Moments May/June 2014 by Forsyth County News

May | June 2014

Ingrid Reyes Medicine & motherhood

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ARE STANDING BY. Our Urgent Care Centers are staffed by pediatricians, equipped with X-rays and labs, and ready to help seven days a week. For Urgent Care Center wait times,* text CHOA to 4ER411 (437411) or visit choa.org/wait.

* Wait times are updated every 15 minutes and are estimates based on the average time it takes for a patient to be placed in an exam room. Standard messaging fees will apply for texting. ©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Moments Magazine | Version 3 2013

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Moments Magazine | Version 3 2013 Mom

Moments Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040. Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.

8 moments mom

Ingrid Reyes of Cumming is a mother of three and an OB-GYN who shares a practice with her physician husband.

29 Vince Johnson Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Micah Green Crystal Ledford Photographers Chris Campbell Alison Marchman Chelsea Tench Graphic Design Crystal Ledford Jennifer Sami Contributing Writers

contents

16 moms at work

24 community notes

14 fashion

29 school spotlight

Rachel Bullington is the marketing person for the nonprofit Abba House. She’s also a mom, cancer survivor and aspiring artist

This year’s fashions for summer are focused on being feminine and flirty. Florals and lace are popular, as are many pastels.

Forsyth County CASA assists children in the welfare system after they’ve been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect

Once the largest school in Forsyth County, Sawnee Elementary prides itself on being student focused and family oriented. .

dinner matters �� 12 frugal focus �� 20

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments

health �� 26

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

from the cellar �� 27

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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Moments Magazine | Version 3 2013

Welcome to..

ome of us thought warmer weather would never arrive this year, but thankfully it has. I’m excited for you to read about Rachel Bullington, the daughter of Abba House founders Jim and Chris Sharp. She’s a talented young mom who is sure to inspire all of you. Also an amazing woman is Ingrid Reyes. She and her husband are both OB-GYNs who have a practice in Johns Creek. This Forsyth County resident has three young children and obviously a demanding and important job. Soft spoken and incredibly modest, I know you will enjoy getting to know her. In this issue of Moments you’ll also find an article about Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, an organization that serves foster children. Please support it and the dedicated volunteers that keep it humming. There are also many summer-related articles in this issue, from tips for having children out of school to some great warm weather wines and yummy shrimp recipes.

Welcome to.....

I hope all of you have a wonderful summer and keep me posted on the people and things you want to read about. We strive to have the very best content that entertains and informs. Happy summer! Best,

Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is the author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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Moments Magazine | Version 3 2013

Practice made perfect OB-GYN couple takes a family approach In a time when most people rarely see their doctor, and when they do it often is because something is seriously wrong, Ingrid Reyes and her husband John seem to represent an old time concept. They are doctors who go to extraordinary lengths to truly get to know their patients, and then see them personally on a regular basis. Both OB-GYNs, the couple opened their practice, Modern OB/GYN, in Johns Creek in 2010, arguably a time when others likely wouldn’t have recommended such a bold move. “We definitely had people ask us if we were crazy,” Ingrid Reyes said. “But seeing for and caring for our own patients were definitely why we

went to medical school in the first place.” Both doctors grew up around the health care profession. Her husband’s father was an OB-GYN for 40 years, so he witnessed firsthand the special relationship that exists between a patient and a doctor. Reyes said when she was a little girl she wanted to be a medical doctor or perhaps a history professor. “I loved to read and have always loved history,” she said. With a history professor for a father and a labor and delivery nurse for a mother, it is easy to see why her interests were so diverse yet made sense. “In college I studied and majored in history, but also studied biology,

chemistry and all of the sciences,” she said. Reyes said her decision to go on to medical school had to do with her love of caring for people. “My parents were a little surprised since I was really such a shy person,” she said. “I knew I would have to come out of my shell to interact with patients, especially when you are practicing medicine that is so personal, such as what we do.” She met her husband in medical school at Saint Louis University, where he was finishing he residency training. After the couple completed their education and internships and got married, they knew they had a decision to make.

photos by Elizabeth Blank ( Above ) The Reyes family of Cumming includes Ingrid and John, both of whom are physicians, and their children, from left, Ethan, Sophia and Sebastian. ( Right ) Ingrid Reyes cradles daughter Sophia, who was born in April.

