400 Life July 2023

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The Cumming City Center is designed to feel like a miniature “city from long ago,” according to Mayor Troy Brumbalow. As businesses begin to open, that feeling

Every year, as metro Atlanta grows and expansion creeps in, more and more people find themselves drawn to a once small town in north Georgia.

Today, the bustling life of the city of Cumming is as vibrant as ever thanks to one man’s vision — Mayor Troy Brumbalow.

“Back in 2016 I had decided to run for [Mayor of] Cumming because I was born and raised here and it seemed that the city had become a pass-through [town], not a destination like it once was,” Brumbalow said.

“My main goal was to create a city center to bring that sense of community back to Cumming to make it a destination.”

With his background as a contractor and remodeler, he sketched the design that has slowly been brought to life and the vision of the Cumming City Center was born.

Take a trip back in time

“Once I was elected, we found a piece of land that was suitable for doing what we wanted to do. I had a great city council that was on board, and we bought the property. I actually drew a sketch out after walking the property on a piece of notebook paper of the layout of what I thought it could be and the engineers and architects [made] it look like what it is today.”

The Cumming City Center is designed to feel like a miniature “city from long ago,” according to the mayor.

“When we look back through time and history, it’s a great reminder of that for us if you care to look at it and pay attention to it. It was just a simpler time in our country,” Brumbalow said.

“There was no social media and there were no cell phones and people were out and about and interacting with one another. When you go [to the City Center] you experience it. People are out there enjoying the outdoors without social media.”

Along with simplicity comes the classic idea of dressing casually.

“I’ve always said it’s where you want to go in your flip flops,” Brumbalow said. “You might go to dinner but then say let’s go to the boardwalk, catch a concert, go putt-putt or just walk around. It takes you back to simpler times.”

“People are visiting [the Cumming City Center] but they don’t just go to dinner and then go straight back to their car,” he said. “They enjoy being outdoors and they enjoy the beauty that’s there.”

Photos by Vicki Alsup Photography

‘We wanted to be unique’

Cumming City Center takes you back to simpler times

A dream come true

The shop owners are also delighted to be part of the center’s full upswing opening. Amanda Neighbors, owner of Top Knotch Boutique, was one of the first to open at the City Center.

“I’m speechless,” Neighbors said during the boutique’s opening in March. “I’m totally taken aback. You work so hard for something for so long, and you’re here before the kids go to school, and you’re here after they go to sleep and just getting it ready. When you walk in and people love what you do and they love wearing what you’ve made, it really takes you aback. It makes you think, ‘Wow, I really am doing something right.’

“Top Knotch Boutique was

the first business to open in the Cumming City Center and we get the pleasure to cheer every business on as they celebrate their grand openings,” Neighbors said.

When asked how she would describe the store, she said, “I kind of said if I could take a bottle of red wine, a mid-century library and antique store and just mix it all together, that’s what it feels like.”

Along with clothing, purses, jewelry, gifts and other expected items at a boutique, Top KNOTch also offers wine, charcuterie and more.

Wright’s Fish and Chips restaurant was the next to open its little slice of Britain.

“We absolutely love being here. Jennifer Archer, [Cumming City Center manager], works very hard to make sure that everything runs

smoothly and that we have everything we need,” said Chantelle Wright, who owns the eatery with her son, Bradley.

“The people who are already here are amazing. All around us more places are opening, and we can’t wait for the City

Center to fully open,” Chantelle said.

For those visiting the restaurant for the first time, Bradley Wright recommended trying out the fish and chips or cod bites and chips.

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Located at the heart of the Cumming City Center is the Lou Sobh Amphitheater

“It’s nothing like you have over here,” he said during the restaurant’s opening in April. “It’s nothing like you can get in a little pub or British-style thing. We do everything authentic. We cut the chips by hand every morning. We import the batter from the [United Kingdom], so it’s as authentic as you can get it.”

The Wrights said part of their goal in opening the restaurant was to help serve the more than 80,000 people in metro Atlanta who are originally from Britain and might be missing their favorite foods. They also wanted to bring new food to those who have never been to the UK.

On the way out of the restaurant, guests can also pick out candies, chips, teas and coffees imported from the UK that sit on shelves lining the wall near the register. These include classic British treats like Jaffa Cakes, Jelly Tots and Walkers crisps.

