Momentsjulyaugust2013

July-August 2013

Special Start to Motherhood

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

3

John Hall Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Jeff Bucchino Graphic Design Contributing Writers Hilary Butschek Jennifer Sami Photography Amber Cloy Jim Dean Carrie Ann Sienkiewicz Autumn Vetter

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.

Follow us online at forsythnews.com, as well as:

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments and

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Contents 8 Moments Mom

Meet Christie Ingram, whose story of becoming a mother will inspire.

12 Recreation

Dive in and cool off this summer at Cumming’s place to swim, the Aquatic Center!

20 Dinner Matters

No need to fire up your oven with these delicious and flavorful recipes to help beat the heat.

28 Summer

With these nearby attractions, you don’t have to look far for something to keep the family entertained!

ForsythMom Page 8

Home Matters �������������������������������������������������������������������������10 Moms at Work �������������������������������������������������������������������������14 Community �����������������������������������������������������������������������������18 Frugal Focus �����������������������������������������������������������������������������22

From the Cellar �����������������������������������������������������������������������24 Smart Snacking �����������������������������������������������������������������������26 Community Notes �������������������������������������������������������������������27 School Spotlight ���������������������������������������������������������������������30

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

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Welcome to

N

ow that summer is in full swing, most of us are just looking for ways to stay cool.

That said, be sure to check out this issue’s recipes for all things cold — gazpacho, Greek pasta salad and even homemade ice cream. And we haven’t forgotten summertime entertaining, so try my favorite white sangria recipe.

Of all the people I’ve interviewed over the years, this issue’s cover mom, Christie Ingram, is in the top tier of those I admire. That’s quite a spoiler, so you must read her story.

Who knew we had a professional flamenco dancer right here in Forsyth County? We do! Meet our Mom at Work,

Cara Belloso Wheeler. She performs professionally, but also teaches dance lessons (all ages) at her studio.

There are many other features we hope you find interesting, especially our Community Matters section, which spotlights Food 4 Thought Project.

Shari Nunez and Kim Boudet teamed up to begin this fantastic nonprofit that collects food for local food pantries.

Participating could not be easier. I just signed up and hope our readers will join me.

As always, we appreciate and welcome your feedback.

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

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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 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 | July - August 2013

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Moments Mom

Teacher helps children with special needs succeed

Photos by Carrie Ann Sienkiewicz

C

hristie Ingram is the sort of mother all moms wish they could emulate — compassionate, patient, kind and energetic.

Her three young children are no doubt her biggest fans. Unless you consider the countless students and parents of those kids she has taught during her eight-year teaching career.

Ingram is a special education preschool teacher at Mashburn Elementary, where the majority of her students have special needs.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Ingram said. “Even as a little girl, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Even so, being a teacher and choosing to teach children with special needs are two different things — how did she decide to go into that specific field?

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Mashburn Elementary teacher Christie Ingram and her three children, from left, Josh, Carly and Olivia.

“When I was in high school I worked in a day care,” Ingram recalled.

“One of the families there had an infant with Down syndrome and I just fell in love with him.”

In fact, Ingram loved the entire family so much that she became their nanny while in college.

After marrying husband David in 2002, Ingram said they were anxious to start their family. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem as if having babies was going to happen for the couple, and they began exploring other options.

“We had actually talked about adoption before we got married, so that was something we were both very open to.”

After much research, the couple decided to try to adopt a baby from Guatemala, partly because children in that country’s system were in foster homes instead of in orphanages.

To their delight, a birth mother who wanted to give her baby up for adoption was found somewhat quickly. After correspondence and much anticipation, things took a turn.

The mom decided to keep her baby and the Ingrams were devastated.

“I felt so terrible and wondered if maybe I wasn’t meant to be a mom. I was crushed,” Ingram said.

A few months later, she heard about an infant baby girl with Down syndrome who was up for adoption.

After she and her husband applied and began the process, Ingram found herself prayerfully hoping this baby might become theirs.

After meeting with the birth parents and the tiny, 3-week-old, Ingram and her husband waited anxiously to hear if they were the chosen couple.

See Ingram pg. 16

“I know now that God had been preparing me

all along,” she said.

“We were so

incredibly happy.”

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

9

Home Matters

Preserving memories Baby boxes just one way to save

Y

ou may think that because we have amazing computers that save everything, and “the cloud” which guarantees our data and photographs are forever, our children will always have their memories preserved.

While that may be true of digital photos, there are many items you still want to save for your children and grandchildren.

One of my favorite ideas is to create 10

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

a baby box for each of your children or grandchildren.