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

Ingrid Reyes of Cumming is a mother of three, including newborn daughter Sophia, and an OB-GYN who pursued a career in medicine because of her love of caring for people.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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“We researched where to go,” she said. “We looked at numerous places and wanted a great place to raise a family.” After much thought and research, the couple loaded up their car and headed to Forsyth County. That was in July 2010. Just a few months later, they opened up their practice and began caring for women and delivering babies. Besides having numerous fans as patients, those who work with the Reyes’ are also admirers. Jancie Berube, practice manager for Modern OBGYN, said working with the couple has been extremely rewarding. “Together and individually, they maintain the highest level of professionalism and integrity, for both their staff and their patients,” Berube said. “Dr. Ingrid treats her staff and patients like family. She is warm and quietly funny. We all love her.” Berube said she has never seen doctors who are so approachable and relatable. “They work so cohesively and closely to provide the best possible patient care,” she added. “Our reputation speaks to their amazing leadership.” Patients and employees may love Reyes, but clearly her biggest fan is her husband. “Besides being an amazing wife and mother, she is an incredible doctor,” he said. “She won’t say how smart she is and how many accomplishments and awards she has won, but I can say that I have never met

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anybody as smart as Ingrid.” Indeed, Reyes had extremely high scores in school and graduated at the top of her class. The couple’s approach to patient care seems a bit old fashioned, but in a good way. “I grew up seeing my father’s doctor-patient relationships, and we both wanted to have that same thing,” John Reyes said. According to the couple, their patients truly are like HCA has six offices to serve you; family. Atlanta, Cumming, Holly Springs, “We have such a bond with our patents,” John Reyes Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Roswell. said. “When they call, we know who they are and what Call us at 770-442-3117 or visit us at is going on with them. We both have the same philosoHCofAmerica.com to schedule an appointment. phy. We both want to be the very best we can for our patients.” Not every married couple could work 6209_1_hemorroidCtrAmerica051114Moments featuring: together on a daily basis, but Ingrid Reyes said it “works for us, we complement each other.” In addition to the commitment of running their practice, the couple has three young children, two boys ages 2 and 4 and a newborn daughter. Balancing three young children and a busy practice takes teamwork. Weekly Activities “Family is the most important thing Mon. Thurs. Prime Rib & Family Night, Cherry St. Steak Specials to us,” Ingrid Reyes said. Kids Eat Free, & Specials Beer & Open Bingo at 6pm Mic at 7:30pm Sun. Added her husband, “It’s why we do Brunch COM E Wed. Fri. 11am-2pm & Live Team Trivia at Prime Rib & Music 8pm what we do.” Steak Specials SEE THE Sat. It’s obvious the couple love their BRE WE RY Schedule tours family at home and their extended Join us the last at Rick Tanner’s family at their practice. Tuesday every month For Events Grille and Bar “When you get to know your patient, & Beer Releases: then deliver their baby, and then they www.cherrystreetbrewing.com come back to you when they are pregCatering to Go - Sports Banquets nant with their next child, that is wonCorporate Luncheons & Meetings derful,” Ingrid Reyes said. Holiday Parties - Reunions - Party Packs Live Music by Brian Jarrett “We hope we are preserving the doc5810 Bond Street, Cumming • 770-205-5512 tor/patient relationship in a way that (At the corner of Post Rd. & Majors Rd. in Vickery Village) offers the best care along with personal Open Mon-Fri 7am Sat & Sun 8am attention.”

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014 11 6316_1_tannersVickery051114_Moments

Seafood galore

Protein-rich shrimp low on fat, calories

While shrimp may be small, they are huge in appeal and popularity with both the young and the old. In fact, shrimp are the most popular seafood in the United States next to canned tuna. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an excellent source of selenium, and are also low in fat and calories, but big in the protein department. A 4-ounce serving of shrimp supplies 23.7 grams of protein and has a mere 112 calories and less than a gram of fat. With that same 4-ounce serving, you will receive 28.2 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12. 12

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

There are more than 300 different species of shrimp and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re harvested worldwide. In the United States, the most commonly available type of shrimp

is the deep-water kind, which is also referred to as the pink shrimp. Giant tiger prawns are also quite popular here and one of the most widely consumed types in Asia.

