himself relentlessly in court for seven years to keep me in his life. My Dad never thought of giving me up no matter what. That is what is what makes him more special than any other dad. When I was younger I had no clue what he was going through just for me. At the other part time house I lived at, I was bought things and taken places in an attempt to buy my love. Last year, Dad finally received primary custody of me, and I am very happy. He has taught me a lesson that I will never forget, which is that love is more important than any earthly possession.
Why My Dad is the Greatest!
Noah Fore, 13 years old Dad Kevin Fore
6
by Noah Fore
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
7
Community
News Around Cumming Forsyth County News The Forsyth County 2009 Annual Report is now available online. The report provides an overview of the progress and accomplishments that took place in Forsyth County throughout 2009. The report can be viewed at www.forsythcounty.com; printed copies are available for citizens to pick up at the Forsyth County Administration Building located at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 in Cumming. The state of Georgia has returned to a non-drought schedule for outdoor water use. Accordingly, Forsyth County residents can resume their outdoor water use following the non-drought schedule. Under this schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days. Odd numbered addresses (ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may use outdoor water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Even numbered addresses (ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no number) may use outdoor water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Outdoor water use on Fridays is still not allowed. Visit www. forsythcounty.com.
Ice Rink Opens to Public Sandy and Paul Ross are pleased to announce the opening of The Ice, a new full service public ice rink, located on Hwy 9 in Cumming (1353 Atlanta Highway) offering open skating, birthday parties, corporate meetings/outings, house league and travel hockey and much more. Visit their website at www.theice. info for more information.
Dance Academy Holding Registration The Cumming Dance Company currently is holding registration for the following camps: Fantasy Ballet/Tap Camp Dates: June 14 – 18 or July 19 – 23 Ages: 3 – 6 Rockin Jazz Camp Dates: June 14 – 18 or July 19 – 23 Ages: 6 – 8 Dance Intensive Dates: July 19 – 23 Ages: 6th – 12th grade Summer Dance Explosion
8
Dates: June 21 – 25 and June 28 – July 2 Ages 5 – 12th grade For more information on any of these camps, please call (770) 781-2667 or visit www.cummingdanceacademy.com.
Recognition Banquet Honors Those Making a Difference Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) recently recognized individuals, schools, community groups and businesses who are making a difference in the community during its 2010 Recognition Banquet. The following awards were presented during the event: Volunteer of the Year: Don Bailey Volunteer Group of the Year: Forsyth Central International Club Business of the Year: Worth and Associates Government Department of the Year: Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department Service to the Community: Forsyth County Community Connection Student of the Year: Kelli Mitchell Recycling Coordinator of the Year: Ute Hartzo Educator of the Year: Holly Loveland Class of the Year: South Forsyth AP Environmental Education Program Club of the Year: West Forsyth Beta Club Junior Business of the Year: Avenue Forsyth Junior Leadership: Sherri Black Adopt-A-Road Group of the Year: West Forsyth Green Club Adopt-A-Road Newcomer: The Bond Family Adopt-A-Road Volunteer: Friends of Caney Creek Green School Award for New Program (Silver Level): Haw Creek Elementary Green School Award for Improved Program (Silver Level): Vickery Creek Elementary Green School Award for Excellence (Gold Level): Big Creek Elementary KFCB works with government, businesses, schools, civic organizations and citizens to help maintain a clean and beautiful community. Volunteers are essential to the county’s beautification and can take part in programs such as Adopt-ARoad, Adopt-A-Stream and electronics recycling. To receive information on how you can become a Keep Forsyth County Beautiful volunteer, call (770) 205-4573 or email kfcb@ forsythco.com.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Pathfinder of the Month Edvique Shaver “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
T
he impact that teachers have in the lives of their students can have everlasting effects. Likely, we all have one or two of those great teachers that we remember fondly and may, at times, recall in a story. According to her own students and their parents, Edvique Shaver is a tremendous leader, great teacher, and exemplary advocate that moves her students to do great deeds while encouraging them to succeed in school work. It’s these attributes that make Edvique Shaver the AroundAbout – Cumming Pathfinder of the Month. Ms. Shaver is at the helm of the Vickery Creek Humanitarian Club– a group of civic-minded middle school children that lend their hands every day to humanity. Club members held its first We are stuck on helping Haiti fundraising event, where participating students were allowed to chew gum if they purchased a sticker showing that they had paid for that privilege. Funds raised were included in the contributions that became part of the club’s fundraising goal.
happens for a reason and everything is going to be okay!” — Amanda Brademeyer “She has taught me to help others, be open-minded and no complaining.” — Alexis Carter “We can’t ever complain because we don’t have anything to complain about; you can always lend a hand; being selfish doesn’t help anyone, especially yourself.” — Kaitlin Vasquezi
What impact has Ms. Shaver had on your commitment to community service? “She has helped me realize that there is always a way to help people, even though you are just ONE person.” — Kayleigh Farragut “Because of Mrs. Shaver, I want to be involved in community service when I can… ALWAYS!” — Autumn Harris “She has made me realize that my time really counts.” — Rebecca Gerhard “She has shown me that I can help my world and I will continue to do so.” — Sandra Bell “She has taught me to be a better person for the community.” — Jessica Bagwell
What was your favorite Humanitarian Club project?
Those who know her well describe, in their own words, why Ms. Shaver is a trailblazer they respect, admire and emulate.
“Helping Haiti because I love collecting and seeing how much stuff our school brings in.” — Alexis Carter
What is your favorite thing about Ms. Shaver?
“Helping Haiti because Mrs. Shaver taught us that everything sent in is much appreciated and that we should always have love in our hearts for Haiti.” — Matt Royal
“She always looks on the good side, no matter what the situation is.” — Chris Bissett “She makes everyone feel like an individual while also making them feel like they are part of something.” — Rebecca Gerhard “There are so many amazing things about Mrs. Shaver, but she is a great teacher, the most caring person I have ever met, and she is hilarious!” — Maci Royal “She puts other people first before herself.”
—Alexis Carter
“My favorite was definitely GUM DAY because I was one of the creators. Mrs. Shaver believed in us and praised us the whole way. We raised almost $2000 for Haiti.” — Amanda Brademeyer “Filling the container for Haiti because we got to know that the supplies we were packing are going to help people in need.” — Kevin Smith
“To own up to your mistakes; to help out when you can; and that any small donation is worth a lot.” — Kevin Smith
“My favorite project this year was filing the container because we got to see pictures of the people who got it and it made me happy to see those people, who have nothing, with smiles on their faces.” — Kayleigh Farragut
“To never put yourself down and leave your head held high; to always treat others with respect and never give up.” — Morgan Williams
“My favorite project was Jesse’s House because we got to fill baskets full of goodies to sent to the girls in the house.” — Morgan Williams
“To always have a positive attitude, not to let small things bring you down, and to help somebody every chance you get.” — Madison Kolofske
“My favorite was making comfort baskets for the girls at Jesse’s House.” — Madison Kolfske
What are the top three lessons Mrs. Shaver has taught you?
“Helping others is the best way to help yourself; when you are going through hard times know that it will end; everything june/july 2010
“I really liked making the Jesse’s House Christmas baskets. It felt good to make them happy, and I had so much fun.” — Kaitlin Vazquesi
AroundAbout — cumming
9
Community
Notes From the Georgia Senate
Livin’ La Vida LocaL
by Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Ga 27th District
Simply Southard? SImply Delicious!
Well the session at the General Assembly is finally over. This was the longest session in history. What made it so long you ask? We had to take time off to balance the budget. The state shortfall in the budget was approximately $1.4 billion dollars for the 2011 budget. The state has trimmed the budget from around $21 billion in 2008 to $17 billion in 2011. The only constitutional requirement for the General Assembly is to balance and approve the budget, no small task in the current unprecedented economic times. On the last day of session the Governor, the Senate, and the House came together in agreement on the budget. The General Assembly also passed a bill for a local referendum on transportation funding, after four years of debate, a badly needed piece of legislation. The House and Senate passed SB 360 a bill which I sponsored, that bans texting while driving for all Class C license holders, which are the adult drivers. It is estimated that when the Governor signs this bill into law, that 40 percent of drivers that are texting will stop simply because it is against the law. This law, much like the seat belt law will take some education before we can pick up the remaining 60 percent. SB 360 was named “Caleb’s Law” after a teenager who lost his life in an accident because he was texting while driving. HB 23 was also passed out of the Public Safety Committee that bans all cell phone use for Class D drivers, which are the teenagers. Both bills are awaiting the Governor’s signature. This session has been the most difficult of my eight years at the Capitol, but we did make significant progress in the last weeks. The General Assembly also passed the following legislation: Lawful Carry Law – SB 308 which is major reform in our gun carry laws that clear up grey areas in the law. Trauma Care – SB 277 which is the Constitutional ballot question which would require a $10.00 charge on automobile tags to support expansion of trauma care. Property tax reform – SB 346 which revises numerous provisions relating to real property tax assessments. Senior Income tax elimination – HB 1055 phases out the tax on retirement income. Ethics reform – SB 17 increases reporting requirements and fines. Georgia is expected to be 5th in the nation on ethics reform. The next session in 2011 is expected to be just as difficult, but we will survive. God Bless our State, County, and Nation. Sen. Jack Murphy (R-GA 27th District) He may be reached at jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov or (770) 887-1960. 10
by Shelly Kent Round and round she goes, and where she’ll stop, nobody knows! I can say that’s true for a lot of women when it comes to weight loss. The majority of us have our ups and downs, don’t we? I’ve been a fan of the lifestyle eating that Weight Watchers promotes and have been to my fair share of their meetings. What caught my eye about the meeting location near Hobby Lobby in Cumming is the crazy person who opened a bakery next door to the meeting center. Pure evil or marketing genius? The latter, it turns out. Margarie Southard dreamt of opening a catering business and opened “Simply Southard” in 2002. When she was painting the space, she had many people stop in on the way to their Weight Watchers meeting to comment on the space and, moreover, the intended products. One meeting leader commented that Margarie should offer a low-point option for meeting-goers. Margarie thought that was a brilliant idea and purchased the Weight Watcher Simply Southard cookbooks for inspiration.
655 Atlanta Highway,
What began as an irresistible Suite 601, Cumming temptation to the neighboring (770) 887-9410 business and its clientele became an answer to health-conscious individuals who wanted to indulge in a treat without blowing all of their hard work. Margarie’s offerings morphed from fat-laden, sugary bakery products into healthier, preservative-free baked goods. She caters to diabetics and those counting points, even translating the cookies, muffins, and bars into approximate points so consumers have an easier time making their selections. Recently, Gold’s Gym established their “Biggest Loser” competition and suggested that Margarie supplement her lunch offerings with a meal compatible to their eating program. Simply Southard now offers a low fat chicken salad, a low fat meal, and an “Elite Meal” which is made up of one carb, protein, and veggie, created to help “Biggest Loser” followers stick to their intentions. Why has Simply Southard been so successful for the past eight years? I think it’s because Margarie let others combine their dreams with hers. She responded to what her customers needed and incorporated their needs into her own dreams of running a business, thereby creating a niche for herself. Her two-point (humongous!) soft chocolate chip cookies are my
AroundAbout — cumming
continued on page 43 june/july 2010
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
11
Community
Happy Birthday!