Brumbalow said it’s been great seeing the City Center’s evolution once the businesses started opening, “but I have lived it every day since we first dreamed it up and since [we first broke ground]. I am so proud to see it finally coming to fruition.”

And he did it during a pandemic.

A place for everyone

With the new businesses, the space to walk and just be, and the overall feel of the space, arguably the best part about the new City Center is that the family-friendly atmosphere is a space for people of all ages.

“We had a lot of conversations with Forsyth Central High [School] — with them being our next-door neighbors and all — I told the kids [they were] welcome here. I grew up in this county in the late 80s and graduated in 1990. Back then ... everybody would go and cruise town,” Brumbalow said.

“Everybody thinks we have a lot of traffic here today, but they didn’t have every teenager in the county cruising from McDonalds to Dairy Queen.

“I remember that if you pulled over in an empty parking lot just to talk to your friends, you got run off by the cops. We wanted teenagers to be welcome. Just abide by the law while you’re here — it’s really simple,” he said.

At the end of the day, the builders, visitors, and new shops share the same sentiment to Mayor Brumbalow’s closing words.

“We didn’t want to copy some of the great developments in the metro area, we wanted to be unique, and I think we’ve accomplished it,” he said. “We are just so excited about it and it’s great seeing it blossom into what we thought it would be.”

Alexis E. Abbott, Kelly Whitmire, Sabrina Kerns and Tracie Pike contributed to this story.

— Sponsored content

Top KNOTch Boutique, Lily Rose Co., and Pieces and Peaches are a few of the boutiques at the Cumming City Center.

The Course @ Tin Cup Grill, a unique putting course amenity at the Cumming City Center, has been a popular attraction.

Beat the heat this month at your library

It’s July, it’s blazing hot outside, and you want fun, enriching things to do that won’t break the bank. Forsyth County Public Library to the rescue!

HERE ARE 10 WAYS FCPL CAN HELP YOU CHILL OUT ON THE CHEAP THIS MONTH:

1. TRAVEL LIGHT. Love to read but don’t want to lug a stack of books to the beach? Download the free Libby app from your app store and create an account with your library card for free access on your electronic devices to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. All Libby checkouts return automatically so there are never any late fees and you can customize fonts, playback speeds, and even checkout periods!

2. ENJOY FREE MUSEUM AND PARK PASSES. Use your library card to check out free passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia State Parks, Zoo Atlanta, and more!

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE, QUIET, PROFESSIONAL MEETING SPACES. Reserve a free study, conference, or meeting room at the library and enjoy your next Zoom meeting without the sound of kids or barking dogs in the background.

4. WORK FASTER WITH FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS. Need to use a computer? We have desktops and laptops for use in the library and Chromebooks you can check out for up to 30 days! Free access to our high-speed Wi-Fi network is available in our libraries during open hours and in our parking lots from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

5. MAKE YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP A BREEZE!

If hearing “Are we there yet?” on repeat in the car isn’t your idea of a good time, hit the library (in person or online) and stock up on digital or CD audiobooks for the whole family. Younger children not quite reading on their own will love our VOX™ Books which have embedded digital audio players with headphone jacks.

6. SHOP THE CHEAPEST BOOKSTORE IN TOWN!

Located in each library, the FCPL Friends and Advocates Bookstores sell gently used materials at a fraction of the retail price. All sales support library programming for all ages and divert tons of books from landfills each year. In July all educational materials are 50% off at our Friends stores. Donations of used materials and Friends volunteers are always needed!

7. GET EXPERT READING RECOMMENDATIONS.

Not sure what to read next or have a reluctant reader at home who says they “hate reading”? We can help! FCPL offers a variety of free resources to help you find your next favorite book including custom-curated, themed reading lists, interactive digital databases that can suggest books you’ll like based on your specific preferences, an online personalized reading suggestions form, and of course, our friendly and helpful librarians! Stop by your library or explore our website at forsythpl.org to benefit from our expert readers’ advisory skills and tools.

8. WIN FREE PRIZES FOR SUMMER READING!

It’s not too late to participate in the library’s reading incentive program which runs through July 30, 2023. Studies show that reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it more fun and less of a chore. The rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate many children to keep reading. With incremental prizes including custom library lanyards, decorative buttons marking milestone achievements, and free books, kids can’t help but strive to reach new reading goals. Our summer reading incentive program is fun for the whole family and all ages are welcome to participate. Get started at forsythpl.beanstack.org

9. STOP SUMMER SLIDE.

Keeping kids intellectually stimulated with reading and engaging activities is the best thing you can do to prevent learning loss over the summer. We have materials and resources for every type of learning preference. Try our online children’s resources like BookFlix and Weston Woods Plus to mix things up and make reading more interactive.

