Businesses of
DAWSON
Chestatee Emergent Medical Care a special publication of
January 2015
2 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Family physician opens new private practice
Dr. Ramzi Ghosn believes the personal care of an old-fashioned rural doctor coupled with advancements in technology to be a winning combination for his medical practice. A primary care physician, he opened Ghosn Family Medicine earlier this month with the philosophy of treating patients of all ages with comprehensive and compassionate care. “We like to take care of the whole family. Our philosophy is offering old-fashioned family medicine using advanced, up-to-date diagnostic techniques. But we want to maintain the personal touch. That’s the most important,” he said. Goshn earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency training at the State University of New York and St. Joseph’s Hospital. He has been in practice for more than 20 years. Upon graduation, he was in private practice in New York until he and his family moved to Dawsonville in
For the Dawson Community News
Ghosn Family Medicine, owned by Dr. Ramzi Ghosn, is located at 6002 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 100, in Dawsonville. Owner Ramzi Ghosn has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field.
2006. “I started the practice in 2006 and have been practicing in the community since then,” he said. Nurse Practitioner Melanie Fortenberry has worked with him for the last five years. “I have been going to this office for [a] couple of years and I’ve never had [a] bad experience. They always take me in within minutes of my arrival and the care is pretty quick,” said patient Eva Troncalli. “This is the only office I found that I do not have to wait for hours with or without [an]
appointment.” A trained emergency physician, Goshn also serves at several local hospital emergency rooms. The new office, located at 6002 H w y. 5 3 E a s t , S u i t e 1 0 0 , Dawsonville, just west of Lumpkin Campground Road, is currently open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. “We are planning on expanding office hours once we are settled at the new location,” he said. For more information, call (706) 265-8002.
‘We like to take care of the whole family. Our philosophy is offering old-fashioned family medicine using advanced, up to date diagnostic techniques.’ Dr. Ramzi Ghosn
Ghosn Family Medicine
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 3
Comprehensive & Compassionate
MEDICAL CARE Taking Care of the Whole Family GHOSN FAMILY MEDICINE
TAKING CARE OF THE WHOLE FAMILY
WE PROUDLY OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Wellness Exams Thyroid Disease Well Child Physicals Joint Injection Diabetes Care Skin biopsies Hypertension Lacerations repair CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND LET OUR CARING MEDICAL STAFF TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
We accept most insurance.
6002 Highway 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA
706-265-8002 Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm
4 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Dawsonville Gun and Pawn: Premier firearms dealer in North Georgia Dawsonville Gun and Pawn, north Georgia’s premier firearms store, wants to be a one-stop shop for firearms, ammunition and accessory needs. Specializing in tactical and hunting firearms, as well as ammunition and accessories, Dawsonville Gun and Pawn, located in the former Byrd and Stephens’ building on Hwy. 53 East, features a nearly 4,000 square feet showroom. It also has one of the largest selections of firearms in north Georgia with a great collection of names such as Benelli, Ruger, Remington, Daniel Defense, LWRC, Glock, FN, Savage Arms and Springfield Armory, as well as many other great companies. Services have also been expanded on the gun side with the addition of an onsite gunsmith, who can work with your firearm, as well as provide custom coatings. The family-owned business opened in July of 2012 after serving Dawson County and the surrounding community for more than 20 years as 400 Jewelry and Pawn in the Ingles shopping center, less than a mile east of the current location. In addition to having more than 2,500 guns in stock, there is also a full-service pawn shop onsite. The pawn area, which is located on the east side of the building, is nearly 2,300 square feet and carries a selection of electronics, jewelry, tools and movies, among a variety of other valuable items. In addition to providing firearms services and the vast selection of pawn items, the business is also a
Dawsonville Gun and Pawn, located in the former Byrd and Stephens’ building on Hwy. 53, features a nearly 4,000 square feet showroom. Below, the store specializes in tactical and hunting firearms, including brands such as Benelli, Ruger, Remington, Daniel Defense, LWRC, Glock, FN, Savage Arms and Springfield Armory.
