400 Life June 2023

400 LIFE

JUNE 2023

Bringing the FUN to Forsyth, beyond

Expand your horizons with toys designed for hobbyiests

PLUS: Great gifts for dads from all walks of life | Help kids stay sharp this summer with these tips from the library What to do if you are the victim of medical negligence | How to protect your skin from the sun

ATLANTA HOBBY

“We’ve got products everywhere, something for everyone from babies to old guys like me, and we have it out on display, allowing you to get your hands on it. My favorite thing is watching a kid’s eyes light up at the chance to drive a monster truck, and you wouldn’t get that in a big box store or if everything was still in the box.” - Cliff Whitney, owner of Atlanta Hobby

Cover photo by Cliff Whitney

From students to movie moguls, Atlanta Hobby provides The-Most-Bestest-CoolestAwesomest “no Tie zone” products for Fathers Day and every Kids day too

‘Always change and help others’

Atlanta Hobby is your go-to place for interactive play

Cliff Whitney, founder and owner of Forsyth County’s world-famous Atlanta Hobby, is living LARGE!

He is a flying fanatic and crazy about all things remote-controlled, intricate telescopes, and the like, and he gets to play while introducing cool products to others — and make a living doing it.

His scrappy entrepreneurial spirit started as a teen when he got his first paper route that had him on the streets of his neighborhood at 3 a.m. before going to school.

Cliff went on to hold down two jobs while in high school, including being a bus driver, until at the suggestion of his now wife of 40+ years that he apply for a job with Wolf Camera as a salesman and eventually working his way up to Senior Vice President of new technology

Continued, Page 6

Photos by Vicki Alsup Photography

Get out and play this Father’s Day with a gift from Atlanta Hobby.

- Cliff Whitney

The team at Atlanta Hobby provides in-depth, experienced knowledge to customers who are veteran flyers or novice hobbyists. From flight training to community connections, the goal is the same: family time fun.

development and President of the company’s dot com.

Similar to when he was a teen, he still has more than one job, operating a version of his Atlanta Hobby shop, out of his home until he was able to go full time with his passion in 2000.

“I was taught to keep your business changing and to share your passion by helping others,” said Whitney. “I have changed our business many times. We were the first in the U.S. to have a hobby shop featuring all-electric products. We were the first in the drone business and we embraced moving from an internet-only supplier to a retail and internet store which is backwards from what most company’s do.”

Whitney has curated a close-knit team of skilled associates who share his passion and are keen to expand the hobby community by helping people discover what lies beyond their tablets and smartphones.

“I believe that you should always surround yourself with successful people, I have the best associates around me and we’re not your average store,” he said.

“We’ve got products everywhere, something for everyone from babies to old guys like me, and we have it out on display, allowing you to get your hands on it. My favorite thing is watching a kid’s eyes light up at the chance to drive a monster truck, and you wouldn’t get that in a big box store or if everything was still in the box.”

Whitney is a licensed pilot, the author of a recent book (‘On The Other Side Of Fear’) and under his Atlanta Hobby umbrella, has established several companies including, UAV Experts for advanced drone operations, atlantahobbynews.com as his media company, and a training school to teach pilots to fly and pass their FAA exams.

As a result, this conglomerate has worked with National Geographic, The Weather Channel, Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS and others. Their clients span many industries including real estate, insurance, roofing, The United States Defense Department, Homeland Security, FEMA, as well as state and public entities including Georgia Emergency Management and the State Patrol and Fire agencies around the US.

They’ve even taught media moguls like Tyler Perry, Phillip Grossman and many production companies how to fly drones. However, as a cancer survivor Whitney will tell you, he no longer takes things so seriously, his focus is on delivering fun to his favorite clients which are the various schools, kids, and families he gets to work with.

He partners with Alliance Academy here in Forsyth County to sponsor the school’s aviation programs, acts as a motivational speaker for high school kids teaching finance and entrepreneurship and teaches aviation kids camps in the summer.

“One of my favorite stories is when we had taken a group of kids out at night to expose them to astronomy looking through some of these big telescopes,” Whitney said.

“In this one group there was a huge line

of kids waiting their turn to view Saturn, but this one child just stood off to the side, totally uninterested.

“His parents said he really isn’t into the science kind of stuff. It showed. But when it was his turn, he took one look and yelled, out (an excited explicative.) His parents, a little embarrassed, responded they had never seen him so excited at science,” Whitney said. “You just don’t know what kids are going to be into if they don’t have a chance to be exposed to it.”

