FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Your Annual Guide To Forsyth County 2020
ECRWSS Presort Standard US Postage Paid Permit # 1002 Cumming, GA
LIFE IN FORSYTH
LEADING CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we believe every patient deserves personalized, comprehensive care that fits their needs. That’s why our network of expert providers is dedicated to delivering patient-first care backed by leading treatment options. Discover the power of Northside in your neighborhood. Contact a practice below to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment today.
Our Locations Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists 2000 Howard Farm Drive, Suite 200 Cumming, GA 30041 770-292-6500 arthritisandtotaljoint.com
Atlanta Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Associates 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 410 Cumming, GA 30041 404-252-9063 atlantathoracicsurgery.com
Neurosurgery Answer 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 310 Cumming, GA 30041 678-730-7796 neurosurgeryanswer.com
Northside Neurology 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 250 Cumming, GA 30041 770-889-7118 northsideneurology.com
Georgia Gynecologic Oncology
Northside Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3800 Cumming, GA 30041 678-442-3121 ggo-atl.com
1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 210 Cumming, GA 30041 678-456-4947 northsidepulmonary.com/npsm
Northside Radiation Oncology Consultants 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 140 Cumming, GA 30041 770-292-7000 northside.com/Radiation-Oncology-Forsyth
Spectrum Neurosurgical Specialists 1505 Northside Forsyth Blvd, Suite 2500 Cumming, GA 30041 770-292-4540 spectrumneuroga.com
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About this section We hope this magazine provides both newcomers and longtime residents with a comprehensive guide to life in this county. Inside you’ll find everything you need, from how to sign up your child for school, contact your local elected official, find the nearest library and much, much more.
who we are More than just a newspaper, the Forsyth County News reaches Forsyth’s largest media audience through digital and mobile platforms, as well as through video, magazines, social media and more. The official news source of Forsyth County since 1908, the Forsyth County News serves Georgia’s fast-growing, mostaffluent and healthiest county. With Forsyth County’s only paid circula-
tion local newspaper, the most-visited local media website and a host of niche magazines and publications, the FCN remains committed to informing and entertaining users across north Atlanta as Forsyth County’s premier media outlet. In 2018, the Forsyth County News joined with Local Media Outdoor to offer billboard and outdoor advertising options for our clients. The Forsyth County News is printed every Wednesday and Saturday, and its website, ForsythNews.com, is updated with the latest local news and information throughout each day. In 2018, the Forsyth County News added a digital replica edition of the print newspaper to the online component.
where we’ve been Founded by Joe Patterson in downtown Cumming in 1908, the FCN has grown with
the county it represents. In 1927, Roy P. Otwell purchased the Forsyth County News and the North Georgian, combining them as The Forsyth County News. Otwell remained chief editor and owner of the newspaper for 27 years. Charles Smithgall Sr. of Gainesville purchased the paper in 1954, and soon relocated the newspaper office to Dahlonega Street. It subsequently was operated from two different Dahlonega Street locations. In December of 1998, the FCN was relocated to its current site, the renovated building of the former Cumming Hardware at 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Swartz-Morris Media purchased the Forsyth County News in 1994. In 2018, the Forsyth County News was purchased by Metro Market Media, along with the Gainesville Times and the Dawson County News.
INSIDE Forsyth County stands together during a crisis. From making masks and delivering meals, to working on the frontlines as essential workers, the community has shown a tremendous amount of determination and support during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Forsyth County News’s “Neighborhood Heroes” contest aimed to spotlight those difference-makers in our community. Readers submitted nominations. We received dozens, from EMTs to nurses to teachers and “ordinary” neighbors making signs to uplift others or collecting food to donate to those in need. Our staff selected four winners to be recognized. You’ll read their stories in this magazine, and hopefully come to appreciate what great neighbors there are in Forsyth County.