For the Dawson Community News
proud supporter of many local nonprofits. The company supports nearly a half dozen organizations, including No One Alone, Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Rotary International, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Reading Education Association of Dawson County, St. Jude Children’s Research H o s p i t a l , W E E B o o k s , Vi e t n a m Veterans of America, the National Rifle Association of America and Dawson County Tigers. D aw s o nv i l l e G u n a n d Paw n i s open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday. For more information, call (706) 216-1468.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
It’s a
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 5
We Proudly Support Our Community!
Roaring 20’s Gala benefitting
Saturday, May 3, 2014
6PM
The Cottrell Ranch Barn #3 630 Porter Springs Rd., Dahlonega, GA
Tickets $75 per person or $575 for a table of 8
Black tie or 20’s themed attire welcomed
er Buffet by Chef Kerns • Bar • Silent Auction tertainment by Musical Celebrations • Casino
www.noonealone.org or call 706-344-3853
706.216.1468 • dawsonvillegunandpawn.com 5711 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville
6 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
Driving school teaches safe travels Safe driving and lower insurance rates are just a few services offered at Magnum DUI and Defensive Driving School. According to co-owner, Vikki Condrey the school has been providing driving services to the county for two years. “In the four years we have been open, I’d have to say we’ve probably had close
For the Dawson Community News
Friends and representatives of Magnum DUI joined Dawson County Chamber of Commerce officials during their July 2013 ribbon cutting.
to 750 students,” Condrey said. “That’s 750 people that are better drivers now.” The school offers a number of services and classes, such as DUI Risk Reduction, Defensive Driving and Joshua’s Law classes, clinical evaluations upon request and a Victim Impact Panel. “We handle several services, like Joshua’s Law, which is driver training for teenagers, 14 through 24 years old,” Condrey said. “We also handle driver improvement, which is defensive driving. That can help you lower your insurance or help get your license reinstated. It can also take off seven points from your license.” Defensive driving insurance reduction for drivers in good standing with no points on their license is good for 3 years. The school is at 42 Grant Road, Suite 230, located off of Highway 400. For more information, call (706) 2162554 or visit www.drivingwithmagnum. com.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
NOW OPEN! Amanda Clairs Women’s Apparel from Ladies Small to 3X Dresses • Leggings Purses • Hipsters Jewelry • Wallets Belts • Hats & More!
Angel Matheson, Owner with niece Alexis
The Latest Fashions at Reasonable Prices
Let us help you safely get back on the road.
SERVICES:
Risk Reduction (DUI) Classes Cost: $355.00 #10080 Free Lunch!
We also carry concealed weapon purses
Now carrying Miss Me jeans & capri
Defensive Driving Classes Cost: $95.00/$50.00 #DI 2129 (Insurance) Lower Insurance • Reinstatement Point Reduction • Court Ordered • Tickets
Great selection of MEN’s Apparel
Driver Training Classes (Driver’s ED) #596 Cost: $116.00 Requirement for teens in order to obtain a valid Driver’s License at 16 Requirement to lower insurance Victim Impact Classes (VIP) Cost: $50.00
706-216-2554
www.drivewithmagnum.com We are located at 42 Grant Road, at the Corner of GA 400 in Dawsonville!
JOIN US FOR OUR CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING! Wednesday, February 4th at 2pm
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8426 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville (Located just across from Jan’s Daycare)
678-410-2872 • amandaclairs2014@gmail.com
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 7
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Foothills Community Bank: Dedicated to local banking
WHERE COMMUNITY AND TRUST COME TOGETHER. Let us help you with your financial needs...
For the Dawson Community News
The main office of Foothills Community Bank is at 70 Carlisle Road in Dawson County.
