February/March 2013
GIRLS ON THE RUN
Raising Awareness a Step at a Time
Serving up Excellence Culinary Program Inspires
Multicultural Club Opens the World to Students
Dentistry at Windermere is a family
practice committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive, and creative cosmetic and general dentistry in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We treat each patient as we would treat a guest in our own home. Our state-of-the-art facility allows us to provide our patients with exceptional dental care. Dr. Katherine and Dr. Brian provide a comprehensive range of family dental services, which include general care, restorative services, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. Call today to schedule an appointment with our team at Dentistry at Windermere.
2950 Buford Hwy. #200, Cumming
770-205-1212
www.dentistryatwindermere.com 2 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
SEE OUR
INTERNET SPECIALS www.dentistryatwindermere.com
DISCOUNTS
for Non-insured Patients
If your CHILD
is STRUGGLING in school,
SUCCESS starts HERE.
✔ READING, WRITING ✔ MATH, SPELLING ✔ IMPROVE STUDY SKILLS ✔ STATE TESTING PREP ✔ CONFIDENCE, MOTIVATION, SELF-ESTEEM
W
hen your child isn’t getting the grades you think he or she should or they
need help with SAT/ACT prep, call Huntington Learning Center.
Our certified teachers can find out what’s holding your child back and create an individualized program of instruction
✔ SAT & ACT
designed to fix the problem. ING FOR
PRIVATE TUTOR
SAT/PSAT/ ACT PREP
Call Huntington today!
Just a few hours a week at Huntington can improve a student’s learning skills, so they can overcome frustration with school, as well as develop confidence and
motivation. We know your child can succeed in school, because we know they can learn.
1-800-CAN LEARN or
L! A C O L G
N CUMMI ON LOCATI
(770) 292-8994
5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 340, Cumming, Georgia 30040 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 3
John Hall Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Autumn Vetter Photographer Jeff Bucchino Graphic Design Contributing Writers Alyssa LaRenzie Crystal Ledford Jennifer Sami Autumn Vetter
Contents 8
Running for Life
Meet the teenagers who help with the Girls on the Run program.
10 Dramatic Moments
No one knows drama like Forsyth Central High School. Take a look at the longsuccessful program.
14 Flying the Colors
Winter guard, an indoor color guard activity, works wonders at West Forsyth High School.
28 Beyond the Kitchen
South Forsyth’s culinary program offers fresh taste, thanks to its enthusiastic director, Dawn Martin.
Girls on the Run - Page 8
YOUth 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
4 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
R
Fashion ��������������������������������������������������������������� 12
R
Entertainment ����������������������������������������������������� 18
R
Education ����������������������������������������������������������� 20
R
Health ����������������������������������������������������������������� 24
R
Technology ��������������������������������������������������������� 30
Vacation, outdoor sports, theme parks are all just around the corner... Say YES to a better feeling and better looking you! Make this Spring & Summer’s family time a wonderful experience. Get rid of the swollen, fatiGued, crampinG, burninG restless leGs that varicose veins brinG. You may not see them, but you can feel them! If you think varicose and spider veins affect only women, think again. Men suffer from this problem too. Walking on the beach, playing sports, hiking the trails... this will all feel great again. NO reason to keep sitting on the sidelines. With modern improvements in vein treatments, you can quickly resume your daily activities within 24 hours.
Peter Wrobel, M.D.
2950 Buford Hwy. Suite 140, Cumming, GA 30041
678-513-1600
www.NorthGeorgiaVein.com Located 3 miles east of Hwy 400 and 4 miles west of Sugar Hill/Buford
renew the way you look and feel!
call to schedule your free vein screening
Procedures are covered by most major medical insurance plans and Medicare. Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 5
Welcome to
G
reetings and welcome to our first edition of YOUth! We are so excited to present the community with a publication highlighting some of our amazing young people and their interesting activities. I can’t wait for you to learn more about Girls on the Run and the lives it’s enriching. You will meet four young women who went through the program and are now volunteering as assistant coaches. Inside you’ll also meet Colton Bugay, an extraordinary young man who at 14 seems more mature and driven than some kids in their 20s. I also loved visiting with the dedicated Spanish teachers at Piney Grove Middle School to hear about their multicultural club.
There is so much more in our first powerpacked issue, including Crystal’s piece about spring fashion and Autumn’s article about the Forsyth Central drama club. Lastly, please know that we want to hear from YOU! We welcome suggestions, ideas and feedback from youth, as well as parents, teachers and business people. As always, I am privileged to help with this new and exciting project and look forward to hearing from you soon. Best,
Adlen W. Robinson is an award-winning columnist and feature writer who has been a contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than a decade. Adlen has lived in Forsyth County with husband Paul for some 20 years and they have four children. Author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home,” Adlen is also busy working on her first cookbook. E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.
ENROLL NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP!! Dance Your Feet Through the Summer Heat with
N-Step Dance Academy! • ALL DAY DANCE INTENSIvES • $15 off for early registration, register by April 15, 2013! • Additional discounts may apply!!! • OFFERING EARLY DROP OFF AND LATE PICK UP!!! ~ALL DAY DANCE INTENSIvE LEvEL I/II~
June 17th -21st 9am-3pm • Ages 6-15 • A week of technique training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and many more!
~ALL DAY DANCE INTENSIvE LEvEL II/III~
July 22nd -26th 9am-5pm • Ages 8-18 • A week of technique training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and many more!
6 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Now registering for Fall 2013 ~HALF- DAY PRINCESS CAMP~
June 24th-28th/ July 8th -12th 9am-1pm • Ages 3-5 • An introduction to the magical world of Ballet! • Dance games, arts & crafts, and much more!!
