FoCo Woman October 2019

FoCo Woman

Women Inspiring Forsyth

Paula Malmfeldt

Executive Director CASA of Forsyth County ISSUE 4 OCTOBER 2019

GET READY FOR THE REAL WORLD

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MOTIVATION • OPPORTUNITY • READINESS • EDUCATION

Workshops designed to give students the scoop on life after high school

The BMORE Workshop Series equips high-schoolers with communication skills, leadership skills, and social skills.

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SESSION DATES: 2019 2020 September 19 February 6 December 12 March 26 LOCATION: Mountain Lake Church 3150 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, GA 30040 FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Jackie Martin at 678.457.4778

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x e l A p Sho with

This issue we ventured off from what you might think of when using the word “shopping.� Forsyth County offers so many things to explore and enjoy. This issue we went to Bulls Eye Marksman to find out all about Firearms training and the sport of target shooting. Did you know there is a group The Well Armed Woman, that meets at Bullseye?

Bullseye holds Ladies Class Beyond the Basics, Basic handgun classes, Ladies ONLY Basic Pistol classes as well as Archery Instruction and much more.

If you have an interest or always wanted to know about firearms, give them a call (678) 965-5504 or check the classes and range times by visiting their website: www.bullseyemarksman.com.

Bulls Eye Marksman is located at 6190 Parkway North Drive, Cumming GA 30040.

Massage Therapy and Hormonal Balance

F

rom hot flashes and insomnia to irritability, moodiness and fatigue, hormonal imbalances can greatly diminish overall quality of life for many women. There happens to be an all-natural solution that can offer a great deal of relief, without side effects: massage therapy.

was noted for serotonin and an average increase of 31% was noted for dopamine.” (Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA. tfield@med.miami.edu)

Yes, massage therapy, generally revered for its relaxing and soothing benefits, has been researched for providing positive effects on the hormones in the body. Massage helps the body heal and move towards homeostasis, or a state of balance.

Improved sleep helps the body deal with transitions, repair damage and regenerate healthy cells. Massage helps your brain achieve delta waves, associated with deep sleep. Clients report deeper sleep the night after receiving massage therapy, and improved nightly sleep patterns over time with regular visits.

Massage therapy increases the body’s production of oxytocin, known as the feel good or love hormone.

Traditionally known for it’s role in mother and child bonding, influencing feelings of love and connection, oxytocin is also helpful in improving digestion, reducing anxiety, hyperactivity and inflammation.

So, as you can see, massage does a body good! Improved overall hormone regulation helps women feel more balanced, tranquil and calm. When we reduce stress in our life and bring harmony to our inner biome, the result is fewer negative symptoms, more ease and a higher experience of life’s pleasures.

We know that high levels of stress increase the symptoms of menopause and imbalance of female hormones. Touch Research Institutes in Miami conducted a study showing regular massage therapy has a profound effect on hormone levels related to stress, pain and immune function. They found “significant decreases were noted in cortisol levels (averaging decreases 31%), an average increase of 28%

Jennessa Sabella is a massage therapist and the owner of Bliss Mama, a holistic healing spa for women. She is passionate about delivering high quality spa services to the women of Forsyth County. With a skilled staff of licensed massage therapists and estheticians, Bliss Mama offers customized massage therapy, organic and clinical facials, unique spa services and health coaching.

Gift certificates, spa menu & online scheduling available at www.BlissMamaWellness.com

(770) 722-2711

• 110 Samaritan Dr. Suite 202 • Cumming,GA 30040

HUMANE SOCIETY OF FORSYTH COUNTY

What About Me?

Hi FoCo people! My name is Lizzy and I am a seven year old Staffordshire Terrier mix! I weigh about 59 pounds, so I think that makes me a lap dog!

Don’t you think so? I have a very special title here at the Humane Society. I am their longest running resident. That is not a very good title to have. I’m not sure why I haven’t been adopted yet.

If no one takes me home soon, I will celebrate my one year anniversary at the HSFC in December. The folks here love me, and I love them, but I would sure like to be able to hang a Christmas stocking in my forever home this year.

I even dream about it....a big red stocking that says “LIZZY,” in colorful glitter! I sure hope someone has room in their heart to make my dream come true! Do you think that is possible? At least I know that I am safe here. My previous owner did not forever love me!