As the name suggests, Foothillls Community Bank is Dawson County’s only locally owned community bank. Originally known as First Citizens Bank of Georgia, the bank changed its name to Foothills Community Bank in January of 2014 in the hopes of bringing a new chapter for the only financial center headquartered in Dawson County. Bank officials said that the name was changed to better reflect “who we are and what we want to do moving forward.” “We are proud to be a part in serving this community. We are a community bank and we focus on our customers and their needs. We are in Dawson County, where our decisions a r e m a d e l o c a l l y,” s a i d M i k e Underwood, executive vice president. Organized in 2006, and opened the following year, with an emphasis on “local decision making, responsiveness, reliability, consistency and superior client service,” Foothills Community Bank is guided by an eight-member board of directors, which is made up of local residents and business leaders from Dawson, Lumpkin and Forsyth counties. The bank’s current board consists of Mike Berg, Chuck Gordon, Steven Leibel, Chip Pearson, John Pearson, R y ke r L ow e , Kev i n Ta n n e r a n d
‘We are a community bank and we focus on our customers and their needs. We are in Dawson County, where our decisions are made locally.’
Charles Buckner, Pres./CEO
Mike Underwood, EVP
Chyrl Waldrip, AVP
Marsha Hansard, VP
Mike Underwood
Executive Vice President Charles Buckner, president. Additionally, the bank’s management team and staff have more than 175 years of combined banking experience and are deeply rooted in the community. “Being local, our ownership, management and board understand the flavor of the community, understand the market and know the people,” Underwood said. “It’s important for us that we’re right here in the community.” The main office is at 70 Carlisle Road, and the Cumming branch is at 5835 Bethelview Road. The phone number for the main office in Dawsonville is (706) 2165900. To contact the Cumming office, call (770) 292-9168. For more information, visit www. myfoothillsbank.com.
“You’ll notice the difference” 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 706.216.5900 70 Carlisle Road Dawsonville
770-292-9168 5835 Bethelview Road Cumming
myfoothillsbank.com
8 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
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dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 9
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
me Enjoy Our Daily Specials!
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06-265-1331 NG & TAKE OUT AVAILABLE
384 Hwy 53E, Dawsonville at: 11am-10pm • Sun: Noon to 9pm
10 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Amicalola Propane delivers hometown heating needs Amicalola Propane is a familyowned and operated business in downtown Dawsonville dedicated to serving the area’s heating needs. “It was designed to be a small, family-owned business that would be passed along to our family,” said Matt Richardson, who along with his wife Kristin opened the business in 2003. In the early days, Matt spent his days making deliveries and running service calls, while Kristin ran the office. The staff has now grown to nine full time and several part-time employees. “I feel like the small, family atmosphere has done us well. I love it that I know 90 percent of m y c u s t o m e r s o n a fi r s t n a m e basis,” he said. “Probably 90 percent of the customers out there still have my cellphone number and still call when they need gas.” Having such a tightknit community support system has been vital to the company’s success. “I would love to thank the comm u n i t y. T h e r e wo u l d n ’t b e a n Amicalola Propane if it weren’t for the wonderful people of Dawson County,” he said. Matt Richardson also credits the help of family, especially his father Dennis Richardson who passed away last year, with the success the company has achieved. “My first year, it was just so overwhelming and I called my dad, and I said dad, ‘I need help.’ He came up, dropped everything he was doing, moved his roots and came up to Dahlonega with my mother,” he said. “Most of the people you talked to thought the business was his, and I have no problem with that what so ever, because he was a very key figure in what we’ve built today.” While the couple would love to see the business continue to grow, they strive to maintain that smalltown feeling. “That’s what I love most about it--small business atmosphere. And I like to maintain that with a steady growth,” Matt Richardson said. “I
‘I feel like the small, family atmosphere has done us well. I love it that I know 90 percent of my customers on a first name basis.’ Matt Richardson Owner
don’t necessarily think that everybody in four counties should buy from us. Of course, that would be great, but it would lose its small town value.” Located on Hwy. 53, just west o f D aw s o nv i l l e , A m i c a l o l a Propane offers a full line of propane products, including a range of space heating options, tankless water heaters, tank installations and just about anything else that involves the use of propane. A m i c a l o l a P r o p a n e p r ov i d e s propane sales, service and repair to farms, homes and businesses in Dawson, Forsyth, Lumpkin, Pickens counties, as well as the area of West Hall. Amicalola Propane, at 383 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. For more information, call (706) 344-1427.