Elected officials Passport, marriage license Utilities, register to vote Public schools Colleges Senior services Health care Public safety Local attractions
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CONNeCT wITH US FORSYTHNEWS.COM Call 770-887-3126 4 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
@forsythcountynews @forsythsports
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@forsythnews @fcnsports @400lifemag
Mike Thiery says ‘it does not hurt to step up to the plate to help others’ Story and photos by Kelly Whitmire
I
t’s pretty easy to see how involved Mike Thiery is with the community. For one, he’s involved in several organizations throughout Forsyth County, and two, his distinctive big, white beard and knack for colorful outfits can make him tough to miss. Thiery was recently selected for the neighbor category of Forsyth County News’s Neighborhood Heroes contest, where members of the community submitted their picks for who they felt made a difference. Thiery, a school bus driver for Forsyth County Schools who was also recently chosen as employee of the month, actually received a pair of submissions for his actions during the
Continued, Page 6
When there’s a need, there are so many people that, they want to do something, they just don’t know what to do. I sat here and thought about it and said, I’ve got to help. I’ve got to do something. — Mike Thiery, bus driver for Forsyth County Schools, volunteer LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020 | 5
COVID-19 quarantine, one for helping Marie’s Italian Deli serve more than 1,650 sack lunches to The Place of Forsyth County and for visiting and stopping by to visit and sing “God Bless America” with some of the Whitlow Elementary School students on his bus route. “I can’t say how much I appreciate it,” Thiery said of being chosen a Neighborhood Hero. “It was awesome, totally awesome to receive the award, and it does not hurt to step up to the plate and volunteer wherever people can do it.” Along with other activities like singing in a choir and serving as softball umpire for more than 40 years, Thiery has played Santa Claus for more than 20 years in his neighborhood. In recent years, he’s began branching out to play Santa in other areas, such as for a local Cub Scout group made up of kids with autism. Thiery said his favorite instance of being Santa involved one of the scouts who was sure he would be on the naughty list because he didn’t like being told what to do. “I looked at my right hand, and I told him, ‘I’ve got good news,’” Thiery recalled. “I said, ‘There’s nobody in this room that’s on the naughty list,’ and he started tearing up a little bit. I said, ‘Now, let me look at my nice list.’ I looked at my left and said, ‘Now ... this is my nice list ... I’ve got great news, you’re on my nice list, and to top it off, you’re at the top of the list.’” Thiery said not only did he get “the biggest hug” from the boy, his mom later reached out to let him know that for the first time, he had made the honor roll at his school. When it comes to serving others, Thiery said it’s not about him but was from the values instilled by his family, where he was the 11th out of 12 kids. “I would say it’s from my upbringing, from my parents all the way down to my relatives, brothers and sisters,” Thiery said, “and it’s just when there’s a need, there are so many people that, they want to do something, they just don’t know what to do. I sat here and thought about it and said, ‘I’ve got to help. I’ve got to do something.’” 6 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
Photo courtesy Marie’s Italian Deli
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Essential employee wants to be remembered ‘as the guy that would do anything for anybody’ Story and photos by Kelly Whitmire
J
ames Burns has been in the automotive business for more than 20 years but said it was only recently that he discovered his true passion wasn’t cars, it was people. Burns, who works at Christian Brothers Automotive, was recently selected as the winner of Fo r s y t h C o u n t y N ew s ’s Neighborhood Heroes contest for the Essential Employees category. “I’ve been known throughout 8 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
my life to be a people person,” Burns said. “My past was real dark and ugly, so to be able to have the ability to stand in the middle of the state of this group of people, or even be nominated, is by far an honor to me, as well as my family.” For more than 20 years, Burns dealt with a cocaine addiction until, on Sept. 24, 2014, he decided he “didn’t want to die” and entered into treatment at No Longer Bound, a men’s treatment facility.
Employee, continued Page 18
The legacy I want to be remembered as the guy that would do anything for anybody. —
James Burns, essential employee
eleCTeD OFFICIAlS CITY COUNCIL Mayor Troy Brumbalow, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 781-2010 Christopher Light, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 480-1396 Jason Evans, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 781-2010 Joey Cochran, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 781-2010 Linda Ledbetter, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 781-2010 Chad Crane, 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 781-2010
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Secretary Molly Cooper, District 1, 110 E. Main
Wes McCall (2018), District 1, 320 Dahlonega St.,
St., Cumming, GA 30040; (678) 513-5881; mbcoo-
Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 490-6316;
per@forsythco.com
wmccall@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Dennis Brown, District 2, 110 E. Main Street,
Vice Chairwoman Kristin Morrissey,
Cumming, GA 30040; (678) 513-5882; dtbrown@ forsythco.com Todd Levent, District 3, 110 E. Main St., Cumming, GA 30040; (678) 513-5883; tlevent@forsythco.com Vice Chairwoman Cindy Jones Mills, District 4, 110 E. Main St.,
District 2, 3310 Caney Creek Lane, Cumming, GA 30041; (678) 250-4047; kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Tom Cleveland, District 3, 5225 Millsford Court, Cumming, GA 30040; (770) 844-9901; tcleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Cumming, GA 30040; (678) 513-5884;
Darla Sexton Light, District 4, 50080 Hopewell
cjmills@forsythco.com
Road, Cumming, GA 30028; (770) 887-0678;
Chairwoman Laura Semanson,
dlight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
District 5, 110 E. Main St., Cumming,
Chairwoman Nancy Roche, District 5, 7840
GA 30040; (678) 513-5885;
Chestnut Hill Road, Cumming, GA 30041;
losemanson@forsythco.com
(770) 889-0229; nroche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Upcoming Events
37 Main Presents 3rd Annual City of Cumming Music Fest: July 18, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Rock out at the Cumming Fairgrounds with tribute bands honoring legends such as Queen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Guns N Roses, Heart, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more!
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July 4th Celebration: 10 a.m. – 63rd Annual Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Celebration at the Cumming Fairgrounds 9:30 p.m. – Fireworks Display
The Taste: August 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Enjoy samples from some of Forsyth and surrounding counties’ yummiest restaurants at the Cumming Fairgrounds’ arena!
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770-888-8888 Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive | Suite 460 Cumming, GA 30041
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Yaarab Shrine Circus: August 6-9 – Yaarab Shriners present 9 two-hour circus performances over 4 days by the Royal Hannaford Circus, under the “Big Top” at the Cumming Fairgrounds! IPRA World Championship Rodeo: September 4-6 – Get ready for a roping-andwrangling good time at the Cumming Fairgrounds’ arena! Cumming Country Fair & Festival: October 8-18 – FCN’s Best of Forsyth favorite community event returns to the Cumming Fairgrounds with plenty of downhome, familyfriendly fun! 2nd Annual Relay for Life Scare Fair at the Fairgrounds: October 8-18, 23-24, 30-31 – Venture through the House of Four Scythes, if you dare! Christmas Parade & Festival: December 5 – Parade at 5 p.m. & Festival from 6-8 p.m. at the Cumming Fairgrounds For complete information and event updates, like and follow us on Facebook @ CummingCityHall and @CummingFair or go to cityofcumming.net and cummingfair.net.
LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020 | 9
Need to know Passport Heading on an exotic vacation? Head on over to the Cumming Post Office or Probate Court of Forsyth County to get what you need for going in and out of countries. First, call to make an appointment. Then, make sure to bring a completed application, one recent passport photo and a certified copy of birth certificate with raised or embossed seal. If a naturalized citizen, bring original certificate. Bring driver’s license for ID. Have a check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State – $80 for 15 years or under, $110 for 16 or older, plus $35 for each application payable to Probate Court. Add on an extra $60 if you need it expedited. The Department of State also strongly advises persons seeking quick turnaround to add an additional $16.48 as postage for priority mail. In addition, applicants under 16 years old must have both parents present. Applicants 16 through 17 years old must have one parent present. The Cumming Post Office is at 525 Tribble Gap Road. For more information, call (800) 275-8777.
Marriage license Both parties must appear with valid ID (driver’s license or birth certificate). If divorced, it is not necessary for you to bring in a copy of your final decree of divorce; however, you should have a certified copy of the final decree in your records. Occasionally, a person believing himself or herself to be divorced will discover that such is not the case because someone forgot to obtain, or file, the final decree. The license fee is $56 payable by cash or check. The fee is reduced to $16 upon presentation of the Court form certifying pre-marital counseling. The form and requirements may be obtained from the Probate Court office in person. Applicants must be at least 18 to apply without parental consent. For ages 16 and 17, parental consent rules apply. Please call the Probate Court office at (770) 781-2140 for more information.
Firearm license New applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless an exception applies) and be a resident of Forsyth County. He or she must present identification in an approved form and submit a $71 fee payable in cash only to the Probate Court of Forsyth County. Different requirements exist for timely renewal applications, and for applications to replace lost or destroyed licenses originally issued by Forsyth County Probate Court. Call the Probate Court office at (770) 781-2140 for more information. Clerk of Courts At the office of the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior, State and Juvenile Courts, county residents can find information on property records, pay citations and get instructions for being on a jury. The office is on the first floor of the Forsyth County Courthouse. Clerk of Courts Greg G. Allen has served in that role since 2009.
Are you an aspiring ar�st? A weekend hobbyist? A dedicated professional? The Cumming Arts Center has something to offer everyone. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza�on dedicated to providing a rich visual arts experience for Cumming & Forsyth County residents. Our members are painters (in all mediums), po�ers, wood turners, photographers, 3D ar�sts and others. We provide opportuni�es to par�cipate in shows, numerous exhibits, open studio and a variety of classes for children and adults. Anyone, regardless of art ability, is welcome to join. Browse our website www.sawneeart.org and our Facebook page to learn more. Due to COVID19 the Arts Center building is closed temporarily. Visit our on-line virtual gallery and watch for upcoming art shows and events including:
“Autumn in the City” and “Christmas Arts & Cra�s Fes�val” Cumming Arts Center 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd Cumming, GA 30040
Dick & Carole Kjellsen
10 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd Suite 150 Cumming, GA 30040 12970 HWY 9 Milton, GA 30004
770-781-8004 www.morrowfammed.com
NeeD TO kNOw utilities For electricity, customers can go to Sawnee emC or Georgia Power. Sawnee emC is at located at 543 Atlanta Highway and can be reached at (770) 887-2363 or Sawnee.com. Georgia Power can be reached online at GeorgiaPower.com. For water service, reach out to Cumming Utilities by coming to Cumming City Hall, calling 770-781-2020 or online at CummingUtilities.com. For County residents, the Forsyth County Department of water and Sewer, located at the Forsyth County administration building, can be reached by phone at 770-781-2160 or online at ForsythCo.com/ Departments-Offices/water-Sewer. VeHiCle tags Vehicle tags for Forsyth County residents can be purchased at either the tax commissioner’s main office at 1092 Tribble Gap Road or the Sharon Springs office at 1950 Sharon Road. Both offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. you may renew your tags online via the Georgia Department of Revenue’s motor Vehicle Division. For more information, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 770-781-2112 or email auto@forsythco.com.
24/7
aDoPting a Pet Forsyth County Animal Shelter If you want to adopt a cat, dog, or other animal in Forsyth County, the Forsyth County Animal Shelter is a great place to start. located at 4065 County way, the shelter is open for adoption, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter will be conducting adoptions by appointment only. Adoption fee is $85 per animal. Contact the shelter by calling (678) 965-7185. Humane Society of Forsyth County Founded in 1975, the Humane Society of Forsyth County, Georgia (HSFC) is dedicated to preventing cruelty to, relieving the suffering of, and providing humane treatment for animals. All the animals in our program are safe and well-cared for, while we wait to find them their forever homes. we stand by the fact that we are one of a few no-kill shelters in this area. The organization provides a variety of services to aid in caring and feeding of the animal. For more information, contact us at info@forsythpets.org or visit forsythpets.org. The Humane Society is at 4440 keith Bridge Road, Cumming, GA 30041. For more information, call (770) 887-6480. register to Vote Those wanting to participate in elections in Forsyth County can register to vote online, by mail or in person. Those with a valid Georgia driver’s license can register to vote at the Secretary of State’s website at Sos.Ga.Gov. Both city and county residents can also register in person at the Forsyth County Voter Registrations and elections Office located at 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040. Voter applications can be picked up at the office or any county library and can also be mailed to the above address. more information is available online at ForsythCo.com/Departments-Offices/Voter-Registrations-elections/Register-to-Vote.