For the home cook, shrimp are appealing because of their diversity. You can use all sorts of cooking methods — steaming, frying, grilling, broiling — and they always come out perfectly every time as long as you don’t overcook them. Here’s a recipe which promises to please all the shrimp-lovers in your life.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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Flirty and

feminine Turn heads with this summer’s hottest trends

Layering necklaces adds color and depth to an ensemble.

This year’s summer fashions are all about being feminine and flirty. Debbie Allen, owner of Savvy Exchange on Market Place Boulevard, said some of the top trends for the season include skirts and dresses on opposite sides of the length

“We’re seeing a lot of florals and lace. Pastels are popular color palettes.”

photos by Crystal Ledford

spectrum. “Some women do still want that really long maxi-dress or skirt, but most of what we’re seeing are shorter, more flirty skirts,” she said. Those are being paired with tank and crop tops. As for colors and patterns,

Printed maxi dresses are still a hot summer must-have.

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

Allen said soft and feminine is the way to go. “We’re seeing a lot of florals and lace,” she said. “Pastels are popular color palettes.” Accessories tend to be the place for those bright pops of color or big statements. “The chunky bracelets and necklaces that have been popular for a while still seem to be popular,” she said. “Also, the trend of layering lots of necklaces together is still popular.” Get those pedicures because shoes, as always for summer, are all about the sandal. “It seems like pretty much anything goes so long as it’s some type of sandal,” Allen said. “But we’re also seeing quite bit of the flat, ballet-type shoes this year and even some tennis shoes with skirts.” This summer’s trends for handbags seem to be shifting away from traditional purses, Allen said. “We’re seeing a lot of the bags that go across the body, as well as small backpacks.” by Crystal Ledford

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Mom at work

The resolve of

RACHEL Cancer survivor inspires many at family ministry

Growing up as the daughter of the founder of Abba House, whose mother is also instrumental with the Forsyth County-based ministry, it’s not difficult to see how Rachel Bullington’s upbringing may have been a bit unconventional. But little could she have known at the time how that strong faith and sense of family would help prepare her for the challenges she would face in early adulthood. Bullington’s parents, Chris and Jim Sharp, found themselves drawn in the late 1970s to helping young, unwed mothers within a Christian setting. “My parents welcomed these women into our home, so I grew up knowing them and their stories,” Bullington explained. “Growing up I saw women who had been hurt and wounded and then I saw them change and become whole people.” While the Sharps’ enjoyed their years assisting young, single women, they felt led to a new focus. In 1992, the family moved from middle Georgia to north Forsyth, where they started Abba House, a long-term residential ministry for women battling “addictions and emotional wounding.” The Sharps have Rachel, two other daughters and a son. While her childhood was somewhat different, Bullington said she loved getting to know the numerous women her parents helped. “They were really just a part of our family,” she said. “Sure, there were struggles, just like with any family. But I really learned so much from them and know that these women are a huge part of how I was shaped and who I am today.”

In 2002, Bullington married husband Jonathan, whom she said had grown up in a home that “helped men in recovery.” When the couple’s son Joshua was born, everything seemed to be going according to plan. Jonathan was busy with a construction business, and Rachel was busy adjusting to marriage and motherhood. Photo by Micah Green All of that soon changed. After experiencing knee pain for a few months, the young mother underwent an MRI, which resulted in a frightening diagnosis of osteosarcoma. “It was devastating,” Bullington recalled. “I hurried home and did what we would all do — Googled it and then called my husband completely freaked out.” Bullington learned that the survival rate for this type of cancer was 70 percent, but that she could lose her leg. “Initially, 70 percent sounded good,” she said. “But then I thought of my 10 closest family members and realized that if they all had this, three would be dead. Suddenly, it didn’t sound so good anymore.” It was a crossroads for Bullington.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

Rachel Bullington, shown here with husband Jonathan, is an artist, cancer survivor and mother of two who works at her family’s ministry, Abba House, in north Forsyth.