Mara Jade McShea
Maria Gastineau
Age 3 on July 17 Daughter of Cara & Erik McShea Sister to Michael & Kaitlyn
Celebrating on July 28
Cherish Carr Age 16 on June 1 Happy Sweet 16! Love, Mom & Dad
Kim Furr Celebrating on June 23
Caroline Shaw Age 4 on May 18 Daughter of Heather & Hugh Shaw Sister of J.P., Andy & Matt
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Deadline is July 15 Christopher McCulloch
Garrett Kiefer
Age 11 on July 6 Son of Michelle & Jim McCulloch Brother of Bryan
Age 15 on July 24 Son of Kara & Mike Kiefer Brother of Brandon
No cell phone pictures, please. We need high resolution pictures for printing.
When you go on a vacation this summer, take AroundAbout — Cumming with you. Submit a photo of yourself holding the magazine. Two contest winners will be determined by the contestant who travelled the farthest in the U.S. and in the world.
Enter Our Summer Photo Contest! 12
Email to cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Mail to 1025 Rose Creek Drive Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189 Please identify where you are, city, state or country and people in photo from left to right. Deadline is July 15.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Forsyth Residents Applauded for Donating 25,000 Pounds of Food to “Stamp Out Hunger” by Ruth Goode United Way of Forsyth County partnered with the Cumming Post Office and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) on May 7-8 for the 18th annual NALC National Food Drive to “Stamp Out Hunger.” Approximately 25,000 pounds, or 12½ tons of non-perishable items, were collected from Forsyth County residents in zip codes 30040, 30041 and 30028. This was a significant increase from last year, when one ton of food was donated. United Way and the Post Office attribute this year’s success to the 44,000 flyers distributed to residents throughout the county the week before the collection. “It is amazing that something as simple as a flyer could result in such a tremendous response,” said Leigh Crow, Director of Community Impact for United Way of Forsyth. “We are very fortunate to have such a giving community.” Crow said the food was given to nine local ministries: Abba House, Compassionate Hands Ministry at Freedom Tabernacle Church, Cumming First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, L.A.M.P. Ministries, No Longer Bound, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry at St. Brendan’s Church, The Place of Forsyth County and Unseen Ministries Food Bank.
june/july 2010
“Through these generous donations, we will be able to increase our support of the community with food, household items, encouragement and more,” said Jeff Shumate, Community Outreach Director for Compassionate Hands Ministry. While the national food drive is planned for one Saturday a year, The Cumming Post Office and United Way designated Friday and Saturday for local efforts. “We hope to grow this partnership and the event each year to serve the local food pantries,” said Crow. The 85 letter carriers deserve a special thanks for the key role they played in Forsyth’s second annual event. The postal employees collected the 25,000 pounds of the food from their routes and delivered the donations to the post office. Employees of United Way and Cumming’s post office want to thank the Forsyth County residents who donated food this year. Their generosity will make a tremendous impact for families in need throughout the community. Many continue to struggle to support their families during these tough economic times and are grateful for the support from their friends, neighbors and relatives.
AroundAbout — cumming
13
Community
Take the Inside Out
Planning for Growth
by Valerie Donta Young
by Maria I. Morgan
Summer is finally here, and you want to know what do to that covered porch to make it look as if it is part of the house, not just a “plain old porch”? This is a question recently was posed to me. I began the design process by looking at their living room to assess the following things. What colors are they using inside the house? What style of furniture? What is going to be the main purpose of this porch? How much rain and/or wind does it get? How many people will it hold comfortably? Do you want upholstered furniture or sling or wooden chairs? Do you get much sun on the porch? You can ask the same questions of yourself. Now that you have answered these questions for either your interior designer or that frustrated designer that resides in your body, you are ready to start thinking about how to make the porch look like “inside out.” Obviously, the first step is to decide on the type furniture to use. But, if you already have some furniture you like, the process will be much less expensive and simpler. If you get rain on your porch, upholstered furniture is NOT a good idea as rain soaked cushions equals three days of drying (not too good for spontaneity). Flooring such as tile or stone requires a professional consultation if over a deck, but adds to the inside look. Next, choose colors to coordinate with your inside colors. Drapes made of a weather resistant fabric add to the ambience. Then add an outdoor rug under the seating area. The “after” photo (above) of the porch shows the finished product, with lamps, coffee table, accessories, drapes, plants: all things you use inside — just figure out the look that would make you happy and go for it. Budget, design, shop and enjoy. Whether with a professional or DIY, you CAN have that special outdoor room by following the simple suggestions listed here. Valerie Donta Young resides in Cumming. She is a “frugal” interior designer with more than 25 years of experience. She may be reached at (770) 844-6337. 14
The sultry days of summer loom ahead, full of promise and potential. For our yard, this means a number of things. The work of planting is done. Time to make the transition to fertilizing what has been planted. Beautiful fuchsia and white flowers have graced our azaleas and camellias this year, their nearly perfect blooms reminding us that it is time for their June feeding. To ensure hearty annuals, we apply fertilizer monthly during their growing season. Our perennials follow a different schedule, requiring us to apply fertilizer only once during the summer. Although the needs of each planttype vary somewhat, each “God gives us the Bible is in need of fertilizer which provides necessary as a guide book to nutrients so each plant provide the ‘nutrients’ can make its own food we need in order to through photosynthesis.
make good life choices.”
Surprisingly, we’re very similar to these plants. Following salvation, each of us is in need of ‘fertilizer’ in order to guarantee our proper growth. God gives us the Bible as a guide book to provide the ‘nutrients’ we need in order to make good life choices. The Apostle Paul encourages us, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Just as plants have unique requirements, the Lord knows our needs may differ from the needs of others. This poses no obstacle for our Creator. His word is able to meet every need, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). As we allow Christ to fertilize our heart’s soil, we will become more and more like the tree described by the prophet Jeremiah, “For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8). As you care for your garden this summer, choose to allow the Master Gardener to have access to the soil of your heart. Submitting to His will and way will yield fruit beyond compare! Maria Morgan is a freelance writer, and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Community Calendar: June / July June – July Babysitting Classes (Enrolling now for one-day, seven-hour classes) Ages: 10 – 15; girls and boys Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $90, discounts available for siblings and groups Location: Windermere - Cumming Information: Learn valuable life lessons that are incorporated into the care of children of all ages. In addition to the basics of babysitting, this course will include information on how to market your business to handling the unexpected events that may arise while caring for children of all ages. Graduates are certified in CPR from the American Heart Association. For more information and classes available: contact Barri Zehner, RN at babysitting101plus@yahoo.com or call (678) 367-1452.
June – July Forsyth County Summer Camps Cost: Varies by camp
Explorer Camp Explore the trails of Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Camp activities will focus on a different theme each week and include hiking, tree climbing, canopy walk ropes course, games, crafts and guest speakers. This camp is for children ages 7 to 10 and will be held at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eco-Adventure Camp Spend the week tree climbing, experiencing the canopy walk ropes course and visiting local sites to kayak, hike, swim and explore. Each week will include field trips to various locations, possibly including tubing, gold and gem panning, the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County and the Tellus Science Museum in Bartow County. Meet at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center. Eco-Camp Petunia Gardner (Mary Nix) and Denise Carleton of Reaping Nature Productions will present children ages 6 to 11 with activities, games and presentations aimed at connecting june/july 2010
campers to nature and the environment. All campers will receive a t-shirt and DVD of their camp experience. Camp schedule and details are available by calling (770) 490-1083 or by visiting www. reapingnature.com. This camp will be held at Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nature Tales: Grandparent/ Grandchild Nature Programs Dates: June 19 (Tremendous Trees), July 17 (Amazing Animals) and August 14 (Water Worlds) Time: 1 –2 p.m. Cost: $6 for county residents;$7.20 for non county residents. Information: Nature Tales is geared toward children between ages 3 and 5. The program will be a time for children and their grandparents to learn about nature together and will feature a story, nature craft activities and a walk. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. This class will meet at the SMPVC, 4075 Spot Road. Visit www. forsythco.com or call (770) 781-2217.
and pet-related demonstrations/events plus a variety of exhibit booths, food concessions and more. Children will love the moon walks, rock climbing and other kid-friendly activities. There is no entry fee for the Pet Fair! From 6 – 11 p.m., the fun will continue with Mutts and Music, featuring a best-dressed dog contest and live music music/entertainment. Mutts and Music entry will be $5 per person, plus $5 for dogs entering the contest. For more information, visit www.forsythpets. org or call (770) 889-1365.
Family Hike Date: July 3 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Cost: $6 for county residents; $7.20 for non-county residents. Information: Join a naturalist on a guided hike focusing on rocks and minerals along the trails of Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the SMPVC, 4075 Spot Road. Visit www.forsythco.com or call (770) 781-2217.
Pet Fair and Yard Sale Date: August 14 Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; pet fair 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road Information: Sponsored by the Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Enjoy pet vendors, a microchip clinic, AroundAbout — cumming
Send Us Your News and Events! Deadline is July 15 cumming@ aroundaboutmagazines.com
15
Lifestyle
Get a Leg Up on Varicose Veins by Vicki Barnett, RN, MSN, CNOR, director of surgical services, Northside Hospital
Life Is What We Make It – No Excuses! by Christine Roberts
They are not only unsightly, but varicose veins can cause a variety of problems for those who have them. Some 25 million Americans face a daily struggle with the twisted, blue bulges. However, they can be successfully treated, if not prevented, and there are steps you can take to help.
Several years ago, I found myself in a place where I was unhappy in my life. I had taken a promotion and moved to another state, but quickly discovered the job was a nightmare! My boss was a lunatic and the job required me to travel 90 percent of the time. I was single and because of the travel, I had no time to make friends. My quality of life was terrible!
What are varicose veins?
Leg veins carry blood to the heart, while numerous one-way valves prevent the blood from flowing in the wrong direction. When the valves do not close properly, whether they are damaged or diseased, blood leaks down into the vein and pools behind the valve. Although varicose veins are merely a cosmetic problem for most, they can cause throbbing pain, fatigue in the legs, swollen ankles and calves, burning or itching skin, skin discoloration and even leg ulcers.
Who gets them?
“An estimated 72 percent of American women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose vein symptoms by the time they reach age 60,” says David Fern, M.D., FACS, general surgeon on staff at Northside. “They are more prevalent than coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease combined.” Dr. Fern adds that several factors may increase your risk for developing varicose veins: l Gender – Women are more vulnerable than men because of menstruation, menopause and hormone-based drug therapies that cause hormone levels to fluctuate and vein walls to weaken, contributing to valve failure. l Heredity – If your parents or siblings have had them, you are more likely to develop them. l Excess weight – People who are obese or have had multiple pregnancies are particularly susceptible because the extra weight adds strain to the veins. l Physical inactivity – People who stand in place for long periods of time (nurses, teachers, flight attendants, etc.) have a higher-than-average risk. People who do a good deal of heavy lifting have that same level of risk as well.
Are they preventable?
By keeping your legs in good shape, you can help to prevent varicose veins: l Change position. If you sit or stand for long periods of time, take frequent breaks. Walk around, do some leg lifts, flex your ankles and consider wearing compression stockings. l Uncross your legs. Avoid crossing your legs at the knee or sitting with your legs crossed beneath you. Both postures hamper circulation and encourage blood to pool. l Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, biking and other continued on page 43 16
It dawned on me one day that I had been having the same gripes and conversations for months; every time I spoke with someone, it was the same story and complaints. Frankly, I was sick of listening to myself, let alone anyone else having to listen to me. So I made the decision to change my situation. I took action and found a new job that I loved making great money, moved back to Atlanta, met my husband and, before I knew it, my life was back on track. Do you know anyone who always complains about the same things every time you speak with them? Their marriage stinks, the kids don’t listen, they hate their job, they don’t have any friends, there’s nothing to do, they’re stressed out with all the activities every weekend, and on and on. Or, is this you? Well, why not change your situation? Find ways to enhance your marriage, attend parenting classes, participate in networking groups, get involved with your church, make an effort to meet people with your same interests, do an Internet search for things to do in your town, and finally, STOP filling your weekend with so many events. While most of us know solutions to our problems, actually doing something about them is another thing entirely. All too often we would rather complain about things before we put in the effort to make changes. So many times we feel like we’re stuck in a situation, but we’re not! The only two things for certain are death and taxes. Other than that, we are so blessed to live in the United States of America where we have the freedom to create the life we want to live. If life isn’t what you want it to be, assess the situation, and then empower yourself and make changes. Life is what we choose to make it! When you take charge of your life and embrace positive changes, you are a positive role model for your children and others on how to live life to its fullest. Now, get busy! Christine Roberts is a volunteer at Jesse’s House, (www.jesseshouse. org), a nonprofit organization works with state agencies to provide a safe haven and long-term care for girls ages 7 to 17 who’ve been confirmed to be abuse victims. To volunteer, e-mail: volunteer@ jesseshouse.org. Christine can be reached at cmroberts@comcast.net
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Looking for a forever home . . .