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Girl with a big heart helps community in small, thoughtful ways Story and photos by Sabrina Kerns
A
t only 10 years old, Price Green’s favorite way to pass the time is to volunteer and show kindness and positivity to others in her community. “She helps do any and every thing that she can,” said her mom, Angela Green. As the novel coronavirus pandemic started to really impact the state earlier in March, though, and many were forced to quarantine, Price kicked her instinct to help others into overdrive. As an animal lover, she loves to spend her time taking care of her chickens, cats and dog at home, and even playing pretend veterinarian, caring to her pets with her stethoscope always in hand. After taking care of her animals and finishing her work, she found herself with a lot of extra time on her hands. She ended up using this time to think of new ways to bring positivity into her community. Soon, she started drawing pictures and hiding them in word searches and activity books to give to those at the Forsyth County Senior Center. “We write encouraging notes in it or lines from the Bible, and we put them in the books randomly,” Price said. She has also made a point of sending letters to friends, family and pen pals that may need a little bit of extra positivity right now. She even includes little gifts with the letters such as stickers or little stencils — whatever she happens to have at home that she thinks might brighten someone’s day. “She writes letters and sends them little trinkets and things to try to break up the — just the not going anywhere and having to stay home,” Angela said. 12 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
Price said she recently also got a quill made from quarts that she is learning how to use, and she wants to use it to start sending more letters to some of her deaf and hard of hearing friends. Her mom said that Price’s best friend is deaf, and they met in kindergarten where she also quickly learned American Sign Language. Besides spreading positivity in her community and in the senior center, Price also learned how to sew when the pandemic first reached Georgia because she wanted to help make masks for those in the area who really needed them. After what Price said was almost four weeks of constant sewing, she ended up making around 150 masks. “[My mom] did all the little kid masks and I did all the adult masks because the adult masks were easier,” she said. As they were finishing masks together, Price’s grandmother started to take them and give them to those who needed them at her job, and another local friend took them to give to offices in the area that had no choice but to stay open. Price said that she saw pictures on Facebook later of workers wearing the masks that she made, and the thought that she helped in that little way made her happy. Her mom has always commended her for her heart and need to help and bring positivity to those around her, especially during the pandemic when so many need that little bit of extra positivity. “She’s trying to find little ways to make people happy,” Angela said.
Mother finds business success after donating 1,000 masks to medical workers, community members Story and photos by Sabrina Kerns
S
onghui Kim felt hopeless when the novel coronavirus first started to reach Georgia early in March. She felt stuck just watching a pandemic devastate those around her. “I wanted to do something for what’s happening, but I felt like I couldn’t really do anything,” Kim said. “I couldn’t even leave the house.” About 10 days after her quarantine started, Kim found exactly what she needed.
One of her friends sent her a message from someone online asking for help from anyone who knew how to sew, in getting masks out to medical workers in area hospitals. Her friend sent it directly to her because Kim has been sewing since she was a teenager. After years of sewing and eventually moving away from her previous career, Kim even wanted to start a sewing business much like the one her sister owns in downtown Cumming, called Sue’s Alterations. Kim started working in drapery and décor, and then later on she stepped back
Mother, continued Page 18 LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020 | 13
14 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
Forsyth County Schools ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1. Big Creek 1994 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 887-4584
8. Daves Creek 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 888-1222
15. Sawnee 1616 Canton Highway, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-6161
2. Brandywine 175 Martin Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 667-2585
9. Haw Creek 2555 Echols Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 965-5070
16. Settles Bridge 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 887-1883
3. Brookwood 2980 Vaughan Drive, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 965-5060
10. Johns Creek 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 965-5041
17. Sharon 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 888-7511
4. Chattahoochee 2800 Holtzclaw Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 781-2240
11. Kelly Mill 1180 Chamblee Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 965-4953
18. Shiloh Point 8145 Major Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 341-6481
5. Chestatee 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506-6316 (770) 887-2341
12. Mashburn 3777 Samples Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-1630
6. Coal Mountain 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 887-7705
13. Matt 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, Cumming, GA 30028 (678) 455-4500
7. Cumming 540 Dahlonega St., Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-7749
14. Midway 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 475-6670
19. Silver City 6200 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30028 (678) 965-5020 20. Vickery Creek 6280 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 346-0040 21. Whitlow 3655 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 965-5090
MIDDLE SCHOOLS 22. DeSana 625 James Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 667-2591
27. Otwell 605 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-5248
23. Lakeside 2565 Echols Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 965-5080
28. Piney Grove 8135 Majors Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 965-5010
24. Liberty 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 781-4889
29. Riverwatch 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 455-7311
25. Little Mill 6800 Little Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 965-5000