For the Dawson Community News
Amicalola Propane owners Matt Richardson and wife Kristen pose for a family photo with their two daughters.
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 11
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
FARM • HOME • COMMERCIAL
PROPANE SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR
Stay Warm this Winter with
GAS HEATERS & GAS LOGS!
KEEP FULL PROGRAM Never Check Your Tank Again! For details, please visit our website
We now carry Kamado Joe grills and accessories!
CALL US FOR ALL YOUR GAS NEEDS!
706-344-1GAS • 383 Hwy. 52 West, Dawsonville
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm For ordering or to make a payment, www.amicalolapropane.com
12 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Center offers compassionate childcare Jan’s Family Daycare Center has been meeting the childcare needs of Dawson and Forsyth families since 1997. Owner Jan Whetstone and her staff strive to provide compassionate and loving care in a safe, clean environment. “I try to give my best each and every day,” said Whetstone. “I also try to treat people the way I want to be treated.” Following that motto has afforded the center many accolades over the years, including being named “best d a y c a r e ” i n D aw s o n C o u n t y o n numerous occasions. All teachers are CPR and first aid certified. Additionally, all of the teachers at the center either have or are working to obtain their child development associate’s degree. Among the center’s services are daily childcare and Georgia lottery
For the Dawson Community News
Jan’s Family Daycare Center strives to provide compassionate and loving care in a safe, clean environment.
funded pre-kindergarten. The center also offers an afterschool program, with student pickups at Robinson,
Black’s Mill and Riverview elementary schools in Dawson, Chestatee Elementary in Forsyth and
Blackburn in Lumpkin. Children attending Kilough Elementary are bused daily to the center through the school system. The secret to running a successful local business, according to Whetstone, is keeping a positive attitude. “I do anything from driving the van to the schools to pick up the children for the afterschool program, to making lunch, taking out the trash and covering a classroom,” she said. Located at 8455 Hwy. 53 East in Dawsonville, just minutes from the Forsyth County line and Ga. 400, Jan’s Family Daycare Center is open from 5:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (706) 216-6372.
Voted Best Daycare 7 Years Celebrating Seventeen Years!
Caring, Experienced & Certified Staff Ages 6 Weeks - 12 Years Lottery Funded Pre-K
Jan’s Family Daycare Center
Monday - Friday 5:30am - 6:30pm Saturday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Drop-Ins Welcome!
8455 Highway 53 • Dawsonville • 706-216-6372 Transportation Provided To/From All Dawson Co. Elementary Schools & Chestatee Elementary!
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 13
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is here for its members The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce has been serving the needs of its members in the county for 38 years in its current model. “We are committed to our mission of cultivating a successful economic environment and a desirable quality of life for our businesses and community,” said Chamber President Christie Haynes. “We provide programming, benefits and opportunities that enable our members to thrive.” These programs include the chamber’s monthly Business After Hours, an evening of social networking hosted each month by a different business, the monthly luncheon or the Chamber Ambassador program, a group of friendly, dedicated chamber members that serve as liaisons between the chamber staff and its membership. “The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is the premier business organization for our area,” Haynes said. “We are proud of the more than 400 members that make up our chamber and who are an integral part of our dynamic community.” According to Haynes, the vision of the
For the Dawson Community News
One of the services the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce offers to its members is a ribbon cutting for the business after it joins.