You see, I was abandoned at a boarding facility. It was like I never existed in their life! It made me very sad. I waited and waited, but no one came back for me. So, now I am here! I had to go through heartworm treatments, but now I am all better! I love to run and play with the other doggies that are my size. We have so much fun! I do have lots of energy, but that’s because I feel good now! The staff here is always proud of me because I keep my kennel clean overnight! I’m a good girl!

Do you know what else? I am very affectionate. I love people! People love me, too! However, I have heard that most folks want a cute little puppy. I am cute, but I’m not a puppy. I can pretend to be a puppy. Will that work? If you take me home, you can fill my Christmas stocking with lots of toys! I love toys! So, what do you think? If you are looking to adopt a special dog, here is my info:

Lizzy Ineedalastname 770-887-6480

4440 Keith Bridge Rd. Cumming, GA 30041

www.forsythpets.org

My Child Plays Sports

Which Concussion Tests Should Be Done?

on the baseline test questions. In fact, only 47% of the Concussions are very complex injuries with many football players that sustain concussions report them different symptoms. A little-known fact about (McCrea. Et al., 2004) This way, if they did receive a concussions is that you don’t have to hit your head concussion it was easier for them to pass the follow in order to sustain one and you don’t have to lose trecoup.svg.png (PNG Image, 1200 × 1373 pixels) Sca... https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Contr... up test. The Impact test has now caught up with some consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion. It is of the better concussion tests but is still lacking in estimated that there are 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions many ways.

The King-Devick test is one that all colleges and high schools should be performing on their athletes before season play begins.

The King-Devick test measures the speed of the eye movements which are directly correlated to brain function. The great thing about the King-Devick test is that it only takes 1-2 minutes and can be done on the sideline after a suspected concussion. This test should be used as a rule-out concussion test when on the field of play. It doesn’t test for balance, cognition or hand/eye speed like other concussion tests but is very useful if someone is hit hard and says they feel fine afterwards.

One of the most comprehensive of all pre and post-concussion tests on the market and the one utilized in my clinic is C3 Logix. C3 Logix was designed by medical doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and is completed on an iPad. It tests your reaction time, cognition, balance, vestibular function, motor function and vision. This outperforms the other concussion tests by adding in vestibular function and vision.

The best part is you can’t fake the base line testing.

per year. Only 47% of the football players that sustain concussions report them (McCrea. Et al., 2004) and over 400,000 soldiers have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries and are still on active duty.

The Impact concussion test is one of the most widely recognized tests in college and high school athletics.

The Impact test (at one point) only tested cognitive ability and many players were purposely doing poorly

This article is in no way intended to replace medical advice, so if you think you have received a concussion you should seek medical attention.

Dr. McNamara

DC, BS, DACNB, FACFN

Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist 9/10/19, 10:53 AM Forsyth County Firefighter

In

Dear Harper,

the tradition of the personal advice columnists, FoCo Woman’s Dear Harper is a plainspoken straight shooter. She can relate to women of all ages on real life questions. Our reporter will research topics of interest to our readers and then answer your questions with empathy and humor. Her opinions and straight to the heart precision will quickly make Dear Harper one of your favorite advice columns.

Dear Harper, I am so sad by the way several people at my school act on social media. These people are mean to so many of my friends. I like all people, but some of the other students will pick on and make fun of people in our class that are not the “rich” or the ones that are not the most popular.

These people make fun of their clothes, the cars they drive or family drives and where they live. What should be done?

Thanks for your help, Stop the Bullies Dear Stop the Bullies, Getting bullied on social media or through text messaging can feel terrible. Being connected to your phone, tablet, or computer all the time means that a bully can sneak into your life and make it feel like there’s no safe place to be.

But there are things you can do to stop online bullying.

You can help stop online bullying in the following ways: •

Don’t contribute to online bullying, even if your friends encourage you to do it.

•

Don’t encourage bullies by “liking” or sharing their comments or posts.

You can submit your questions to:

DearHarper@forsythcounty.com You can also text your questions to: (404) 434-3843.