30. South Forsyth 4670 Windermere Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 888-3170
26. North Forsyth 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 889-0743
31. Vickery Creek 6240 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 667-2580
LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020 | 15
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Mother, from Page 13 after having her two daughters, Chloe and Emma. Even as she has stepped away from work to be with her daughters, Kim still sews all the time, and she holds sewing classes for her daughters and their friends over the summer. Her husband eventually dedicated a spot in the basement for her and turned it into a workshop where she can get all of her sewing and crafting done. Kim’s experience with sewing and her need to help out people in the community during such a devastating and confusing time is what ultimately led her to jump at the opportunity that her friend had sent her to make masks. “I think it was 10 at night when I saw the message, and I got up early the next morning and I got started on it,” Kim said. Kim already had plenty of fabric at home from when her kids were younger and she would make them clothes and different accessories, so she was immediately able to dive right in. She started making masks and working with another woman in the community who would come and pick them up off her doorstep after she had finished. Her husband’s elderly parents are living with the family at home, so Kim felt more comfortable with someone else delivering them to hospitals and medical workers. She said she was fine just knowing they were going to those in need, and sometimes she said her friend would send her pictures of medical workers wearing her masks. While Kim loved to see them wearing the masks that she spends hours a day making, she said she loves seeing her kids’ reactions to the photos even more. “What they were wearing are like leftover pieces of their dresses or their blankets or their tote bags that they made,” Kim said. “This was the same fabric that they have used for
EMPLOYEE, from Page 8 “It helped restore my life,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to see and understand who I wasn’t, but also it showed me how to love myself and how to care for others and showed me how to be a father and husband to my wife and children.” Burns said once he left the program, he decided he wanted to help others, and he and his wife began WeCovery - A Family Like No Other, a group that meets monthly at their home and is made up of those in and supporting recovery. He is also heavily involved with Free Chapel church, where he serves on the altar team. Recently during the quarantine, he drove more than 260 miles to deliver communion to church members so they could all take it together during a streamed service. “We wanted to make sure that the families attending Free Chapel and the families supporting Free Chapel had an availability to do communion with us virtually,” Burns said, “so 18 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
other projects. Their reactions were just priceless.” After that, her daughters wanted to get more involved with what she was doing, and they started counting off how many masks she was making, which is how she now knows that she’s donated around 1,000 masks to hospitals and businesses in Forsyth County and even in other states such as Mississippi and Alabama. At first, she was able to make around 130 masks with the materials that she had on hand, and her friends from church and her family members even donated money to her in the beginning to help pay for supplies and materials. After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear face masks, she said the demand for her masks skyrocketed. She started spending more than 16 hours a day in her workshop just sewing masks. “As soon as I opened my eyes, I was in my workshop, and I was there until I crashed at night,” Kim said. She ended up having to switch over to an Etsy shop to help pay for materials, but she said after she realized many may need to keep wearing masks for the foreseeable future, she turned the process into a full-blown business, called Stitch Works Boutique, with her sister. Now, she is making better quality masks for kids which fasten so the inside of the mask stays clean, and with her sister’s help, she is making more fashionable masks that people can wear in all different settings. Although Kim said that she has started the business, she said that does not mean she is done donating. “Still if anybody from the hospitals, if they ask for donations, I don’t think twice about it,” she said. “I’ll donate more.” once everybody got on the Zoom call, we delivered communion to them the week before throughout all of Cumming, Dawsonville, into Canton, into Roswell, Sandy Springs, Gwinnett, the people who attend our church as well as the friends and family that were on the list that would love to participate in it.” Burns said by being so involved in the community, he hopes to spread a light to others and said that change requires looking at yourself and “can’t start with pointing the finger outwards.” “I believe if everyone would take a look at what we’ve got going on right now, there’s nothing wrong with being nice,” Burns said. “There’s nothing wrong with helping somebody. Sure, is it going to take away from something you want to do? Sure, it is going to cost you more time? Sure it may cost you more money, but at the end of the day, how do you want to be remembered? The legacy I want to be remembered as is the guy that would do anything for anybody.”
FORSyTH COUNTy SCHOOlS HIGH SCHOOLS 32. Alliance Academy for Innovation 1100 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-2461 33. Denmark 645 Mullinax Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 887-2461 34. Forsyth Central 131 Elm St., Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-8151 35. Lambert 805 Nichols Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 965-5050 36. North Forsyth 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 781-6637
37. South Forsyth 585 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 781-2264 38. West Forsyth 4155 Drew Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 888-3470 •
•
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40. Academies of (Creative Education Forsyth Academy and Forsyth Virtual Academy) 41. Board of Education and Professional Development Center 44.Hill Education Center (Gateway Academy)
rEgIStEr a ChILD for SChooL Almon C. Hill Educational Center 136 Almon C. Hill Drive Cumming, GA 30040 Phone: (678) 947-0863 Normal office hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For any questions regarding student enrollment, call (678) 947-0863, Ext. 0 or email at registration@forsyth.K12.ga.us.
