March April 2016

Live Better.

Live Healthier.

I’              .

Northside Hospital is celebrating 30 years of bariatric excellence with the commitment to helping people battle obesity and take control of their lives. Call us to learn more about weight loss surgery and take that first step to a healthier you.

Atlanta (404) 845-5457 • Forsyth (770) 292-4726

northside.com/bariatrics

MY FORSYTH

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THIS ISSUE

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Latino Forsyth: Making a Difference Page 14

Take Me Away – Cuba Page 25

Healthy Living Post Bariatric Surgery Page 30

LIFESTYLE 13: 18: 19: 22: 28:

Two Bananas We All Want to be Heard Under the Hood A Matter of Design How to Make Tough Decisions

FORSYTH FOODIE

28

24: Review: Fagan’s Biscuit Barn 26: Youth Foodie: Burgers & Fries

HEALTH & WELLNESS 34: 36: 38: 43:

Understanding Sarcomas Cardiac Imaging Thoughts on Skin Care Asthma: What You Need to Know

EDUCATION

44: Optimist Club Oratorical Contest 46: How My Best Brings Out the Best

in Others

FAITH 48: Hope that Satisfies

IN EVERY ISSUE 10: Forsyth County Government News 11: News Around Forsyth 12: Know Your Sheriff’s Office 16: Movie Review: “12 Angry Men” 18: Movie Review: “What’s Eating

Gilbert Grape” 51: The Country Preacher

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

MY FORSYTH CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Market Complete LLC julie@marketcomplete.com 678.614.8583 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LouAnn Brownlee louann.myforsyth@gmail.com 404.242.6033 STAFF WRITER Katielee Kaner katielee.myforsyth@gmail.com Tanna Krewson Social Media Director 678.630.1203 tanna.krewson@gmail.com PRODUCTION INTERN Wendy Corona info@myforsyth.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Samantha Angeli samantha.angeli74@gmail.com 770.310.4486 PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Pendelton 678.208.077 adampendelton.com Kim Bates 770.617.7595 kimbatesphotoart.com PRINTING Rick Smith 678.910.0347 rsmith@newpointmediagroup.com MAILING SERVICES Chris Cawthon 404.379.6878 chris@mediamakergroup.com

The mission of My Forsyth magazine, a publication of Market Complete LLC, is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories and information about their communities and its people. Each month, 22,000 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution. We welcome your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the MarketComplete LLC. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2016 My Forsyth • www.myforsyth.com 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 (p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

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MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 7

MY FORSYTH

PUBLISHER’S LETTER JUST THINKING

PUBLISHER’S

Arthur Conan Doyle advanced the idea that a man’s intellectual and moral make-up were just as much a sum of his family tree as his physiology. In a similar manner, any culture is nothing more or less than the totality of its morals and ideas put into action across decades or centuries.

While looking at story ideas and pro-forma sheets, reviewing editorial calendars and annual reports, and evaluating advertising and marketing techniques, I stepped back and took a deep breath. I realized that I had never taken time to thank the countless number of volunteers that share their resources, knowledge and philanthropic spirit with various organizations throughout our county.

Over the years I have worked with some of the most outstanding folks one can ever know and met so many of the people who are still part of the fabric of my being. They also reminded me of the importance of volunteering – to give a part of yourself for the improvement of our society, our county and our nation. I believe that business is not just about working and making a living. It’s about helping others because it matters.

Reaching new heights is something we all think about at one time or another. Our county continues to grow and promote quality business development while encouraging superior education, as we face the crossroads of a challenging business environment.

For those of us who believe that the history of the world is the history of the struggle between good and evil, knowing that the present is only the sum of all of our yesterdays should serve to make us take more care about what we do today, for tomorrow it will go into that vast flux of cultural memory. And who can say what effect—whether great or small, for good or ill—that it may have?

Thank you to all who volunteer for making a difference in the fabric of our lives, one commitment at a time.

Julie Brennan Publisher | julie@marketcomplete.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 9

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS

CONNECT WITH FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT! Stay informed about the issues that matter to you by connecting with Forsyth County government online, on air and on social media.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve Phase III Now Open Looking for an outdoor adventure? Check out the new hiking trails recently opened at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. The more than six additional miles of trails are part of the park’s newest section – Phase III – which officially opened on January 29.

The new phase also includes two picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms and additional parking.

The project was funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by voters in 2008 and by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI program.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve Phase III is located at 2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Road. To learn more about this and all Forsyth County parks, visit www.forsythco.com/parks.

ONLINE: Visit the recently redesigned and enhanced county website at www.forsythco.com, where you can find details on county services and programs as well as the latest county news and information. While you’re there, subscribe to get news updates sent to you via email.

ON AIR: Can’t attend a county government meeting in person? Tune in to TV Forsyth on Comcast channel 23 and AT&T channel 99 to see live and rebroadcast county meetings plus original programming all about Forsyth County. You can also watch TV Forsyth live and on demand at www.forsythco.com.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Get social with Forsyth County government! Connect with us on Facebook to stay informed about important county news, events, programs, activities and more.

Find us at Facebook.com/ ForsythCountyGovernment.

Mark Your Calendar for the 2016 Forsyth Senior Expo Make plans now to attend the 2016 Forsyth Senior Expo, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 2. Admission is free for the event which will be held at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College at 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Cumming.

This popular event offered by Forsyth County Senior Services is an opportunity for seniors, their families, friends and caregivers to meet local businesses and service providers and learn about what is available in the community to meet their needs.

Attendees will have access to free health screenings, refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call Forsyth County Senior Services at (770) 781-2178.

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UNTY FORSYTH CO T N GOVERNM, E Suite 210 reet 110 E. Main St TV Forsyth – nel 23 Comcast Chan m co o. hC yt rs Fo

NEWS AROUND FORSYTH

PINECREST JUNIOR STEPHEN MORRISSEY ACCEPTED FOR WEST POINT SUMMER LEADERS SEMINAR Stephen Morrissey, a junior at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, GA, has been selected to be among 1,000 attendees at West Point’s prestigious Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) in June 2016.

“Blues & Q” Supports Foster Children in Forsyth County “Blues & Q” 2016 is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at 6:30 pm. The annual event is a bar-b-que and music event benefiting Forsyth County families. It is sponsored by the Forsyth County Community Connection. Proceeds go to the organization’s foster child program to find caring homes for foster children in the county. It will be held at the Kinsey Family Farm on Jot-em Down Road.

“Blues & Q is a fun event,” said Niki Colella, executive director of the Community Connection. “But most important, it will make a difference in the lives of children. We invite our neighbors to join in the fun.

They will have an enjoyable evening. And their participation will have a positive and lasting impact on Forsyth County children and their families.

“It will be an evening of Jim N’ Nick’s bar-b-que, bourbon, and live music. It will feature music by the Past Tells, a bourbon bar, auction, and a raffle for some great prizes,” Colella said.

The focus of the Forsyth County Community Connection is coordinating services for children and families. Its mission is to connect the needs of vulnerable children and families to agencies and volunteers that can create healthy pathways so that every family is healthy, engaged, and self-sufficient.

It is a non-profit organization associated with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership and the Hands On Network. lent, or To share time and ta on the for more information unity Forsyth County Comm Niki Connection, contact , Colella, 706-844-6138 .org, niki@connectforsyth or go to the website .org. www.connectforsyth

More than 5,000 juniors nationwide applied to SLE, which offers outstanding high school juniors the opportunity to experience life at West Point. SLE attendees live in the cadet barracks (dormitories), eat in the Cadet Mess, and participate in academic, leadership, athletic and military workshops. The one-week seminars are designed to help juniors with their college selection process, while giving them an idea of the importance of leadership and sound decision-making in their education, careers, and lives. All SLE attendees participate in virtual-reality war simulation and military and physical fitness training.

Additionally, each student selects three of 15 offered workshops to participate in.

