400 Life: Through Your Eyes

400 LIFE

Residents express love of Forsyth County through the lens 400 faces: A word from the experts The top spots to get Instagram photos

NOVEMBER 2018

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contributors Publisher STEPHANIE WOODY Editor BRIAN PAGLIA Production Manager TRACIE PIKE Director Video Production BRADLEY WISEMAN Staff Writers ALEXANDER POPP KELLY WHITMIRE Advertising director NATHAN SCHUTTER Advertising DEBORAH DARNELL CONNOR KELLY ROSARIO WOLIVER

This magazine is a product of the www.ForsythNews.com Cover photo by Kaleb East. See his story, Page 6.

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from the editor When we’re not putting together 400 Life magazine, our staff is (always) busy reporting on every facet of Forsyth County, from its schools to its government to its people, for our thriceweekly newspaper, the Forsyth County News. We feel it’s our mission to give you a glimpse of what life is like in this vibrant place you call home.

But, really, who better to show what life is like in Forsyth County than the people themselves — you.

That was the premise behind this month’s issue. We asked you to submit the photos you’ve taken that capture the essence of the people and places of Forsyth County, and we received dozens and dozens of submissions. You engaged with the contest, and we were overwhelmed by the participation. So overwhelmed, that selecting six winning photographs was an unenviable task.

In the end, we upheld our duty and selected six winners. Congrats to those participants! But there were so many worthy entries that we decided to add a few additional photos in an honorable mention section. I hope you’ll give them a look, too.

Your submissions confirmed one thing: Forsyth County is home to a beautiful mixture of landscapes and people eager to live life to its fullest.

— Brian Paglia

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WINNER Kaleb East

Kaleb East’s winning photo on Sawnee Mountain captures beauty in Forsyth County

By Brian Paglia

Kaleb East has seen some of the best views this year. The Forsyth County resident made it his New Year’s resolution to hike as many trails as possible in 2018, and he’s covered a lot of ground. He went to Hawksbill Mountain in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. He went to the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. He’s been all over Georgia, from Blood Mountain to Rabun Bald, from Yonah Mountain to Preacher’s Rock, even to the highest point in the state (Brasstown Bald).

But East, 27, expresses a particular fondness for the trail right in his own backyard: Sawnee Mountain Preserve.

“Unless you go all the way out to north Georgia above Dahlonega, then you’re (not) able to explore mountains,” East said. “But the one thing that sets Cumming apart from many surrounding cities is Sawnee Mountain to be able to hike and explore.”

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That’s where East found himself one early morning this past summer before sunrise.

An avid outdoor photographer, he woke up around 4:30 a.m., packed his camera, a Fujifilm X-T2, and headed for the Sawnee Mountain trailhead. He hoped to reach the top by 6 a.m.

When he reached the top, East began to strategize his photograph. He knew he wanted his picture to capture the fog in the distance rolling over farmland and forest. He knew he wanted the sun to be behind the highest trees so as not to wash out the detail of nearby rocks and an observation deck. He knew he wanted to preserve the soft orange and pink and red hues in the sky. He knew he wanted to include a group of high school kids who had also hiked up the trail.

At around 7 a.m., East began taking phoContinued on Page 8

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tos, out of which came the one he submitted to the 400 Life magazine “Through Your Eyes” photo contest, a dramatic vertical landscape shot that was selected for the magazine’s cover.

“I thought that was great to be able to capture that, that moment, showing people what Forsyth County, what Cumming, has to offer besides the farmland and forestry and restaurants and Lake Lanier, which everyone knows,” East said.

East moved to Forsyth County from Hawaii in 2006. After college, he became a worship leader in the Atlanta area until he got married, but East still craved a creative outlet. In 2015, he bought his first camera and started out taking pictures during worship services at local churches.

Eventually, East found himself pulled toward outdoor photography.

East is self-taught, so he seeks advice from other outdoor photographers he encounters during hikes. That’s led to plenty of useful tips, but also friendships. East has started to gain a following on Instagram, with a few thousand followers, and his pictures of the views from Sawnee Mountain often elicit surprise from people who have never heard of the place.

“They’re blown away,” East said. “It’s not Blood Mountain, it’s not the Appalachian Trail, but yet it still has incredible views.”

East can’t get enough of the views. He hoped to fulfill his New Year’s resolution by hiking enough trails to average one a week during the year, but he’s already eclipsed that mark. East estimates he’s hiked 53 trails so far. He’s thought about going for 100.

Either way, the point for East is to get outdoors and experience nature, a message he tries to spread to others.

And, he’ll remind them, they don’t have to go far to do it.

“Get out and explore our state, especially our county and all it has to offer,” East said. “There’s so much that we do have that people don’t know about.”

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WINNER Beth Knight 10 | 400 LIFE

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Forsyth County a great place to take on photography Name: Beth Knight Age: 16 The picture: Knight was on a walk a few hours before sunset in the new(ish) Lanierland Park with her dad, mom and two dogs, George, a jack russell terrier-chihuahua mix, and Weiney, who is part American bulldog and part hound.