770.886.6500
2631 Peachtree Pkwy Ste. 520 Suwanee, GA 30024
Located in the Brookwood Marketplace
www.nstepdanceacademy.com
Where Youth and Elegance Meet Birthday, Graduation, Straight “A’s,” Special Times, Gifts for all ages... $
95
Watches starting at 39 $ 95 Charms at 19
Diamonds starting at $
3995
be natural
Girls Collection Watches in 12 colors that highlight every month of the year, plus silver birthstone charms.
Voted Best Jeweler in Forsyth 2012
Graduation
Create a class ring that expresses who you are!
770.781.5500
1705 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 www.lancesjewelry.com Monday-Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm | Sunday closed Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 7
Girls
on the Go
The local Girls on the Run program is boosted by assistant coaches including, from left, Savannah Carnahan, Rachel Slappy, Meredith Stone and Kayla Brugnoli.
W
hen Kayla Brugnoli was just 7, her mother Cathie brought her to her first Girls on the Run meeting. Nine years later, the Lambert High School junior is an assistant coach with the developmental youth sports program for thirdthrough fifth-grade girls. “I really enjoy helping the younger girls,” Kayla said “We have so much fun, and I know how much [it] does for you since I have been through it.” A 12-week program, Girls on the Run places the girls on teams that meet twice a week for a 75-minute session. It emphasizes what Cathie called the “whole person concept.” Each group has a volunteer 8 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
coach and often assistant coaches. The latter are youth who, like Kayla, went through the program and want to stay involved. The program seeks to elevate the emotional, social, mental and physical wellbeing of its young participants. It has served more than 3,000 local girls since 2005. “Girls on the Run North Georgia began with 38 girls in Forsyth County, and we have grown to serve four counties and we continue to grow,” Cathie said.
She credited the support of the community for the success of the program, which she first encountered as a coach in Atlanta. Kayla, 16, and friend Meredith Stone, a senior at Lambert, help coach a team of girls at Johns Creek Elementary. Besides exercising, they work with them on lessons in nutrition and positive selfimage. Another assistant coach is Kayla’s friend Savannah Carnahan, a 15-year-old freshman at South Forsyth High. “I started the program when I was 8 years old and at the time I wasn’t a big fan of exercise,” Savannah said. Fast forward eight years and Savannah is on her school’s crosscountry team and participated in the state invitational. Her mother, Kathy, serves on the board of directors for Girls on the Run and also is one of the coaches. See Girls pg. 16
Career Tool Kit! APPLY NOW APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO REQUEST INFO
92% Job Placement Rate Day - Evening - Online Low Tuition Rate
Forsyth Campus
Lanier Technical College Ph. 770.781.6800 www.laniertech.edu
TECHNICAL COLLEGE EOI Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 9
A
dam Pingel is passionate about having Forsyth Central High School drama students “take the reins.” From three acting fundamentals classes and advanced and musical theatre courses to lengthy after-school rehearsals and thespian troupe, the students are just as passionate. “They take it as far as they want to take it,” said Pingel, Central’s drama teacher. With a long list of accolades on their resumé, it seems the students have gone the distance. According to Pingel, the program’s four main productions each year involve a lot of hard work and 10 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Photos: Autumn Vetter
Dedication to Drama
Students Central to program’s success
Forsyth Central student Kat McCormack, right, gives instructions to Xander Sackmann, left, and fellow cast members before a recent performance of “Winnie the Pooh.” At left, Stephany Tourtillott rehearses a scene.
dedication. “First we have to pick the show ... then we start the design process, designing sets and costumes and the whole concept,” he said. “... Then I start helping the kids prepare for auditions” After the cast is selected, rehearsals commence. Students practice every day after school for a couple months. “I push these kids,” Pingel said. “I expect a lot out of them as far as their
prep and what they put into it, and they bring a lot to the table.” When he first joined the program two years ago, Pingel wasn’t sure where to ask for help. “But then I started figuring out, these kids are willing to do it,” he said. “And they’re good once you teach them. So all of a sudden I find we’re doing three times as much and it’s the same quality.” The week before a production is performed, Pingel and students move into “tech week,” when they stay until the late evening honing their skills and technical elements for a performance. This stretch is sophomore Kat McCormack’s favorite part of a production.
“Because there are a lot of opportunities to succeed, that just drives them to go further.”
Forsyth Central student Ally Prusnofsky mans the sounds and lights from the booth during the school’s recent production of “Winnie the Pooh.” Kayla Mayo, left, helps Issac Burrell with his costume.
a production for that long creative and people together, it really becomes a who want to show off what they can do and who sort of family. So it’s just nice to be part of that.” are really good at what they -- Autumn Vetter do,” she said. bf-youth-ad-4thpg.pdf 1 1/31/2013 5:58:46 PM “Whenever you are in
R
“It’s when we really need to put everything into it,” she said. “I’m motivated just because I’ve seen what people do during tech week, when they take their characters from someone that they just pretend to be into someone they become ... it’s nice to see that transformation take place.” Pingel attributes the program’s success to that approach from students. “Faith and dedication stems off of curiosity and then success,” he said. “Yatesy Harvey, [my predecessor], did a great job of building this program, so students come, they get interested, and then they decide to try it. “And because there are a lot of opportunities to succeed, that just drives them to go further.” Many former Central
alumni have gone as far as pursuing a theater career in college and professionally. A few current students are signing on to do professional productions as well. “They’re getting out there and spreading their wings a little bit,” he said. Just this past school year, the program won its district competition for performing a Japanese one-act play, “Rashomon,” and came in a close second during the state competition. Central has been invited to perform the play again at an upcoming thespian conference. McCormack credited the success of “Rashomon” to the people involved, noting it was “just a fun production to do.” “Theater really does attract the people who are C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
M T-SHIRT O T S S CU
$15.99
PLUS TANK TOPS, TOTE BAGS, COASTERS, SWEATSHIRTS, MOUSE PADS, AND MORE! 1070 Market Place Blvd Cumming, GA 30041 PH: 770-889-3764 400N@BigFrog.com NO SETUP FEES... NO ARTWORK FEES... NO MINIMUMS... NO KIDDING!!!