During his high school career at Pinecrest, Morrissey has been a three-sport Varsity athlete, playing on the football, lacrosse and swim teams. As a sophomore, he was named First Team All State and Second Team All County in Lacrosse. He was elected Vice President of the high school student government in fall 2015 and has also served as a student ambassador for five years.

“For as long as I have known him, Stephen has always been a leader among his peers,” commented Dr. Ed Lindekugel, Pinecrest Academy High School Principal. “He is respectful, thoughtful and kind. He remains positive and upbeat, even in the face of adversity. I have seen Stephen overcome challenging obstacles with unparalleled class and dignity. He is someone we can all be proud of.”

“I am excited to see what he accomplishes in West Point’s Summer Leader Experience program and beyond.

I have no doubt he will distinguish himself as he has here at Pinecrest for so many years,” continued Dr. Lindekugel.

The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federally funded undergraduate college located 50 miles north of New York City. West Point was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering. Since then, West Point has grown in size and stature, but remains committed to the task of producing commissioned leaders of character for America’s Army.

For more information about West Point, go to www.usma.edu/admissions.

For more information about Pinecrest Academy, visit www.pinecrestacademy.org.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 11

MY FORSYTH | SHERIFF NEWS

KNOW YOUR

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

In recent years, numerous massage parlors popped up around Forsyth County that showed signs of illicit activity. Very quickly, there were obvious concerns from nearby residents and law enforcement alike.

Our investigation began last year and involved surveillance and gathering of information as to how these businesses were operating. We them worked closely with Forsyth County Commissioners to come up with an ordinance for stricter rules on all massage parlors. The rules were designed to minimally affect legitimate businesses and to specifically target the illegitimate businesses.

The massage parlor ordinance passed in November of 2015 and went into effect January 1st of 2016. Once the law went into effect, deputies went to every massage parlor and provided literature about the ordinance and discussed how each business could come into compliance with the ordinance. Many businesses immediately complied and obtained Massage Parlor and Spa licenses from the Sheriff ’s Office, some did not.

The next phase of this operation involved deputies going to 15 massage parlors that did not comply with the new ordinance.

Deputies issued 18 citations to 10 of the massage parlors, closed 5 that were not to reopen, and found that many businesses decided to close their doors and no longer appeared to operating as of that day.

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Duane K . Piper, Sheriff

The massage parlor ordinance prohibits the following: • Every massage parlor must be permitted by the Sheriff’s Office • A licensed massage therapist must be present while the business is open • Employees must be fully clothed and not wearing inappropriate clothing • Massage parlors cannot be open from 10:00pm to 7:00am • Beds and mattresses are not allowed • The store front windows may not be blocked or covered • Customers are required to enter and exit through the front door only

!

ED STAY INFORM

Facebook Follow us on ook.com/ at www.faceb tySO ForsythCoun

“Oh no, I’m not from here,” she said, her eyes squinting.

“From where?”

“I was born in Henderson, Kentucky.”

“I knew it. I lived in Evansville. I swam the Ohio for you. We had a milkshake.”

TWO BANANAS

“You’re funny.” She smiled a little.

I was standing in a check out line at a grocery store in Gwinnett County. I watched an elderly woman in front of me fumbling in her pocket. She looked frail. I heard her tell the cashier that she had some loose change.

After some delay she told the cashier that she couldn’t buy the bananas because she didn’t have enough money. I stepped forward.

“How much is she short?” I guessed the woman’s age close to mine. I noticed four bananas in her cart. “$1.20,” the cashier said, embarrassed for the customer.

“Put the bananas in her bag,” I said. I handed the cashier $2.00.

“Oh, no sir,” the lady said. “You don’t have to do that. I’m a little short this week. I can get the bananas next week when my check comes.”

She was close to tears. You shouldn’t have to wait for a banana.

I smiled. “I think we dated when we were young.”

I often say that in jest. When you can no longer climb mountains it’s a source of entertainment.

“I’ll bet twenty-six cents I’m older than you,” I said.

“I don’t bet,” she said. “Besides, you know I don’t have change.”

Her eyes looked tired. I guess if you can’t afford bananas you can feel bad.

“Want some coffee?” I said. I sensed she was alone.

The market had Starbucks. I brought coffee.

Her hand shook as she raised her cup. She needed serious perking up.

“So, could we have dated?” I said.

“You were too young.” Her eyes twinkled.

“So I would have lost the bet, huh?”

“I think so, I’m 91.”

“I’m 89. But I lusted for mature girls in high school.”

I said. She perked up a little.

“My husband was much like you, amusing.” Her chin trembled. “He died last year.” Her lips quivered.

Tears tracked down her cheeks.

I handed her a napkin. She really needed a friend.

“Got any relatives, sugar?”

“My daughter’s in California but I don’t see her very often,” she said. “I try to keep my home up but we had a lot of expenses those last months. I worry a lot.

Living alone I can’t even afford to have my yard cut and my gutters cleaned.”

One social security check gone; CD rates anemic, prescription prices up, politicians contemplating more taxes, talking penalties for not having health insurance, house break-ins increasing, utility prices up, rapes, murders, seniors being ripped-off. It’s no wonder she was shop-worn.

It’s scary when you’re 91, and all alone. It’s scary at 89, and I’m in good shape.

I carried her bag to her car. I noticed her license. I figured I could cut her grass and clean her gutters. She would find $50 when she ate a banana. The lady died four months later. Her gutters were clean, grass mowed; and she had two bananas on the countertop.

Bill York, age 90, is a WWII navy veteran.

York is a writer with six novels in the Gwinnett Library System. He may be reached at sioux2222@gmail.com.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 13

COVER STORY

Latino Forsyth The term “Hispanic/Latino” encompasses persons who are either from, or descendants of recent ancestors from Spanishspeaking countries. Traditionally, the term is limited to those countries in South America, the Caribbean, and Central America, including Mexico. The number of Latinos who call Georgia home has increased significantly over the years. In Forsyth County, for example, according to the US Census, approximately 10% of the Forsyth County population, or more than 20 thousand residents, are categorized as Hispanic/Latino.

Over the years I’ve met a number of great folks who have dedicated their time and resources for the betterment of their adopted home – Forsyth County.

Please meet a handful of the Latinos who are making a difference… one commitment at a time.

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Guillermo Kuhl Born in Nicaragua, Guillermo’s mother brought her three teenage children to San Francisco in 1978 during the war against the Somoza dictatorship.

“I was going to school during the day and helping my mother work on her second shift at night as a janitor cleaning banks, going to bed at midnight and waking up at 6 am to catch the bus to get to school on time,” recalled Kuhl, who was 15 at the time. His sister was 14 and younger brother was five.

“My mother worked hard and made sure we always had food to eat, a roof over over heads and learned to be good citizens,” Kuhl added.

For the past 11 years Kuhl has called Forsyth County home. He is a City Carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Kuhl volunteers his time as a mentor in the Mentor Me North Georgia program. He also participated in the Latin American Association 16th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference,

“I admire all Individuals who mentor children by volunteering with programs and organizations throughout our county, and those who speak at the schools, even if just for one day. We are all trying to have a positive impact in the lives of our youth, our future, “ Kuhl added.

“I believe that everyone needs a helping hand along the way to make it in this world and I hope to be one of those hands. As a Latino immigrant, I hope to show that we can all contribute to our nation’s future.”

Sylvia Cardona

Born in Guatemala and raised in Honduras, Cardona has resided in Cumming for over 11 years.

The mother of two young girls, Cardona is the Executive Director for Mentor Me North Georgia, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of children and families by recruiting and training volunteers to become friends and role models (mentors) to our young people.

Her inspiration to do her work and volunteer for various causes is children.

“Children are amazing—they are strong, funny, resilient, and teach us so much.