This works best if your children are still quite young, or better yet, babies.

I didn’t really have this idea until our third child was born, so hers and our youngest have better baby boxes than our older two, but it’s never too late to start one.

Into the box, put things that are particularly special to your child (or to you, such as a Christening gown), and

continue adding a few items every year.

Add things such as favorite stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, outfits, first ballet shoes, baseball mitt, haircut samples, baby teeth (unless this creeps you out like it does me), etc.

Because I love books so much and have so many precious memories of reading to our children, saving books is something I always did.

In fact, I have a few books from my

own childhood, which I also read to our children.

Our kids , especially the girls, still remember what books they would always choose for us to read.

Sometimes the favorites were so worn out, I had to buy duplicates.

Label your baby boxes and include summary letters to your child.

You can remember to do this if you add to their boxes on a landmark day every year — their birthday, for example.

You don’t have to be a professional writer either. Just jot a note to your child, sort of recapping the past year.

Did your 5-year-old learn to read?

What is the book he/she loves to read and re-read to you?

Did your child learn to swim or go to summer camp for the first time?

These are precious memories you think you’ll never forget, but alas you might.

How sweet to think your child will

have these memories preserved in one place.

I love the thought of grandmothers doing a baby box as well. In fact, grandma probably has more time than mommy does, so this could be the perfect thing to help your daughter or daughter-in-law.

I would love to hear from readers about ways they are preserving childhood memories. Please e-mail me!

-- Adlen W. Robinson

v

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Recreation

Cumming

The Place to Swim!

Attraction keeps pace with popularity

T

he Cumming Aquatic Center offers a variety of activities for swimmers of all ages.

In fact, the pools have stayed so busy that an outdoor ticket sales building was added.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Carla Wilson, the manager of the center.

Since opening in 2011, the aquatic center has offered programs intended to reach a wide audience. Poolgoers can swim, eat, have a party and take lessons.

Monday through Saturday the pool has two sessions of open swim hours, from

12

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

On Sundays, the pool is open only from 1 to 6 p.m.

Admission is separate for each session and costs $4 for children ages 2 to 17, as well as seniors, and $5 for adults.

The aquatic center has three pools, one of which is outside and features a lazy river and 48-foot slide, and two indoors.

“The outdoor pool was hit right away this summer,” Wilson said.

While the outdoor pool is typically the most popular during the summer, the indoor facilities are used to hold swim team practices as well as public lessons.

Swimming lessons are offered for people of all ages and skill levels.

American Red Cross swimming lessons are available for a parent and child age 6 months to 3 years, in which the infant can learn survival swimming techniques.

The center also teaches advanced lessons for older children and basic lessons for adults.

If big groups aren’t your thing, the aquatic center offers private one-onone lessons as well as semi-private, two students and an instructor, lessons.

This summer, classes in aqua sculpt, core exercise and water zumba have been added.

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The lessons are flexible too. Anyone interested can choose a class that meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, one that meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday or one that meets once a week on Saturday.

“We’ve got lots of options to work around people’s schedules,” Wilson said.

For those who just want to have fun, the outdoor pool experience has been enhanced. A new concession stand offers various snacks, drinks and food during pool hours.

Also, the center rents out cabanas, a picnic table by the poolside, for parties and other groups for $30 to $50 a session, but they fill up fast. The cabanas usually are booked about a month ahead of time. Indoor rooms also are available to rent for parties.

While the aquatic center does offer fun for the whole family, there are a few rules: Children can’t come without a parent until they are 14 or older; coolers are no longer allowed; children 4 and younger are advised to wear a swim diaper; kids can’t bring their own swim toys.

The pool will hold regular hours until Labor Day, which this year is Sept. 2.

-- Hilary Butschek

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Photos: Jim Dean Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

13

Moms at Work

Fancy footwork

B

Mom shares art, joy of flamenco

esides her family, Cara Belloso Wheeler has another passion — teaching the art of flamenco dancing.

Far from a regular job, Wheeler spends her days and many nights teaching eager students — both adults and children — the art of flamenco.

She began taking dance lessons at age 7 in her native Venezuela.

“My mother always loved dancing, so she wanted me and my little sister, Malita, to take lessons,” she said.

The girls attended lessons twice a week. Though sometimes she said she would complain about having to go, once there she never wanted to leave.

Their mother’s persistence and their hard work paid off. By the time Cara and Malita were teenagers, they were considered professionals.

Wheeler moved to the United States when she was 20. At the time, she thought she couldn’t speak much English. She was obviously a fast learner, winning a full tuition college scholarship to study graphic design at an art institute.