Mention YOUth magazine for 10% OFF your order! *Applies to DTG printing only. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount, including volume discounts. Valid until June 1, 2013 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 11
Spring Fashion Creative Combos Top
SKINNY JEANS, JEGGINGS ALSO REALLY POPULAR
B
right colors, bold patterns and funky combinations will be popular trends for teenage fashions this spring. Bola Babs, assistant manager at Old Navy on Market Place Boulevard, said trends such as “jeggings,” a hybrid of jeans and leggings, and oversized tops will continue to be popular for girls. Old Navy carries a line of jeggings called “pop pants” due to their bright pops of color, which Babs said can be paired with a wide range of tops. “When you have a solid color on the bottom, you can do pretty much anything on the top,” she said. Some of the most popular top looks this spring for girls will include Camper and Henley shirts in neon colors and big patterns.
12 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Among the popular trends in teen fashion this spring are bright colors, bold patterns, skinny jeans and jeggings.
“Tunics are really popular too because a lot of people are doing leggings and skinny jeans, so you want the longer top to make sure everything is covered properly,” she said. “We’re going back to the boyfriend type of shirts that are longer and looser.” As for boys, skinny jeans will also be popular, Babs said. “Even the boys love them now too because they’re into that motorcycle look where you want your jeans to be really tight, so you can tuck them into your boots,” she said. Babs said more and more boys are wearing the pop pants in brighter colors such as yellow and red. Another look that will popular this spring for boys is pairing distressed jeans with more sleek shirts, such as buttondowns or Henleys. Plaid shirts will be big for both boys and girls this spring, Babs said. “We’re seeing a return to a little more preppy look,” she said. -- Crystal Ledford
Photos by Autumn Vetter
The Doctor Is In evenings & Weekends
R
NO URGeNT CARe CO-PAY the month of March 2013
(*mention seen in YOUth Magazine Forsyth County News for first time patients) Compare to $60 at other centers
O g N itin a W
B U ra rg nd C ent N en C ew te ar r e
Camp, Sport and School Physicals $30 Administrative Physicals $35 Compare to $70 in other centers (Camp Counselors, Child Care, College, employment, Senior Living, Teacher)
Hypertension Diabetes Mellitus Cholesterol Management
FAMILY MEDICINE Best of
the Best
URGENT CARE
Sprains & Strains Cold & Flu Minor Wounds Hours: M-F 9-7 Sat 10-6. Sun. 11-6
4415 Front Nine Dr., Suite-700 Cumming, Ga. 30041
Dr. Anu Gulati, MD Marjorie Smith, FNP-BC
WALK-INS • APPOINTMENTS
Dawsonville Office OPeNiNG SOON! 6002 Hwy 53 e Ste. 100 Dawsonville, GA 30534
678-679-1113
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 13
Color For All Seasons Winter guard works wonders
J
uggling sabres, tossing guns and flinging flags may sound like the latest teenage video game craze, but these skills are all a necessary part of the routine for West Forsyth High School’s winter guard. Six girls — Margaret Berry, Lauren Flint, Taylor Patskanick, Emily Patton, Ansley Seay and Lauren Smeragliuolo — make up the guard, which is under the direction of Tavius Cooper. For about 15 to 20 hours per week, they practice their show, titled “Battle Line,” in preparation for upcoming competitions. Winter guard is an indoor color guard activity where routines involving flags, rifles and sabres are performed to recorded music and scored by professional judges. A typical show is about four minutes long and judges are usually associated with Winter Guard International or Southern Association of Performing Arts. Cooper has been with the school’s program since it started seven years ago. He also teaches a color guard class at the Georgia Institute of Technology and directs an independent winter guard. It takes “months and many hours” to design and choreograph a show for the girls, Cooper said.
Emily Patton, left, and Taylor Patskanick practice their routine during a recent winter guard practice at West Forsyth High School.
Winter guard is an indoor color guard activity...involving flags, rifles and sabres Co-captains Flint and Patskanick are both 17 and seniors at West. “Since the seventh grade, I have had an interest in the guard,” said Flint,
who has found a fit in the program. “My favorite part … is competing and performing.” Flint also enjoys helping her team members in the techniques of the performance and keeping the unit organized. Over the past four years, there is not a particular show that Patskanick has favored over another. “I have liked all of our shows because there is always something new and entertaining to change it up,” she said. A former baton twirler, Patskanick made the switch to guard once she entered high school. “You have all these opportunities open to you along the way,” she said. The Army All American March Band is one of the opportunities that Patskanick was able to realize this past fall. All of West’s winter guard members also participated in the color guard this past fall. “Being part of both the color guard and winter guard is the best of both worlds,” Patskanick said. “The color guard gets to be part of the band and musicians and the winter guard is more dancing and more active.” When West’s winter guard performed last year at Vickery Creek Middle, then eighth-grader Margaret Photos: Autumn Vetter
14 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Summer Camp Registration Begins March 1st! Home of CDA II Performance Academy Ages 18 Months - Adult
Visit Our Dance BOutique
tutus & taps
West Forsyth’s winter guard includes, from left, Ansley Seay, Lauren Flint, Emily Patton, Taylor Patskanick, Margaret Berry and Lauren Smeragliuolo.
Berry saw something that made her want to join the program. The freshman of the group, the 15-year-old said it was difficult at first to juggle both practices and homework. “I struggled a little at first, but now I try and do as much as I can during my free time and also work to finish my assignments early,” Berry said. The guard is also a scholastic group with many of the girls taking Advanced Placement classes and posting honors-level grade-point averages. The guard will perform its show in six competitions this season, according to Cooper, with the first coming in the next few weeks. The group is especially looking forward to performing in a competition at South Forsyth High that will feature more than 35 schools.