Becoming a parent opened my heart to the needs of other children—seeing my own children, knowing how loved and cared for they are, and becoming aware that they still need so many different people in their lives that they can learn from and lean on” Cardona explained.

“Every child should have as much love, caring and support as possible in their lives.

Not everyone can or wants to be a parent, but everyone can have the joy and wisdom of a child in their lives. It benefits everyone involved.”

She currently serves on the vestry (leadership team) and helps out with the youth Sunday school class at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit and is active in the Rotary Club of Forsyth County.

In our next issue you’ll meet a few more Latinos who are also making a difference in our communities.

Virgilio Perez Pascoe

Originally from Mexico City, Perez recalls coming to U.S. for the first time at age 16, when he attended a co-ed Quaker boarding school in West Branch, Iowa and graduated from high school. Perez completed his post-graduate education at Georgia State University.

Now retired, his career included management positions in the U.S. and other countries in a number of food and beverage companies. He moved to Forsyth County, Georgia in 2004.

“I am involved in volunteer activities with not-for-profit organizations mostly involving education, youth, and community foundations in organizations like CASA of Forsyth County, the North Georgia Community Foundation, Mentor Me North Georgia, to mention a few,” Perez stated.

“Mentoring is a key component that volunteers with some training and supervision can do to transmit leadership, learning, and self-discipline in our children and youth. I mentor a young man who is starting High School, one of 16 REACH scholars in the county—who, if he keeps up his grades, and fulfills the requirements of this state-wide initiative, will be the first person in his family to go to college,” Perez added.

Perez currently serves as member of the board of the North Georgia Community Foundation, based in Gainesville, GA. Its purpose is to stimulate philanthropy and serve the communities in which the foundation or foundation affiliates operate.

“One particular project with which I am involved is helping to map out the mental health services in our community to support our own citizens and residents who are either taking care of or are themselves persons with mental illness. Helping create a forum for community-wide collaboration has the potential of establishing an effective and comprehensive system of community care in this county that could be a model for other counties in the state,” Perez explained.

Forsyth County has one of the greatest school systems in the state, is considered as one of the healthier counties, and continues to show consistent growth in population attracting folks from other counties, from other states and from other countries.

“But, to keep this going in a way that keeps this county beautiful and prosperous,” Perez asserted, “we have the challenge of upgrading some of the community services offered to benefit an increasingly diverse population—diverse in ages, diverse in cultures, diverse in skill sets, and diverse in jobs and places to work and play. Newer residents to this community can rapidly integrate themselves into the fabric of this community and lend a hand in making this vision become reality. All of us, using our abilities, diverse as they may be, can create this vision. This would be a strong legacy to leave our children, just as those who came before us bequeathed it to us,” Perez concludes.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 15

MY FORSYTH | MOVIE REVIEW

12 ANGRY MEN (1957) DIRECTED BY: SIDNEY LUMET ROTTEN TOMATOES = 100% Talk about an intricately plotted and superbly acted film. The 1957 production directed by first time director Sidney Lumet followed the television version and play of the same story.

The narrative is one of such power that it can transcend its medium and just tell a fascinating tale regardless of how it is consumed. It is the film version starring Henry Fonda that has stood the test of time. Virtually ignored in its original release and barely recouping its meager $340,000 budget, 12 Angry Men is now considered the 87th best film produced in the United States by the American Film Institute.

The story is about as basic as one can imagine…the 12 men of a jury are tasked with deliberating and coming back with a verdict for a murder trial. Most movies skip the possible back and forth of a jury and just show them re-entering the courtroom and delivering a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The audience often does not give those 12 jurors much more thought as they have served their small part in the scope of the narrative. Told in real time we as voyeurs are invited into the jury deliberation room where one solitary juror (Fonda of course) has reasonable doubt about the guilt of the accused. After discovering the facts of the case only by listening to the jurors hash out the details the film expertly leaves the viewer questioning their preconceived notions of guilt, innocence, racial profiling, social mores, civic duty and most importantly humanity as a whole.

The blocking and production values for such a small film are quite simply astounding in how it is able to draw you into the drama. The

editing near the end of the deliberation cuts back and forth in such a way to show the frantic build towards the climax of the “action”. Sidney Lumet went on to direct prolific films such as Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and Best Picture nominee Network (1976) and much of his future craft is evident in 12 Angry Men. Often imitated and now remade for the stage once again, the story of 12 Angry Men has proven to be a tale worth telling. It is the 1957 film version that has left an undeniable impression on myself and has found its way onto My my personal list of favorite rating = films of all time.

9 out of 10

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“

Sidney Lumet went on to direct prolific films such as Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and Best Picture nominee Network (1976) and much of his future craft is evident in 12 Angry Men.

”

David James Ray Mason graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies with focus on Film Criticism and Director Studies from East Carolina University in 2008. He enjoys a wide range of films including foreign, avant garde, cult cinema, indies, modern blockbusters and especially the classics.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 17

MY FORSYTH | MOVIE REVIEW

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Juliette Lewis Director: Lasse Hallström • Released: 1993 Rating: PG13 Once a home is broken, it’s really hard to make it whole again. You could do your best efforts to “duck tape it” back together but it won’t make a difference. A broken home needs teamwork and love to make it whole again. Fixing a home is a tough and big responsibility, especially for one person. That’s the concept behind Lasse Hallström’s 1993 film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”.

This movie is about a boy named Gilbert Grape, played by Johnny Depp, and his struggle to balance taking care of his mentally disabled brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), his morbidly obese mother, his new love interest, Becky (Juliette Lewis), and himself.

There’s a lot to love in this movie. First, I love Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance. This movie was his first Academy Award nomination and you can definitely tell why by watching him in the movie. I also love how the costumes felt so authentic and the amazing chemistry of the cast.

However, there is one thing I did not like. This movie seemed like it went on forever and felt like it took years to get to the climax.

I believe there are many different ways people can look at this movie, especially the theme. I believe this movie can show two themes. One of them is that blood is thicker than water.

You may not like your siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, etc., but you have to love them because they are family. The last possible theme is that life is a balancing act. Life is hard and difficult and you have to have responsibilities.

However, life is not about the pains in the hardships it’s about love.

RATING: 95%

Lacey Verrill is a junior at Forsyth Central High School with a passion for writing and big dreams of becoming an Oscarwinning screenwriter.

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WE ALL WANT TO BE HEARD The meeting ran late, I scrambled getting my things together so I could head to the lobby. The bellman said my taxi was waiting which was great because time was closing in for my flight and it was a 45 minute ride to the airport. The cab driver walked up to carry my luggage to the car and I was a bit taken back. There stood a young man who was extremely disheveled with wrinkled, dirty clothes, body art, and unkempt hair. Frankly, I was surprised at the unprofessional appearance of someone serving clients at this resort. I introduced myself and asked him his name, it was Danny.

As Danny and I drove to the airport, I asked him questions about how he got to this town, what brought him to this job, what are his goals and aspirations, what did he see for his future… we had an amazing conversation. I learned so much about him. He was a bright, smart, sweet young man who had family challenges that brought him to Florida. He literally had nothing and none of his family even knew where he was; driving the taxi was the first opportunity he had come across for work. He has dreams of starting his own business. As we talked through what that would look like, and what steps he needed to take in order to accomplish that goal, his spirit grew bigger and bigger. I offered him encouragement and ideas to implement his dreams. He told me that no one had ever asked him these kinds of questions and talked to him the way I did.

Have you ever met someone that you immediately judged based on their appearance, their education, family situation but when you dig deeper you learn that there is so much more than what meets the eye? Is it you that can feel judged or not accepted by others? We all have our stories; there are some that we may think had a privileged life only to find out that there was dysfunction and abuse as well as those who are obviously struggling. Regardless, each and every one of us has the desire for encouragement and being heard. The next time you are around someone that you, otherwise, would most likely avoid, try striking up a conversation or at least give a smile of acknowledgement.