“I love that,” Whitney continued. “That look in their eyes when the light bulb goes off, when they figure out how something works or that yes, they can learn to solder or program a drone. You don’t find that on a screen.” These hobby products set kids up for the critical thinking that is necessary to excel in life.

For summertime (especially Father’s Day), kids of all appropriate ages can fly aircraft, sailplanes, kites, rockets, and more; or drive remote controlled cars or monster trucks. They can build a robot, race powerboats, challenge their mind and their friends with unique puzzles or see the planets, galaxies and stars through an array of optical binoculars or telescopes.

“This kind of play is interactive and stimulates the mind different than just looking at a screen,” Whitney said.

The team at Atlanta Hobby provides indepth, experienced knowledge to customers who are veteran flyers or novice hobbyists. From flight training to community connections, the goal is the same: family time fun.

“Sometimes we have clients that are afraid or cautious that they might not know how to operate some of our more advanced products,” Whitney said. “We go out of the way to give them the confidence to experience new things with their children and we have a big tech support and repair department if needed.

While Atlanta Hobby has a very large online presence, Whitney says the benefit of the local walk-in store is that clients can come see and feel the equipment.

“Everything is on display and can be flown or driven right here at the shop. It really caters to families looking for fun,” Whitney said. “There is no better time spent than time with your family.”

Writer Jennifer Colosimo contributed to this article.

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ATLANTA HOBBY

Medical negligence - serious causes of action

As many of you know, my firm handles the complicated area of medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice cases are grouped under a single heading, but usually involve various areas of medical negligence.

The common thread in all of these is the violation of the standard of care practiced by a medical professional. Bringing these cases involves the use of expert witnesses, along with the examination of medical literature.

There are different types of medical negligence which may occur in various settings involving various providers’ acts of negligence, such as dropping patients or operating on the wrong body part.

Other areas are more complicated, like performing an operating improperly, misdiagnosing a medical condition, or delivering a baby improperly.

I believe many malpractice cases are a result of poor staffing, poor supervision, and the general reliance on less qualified staff to do the jobs of more well-trained physicians.

Medical malpractice cases are usually brought when serious and often catastrophic events have occurred.

These cases are very expensive to fund, and most lawyers are not willing to take the ones where a patient/client has fully recovered, or the result will be just to payback the health insurers or Medicare.

The use of medical experts is also a necessary component of bringing a claim for medical malpractice.

The law requires a sworn affidavit by another physician, in a similar area of practice, stating that the physician at issue was guilty of professional negligence, and that the act of negligence caused an injury.

These experts typically require thousands of dollars to read and review the facts of a case before they will sign such a sworn statement.

The medical malpractice bar is specialized and knowledgeable about your case.

If you believe that a serious act of malpractice has occurred, it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible, as each case is governed by specific statutes of limitations and it takes much time to get all the medical records, secure experts to review these records, and to file a complaint.

Our office is available to discuss serious malpractice cases that have resulted in permanent serious damages for yourself or a loved one. Our number is 404-892-0700.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.”

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Steven Leibel

400 reads 6 sneaky ways to prevent summer

You’ve probably heard about the dreaded learning loss known as summer slide. Many children struggle to maintain gains in reading and math during summer break and studies have shown that without regular reading and learning activities, students can actually lose roughly one month of school-year achievement over the summer.

Fortunately, summer slide is preventable through enriching activities and daily reading. Here are 6 easy ways you can make memories with your child this summer while helping them practice important literacy and math skills. They’ll have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning!

1. Visit your library.

I’ve seen enough smiling children and parents holding stacks of books at Forsyth County Public Libraries to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that spending time at the library helps kids fall in love with reading. There is something magical about being surrounded by all the books and other people excited about books that makes people want to read more. Plus, our helpful librarians can give you and your child personalized suggestions about all the materials, resources, and activities available at the library. And everything is free!

2. Read aloud.

Even children who are reading on their own can benefit from the practice of reading aloud to you, or listening as you read aloud. When you share a story, you can talk about the characters, the action, and your child’s reaction to the book. Those discussions can encourage deeper reading, boost comprehension, and aid in recalling details. Pro tip: let your child pick the book, audiobook, or graphic novel for increased buy-in.

3. Cook with your kids.

Practice fractions with older elementary students as they measure ingredients for a recipe. Practice reading and following instructions with younger elementary students as they read the recipe and follow the step-by-step instructions.

4. Enjoy family game night.

Pull out skill-building games like Bananagrams or Boggle to practice spelling and vocabulary or Monopoly, Jr. to practice math and money management.