Forsyth County School’s centralized registration center creates educational student records when parents and guardians enroll their students in one of Forsyth County schools. Parents and students receive personalized attention at registration and enroll all students within the family, regardless of school level they previously attend. Utilizing a state-of-the art electronic records management system, student and departmental records are managed according to required records retention guidelines
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Private schools, colleges Pinecrest Academy
University of North Georgia
Pinecrest Academy is a private PreK3-12, college preparatory Catholic school. Founded in 1993, Pinecrest Academy opened its doors at a former elementary school in Crabapple, Georgia, with a student body of 29. At that time, Pinecrest was the first independent, private Catholic elementary school established to serve Atlanta’s expanding Catholic population. The school moved in 1997 to its permanent campus on Peachtree Parkway in south Forsyth. Initially just a lower school, the beautiful 68-acre campus grew to also include a middle school and high school, a beautiful chapel, two gymnasiums and three athletic fields. Pinecrest is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and holds membership in the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
The University of North Georgia is part of the University System of Georgia and is designated as a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia. With about 20,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state’s largest public universities. The university offers more than 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to professional doctoral programs. Positioned in the fastest-growing region of the state, UNG comprises five campuses united by a single mission focused on academic excellence and academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia was formed through the consolidation of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College, two of the top-performing schools in the University System of Georgia, in January 2013.
Contacts For more information or to schedule a tour of Pinecrest Academy, call (770) 888-4477 or visit www. pinecrestacademy.org. Administrators • Elizabeth King-Howard, Interim Head of School • Charlene Dougal, Assistant to the Head of School • Lenny Forti, pre-K-8th grade principal Pinecrest Academy is at 955 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041. For more information, call (770) 888-4477.
Horizon Christian Academy 1270 Sawnee Drive Cumming, Georgia 30040 Horizon Christian Academy is a private, non-denominational Christian school in Cumming, Georgia, United States. The school educates about 225 students in kindergarten through 12th grade Phone: (678) 947-0711 Fax: (678) 947-0721 Email: admissions@hcaga.org
Cumming campus contacts Main number (automated) (470) 239-3100 General Information (470) 239-3102 For more information, visit ung.edu.com
Lanier Technical College Campus locations: Oakwood Campus 2990 Landrum Education Drive Oakwood, GA 30566 Phone: 770-533-7000 Fax: 770-531-6328
Dawson Campus 408 Highway 9 North Dawsonville, GA 30534 Phone: 706-216-5461 or 678513-5200 Fax: 678-513-5220
Forsyth Campus 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 678-341-6600 Fax: 770-781-6951
Jackson Campus 631 South Elm Street Commerce, GA 30529 Phone: 706-335-1931 Fax: 678-989-3055
Barrow Campus 965 Austin Road Winder, GA 30680 Phone: 770-297-4500 Fax: 678-425-6997
For more information, visit www.laniertech.edu/
Libraries Cumming library 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-9840
Post Road Library 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-9840
Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-9840
Sharon Forks Library 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-9840
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Visit forsythpl.org/ for more information
Forsyth County Senior Services The mission of Forsyth County’s Senior Services Department is to be the focal point where older adults gather for services and activities that respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage involvement in their community through programs designed to reduce isolation, improve nutritional health, support health and community education and provide access to more extensive services for seniors, caregivers and their families. Center at Charles Place 595 Dahlonega Street Cumming, GA 30040 Phone:: (770) 781-2178 Hearthstone Lodge Community Center 7305 Lanier Drive Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: (770) 781-2178 Sexton Hall Enrichment Center 2115 Chloe Road Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: (770) 781-2178
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HeAlTH CARe
Northside Hospital Forsyth recognized with five stars for hospital quality In 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, recognizing Northside Hospital Forsyth with five stars. The hospital was one of just three in Georgia to receive the recognition. The hospital also earned an “A” in The Leapfrog Group’s biannual Hospital Safety Grades for a third consecutive survey. Northside Hospital is committed to balancing clinical excellence with compassionate care. The hospital also has been recognized by Healthgrades for providing an Outstanding Patient Experience, is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for joint replacement, and has received quality achievement awards for heart failure and stroke care from the American Heart Association. It’s no surprise that Forsyth County is Georgia’s healthiest county for an eighth-consecutive year, according to 2020 health rankings compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. A major reason for that is the high-quality medical care offered by Northside Hospital. Throughout Forsyth County and the Atlanta region, residents have access to an expanding network of medical experts, facilities and services to support their health and wellness. Specialties include cardiovascular care, cancer care, sports medicine and orthopedics, maternity and women’s services, weight management, rehabilitation, pediatric and adult imaging, primary care, urgent care and many others. Forsyth County is consistently one of the fastest growing counties in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Northside Hospital Forsyth has already announced plans to grow by two more floors (floors 9 and 10) in 2021 in order to keep up with the county’s rapid growth. The project, which was approved by the state in May, will add 43 more inpatient beds for medical/ surgical patients. Earlier in the year, the hospital also received approval to convert 16 existing rooms in the hospital’s Women’s Center for
By the Numbers Beds: 363 Employees: 3,538 Physicians: 750 Volunteers: 260 Patient Encounters in 2019: 735,291 Births in 2019: 3,261 Surgeries in 2019: 16,233 Emergency Department visits in 2019: 62,620
obstetrical patients. The combined projects will bring Northside Hospital Forsyth’s total inpatient beds to 363. In the fall 2019, construction completed on six new operating rooms (ORs) within the hospital’s Center for Advanced Surgical Technology added support for robotic, neuro, orthopedic and spine surgeries, while the relocation and expansion of the hospital’s outpatient infusion center allows Northside to better accommodate patients who need infusion or chemotherapy services. With more than 3,500 employees, Northside Hospital Forsyth is the largest private sector employer in Forsyth County and was ranked as one of the Best Places to Work, across all top large employers in the United States, on both Glassdoor.com and Comparably.com. Northside’s commitment to health and wellness isn’t limited to the hospital’s brick and mortar. Northside is proud to have developed strong community partnerships with many of region’s nonprofit organizations and events, including the Elachee Nature Science Center, Literacy Forsyth, the Forsyth County Schools and the March of Dimes. Follow @NorthsideHosp on social media, and for more information, including free community health screenings, visit northside.com.