She worried that being a 20-yearold new mother could signal the end of her life instead of the beginning. Yet after that first day, she became determined. “I accepted what I was facing and did whatever it took to get better,” she said. Bullington wanted to begin chemotherapy as soon as possible. Doctors first sat her down and told her what the options were with regards to her leg.

“I told them to amputate immediately and without flinching,” she said. “Because losing my leg gave me the quickest recovery time and the best odds for surviving. I had too much to live for to take any chances.” Bullington explained that the chemotherapy for osteosarcoma is intense. “I spent around 100 days and nights in the hospital throughout the nine months and my body did

not handle the chemo well,” she said. “It almost killed me.” Emotionally, however, Bullington clung to an intense focus and determination to live. “Nothing prepares you for something like that,” she said. “Family, friends and my faith are what got me through it.” While the entire experience was tremendously difficult, Bullington said the hardest part was using crutches to get around.

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Photo by Micah Green

pix by Micah

Cut lines go here Cut lines go here Cut lines go here Cut lines go here Cut lines go Rachel Bullington is the public relations director and her husband, Jonathan, is assistant executive director at Abba House, a long-term residential ministry for women battling addiction and emotional wounding in Forsyth County. The couple is joined here by their children, Miriam and Joshua, outside Abba House’s thrift store at Ga. 400 and Hwy. 136.

“I view things not as they are, but as what they could be. I love taking things that seem like junk and making them into something beautiful and functional.”

“I couldn’t even walk around and hold my baby, that was awful.” As a precaution against developing an infection, Bullington also was not allowed to change son Joshua’s diapers. Many of the everyday tasks of motherhood, which most people take for granted, were either forbidden or impossible to do. But with the help of many, as well as her fierce drive, Bullington persevered. After recovering, Bullington went on to take art and business classes at what was then North Georgia College and State University. She and her husband also welcomed daughter Miriam. Their children are now ages 10 and 4. Always creative and artistic, Bullington also discovered she had a talent for photography.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

In 2011, both she and her husband came on staff with Abba House. She serves as the public relations director, while he is assistant executive director. As with many of the staff members, Bullington said she wears a lot of hats. “I love that my days are always different,” she said. “Some days I am designing a flyer or poster, other days I get out my power tools and build shelves.” Bullington loves creating, designing and building. Those talents can be seen throughout Abba House’s popular thrift store, which recently relocated to the Growing former Outdoor Traditions building at Ga. 400 and together and Hwy. 136 in Dawson County. There is a reading area in the store that Bullington depending designed and built, as well as creative walls — most on each made with discarded pieces of barn wood — throughout the building. other. “I view things not as they are, but as what they could be,” she said. “I love taking things that seem like junk and making them into something beautiful, and functional.” Her husband also gets in on the building action, using his past experience in the construction industry. For example, he recently finished the store’s cash register island, which is as sturdy as it is beautiful. These days, Bullington has much to celebrate. Besides her family and XXX_X_AmericanProteins051114 Moments work, she learned during her recent S K TRUC 10-year check-up that the osteosarcoma is gone for good. ARRIVING Abba House is clearly a special WEEKLY place doing special work with its Mon.-Fri. 10-7pm mission to help women heal from Sat. 10-7pm Sun. 11-3pm their addictions and past emotional pain. Bullington said the community has been overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging, which makes the New Merchandise from work possible. Amazon.com and the Big Orange Box Store “I want others to see what I see when I look at these women,” she said. “I see a person, not an addict. “By having compassion, so much Bedding Store-wide can be accomplished. The outcasts in society are usually the most beautiful people once they encounter the transforming power of love.”