“I think I chose [the campus in] Atlanta because it was when the Olympics were coming, in 1996,” she said.

That decision proved to be wise since Wheeler met and married her husband Brandon in 1998. Soon after graduation, the couple had two girls, Isabella, now 13, and Juliet, 9.

Wheeler’s sister moved to Atlanta a few years later. After dancing in some shows, she soon began teaching lessons in her living room before going on to open a school that specializes in flamenco dancing.

As the school, Calo Gitano Dance Studio, grew in popularity, Malita needed help teaching the growing number of classes. Five years ago, she called on the one person on whom she knew she could count — her sister.

“I did it to help my sister, but after teaching just one class,

Cara Belloso Wheeler, left, has shared her love of flamenco dancing with her daughters Isabella, right, and Juliet.

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

I was completely hooked,” Wheeler said.

Besides taking care of her two young daughters, Wheeler began making the trek from Forsyth County to Atlanta several times a week,

Photos: Eugenio Beltran, Amber Cloy

including at night and on weekends to teach dance classes to a growing number of students.

Then nearly two years ago, one of her students suggested she start a campus of the studio closer to home.

Wheeler decided to just “go for it.” She rented a small space and was surprised when almost immediately a dozen students signed up for a class.

“That is when I knew it was real,” she said with a smile.

As with her sister’s school, Wheeler said word of mouth has helped it grow. Her excitement for teaching is matched only by her exuberance for the art itself.

“Flamenco is not only a dance, it

is a lifestyle,” she explained. “It involves an entire culture of people, their traditions and long history of their dance with its music, costume, and musical instruments.”

According to Wheeler, a group of people who migrated from India to the southern part of Spain in the 1400s brought with them the numerous dances considered part of flamenco.

“The dances and the music are quite complex,” she said.

“There are at least 70 different dances, although people often think it is only one.”

The dances are a reflection of many things, including the region. Besides the music, footwork and actual dances, the dress is critical.

“The dress is very important and determines who we are and is part of our identity in the dance,” Wheeler said. “We use the skirts and many props such as hats, and castanets as part of the dances. And the shoes are the most important part.”

The shoes have nails in the bottom of their heels, which make that trademark sound for which flamenco dancers are perhaps best known. Wheeler said she is just as passionate about teaching her craft as she is dancing in a production.

“I love seeing the faces of the students when they understand how to do something and can do it on their own,” she said. “I cry during every student recital and show because I know how much hard work they have put into it.”

Wheeler said flamenco is more than a type of dance.

“Flamenco is an expression of your soul and your feelings,” she said. “It is also a great stress reliever because while dancing you cannot think about anything else — no work, no kids, and not to mention it is a great, fun workout.”

Wheeler went on to note that flamenco is for everyone — women, men, girls and boys.

“Our youngest student is 3 and our oldest is 69,” she said. “It is truly a wonderful dance, filled with passion, strength, discipline, art and ‘duende,’ which is that intense feeling all flamenco dancers carry inside.”

In addition to teaching dance lessons at her school, Wheeler is also the assistant choreographer at her sister’s Calo Theatre, where she loves seeing her dance choreography come to life on stage.

Wheeler was thrilled to be cast in the Atlanta Opera’s production of “Carmen” last year.

“I consider myself beyond lucky,” she said. “I have a wonderful supporting husband, two beautiful dancing girls, two spectacular sisters, the best parents in the world, a magnificent supporting system of ladies and students that back me on whatever I do and are always there to help. And best of all, I get to do what I love, dance like no one is watching, hear the applause, feel the accomplishment and the pride and share it with all who want to move to the rhythm of flamenco. Olé!”

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

15

Moments Mom Continued from Page 9

“I love helping children,” she said. “I see their struggles and I understand them on a different level now that I am the parent of a child with special needs.”

-Christie Ingram

Photos: Carrie Ann Sienkiewicz

Christie, center, and David Ingram are the parents of, from left, Olivia, Carly and Josh.

“W

hen we got the call on the fifth day after the meeting that we were going to be her parents, we were completely overjoyed.”

By the end of the next week, baby Carly came home to two very excited parents.

“I know now that God had been preparing me all along,” she said. “We were so incredibly happy.”

Caring for a child with Down syndrome presents numerous challenges. Ingram said their lives changed dramatically after they adopted Carly. There were surgeries, 16

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

feeding tubes and many other challenges in the medical world to navigate.

Despite the difficulties and constant health-scare issues, Ingram said she always had a peace that Carly was supposed to be their daughter.

Then one month after adopting Carly, the Ingrams received a call from Guatemala that they were in no way expecting or prepared for. “They said, ‘We have another baby, a girl, and she needs a home,” Ingram said.