We pulled up to the airport and as we said our goodbyes, he gave me a big hug and thanked me but it is me who is thankful.

Danny reminded me that you never know what your kindness and interest can mean to someone else and how much it can mean to you as well. It’s a great lesson that we all want to be heard, don’t we?

Christine Roberts volunteers with Mentor Me North Georgia. She is also an author, speaker, consultant, certified child advocate, wife and mother of two children. She may be reached at christine@cmrobertsllc.com

UNDER THE

HOOD!

Things are changing in the world of car care, where more and more women are

swapping blind trust for knowledge—and where some women are even turning that knowledge into jobs as technicians.

Nicki Johnson is National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Level I Master Certified mechanic working at Christian Brothers Automotive. Johnson’s ASE Certification makes

her stand out as having successfully completed the ASE certification tests for automotive professionals.

These involve several exams, the passing of which, added with two years of relevant hands-on work experience, will merit certification.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) said that women account for more than half of all customers who take their vehicles to a repair shop.

The Marco Island native lived owned her own shop, Nantahala Tire & Car in Highlands, North Carolina for many years. Her father was an engineer, her mother a homemaker. Johnson entertained being a veterinarian or a math professor, but that changed when she took her car for repair at age 16.

“I knew I was being ripped off and decided right there and then to make it my business to learn all I could about cars – maintaining and fixing them,” Johnson recalled.

Although an ASE report shows that the number of female auto technicians has increased over the past 12 years, some women find it hard to break down gender barriers in the workplace.

“Women will undoubtedly be up against extra challenges,” said Tom Burgess, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive in Cumming. “Auto mechanics is a nontraditional field for women.”

“Nicki has passed all ASE certifications plus a

special higher-level cert, so she is qualified to work on any part of any manufacture’s car – she is Level 1, the highest certification attainable,” Burgess added. “Very few mechanics attain that level.”

Burgess added that the team at Christian Brothers has welcomed Johnson with open arms and look to her for help when needed.

“I love what I do,” stated Johnson, whose children support their mechanic mom and are extremely proud of her accomplishments.

Breaking down barriers is a daily occurrence.

It is refreshing to see someone who, as Johnson has, broken down a few.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 19

TAKE ME AWAY-CUBA A trip of a lifetime, Cuba!

Before the cruise ships and flights filled with American tourists, and U.S. fast food and big box department store chains bombard this island of mystery, I wanted to experience it.

As a small child, I vaguely remember the heart-stopping and seemingly frightening event during the cold war years. Cuba, an island full of promise, caught in the middle of two major powers issuing ultimatums that could change the world in an instant. A tiny island shrouded in secret, governed by a Communist leader that lead with an iron fist…that was my understanding of Cuba.

I visited Cuba earlier this month, with my heart and mind wide open.

I imagined that it was a country trapped in time, with little resources or leadership to move forward. I imagined political oppression, poverty, and unhappy people. I was wrong.

My first glance of Cuban life was stepping out of the airport to beautiful skies, and a bustling population of people waiting on loved ones, tourists looking for their tour guide signs, and automobiles built in the 1950’s of all colors waiting to take us on our way.

We were ready to go, to explore, to understand, to define, the country of Cuba. Shrouded in mystery for decades, we could not wait for the 20 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

unveiling of what is considered a communist island in a hemisphere of freedom and capitalism.

After spending a week exploring, questioning, observing, and enjoying, Cuba is still hard to “define” in my mind. The country is full of contradictions.

Clearly, Cubans are very proud of their heritage, their culture, and their revolutionary leaders. Our guide, Rafael “Adrian”, is a 28-year old highly educated young man. He represents, in my mind, the strength of Cuba’s future. He is also very tied to its past.

We arrived to our hotel, the famous Hotel Nacional, late afternoon, and after checking in, Adrian provided us a brief tour of Havana. The first thought that comes to mind is color, music, decay. Buildings, clearly beautiful when built, are imposing shells in the town squares. Cobblestone streets, filled with vibrant young people in designer clothing with smart phones in hand much like what we see in America. Weathered, relaxed, tattered-looking older generations of people dot building entrances, looking tired and worn. Thus, the contradiction.

Yet, the only word I can use to describe the Cuban people is happy. There is happiness everywhere. The children eat ice cream, chocolates, and skip along after school. Restaurants are brimming with patrons, beer is consumed in the streets, shop owners encourage you to look and bargain, and beautiful old cars of every color navigate through the mass of people incautiously.

As Americans, we were welcomed with open arms. Adrian explains that Cuban citizens, for the most part, are quite excited about the new opportunities of a mutually-beneficial relationship with the U.S. Nearly every Cuban we talked with had family in America. The U.S. Embassy now open, is a skyscraper along the shoreline. In contrast, I would be neglectful to not mention the caricature of art displayed in the Revolutionary Museum…Reagan, Bush, Sr., Bush, Jr., shocking to us Americans how the artist chose to display them…very capitalistic and ugly. I did not take offense and could appreciate the artist’s message. I’m unsure how other U.S. visitors might view them.

Despite asking in a variety of different ways, by a variety of our group travelers, it is impossible to understand how a Cuban citizen is paid for the particular work that they do, why some live in beautiful homes, and some live in decaying apartments, and how socialism (Adrian’s definition of their government today) supports the population. For example, one can own their “home”, but not the land it is placed on. Dogs and cats roaming the streets have tags attached to their collars with numbers, indicating they are owned by the government. It’s all very confusing, and explanations are contradictory.

Education is, according to Adrian, extremely important in Cuba. Children must go to school through 9th grade. They can then choose to leave school, or continue their education. Another contradiction?

We visited museums, monuments, cigar and rum factories, coffee plantations in the country-side, Hemingway’s home and hideouts, and lots of bars and restaurants. I cannot write without mentioning the food, the wonderful food. That was no surprise! And, the friendliest of service…

Cubans want to please their visitors.

So, I ask myself, what is the take away from my visit to Cuba? An island of happy, vibrant people, caught between decades of self-sufficiency and isolation, and the promise of a future already beginning brimmed with outside influences that move it towards a more capitalistic society?

Can Cuba absorb the change that will most likely come about as more and more Americans choose to spend their vacation time there? In a nutshell…the country is not ready…now. Infrastructure is elementary, and the equipment and tools available to repair and build is rudimentary at best.

There are not enough hotels to support an influx of curious travelers. I’m confident, sadly but inevitably, foreign investment will fix all of that. There is a general excitement about a new leader in November, rumored to be young and full of promise.

“

Yet, the only word I can use to describe the Cuban people is happy. There is happiness everywhere. The children eat ice cream, chocolates, and skip along after school. Restaurants are brimming with patrons, beer is consumed in the streets, shop owners encourage you to look and bargain, and beautiful old cars of every color navigate through the mass of people incautiously.

The opportunity for this tiny little country that has been left abandoned and alone for years is boundless. They have sustained themselves despite their circumstances, with rich, fertile land, and a spirit of unity. I do not think I will visit again. I will always keep the image of happy people in a place of

”

rich, vibrant color, music in the streets, contradictions of young and old, timeless automobiles, decaying buildings embraced with pride, and a young man named Adrian, whose greatest wish is to visit New York City, the “largest city in the world”. I hope and pray he will get his wish.

Susan Hart is the Business & Client Services Manager of the Forsyth County Family Haven, Inc. When not at work, she enjoys reading, dancing, gardening, traveling, and being surrounded by nature. Her greatest joy is spending time with family, most especially her young grandchildren.

Susan may be reached at hart.susansmith@att.net

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 21

A MATTER OF

DESIGN

I have been a Color Consultant for 19 years and have seen many changes over the years! We used to do different color in every room as well as varying degrees of color on ceilings and several trim colors throughout.