Questions will be answered throughout the month on our website and social media site. All advice seekers will remain anonymous. In each edition of Foco Woman, we will have a page devoted to some of our questions that reach out to a wide range of readers.

•

Don’t spread rumors online. Call out misinformation and gossip.

•

Don’t forward mean messages.

•

Defend other people when they’re being bullied online.

•

Block and report harassers. Many websites like Facebook or Twitter have safety centers where you can report harassment.

It may be hard to care about a bully’s feelings, but people who bully are often in pain and insecure about themselves.

So, they’re unfairly taking their bad feelings out on you. It isn’t right, but it might help to remember that their mean actions are not about you. Their bullying is about their own insecurities. You’re valuable. You’re important to this world. And no matter what anyone might say, you didn’t do anything to deserve this.

Harper By submitting a letter to this website, you grant FoCo Woman and Comsen, Inc. permission to publish it on this site or elsewhere including print publications. Your full name and email address will never be included or distributed. Due to the large number of letters received, there is no guarantee that a question will be responded to.The advice offered is intended for informational purposes only. This advice is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist.

Paula

Malmfeldt is the Executive Director of

CASA of Forsyth County, a local non-profit affiliate of National CASA, whose sole mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who become advocates for children in foster care.

Her agency is responsible for providing an advocate for each child who enters the foster care system in Forsyth County.

Currently, and throughout their history, CASA of Forsyth County has been able to fulfill that mandate.

Ordinary People

providing Extraordinary Voices

to Change a child's story

CASA is an acronym that stands for Court Appointed Special

Advocates and interestingly, these very ‘special advocates’ are community volunteers, who come to this work with no particular expertise or educational background in juvenile court law, the child welfare system, or social work, according to Malmfeldt. “Instead, they have a passion and a heart for helping children,” she said.

It is widely known that Forsyth County is one of the most the most desirable communities in the nation. The schools are world class and continue to receive recognition for highest test scores and graduation rates both state and nationwide and for implementing progressive approaches to supporting at-risk students.

Yet, despite all that is great and progressive about Forsyth County, according to Paula Malmfeldt, residents are often surprised to learn that nearly 250 children were victims of some form of abuse or neglect in 2018, requiring intervention from the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the state agency mandated to ensure safety for Forsyth County’s most vulnerable population.

“For the last 10 years, over 100 Forsyth County children woke up in a foster home each morning. And because we have a dire shortage of foster homes in our community, over half of these children are placed in foster homes as far away as Augusta, Macon, LaGrange, and McDonough. In fact, it’s not unusual to find them in South Georgia,” Malmfeldt said.

Imagine being a child in this place of confusing transition: taken from the only home you know, removed from extended family members, favorite teachers, best friends and sometimes siblings, and then being required to sit through uncomfortable court proceedings full of complicated language that you don’t understand. While your life wasn’t perfect before, as a child, all you crave is the comfort of the familiar. You need someone by your side. That’s where CASA of Forsyth County steps in.

CASA volunteers get to know the child by meeting with anyone involved in the child’s life – extended family members, teachers, therapists, doctors, and DFCS case managers. They listen and work to find out what a child needs to heal and thrive, and most importantly, they make sure the child is safe.

A decade of statistics and experience tells us that children do best when they can safely remain with or return to their parents. CASA volunteers work with experts to find and recommend services to keep families intact. The next best option is to nurture connections with other family members to give children a sense of belonging and unconditional love.

If that’s not possible, advocates work to help the child reach another safe and stable forever home.

After an initial vetting process, which includes a written application and interview with CASA staff, new volunteers participate in 30 hours of training, with an additional 10 hours of court room observation where they can watch the vital role played by CASA volunteers in a courtroom setting.