Almost immediately, the Ingrams felt they needed to bring this baby home. After completing the forms

and going through the process, the Ingrams welcomed Olivia to their house, where she and sister Carly were just six weeks apart in age.

Everything seemed perfect: Two sweet baby sisters and the Ingrams felt their lives were complete. That was July 2005.

After a busy few months of getting used to parenting two baby girls, the

Moments Mom

The Ingrams got the ultimate fall surprise when Christie found out she was pregnant.

Ingrams got the ultimate fall surprise when Christie found out she was pregnant. In June 2006, the family welcomed baby Josh into the world.

“Yes, it was a whirlwind,” she said. “We went from no children to having three in one year. It has been such an amazing journey, one that I couldn’t have done without my incredibly supportive husband and both of our families.”

Ingram’s passion for her family is just half of her makeup. The other is what started it all: Her love of teaching and helping children with special needs succeed.

“I love helping children,” she said. “I see their struggles and I understand them on a different level now that I am the parent of a child with special needs.”

Ingram said she also enjoys being there for their parents, who as she knows well, also struggle to help and understand their children as best they can.

“I want to show parents there is so much joy there, even with the challenges our children face,” she said.

Ingram’s passion and talent for teaching has not gone unnoticed.

She was “both honored and humbled” recently when named one of the four finalists for special education teacher of the year, an award presented by the Cumming Civitan Club.

Ingram said her faith has played a strong role in her ability to handle the past seven plus years.

“I have been a member of First Christian Church since I was 10 years old and our church family has played a major role in our lives,” Ingram said. “We felt all of the prayers and know they were a big part of how we got through it all.”

Ingram said both of her and her husband’s families have also been instrumental in helping out with their crazy schedules. “We are also so blessed to have such a strong family network.”

As for her brood of three, Ingram said they are the lights of her life. Olivia, who will be in third grade this fall, loves school and is an accomplished gymnast. “She asks every night if it is a school night,” Ingram said.

“Carly is doing great. I remember when she had feeding tubes and we didn’t know if she would ever be able to eat. Now I need to lock the pantry and she loves to eat Happy Meals.”

Carly is also a charter team member of the First Redeemer Flames, a special needs cheerleading squad.

Joshua is an active little boy who loves baseball and video games and, of course, playing with his sisters.

Ingram said her children are “truly blessings,” and that despite the chaos, the family brings her incredible joy.

“God chose us for this journey. Our children continue to make me a better person and a better teacher.”

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

17

Community

Friends organize Food for Thought

W

hat do you get when you put together two friends whose maiden names happen to be “Brain” and “Orange?”

If the friends are Shari Brain Nunez and Kim Orange Boudet, the result is a fantastic nonprofit organization called the Food for Thought Project.

The women work tirelessly with their husbands and other volunteers to collect bright orange bags full of food from homes across Forsyth County.

They then sort the donations and distribute them to various local food pantries.

The idea for the project began when Nunez’s husband, Charlie, read about a similar organization in California.

“We were really all looking for a way to give back to the community,” Nunez explained. “We live in such an affluent county, but many people do not realize how great the need is for those less fortunate, especially in the last few years.”

In addition to being neighbors, the couples knew each other from their days as foster parents, so they were particularly aware of people in need.

After throwing around ideas and thinking about what could work, Food for Thought Project was born.

People who are interested in participating sign up online and receive an orange bag.

18

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Families fill up the bags with pantry items such as soup, canned vegetables, boxed dinners, snacks, etc.

Every other month, they leave the bags on their front porches, and volunteers come pick them up.

Nunez and her crew then meet at their warehouse to sort the donations and take them to various food pantries, which will get the food to those in need.

They currently provide food to nine pantries, but hope to add others as their distribution increases.

Nunez said many families participate and get their children in on the act. One such family is the Barrancos.

Debbie Barranco said she and her husband, Matt, met Nunez and Boudet through their mutual involvement in the foster care system and were excited to participate from the beginning.

Barranco said getting their two young sons involved was important.

“At first, they had so many questions as to why anybody needed food, and would say, ‘Why don’t they just go to the store and buy it? They went on the very first pick-up with us, and they have been on many since,” Barranco said.

Now, 5-year old Jacob and 3-year old brother Kota look forward to collecting pantry items for two

months, and then donning their orange T-shirts and helping mom and dad lug the bags to the warehouse.

“They get so excited about what food they can get to put into the big bag,” Barranco said. “We have loved being involved and would encourage other families to do the same.”