C
allie is loves to a young calico -tortie. play. She
Ebon
Della
Reece is a 3 year old boxer mix. She was made to play fe tch!
y is a gorg long ha ired bla eous ck beau She is a ty. lre and wo ady declawed uld rath er all the a ttention have to herself.
k lab. ful blac r e d n o aw u, he Bustert hisis shy act fool yqouick! Don’t le to give kisses up warms
Boo
kie wirehair is a very well b ehaved ed terrie r. Curre foster c ntly in are at C amp Bo w Wow .
Ziggy is an active shepherd mix w ho would love to go on hi kes.
Keno gives kitty hugs!
He is begging to cuddle up in his forever home.
ty rsyth Coun o F f o y t ie oc Humane S idge Rd Br h 4440 Keit GA 30041 480 Cumming, (770) 887-6 r o 5 6 3 -1 (770) 889 thpets.org www.forsy @forsythpets.org cue email: Res
Oliver is a sweet orange
tabby. Only 9 months old but already a lap cat.
The shelter is now 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. june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
17
Feature
Foot Care and Treatment
S
North Georgia Foot & Ankle Clinics
ince 2001, Dr. Bret Hintze and his staff have been providing the finest podiatric care to their patients. “We are committed to ensuring that patients who put their trust in our podiatric practice receive the finest care available. When someone has a problem with his/her feet or ankle, he/she deserves a friendly doctor and staff who listen and care about their health,” explains Dr. Hintze. His commitment to learning the most advanced, innovative and proven methods to better serve his patients are at the forefront of his practice. “I strive to ensure that each patient is able to be as active as they would like to be given their individual circumstances.” From routine checkups to treatments for surgery, North Georgia Foot and Ankle Institute is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. Services include the treatment of Achilles Tendon, arthritic foot and ankle care, athletes foot, bunions, diabetic foot, flat feet, ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis, to name a few. Dr. Hintze has a special interest in sports medicine; he coaches high school lacrosse and middle school football. He has treated athletes at all competitive levels. Dr. Hintze is
18
Board Certified by the Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. “Don’t ignore foot pain. It is not normal,” Dr. Hintze adds. If you experience any type of persistent pain in the foot or ankle, contact their office at (770) 889-9596.
A Few Basic Foot Care Tips Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete’s Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes and be sure to dry them completely. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
24/7 Health and Fitness:
American Bodyworks Works for All
T
he search for convenient ways to maintain our bodies healthy and active is a continuous process. We strive to complement our busy lives with habits that cater to our specific needs while helping our bodies remain healthy. Finding a body studio that incorporates fitness classes and top-of-the-line equipment is not as hard as it once used to be. “American Bodyworks is a 24/7 health club that meets the demands of health-seekers while providing access to the best in the industry,” explains Ashar Syed, owner of the Castleberry location in Cumming. “We offer a full service health club.” To achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle is not as precarious as some may have once thought. “We have certified personal trainers that are happy to assist our clients meet their specific goals,” adds Celeste Gordon, club manager. The club offers various opportunities to
june/july 2010
join making it possible for everyone to find the plan that best fits their needs. Their goal is to provide the best equipment possible and give their clients all that a large club has to offer in equipment close to where they live or work. The club also features a Body Sculpting Studio, with Yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes offered at various times. “We are excited about this great addition and know our clients will garner the benefits from this addition,” adds Gordon. Heralded as America’s premier 24-hour neighborhood fitness center, people of all ages can now enjoy the benefits of a health club close by. Health and wellbeing, coupled with exercise and nutrition are needed to achieve physical fitness. See how the experts at American Bodyworks can help you achieve your specific goals.
AroundAbout — cumming
19
Feature
Lakeside Pharmacy
E
Where technology and tradition meet
mploying all of the benefits that today’s technology brings combined with experience and tradition sets Lakeside Pharmacy above the rest. “Servicing our customers and meeting their expectations to the fullest are at the forefront of our services,” explains Dr. Apollon A. Constantinides, Jr., owner and pharmacist of Lakeside Pharmacy. Dr. Constantinides attended Pharmacy School at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy. He graduated with his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Mercer in 1996. His Father, A. A. Constantinides, Sr. was also a Pharmacist and owned and operated a chain of seven pharmacies in Atlanta. “Having grown up surrounded by the profession of pharmacy, I quickly developed a passion for it and continued in my father’s footsteps,” Dr. Constantinides explains. Lakeside Pharmacy’s two locations are known for their efficiency and outstanding customer service. “We will be second to none in customer service and pharmaceutical care,” he adds. Prescriptions are filled promptly and waiting in line is not the norm. “People who walk into our
20
pharmacy need prompt, accurate and exceptional service, with respect and care.” As part of their service, Lakeside Pharmacy delivers, at no cost. “Our free delivery service, by car or boat, ensures that our customers have their medicines on time and where they need them,” asserts Dr. Constantinides. “Some of our customers think it is too much of an imposition to ask us to deliver their medications, to which I simply say – it is not! It is what we do – we are here to serve you,” he adds. Along with free delivery and pick-up of prescriptions, 24hour on-call pharmacy service, and a full line of Durable Medical Equipment, Lakeside Pharmacy accepts more than 3,000 insurance plans in order to serve all of North Georgia and Metro Atlanta. They also offer an easy way to transfer prescriptions via their Web site – www.LakeRx.com. “I am honored to serve the patients and staff of not only Northside Hospital Forsyth but all of Forsyth County and the surrounding areas.” Described as a “top of the line store,” “you have questions they will answer them,” “best prescription prices in town,” and “A+4 customer service,” Lakeside Pharmacy stands out above the rest.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Do Crest Whitestrips Really Work? ®
T
by Sherry Jordan, D.M.D.
his is a common question I get from my patients. Crest® Whitestrips are a safe effective way to whiten your teeth if you have been to the dentist recently and you have a healthy mouth. Stained teeth can occur naturally as we age, but smoking, dark drinks and some foods and medications can cause teeth to stain. Teeth that have not been exposed to these for a prolonged period of time have a better outcome with Crest® Whitestrips. Crest® Whitestrips use a mild whitening agent to brighten the front six teeth. For my patients that are interested in using these strips and are a good candidate, I tell them to try them and see if they are happy with the results. For those with deeper stains, a wider smile, or that want a more drastic change in color, professional whitening can be done if the outcome they wanted was not achieved with Crest® Whitestrips. Two professional whitening options are custom made take home trays or whitening in the dental office. The custom made take home trays have a stronger whitening gel than Crest® Whitestrips and whiten all of the teeth
june/july 2010
in your smile. The in office whiteners done in the dental chair have the highest concentration of whitening gel compared to other whiteners and some systems can penetrate teeth deeper than the custom trays or Crest® Whitestrips giving the whitest smile the fastest. Dental restorations such as crowns, veneers and bonding will not whiten with whitening strips or gel. If you are considering any type of whitening, you need to visit your dentist to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and to see if you would be a good candidate for whitening. Some people say that just by whitening their teeth they look 10 years younger. Make an appointment with your dentist today to see which whitening system would work best for you. Dr. Jordan is a Georgia native who grew up in Conyers, and has lived in Forsyth County since 1999. She did her undergraduate studies at West Georgia College, and earned her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1995. She may be reached at (770) 888-6262.
AroundAbout — cumming
21
Lifestyle
Two Rules to Improve Your Health by John C. Thomas, D.C. People in general are becoming more health conscious and striving to become healthier. Some people start a new exercise program, eat healthier (including more organic products), or take supplements to fill their dietary void. Nutritional supplements are becoming more and more popular, but there still can be confusion for someone trying to decide which supplement to purchase. Patients constantly ask us to advise them about whether supplements or vitamins fit into their health needs. If you are like most of our patients who take a daily multivitamin and your diet is average at best, you may need more than just a multivitamin. Everybody is a little different with different health concerns. Here are a couple of rules that, if you follow, can help improve your overall health: increase your intake of antioxidants and increase your intake of quality Omega-3 fatty acids.
Rule #1: Increase your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants in your body neutralize free radicals, which are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when exposed to certain environmental conditions. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants help promote heart health and cancer prevention, support the immune system, and even help slow down the aging process. The average American diet is very poor and lacks enough antioxidants to neutralize these free radicals. The most important and abundant antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, and Selenium (remember A.C.E.S). Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats. Visit the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements for fact sheets that include a list of foods rich in antioxidants http://ods.od.nih.gov/health_information/information_about_ individual_dietary_supplements.aspx. Antioxidants are important for multiple reasons including its ability to protect against the harmful effects of free radicals by decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other diseases. Vitamin C assists in the formation of collagen, which is important for the health of blood vessels and gums, development of bones and teeth, and soft tissue healing. Vitamin C is recommended for patients who have a new acute injury or who are beginning chiropractic or rehabilitative care, because it speeds up recovery times and limits growth of scar tissue. Vitamin C also helps resist infection and boosts your immune system, allowing you to fight off colds and the flu. Selenium is thought to have some ability to control cell damage that may lead to cancer, and may act in other ways to stop early development of cancer cells.
Rule #2:
Increase your intake of quality Omega-3 fatty acids. The average American diet lacks the proper ratio of Omega-3
22
to Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega -3s are present in fatty fish, flaxseed or olive oil, while Omega-6s come from vegetable, canola, sunflower, or safflower oils. The average diet consists of an Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of between 20:1 to 50:1, this may keep you from optimal health and contribute to many diseases. More and more people are offsetting this ratio with Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. The biggest buzz with Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are fish oils. There are many different fish oil products on the market, which all vary in nutritional values. A fish oil supplement should have at minimum a 2:1 ratio of EPA to DHA (for example, a label that reports 2000mg EPA to 1000mg DHA). Anyone taking fish oil supplements should increase the antioxidant intake (preferably through diet) and add a vitamin B complex supplement to help break down the fatty acids for better absorption. Also it is extremely important to check if the product has been “molecularly distilled” (it will say this on the label), which means that it has been filtered and is free of metals and toxins. Various ways Omega-3 supports you (all which have been documented): l l l l l l l l l l l
Improves heart health Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides Supports concentration, mood, and memory Strengthens joints Decreases signs of aging Improves brain and nervous system development and function Boosts the immune system Protects cell membranes Balances blood sugar levels Improves skin health Decreases pain associated with arthritis and PMS
Remember these rules as you consider what to buy and why you are taking it. Most importantly, make sure you purchase a quality product to receive the maximum benefits for better health and a better quality of life.