Northside Hospital Forsyth is at 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, GA 30041. For more information, call (770) 844-3200 22 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
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Northeast Georgia Health System Northeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit, multi-campus, community health system serving Northeast Georgia with primary locations in Braselton, Dahlonega, Gainesville and Winder. Hospitals Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow NGMC Barrow joined Northeast Georgia Health System in 2017. With 56 beds and a medical staff of more than 200 physicians, NGMC Barrow brings services that include emergency services; surgery and procedures; intensive care; outpatient surgery; respiratory therapy; wound care; and imaging services. Where: 316 N Broad Street, Winder, GA 30680 Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton The 100 bed hospital offers specialty services such as: heart services; vascular services; orthopedics; neurosciences; cancer treatment; surgery; emergency services; obstetrical services; and NICU care. The 119-acre Braselton campus is also home to Medical Plaza B, which houses several specialty physician offices, a resource center and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and Medical Plaza 1, which houses an urgent care center, imaging center, endoscopy suite, outpatient lab and therapy services and more than 20 physician offices. Where: 1400 River Place, Braselton, GA 30517 Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville Since opening in 1951, NGMC Gainesville has been the 557-bed flagship hospital of Northeast Georgia Health System. NGMC Gainesville offers a host of specialty services such as: Level II Trauma Center; 23 operating rooms; emergency services; 32-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Ronnie Green Heart Center (18-bed Cardiovascular ICU and 17-Bed Critical Care Unit);
Women & Children’s Pavilion with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Where: 743 Spring Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin NGMC Lumpkin provides 24/7/365 emergency care to Dahlonega and surrounding communities. The hospital also provides inpatient care and supporting imaging, lab and pharmacy services. A future NGMC Lumpkin campus is being developed along Ga. 400 that is tentatively scheduled to open in Fall 2021. Where: 227 Mountain Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Medical office buildings • Medical Park 1 1315 Jesse Jewell Pkwy NE Gainesville, GA 30501 • Medical Plaza B 1404 River Place Braselton, GA 30517 • Medical Plaza 1 1515 River Place Braselton, GA 30548 • Medical Plaza 400 108 Prominence Court Dawsonville, GA 30534 NGHS also has urgent care centers in Braselton, Buford, Cleveland, Dacula, Dahlonega, Dawsonville and Gainesville.
Georgia Highlands Medical Services Founded in 1979 as the Wilson Clinic, Georgia Highlands Medical Services (GHMS) is a private non-profit that provides care for nearly 19,000 patients in five centers in Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson and Forsyth counties. GHMS provides a variety of in-house services, including: family practice; pediatrics; geriatrics; women’s health; diagnostic laboratory; interpreter services; testing and screenings; family planning; immunizations; referral to specialty services; pharmacy; care management; health education; and community outreach. Cumming Family Health Center 260 Elm Street Cumming, GA 30040 Family practice telephone: (770) 887-1668 Pharmacy telephone: (770) 887-1670 Highlands Medical Plaza 475 Tribble Gap Road Cumming, GA 30040 Geriatrics/pediatrics telephone: (770) 887-1668 Women’s health telephone: (678) 807-1021 Pharmacy telephone: (470) 297-0690 24 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
For more information, visit www.ghms-inc.org
Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters 100 East Courthouse square, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-2222 North Precinct 2310 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 886-2800
ANIMAL CONTROL Animal services works in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy and caring environment for both our citizens and animals. Officers are available Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Officers are available for animal emergencies 24/7. Animal services responds to complaints regarding barking dogs, animals running loose, animal cruelty, sick or injured animals, classified animals, aggressive animals and bites from animals. Animal services does not respond to deer, snakes, bears, hawks or wildlife. Animals that are impounded shall be transported to Forsyth County Animal Shelter at 4065 County Way, Cumming, GA 30028. Forsyth Animal Services requires all animals that are more than 3 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. If you would like to file a request for an officer to address an issue please call (770) 781-2138 or complete an online complaint form. After-hours Animal Service officers may be contacted via E-911 non-emergency at (770) 781-3087.
South Precinct 2985 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming Ga 30041 (770) 781-3047
Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2000
Forsyth County Fire Department HEADQUARTERS / ADMINISTRATION 3520 Settingdown Road Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 781-2180 STATION 1 234 Castleberry Industrial Drive Cumming, GA 30040 STATION 2 4055 Carolene Way Cumming, GA 30040 STATION 3 6495 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, GA 30028 STATION 4 3910 Evans Road Cumming, GA 30040 STATION 5 2720 Holtzclaw Road Cumming, GA 30041 STATION 6 3190 Caney Road Cumming, GA 30041 STATION 7 6320 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, GA 30028 STATION 8 6015 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, GA 30041
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STATION 9 7385 Browns Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30506 STATION 10 3680 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, GA 30024 STATION 12 3530 Settingdown Road Cumming, GA 30028 STATION 14 800 McFarland Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30004 STATION 15 1525 Buford Highway Cumming, GA 30041
There are many things to do in Forsyth County Lake Lanier One of the biggest attractions in Forsyth County and the north Georgia area, Lake Lanier is a must see for anyone new to the county. Whether it be swimming at the beach on West Bank park, circling the lake in a boat, or enjoying a day of fishing practically anywhere, there is no end of things to do at the lake. Find out more about where and how you can visit the Lake by visiting the US Army Corps of Engineers at www.sam.usace.army.mil.