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CASA’s are sworn in as ‘officers of the court’ at the conclusion of the extensive training process, and then receive a specific court order, when appointed to a case.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

"We anticipate that a CASA volunteers a stable influence in the life of a child in foster volunteerCASA can spendare between care whose whole world has been turned upside down due to abuse or 10 and 12 hours month neglect. each They give a child hope by giving them a voice. providing advocacy CASA to oftheir Forsyth County, Inc. assigned child, which includes 770-876-7605 a monthly visit with theForsythcountycasa.org child, 30 VolUNTeerS SUPPorTeD participating in family team We are affiliated with National CASA and Georgia CASA and endorsed by the meetings, teacher conferences, US Department of Justice, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, National Bar State Bar of Georgia and the Supreme court of Georgia Child court Association, hearings, and phone Placement Projects. conversations with therapists, foster“This project parents, extended is supported by Award No. C16-8-330; awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime and by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and familyadministered members and biological recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and 75 ChIlDreN SerVeD do not necessarily reflect the views of parents,” Malmfeldt said. the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, or the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.” average of 52% reunification during that time period,” she said.

Currently, there are over 13,000 children in foster care in Begun in Seattle in 1977, by a judge frustrated by the lack of Georgia. In this overburdened child-welfare system, it is a objective information he received from attorneys and social struggle to ensure that every child has a voice and is getting workers as he reviewed and ruled on juvenile dependency their individual needs met. CASA volunteers are able to cases each day, CASA operates under a unique model. “We alleviate that struggle by focusing on a single child at a time. As employ five Advocacy Specialists who each train and support the only national organization of volunteers sworn in as officers approximately 30 volunteers at a time, who in turn, advocate of the court, CASA volunteers are uniquely trained to speak to for a total of 50-75 children. Compare this to a DFCS case the judge as an independent voice on a child’s behalf. manager who is required to maintain and support a case load Research shows that children who have a CASA volunteer of 30 or more children and it is easy to see how the CASA model are more likely to be reunified with their parents and that expands capacity utilizing fewer trained staff members who reunification happens more quickly than for children who do support an army of well-trained and highly capable volunteers.” not have CASAs. In Forsyth County, which is one of four CASA “CASA volunteers are in it for the long haul. CASA volunteers are programs in Georgia able to provide a CASA for 100% of our the consistent voice and constant face in a world full of endless foster children, that remains true,” said Malmfeldt. change for a child in foster care. CASAs know a child’s family, “Of the 98 cases closed in 2018, 67% of the children were returned their history, their hopes and wishes, their successes, their to their parents, which is significant when compared to the state setbacks and they remain unwavering in their commitment to be child-focused.”

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Addiction is the leading cause which precipitates a child’s removal from their family. “Although 2018 statistics show that 55% of the children served by CASA of Forsyth County were removed from their home due to allegations of child abuse, the reality is that substance abuse touches most cases, regardless of whether it began through a domestic violence incident, physical abuse, or a parent’s inability to care for their child due to mental illness,” Malmfeldt said.

To find out how you can help, please call or visit our website for more information.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“To give a child a CASA is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope. And to give them hope is to give the world.

I believe that with all my heart.” -- Pamela Butler, former CASA child

CASA of Forsyth County, Inc. 770-876-7605 Forsythcountycasa.org We are affiliated with National CASA and Georgia CASA and endorsed by the US Department of Justice, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, National Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia and the Supreme court of Georgia Child Placement Projects.

FoCo Meatloaf Woman

Women Leading Forsyth This can be made the night before and placed in oven to

Did you grow up with Mom’s meatloaf? Here's our take on a classic meatloaf recipe, give it a try!

Total Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake 1 hour plus standing Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients 2 Large Eggs 3/4 cup 2% Milk 2/3 cup finely crushed saltines

½ cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon rubbed sage Dash pepper 1 ½ pound lean ground beef (90% lean) or combination, beef, chicken, turkey, sausage 1 cup ketchup

½ cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions Preheat oven to 305 degrees.

In large bowl combine first 7 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly.

Shape into an 8 x 4 inch loaf in an ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan.

Bake 60-65 minutes or until 160 degrees.

Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with reserved sauce.

cook when you get home.

Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker What is better than mashed potatoes? We think nothing.

What better way to enjoy this homecooked flavor but alongside our FoCo Meatloaf?

You will need a 4 quart or larger slow cooker, potato masher, ricer or hand mixer.

Ingredients 5 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes 1 ¾ cups heavy cream ¼ cup water 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch cubes 2 teaspoons kosher salt Chopped chives to garnish (optional)

Directions Combine potatoes, cream and water in slow cooker.

Stir to coat, dot the top of the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with salt.