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Taking a shine to natural cleaners Making your own not that difficult The more you learn about the harmful effects chemicals from cleaning products can have on the human body, the more you want to minimize their use, or ban them completely from your home. It does take a little more effort to whip up a batch of homemade dishwashing detergent. But once you have the products on hand, it’s not that time consuming. The main products you will need are white vinegar, baking soda, salt, 20

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

castile soap and essential oils. You can find castile soap and essential oils at pretty much any health food store (vitamin shops) or some large retailers. My favorite castile soap is the Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap brand one. I like the tea tree and lavender ones, but there are others you may like more. You can find spray bottles (even small ones) at local dollar stores. If the idea of making your own cleaning products seems daunting, start with something simple like white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. White vinegar disinfects and deodorizes, killing 99 percent of viruses (germs) and 80 percent of mold. It won’t harm your lungs when you breath it in, and you don’t have to worry about babies, children or even pets getting sick from chemical residue. If the vinegar odor bothers you (it really does go away quickly), then try adding some essential oils such

as lavender, tea tree or orange oil. I buy the big gallon jug of white vinegar and it costs just a few dollars. That makes quite a bit of cleaner.

Basic vinegar cleaner 1 cup white vinegar Enough water to fill up the spray bottle 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional) Combine all in a clean spray bottle. Don’t forget to label.

3-in-1 cleaner 1 part vinegar 1 part water 1 tablespoon castile soap 30 drops essential oil of your choice Combine all ingredients in a clean spray bottle. Shake before using. Don’t forget to label.

Homemade air freshener 1 cup white vinegar 10 drops of essential oil of your choice Combine in a small spray bottle. Don’t forget to label.

Citrus cleaner

Note: This is not difficult to make, but it does require a three-week waiting period before using. Peels from 1 orange and 1 lemon 2 tablespoons kosher salt White vinegar Water 10 drops orange or lemon essential oil Juice orange and lemon and use the juice for something else. Cut up the peels and place in a clean, glass jar. Sprinkle the salt on the orange and lemon peels and allow to sit for 30 minutes or so. Add enough white vinegar to the halfway point of the jar. Fill the rest with water. Cover, shake gently and then place in the refrigerator for three weeks. Remove from refrigerator and strain the mixture into a clean spray bottle. Discard peels. Add orange or lemon essential oil.

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

How to make summer break

Tips to avoid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talk

School will be out for the summer in just a few weeks, and that means a few months off for kids and often a juggling game for busy parents. As a mother of four children, I have worked and stayed home over the years and understand the difficulties and challenges of both situations. Here are some suggestions for both.

Working parents Some of the most guilt-laden women I have ever known are moms who work outside of the home. They feel guilty about not being there for all activities, for not cooking dinner every night and, the worst, for not being home during summer vacation. First, stop beating yourself up. Most child care centers offer fantastic summer outings and camps, many of which allow your children to do more activities than you would likely do if at home. If your children are old enough, sit down with them and discuss things they would like to do over the summer, and plan weekend day trips accordingly. In many cases, your kids may want more than anything to take a picnic and go to Lake Lanier for the day and have your undivided attention. If you have extended family, see if the summer is a good time for the kids to go visit for a few days, or perhaps your relatives can visit you. If your children do go on a little vacation without you while you and your spouse stay home to work, make sure you make dinner dates with your spouse to take advantage of the kid-free zone. See if you can find a college age (or mature high school age child) who can pick up your kids early from day care and take them to the neighborhood swimming pool or to a movie a few times a week. Take advantage of the long days. After work, make a point to do things together as a family outdoors. Grill dinner, eat outside, build a fire and make sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores.

Stay-at-home moms I remember a time when all of my mom-friends would sit around and talk about how excited they were about 22

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

summer vacation and having their children home from Lanier for hours of entertainment. school all day. Encourage reading and activities that don’t involve I would nod my head and think silently about how “plugging in.” Studies continue to come out about the exhausting it was going to be to have all four kids home dangers of exposing our children to too much “screen all day, every day. time.” A recent study claims that many young children The first few days always went smoothly. Everybody were not able to use building blocks because they had was excited, got along well with one another, and seemed not been exposed to them! eager to help out around the house. Take time for you. Make sure you find time to get away By the fourth day, however, the “B” word — bored — with your girlfriends for a few hours here and there. Also began being bantered about. Arguments happened and don’t forget date night with your spouse. suddenly nobody thought picking up toys or helping out We always had one cardinal rule when we got time out around the house applied to them. on a date — no talking about the kids! Here are some things that helped during those long, hot summer days for us. — Adlen W. Robinson Have structure. Plan your week and your days so that there is an orderliness to them. Try to get everybody up around the same time in the mornings (of course, good luck with that is a Premier Soccer Club serving the areas of with regards to older kids). Plan a few outings a week, but go ahead and schedule other activities such as play dates with friends, swimming pool visits, etc. We offer the following programs: Use our wonderful libraries and Recreational U4 - U19 * Adult awesome parks for free places to keep Academy U8 - U12 * Select U13 - U19 your little ones busy. Pack a picnic and head to one of the parks on Lake