The family doesn’t make group walks a habit, but they made a point this time; Knight’s dad works for Argo Ready Mix, a company out of Alpharetta that manufactures cement, concrete and similar products, and he helped pour concrete in the park. They wanted to see the results.

As they walked, Knight looked up a hill and was struck by the sight of the sun glaring through a tree. She pulled out her smartphone and snapped a picture.

“It was just beautiful,” Knight said.

On Forsyth County: Knight came to appreciate the county’s aesthetic appeal more and more after a brief time living in Eufaula, Alabama. It’s tiny compared to Forsyth County — the population is just over 12,000 — with fewer memorable sights, according to Knight.

“There was nothing for miles,” Knight said. “Just trees.”

Forsyth County suits Knight, particularly after she developed a passion for photography two years ago. Her niece and nephew were early subjects, along with sunsets on trips to the beach. Now, she uses her Sony camera profusely.

“Taking a picture of the moments that happen in life,” Knight said. “It’s pretty amazing.”

— Brian Paglia

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WINNER Lisa Poulos Williams 12 | 400 LIFE

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It’s a joy to watch Miracle League participants Name: Lisa Poulos Williams Age: 60 Years in Forsyth County: 24 The photos: “The photos at Pelican Pete’s were taken in July 2018. It was the first time I had been to dinner at the restaurant with one of my neighbors. The music, sounds of the people enjoying a summer evening, and the food made for a perfect evening. I especially enjoy the light and shadows evident in the photos during the early evening hours.

“The photos of the Miracle League baseball participants were taken in the spring. My sons participated in a baseball recreation league for many years, yet this league holds a special place in my heart. I have been employed by Forsyth County Schools for over 15 years and have watched many of the students play in this league. I am always thrilled to see them participate. It is also an absolute joy to see the volunteer buddies enjoying the game as much, if not more, than the students. I deliberately submitted photos without identity so that they represent all students that participate.”

On home: “We moved to Forsyth County from Atlanta when my two sons were very young. They are now adults and are still friends with people they have known since kindergarten. I enjoy the small town feel that still exists in the county, yet the growth includes all that we could ever want from a city.”

— Kelly Whitmire

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WINNER Danielle Byrne

It’s the people that make Forsyth County home Name: Danielle Byrne Age: 18 Years in FOCO: 8 Band photo: “When the band booster club for the Forsyth Central High School Flash of Crimson asked if I was willing to take photos of the band, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only could I build my portfolio, I could enjoy time with some the best friends I’ve ever had. It allowed me to snap shots such as these from Forsyth Central’s field. This image in particular was taken at my last first home game and truly captures the family spirit at the C-House. It’s important to note, as well, that the Dawgs won that night.”

Road: “After dinner and a few Dilly bars at Dairy Queen with a few of my friends, we meandered over to the parking deck and climbed our way to the top.

As we watched the sun set over Sawnee Mountain, I played around with my camera’s long exposure settings to capture the liveliness of Forsyth County, of downtown Cumming.”

On home: “Forsyth County has so much to offer, and it’s kept me busy since I’ve moved here. But it’s not the parks, local shops, or facilities that make it home, it’s the people. I have built so many friendships and relationships with those in Forsyth that will stay with me for life — all of whom echo the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of our community.”

— Kelly Whitmire

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WINNER David Coleman

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Name: David Coleman Age: 40 Years in Forsyth County: 2 The photo: One photo was from the neighborhood pool, one was from the common area at Vickery Village. Both were taken this summer.

“For the pool, the kids were having fun and I was like, ‘I could take a picture of that, that would be a great picture’ ... I was in the water for the water shot. You have to be in the water.”

“For the one at Vickery Village, there was corn hole going on, the string lights looked really good. I knew they’d make a good picture so I just snapped that right there.”

On home: “I love that the county seems really family oriented, that’s why we moved here. This county focuses on itself and takes care of itself. We love that it’s close to the mountains and even has some mountains in it, and then you go a little south and you have some good shopping, too.”

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400 faces

LILY AND DAVID MCGREGOR Owners, Lily McGregor Photography

Photo by Brian Paglia

Lily and David McGregor’s career and marriage got off to a rocky start.

This is not to say they did not work well together.

They worked so well together they got married.

They honeymooned in New York City, and even that went well. Their trouble started when they returned to Atlanta. In fact, immediately when they returned to Atlanta.

Still on the plane and Hartsfield tarmac, Lily and David turned on their phones. Each exploded with messages from coworkers. Everyone was laid off.

That very day.

Thus, Lily McGregor Photography was born. Only, not immediately.

In 2006, David was the professional photographer.

Academically trained, he had long known he wanted that to be his career. Lily initially toiled as an editor and production specialist at the same studio. Only later did she study photography under excellent mentors, one of whom was David.

Fast forward to 2009. Romance, a wedding, honeymoon and sudden unemployment. This called for Plan B, though neither David or Lily immediately knew what Plan B was.

It began with outreach to their continually extensive

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Forsyth County community. Among the first to welcome their services was North Forsyth High School, who asked them to cover sports and other events. This led to senior portraits and more.