10. ATTEND FREE PROGRAMS BY TOP PERFORMERS AND EXPERTS!

We have an incredible line up of free programs planned this month for all ages. Whether you’re into bass fishing, crafts, escape rooms, motorcycle safety, or exotic animals from around the world, we probably have a free program scheduled this summer that will rock your world. Peruse our digital Summer Program Guide on our website or utilize our interactive events calendar at forsythpl.org/events to search for specific programs by age, date, location, or event type.

With four branches and a Bookmobile , you’re likely just a short drive to the nearest Forsyth County Public Library. We’re open seven days a week and you don’t need a library card to enjoy our facilities or programs, but a library card is required to borrow materials, reserve meeting spaces, and use many of our online resources.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to all Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, government employees, and students and school employees. Anyone not eligible for a free library card may obtain an out-of-county library card for $60 per year.

Parents of Forsyth County Schools’ students can also opt in each school year to allow their student to use their FCS ID # as their public library card. Be on the lookout for that option when you’re filling out your back to school paperwork this year!

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, GA 30041 | Post Road Library, 5010 Post Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 | Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Rd, Cumming, GA 30041

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.

How does faith impact our health?

By Sudie Crouch | Health & Wellness columnist

As a board-certified health coach, taking a holistic approach to a client’s wellness can mean exploring all dimensions of their health. It’s not always just about what they eat and how much they move. Oftentimes, an important and overlooked factor to someone’s health can be found in their faith.

According to an unpublished study by the Mayo Clinic, “94 percent of patients regard their spiritual health and their physical health as equally important; want their spiritual needs met; and would welcome an inquiry regarding their religious and spiritual needs.”

Another survey of family physicians found that 96 percent believe spiritual well-being is an important factor in health, yet this aspect of a patient’s overall wellbeing is seldom if ever approached.

WHY FAITH CAN BE IMPORTANT IN HEALTH:

t A 2001 Mayo Clinic study showed “that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and healthrelated quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide.”

t Being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness can test one’s faith but it can also help the individual hold onto the hope they will get well. While our faith may not necessarily cure us, it definitely can provide some much needed support and an anchor during any health crises.

t When people have a strong connection to a spiritual practice, it helps

them feel connected to something a bit higher than themselves. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harold Koenig released an article that explored the scientific connection between how religion and well-being were connected, indicating that our spirituality plays a role in not only helping us get through those difficult diagnoses but may also influence the prevention and promote overall wellness.

t A spiritual practice may not necessarily be a religious one in order to be effective. Many people have reported experiencing increased overall well-being from various practices that may not be linked to an organized or specific religion. Feeling connected to a Higher Power and following those tenets seem to be what’s key.

Taking a holistic approach to wellness and overall health should include exploring a person’s spirituality and their beliefs. It can help provide insight and understanding into the whole person, which also allows them to feel open to share more with their practitioners, which can also lead to better person-centered care.

While our faith may not necessarily cure us, it is definitely an under-looked aspect in the holistic approach to treating and is an important dimension of overall wellness.

t Can reduce anxiety, which can in turn reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure, two factors heavily related to illness.

t Helps with the ‘visioning’ process of health , allowing the individual to have faith that they will be well. When we see ourselves as healthy, we subconsciously take steps towards actualizing that goal.

t Promotes the tenets of gratitude and forgiveness which can help individuals experience more positive feelings and emotions.

t Can help shape a person’s values, behaviors, and experiences, which can result in them taking steps towards overall well-being and healthier choices.

Some of the positive ways that having a spiritual practice can influence our well-being include:

400 eats A special twist on a classic for this year’s July Fourth barbecue

The Fourth of July may not be governed by official rules mandating celebrants attend a backyard barbecue before being awed by a nighttime fireworks display, but each of those things features prominently in many Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks are best left to the professionals, but anyone can master the art of grilling delicious burgers and hot dogs.

Traditional burgers are made with ground beef. However, curious grillmasters can explore the many ways to experiment with burgers without sacrificing flavor. This recipe for Venison Burgers from “Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith) by Jon Bonnell uses venison and pork in lieu of beef. The result is a mouthwatering burger worthy of inclusion in any Fourth of July festivities.