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CASAs

committed to helping children

photos by Micah Green

As a mother of four children, it’s difficult for me to fathom how someone could abuse their child. That said, statistics don’t lie. There are hundreds of thousands of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect every year. Four children die every day from abuse and neglect. More than 400,000 are in foster care on any given day. How does that translate to society? Children who suffer from abuse and neglect are 53 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents. And we all know that can lead to hardcore crime later. If you’re not involved in social work or child welfare, you may not have heard of Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA. This organization supplies volunteers, known as CASAs, to walk alongside a child who is in the wel-

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

Forsyth County Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, honored its volunteers in April during its Light of Hope Ceremony. Among those recognized was Lambert High School lacrosse coach Jason Breyo, shown here with Janet Walden, executive director of the local CASA.

fare system after being removed from his/her home due to abuse or neglect. The CASAs know the history of the child’s case. They attend numerous meetings with and on behalf of the child and appear in court with him or her. Because of their familiarity with the case, the volunteers make informed recommendations to the court, always doing so in the best interest of the child. Janet Walden, executive director of CASA in Forsyth County, said the organization plays a critical role in the lives of these children. “When a child is removed from the home and placed in temporary foster care, it is so important that they have an adult who will advocate for them,” she explained. “Caseworkers change, the child’s placement changes, they attend a

different school. The only constant in the child’s life during this period is his or her CASA.” Walden stressed that becoming a CASA is a big commitment. The initial training is 40 hours, 30 of which are classroom instruction and online classes. There is also 10 hours of courtroom observation. “It is important for our volunteers to understand how the court system works,” Walden said. In addition, CASAs must complete 12 hours of continuing education every year. “We offer lots of opportunities for our volunteers to complete their hours,” Walden said. Once a volunteer completes their training and is sworn in by the court, cases are assigned. “A CASA can have up to three cases, but most people take on one case at a time,” Walden said. “It is such a

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big-time commitment, it is important that volunteers have flexible work schedules.” Jo Beth Harrison, who has been a CASA for about a year, said everything about the experience has been positive. “Janet and her staff are truly amazing,” Harrison said. “The training is so wonderful and there is such a strong support system for the volunteers.” Harrison, who has one child in college and another in high school, said she had wanted to volunteer as a CASA for years. It was not until recently, however, that she felt she had enough time. “I think it really has to be the right season in your life,” she explained. “Yes, it is a big commitment, but it is so worth it — to have the opportunity to advocate for a child and to possibly help change a child’s life in a positive way, is incredibly rewarding.” I have had the privilege of personally knowing many CASAs over the years, and I can tell you they are a selfless group of people who have such a heart for children. There is such a need in our community for people to represent and advocate for these children. About 140 children are currently being served by CASA, which is always in need of more volunteers. — Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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Even if your kids are going outdoors to play and are not swimming — make them wear sunscreen.

Stay cool, hydrated during the coming heat Summer is just around the corner and that brings at least one certainty — the heat is coming. Here are some reminders about how best to cope with the rising temperatures and abundant sunshine over the next four or five months.