And now we have evolved again, and more than anything, we want to SIMPLIFY our decorating. We seem to be yearning to capture that more minimalist and clean look – working towards trying to SIMPLIFY our lives. We want to feel an ease and peaceful again and, if you pay attention to Pinterest and Houzz, what’s resonating throughout the photos is to simplify and streamline the amount of details in our interiors. We’re striving for that open, airy feeling which means less boldness in our colors and minimizing the changes throughout.

When we simplify the color scheme by using less visible or subtle changes in our colors, there is a feeling of continuity and flow, which really adds to a peaceful feeling.

Previously in our decorating, we felt the best way to define each individual space was by doing a different paint color in each room.

22 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

In fact, some clients still want me to choose an additional color for each and every room.

When I present a client with the color palette I’ve chosen for their home, they are always surprised to see that they do in fact have several colors and, with the way they flow together, they realize how nice a simple plan makes them feel.

So many of the remodel shows on HGTV show getting back to basics. The “farmhouse” look is so popular, as it brings us back to our roots and reminds us of when times were simpler.

Our society is now driven by the Millennials, who tend to value experiences over “stuff ” and are not so attached to the “overdone” spaces of previous years. We’re realizing what is important: buying quality products, using functional, meaningful furnishings, with social responsibility at the forefront.

Rebecca Dumas

Color Consultant/ Paint & Coatings Specialist

Gregory’s Paint & Flooring Johns Creek | 770-476-9651 Cumming | 770-887-1363

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 23

MY FORSYTH | FORSYTH FOODIE

Southern Style

For close to 10 years, Fagan’s Biscuit Barn has been serving up great Southern-style foods. Their motto, “where garden-fresh food meets generations of family recipes to give you a Southern taste experience like no other,” defines what makes them one of Forsyth County’s favorite restaurants.

Fagan’s is open daily and features a wide range of traditional Southern foods. Daily offerings include country fried steak and gravy, fried or grilled chicken tenders, and grilled country or city ham for meats which hashbrown casserole, creamed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, grits, French fries, fruit cup, tater tots, tossed salad, cottage cheese and pears, or sweet potato waffle fries for vegetables and sides. Daily specials are also available and vary from week to week.

I have visited Fagan’s on various occasions at lunch time. Their lunch special includes meat, two sides, and bread. My favorite is the country fried steak and gravy, creamed potatoes, and cottage cheese and pears: comfort food at its finest.

In a hurry? You can call ahead and place your order, or fax your order (678-455-0651). A drive-thru window is available making carry-out convenient.

Fagan’s continues the family tradition that began over 200 years ago, where a long family line of farmers, grocers, and entrepreneurs cultivated the land where the restaurant sits today as well as the surrounding land.

The stories of John “Sylva” Fagan and Hattie Bagwell Fagan, Avery Carlton “A.C.” Fagan, Edith Sorrells Fagan, William “Bill” Fagan, Senior, and Junie Phillips Fagan, are featured on the restaurant’s website, www.fagansbiscuitbarn. com, where patrons can also review the ay w rk Pa 1530 Peachtree weekly restaurant specials.

041 Cumming, GA 30 In keeping with the Fagan family heritage 678-455-5670 of farming, the restaurant proudly grows fresh vegetables in the Fagan Garden. The vegetables are not only served at the Biscuit Monday-Friday . m p.

Barn but also available for sale.

0 0 2: to .

5:30 a.m Next time you’re in the mood for a little Saturday Southern-style meal, give Fagan’s Biscuit . m 0 p.

6:00 a.m. to 2:0 Barn a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Closed Sunday Want to try their delicious biscuits? e.

Check out their Free Biscuit offer when Catering availabl you visit their website.

24 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 25

MY FORSYTH | YOUTH FOODIE

BURGERS & FRIES THAT YOU MUST

TRY

Looking for a great burger? Then here are two that are at the top of my list. Both are fairly casual, and both are family friendly and not to pass up. Cheeseburger Bobby’s is more of a classic burger joint, and Wildflower Eatery is more like a nice local café.

Have you always wanted a family friendly burger joint? Then, boy, do I have the place for you – Cheeseburger Bobby’s. Imagine your perfect burger. You can go build that burger at

Cheeseburger Bobby’s because of their “BYOB” (Build Your Own Burger) concept. They make your burger fresh to order and will add the cheese of your choice. They serve it open-faced, then you choose everything else from the “Build Your Own Burger” bar. That’s right, you put on the lettuce, tomato, pickles, peppers, different relishes and condiments that give your burger flare. They say there are over a million combinations – you can have a different burger every time you go! The burgers are also the perfect size not too big, and not too small. The fries are also the perfect thickness so they are crunchy outside but soft inside and never soggy. You can also never run out of them because, if you do, they will bring you more. Everything is just perfect there. When you think “good burgers” think Bobby’s. If you have a sweet tooth then you should save some room because they have the best dip cones and milkshakes which are all fresh and all amazing. I watched them make the dip cone and, first, they put the ice cream (which is a rich custard) in the cone, then dipped it in the chocolate and then put it in a napkin and gave it to me - it was the best thing ever.

Wildflower Eatery is another of my all-time favorites. They serve all their burgers on fresh challah bread buns and, instead of one thick burger patty with cheese on top, they have two

26 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

thin patties with cheese between them. The first time I had a burger there, it blew me away because of the pimento cheese. I said, “Oh, I didn’t think that that would be so awesome on a burger.” I asked for the recipe, but they didn’t give it to me. They don’t just have burgers - they have grilled cheese sandwiches (also made with the pimento cheese) and salads which are all extraordinary. Wildflower also has awesome fries and has delicious homemade coffee cake and brownies that you can buy.

My Dad makes my other favorite burger – a classic. They have one patty, lettuce, tomato and cheese, and those things combined make the perfect combination. He likes to grill the burgers, so that smell of burgers cooking gets you ready for the delicious taste. My mom toasts the buns, and we add mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup.

When we have fries, I also make a fry sauce out of mayonnaise, mustard, a splash of vinegar, ketchup, and ground pepper. It is so delicious.

In conclusion, these are my top places to go get a burger. If you try one and it’s not your thing, try the other because there is a burger place for everyone.

Ava Clavijo, age 12, is a student at Otwell Middle School. She enjoys trying new foods and restaurants.

MY FORSYTH | LIFESTYLE

HOW TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS IN COLLEGE (AND LIFE) Dear fellow college student,

Only in the midst of a mental breakdown do we consider how overloaded we are. Fulltime school, internships, jobs, club leadership positions, study groups, etc. How do we function? We ask ourselves, “Should I take this internship? Join/drop this club? Find a new job?” Sometimes the answer isn’t always clear.

When faced with tough decisions in college, we must consider five simple questions: Will this decision benefit me in the long term?

If the answer is no, drop it. (It isn’t worth the stress).

What are the benefits and consequences of this decision?

Create a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate your alternatives. This is an easy way to lay out your thoughts and see everything on paper.

Does alternative one have more benefits? If so, maybe it is worth pursuing over alternative two. Make sure you consider the Golden Rule of ethics in determining your decision. (That is, treat others as you would like to be treated).

What are my intentions?

Ask yourself why you are participating in an activity/position. Are you doing it because it’s something you’re passionate about, or is it simply a resume builder? Passion is the difference between a normal worker and a passionate advocate. According to Warwick economists, “Happier workers…were 12% more productive. Unhappier workers were 10% less productive.” You deserve to allocate your time to worthy causes. Don’t let a “resume builder only” experience consume your life.

What are my priorities?

List your priorities on paper and clearly define subsets. (For example, my main priorities in life are relationships and education. My relationships include the subsets of spirituality, kinship, romantic love, and friendship. My education includes the subsets of college courses and independent study). Once your priorities are defined, list them in order from most important to least important. To make your decision, determine where the alternatives of your decision fall

28 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

in the list. The closer it is to your highest priority, the more important it should be.

Does this fit into my personal brand?