David and Lily began to be recognized for their talent. Folks asked them to do weddings and individual portraits. They gained further recognition.

Unless specified, replies below paraphrase Lily and David. They give and take in conversation with a common vision, grace, wit and obvious affection.

What most appeals to you about Forsyth County?

“A little ironic, but the diversity. You didn’t see that not so long ago, but it is changing fast. At the same time some families have very deep roots. Many friends are third-generation Forsyth and way more. Despite fast growth, the place remains wholesome, friendly and so livable. It’s getting bigger but still retains that small-town feel.”

What do you recommend to Forsyth newcomers?

Lily: “Despite my fear of drowning, Buford Dam, top and bottom.

We do a lot of shoots at the lower pool. The scenery is epic. Plus, the hired goats that manicure the bank are adorable and hilarious. Also, anything at the Cumming Fairgrounds. We do a lot of work there, and every event is memorable for a lifetime.”

What is your favorite literature?

David: “Can I call ESPN literature? If so, mainly the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. The last book I read was ‘Of Mice and Men.’ I won’t say when. Magazines and newspapers. I won’t say which.”

Lily: “Aldous Huxley’s ‘Point Counter Point’ and ‘Brave New World.’ They involve such relatable characters. Don’t say when I read those either.”

How about movies?

Lily: “‘Pulp Fiction.’ Not because of blood and guts. I love the many subplots and particularly the music.”

David: “‘Karate Kid.’ The original. Triumph of good guy over bad guy. You can pick that up 1/3 of the way through and enjoy it. If I ever stumble on it changing channels I stop and watch.”

Food?

David: “Authentic Mexican. I can eat tacos every day if I was allowed.”

Lily: “Breakfast any time of the day. Not eggs so much. Pancakes and bacon mainly. When dining out, anything adventuresome. We like to explore new Forsyth cuisines.”

Music?

David: “I am a big fan of all ’90s music, but I really enjoy a wide variety of most genres. If it sounds good to me, I’ll listen to it.”

Lily: “Smashing Pumpkins, Crowded House, Depeche Mode and Atlanta hip hop.”

Best places you’ve visited — or want to visit?

“New York City, except for that rather annoying return landing.

Memphis. We needed some place drivable, drew from a hat and had a blast. Phoenix is great. We want to do New Orleans soon.

For our 15th anniversary we will do Europe.”

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

“This field is far more than having an impressive assembly of equipment and an eye for what is photogenic. If you can get academic training, do that. Technology and methodology will always change, and school is the most expedient way to learn fast. If it is your passion, go for it. You will not regret a life in this business.”

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

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Caroline Mull, above and below

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For the ’gram

The 5 most Instagrammable places in Forsyth County

By Brian Paglia

’Tis the season for rustic-colored hikes and pumpkin picking and other fall revelry, which leads to Instagram feeds filling up with dramatic photos.

But truth be told, Forsyth County looks good on the popular social media platform year-round — filter or no filter.

For this photography-themed issue, we thought up the best spots in the county to get a feed-worthy picture for your account.

Lake Lanier There are 692 miles of shoreline on Georgia’s largest lake, about 30 percent of which is in Forsyth County. That leaves plenty of possibilities for a feed-worthy shot. Whether on a campground or beach or out on the water, Lake Lanier shows up on feeds almost year-round. Looking for a good place to start?

Consider the Lower Pool Park near Buford Dam and head for the metal bridge that crosses the Chattahoochee River. And keep an eye out for the nearby goats.

Poole’s Mill Bridge Sure, residents might be tempted to head to the Roswell Mill for family photo shoots, with its wooden covered bridge and nearby dam surrounded by green forest. But, hey, Forsyth County has its own.

Just head to Poole’s Mill Park. The wooden covered bridge there was built in 1901 over Settendown Creek, and on a sunny day the light hits the lattice trusses of the bridge just right, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows that’s sure to pop on the feed.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve Most metro Atlantans might assume that epic mountain-top views are only found at least as far north as Dahlonega. Forsyth County residents know better. Sawnee Mountain is named after a former local Cherokee Native American, and a trek up to the Indian Seats at the top reveals a breathtaking view of the county all the way to the summit of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.

Downtown Cumming parking deck OK, this one might be a little off the wall, but there’s no better place to get a bird’s-eye view of the seat of Forsyth County then on top of the three-level parking deck on Castleberry Road and West Maple Street. There are three perfect occasions to head to the location in particular: sunset (ooooo!), nighttime (think bright lights) and during a storm (ahhhhh!). Just, ya know, be careful.

Sinclair Gas Station The downtown Cumming building near the Dairy Queen on Atlanta Road was once slated for demolition. Instead, the city revived the structure in 2011 to resemble how it might have looked in

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Photo by Madison Willis The Sinclair Gas Station in downtown Cumming. the 1930s when it was first built. The highlight: two vintage gas pumps from that era. Representatives from Lakewood 400 Antiques helped find them at a cost of $5,000 each. There’s no better spot for a photo that takes you back in time. Really, look closely at the pumps: the price meters don’t even have space for dollars.

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