Ride the Chattahoochee River Like Lake Lanier, the Chattahoochee River is a font of recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Make sure that you check out the river by canoe, kayak, and personal float or just by walking along the river’s edge. Like with Lake Lanier, the river is a great place for fishing, provided you have the correct licenses. Make sure that you check out the water release schedule from the US Army Corps of Engineers before setting out on your adventure. Find out more info at www.nps.gov. 26 | LIFE IN FORSYTH 2020
Hike Sawnee Mountain (Indian Seats, Sawnee Mountain Preserve) No matter where you go in Forsyth County, it’s hard to miss Sawnee Mountain rising majestically out of the horizon. Just a short drive from downtown Cumming lies 11 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor center at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve — A perfect day trip for hikers and nature lovers of any age or skill level. But Dogs are not allowed at Sawnee Preserve. Find out more about the trails and programs at parks.forsythco.com.
Visit a park Check out the three parks in Forsyth County, Central Park, Fowler Park, Old Atlanta Park. Each has a recreation center and a number of different amenities. The Big Creek Greenway can be accessed from four different points in Forsyth County including 5120 Bethelview Road, 4110 Carolene Way, 1622 McFarland Parkway, 5259 Union Hill Road. The 18-hole disc golf course at Central Park can be found at 2300
Visit a farm Sure, farms are fewer and farther between than they used to be in Forsyth County, but several of the ones left are more familyfriendly than ever. Looking to pick fruit in the spring or pumpkin in the fall? Go to Warbington Farms, where there’s also a corn maze, petting zoo and a family fun park. Never cut down your own Christmas tree? Then head to Bottoms Tree Farm or Kinsey Family Farm where you can chop down the tree of your choosing, as well go on a hay ride or see a variety of farm animals. Each offers plenty for families to do year-round. • Warbington Farms, 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, Georgia, 770-889-1515, www.warbingtonfarms.com • Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm, 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, Georgia, 770-887-2728, www.Bottomstreefarm.com • Kinsey Family Farm, 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 770-887-6028, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com
Tam’s School Street Playhouse The historic Cumming Public School building on 101 School Street used to be where young county residents went to learn. But since 2004, it’s been home to the Cumming Playhouse. Brian and Kelly Tam took over operations from the city a few years ago renaming the venue Tam’s School Street Playhouse. The small, intimate venue has a variety of events, from plays to musicals to concerts. Tickets range between $15-30 (plus tax). Get something to eat or drink before or after the show at Tam’s BackStage, the restaurant on the lower floor, or walk through time in a room featuring memorabilia from when the school was in operation in the early 20th century. For more information, call (770) 781-9178 or visit www.playhousecumming.com.
Celebrate Fourth of July in Cumming Keith Bridge Road. The county has three different dog parks at Caney Creek Preserve 2755 Caney Road; Fowler Park 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming; and Windermere Park, 3355 Windermere Parkway, Cumming. In addition to fields and courts, Fowler Park has a public skate park that is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. More information about these parks and the amenities they offer can be found at parks.forsythco.com.
The city of Cumming’s Independence Day celebration will have fireworks and the Thomas-Mashburn Memorial Steam Engine Parade on July 4th. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., and fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. To maintain social distancing, this year’s parade will end at the Cumming Fairgrounds but will start from the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s Office, at 1092 Tribble Gap Road, instead of Forsyth Central High School, the usual starting point.
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Go to the Fair The Cumming Country Fair & Festival, Oct. 8-18, is one of the signature events of the year in Forsyth County, and it provides all the fantastic trappings one would expect of a country fair: wild rides, fun games, a petting zoo and greasy food. Brian Ruth creates masterful works of art with wood — using a chainsaw. There are free concerts and daily acts. The fairgrounds are at 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, Georgia. For more information, call (770) 781-3491 or visit www.cummingfair.net.
House of Four Scythes Haunted Attraction The House of Four Scythes is an all new haunted house attraction debuting for the 2020 Halloween season, presented by the City of Cumming. This nonprofit event is produced by the team that created the Cumming Scare Fair event for 2019, and proceeds will again benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. For the first time ever, the haunted house we will be operating as an attraction at the Fairgrounds during the Cumming Country Fair & Festival. The House of Four Scythes will be open every night while the Fair is open, and then for two special event weekends after the Fair closes. When: Oct 8-18, 23-24, 30-31 Where: Horton Hall, Cumming Fairgrounds online: www.fourscytheshaunt.com; Facebook and Instagram @fourscytheshaunt tickets: Oct 8-18 (during the Cumming Country Fair & Festival): $15; Oct 23-24 and Oct. 30-31: $20. You can find all information on the website and buy tickets online.
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YOUR CARE FROM ANYWHERE.
Whether you’re stuck at home or constantly on the go, you can still get the expert health care you count on. Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and The Heart Center of NGMC now offer video visits. That means you can interact directly with your care team from anywhere, so you get the help you need to feel your best. To learn more or to request an appointment, visit nghs.com/video-visits.
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