Is the activity/position something that you want to be known for? Consider whether it is consistent with you, your personality, and how others perceive you. If not, it may be wise to consider another option that portrays you and your lifestyle.

When surrounded by countless options and opportunities, it can be easy to lose your way. I hope that by asking yourself these five questions, you will improve your decision-making skills.

Relax and breathe; You can do this! Share your best decision-making tips below. I look forward to reading them!

Wishing you the best, today and every day.

Allie Costley is an active marketing student and aspiring business professional at the University of North Georgia. She is a lover of coffee, traveling and sweet potato soufflé. Visit her blog sincereserenity.com for a dose of encouragement and feel free to contact her via allieecostley@gmail.com.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 29

FEATURE

STORY

HEALTHY LIVING POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY Life After Surgery Beth and Nick Dallas, Nickie Stockel, and Natasha Plancher recently shared their thoughts about undergoing bariatric surgery.

William Johnson, MD, a Board Certified Surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery has seen the progress, challenges, trials and tribulations that bariatric surgery patients face. Dr. Johnson serves as the Medical Director of the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Bariatric Program.

“Obesity is a complex disease that is often times misunderstood. There are many genetic and environmental factors that contribute to your obesity,” Dr. Johnson explained.

Not a simple process, those who chose to undergo bariatric surgery have one thing in common – they want to be healthy. Encompassing a range of services, the healthcare team available to bariatric patients includes surgeons, registered dieticians, behavioral health managers, psychologists, nurses and patient advocates, to name a few. Support groups play an integral part if the patient-focused multidisciplinary team approach that every patient receives.

“Patients must also meet criteria that make surgery the best option,” Dr. Johnson added.

Good candidates for bariatric weight loss surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or a BMI of 35-39.9 with health-related problems that are known to improve with weight loss.

Johnson explained that the BMI requirement applies only to gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.

“Our weight loss journey has been a positive one, filled with trial and error, but definitely worth it. We worked together to reach our individual goals.

It’s the best decision we’ve ever made!”

Beth & Dallas Pass At the time of their sixth wedding anniversary in October 2012, the Pass’s decided it was time to take control of their weight and health issues. Dallas weighed 425 pounds; Beth weighed 280 pounds.

They recalled spending many hours researching and gathering information about surgeries, at times being overwhelmed by it all. They found Dr. Johnson and made the call that started their journey.

“Our weight loss journey has been a positive one, filled with trial and error, but definitely worth it. We worked together to reach our individual goals. It’s the best decision we’ve ever made!”

Beth asserted.

Recently Beth and Dallas completed one of their goals – hike Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru. The couple remains active in their walking and outdoor activities.

“We find ourselves marking off an item from our bucket list. Three years ago, we couldn’t imagine lacing up our shoes, packing a hiking backpack and staring the trip of a lifetime in the face.

Our nearly 60 mile Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was the hardest most rewarding goal to achieve!

It was the most beautiful, surreal, exciting, and adventurous and fulfilling thing we have done as a couple since weight loss surgery and I look forward to many more of these goals! To be given this “tool” and given the opportunity to experience the things that I would have never been able to experience, makes like enjoyable again. Next stop: Mount Kilimanjaro!” Beth explained.

The journey continues; and as both Dallas and Beth confirmed, it’s a journey that has brought them closer together, as they move forward to a healthier lifestyle.

30 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

“Even on days that are tough, I know I did the right thing.

I’m cooking and eating healthier, sleeping better and have more energy,”

“My life has changed for the better; I have more energy and stamina, and my self-esteem is recuperating.”

Nickie Stockel

Natasha Plancher

“Growing up as a southern, country girl and even later as a teenager in high school I was very active. I played softball, rode horses, dirt bikes and was always swimming or inner-tubing down the Chestatee River.

After marriage and having two children the pounds slowly inched up as an inflating balloon. I was always cooking the ravishing but at times high calorie, high-fat Southern foods,” Stockel recalled.

“I was still on the go with my kids but to their events which consisted of going to birthday parties, sports events and let’s not forget, abiding by their wishes, swinging by the local fast food restaurants for the kid’s meals and their toy of the week. I was always having that, small piece of pizza and cake, at birthday parties or that, “hot dog but no fries”, at their games from the school concession stand.”

Stockel is a registered nurse with 28 years of experience and also worked in public safety.

Stockel’s weight gain escalated; her self-esteem dropped, she couldn’t sleep and several other health issues began to take over her life.

She began exploring options of bariatric surgery; she attended meetings and interviewed many other patients that had undergone bariatric surgery. The days of diets, desperation and frustration had taken their toll on the vibrant Southern lady.

“I wanted to make sure bariatric surgery was right for me,” she stressed. In March, 2012, Stockel underwent bariatric sleeve surgery.

“My life has changed for the better; I have more energy and stamina, and my self-esteem is recuperating. I am back to enjoying volunteering at events and my hobby of working outside in my yard.

The most important changes are the physical benefits that I have gained. My feet still ache after a 12-hour shift, but I can now go shopping after work or go for a walk when I get home-something I couldn’t do before my surgery. I recently went to Niagara Falls and Letchworth State Park for a vacation, and I was able to hike and walk around to see the sights without stopping to rest,” Stockel proudly added.

And her family and career have benefited as well, Stockel asserted, by having a healthier and energetic nurse and family member.

After a little over a year of research, meetings and chats with other bariatric patients, Plancher underwent gastric bypass surgery in November of last year.

“I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision to have surgery,” Plancher explained. “I attended bariatric support group meetings, reviewed data and case studies, and consulted with various physicians before having the surgery. It’s the best decision I could have ever made – for me and for my four children.”

Plancher weighed 349 pounds; today, her 5’2”body weighs 220 pounds.

“I haven’t reached my final goal yet but I am well on my way to doing so. Even on days that are tough, I know I did the right thing.

I’m cooking and eating healthier, sleeping better and have more energy,” Plancher added with her bright eyes and contagious smile.

“Attending support groups, following up with all doctors visits and following the plan that was set out for me is very important,” Plancher added.

Aspects that are reviewed prior to determining to undergo bariatric surgery include: • Is the candidate able to undergo a major operation as determined by their medical physician and/or surgeon?

• Have failed to lose weight through other methods.

• Do not have active drug or alcohol problems.

• Are a non-smoker.

• Do not have uncontrolled psychological conditions.

• Do not have an untreated endocrine cause of obesity (e.g., thyroid disorder).

• Have been struggling with morbid obesity for more than two years.

• Have a consensus opinion from our multi-disciplinary team.

• Understand the risks associated with surgery.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 31

MY FORSYTH | BUSINESS As a business matures, this form of parallel play is typically overtaken by a company’s need to leverage the resources of other individuals, organizations, and businesses.

Randall’s Thoughts As many of you know, I have relocated to the Washington DC Metro Area. Recently while unpacking boxes I stumbled upon several old photographs of my son. The pictures showed him and a group of preschoolers playing in the sand at a hands-on exhibit in the Atlanta Children’s Museum. I was shocked to see that the children in the photo were not playing together as a group.

Rather, they were playing in the sand beside one another. My wife, a literacy/ youth development expert, explained that this is a phenomenon called “parallel play”.

In their comprehensive text on human development authors Robert Kail and John Cavanaugh elaborated on this phenomenon, remarking that although children usually play alone during parallel play they are often still interested in what other children are doing. As they mature, most children eventually develop the ability to engage in social play (playing separately while sharing), and ultimately cooperative play (playing together with a common purpose).

Many small businesses often undergo the same type of social changes that my son and his friends experienced. For example, in their early stages small businesses tend to exhibit a form of parallel play by monitoring their competitors, but focusing the bulk of their attention on their company’s internal operations. This business strategy is a common practice for most startup corporations because their focuses typically center upon such internal activities as securing capital, developing standard operating procedures, and growing their workforce. However as a business matures, this form of parallel play is typically overtaken by a company’s need to leverage the resources of other individuals, organizations, and businesses. For example, when Volvo sought to develop hybrid plug-in busses, they quickly engaged in a corporate form of social play.