R
Private Lessons Available!
Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Pointe • Lyrical • Contemporary • Irish Broadway Jazz Musical Theater • Kinder-Gym • 2 Yr. Classes • Triple Threat • Voice • BOYS Hip Hop • BOYS Tap Adult Classes • ZUMBA • Performing Companies & Miss Niki’s Elite Performance Class
Cumming Dance Academy Over 10 Years Instructional Excellence! Voted Best Dance Studio 2010, 2011 & 2012
770•781•4922
419 Tribble Gap Rd. • Cumming Owner/Artistic Director
Niki Jernigan-Watkins
www.cummingdanceacademy.com
www.facebook.com/cummingdanceacademy
Growing Your Child’s Potential
Experience the Willow Brook Difference y Enroll bst 1 h c Mar ’ll and we e waiv the $85nt e enrollm ! e e f
Willow Brook Academy Call or visit our website to learn more 678.455.0555 • www.willowbrookacademy.com 8150 Majors Rd. • Cumming, GA Come visit our new school at 4420 Kelly Mill Road
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 15
Girls
cont. from pg. 9
“I wish I had a program like this when I was younger.” In fact, Savannah and her mother have coached together and will again this fall. “We got involved when Savannah was in third grade and the program was new here. Cathie was actually her coach,” she said. “Of course, the running part is wonderful, but the entire curriculum is so positive and really helps prepare elementary school girls for all of the changes that middle school brings. It really gives them the tools they need.” Another assistant coach, Rachel Slappy, a Girls on the Run assistant coaches, from left, Savannah Carnahan, Meredith Stone, Kayla Brugnoli and junior at Lambert, agreed Rachel Slappy enjoy working with the young girls in the program. wholeheartedly. “I wish I had a program like volunteer coaches, but could use There is a comprehensive training this when I was younger,” she said. more for the upcoming season. program for coaches and various “It really helps you feel better about Coaches do not have to be runners materials help them guide the 24 yourself and builds your self-esteem themselves, just be willing to lessons. The program ends with the and confidence.” encourage their team toward its girls running the popular Boulderdash Girls on the Run has some 60 goals. 5K on April 13. 16 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Organized by the Healthcare Association “We envision a world where of Forsyth County, a every girl knows and activates part of the Cummingher limitless Forsyth County Chamber potential and is free of Commerce, the race raises money for the to boldly pursue Forsyth County Parks her dreams.” and Recreation fund in support of Envision a Fit Forsyth program. Cathie said a big part of Girls on the Run is teaching students the importance of being connected to their community. “The community Afterward, they get to keep them. was so instrumental Cathie looks forward to the in bringing the program here and future for Girls on the Run, which she helping its success, and the 5K is a described as “a wonderful and positive great way to showcase that,” Cathie mother-daughter activity.” said. “We envision a world where every Even middle-school students are girl knows and activates her limitless involved with Girls on the Run. Kayla’s 13-year old sister Andrea manages the potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams,” she said. Happy Hair Booth at the 5K. -- Adlen W. Robinson On race day, girls can put as many accessories in their hair as possible.
Contact
For more about Girls on the Run, or to volunteer, contact Cathie Brugnoli at www.gotrforsyth.org.
R
Lady and the Tramp Photos: Autumn Vetter
Thomas Kinkade’s eleventh painting in the Disney Dreams Collection
FREE GIFT with any limited edition canvas purchase ($100 + value)
Available in several editions and your choice of frames Image sizes: 12x18 / 18x27 24x36 / 28x42
770-888-9924
Monday - Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-6, Closed Sundays 527 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming GA 30040 GA 400 @ Hwy 20 www.parsonsthomaskinkadegallery.com
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 17
Winter
T
he Masquerade is kickin’ it old school in the next few months. Fear not, the venue still has plenty of room for rising stars such as Gaslight Anthem, but it’s nice to see the Masquerade is still home to the bands that revolutionized the punk and ska movement decades ago. The Toasters will be at the venue Feb. 24. Since 1981, they’ve been the leaders of ska’s third wave and influencing other acts such as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Catch 22 and No Doubt — and yes, the No Doubt before Gwen Stefani’s solo career. The Masquerade also welcomes Bad Religion on March 19. In addition to being the band behind the Epitaph record label, Bad Religion has influenced generations of punk music since 1980. These guys were headlining
Warped Tours for years, but the popularity of their melodic yet angry sound has waned, making room for newer bands, such as tour mates Against Me! and Polar Bear Club. But as noted, Masquerade will have the Gaslight Anthem, a New Jerseybased punk/blues rock band heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen’s rock music and Social Distortion’s punk. Singer/guitarist Brian Fallon has an amazing voice that versatile enough to be smooth for softer songs and powerful enough to handle their harder tunes. The venue will also welcome Psychostick. They’re still metal, but less angry and more entertaining. Masquerade will be busy this winter, but so will Philips Arena, which will be hopping with major acts, starting with Pink on March 1. Lady Gaga will swing by March 11,
followed by Maroon 5 on March 27 and Alicia Keys two days later. The Fox Theatre will be serving up a lot of dancing and musicals in the coming months, but on April 13, the historic venue welcomes contemporary Christian rock group Third Day. Fronted by vocalist Mac Powell, the band’s been hugely successful, boasting 12 albums since its 1996 debut, with multiple Billboard charttopping hits and three Grammy Awards. -- Jennifer Sami