Disclaimer Side effects with taking fish oil supplements may include diarrhea and indigestion. If you suffer from seafood or shellfish allergies, bleeding disorders, or are taking blood thinners, consult with your physician for the best Omega-3 fatty acid. As always, check with your physician before starting any supplementation program because there is always the risk of drug interactions. John Thomas, DC, is a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia, and has completed more than 250 post-graduate hours in Clinical Biomechanics of Posture (CBP) Certification. He may be reached at (678) 456-9122.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Feature
2010 Primary Voters’ Guide M
ore than ever before, Americans are paying attention to what’s taking place at all levels of government. Technology has empowered each of us to learn about more issues, discuss our opinions, build movements, and change the course of our community, state, and nation. While it is encouraging to see this trend, there still remains a large gap in voter participation in America. In my travels across Georgia, I am often asked if a single vote can make a difference. It absolutely can. In every election cycle, dozens of races are decided by a single vote or just a handful of votes. Recently in Georgia, two Mayoral races were decided by one vote. A single vote can be the difference between someone who you believe in winning and losing. As a father of three, I especially want to encourage young people to learn more about local, state and federal politics. No matter how large or small a campaign is, a surge in the youth vote can change the course of an election or the outcome of a policy debate. Today, young people are more connected and able to organize and make a difference. If you’re anything like me, you’re frequently frustrated with government. Whether you are concerned with your school board, your county, or your country, take a moment to think how the situation could have been affected with your vote. If you’re a regular voter, are you doing your part to help make sure your friends, family, and neighbors are regularly voting, too? Being an engaged voter is just as important as voting itself. I encourage you to learn about your candidates and their positions and spread the word about candidates you’re passionate about. Sincerely,
Casey Cagle Lieutenant Governor
Disclaimer: Each candidate applicable to our readership was either sent an Around About Voters’ Guide questionnaire by email or instructions were provided to complete the questionnaire online. Not all candidates responded to our request by the given deadline. All responses are printed as received, including grammatical and spelling preferences.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
23
Governor
24
DuBose Porter (D)
Roy Barnes (D)
Eric Johnson (R)
Personal Information
Age: 56. Birth Place: Dublin, GA Marital Status: Married Current Profession: Newspaper publisher. Education: Undergraduate degree from Davidson College and law degree from Cumberland School of Law. Hobbies: Hunting and Fishing.
Age: 62. Birth Place: Mableton, GA. Marital Status: Married to wife Marie. Profession: Attorney, Barnes Law Group. Education: B.A., University of Georgia, J.D., University of Georgia. Hobbies: Reading, hunting, spending time with my 6 grandkids, attending Braves games and concerts at the Mable House, grilling out with friends and family.
Age: 57. Birth Place: New Orleans, LA. Marital Status: Married to Kathryn. Profession: Architect. Education: Masters of Architecture, Tulane University 1976. Hobbies: Fishing and hunting.
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Dedicated, sincere, passionate and persistent.
Creative, loyal, hardworking, and competent.
Dedicated, sincere, passionate and persistent.
How long have you lived in Georgia?
All of my life
62 years – my entire life!
33 Years
Who is the person you admire most and why?
Carol Porter, my wife, because of the way she has nurtured and loved our four boys.
My father taught me some of life’s most important lessons. Despite only having a seventh grade education, my father became a successful businessman through his tremendous work ethic and his ability to build relationships. Most importantly, he taught me that there is always opportunity, even in difficult times.
George Washington. He had the courage, skills, and vision to lead our fledgling country into greatness. I tried to follow his example when leading Georgia’s Republican Party to majority for the first time in 150 years.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
The Governor oversees the executive branch of state government, manages the state budget and can veto legislation that the General Assembly passes.
The Governor has many duties, but I believe that the Governor’s number one job is to educate the next generation of Georgians. As Governor, I will not support teacher furloughs and I will not renege on salary obligations. A robust public education system is the only guarantee that our children – and our families – have for a promising tomorrow. Protecting public education is the key to making Georgia work.
The Governor is hired by Georgia’s citizens to lead their state. The people choose a leader who will balance the budget and develop policies that will revive our state’s economy and create jobs. The Governor must be someone who will fight for what is right. The Governor must focus on the primary duty of a state—to educate its children. The Governor must make education a top priority because a good education equals good jobs.
Why do you think you will make a good Governor?
I am the only candidate with the background and experience that can unite Georgia and bring prosperity back to our state. Being from rural Georgia, I can go to cities such as Americus, Blairsville, Hawkinsville and Darien with credibility and explain why it is good for them that we help Counties such as Forsyth. With this kind of leadership I will unite Georgia and get our economy moving again.
I have a plan to make Georgia work. I believe that I have the experience and vision to solve many of the problems that Georgia is facing, and I am offering concrete solutions to address our state’s challenges. Should I be elected, I will be ready to go to work for Georgians all across the state on day one.
I love this state and have a passion for making it better. I want to put my proven ability to get things done to work for Georgia. We can get Georgia back to work by improving infrastructure, reforming our tax code, transforming education, and making sure we’re positioned to compete in the 21st Century global economy. I have the conservative record and experience to show I am just the guy to get it done.
What are the most important issues facing the State of Georgia and if elected, what would you do about it?
The most important issue facing Georgia is a lack of leadership. We are not making education, transportation, water and public safety a priority. It is costing us jobs and hurting our economy. Industry seeking to relocate wants to go to states where they make these issues a priority. As Governor I will do that and bring leadership to the Capitol. Together, we can make Georgia prosperous once again.
Our campaign is focusing the issues that matter to Georgians – education, transportation, water, and, most importantly, creating jobs and fostering economic opportunity all across our state. We simply cannot take full advantage of the opportunities that the future will bring Georgia without strengthening our economy and getting back on course in these key areas.
The single most important issue is putting Georgia back to work. We must build Georgia’s infrastructure-- roads and reservoirs that the private sector needs to grow and prosper. We must make Georgia the energy leader in the Southeast by expanding all energy sources. We must incentivize entrepreneurs and get government off the backs and out of the pockets of business. And we must concentrate on personalizing education for each child.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Governor
Karen Handel (R)
Jeff Chapman (R)
Nathan Deal (R)
Age: 48. Birth Place: Washington, D.C. Marital Status: Married to Steve Handel. Profession: Former Secretary of State. Education: Attended the University of Maryland – University College. Hobbies: Golf, reading and watching football.
Age: 50. Birth Place: Brunswick, GA. Marital Status: Married to Angela Chapman for almost 29 years. Profession: State Senator of three terms, retired businessman. Education: Glynn Academy High School. Hobbies: Spending time with my family, hunting, fishing, and reading.
Age: 67. Birth Place: Millen, GA. Marital Status: Married to Sandra. Profession: I recently retired from the U.S. House of Representatives as the member of Georgia’s 9th Congressional District. Education: I have a law degree from Mercer University. Hobbies: Fishing, farming, reading, spending time with family.
Tenacious, conservative, pragmatic and ethical.
Dependable, persistent, thoughtful, principled.
Christian, conservative, patriotic, respectful.
18 years
My entire life.
Entire life.
My Dad. He is the most hardworking, honest, strongest individual I know. Looking back, I know he sacrificed so much for me, my brother and sister, and instilled in me the values that guide me today.
My grandfather; he was born into extreme poverty and his parents died at a young age but despite those hardships he kept a positive attitude. He was a considerate person and a successful businessman. I admired his diligence towards doing a job right and treating people with respect and fairness.
My mother, Mary Deal, was a longtime public school teacher and a widow for nearly 40 years. She was a woman of great determination, who promoted hard work and Christian values.
Our Governor must be a leader and a strong executive. It is one thing to vote on legislation. It is another matter entirely to implement and execute. A Governor doesn’t have the luxury of voting and going home. He or she must be able to see projects through from beginning to end – to actually “do” and deliver results. Our Governor must be willing to make the tough decisions regardless of the political consequences.
The Governor is the chief executive officer of the state and runs the executive branch, is Commander in Chief of the state’s military forces, is responsible for the safety of Georgia’s citizens, and serves as an Ambassador of Georgia, attracting new industry and business. The governor is the “gatekeeper” who is responsible for ensuring that the citizens’ best interests are represented in state government and in interactions with the federal government.
The governor is Georgia’s CEO and COO. As governor, I will oversee the state’s day-to-day operations and keep the government running effectively and efficiently. But just as important, the governor must lead and provide vision for the state’s future. He must set the legislative agenda and serve as the state’s ambassador and salesman. I’ll accomplish this by keeping an open door policy with legislators and hardworking Georgians.
I bring the required combination of professional, executive, and political experience to do the job. I am not a career politician, but a business minded professional. I am a tenacious problem solver ready to tackle the difficult issues we face and am prepared to put my personal political capitol on the table to do what is needed for our state.
As I have in the past, as Governor I will uphold conservative principles. This entails raising the bar for ethical and moral standards so we can root out the politics of favoritism and return honor and integrity to government. I will judge ideas on their merits rather than on who proposes them. I will work to steer political discussion away from inflammatory rhetoric and towards open and rational discourse. I will definitely be a servant leader.
Georgia faces its most trying time in the modern era, and I have the experience, vision and credentials needed to lead this state through rough waters. I’m the only candidate who served this nation in uniform; in addition to running small businesses, I have served Georgia at the local, state and federal level as a prosecutor, judge, state senator and congressman. I’m seeking this office because I have a passion for serving the people of Georgia, and I want to go right to work creating jobs and a better future for families.
We face many difficult issues in the areas of transportation, water, jobs, education and health care. I have a plan to address each of those. The top priority is to get our economy moving again. To do that we must reduce state spending, streamline government, and reform our tax code reducing the burden on Georgians. I am the only candidate with a proven track record of actually getting the job done in the toughest of environments.
Georgia not only has an unemployment crisis, but an ethics crisis as well. It is no secret that sweetheart deals, special interest ties, and moral bankruptcy trouble our state government, and that is inexcusable. As Governor, I will lead the return to conservative, principled public service. This translates into promoting lean and smart government, keeping taxes low, prioritizing budget items by merit not politics, providing incentives for job creation, and improving the quality of education.
Creating jobs. Period. No other issue comes close to its importance to Georgians in these tough times. I will actively recruit businesses in the medical technology fields. I will lower the corporate tax and give a grace period on taxes to new business. Georgia’s diverse population and business-friendly climate combined with our strong health care infrastructure make Georgia an ideal location to relocate or start a business.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
25
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
Michael Mills (D)
Casey Cagle (R) Incumbent
Personal Information
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Husband and father, honest, conservative, generous.
How long have you lived in Georgia?
I am a seventh generation Hall County resident and am proud to have called Georgia home my entire life.
Who is the person you admire most and why?
I most admire my mother. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for me and instill the values and principles that still guide me to this day. As a husband and father of three, my appreciation, respect, and admiration for my mother have only grown.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
Why do you think you will make a good Lieutenant Governor?
What are the most important issues facing the State of Georgia and if elected, what would you do about it?
26
Age: 44. Birth Place: Gainesville, GA. Marital Status: Married. Profession: Lt. Governor of Georgia. Education: Attended Georgia Southern University. Hobbies: Biking, swimming, running, golf.
In my four years as Lt. Governor, I have been a conservative leader for Georgia families, small businesses, and communities. As President of the Senate, my focus has centered on passing meaningful reforms that set Georgia on firm footing for the future. From cutting three billion dollars in wasteful government spending to passing a jobs package that helps get Georgians back to work, I have been a solutions-oriented leader during difficult times for our state.
Personal Information
Age: 36. Birth Place: Rochester, NY. Marital Status: Single. Current Profession: Owner of a public relations consulting practice. Education: Bachelor of Arts, Hobart College; Master’s of Arts, Georgia State University
List 4 words to describe yourself.
n/a
How long have you lived in Georgia?