BK Productions is holding AUDITIONS for WHITE CHRISTMAS and THE GEORGIA SENIOR FOLLIES

They currently provide food to nine pantries, but hope to add others as their distribution increases Since Food for Thought Project’s first food pick-up in April 2011, the group has collected about 75,000 pounds of food.

While many families are on vacation in June or busy with summer activities, Nunez said they still managed to collect nearly 6,000 pounds of food.

“We live in such a generous community,” Nunez said. “It is truly heartwarming.”

Food for Thought Project continues to grow as word gets out, but so do the needs, according to Nunez. More than 600 families have signed up to participate, and organizers hope more will join.

“We love our volunteers, participants and our corporate sponsors,” she said. “We just want people to know this is a simple way you can truly make a difference.”

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Call 678-455-6110

for audition times and appointments

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Growing together and depending on each other.

Matt and Debbie Barranco, along with sons Jacob and Kota, have participated in the Food for Thought Project since 2011.

For more information on the Food for Thought Project or to sign up, go online at www.fftpinc.org.

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

19

Dinner Matters

You don’t need heat to Leave the oven off and enjoy these cool dishes

D

uring the next few months, most of us will do anything to beat the heat of the summer sun and humidity.

What does that mean when it comes to cooking dinner?

For us, it means grilling outside and doing whatever it takes to keep the oven switch in the off position.

Here are some recipes that require no oven activity, but deliver big in the flavor department.

I love gazpacho, which is traditionally made with tomatoes.

Here’s a white gazpacho which highlights yellow pepper and cucumber instead of tomatoes.

A refreshing cold soup sure to cool you off even on the hottest of summer days.

White gazpacho

• 1/2 cup ice water • 1 slice firm white bread • 2 cucumbers, peeled, roughly chopped (preferably use European cucumbers) • 1 yellow pepper, seeded, roughly chopped • 1 scallion, white part only, roughly chopped • 1 small clove garlic, roughly chopped • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (more to taste) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, for serving • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, for serving

Mix the ice water and bread in a blender. Let stand for five minutes.

Add the cucumber, yellow pepper, scallion, garlic, oil and vinegar and blend until chunky.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning and add more vinegar, salt and pepper if needed.

Let the gazpacho chill for at least one hour.

Divide the gazpacho among bowls and drizzle with the yogurt and basil.

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Greek pasta salad

This is a terrific pasta salad, but you can easily substitute diced ham, salami, turkey or a combination instead of the chicken — or you can leave out the meat altogether and make it a vegetarian entrée. This also makes wonderful leftovers.

• 12 ounces ditalini or other small pasta • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 2 teaspoons fresh oregano • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • Salt and ground black pepper • 2 cups cooked cubed chicken • 1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and diced (or use a combination)1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Cook pasta according to package directions.

In a small bowl, whisk together broth, oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

Add diced chicken, red or green pepper, cherry tomatoes and mint.

Drain pasta and rinse.

In a large bowl combine pasta, dressing and chicken.

Toss well.

Cover with plastic and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Top with feta cheese just before serving.

Three bean salad

This is a great salad to serve at your next barbecue or to take to a neighborhood picnic. Just make sure you don’t overcook the green beans.

• Kosher salt • Ice • 8 ounces fresh green beans (about 2 cups), washed and cut in half • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained • One 15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped • 1 shallot, minced • Freshly ground black pepper Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Set up a large bowl of ice water.

Add the green beans to the pot and cook until crisp-tender, two to three minutes.

Dissolve a good amount of salt in a bowl of cold water and when dissolved, add ice to the salt water.

Drain and plunge the green beans into the salted ice water to stop the cooking.

Drain the green beans and pat dry.

Whisk the vinegar, mustard and honey in a large bowl.

Whisk in the oil until emulsified.

Add the green beans, cannellinis, kidneys, basil, parsley and shallots to the bowl and toss to coat.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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21

Frugal Focus

I

Shopping early can save stress, money

realize most of us are thinking only about how to stay cool during the next few months, so thoughts of Christmas are pretty much non-existent.

Believe it or not, however, thinking about Christmas right now can save you stress and money at the same time.

Here’s how.

Even if you don’t have four children like we do, chances are your Christmas shopping list is lengthy.

If you’re like most people, you wait until after Thanksgiving Day before really getting serious about making a list and then braving the crowds to find those presents.

When our children were quite young, I had an idea. Since money was always tight, why not space out our Christmas purchases so we weren’t slammed toward year’s end.

I began my quest by buying a small notebook. I wrote down the names of people I needed shop for and listed 22 Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

possible gift ideas.

For example, do you have a child who is really into soccer or some other sport? Is your husband always complaining he needs a new drill?