R
Upcoming Events March 2 – 10
The Atlanta Opera presents La Traviata Cobb Energy Centre $24 - $131
March 4
Dropkick Murphys Tabernacle $29
March 5
Coheed and Cambria Tabernacle $29.50
March 7
March 12 – 17
March 14 – 17
March 8
March 13
March 16
March 11
March 14
March 16
The Gaslight Anthem Masquerade $25
Jerry Seinfeld Fox Theatre $59.15 - $91.25
Lady Gaga Philips Arena $53.50 - $179
18 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Million Dollar Quartet Fox Theatre $42.40 - $80.70
Aaron Carter Eddie’s Attic $16 -$20
Gabriel Iglesias Tabernacle $40
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Cobb Energy Centre $22 - $46.50
Harlem Globetrotters Gwinnett Arena $27 - $156
Harlem Globetrotters Philips Arena $27 - $156
March 16
March 27
April 2 – 7
March 17
March 27
April 12 – 14
March 19
March 28
April 13 & 14
March 22 – 24
March 29
April 13
March 29
April 18 & 19
Lisa Loeb Variety Playhouse $25 - $30
Eric Clapton with the Wallflowers Gwinnett Arena $59 - $99
Deftones Tabernacle $33
Maroon 5 Philips Arena $29.50 - $79.50
Bad Religion with Against Me! Masquerade $26
Atlanta Ballet presents New Choreographic Voices Cobb Energy Centre $20 - $120
March 26
Atlanta Ballet presents Carmina Burana Cobb Energy Centre $20 - $120
America’s Got Talent Live-All Stars Cobb Energy Centre $33.50 - $83.50
Alicia Keys Philips Arena TBA
They Might Be Giants Variety Playhouse $22.50
Third Day Fox Theatre $28.05 - $88.25
Pajanimals Live! Cobb Energy Centre $17 - $37
Psychostick Masquerade $12
Mary Poppins Fox Theatre $34 - $71.60
Taylor Swift Philips Arena $33.50 - $88.50
Jennifer Sami writes a weekly entertainment column for the Forsyth County News. In each issue of YOUth, she’ll alert readers to upcoming concerts and events in the metro Atlanta area. Contact her at (770) 205-8975 or jsami@forsythnews.com.
Steel MagnoliaS
BY ROBERT HARLING DIRECTED BY MERCURY
Cumming Playhouse 101 School St., Cumming, GA
Feb 14th - Mar 24th Thur.-Sat. 8:00 pm Sun. 3:00 pm
770-781-9178
www.PlayhouseCumming.com Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 19
Embracing
Photos: Autumn Vetter
T H E IR H E RI T AG E
Piney Grove club is celebrating students’ shared culture
F
orsyth County’s explosive growth of the past two decades has brought with it an influx of new residents from around the world. For proof of that growing diversity, one need look no further than the Forsyth County school system. Take, for example, Piney Grove Middle in south Forsyth. Opened in 1997, the school off Majors Road boasts an enrollment of 1,130. More than 20 different cultures are represented on campus.
“We wanted our students to take pride in their culture and their background.” To highlight these many cultures, three of Piney Grove’s Spanish teachers -- Martha Rodriguez-Gregg, Lizzette Nixon and Rebecca Duyvelaar -formed the Multicultural Club three years ago. “Principal [Terri] North is always encouraging the teachers to ask yourself what else can you offer our students, what else can you do for the school,” Nixon said. “And this was something we knew we could do.” Her colleagues were quick to agree. “We wanted our students to take 20 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
pride in their culture and their background,” Duyvelaar Teachers, from left, Rebeca Duyvelaar, Lizzette Nixon and Martha said. “We Rodriguez-Gregg try croquettes during a recent meeting of Piney Grove wanted them Middle School’s multicultural club. to know it croquettes, a popular snack in the is fine to island culture. be different and that they should Besides the fare, each meeting also celebrate their heritage.” features an exercise, game, or activity. Middle school can be a difficult One month, a student’s mother time and place to be “different,” taught the group flamenco dancing. but these three teachers help their Rodriguez-Gregg said they all had so students see the positive aspects in much fun, noting that “even the boys doing so. “We have so many different cultures tried it.” At another meeting, the club here at school, we really wanted to learned how to make a family tree. help students embrace that and learn Holidays are always a fun time for about their own heritage as well as the group. other people’s history,” said Rodriguez“We explore how different cultures Gregg, who is originally from Colombia. “We meet once a month and celebrate the holidays and encourage the students to learn about traditions have an open enrollment.” around the world,” Duyvelaar said. Nixon added that the club almost always has some sort of food item at its meetings. At their most recent gathering, the topic was Cuba. Duyvelaar, who hails from Cuba, made some ham and chicken
The teachers also talk to their students about helping others. This past Christmas season, they spent a meeting making soft and colorful scarves for the residents of Jesse’s House, a local emergency and long-term shelter for girls ages 7 to 17. The idea stemmed from RodriguezGregg’s hobby of making blankets, which she began years ago. “My parents were visiting and I had made a blanket and my dad just loved it. He asked me to make him one,” she recalled.
Piney Grove Middle teacher Rebeca Duyvelaar shows croquettes and various cooking seasonings from Cuba during a recent meeting of the school’s multicultural club.
“I made him one and told him every time he wrapped it around himself, I wanted him to think about how much I love him.” Thus the blankets, which are made by cutting the edges and tying them into knots, became known as “Knots of Love Blankets.” The club decided to take the same approach with the scarves for the shelter residents. The Multicultural Club at Piney Grove pursues positive activities in a fun way. “Culture is a beautiful thing,” Duyvelaar said. “We talk about celebrating, accepting and embracing it.” -- Adlen W. Robinson
R
Outdoor Leisure CummingPool is NOW OPEN ON WEEKENDS! Learn to Swim for a Lifetime of FUN!
We offer swim lessons for infants, youth and adults alike! Register in person or online today!