“We didn’t have the knowledge about charging

stations... advanced traffic management systems and... how to integrate this in the city structures that we have,” commented Volvo’s President & CEO, Olof Persson, in Price Waterhouse Cooper’s 18th Annual Global CEO Survey. “We have a great product, but by partnering with those who have that additional knowledge we could actually get the product to market faster” added Persson.

Volvo is not alone in their use of social play as a mechanism for fostering corporate growth.

According to PWC’s most recent survey 51% of CEO’s plan to enter into new alliances in the coming 12 months.

“We follow that guiding principle of focusing on our own strengths and growing those hard and fast, and then partnering in areas where we are possibly not that good” stated Theo Spierings, the CEO of Fonterra -- the world’s leading milk processor and dairy exporter.

After sharing resources with one another, some companies take their relationships a step further by forming joint ventures that seek to achieve common strategic objectives. This form of cooperative play often allows both companies to accomplish such tasks as creating new products, and entering into new consumer markets. For instance, when Taco Bell sought to rebrand themselves for their 50th anniversary, they explored the feasibility of creating a new product that would appeal to younger consumers.

The effort resulted in the creation of the Doritos Los Taco (DLT).

“It’s a very simple idea,” stated Taco Bell’s former CEO Greg Creed in an interview with ABC News. “Doritos on the outside, the classic taste of Taco Bell on the inside.”

Taco Bell launched the product by forming a joint venture with Doritos. The relationship between the two companies was already established to a point where the leaders of both businesses had a significant level of trust with one another. This

32 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

level of trust allowed them to excel with their joint venture in a swift and cooperative manner.

“We both realized that if we let the lawyers get involved, this thing would get slowed down and bogged down. So we did a handshake deal—that’s all we had: You’re going to spend the money, and I’m going to spend the money” recalled Creed in a discussion with Fast Company. “Everyone was like, ‘You can’t launch without a contract.’ And we were like, ‘Just watch us.’”

Taco Bell’s joint venture with Doritos has resulted in over 450 million Doritos Los Tacos being sold throughout the United States.

Although strategic alliances and joint ventures tend to produce fruitful results, several factors often prevent businesses from being open to playing in the same sandbox with other companies.

Sadly, most business owners seek to partner with people, companies, and organizations that will compliment their company’s existing strengths -- as opposed to companies that will offset their company’s shortcomings.

“When it comes to business, we are incredibly unaccepting and fearful of making mistakes” stated Charlene Li in her Harvard Business Review article entitled The Art of Admitting Failure. “And forget about admitting to our mistakes, as that may be construed as a sign of weakness” continues Li. The Royal Bank of Scotland discovered that their weaknesses could be leveraged as resources for forming partnerships with other financial institutions.

“At one stage our organisation was in 18 products in the international investment community,” commented RBS’s UK Group Chief Executive, Ross McEwan, in the PWC CEO Survey. “What we’ve found is we’re really good at five things and those are the things our customers are open to. They value our expertise in those areas; they never saw us as great at 18 things. So if those other 13 can be provided by somebody else, we would consider partnering with them.”

Companies who are seeking to meet potential corporate partners can take advantage of such tools as LinkedIn, Chambers of Commerce, and industry-specific networking organizations. Additionally, websites such as www.referenceusa.com are effective tools for researching potential corporate partners.

Randall Toussaint is an economic developer in the Washington DC Metro area. He can be reached at randalltoussaint@gmail.com.

DEmentia

impacts your

whole family

There’s no getting around it: dementia is hard on everyone involved.

But it is possible to lessen the load. We’re here to help with a progressive approach to assisted living for memory loss that redefines the traditional idea of memory care, bringing peace of mind to everyone in your family.

Our two neighborhoods of memory care provide just the right amount of assistance at just the right time.

Schedule a private tour with our trained senior care counselors to learn how we can help.

(770) 999-9577 3180 Karen White Drive Suwanee, GA 30024 www.at-johnscreek.com MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 33 2016-0108 JC

MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS

UNDERSTANDING SARCOMAS: FROM DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT Cancer diagnosis can be scary and confusing, especially for a patient receiving a sarcoma diagnosis.

WHAT IS SARCOMA? Sarcomas are malignant tumors of connective tissues. Sarcomas are rare cancers (1 percent of adult solid cancers) that can develop in muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and fatty and fibrous tissues. Because these tissues are found everywhere on the body, sarcomas can arise anywhere, but most develop in the arms or legs.

There are more than 50 different types of sarcoma that fall into two main types: • Soft tissue sarcoma • Bone sarcoma HOW IS SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA DIAGNOSED? Soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed by tissue biopsy. As with most cancers, earlier a sarcoma is diagnosed, better the chances of successful treatment. Soft tissue sarcomas are usually non-symptomatic early on, and can grow to large sizes before diagnosis. These sarcomas are

By Dr. Jonathan Lee

usually found by a patient when a lump appears on the leg, arm or torso. They can be found during an investigation of other symptoms or during a routine checkup. Unfortunately, some people are diagnosed with sarcoma when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Due to the rarity of this type of cancer, it is best to consult with a sarcoma specialist to determine the best course of action.

WHAT ARE INCREASED RISKS FOR DEVELOPING SARCOMA? While exact causes for most soft tissue sarcomas remain unknown, some of the risk factors for developing sarcoma may include, past treatment with radiation therapy for certain cancers or being exposed to certain chemicals. Some genetic syndromes are also associated with increased risk of sarcoma formation.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SARCOMA? The treatment of a sarcoma depends on the type, location, size and extent of the cancer.

For early-stage soft tissue sarcomas, a complete surgical resection is an essential part of the treatment. Radiation or systemic therapies may be used prior to surgery to decrease the size of the tumor prior to operating, or to allow preservation of important structures near the tumor, such as bone, blood vessels or nerves.

Systemic therapies can also be used in treatment of sarcomas that have metastasized. It is not unusual to use varying combinations of surgery, radiation and/or systemic therapies to treat soft tissue sarcomas. Thus, having a coordinated team approach becomes essential.

An increased risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. If you are worried about developing sarcoma, please consult with an expert who is experienced in diagnosing and treating sarcoma.

34 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

Lee is medical Dr. Jonathan H. side Hospital director of North e’s Melanoma & Cancer Institut m and a surgical Sarcoma Progra oma elanoma & Sarc oncologist at M orgia. For more Specialists of Ge 0 or ll 404-851-600 information ca sog.com. visit northsidem

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 35

MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS

“

Hidden and protected behind your sternum the heart is not easily visualized, so we use various tools to image it.

”

CARDIAC IMAGING:

MORE THAN A PRETTY PICTURE In many ways the heart is a simple organ. It is a specialized muscle that pumps blood to the rest of the body. That is its only role, but obviously a vital one; making sure it’s healthy is critically important.

Hidden and protected behind your sternum the heart is not easily visualized, so we use various tools to image it. Often the first two tests you get to image the heart are a chest x-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG). The chest x-ray can determine if the heart is enlarged and if the adjacent lungs are affected. The EKG tells us a lot about the electrical system of the heart and indirectly can tell us about heart damage.

An EKG is more useful when taken during an episode of chest pain.

By far the most useful tool we have for imaging the heart is the echocardiogram (ECHO). Using safe ultrasound technology, the ECHO gives us very accurate information about the pumping function of the heart (your ejection fraction-normal being 60%), any enlargement of the four heart chambers and

the functioning of the four heart valves. It can be combined with a stress test to look at heart function after exercise. It can also be attached to a probe that is inserted into your esophagus to visualize the valves more clearly. Most recently, handheld cardiac ultrasounds have been used in the emergency department for rapid evaluation and 3-D imaging in the operating room during valve repair.