• Wear sunscreen. Even when you don’t think you will need it. I remember seeing a photo of a truck driver whose face on the left side was visibly extremely more wrinkled than the right, due in part to the sun beating down on that side. Do yourself a favor and slather up. Of course, that goes for your children as well. Even if your kids are going outdoors to play and are not swimming — make them wear sunscreen. • Protect your lips with sunscreen lip balm. Have you ever burned your lips? It hurts. Just keep lip balm in your purse and beach bag. • Wear a hat. Your hairdresser will thank you. If you color your hair, it will last longer and you won’t risk changing the color in a bad way. Even if you don’t use color, your hair won’t “bleach” or dry out. 26

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

• Stay hydrated. Especially if you will be outdoors, even at the pool, drink plenty of water all day. Get in the habit of always bringing water along in the car. I started that when I was a child. On the rare occasion when I forget, I have to stop and buy a bottle of water because not having it makes me think I am thirsty. • If you exercise outdoors, try to do so early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the full-on heat of the day. This also goes for letting children play outside. • Instead of heating up the house with the oven, use a grill or slow cooker for most cooking. • When packing a picnic or somebody’s lunch for the day, remember to keep cold foods cold, and hot foods hot. Nobody wants to end up getting sick after a fun day in the sunshine. • Make sure pets always have plenty of cold water and don’t leave them outside for too long. — Adlen W. Robinson

Make the Switch to Sauvignon Blanc Now that the months will be warmer, many of us switch from drinking heavier red wines to lighter white ones. Sauvignon blanc is the perfect wine to enjoy on the deck after a long day of doing yard work. It goes well with fish, any type of seafood and chicken. Both of this issue’s wine selections are also terrific by themselves or with some mild cheese, crackers and fruit. I found it interesting that sauvignon blanc takes on characteristics of where it is grown. The 2012 Starmont sauvignon blanc was highly recommended to me and even though it was above my normal $15 price point, I splurged for our wedding anniversary in April. I was pleasantly surprised and can recommend it to all of you. This wine from the Napa Valley is aged four months in French oak barrels and then continues to develop. The wine is a beautiful pale yellow and has aromas of melon and grapefruit. Since I splurged on that wine, I wanted to find another sauvignon blanc that was a real bargain. Enter Nobilo’s sauvignon blanc. These New Zealand wines have a great reputation and long history. The family’s winemaking goes back more than 300 years to the Adriatic island of Korcula, part of Croatia. The Nobilo family eventually ended up in New Zealand, where they began planting vines in 1943. The family is credited with helping to elevate wines in New Zealand to today’s high quality. This particular sauvignon blanc is light and crisp with a delicate flavor. Just like the other, more expensive wine, it’s perfect with seafood, chicken or on its own.

At less than $10 a bottle, you can’t go wrong. Happy warm weather sipping! — Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

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Gluten-free & healthy muffins Just about everybody knows somebody who is gluten intolerant. It seems as if almost overnight, men, women and children everywhere have gone “gluten free.” Many restaurants and nearly all food companies have jumped on the bandwagon. These days, you

Oats & yogurt muffins you will need

2 ¼ cups oat flour 1 tbsp baking powder ¾ tsp salt ½ cup sugar 2/3 cup almond milk ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce ½ cup unsweetened yogurt (use soy to make this vegan) 2 tsps pure vanilla extract 1 ¼ cups blueberries or raspberries

can find gluten-free options seemingly everywhere. According to experts, some of the most common symptoms to look for include digestive issues, chronic fatigue, dizziness, hormone imbalances, migraines, inflammation and swelling of the joints and various mood issues.

Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone muffin pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the almond milk, apple sauce, yogurt, vanilla extract. Do not over mix. Gently fold in the berries. Fill each muffin cup ¾ of the way full. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Let them cool on a rack completely. Remove carefully.

Moments Magazine | May - June 2014

If you think you may be gluten intolerant, talk to a doctor about being tested. In the meantime, here are some gluten-free muffin recipes that are healthy and, perhaps most importantly, delicious. Enjoy! — Adlen W. Robinson

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line six cups in a muffin tin with paper liners, or use a silicone muffin tin or mini tin liners that you don’t need to put in a muffin tin. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk, egg whites, oil and vanilla. Mix well and then add the boiling water. After a minute, pour into liners. Gently press in three or four chocolate chips into each muffin. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Allow to cool on a rack.

Double chocolate muffins you will need ½ cup + 3 tbsp chickpea flour ¼ cup + 3 tbsp sugar 3 tbsp cocoa powder (I like the “dark” chocolate kind) ¾ tsp baking powder ¾ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ¼ cup almond milk 2 egg whites 2 tbsp canola or grape seed oil 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ¼ cup boiling water ½ cup dark chocolate chips

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