201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-1781 • cac2@cityofcumming.net
www.cummingaquaticcenter.com Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 21
REACH-ing their potential
Teens and kids pair up for learning
C
atherine Johnson and Keri Sandoval meet each other every Thursday after school. They go over Sandoval’s homework, read books and play games, but most importantly they hang out — just like their “best friends” necklaces indicate. Johnson, a junior at Forsyth Central High School, and Sandoval, a fourthgrader, likely would have never had the chance to meet if they hadn’t been matched through Mentor Me North Georgia’s REACH program. Mentor Me began in 2002 as a nonprofit organization to build relationships between a child and responsible adult. REACH, or Raising Expectations and Achievement of our Children, is a weekly tutoring program in which a mentor works with an elementary school student. Sylvia Cardona, executive director of Mentor Me, said the REACH program started in 2008 as another volunteer opportunity for adults. However, it quickly grew in popularity with local high school students and is currently mostly teenagers. High school students must commit to one hour each week for a full school year for the program, Cardona said, and the hours can be applied for clubs with service requirements. Older students get matched with a younger one, most of whom have been referred through the Forsyth County 22 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
school system, she said. Cardona said the pairs often become close and learn a lot from each other. “The younger students, of course, they think the high school students are the coolest,” she said. The kids are actually happy about doing homework on Thursdays “because they’re excited to meet their buddies,” Cardona said.
“They get an opportunity
to build a friendship with kids they might not have otherwise.”
Johnson said she usually starts with math, since it’s Sandoval’s favorite subject. They also plan ahead for the weekly visit by making each other gifts or bringing a snack. “I brought you a Coke today,” said Sandoval, drawing a laugh from Johnson. “I brought you a Coke too,” Johnson said. The two have been friends for nearly three years, since Johnson signed up for the program as a
Catherine Johnson, above, and Maddie Malmfeldt, left, are tutors in Mentor Me North Georgia’s REACH program.
freshman. Johnson has worked to recruit other teens to find a young child to befriend. The program is growing, Cardona said, as the high school students can see the impact of their efforts. “They get an opportunity to build a friendship with kids they might not have otherwise,” she said. “It helps bridge gaps too.” Most or all of the younger students are Hispanic, which allows the teens to test out what they’re learning in Spanish class, she said. The elementary students, who often have parents without a higher education, pick up on the importance of school as they hear their buddies talking excitedly about academics, clubs and applying for college, Cardona said. Inevitably, those teens will leave for college, but their impact will remain. Brett Jordan, the first high school mentor in REACH, said he misses the weekly visits with his former student since he graduated from Lambert in 2012. Jordan, now attending Georgia Tech, started as a high school freshman looking for volunteer opportunity outside of school. He figured he could help others by
tutoring and chose REACH because of its focus on working with local Hispanic families. “I decided I would give it a try,” Jordan said. “In the end, I realized how great of a decision volunteering at REACH was [because] it is much more than just tutoring.” The matching of an older and younger student, rather than random pairing, puts an emphasis on creating a relationship, he said. “There’s excitement to see each other every week, catch up on how each other has been, and a new motivation for learning is created,” Jordan said. “At some times, I felt like … my mentee for three and a half years was trying more so than he would have because he could see how much I wanted him to learn.” Watching the younger student grow was rewarding for Jordan, and turning him over to a new mentor when he left for college was bittersweet. Though Jordan wanted to continue
to help him succeed in school, he knew all of the teen mentors feel like he does about connecting with the younger students. He said he would recommend other teens to sign up to be a mentor as long as the student can be dedicated and able to show up weekly for the full school year. During his time at Lambert, Jordan recruited others for the program through the National Honor Society. All five of the county’s public high schools have students who participate in REACH, and the
organization has a waiting list of elementary students looking for a teen mentor. -- Alyssa LaRenzie
R
Photos: Autumn Vetter
On the Net
Check out Mentor Me North Georgia’s REACH program or fill out an application online at www.mentoringrocks.org.
A life changing, non profit prevention program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. Our mission - We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experiencebased curriculum which creatively integrates running. (By appointment only)
High Intensity Training Center 2850 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041
info@gotrforsyth.org 404-667-4101
Mom | Daughter Time 1/2 Price Reg. Manicure/ Pedicure for Daughter with Mom *Up to age 12, mention Youth Magazine.
manicures • pedicures • shellac polish • paraffin dip nail art • gels • acrylics solar • facials • eyebrow wax
SUMMER LEARNING The Goddard School® develops unique learning experiences for children through age-appropriate and innovative resources and activities. If your child wants to explore new territory, and you want to provide a safe and nurturing learning experience…
Call Us Today!
All Equipment Carefully Sterilized No-Wait Appointments Welcome
Mon-Fri 10-8
Hours: Sat 9:30-7:30
Sun Noon-6
Apple Nails
2205 Market Place Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041 Located by Five Guys
www.applenails.net (678) 648-7313 (404) 483-1486 Cell
FREE REGISTRATION!* CUMMING • 678-455-5151
SUWANEE • 770-844-6546
GoddardSchool.com Ask us about our Georgia Student Scholarship Opportunities for Pre-K and above! Accepting children who missed the GA cutoff of 9/1. These Schools are SACS CASI accredited. *Offer valid for new Goddard families only. Offer valid at the above location only. Not valid with any other offer. Offer expires 3/15/13. The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2013.
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 23
D
n o i t a u t i S n e o i h Ton ydrat H
o you drink enough water? Probably not. Even if you’re not an athlete or particularly active person, you probably need to drink more water and less sugary beverages and juices. So just how much do you need? According to the Institute of Medicine, adult men need about 13 cups of fluid a day and adult women about 9. It would stand to reason that young people may not need as much. But before you put down that water bottle, you should know that everybody is different. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need more water than your friend. There are many hydration calculators and online resources that can help calculate how much hydration you need based on age, activity level, climate and other factors. -- Adlen W. Robinson
R
We provide the very best technologically advanced eyewear to enhance your child’s sporting experience and other adventures. Whether they need prescription or non-prescription lenses, let Sharp Vision Optical enrich their overall enjoyment.