13 years
Who is the person you admire most and why?
My grandfather who exemplified the Greatest Generation – earned a Bronze Star in World War II and then came home and served his family and community. He taught me the importance of giving of yourself and committing to civic activity.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
The Secretary of State runs five divisions: Archives; Corporations; Elections; Professional Licensing; and Securities. The office touches every part of our lives, managing our history, business, votes, more than 400,000 licensed professionals and our stocks and retirement funds. We must elect someone who has a vision for moving the office into the 21st Century from its current 20th Century bureaucratic state.
Why do you think you will make a good Secretary of State?
A proven track-record of solving policy problems – studying issues, generating common sense ideas and uniting people in government, non-profit and corporate settings. His experience includes: politics – aide to Secretary of State Lewis Massey and Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor); corporate world – designing programs to create jobs and managing health care and environmental legislation; and elections expert – grad thesis on elections, launched a non-profit to activate citizens and wrote the book “Battling Democracy’s Decline.
What are the most important issues facing the State of Georgia and if elected, what would you do about it?
Georgians need a government that helps them dream about a brighter future, while providing basic resources to make those aspirations possible. That’s why I will: Ensure the security of Georgia’s election system while removing unnecessary barriers to voting for all eligible citizens; grow jobs by moving the Corporations Division from a 20th Century bureaucracy to a 21st Century business center; and protect citizens against financial ruin and fraud through the Professional Licensing and Securities Divisions.
During these difficult times, one of the greatest challenges Georgia faces is an out-of-control federal government. I believe Washington should take a page from the Georgia playbook: cut wasteful government spending, balance the budget without raising taxes, and create new economic opportunity through pro-growth policies. If reelected, I will continue working for common-sense reforms that ignite our state’s potential and will transform Georgia into a national leader for growth and job creation.
The most important issue facing our state today is unemployment. Our state must be at the forefront of creating jobs and new opportunities through a pro-growth, pro-business environment that rewards investment, innovation, and ingenuity. We must forge new public-private partnerships that attract business to our state, promote our ports and airports as engines of our economy, and keep taxes on Georgia’s citizens and businesses low.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Attorney General
Max Wood (R)
Sam Olens (R) Personal Information
Age: 52. Birth Place: Miami,FL. Marital Status: Married to Lisa for 25 years with two children. Current Profession: Lawyer, Ezor & Olens. Education: A graduate of Emory University School of Law, Master and undergraduate degrees from the American University in Washington, D.C. Hobbies: Travel, Tennis, Reading.
Age: 50. Birth Place: Atlanta, GA. Marital Status: Married. Current Profession: Attorney. Education: B.S. LaGrange College, J.D. University of Georgia. Hobbies: Writing, history, traveling, public speaking, spending time with family
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Honest, Tenacious, Humble, Loyal
Tested, strong, proven, leader
How long have you lived in Georgia?
30 years
I have lived in Georgia all my life with the exception of five years when I was in the Air Force.
Who is the person you admire most and why?
My Aunt, who took me into her family and reared me after my Mom died when I was 5 years old and my Father died when I was 12 years old. After marrying and rearing my own children, I now understand and appreciate the sacrifices and love she demonstrated.
I most admire my father, Jim Wood, Jr. He is an honest self-made Christian man. He has shown by example how to be a good husband, father, and community leader.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
The primary responsibilities include:
The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer for the state. The Attorney General heads up the legal representation for the state and provides legal opinions to Constitutional officers and state agencies. The Attorney General also represents the state in litigation.
Serves as the legal advisor and provides opinions for all state agencies, departments, authorities and the Governor. Represents the State in capital felony appeals before the Georgia Supreme Court. Represents the State in all civil cases before any court.
Why do you think you will make a good Attorney General?
My 27 years of legal experience gives me the constitutional knowledge required. As Chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, I fought for all Georgians on statewide issues such as water and transportation. As Chairman of Cobb County, I successfully managed and balanced an $820 million budget and 4,500 employees. I will use my legal knowledge, my public service and executive management experience to protect and serve Georgia citizens.
For eight years I was the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The job is similar to an Attorney General. I am the only candidate who is a military veteran, and the only candidate who has over twenty years of state, federal and military prosecution experience. In 2005 I went to Iraq to help that country set up its legal system. I personally prosecuted the largest child molestation case in Georgia history.
What are the most important issues facing the State of Georgia and if elected, what would you do about it?
Water: I will file law suits necessary to assure all Georgians have sufficient water supply.
The first thing I would do if elected Attorney General is continue the ongoing litigation against the Obamacare Legislation. There are increasing issues regarding the federal government encroaching into state’s rights, and I would develop an appellate division that would handle such issues. Georgia also has a continuing problem with the three state water battle and I would use my prosecution and litigation skills to represent the state in this matter.
Heath care: I will challenge the federal heath care bill. Redistricting: I will prepare for and defend 2011 redistricting efforts. Ethics: I will strengthen current ethics laws and prosecute elected officials who violate their oaths of office. Gang and Drug Crime: I will create statewide grand juries to strengthen the current system and expedite prosecutions in gang and drug crimes.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
27
Insurance Commissioner
Tom Knox (R)
Seth Harp (R)
28
Personal Information
Age: 67. Birthplace: Monticello, Arkansas. Marital Status: Married. Profession: Attorney. Education: B.S. Pharmacy, Auburn University – 1966; Juris Doctor, Mercer University – 1972. Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Gardening.
Age: 66. Birth Place: St. Louis. Marital Status: Married. Current Profession: Attorney. Education: BA, JD. Hobbies: Sailing, Boating, Reading, Snow Skiing, Trap and Skeet Shooting
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Honest, Hardworking, Fair, Caring
Committed, Educated, Loyal, Engaged
How long have you lived in Georgia?
41 years
40 years
Who is the person you admire most and why?
Rev. Bill Hinson. He led me to the Christian walk but with respect and caring for everyone he reached. His Christian life was a role model for me.
My parents, Pastor, President Ronald Reagan, and several teachers, together they formed, informed and inspired me.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
The Insurance Commissioner has the responsibility of enacting and enforcing the laws as they pertain to the areas of insurance, fire and safety and industrial loans. The Insurance Commissioner also has the responsibility and oversight of the fiscal soundness of the State of Georgia.
Enforcing laws governing the Insurance Department, Fire Safety Office, Small Loan companies, Racetracks, Mobile Home Industry, protects the person, property and financial assets of Georgia citizens, and formulating regulations to enforce state laws.
Why do you think you will make a good Insurance Commissioner?
I have the education, temperament and a lifelong history of integrity. I also have a proven relationship with the General Assembly and knowledge of the law. I am a compassionate and caring person who has the desire to help his fellow man. I have a drive to seek out and solve problems with logic and fairness to all concerned. As Georgia’s next Insurance Commissioner, I will practice these character traits and knowledge
I have 20 years of experience in the Insurance industry. I know the practical realties of the industry. I have operated my own law practice business for 20 years. I know what it takes to operate a small business. I know how important insurance of all kinds is to small business and individuals. I have 10 years experience in the Georgia House of Representatives with 6 of those years as Chairman of House of Insurance Committee.
What are the most important issues facing the State of Georgia and if elected, what would you do about it?
The foremost issue facing Georgia is our fiscal condition. I would prioritize my office in such a way as to maximize use of tax payer funds. The second greatest issue is the usurpation of our insurance industry by the federal government. I will work, where possible, to stop and protect the interests of the people of Georgia.
Reducing the role of the Federal Government, Reducing the size of the Federal Government, Reducing spending at all levels of government, Surviving National Healthcare, Work to rescind and revoke the National Health Insurance laws to save our health care system and the right of individual choice and decisions involving healthcare, Making more free enterprise choices available to consumers for their insurance, financial and safety needs.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
State School Superintendent
Dr. Beth Farokhi (D)
Brian Westlake (D)
Richard Woods (R)
Personal Information
Age: 62. Birth Place: Augusta, GA. Marital Status: Married. Current Profession: Educator. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Health & Physical Education, LaGrange College; Master in Arts in Teaching, Emory University; Doctorate in Higher Education, University of Georgia. Hobbies: Reading, swimming, writing, volunteering
Age:40. Birth Place: Hialeah, Florida . Marital Status: Married for 18 years. Current Profession: High School Social Studies Teacher. Education: U.S. Marine Corps 1987-1991, BA History FSU 1996, MS Sociology FSU 1998, MPA GSU 2006, JD GSU 2006
Age: 47. Birth Place: Pensacola, Florida. Marital Status: Married to Lisha Woods. Current Profession: Principal over the Irwin County Pre-K, alternative school and home school programs. Education:B.S. Secondary Education, Social Studies and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Hobbies: golf, painting and reading
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Dedicated, Leader, Educator, Knowledgeable
Teacher, leader, advocate, citizen
Christian, Husband, American, Educator
How long have you lived in Georgia?
Whole life
12 years
37 years. The U.S. Navy invited my family to move around as a young boy.
Who is the person you admire most and why?
My grandmother, who was courageous, lived with compassion and kindness to help others, and had an inner strength that she used in her every day life. Her priority was always family and making each person feel special, but love of children was central and she always provided creative and fun ways to care for those who came into her daily life.
I once had a student who had lost her mother to cancer during the school year, and her father had fallen into a deep depression. Despite all these challenges, she was able to complete high school and provide the emotional support that her siblings and father needed. To this day, the story inspires me, and I don’t know how she did it.
Jesus. I am eternally thankful that God’s Son gave the ultimate expression of love by bearing the punishment and death for my sin. Furthermore, He is the example of servant leadership. It is this model of leadership that I plan to bring into the office of State Superintendent of Schools.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
The State School Superintendent is a constitutional position and is the executive officer of the State Board of Education and the administrative chief executive officer of the Department of Education. The State School Superintendent shall carry out and enforce all the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and the laws governing the schools receiving state aid and make recommendations to the state board. (GA Code 20. EDUCATION O.C.G.A. § 20-2-30 (2009)
The State School Superintendent’s primary job should be to constantly advocate on behalf of our public schools, our teachers, and the students they serve. This is the most important of the State School Superintendent’s duties.
I believe this office is to be the defender of the classroom. The classroom is the area of impact for public schools. The superintendent must develop and communicate budgetary, curriculum, and educational policy that will maximize teaching and student learning inside the classroom. This office must also defend and speak out against policies that would deter the performance of our public schools. This office must be the spokesperson for education; it must also be its biggest listener.
Why do you think you will make a good State School Superintendent?
For over 35 years, I have worked tirelessly in education. My expertise, knowledge, leadership, and passion are marked by a record of professional achievement at the local, state, and national levels with in-depth experience across the education spectrum. I have been a classroom teacher, a university administrator in the College of Education at Georgia State University working with curriculum development for teacher education, and a board member for national nonprofit organizations focused on education. www.BethforEducation.com
I have the passion, leadership skills, and recent classroom experience to intimately know the problems currently facing our schools.
Experience that Counts. I am the candidate who has experience from Pre-K through 12th grade as either a teacher or an administrator. For fourteen years, I served as a high school social studies teacher. During the past seven years, I worked as an assistant principal, K-2 principal, and an on-site K-5 curriculum director. I am presently the principal over the Pre-K, alternative school, home school, and hospital homebound programs for the Irwin County School System.
What are the most important education issues facing the State of Georgia, and if elected, what would you do about it?
Inadequate funding; which is the first obstacle to a strong education in Georgia followed by a curricula that is too focused on teaching to standardized tests and not enough on content, creativity and critical thinking. As Superintendent of the State I will be an advocate for our children, professional teachers, and parents. I will provide leadership and vision. The schools must provide a balanced curriculum for the whole child that encompasses the intellectual, creative, and physical.