Cover and cook on high for 3 ½ hours.

Mash the potatoes, add more salt or pepper to taste.

Serve Warm mashed potatoes can be held on “warm” sitting in slow cooker for up to two hours, color may deepen. Mashed potatoes can be rewarmed next day, just eyeball need for cream and butter once warmed and whip for about 45 seconds.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

FORSYTH CONFERENCE CENTER AT LANIER TECH 6:00 - 11:30 PM

www.forsythpets.org

Or go to our Facebook Event Page: BARK & BOOGIE BALL

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Spirits of Lanier Kenny quietly walked down the hallway of the old hospital in Cumming, carefully holding the sensitive instrument in his hands. There were many choices of rooms to investigate, but the morgue was the one he was searching for. He opened the door and stood quietly with the rest of the group, holding on to the doorknob. Suddenly, the door was pulled out of his hand, startling the others as the door swung closed. It was plainly seen by the others in the group. “Who is here?” he asked. No answer. “What do you want?” Silence. Then a male voice says, “I’m here”. The group was understandably nervous. It was apparent that the spirit they encountered was nervous too.

The group called was investigating the old hospital in Cumming using a collection of modernday instruments which are able to measure various energy sources usually associated with paranormal activities. During the visit, they recorded other noises in what was previously the morgue. Lots of metallic noises like pans and articles hitting the cement floor were picked up.

When it came time to lock the front door, the person with the key could not get the door to lock, despite repeated tries. When she stepped away to get assistance, then came back to the door, it apparently had locked itself. Or, perhaps it had help. It was as if the spirits couldn’t wait to lock them out.

The group, Spirits of Lanier, is a newly formed paranormal investigative team in Forsyth County. They were investigating the old hospital that was in use prior to the current Northside Hospital in Forsyth County. Many of our current county residents have had personal experiences there when it was still the community hospital.

Spirits of Lanier was formed by a couple, Kenny and Andrea Ogle, along with Andrea’s mother, Ellen Harris. They have experience in paranormal investigations, along with the most modern equipment currently available. They decided to form a team and share the equipment with others in the area. They got a response from about 12 people who wanted to learn how to correctly use the equipment, along with forming a credible team for local investigations.

There are many opportunities for investigations within Forsyth County. You may have heard that Dahlonega and Roswell have ghost tours, but we have many local places that also have a haunted history. The Foster House, Brannon-Heard House, Sinclair Gas Station, the old hospital, the historic Cumming Schoolhouse, and the Cumming Cemetery all have stories

connected to them.

Lake Lanier itself has a lot of history. Many of the people buried in cemeteries that are now underwater were moved to the cemetery in downtown Cumming near the courthouse.

But many others were left where the were. Many of the farms passed down through generations had family cemeteries.

Many families chose to leave the graves where they were so they could stay with family. Some people believe that those spirits are still swimming in the lake and that those that were moved are anxious to go back. It’s hard to say.

Our county history is closely connected to haunting stories. The earliest settlements in the county were along the corridor surrounding GA Hwy 369, also known as Matt Hwy or Old Federal Road.

That was the earliest transportation corridor and existed long before the present-day population centered around Cumming. There are strange stories connected to both areas. Some buildings have been lost to history, but the spirits remain. There a school along this corridor which was the original site of the home of an elderly woman. She has been seen by several people walking the hallways of the school in a lace dress. The library often has the smell of cinnamon or sometimes raw fish. There is really no explanation for this.

You may have heard stories of the employee’s experiences at The Foster House, a well-known restaurant near downtown Cumming. Images of what is assumed to be the original Foster family have been seen numerous times by employees in the historic 120-year-old house. The crews working on the restoration of the house reported seeing concerned faces looking out the windows while they worked on the exterior.

The popular restaurant has been investigated by “Inner Light Paranormal”, another experienced paranormal investigation group, with interesting results. The owners welcome the company and the interactions have always been positive.

This same group has also investigated The Brannon-Heard House, a 110-year-old building in Cumming and currently the location of the Sawnee Association of the Arts “Cumming Arts Center.” There have been repeated reports of sounds and activities by volunteers manning the Center. The Spirits of Lanier also investigated historic hotel, finding extensive activity with their latest technology. The spirits enjoy opening and closing doors and ironically mostly occupy the newer parts of the building. The spirits must enjoy the beautiful local artwork, some of which may have been done by their descendants.