The Avenue Forsyth
The Regus Building 410 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 4245, Cumming, GA 30041 Schedule Your Appointment Today!
404-694-1292
sharpvisionoptical@gmail.com 24 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Growing together and depending on each other.
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 25
Teen In Step with Military Lifelong interest leads to Sea Cadets
W
hile many teenagers may spend their weekends playing video games, participating in sports or hanging out with friends, one Forsyth County 15-year-old looks forward to participating in monthly training exercises as a Sea Cadet at Dobbins Air Force Base. Colton Bugay’s journey began when he was just a toddler and his family visited a cousin at Fort Lewis Army base in Seattle. Everybody thought his fascination with all things military was adorable. Nobody could have predicted, however, that the fascination would do nothing but grow. Colton’s mother, Danielle Gustaveson, recalled how everybody kept saying it was a phase. “He asked for guns, camouflage things. It didn’t matter what I gave him, he always ended up making it
26 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
something to do with the military,” she said. Colton said he has always enjoyed speaking to those in uniform, and still Fifteen-y ea enjoys hearing stories Sea Cadet Cr-old Colton Bugay , center, orps. He stepfath is a mem about those who er Mercu re, he’s flanked ber of th by his m ry Gusta e U.S. Na other Da veson. val serve or have served nielle an d in the armed forces. disciplinary, “I have met so many people and but rather based on heard so many stories from veterans,” real military training. One Saturday a he said. “I always enjoy talking to vets.” month, the eager cadets arrive at 7 He especially loved hearing his late a.m. to begin a weekend of training on grandfather’s tales from his time as a Marine in Vietnam. Colton is grateful to the base. “All of the cadets really want to be have inherited his weapons and other there, ” Gustaveson said. military memorabilia. This past summer Colton travelled Because Colton attends Forsyth to Jacksonville, Fla., for a two-week Central High School, which doesn’t recruit training program aboard a large have a ROTC program, his mother began looking for an alternative outlet barge, which he described as a big ship without an engine. for her son’s military Day after day the cadets drilled, interest. participated in a variety of physical “A friend of mine told exercises and got a taste of what it is me about [the U.S. Naval like to be away from home in a military Sea Cadet Corps] and we setting. went to the base to learn Other than writing letters, they more,” she said. were allowed no contact with family. After viewing a Colton said there also was quite a bit presentation, the only of yelling. thing Colton needed to “The yelling never really stops,” he know was where to sign said. up. In addition, the cadets had to The program is not
contend with the heat. “It was so hot on the barge my gym shoes melted,” he recalled. Besides the physical training, the cadets also had to complete coursework and pass a comprehensive test before they graduated. As his supporters expected, Colton passed with flying colors. In addition, his company took home top honors. Reflecting on the experience, Colton said that “besides the drills we learned and the training we received, the main thing you learn is discipline.” As for what the future holds, Colton said he is weighing his options. One thing is certain, if he does join the armed forces, he will be prepared. -- Adlen W. Robinson Photos: Submitted, Autumn Vetter
I am a United States sailor.
R
The Sailor’s Creed
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 27
Cooking up skills
Martin stressed that her seven interns are a big part of the program’s success. “Some of my interns are here two and three periods, so their help is truly invaluable to me,” she said. Two of those interns — seniors Alyson Shaffer and Caitlyn Reeves — have been in the program for three years. Shaffer said she has aspirations to pursue a four-year degree in culinology. “Only 10 schools in the country currently offer this degree, so I am planning on attending Clemson University,” she said. Culinology is a combination of the
What is culinology?
A new term, culinology is an approach to food that blends the culinary arts, food science, and food technology. 28 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Photos: Autumn Vetter
O
ne of the more exciting offerings at South Forsyth High School is the culinary program. And among the major factors in that popularity are the enthusiasm and passion of the program’s director, Dawn Martin. The program has grown each year since its inception in 2001. While many people may think it’s all about cooking, Martin stressed that there are many aspects to what students learn. “Of course, students learn cooking skills, but they also learn about catering, recipe developing, nutrition, and much more,” she said.
Reaching beyond the kitchen with the South Forsyth culinary program
Caitlyn Reeves, left, and Alyson Shaffer prepare food in the culinary kitchen at South Forsyt h High School.
ay Presbyteria w k r n Pa
Preschool and kindergarten
school of excellence through the north georgia Preschool association
oPenings For school year 2013-2014 still aVailable!
For more information, call or visit our website today!
678.513.3909
5830 Bethelview Road • Cumming, GA www.parkwaypreschool.com
Culinary interns stand for a photo with teacher Dawn Martin at South Forsyth High School.
culinary arts and food science and technology. It’s supported and promoted by the Research Chefs Association. Shaffer is preparing to compete in a ProStart Management competition, where she will have to plan a menu of nine different items. She’ll have to prepare three of those, as well as do a complete workup of basically an entire restaurant. In addition, she will have to show food costs, seasonal menu plan, profit and loss sheet, etc. Shaffer hopes to one day work for a food company where she can use her unusual degree. Reeves is not sure what career she will pursue after college, but it may be in restaurant management. Martin is quick to give credit to others when it comes to the success of her program. “I am so fortunate to have a culinary board and so many wonderful supporters,” she said. According to Martin, the entire board is supportive of the program. Brian Tam with Tam’s Backstage and Brian Lyman, owner of Jim and Nick’s in South Forsyth, are both board members and partners with the culinary program.