Next it’s time to hit the thrift stores and garage sales.

Especially if your children are really young, they won’t know or care if toys and clothes are brand new.

I used to buy toys, clean them thoroughly, and then hide them in the attic or basement storage room, or even at my parents’ house.

Just make sure you make a note of what you bought and where it’s hidden.

By purchasing at least some items in the summer, you will feel as if you have a head start when the crazy holiday season does roll around.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

v

Hot Tip H

ere’s a way to make your children feel like they have Christmas before Christmas.

Over the next few months, when your children are asleep or out, collect a few toys that nobody seems to be playing with — maybe it’s a set of blocks or some toy cars — and put them away.

Don’t feel guilty, because most children have way too many toys anyway.

I used to hide these extra toys and nobody even missed them.

When did I pull them out, you ask?

Right when school let out for Christmas break, or when the weather was nasty and everybody was bored and crabby.

I would say, “Here are some toys I forgot I put away.”

And believe me, you would think I was Santa Claus. They would get so excited to see their “new” toys.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

23

From the Cellar

The Amateur Wine Enthusiast

REFRESHING WINE PUNCH SURPRISES

W

hen entertaining, I love to greet guests with some sort of specialty drink, instead of just offering wine or beer.

Sangria is a wonderfully refreshing wine punch of sorts that’s simple to make and always seems special.

Traditionally, red wine is used, but during the hotter months, I like to make white sangria.

This is not the place to use that expensive bottle of wine you’ve been

saving. In fact, this is the perfect place to use a fairly inexpensive bottle or two.

Use a clear, glass pitcher to show off the beautiful summer fruit. Try freezing the grapes and then have edible ice cubes!

Wondering about the history of sangria? You have to go back to when the Romans conquered Spain around 200 B.C. The Romans, after much bloodshed

(red wine is the color of blood) began enjoying the red wine from the plentiful vineyards in Spain.

The people used the wine and created various drinks, which often had a “punch” of brandy added for an extra kick.

You can easily make this red sangria by simply substituting red wine for the white. Happy sipping!

-- Adlen W. Robinson

Feedback If you have a favorite (affordable) wine, please let me know at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

v

White sangria

• 2 (750-ml) bottles white wine, chilled (or use a big bottle) • 1 cup brandy • 1 navel orange, sliced • 1 orange, juiced • 1 lime, sliced • Assorted fruits of your choice (blueberries, sliced strawberries, frozen green or red grapes, honeydew melon or cantaloupe, fresh pineapple, etc) • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/4 cup water • Sprigs of fresh mint Pour the wine and brandy over the fruit in a large serving bowl.

Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water and microwaving or cooking on stove-top until sugar is melted. Cool in freezer.

In a clear glass pitcher, combine wine, fruit with brandy, and simple syrup.

Garnish with fresh mint. Chill until very cold.

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25

Smart Snacking

Learn to Make Your Own Avoid unwanted ingredients of the store-bought variety

R

ecently I was in the grocery store and ice cream was on sale.

While I love ice cream, I eat it sparingly due to the calories.

Normally, I would just toss the on-sale item into my cart, but our son has a good friend with a peanut allergy. So I decided to check the contents just to be safe.

What the heck? There were more ingredients, many of which were chemicals, that I wouldn’t want to put in my body and certainly didn’t want our son to be eating.

Thinking it may just be that particular brand, I spent a good 20 minutes scouring every carton of ice cream.

There were some that were better than others, but the vast majority contained many more ingredients than just cream, sugar, chocolate or fruit.

I ended up leaving the store sans ice cream and headed home to my computer.

After some searching, I ordered what looked to be a quality ice cream maker for a reasonable price.

All I can say is that ice cream makers have come a long way.

Basically, you freeze the bowl insert, mix up the ingredients, pour them in the frozen bowl, turn it on and about 30 minutes later have delicious homemade ice cream.

Of course, there are recipes that are more involved and time consuming, but here are a few simple yet yummy recipes sure to keep everybody cool during these steamy months.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

v

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

     

♥ Dark chocolate ice cream ♥

1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder 2/3 cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 ½ cups whole milk 3 ¼ cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, combine cocoa and sugars.

Add the whole milk and whisk to combine completely, about two minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.

Turn machine on and pour the mixture into the frozen insert bowl (according to the ice cream maker’s instructions), and let the machine do the work.

If you like ice cream firm, just put the insert in the freezer until it’s the desired consistency.