We are at a critical time in education in our state. We need a State School Superintendent who has the vision and energy to build a coalition of groups and citizen that will rebuild the foundation of support for our public schools. We also need a leader who is a teacher and will reestablish a professional culture in education.
Classroom integrity, educational governance, and funding.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
1) Provide students with a safe and orderly leaning environment 2) Establish a solid foundation by requiring mastery of reading, writing and math in grades K-5 3) Offer diploma choice 4) Become student driven and not test driven 5) Protect Georgia’s Constitutional right to govern education 5) Conduct a complete audit of the department of education 6) Offer financial and decision making flexibility to local school systems.
29
Forsyth County Commissioner
James Harrell, Jr. (R) Incumbent District 3
Ralph “Pete” Amos (R) District 1
30
Personal Information
Age: 58. Birth Place: Decatur, GA. Marital Status: Married, Current Profession: Owner/Operator of Amos Plumbing & Electric Co., Inc.. Education: BBA in Finance – University of Georgia. Hobbies: Farming
Age: 65. Birth Place: Greenwood, SC. Marital Status: Married. Profession: Forsyth County Commissioner, District 3. Education: Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. Hobbies: Sailing, snorkeling and fishing.
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Fair, Dependable, Honest & Dedicated
Experienced, leader, Christian, conservative.
How long have you lived in Georgia?
50+
17 years
Who is the person you admire most and why?
Dr. Marcus Mashburn Jr. (deceased). He was a fair and honest man. He practiced medicine for the joy of it, not for the monetary gain. He never sought recognition for anything he did City and County even though his contributions were many.
Ronald Reagan is the man I admire the most. I share his conservative views and optimism about America. I wish I shared his great oratorical skills that he used so effectively as president. This country is in dire need of a “new” Ronald Reagan.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
Provide fair and impartial leadership for his District and the County. He should practice fiscal responsibility. He should be available at all times to confer with his constitutes and listen to their concerns. He should at all times be a good representative of the county and promote the County’s interests.
As the People’s Advocate, commissioners are elected to set the policies to ensure that Forsyth County is a great place to live, work and play. This includes public safety, low taxes, quality growth, road improvements, water supply, recreational opportunities and job creation. Commissioners must insure open, honest and efficient government.
Why do you think you will make a good County Commissioner?
I have the communication skills, time and energy to work for the County and its Citizens. As a long-term resident, with no plans to leave, I want to see our County prosper.
As the incumbent, I am already familiar with county issues. I have a track record of keeping my campaign promises and have demonstrated vital problem solving and negotiating skills. I have already demonstrated that I know how to keep Forsyth the best place to live, work and play.
What are the most important issues facing the County Commission, and if elected, what would you do about it?
The economy, balancing the budget, and bringing new businesses to the County to provide new jobs. I would work to streamline the permitting processes to entice new businesses to invest in our County, and actively promote our County, which would bring new jobs and investors into our economy, buying houses, products, and paying taxes. I am the person who can forge a partnership between the County and the City of Cumming to solve our water problem.
Public Safety: Support public safety budgets. Low Taxes: Keep spending in check, continue zero-based budgeting. Quality Growth: Continue my “Good Neighbor” policy: requires developers to act on residents’ concerns. Transportation: Widen Mullinax, push GA 400 widening. Water Supply: Work on the city contract and other government agencies for future reservoirs. Recreation: Stress safety on the Greenway. Insure Fowler Park opens in January. Jobs: Aggressively market our County. That brings jobs and keeps taxes low.
What is the single most important issue facing Forsyth County residents, and if elected, what will you do about it?
As previously stated, the economy.People are still losing their jobs and homes. We need to work with the State and Federal Government to receive any and all assistance available. I am the person to provide the cooperation to accomplish this.
Keeping Forsyth County the best place to live, work and play is the key issue and I will continue to work toward that vision. Water is the most crucial issue. While planning for success with the city and water from Lake Lanier, we are also working on 3 reservoir possibilities.
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Forsyth County Commissioner
Josh Shorr (R) District 3
Mark Venco (R) District 3
Personal Information
Current Age: 39. Birth Place: Syracuse, New York. Marital Status: Married. Current Profession: Certified Financial Planner. Education: Pace University School of Law. Hobbies: Family time, Tennis, Golf, Camping, Travel.
Age: 42. Birth Place: NY. Marital Status: Married. Profession: Sales/Business Development Management. Education: Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering. Hobbies: Tennis, soccer, auto racing.
List 4 words to describe yourself.
“Family-man”, Honest, Outgoing, Involved
Committed, passionate, analytical, faithful.
How long have you lived in Georgia?
6 years
12 years
Who is the person you admire most and why?
Pat Tillman was a professional football player who left the glamorous life of the NFL to join the Army Rangers. Mr. Tillman, tragically, died in the line of duty in the mountains of Afghanistan defending the country that he loved. He is a model of courage and patriotism.
I admire the grandparents, whose children have families of their own, that are regularly invited to family dinners and their grandchildren’s special events. To have that type of relationship later in life is a testament to them as parents and the values they instilled within their children earlier in life.
Please define the duties of the office you are seeking.
A Commissioner is a public servant responding to citizens’ concerns as well as ensuring that County operations run smoothly. A Commissioner must be a good listener, be empathetic, be a problem solver and understand that we are the first line of defense for our constituents.
My ability to objectively analyze the details and reach decisions based on a due diligence process including financial long term cost implications and revenue projections. Justification is key to making sound decisions. Commissioners rarely divulge the details that influenced their decisions. I believe this differentiates me from the other candidates.
Why do you think you will make a good County Commissioner?
As a Certified Financial Planner and Estate Planning Attorney, I am equipped with a skill set that will allow me to have a positive impact on County operations immediately. In addition, I understand the importance of listening to, and addressing the concerns of my clients and constituents.
I have the education, temperament and a lifelong history of integrity. I also have a proven relationship with the General Assembly and knowledge of the law. I am a compassionate and caring person who has the desire to help his fellow man. I have a drive to seek out and solve problems with logic and fairness to all concerned. As Georgia’s next Insurance Commissioner, I will practice these character traits and knowledge
What are the most important issues facing the County Commission, and if elected, what would you do about it?
My first priority is to create a business-like, long term fiscal policy. We will do this by conducting a thorough and thoughtful analysis of the needs – and the costs – of a lean, efficient government. Next, we must create a reliable, predictable and diversified revenue stream to fund those operations. Without this long term fiscal plan, the County will continue the haphazard approach of patching each “fiscal pothole” as they arise.
Accountability. There are many issues from the 12 million dollar purchase of Lanier Golf Course to ethics concerns of the County Commission. These issues revert back to a common thread, the inability of the Commission to communicate and properly represent residents. As District 3 Commissioner, I would schedule regular, recurring meetings with residents/HOAs, going to their communities to provide updates and discuss the major decisions facing us. Communication and follow through is key to one’s credibility.
What is the single most important issue facing Forsyth County residents, and if elected, what will you do about it?
Our County has done a lot right; however, there has been some fiscal mismanagement. This issue, masked by our growth, is now bubbling to the surface. We must address this issue head on, make the difficult decisions and create an environment suitable for the long term success of our County.
Preservation of home values is the biggest issue. With increased foreclosures and home rentals, residential maintenance has deteriorated. Currently there is greater commercial property regulation versus residential regulation. I would work very closely with Code Enforcement to establish common sense regulation necessary to preserve the value of our communities.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
31
Forsyth County Board of Education
Kristin Morrissey (R)
Lawrence Duckworth (R)
District 2
District 2
District 1
Personal Information
Age: 63. Birth Place: Gassaway, WV. Marital Status: Married 41 years. Profession: Software Company Executive and Education Consultant. Education: West High School, Cleveland, OH; BAEconomics, Marshall University; MBA, Virginia Tech; U.S. Army. Hobbies: Family, flyfishing, golf, reading, writing.
Age:45 Birth Place: Rochester, NY. Marital Status: Married, 21 years. Current Profession: Active Community Member – Forsyth County Library Board of Trustees, Brookwood PTA VP, Caney Creek HOA President, Forsyth County Community Connection Board, Forsyth County Quality of Life Council. Education: Studies in Microelectronic Engineering, Degree in Computer Science; Leadership Forsyth 2009;Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Regional Economic and Leadership Development. Hobbies: Camping and Hiking with Family, Home Improvement, Reading, Web Design, Staying Current on Local Events and Activities.
Age: 39. Birth Place: Atlanta, GA. Marital Status: Married Profession: Regional Controller with Asbury Auto Group, LLC. Education: BA degree in Political Science from Georgia State University. Hobbies: I enjoy playing golf, tennis, soccer and anything with the kids.
List 4 words to describe yourself.
Honest, giver, education, proponent.
Optimistic, Determined, Cooperative, and Organizational
Smart, loyal, conservative, determined.
How long have you lived in Forsyth County?
Almost five years.
7 years
Since 1997.
Who is the person you admire most and why?
George Washington. He was brave, persistent, dedicated to a cause much bigger than himself, believed that representative democracy was right vs. top-down government, was selfless in its pursuit, and was compassionate and firm as required. He never let the fear of losing stop him from winning. He learned from mistakes, and never lost any selfconfidence.
I admire the eagerness and enthusiasm my children exhibit each day as they head off to school to learn. They are individuals with talents and abilities that need to be fostered and encouraged to grow. My girls are not easily discouraged. As my kids describe their day at school, the excitement in their eyes and voices gives me inspiration and hope.
I most admire my wife, Jennifer, first for putting up with me all these years. And second, despite life’s circumstances, she sees the good in people and situations. Her main priority in life is to be a blessing to others. She has always done an awesome job of blessing me and our kids, Blake, 12, and Kristen, 7, with her love and happiness.
Why do you think you will make a good School Board member?
Integrity and a belief that education is the key to success for our students and our society. I bring: years of education experience including being on a school board and budget committee chairman, 20+ years of businesses executive leadership, an MBA in business, college teaching experiences, and helped parent three thru top-20 colleges and one to a PhD.
As the only candidate with children in Forsyth County schools, I have a vested interest in upholding and improving the quality of our education system. Great successes can be achieved when parents, teachers and students work together for the sake of the kids. I will continue to devote the time and energy to work with the schools on behalf of the community.
I am an active parent of an elementary school student and a middle school student. I regularly attend school functions and see many things that could be improved in our schools. While we have tremendous schools, I would like to ensure we will always have the absolute best.
How would you address overcrowding, discipline and conflict in our schools?
Overcrowding impacts class size and education quality. All possible revenues need to be focused on small class sizes and quality being protected, including further reallocations if needed. Safety assurance is the key end. We must proactively detect safety risks, for both the individual and for the group before they erupt. Intervention programs by trained counselors are needed. Learning manners/ mores has a discipline aspect. Conflict avoidance is the most important need; to keep it in the bottle. Potential conflict needs to be pre-deduced and proactive steps taken to pre-empt conflict vs. just reacting. Diversity training is very important.
Last year 5 new schools opened reducing the number of trailers from 172 in 2008/09 to 55 trailers in 2010. Yet, an additional 1,200 new students are expected to enroll in Forsyth schools this year. As our community continues to grow new schools must be built to alleviate overcrowding. Both short and long term plans need to be implemented to handle the influx of students while being fiscally responsible to our citizens.
With the build out of many schools over the past few years, the overcrowding issue has been eased, but for those schools that become or remain overcrowded, there are many things we can do to solve this. As far as discipline and conflict, we continue to do a great job and should build on the success of having police precincts adjacent to our schools. Also, personal discipline should be done within the home and if it is not or goes beyond the parents’ ability to manage, our schools should have alternative programs for these kids to attend.