The purpose and goal of most paranormal investigative teams is a positive one. Many hope to identify spirits that are trapped and wish to move on. Most present a positive and friendly attitude.

by Belinda Swift

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HELPING SENIORS GRANT PROGRAM

Age Well Forsyth has been giving small grants every three months this past year to seniors who need help around their homes and cannot do it themselves and cannot afford to pay someone else to do the job. The non-profit has successfully worked with The Place and several other non-profits to accomplishment this.

See agewellforsyth.com for the application if you, or someone you know, need help. The grant amount is from $500 to $1,000 and the recipient must be over 55 years of age.

Age Well Forsyth had a “Fall Hoedown” for active seniors at Sexton Hall and it was a huge success. Watch this magazine for the next party date. Active seniors go to Murphy, N.C. to gamble every other month at Harrah’s. The next date is Nov. 20th. The transportation is provided by McDonald’s and Son Funeral home on their new bus just acquired to accommodate senior trips.

Age Well Forsyth sponsors trips to various places for seniors.

There is a Springtime Tulip River Cruise March 31-April 8, 2020.

It is $4,199 double occupancy and covers everything including air fare. There is Christmas on the Danube December 8-16, 2019, Italy September 2020, and Hawaii October 2020. Check our website for additional information or call 404-245-7949.

the same exact design.

Age Well has its major fundraiser at the School Street Playhouse on Nov. 7-10, 2019 called “Remember Hollywood at Christmas”.

Tickets are for sale at: www.schoolstreetplayhouse.com.

NANCY A. DAVIS MEDICARE ADVISORS GA Ask me about Medicare!

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Business Board

s s e n i s u Your B ! e r e H n See For information and rates: 404-434-3843

CORN MAZE In Memory of Pat Gober

Hayrides, Snacks & More 4525 Hwy 53 East Dawsonville, GA

OPEN NOW thru 11/15/2019

706-265-1000 Fri. 4-10pm Sat. 10 am-10pm Sun. 10 am-6 pm Special Event on Halloween!

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) became the main local resource for household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal and recycling in November of 2004 with their first bi-annual electronics recycling event. Paint was added to the event in the fall of 2016 and the gallons of paint collected continues to grow at steam pace. In May of 2019 KFCB partnered with The City of Cumming and Forsyth County Government to offer their first true HHW collection event which by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definition includes any unwanted household products that contain corrosive, ignitable, toxic, or reactive ingredients.

The first KFCB HHW Event was so well attended and KFCB is happy to provide such a needed service to the community. However, there are other options for many of these products throughout the year.

If you have already accumulated the waste, the best option is to find a use for the product or donate it to someone who can use it. To prevent accumulation, try to determine how much material (paint, insecticides, etc.) the job will require and not purchase more than you will need or explore less-toxic product alternatives.

The most common DIY alternative for liquid HHW is to “solidify or evaporate” it. Once the waste is in a solid or dry state it can be placed in with regular household trash for disposal. For detailed instructions visit KeepForsythCountyBeautiful.org Here are a few additional options for specific items:

• The Forsyth County Convenience Centers accept tires, electronics, paint, batteries, used motor oil and anti-freeze – some fees apply.

• Medication can be taken to the North or South Precinct of the Forsyth County Sherriff’s Office.

1. Corrosive: it can damage human tissue.

2. Ignitable: it can catch fire.

3. Toxic: causes injury or death if it’s swallowed, inhaled or absorbed.

4. Reactive: it can cause an explosion.

Examples of common HHW include paints, cleaners, oils, fuels, batteries, fluorescent or HID light bulbs, herbicides and pesticides. Additionally, some electronics fall into the category of HHW because they contain materials such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated flame retardants.

• Old fire extinguishers can be used to hold a hands-on fire safety class. Many people have never used a fire extinguisher and knowing what to expect can be very helpful in the case of a real emergency.

• Batteries Plus stores accept light bulbs and batteries – a fee may apply.