5. Learn something new.

No matter what your kids are into this summer, it’s very likely the library has some free resources to support their interests in a format that works for their learning preferences.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, employees of Forsyth County government, currently enrolled students or employees of any public or private educational institution in Forsyth County.

For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any resources or upcoming events, visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl

Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040 | Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GaA 30041 | Post Road Library, 5010 Post Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 | Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Rd, Cumming, GA 30041

FCPL also provides a fantastic array of free summer events for all ages! From magic shows, professional storytellers, and “explosive” STEM programs for school-aged kids, to teen workshops in cooking, writing, and improv, to bass fishing secrets from one of the South’s most experienced and skilled anglers, there is something for everyone at FCPL this summer. Best of all, every program is free and open to the public.

Sign up for our Weekly Program Planner and we’ll deliver a list of our highlighted programs for the weekend and week ahead to your inbox every Thursday: www.bit.ly/fcpl-wpp

6. Register for Summer Reading Fun!

Keep your child reading this summer with our reading incentive program! This year’s theme, All Together Now, will keep them engaged through fun, free activities, and the chance to earn incremental prizes all summer long.

Sadly, fewer kids than ever are reading for pleasure today according to a Pew Research study. Reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it more fun and less of a chore. Plus, rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate students to keep reading. For reluctant readers, the activities element of summer reading programs can draw them in and serve as a gateway to reading.

So sign up! Track reading and activities to earn points toward incremental prizes and Grand Prize entries through July 30. Visit forsythpl. beanstack.org to register.

Leslie Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 20 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

Skin Cancer

How to keep your skin safe in the summer sun

By Sudie Crouch | Health & Wellness columnist

When many of us were younger, getting a tan was often the main goal of the summer months. We sprayed ourselves with oils that smelled like coconuts and spent hours in the sun, hoping for a tropical glow and not a burn, only to find out a few years later that we were damaging our skin and putting ourselves at risk of skin cancer. The Center for Disease Control lists skin cancer as the most common form of cancer in the United States and the Skin Cancer Foundation, skincancer.org, estimates that over 186,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in this year alone

SOME MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT THE SUN:

t THE SUN IS A NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN D. This is true! The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps support our muscles and bones, our immune system, and helps lessen cognitive decline among other benefits.

When we don’t get enough sunlight, like in the winter months, we can supplement with vitamin D3. While it was previously believed that tanning beds could help produce vitamin D production and were a safe alternative, it has since been proven that tanning beds only increase the risk for skin cancer.

t GETTING A TAN IS HEALTHY/GOOD FOR YOU. There is really no such thing as a healthy tan. Yes, it gives our skin a glow that can be perceived as healthy, and some people even may feel like a tan makes them feel more attractive, but a tan is indicating that our skin is trying to protect itself from being damaged. Add in the risk of getting a sunburn – which can increase the odds of getting skin cancer – and it makes us question how healthy that exposure really is.

t SUNSCREEN WILL PROTECT YOU.

Sunscreen can provide some protection from a burn but it’s not as comprehensive as we need. (Plus, there has been some concern over the ingredients in recent years, which is why making sure any sunscreens used are paba-free.)

Mineral or physical sunscreens are often recommended. Making sure to reapply sunscreen is important, especially if you’re perspiring or in the water. Often people apply only once prior to going out by the pool or to the beach and reapplication is necessary. The CDC also recommends wearing light, loose clothing, sunglasses, and a hat can also help protect you from sun exposure, along with avoiding going out during the hours of peak intensity from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

t EARLY SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER:

Even though skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, it can also be treated if it is caught early enough. Doing monthly skin checks can help you detect anything unusual that may be

Facts at a glance from Skin Cancer Foundation:

t 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

t More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

t Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

t When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

occurring on your body, such as moles that have changed size or shape or if you see anything on your body that wasn’t there before. Having an annual checkup with your dermatologist can also help detect any unusual growths before they become serious.

Even though we all enjoy getting outside and taking advantage of all of the beautiful things the North Georgia has to offer, being smart about our skin can help us make sure we’re safe and healthy for years to come.

Who’s more likely to be at risk?

While anyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, there are certain factors that may increase the odds Being fair skinned, having blonde or red hair and light eyes, and freckles are some factors that may put you at higher risk. Certain medications may make you more sensitive to the sun as well, which may make you burn easily and that can increase your chances of skin cancer too. And, people who have had severe sunburns in the past are also at risk. Bottom line though, anyone with skin can be at risk, so make sure you protect your skin when out in the sun.

Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches.

Looking for a summer camp?

Check out the Extension’s offerings

IT’S TIME TO GET READY FOR SUMMER. THAT MEANS 4-H CLUB DAY CAMPS:

Batty about Bats: June 1. Fourth-sixth graders will spend the day learning about Bats! Larry and Laurie Alvord, Forsyth County Extension Master Naturalists, will spend the day teaching about Bats. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. Dropoff at the Extension Office at 9AM, pickup time is 2PM.

Fortson Fun Day: June 2. Calling all fourth-eighth graders. Forsyth County 4-H will travel to Fortson 4-H Center for Fortson Fun Day. Possible activates include wilderness survival, zip lining, climbing the rock wall, teambuilding, kickball, canoeing, herpetology, a visit to the Fortson farm, and checking out the canteen. Lunch is provided by the Fortson 4-H Center cafeteria. Drop off is 7:30 a.m., at the Extension Office and estimated 5:30 p.m. return. Cost is $40.

Dahlonega Day: June 8. Fourth-twelth graders can join the staff for Dahlonega Day. This exciting day includes gold panning, a tour of a gold mine, and a tubing trip down the Chestatee River. The registration fee is $40 and includes transportation. Your child will need to bring money with them to buy lunch. Drop off here at the Extension Office. Our expected return time is 4 p.m.

Animal Shelter Day: June 15.  If your child loves animals, make sure they join us on for a workday at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. Sixth-12th grade 4-H’ers get to make dog and cat toys, help around the shelter, and visit with the animals. The registration fee is $15, and lunch will be provided. Drop off at the Extension Office is at 10 a.m., expected return time is 3 p.m.

Farm Day: June 29.  Fourth-12th graders can join us for Farm Day. Youth will have the opportunity to interact with different animals, learn about gardening, and take part in a community service project. Registration is $25. Drop off at the Extension Office at 9 a.m., expected return time is 4 p.m. Students will bring a sack lunch.

Overnight Camp: July 10-14. In summer 2023, Forsyth County will head to Cloverleaf Camp (fourth-sixth grade in the 2022-2023 school year) at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton. Camp fees this year are $430 per camper. This fee includes all transportation from Forsyth County, all activities, and required insurance.

Register now at bit.ly/3MfFhXk

For more information, call or email the UGA Extension Office Forsyth County at 770-887-2418 or forsyth.extension@uga.edu.

FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

Each year in the middle of June, families honor the special men who help make the familial engine run. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States and Canada, and families across both nations make the day all about dads.

Many families have their own unique Father’s Day traditions, but it’s not uncommon for those rituals to cross familial lines. For example, gift-giving is one popular Father’s Day tradition many families share. With that in mind, anyone looking for the right gift for Dad this Father’s Day can consider these ideas.

t Beer subscription service

t Grill

Father’s Day comes just as spring is winding down and summer is set to begin. That means Dad will soon be firing up the grill several nights per week, if he hasn’t already. Since summer is grilling season and Father’s Day predates the start of summer by a couple of days, why not give Dad a new grill this season?

Many people have fallen in love with the art of smoked foods in recent years, and if Dad fits that bill, then a smoker/grill hybrid can be just the gift to make him smile. If he prefers the convenience of grilling at a moment’s notice, then a new propane grill can fit the bill. Dads who love to tailgate outside their favorite football stadium may love a new portable grill to bring their pregame tailgates up a notch.

t Man cave memorabilia

No man cave is complete without memorabilia. If your dad is a diehard sports fan, help him decorate his go-to spot to watch his favorite team with some authentic memorabilia. Whether it’s a framed game-worn jersey or a bat with Dad’s name engraved on it or a basketball signed by the roster of his favorite team, these items will look great on the wall of any father’s man cave.

If Dad’s a devoted drinker of craft beers, then a subscription to a beer club that delivers suds right to his doorstep could make this Father’s Day one he won’t soon forget. Clubs vary and many offer an array of membership options, but typically these groups hand-pick beers from an assortment of participating breweries, some local and some from distant, though likely domestic, locales.

Gift givers can take note of Dad’s favorite beer style, whether it’s the wildly popular IPA or beers brewed in the Belgian tradition or some other style. Such information can be provided to clubs who will then curate the subscription box to align with the styles Dad likes best.

The right Father’s Day gift can make this special day even more meaningful for the men who do so much for their families throughout the year.