❦ Simple fresh strawberry ice cream ❦      

3 cups fresh ripe strawberries, sliced 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 ½ cups sugar, divided 1 ½ cups whole milk 2 ¾ cups heavy cream 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

In a small bowl, combine strawberries, lemon juice and ½ cup sugar, stirring well.

Set aside and allow to macerate for about two hours.

Strain the berries, but reserve the liquid.

Mash half of the berries and reserve separately.

In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk with the remaining sugar, whisking until sugar has melted, about two minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, reserved strawberry juices, mashed strawberries and vanilla extract.

Turn the machine on and pour into the frozen insert bowl (according to ice cream maker instructions), and let the machine do the work.

Five minutes before ice cream is done, stir in the sliced strawberries and let continue running.

Serve as is, or freeze until it firms to your liking.

Community Notes

Happenings about town

F

F T T

orsyth County Family YMCA will hold a free Y Kids Triathlon Training Club through Aug. 22.

Two sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, the first from 5-6 p.m. and the second from 6-7 p.m. The club will prepare kids between the ages of 6 and 15 to participate in the Atlanta Kids Triathlon on Aug. 25 at the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center in Norcross. Register online at www.ymcaregistration. com or in person at the Forsyth Family YMCA, 6050 Y St. orsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club holds luncheons on the third Thursday of each month at Windermere Golf Club, 5000 Davis Love Drive, Cumming. Membership is open to all women of Forsyth and surrounding counties. For more information, call Linda Fitzwater at (678) 947-6156.

Visit the club Web site at: www. newcomersclubofforsyth.org.

T

he Chestatee River chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution meet at 3 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex on Setting Down Road.

For more information, call (678) 513-6127.

T

he Cumming Sunset Quilters is open to anyone interested in joining them at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in Northside Hospital-Forsyth’s Building 1400. For more information, call (770) 889-9471.

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he Cumming Civitan Club meets at 11:45 a.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the Golden Corral on Market Place Boulevard. For more information, call Ann Raines at (770) 887-3778. he Cumming Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month at Cumming Baptist Church in the fireside room, 115 Church St. For more information, call (770) 844-7061.

4820 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta, GA 30004

678-762-0444 midwaywarehouse.net

Mon.-Fri. 10-7pm Sat. 10-7pm Closed Sunday Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

27

Summer

Not too far for

FUN!

Many family activities, attractions nearby

W

ith the heat of the summer months come the many opportunities of the

outdoors.

Not far from Forsyth County there are plenty of destinations offering activities for the whole family to keep busy for a day.

These places, most within an hour’s drive, vary in location and type of activity, but whether outside or inside, are sure to entertain.

Six Flags White Water

Southwest of Cumming in nearby Cobb County, is the essential summer attraction, Six Flags White Water. The amusement park incorporates water and includes 50 attractions. There are water rollercoasters for the adults and older children, but there is also the huge gentle wave pool and a lazy river to keep the whole family busy for a day. There are opportunities for adventure on the rides but also relaxation at tanning swimming play areas. There is also food and drink available inside.

Six Flags White Water is at 250 Cobb Pkwy. North, #100, Marietta. Call (770) 590-4067 or visit www.sixflags.com/ whitewater/.

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Georgia Aquarium

Just an hour away from Forsyth County, downtown Atlanta holds the world’s largest aquarium. The many extraordinary animals in the aquarium will strike awe in visitors of all ages. It holds 8 million gallons of water, and it will take a day to traverse the many different tanks filled with marine life.

The experience is entertaining but also educational, a chance for children and adults to learn about water creatures they may have never even seen before.

There are water tanks and habitat displays inside that show a variety of animals. There are also interaction shows involving the some of the animals such as sea otters, dolphins and beluga whales happening during the day.

The Georgia Aquarium is at 225 Baker St., N.W., Atlanta. Call (404) 5814000 or visit www.georgiaaquarium. org.

Helen

Helen has many options for eating, entertainment and shopping and is an ideal spot for a day trip. The village town is located northeast of Forsyth County, and it is a re-creation of an alpine village. Helen is a small town

where everything is in easy walking distance of each other. There are many restaurants as well as candy shops and funnel cake shops interspersed with shopping options for knick knacks and clothing. One main attraction is the opportunity to float in a tube down the Chattahoochee River for a one-hour or two-hour trip. There are also outdoor picnic areas, museums, putt putt golf and cabins.

For more information, call the Alpine Helen/White County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (706) 878-2181 or visit www.helenga.org.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is a break from the rush of the city life located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. It allows visitors to enjoy exotic animals in the sun.

The zoo is famous for being one of only a few zoos in the United States to house giant panda’s, but that’s not all it offers. There are flamingos, elephants, gorillas, snakes and otters at the zoo among other animals. There is a petting zoo where visitors can feed the animals as well as many daily shows.