First is to protect what we have in very difficult times that may or may not get better in the next four years. Per the AJC, “The turbulent 2010 (GA legislature) session …was a mere preview of the storm that lies ahead for state leaders.” Important, experiencebased decisions will be needed. The core protection priority is classroom instruction quality and quantity, with local admin support, NOT being reduced; at all costs. We need to promote further improvements, continuously, including having the “ends” focus be the students and the District the “means.” We also need to compare ourselves with private and charter schools, to compete well.
In an uncertain economy, ensuring our students continue to receive the best education possible while maintaining a fiscally conservative budget is my first priority. If additional reductions are required the BOE must work to assure there is minimal impact to students and the quality of their education. The BOE will need to engage the community to identify priority areas and suggest other ways to reduce costs. We must equip our teachers with the tools, technology and support to help all students reach their greatest potential. Proposed budget cuts must not impact the school’s curriculum, test results or the graduation rates of the students.
What are the most important issues facing Forsyth County schools, and if elected, what would you do about it?:
32
Brian Sorrell (R)
As a member of Leadership Forsyth we partnered with Connect With Kids to educate families on the dangers of drug/alcohol abuse, bullying and Internet safety. I support additional programs to maintain a safe environment for our children.
AroundAbout — cumming
The single most important issue facing Forsyth County schools is the same that every community is facing because of the “great recession”. We have got to continue to maintain our education priorities despite the harsh realities of decreasing revenue and increasing expense. This issue will not go away easily, but through positive focus on the single-most important priority, we must maintain our teachers and staff within our schools and still improve our current facilities.
june/july 2010
AroundAbout Cumming by Matt Coutu I see Ms. Julie pull into the Publix parking lot where we agreed to meet. I’ve only seen pictures of her in the magazine she manages, so it’s nice to finally meet her in person. My mother had finally found someone who would let me shadow him/her. It was a school assignment, and I was grateful I had finally found someone. Otherwise, I would just be sitting in a classroom catching up on work. I get into the passenger seat of the car. “So,” she asked, “What school do you go to?” “The Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs,” I said. “Well, maybe you can write an article. Then, if it’s good enough, I’ll publish it,” she said. “You won’t be disappointed!” I replied. And that’s where I am right now. I sit, writing this article on my porch with a big, fat orange tabby on the chair next to me, and a rambunctious golden doodle running around the back yard like a horse at the Kentucky Derby. Throughout the two days I interned with Ms. Julie Brennan, she never had anything but a smile on her face. She taught me all about how a magazine goes from a thought in your mind to the palms of your hands. I also learned that if you’re going to be a journalist, you need to learn to live out of your car and to go wherever you’re needed. In addition, you need to be flexible, which is why I got the chance to interview some amazing people. To name just a few, Billy Howell from Billy Howell Ford, Skip Putnam, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth and one of the managers of Norman’s Landing. Each had so much to offer. From, getting a tour of the hospital by Mr. Putnam, to a tour of the kitchen at Norman’s Landing, I was just happy and very privileged to be there. I also learned a lot from each of these people. Did you know that Billy Howell Ford has been open since 1978? It wasn’t always in its present location though. It used to be where the Cumming Courthouse is presently. The top parking deck used to be its body shop! I also learned that the Ford F-150 is the most popular Ford vehicle sold, and that Billy Howell doesn’t just offer sales. The company offers service, parts, body shop and rental services as well. With Northside Hospital Forsyth, I was very thankful that Mr. Putnam was able to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. He told me that the hospital gets approximately 444 patient visits a day and about 146,000 a year! That’s a lot of patients! With 444 a day, I can see why the hospital needs to add more beds to the 195 they already have. One thing interesting about Northside that I learned while I was there was that between its Atlanta, Forsyth, and Cherokee locations, they deliver the most babies in Georgia. After I interviewed Mr. Howell and Mr. Putnam, I got the chance june/july 2010
to talk with Ms. Kim, a manager from Norman’s Landing. It turns out that Mr. Norman first started out with LongHorn Steakhouse. He helped open up 11 restaurants! He stopped working for them in 1994. Then, after a year of not working, he knew he wasn’t ready to retire just yet, so he found a nice little spot not too far from Lake Lanier and Norman’s Landing was born. He originally wanted the restaurant to look like a B-24 Fighter plane, but decided against it, and went with a log cabin looking building instead. Fourteen years later, here it is! The restaurant will turn 15 on July 21st. If you have been there, you’ve probably been caught staring at one of their numerous awards. Norman’s is known for donating money to local charities. Left to right: Celeste Gordon, Matt Coutu and Over the past 15 Julie Brennan. years, they’ve donated almost $1 Million to charity! They probably get so much from having over 2,200 customers a week and running so many charity events! While you’re there, you should try the tilapia, shrimp or grouper. Those happen to be the most popular items on the menu. After Norman’s Landing, we headed over to American Bodyworks, where I met Celeste Gordon. She’s the manager of both the Castleberry and the Norcross locations and has been doing so for eight months. “Health is really important,” she said. “And people really take it for granted. That’s why at American Bodyworks we try to upgrade our equipment every couple of months.” They don’t just have workout equipment, though. They also have classes, nutritional catering and personal training. After spending two days with Ms. Julie, I got to know a little bit about her. She got to know a little bit about me. I learned that newspapers and magazines are very different, that it takes a lot of hard work to be a journalist, and most of all I learned that three-hour board meetings make me sleepy. More seriously though, was that writing is something you can do your whole life. Some days will be exciting, and some will be boring, but I should never, ever stop writing. There’s no normal day when you’re a writer. Matt Coutu is a resident of Cumming. He is 13 years old and an aspiring journalist.
AroundAbout — cumming
33
34
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
35
Schools & Sports
Congratulations Class of 2010
Brandon Godwin North Forsyth High School
Alexandra Troxell Forsyth Central High School Chris Davisson Forsyth Central High School
Aaron Ansell and Robert Whitney Forsyth Central High School
Katie Diem and Shana Aubin Forsyth Central High School
Kristin Monroe Old Suwanee Christian School
Riley Morgan Old Suwanee Christian School
Christina Breitenbach Forsyth Central High School
Stephanie Lloyd and Cindy Baker Forsyth Central High School
Mike Johnson North Forsyth High School
Noah Hill, Forsyth Central High School
Katie Noel Stuck Forsyth Central High School
Richard Tyson Forsyth Central High School 36
Olga Sidikovskaya Forsyth Central High School
Angie Gerasimovich Old Suwanee Christian School
AroundAbout — cumming
Tanejah Geana Rolle Forsyth Central High School
june/july 2010
Schools & Sports
Encourage Your Child to Read All Summer Long How parents can make reading a regular family activity during the summer months by Kathy Martin chool’s out for summer, but that doesn’t mean that learning has to stop altogether. In fact, summer is the perfect time for children to hit the books — for fun. During the school year, most children have very little time to read for the pure enjoyment of it. The freedom of summer break creates a great opportunity for children to explore interests, expand their horizons and entertain themselves through reading.
S
How can parents help their child develop a reading habit this summer? Here are five suggestions:
1. Visit the library. During the summer months, many
libraries put on summer reading programs for kids of all ages, providing reading logs, awarding prizes to participants and hosting a variety of fun events to get the whole family involved. Even if your library doesn’t have such a program, regular library trips still are one of the best ways to get your child interested in books and reading.
2. Make it a family activity. When a child is young,
program or contest, consider online alternatives:
4. Read for the fun of it. The more you force reading upon your child, the less he or she will want to read, so remember, let your child choose his or her reading material. If your child is hooked on comic books all summer, or chooses material he or she has read before, that’s okay. You can, however, gently encourage your child by suggesting books on people, sports, activities or other subjects of interest. If your son is a baseball fanatic, for example, how about picking up a biography of his favorite player? 5. Show interest. As any member of a book club will attest, it is fun to talk with others about books you’ve read and exchange opinions. If your child is too young to join a formal book club offered at the library, express interest in what he or she is reading. Emulate his or her enthusiasm and ask many questions. Again, if your child gets excited about a book, it’s much more likely that he or she will want to continue reading.
bedtime reading may be part of the nightly routine, but as he or she progresses through school, evenings are often filled with extracurricular activities, homework and dinner. This summer, designate a time each day when every member of the family can unwind with a good book. Just 20 minutes of daily reading will improve your child’s language, writing, spelling and, of course, reading skills.
3. Check out online summer reading programs. Sometimes, a little recognition and reward is excellent motivation for a child. If your library doesn’t have a summer reading
Kathy Martin is the owner of the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming, located at the corner of Bethelview and Castleberry roads. Contact the center directly at (770) 292-8994 to find out about what program will best suit your child’s needs.
38
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
School Information Elementary Schools
Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 887-4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive, (678) 965-5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us
Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway, (770) 887-6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road, (770) 781-2240 Principal: Dave Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (770) 887-1883 Principal: Donna Morris dmorris@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
Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, (678) 341-6481 Principal: Sharon Ericson sericson@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 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street, (770) 887-7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, (678) 965-5020 Principal: Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, (770) 888-1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, (770) 346-0040 Principal: Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road, (678) 965-5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, (678) 965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Middle Schools
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road, (678) 965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road, (770) 889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us
Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 781-2264 Principal: Dr. Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, (678) 455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470 Principal: Richard Gill rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
High Schools
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
39
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 Redeemer Church
2100 Peachtree Parkway (678) 513-9400 www.firstredeemer.org Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. — New Contemporary Service (S&FC), Bible Fellowship & Worship 10:45 a.m. — Bible Fellowship & Worship 6:30 p.m. — Bible Fellowship Pastor: Dr. Richard Lee
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
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
Lutheran Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS
103 Buford Dam Road (770) 887-0184 Sunday school 9 a.m., all ages Sunday worship 10:15 a.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 2080 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Ste. 700 (678) 648-5248 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
LDS Church 510 Brannon Road (678) 577-4991 Sunday Service: 1 p.m.
NewSong Community Church 230 Elm Street, Suite 100, located in Central Plaza, across from the Cumming Post Office (770) 888-5212 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.newsongweb.org
Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
Presbyterian Korean New Vision Presbyterian Church Meets at Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road (678) 200-5048 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
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. 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
Don’t see your church listed? Send us your information cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com 40
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
The Country Preacher 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 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
by David Hill The French Revolution in 1789 bore little resemblance to the American Declaration of Independence 13 years earlier. Unlike George Washington, the brilliant Napoleon combined his intellect with low morals and capitalized on the era of deceit, greed and murder to turn his ideas into bayonets. To quote Napoleon: “The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.” and “Promise everything but deliver nothing.” When he finally realized the effect of France’s ethical deterioration, he conceded, “Let France have good mothers and she will have good sons.” Good parents could change the direction of America’s next generation that is following the questionable values of political leaders and entertainers who have no sense of right and wrong. The people we celebrate on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have a greater influence on the future of our country than does the 4th of July! The apostle Paul speaks of “the unfeigned faith” of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. America has had great revivals that have changed our country’s direction from declining morals toward righteousness and good character. The young preacher Timothy was instructed to “ . . . be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of living), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12). Raising children and being an example to our grandchildren means we must remind ourselves that to “train up a child in the way he should go “(Proverbs 22:6), we must begin with disciplining ourselves. When we fail or fall short of what we should be, God can forgive us and allow us to begin again (I John 1:9). You are what you repeatedly do. It has been said -
“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.”