Memorable ways to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

Dads do a lot for their families, and Father’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge those efforts. The days when dads would receive a colorful necktie for Father’s Day are largely (and, for fathers, thankfully) a relic of the past. Modern Father’s Day celebrations tend to involve more careful planning, and the following are some ways to make this year’s day for dads one to remember.

t Take Dad on a tour through his own history

t Book a private chef

If he has a fascination with food, perhaps nothing can make Father’s Day more memorable than a delicious meal served by a private chef. Private chefs will do all the work, giving moms and kids more time to spend with Dad throughout the day, and then the whole family can enjoy a special meal made by someone whose specialty is crafting delicious dinners. Offerings vary, but many private chefs handle all the cooking and cleaning. Identify Dad’s favorite dish and then look for a chef who specializes in that type of cuisine.

The popularity of genealogy has skyrocketed over the last decade-plus. If Dad counts himself among the millions across the globe interested in their family histories, moms and kids can work together to create a virtual tour through that history.

Present the history as a printed book or as a video, sharing interesting things you learned about his ancestors but also highlighting key moments in his life. This presentation can be accompanied by a subscription to a genealogy service and a tour of some of Dad’s childhood haunts.

t Appeal to Dad’s inner adventurer

Some Dads may just want to relax on Father’s Day, while others may prefer a more adventurous celebration. If Dad falls into the latter group, book a fun and adventurous activity the whole family can enjoy. A kayaking trip, a skydiving session, a round of paintball, or even tickets to a rock concert on Father’s Day weekend can connect him with his inner adventurer.

t Take to the great outdoors

Father’s Day is celebrated in midJune, making the day a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors (weather permitting). Plan a day around Dad’s favorite outdoor activity. If Dad is an avid fisherman, book a family outing on a charter boat so Dad can focus on catching fish and not navigating. If Dad loves being in natural settings, camp out the night before Father’s Day so he can wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the crisp morning air. If Dad has a favorite baseball team, take him out to the ballgame so he can soak up some Father’s Day sun.

There’s no shortage of ways for families to make this Father’s Day one Dad won’t soon forget.

Improve the flavor profile of grilled foods

Many people insist grilling has no peers when it comes to cooking methods. Part of the allure of grilling is undoubtedly the chance to spend time outdoors in warm weather, which is when many people do the bulk of their cooking over an open flame. But grilling also produces unique flavors that simply can’t be replicated. It might be impossible to match the flavor of foods cooked over an open flame, but that doesn’t mean those flavors can’t be augmented. Grill masters can try these strategies to improve the flavor profile of their favorite grilled dishes.

t Bring meat to room temperature prior to putting it on the grill

Meat that goes directly from the refrigerator to the grill is likely to cook unevenly, which can affect the overall flavor of the meal. But this issue is easily overcome by taking the meat out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before putting it on the grill. Doing so lets the meat reach room temperature and increases the likelihood it will cook evenly.

t Add some wood

Wood is often used to add some extra flavor when smoking foods, but it also can add flavor when grilling in a more traditional way. Wood chips can be soaked in water or even wine or beer so they don’t burn so quickly that the flavor gains are negligible. Wood chunks or logs will burn slower than chips, so there’s no need to soak them. Wood imparts a unique flavor to grilled foods, making meals even more delicious.

t Season your vegetables, too

Meat and other proteins might garner the bulk of the grilling attention, but vegetables are worthy additions to any grill grate. Grilled vegetables can be made even more flavorful with some light seasoning with a little kosher salt and/or black pepper before placing them on the grill.

As the vegetables cook, they will absorb the salt, which adds to their flavor profile. Dried herbs also can be used to season grilled vegetables for even more flavor. Grilled foods are incredibly flavorful. That flavor profile can be even better when grill masters employ a few simple techniques.

t Apply a dry rub to the food

Dry rubs are made from dry ingredients like herbs and spices. Dry rubs don’t penetrate the meat too deeply, which means they don’t need much time to add flavor. That’s ideal for people who decide to grill at the last minute and want to add flavor even if they don’t have the time to marinate their

At John Megel Chevrolet, we have an excellent selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can also enjoy the current financing specials and lease offers we have on all of the most popular Chevy models in the lineup. We pride ourselves in being the used car dealer that has options for almost every kind of driver and budget.

When you want to shop with a car dealer that cares about customer satisfaction, you should find your way to us. Over time, we have served the automotive needs of many customers who were looking to find a car dealership they could trust to offer a full-service experience.

We are a family business. Shop local, where your funds will stay local helping families in the community. We will never be undersold.