Venison Burgers

Serves 8

t 2 pounds venison meat

t 1/2 pound pork shoulder

t 1/2 pound slab bacon

t 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

t 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

t Pinch of cayenne pepper

t 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

t 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

t 2 teaspoons hot sauce

t 1 teaspoon kosher salt

t 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional toppings

t Bacon

t Cheddar cheese

t Guacamole

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

Clean the venison well and remove any fat or connective tissue. Cut the venison, pork shoulder and bacon into large chunks. Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and let marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Grind everything together using the small plate on your grinder. Form into burger patties by hand, and grill or pan-sear. Cook to medium (135 degrees internal temperature), then remove from the grill and top with your favorite cheese or burger toppings.

Medicare Payback and Medicare Advantage After an Accident

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving individuals in need of medical care and support. For seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare, and in Advantage Plans understanding the intricacies of Medicare payback becomes crucial when it comes to receiving appropriate medical coverage and the responsibilities of reimbursement to the plan or the government for accident-related expenses.

In this article, we will delve into the process of Medicare payback and how Medicare Advantage plans payback can play a role in accident-related healthcare costs.

Medicare Payback: An Overview

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, provides coverage for various medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs.

However, if Medicare beneficiaries are involved in an accident caused by a third party, such as a car accident or slip and fall incident, Medicare may cover the medical expenses initially, but they will seek reimbursement for those costs if the beneficiary receives a settlement or judgment from the responsible party.

The Medicare Secondary Payer rules make it mandatory for Medicare and Advantage plans to

be the secondary payer in situations where primary insurance coverage exists, such as liability insurance, no-fault insurance, or workers’ compensation. What that means is that although Medicare may upfront the health care costs in the event of an accident, they are entitled under federal law to be paid back from any settlement.

When Medicare makes payments for accident-related care, it has the right to recover those payments if the beneficiary later receives compensation. This right extends to both the person receiving the treatment, and also against the liability carrier for the person who caused the incident.

The Payback Process: Traditional Medicare

Once a Medicare beneficiary receives a settlement or judgment, it is required that Medicare be promptly notified. The reporting is typically done through the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center, a division of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare will review the case and determine the reimbursement amount. Medicare will calculate its reimbursement amount based on the

total amount of accident-related medical expenses paid by Medicare, minus any attorney’s fees, costs of procuring the settlement, and other limited deductions. The beneficiary or their attorney can request a detailed breakdown of the charges and negotiate the final reimbursement amount.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Accident-Related Coverage:

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are privately offered health plans that provide an alternative to traditional Medicare. These plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers, but often include additional benefits such as vision, dental, and prescription drugs.

When it comes to accidents and Medicare Advantage plans, the coverage and reimbursement process may vary depending on the specific plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have specific rules or requirements regarding accident-related care, such as preauthorization for certain treatments or limited coverage for out-of-network providers.

It is crucial for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans to review plan documents and contact their plan provider to understand the coverage and reimbursement process. This will ensure

that they receive the necessary care while minimizing any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. However, like Medicare, these plans have a right to be reimbursed out of any settlement, and can be entitled to two times its damages plus attorney fees if they are not.

Accidents can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries.

Understanding the Medicare payback process and how it relates to accident-related expenses is vital for ensuring proper reimbursement and financial protection.

In case of an accident, promptly reporting the incident to Medicare and seeking professional advice from an attorney experienced in Medicare payback and personal injury cases can help beneficiaries navigate the complexities of the system.

By being proactive and wellinformed, Medicare beneficiaries can effectively manage health care costs and receive the support they need to recover.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has 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.”

Steven Leibel

Helpful tips for picking, cutting watermelon

WATERMELON IS A SUMMERTIME STAPLE. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies or even “spiked” cocktails.

The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe, while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easy cutting strategies.

t Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents or cuts.

t Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re 92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.

t Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.

t All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes.

When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it already sliced or cut

hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore. Here are three techniques

CUBES

1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.

2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.

3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into discs about 1/2-inch in thickness.

4. Then cut those discs into cubes.

SLICES

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.

2. Take one cut half and place it cut-side down.

3. Cut the watermelon into slices.

4. Repeat for the other cut half.

STRIPS

1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.

2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.

up. This ensures the host or

to cut a watermelon easily.