There are also restaurants and gift shops inside the zoo. When it’s not too hot, this is a perfect day spent having

fun while learning something new about nature and animals.

Zoo Atlanta is at 800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta. Call (404) 624-9453 or visit www.zooatlanta.org.

Stone Mountain Lasershow Spectacular

The laser show at Stone Mountain Park has been around for 25 years, but it’s one that lasts over many viewings. A perfect twilight activity for the family, the Lasershow Spectacular is shown on the side of the mass of stone that is Stone Mountain. During the day visitors can climb to the top, wander around the visitor’s center and take a moving car down. But, near dark the park features a light show of colorful lasers and a fireworks finish all set along to music. To see the show, guests spread out on the lawn below the mountain, so bring chairs or a towel or blanket to sit on. Food and souvenirs are sold inside the park.

Stone Mountain Park is at 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. Call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Forsyth County Parks

For activities closer to home, Forsyth County residents don’t have to travel far to visit a variety of parks. The different parks in the area feature walking and biking trails, indoor gyms, dog parks, open sports fields and areas for children to play.

The Big Creek Greenway is ideal for morning jogs or afternoon bike rides with the kids, and its trails are dog-friendly. Fowler Park has open fields for football, soccer, basketball, tennis or Frisbee practice as well as a skate park and an indoor gym.

Central Park features fields as well as trails and a disc golf course. Those are just a few of the many parks. The parks also host summer day camps for children. The camps last a week and entertain children for the whole day. The parks also offer hour-long classes in art, dancing, gymnastic and martial arts. The parks are free, except for some indoor facility and class fees.

For more information about the parks or to sign up for day camps or classes visit www.forsythco.com .

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LanierWorld, the water park, is just one part of Lake Lanier Islands, and its attractions are right on the shores of Lake Lanier. The attractions around Lake Lanier are perfect for small children and include a giant bucking of water that fills and overturns, showering those under it with many gallons of water, and a pseudo surfing ride that shoots water up a slope at a high force that guests can try to balance on top of on a surf board. There is also a beach area and food and drink available inside. LanierWorld is perfect for a fun day playing in the water, but Lake Lanier Islands has more to offer. It includes a resort that has opportunities to fish, ride horses and play golf while staying in a luxury resort.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort is located at 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. Call (770) 945-8787 or visit www.lakelanierislands.com.

State Botanical Gardens of Georgia

This magnificent garden is located in Athens and has a multitude of different beautiful natural landscapes. The garden is often used by University of Georgia students and faculty for study and research. It has more than 300 acres of land located next to the Middle Oconee River. There are a range of plants, trees, shrubbery and flowers on view for visitors. The gardens have many trails open to the public that take guests into the wildlife, across stream and up rivers. There is also an expanded indoor visiting center to offer a break from the outside. The gardens are full of natural growth and beauty and are usually not crowded but offer a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a day’s walk.

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia is located at 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens. Call (706) 542-1244 or visit www.botgarden.uga.edu.

--Hilary Butschek

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770-205-0242 Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

29

School Spotlight

Get to know your schools

Matt Elementary Fun facts: The school started the Gobble Wobble 5K last year, with the race continuing again in November as a fun event for families. Its name honors the school’s famous turkey, which lived on campus for several years.

Principal Charlley Stalder said Matt is truly a community school. Its mission statement ends with “Kids MATTer.” Matt fifth-graders broadcast the morning news on the school’s channel, Sea-N-N. 

Special programs: Parent involvement is key at Matt. In addition to the PTA, a helping hands group meets weekly to assist teachers with copying, making take-home books, laminating and other tasks. Parent volunteers are also used to man the media center, school store and mentor students in social and academic needs. For students, there are many activities, including art, photography, reading, robotics and science clubs, as well as a chorus, technology group and a girls running program.

-- Jennifer Sami 

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e

R d.

Moments Magazine | July - August 2013

Wa llac e Ta tum Roa

Bridg Burnt

30

y (36 9)

er

Contact: (678) 455-4500 Fax: (678) 455-4514

Matt Hw

M c Bray

 Mascot: Mariners  Opened: 2001  Enrollment: 1,027  Size: 139,182 sq. ft.  Awards: Recipient of the silver, bronze and platinum awards from the Governor’s Office of School Achievement; platinum Forsyth County Team in Relay for Life; Georgia School of Excellence.

Principal: Charlley Stalder Address: 7455 Wallace Tatum Rd. Cumming, GA 30028

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Moments Magazine | July - August 2013