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
Have a Blessed Father’s Day june/july 2010
My early home life seemed a lot like the TV programs we later watched. Not only did Mother’s dresses look like those worn by Donna Reed, but Dad’s advice often sounded like something from Ward Cleaver’s script. My problems were uncomplicated when compared with today’s youth. The big concerns were missing the bus or skipping lunch and using the money to buy what I wanted from the novelty store near our school. I still have the kite winder, marked 25 cents! We had one car (Mother didn’t drive and still doesn’t) and one phone. To go out for a hamburger after one of our three weekly visits to church was a special event. Eventually, we got a TV that had three channels, none of which showed detailed scenes of violence, nudity or cursing. The bad guys always lost. When Mother was two, she was was adopted after the death of my grandfather. The wonderful godly woman who adopted my mother was 54, born in 1873. Mother tells the story of my grandmother ordering the single man who rented her cottage to pack up and move out. He had invited a female friend into the cottage without a chaperone! You will probably consider grandmother’s early 1900s-thinking unbelievable. Before we are too critical of her strict, almost Puritanical actions, we should analyze how successful our 21st century thinking has been in producing character in our children. Psalm 119:9, 11, 24 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? . . . Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. . . . Thy testimonies are my . . . counsellors.” continued on page 43 AroundAbout — cumming
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.
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 of every month from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street, Cumming 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
North Georgia Chess Center Location: 2450 Atlanta Hwy. Suite 1401 Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: Joseph or Cathy Couvillion 770-8449204, 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. Upcoming Events: Game in 30 – USCF rated tournaments held every Friday night. Members $10 entry fee and non-members $15. Prizes to be awarded.
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 Club Meeting: Third Thursday, September through May Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Carolyn Glaza, crglaza@ adelphia.net Information: A women’s social organization, meeting consists of a luncheon and a program. The Club offers many activities through ladies daytime interest groups and some weekend activities so husbands can join. Luncheon reservations required for monthly meetings. Website: www.newcomersclub.com/ga.html.
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.
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
Georgia Leads Group of Cumming Meeting: Tuesdays from 7:45 — 9 a.m. Location: Windermere Golf Club, 5000 Davis Love Drive Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@ starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free.
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
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
Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org
Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org
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@ 42
Civic Organizations
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 + AroundAbout — cumming
Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com
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 june/july 2010
Get a Leg Up on Varicose Veins
The Country Preacher
exercises strengthen calf muscles, helping them pump blood upward. l Shed excess weight. Extra pounds aggravate circulatory problems and contribute to weakened vein valves. l Put your feet up. At the end of the day, raise your legs so that they are about 12 inches above heart level. This allows the blood to drain from the veins and aids circulation. l Avoid high heels. Wearing high heels limits ankle range of motion and has been shown to significantly impair circulation.
Has our modern world removed the determination that influenced my grandmother to do the right thing regardless of the direction of others? Grandmother’s uncle, John W. Davis, ran for president against Calvin Coolidge in 1924. Because he didn’t share her values, she voted against him. How many today would have overlooked the benefit of having an uncle who was president in order to follow their convictions? John W. Davis failed in his presidential bid, but became the first president of the Council on Foreign Relations (1921-1933) which, with the European Union, still seeks to weaken our national sovereignty for the sake of world government. What courage, wisdom and character my grandmother displayed. Rather than say we don’t choose to have children in a world filled with so much evil, why not determine to raise some godly sons and daughters to change it? We may not be perfect parents, but can’t we do our best? Psalm 103:14 states, “For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” God loves you. We need good parents if America is to have good children. Happy Father’s Day and a belated Happy Mother’s Day. May your young men and women display the character and faith seen in the lives of their parents and grandparents, just as Timothy experienced.
continued from page 16
continued from page 41
How are they treated? Treatment of varicose veins has undergone dramatic changes in recent years, according to Dr. Fern. Now patients have a number of minimally invasive options that do not involve surgery or hospitalization and offer better outcomes. “Patients benefit from less pain and scarring, and a quicker recovery and return to normal everyday activities,” he said. Most major health insurers cover varicose vein treatment. For a free physician referral, visit Northside.com and click on “Find a Doctor” or call (404) 851-8817. Vicki Barnett, RN, MSN, CNOR is the director of surgical services at Northside Hospital
Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and a frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church.
Simply Southard, Simply Delicious! continued from page 10
all-time favorite. I keep them stocked in my freezer along with her lemon cheesecake bars and sugar cookies. The muffins make a great breakfast on the fly, and I love that she sweetens many of her treats with natural ingredients like honey and pineapple juice. Admittedly, I cannot tell this is diet food, which is a good thing because I probably wouldn’t be endorsing it or going back for more if I could. So round and round I go, and where I’ll stop --- I’m certain I know. See you there to stock up on those scrumptious, betterfor-us treats! You can reach Shelly Kent at shellykent@comcast.net.
Have a Club or Organization? Send your information to
cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
43
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
(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) 205-4500
(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
44
(706) 216-7336
Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive
(770) 887-0006
Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive
(770) 887-7656
Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive
(678) 513-1000
Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road
(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 39 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
june/july 2010
All advertisements in the Community Clipper must be a coupon offer(s) only. This page cannot be used for regular advertising.
AroundAbout — cumming
COUPONS
june/july 2010
COUPONS
Call (770) 615-3334 or email cumming@aroundaboutmagazines.com
COUPONS
Contact Julie to reserve your spot today
COUPONS
Community Clipper!
45
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
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) (202) 224-3643 Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: (770) 661-0999 3625 Cumberland Boulevard , Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Nathan Deal (R), District 10 (202) 225-5211 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: (770) 535-2592 340 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 520, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.house.gov/deal
Rep. John Linder (R), District 7 Website: http://linder.house.gov/ State Government: Governor Sonny Perdue (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
(202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005 (404) 652-7003 fax: (404) 652-7123
Brian Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5882
Jim Harrell, District 3 (R) e-mail: jwharrell@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5883
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/tax/ Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
(404) 656-5030
Mike Dudgeon, District 2 (R) e-mail: mdudgeon@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Senator Chip Pearson (R), District 51 e-mail: chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23 e-mail: mark.Hamilton@house.ga.gov
(770) 844-6768 (770) 889-0229
Rep. Tom Knox (R), District 24 e-mail: tom.knox@house.ga.gov
(770) 887-0400
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
Forsyth County Government: 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 County Manager Doug Derrer (770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199 Commissioners: Charlie Laughinghouse, Chairman, District 1 (R) (770) 886-2810 e-mail: cllaughinghouse@forsythco.com
46
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 781-2010
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
(770) 781-2101
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
AroundAbout — cumming
june/july 2010
Classifieds FOr Sale
Welcome To The Classified Section of
2008 VIP Scooter. 150 cc., silver color, garage kept, only driven 6 miles. Great condition and fully operational. Asking $900. Call Mike at (770) 479-8056. FREE TO GOOD HOME (These Ads Are Free) Bella, 2 Yr. Old Black and Gray Tabby. Looking for a loving home. Incredibly sweet and playful. She has been spayed and has had some shots. Please call Amanda at (404) 606-5988 with any questions.
This is regular feature of your new bi-monthly community magazine filled with local information, news and events for your community. If you have a specialized home repair/handyman service, a garage sale coming up, need help at the office, offer babysitting or nanny services, or have something to sell... THIS IS THE PLACE TO DO IT!
home services Www.atlantaroofingandconstruction.com. Roofing, gutters, gutter cleaning and pressure washing. Free estimates. (404) 376-7380. Need a Room Painted? 7908.
Call Tim, (770) 974-
Classified Deadline is the 15 of July for the August/September Issue. th
$
Regular Monthly Categories:
• • • • • •
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CHILDCARE FOR RENT FOR SALE FREE TO GOOD HOME (free) GARAGE/YARD SALE
1/W ord
• • • • • •
HELP WANTED HOME SERVICES INSTRUCTION/TUTORING REAL ESTATE SERVICES VACATION RENTAL
$
CLASSIFIED FORM
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
1/W ord
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
Mail this Form with your Payment to: AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc., 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189 Fax: (770) 516-4809 PLEASE PRINT (All Fields Must Be Completed)
June/July Dec/Jan
Feb/Mar Apr/May Month(s): PLEASE CHECK Aug/Sept Oct/Nov ALL THAT APPLY
Category:
Word Count:
, $1/word, Per Month (10 Word Minimum)
Box numbers, phone numbers, zip codes and abbreviations are counted as one word each.
Picture: ADD A PICTURE (2.375" X 1.50") FOR ONLY $39 (Per Month).
Email picture to leslie@aroundaboutmagazines.com
Ad Wording (please include phone #):
CC Account
Please make checks payable to AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. Form of payment: ¨ Cash or Check ¨ Visa ¨ Master Card ¨ American Express ¨ Discover # Exp: Sec. Code (CVC):
Credit Card Authorization Signature: Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Daytime Phone: AroundAbout — Cumming Classifieds is a bi-monthly feature. All ads are accepted and placed under categories at the discretion of the publisher. Rates are only $1 per word, per issue, with a 10-word minimum. “Pet Lost and Found,” “Ride Share” and “Free to Good Home” pet placement ads are FREE.
NE X T CL A S S I F IED DE A DLINE I S t h e 15 F OR T H E n e x t b i-m o n t h ly I S S UE! th
june/july 2010
AroundAbout — cumming
47
Advertisers Directory Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! Automotive Billy Howell Ford Lincoln Mercury ....................1 (770) 887-2311 1805 Atlanta Highway, Cumming www.howellford.com
PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL SERVICES North Georgia Foot & Ankle Clinics............ Cover, 18 (770) 889-9596 www.ngfac.com 960 Sanders Road, Cumming
Lance's Jewelry.....................................Back cover (770) 781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com 1705 Market Place Blvd., Cumming
Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitaion.................3 (678) 456-9122
Northside Hospital.................................................. 5 www.northside.com
Mountain View Home & Gifts...........................11 (706) 344-1247
RC Cancer Centers...............................Inside Back (678) 947-0457 www.RCCancerCenters.com 1055 Haw Creek Parkway, Cumming
Pied Piper Pest Control........................................3 (678) 592-9814
education/instructi0n/counseling Huntington Learning Center...............Inside Front (770) 205-2800 5485 Betherlview Rd., Cumming Kennesaw State University, Cont. Education........37 (770) 423-6765 www.kennesawedu/coned.com Dentists/Orthodontists Jordan Dentistry..................................... Cover, 21 (770) 888-6262 www.jordandentistry.com 1735 Buford Highway, Cumming Home Improvement/Repair & Services Bates Building Materials......................................7 (770) 479-1821 Custom Ironworks.............................................48 (770) 781-8192 Mad Hatter Services............................................7 (770) 740-8133 LAWN MAINTENANCE/LANDSCAPING Pike Nursery......................................................11 (770) 205-1737 www.pikenursery.com
48
REcreation and fitness American Bodyworks.............................. Cover, 19 (770) 292-9994 www.americanbodyworks.com 5456 Bethelview Raod, Cumming
Shelly Kent, Writer.............................................35 (404) 232-9898 Pixelution Studios Inc........................................35 (678) 945-7301
Real Estate & Related Services Reflection Lake Nantahala.................................35 www.reflectionlakenantahala.com REStaurants/food services Baba's Gyros & Kabob.......................................11 (770) 888-8100 Good Measure Meals..........................................7 (404) 815-7695 Norman's Landing...............................................3 (770) 886-0100 www.normanslanding.com Services/Retailers Miscellaneous Lakeside Pharmacy................................. Cover, 20 (770) 205-0290, (770) 781-1450 www.lakerx.com 1000 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming
AroundAbout — cumming
Customers Not Leaping Through Your Door? Call Around About — Cumming today to advertise! 770-615-3334 julie@aroundaboutmagazines.com
june/july 2010