For more information and to find out about the next KFCB Household Hazardous Waste Event, please visit our website:

KeepForsythCountyBeautiful.org email: kfcb@forsythco.com office: 770-205-4573

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Company Overview

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From the Publisher

E

ach year, as summer fades (which I hope it finally does) and the air starts to change, the leaves fall and change colors I am reminded of the natural beauty we have in Forsyth County. This time of the year is a great time to slow down and enjoy things like high school football, cheering on your alma mater with friends, family and church gatherings and all the fall festivals. We are blessed with an abundance of activities surrounding us. The scene is set almost like a painting you would see from famous artists like Claude Monet or my all-time childhood favorite, Bob Ross. Bob Ross had a uniqueness that set him apart and just made you relax.

Where else could you find a happy little tree?

The food is warmer, cozier and more comforting. The air is filled with scents of leaves, bonfires and more crispness.

I hope you take this time to enjoy some quiet moments, sip some cider and read this issue of FoCo Woman.

We have packed this issue with information on Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), new locations in FoCo, corn mazes, spirits in our county, recipes and more.

Our next issue will celebrate the holidays and getting ready for 2020 and our one-year anniversary celebration.

As always, I am especially grateful for all the people who give of their time and talent and our advertisers who give me countless hours and ideas to make FoCo Woman each issue.

Lou Ann Brownlee

CONTRIBUTORS Publisher - Comsen, Inc., Lou Ann Brownlee Editor - Lauren Schultheiss Business Development - Candice Skinner Cover Photography/Graphic Design - Lisa Ison Web Content - Media Guys, Inc. Marketing/Sales Intern - Alex Levent Printing - Print Safari

Featured Writers Lauren Mullinax Dr. Linda Ledbetter Amy Comstock Lauren Schultheiss Lou Ann Brownlee Tammy Gravitt-Pace Janessa Sabella

Magazine Contacts (404) 434-3843 Office www.focowoman.com www.forsythcounty.com Our mission is to celebrate the lives of women in Forsyth County, Georgia. Each issue is filled with content that is insightful, heartwarming, educational, inspiring and positively local! You will meet women in each issue that are changing the lives and places of the people in this community.

FoCo Woman, a publication of Comsen, Inc. Bi-monthly copies are distributed throughout Forsyth County in over 30 rack locations as well as local businesses. We welcome your comments, articles and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $40 per year. The viewpoint of the advertisers, writers and submissions are not necessarily those of Comsen, Inc. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any Charitable organizations mentioned. FoCo Woman nor Forsyth County.com are not responsible for errors or omissions.

GrowingForward

F

orsyth County is growing. It’s a fact that is unavoidable, but can we truly blame people for wanting to move to our wonderful communities? We can’t.

And the truth is, we want our county to be a desired place for anyone to live in. But, how do we manage the residential boom?

In 2017, when I was serving as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, I led the efforts to make changes to the county’s Unified Development Code (UDC) and we are starting to see the fruits of those labors today. In 2018, there were 3,599 residential units permitted. Through June of this year, only 1,030 units received a permit.

That puts us on pace for a 42% decrease in the number of homes being built year-over-year. In fact, on this pace, 2019 is set to be the first year since 2010 that saw fewer than 2,700 units permitted.

Developers’ desire to build homes certainly hasn’t dropped and residents still want to move to Forsyth County, so what’s leading the change? Nearly every residential category of the county’s UDC has seen modifications over the past two years with the goal of increasing lot and home sizes as well as improving architectural design standards within the conditions of zonings. This was a major factor in the reduction of building permits being sought due to the larger lot and home requirements.

With Forsyth County’s median household income being just under $100,000 (which makes Forsyth County one of the nation’s most affluent counties according to the U.S. Census Bureau), these UDC changes better align newly built homes with what residents are seeking.

Managing a population growth also means considering other areas as well, such as our roads. Along with improving and adding to our infrastructure, a large focus has been placed on road safety. The board has heard your voice for speed limit changes along dangerous stretches of roads, such as Post Rd., and is working with state officials to make needed changes.

Your Board of Commissioners is listening to what you have to say and is working hard to make the county an even better place to live than it is today. It is a privilege to Todd Levent serve you and I look forward to what the future holds for Forsyth County Commissioner our community!