The men allow the culinary students to come into their restaurants and observe a professional kitchen operation. Having two successful restauranteurs involved with the program is invaluable for many reasons. “They can speak first hand as to the many components that go into the operation of a restaurant,” Martin said. “It is so helpful when my budget won’t allow for certain things, such as showing my students all the different cuts of meat and the different methods of cooking it, we can go to Jim and Nicks and they get to see that.” Martin said many of her students have worked with Tam and Lyman’s teams when they cater events. “We cater many events so that is great added experience for the students,” she said, adding that South is the official caterer for Lanier Technical College. Martin went on to note that she hopes someday a college in Georgia will offer four-year degrees in culinology and hospitality so “students did not have to go out of the state to obtain those.” In the meantime, she remains “incredibly grateful for the support of my board, the school and really the community as a whole.” “Without all of their help, our program would not be as successful as it is,” she said. -- Adlen W. Robinson
Did you know? The culinary programs at South and West Forsyth high schools were each named in the top 100 in the country this year.
R
Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 678-208-0774 www.montessoricumming.com Montessori Kids Academy provides a carefully prepared environment and excellent teachers to lay a strong educational background for your child.
Cultivating the Desire to Grow
• Montessori certified and college educated teachers • Year round program • Traditional Montessori student focused curriculum • Constructivist Model of educating • SACS/CASI accredited • Members of the American Montessori Society • Low student and teacher ratio • Two music rooms and a learning kitchen • Indoor café and spacious library • Watch Me Grow camera technology in the classrooms • Computer technology in classrooms • Spanish, Chinese, art, cooking, yoga, and music lessons included in tuition • Offering Pre-Primary classes (18 months-3 years), Primary classes (ages 3-6) and Elementary classes (1st-6th grade)
Now accepting applications for 2013-2014 school year. Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 29
Dialing Into Smart Phones Apple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy SIII
The two newest smartphones on the market have made quite a name for themselves. But which do you prefer? The Apple iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy SIII? Manufacturers’ specifications:
Apple iPhone 5
SIM: Nano-SIM, Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, Weight: 112 g, Screen: 640 x 1136 pixels, 4.0 inches (~326 ppi pixel density), SD Card slot: No, Memory: 16/32/64 GB storage, 1 GB RAM, Camera: 8 MP/1080p@30fps;1.2 MP/720p@30fps, CPU: Dual-core 1.2 GHz
Samsung Galaxy SIII
SIM: Micro-SIM, Dimensions: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm, Weight: 133 g, Screen: 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.8 inches (~306 ppi pixel density), SD Card slot: microSD, up to 64 GB, Memory: 16/32/(64 coming soon) GB storage, 1 GB RAM, Camera: 8 MP/1080p@30fps; 1.9 MP/720p@30fps, CPU: Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9
Key differences:
powerful Google (used by the SIII)? Apart from maps, each app store is fairly comparable.
Price:
The basic 16GB phones are the same price, $199. iPhone 32 GB is $299 compared to SIII’s $249. But the SIII allows more storage, via its SD card slot, for the price. With a 16GB SIII and 32GB card, you can get 48 GB for the same $249.
Battery life:
SIII wins here. The iPhone 5’s battery life is better than earlier iPhones, but still goes pretty quickly (by mid-afternoon using games or GPS). Even as a moderate game player and frequent GPS-user, my SIII’s “Power Save” mode allows me to only charge my phone every other night.
Bottom line:
Personal preference. From customizability to battery to operating system, it all comes down to what is important in your own everyday life. -- Autumn Vetter
R
Customizability:
As with most Apple devices, the iPhone was built to be user friendly with just a few options to choose from. The Galaxy SIII, although user friendly to most as well, is a bit more complex and therefore customizable to the nth degree. For instance, the iPhone has just four home screens on which you can place shortcuts. The SIII has seven, and users can choose the order the screens appear. Developer options also come available within three clicks of a button.
Storage:
Both phones come in 16/32/64GB varieties, but the SIII has room for up to a 64GB memory card, making its ultimate storage space 128GB.
Camera:
The SIII again has more options. Along with customizable ISO, shutter speed and the like, it also has the “burst” mode, allowing you to take 20 frames in quick succession. The iPhone does not have these features but does have an HDR setting, helpful in high-contrast environments. Neither has the shutter lag of their older counterparts.
Apps and maps:
Apple originally had much trouble with its new mapping system, getting plenty of people beyond lost … officials say that has since been fixed. But why try to copy something when it’s been done terrifically by the all30 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013
Indoor Baseball & Tennis Batting Cage & Pitching Lane Rental 3,000 sf Indoor Turf rental Private Baseball & Softball Instruction Home of Southern Prospect Baseball
Southern Prospect High School Spring League Youth Travel Baseball 8U-14U
SPRING SPECIAL Purchase a 5 LESSON PACKAGE for Baseball or Softball Instruction & receive 2 free BRAVES Tickets
$175.00 (normally $40 per lesson plus you get two Braves Tickets) *Braves tickets available for your choice of 2 games * more tickets or upgrades available if wanted
1695 Redi Road Cumming, GA 30040 (770)781-0007 www.TrainBigTime.com
Move to the head of the class... Drive an Andean Chevy. 527 AtlAntA RoAd Cumming 770-887-2316 AndeanChevy.com
Youth Magazine | February - March 2013 31
the neighborhood family doctor is back!
“bringing care back to healthcare� The next revolution in healthcare is here today at
Morrow Family Medicine We are combining state-of-the-art technology with old-fashioned care to create a quality, caring medical experience like no other.
Dr. Jim Morrow and Physician Assistant Lisa Diglio take an old fashioned approach to healthcare. Come see why Morrow Family Medicine is different and why we should be your family practice.
on the campus of Northside Hospital Forsyth
Call us at 770.781.8004
1400 Northside Forsyth Drive | Suite 200 | Cumming, GA 30041 T 770.781.8004 | F 678.679.4054 web - www.morrowfammed.com | e-mail - info@morrowfammed.com We see children, adolescents and adults, providing a wide range of services for acute illnesses, chronic care and preventive medicine 32 Youth Magazine | February - March 2013