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce is “to be the hub of a thriving, growing community.” “Our members come first,” Haynes said. “We are committed to integrity and business ethics, as well as being leaders in innovation,
collaborating with community partners and providing resources for businesses, citizens and visitors.” Members of the chamber tout the organization’s handling of local business promotion
“As a local business located in Dawson County, our company has benefitted tremendously with a warm and genuine welcome from local businesses, government and schools,” said George Parson, owner of Cartridge on Wheels. “While we have been blessed by the local support, we also count it a blessing to be able to do our part and support the community in this way. We are a proud member of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.” The chamber’s day to day activities are overseen by director of operations Brenda Mason and membership director Melissa Mayton. The board of directors, which watches over the finer details, is made up of a 21-member panel, whose members include Dawsonville officials, Dawson County officials and representatives from local businesses. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce office is at 44 Commerce Drive, off of Hwy. 400. To reach the chamber, visit www.dawson.org, call (706) 265-6278 or email info@dawson.org.
Create your own adventure here...
Or Whether working to grow your business or starting a new venture…...
Planning a staycation or hosting friends and family from states away...
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development is here to support you! Visit our website at www.dawson.org, give us a call at 706-265-6278 or stop by and visit our Welcome Center for all of your adventure needs. 44 Commerce Drive • www.dawson.org • 706-265-6278
14 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
Doctor treats people, not names on a chart When Dr. Gary Berliner opened Chestatee Emergent Medical Care in Dawsonville nearly 13 years ago, he had one over-arching goal in mind. “The first thing about treating patients is to be a person. That’s why I don’t wear a white coat, because it creates a barrier,” he said. ”When a patient walks in the door, they aren’t separated by a sheet of glass. They go to triage next to be assessed and then see me for treatment. All the time we want this to be open for them and give the patients all the time they need.” When Berliner, who has been practicing medicine since 1993, first opened the office in Dawsonville, he only had four employees on staff - himself, his mother, his wife and a general manager. “I was a doctor for a year in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, the only doctor for 800 air miles,” he said. “You have to be selfreliant. A doctor in a rural community has to be able to do not just niche medicine, but all of medicine.” Berliner said that he picked this area because of the need for general practice medical care at the time. “I picked Dawson County because, at the time, it was the seventh fastest growing county in the country,” he said. “There was only one group of company doctors at the time, but nothing on the inside of the county. The last eight doctors that had tried to locate in the county had failed because they couldn’t get insurance assigned.” Currently, the practice offers two treatment models, by visit or a yearly pay model, which provides all health care, emergent medical care and all in-house medical services. The office does not take appointments, but accepts walk-in patients. “We’ve always had an open model to this practice,” Berliner said. “My thought was not to do insurances – I’m not very fond of insurance – and do an open, accessible, cash practice that was low cost and easily affordable.” Berliner said that this model was immediately successful in Dawson County. “On the first day, while we were still moving in equipment, we had people were meeting us in the parking lot wanting to be seen,” he said. “Within three months, we were in the black financially.
Dr. Gary Berliner shows Brianna Adams a sonogram of her unborn son, while fourth year medical student Lily Ghavi looks on. Below, a staff photo of Dr. Berliner, from left, Ghavi, Adams and Amanda Flowers.
David Renner Dawson Community News
The model was clearly appropriate for this community.” He said that most of his business comes from patient referrals and location. “Word of mouth and convenient location made people realize we were here and we were busy before day one,” he said. “The first year exploded exponentially and we didn’t look back after that.” Berliner said that he wants to make his patients feel like people instead of just names on a chart. “We have three aspects for our nonemergency visits,” he said. “We want there to be a personable aspect, a timing aspect and an attention aspect to it. Patients should always find their doctors accessible to them.” Chestatee Emergent Medical Care is located at 2395 Thompson Rd, off of Hwy. 53 East. And can be reached at (706) 265-6866. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
dawsonnews.com | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | 15
URGENT CARE - FAMILY MEDICINE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
Dr. Gary C. Berliner, medical student Lily Ghavi, Brianna Adams and Amanda Flowers Not pictured: General Manager Kim Limburg
Open 7 Days A Week • No Insurance, No Problem Chestatee Emergent Medical Care
SPORTS PHYSICALS • DOT PHYSICALS • DRUG SCREENS
2395 Thompson Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-6866 www.chestateeemergentcare.com
16 | DAWSON COMMUNITY NEWS | dawsonnews.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
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