Radioactive isotopes can be used to image the heart usually during a stress test. These include the nuclear stress test, the MUGA scan and the PET scan. These tests are more expensive and the radiation exposure limits its routine use.

When a problem is identified in the heart our two best imaging tests are the CT scan and the MRI. CT scans are easier to obtain but do require a contrast agent and expose you to radiation. They can give detailed pictures of the heart, the aorta and the vessels that provide blood flow to the heart itself-the coronary arteries. MRI provide similar imaging

36 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

but without the radiation. Congenital heart conditions and aortic aneurysms are best seen with this technique.

A powerful screening test for the heart is the coronary calcium score. This simple CT scan of the chest done without an IV or contrast is used to pick up early buildup of plaque (blockages) in the coronary arteries. Stress testing picks up only advanced blockages (greater than 70%). It is best done in patients with a family history of heart disease or those needing to go on statin therapy for high cholesterol. If the calcium score is zero, then statin therapy can be delayed for at least 3 years and a nuclear stress test can often be avoided. Once a calcium score is positive, subsequent tests to check a response to therapy should be avoided as healing and shrinkage of the plaque can actually increase the score.

Despite the tremendous value of the test, most insurances do not cover the cost but it can often be done for $75-150 depending on the facility.

The final imaging tool is the cardiac catherization (angiogram). This is an invasive test which I have discussed in a previous article (June 2014). Now done most often through the wrist, the small catheter is taken directly to the heart and using a dye, images of the heart chambers, blood vessels and pressure measurements can all be obtained.

Check with your physician which imaging test best suits your needs—and don’t forget to ask for a copy of the pictures!

Narendra Singh, MD, FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, and the Director of Clinical Research, Atlanta Heart Specialists LLC, Atlanta, GA. Dr. Singh may be reached at 678-679-6800 or DrSingh@ahsmed.com. www.heartdrsingh.com.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 37

MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS

THOUGHTS ON SKIN CARE

THE GOOD: SUNSCREEN Sunscreen is perhaps the single best tool to prevent the signs of aging and cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun comes in multiple wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. Fortunately, UVC is completely blocked by the ozone layer as this form is most destructive.

UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and is primarily responsible for collagen and elastin damage leading to wrinkles. UVB is absorbed in the outer layers and is more responsible for skin cancers and discoloration.

Sunscreens come in multiple flavors; however, be sure to buy at least an SPF 45; however, SPF only applies to UVB protection so look for a product with excellent UVA and UVB protection. I personally use sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as they protect against all forms of ultraviolet radiation. The best one I have found is TiZO3 (which is available at our AYA medical spa), because the matte finish does not leave you looking like a mime.

RETINOL

to eam f r c agic array o m e r th h an claims t o i f g . W lous re okin aging o l sha i cu s f i o d i o t r e d s n d s ryo , an nte sign ime d a t e a h w Eve t b t I a rse nd the cts, , u d d reve sing a oo pro fu e g h are t c con n skin ts o a l ) . h g for u hic tho net u ( my y ugl the

38 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

I strongly recommend a once nightly application of retinoid cream to all my patients. Retinol and its metabolites are clinically proven to thin the outer, course layer of skin and to align the inner layers of the epidermis (reducing wrinkles and giving skin a healthy glow). Retinol also slows pigment production, thereby smoothing the color variation seen with aging.

Retinoid creams are available as retinol and retin-A (tretinion). Tretinoin is the more potent and active form; however, it can be too strong for beginner users leaving you with a dry, flaking and even painful face. Thus, I start new patients on Revision Skincare速 Retinol Facial Repair. Once their skin can tolerate a nightly application, I generally transition to the Obagi Nu-Derm速 Tretinion 0.05%. Both these products are available at our AYA medical spa.

VITAMIN C Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serves as a powerful anti-oxidant, skin lightener and enzyme that helps the creation of collagen. Vitamin C also acts as a mild sunscreen against UVB rays and reverses DNA damage that can lead to cancer.

All of this, and it smells great too.

Not all vitamin C creams are effective, and when buying a product be sure that it is: (A) the L-ascorbic acid form and (B) comes in an

opaque pump-action bottle. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble which makes it difficult to penetrate the outer layers of the skin; however, the L-ascorbic form can penetrate deeper. In addition, vitamin C is unstable in air and quickly oxidizes to an inactive form. Look for a product that comes in a pump so the cream is exposed to air only just before applying. If your vitamin C cream at home is a yellow-brown instead of off-white then it is useless. I highly recommend the Revision Skincare® Vitamin C 30% lotion available at our AYA medical spa.

MOISTURIZER A twice-daily moisturizer acts as the foundation of any skin care regimen. It clearly gives the skin a healthy glow and sheen, but just as importantly it hydrates the skin, which allows for better penetration of topical creams like retinoids and vitamin serums. I instruct patients to apply moisturizers soon after washing their face followed thirty minutes later by other skin care products.

Moisturizers are one product where more expensive does not mean more effective. Choose a product that does not cause oil retention and acne formation while at the same time not costing more than your Netflix monthly fee. I have not seen any benefit to La Prarie Skin Caviar ($420) over CeraVe Facial lotion ($14).

MANUKA HONEY Medical-grade honey has long been used for the treatment of burn wounds and infected ulcers.

Honey is enticing as a new skin care product as it contains peroxidase, an enzyme that naturally fights skin bacteria and lightens sunspots. In addition, honey is a potent anti-oxidant and moisturizer.

Manuka honey is a special form that is produced in a region of New Zealand. This honey has an additional enzyme, methylglyoxal, which fights a broader range of bacteria responsible for acne.

Manuka honey is a natural product free of parabens and additives, and it has become one of my standard skin care regimens after both chemical peels and laser resurfacing, because it causes less breakouts. Please contact our office if you are interested in adding this to your skin care regimen as there is only a small amount of Manuka honey produced each year and a very large counterfeit market. I directly ship our honey products from a UMF® licensed producer in New Zealand.

THE BAD: VITAMIN E Much like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant, skin lightener and moisturizer.

The active form of vitamin E is tocopherol so look for this label on any product you buy.

In the lab, vitamin E has proven an active collagen remodeler that might help in smoothing of thick scars. Unfortunately, in our clinical experience topical vitamin E has not been shown to improve scarring. In addition the serum is extremely oily and can lead to acne breakouts. For this reason, I recommend vitamin C over vitamin E for all skin care regimens.

COLLAGEN AND PSP Topical collagen and processed skin cell proteins (PSP®, NeoCutis) are touted to bolster dermal collagen and plump skin. It is true that the deep layer of skin is responsible for structure and tightness and is composed of collagen, elastin and other proteins; however, the outer layers of skin are designed to prevent these large compounds from leaking out. By the same measure, the outer layer of skin prevents the penetration of any large product placed topically. Collagen and proteins are too large to penetrate the skin.

The cosmeceutical industry understands this and has developed peptide and pentapeptide formulas (the new buzz words in skin care products). Peptides are simply small fragments of a larger protein or collagen fiber that can penetrate into the skin. The idea behind this technology is the peptides will act as collagen and protein breakdown products, which your body will recognize, think it is undergoing collagen breakdown, and activate to make new collagen and elastin. There is no data to support this theoretical claim. In my opinion, save your $100 a month and consider a chemical peel or laser treatment every six months to a year.

THE UNETHICAL GOLD INFUSED NANO-PARTICLE CREAMS These products are a complete scam.

Everyone loves gold, and we all like

high-tech names like nano-particle (a fancy term for tiny particles). One such product, Chantecaille® Gold Energizing Cream, combines gold particles with silk to produce an “anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, healing and preserving” cream. Unfortunately, gold was named the 2002 American Contact Dermatitis Society’s allergen of the year and silk is a well-known inflammatory mediator.

Therefore, patients can develop a sever rash for the low price of $420 a bottle.

STEM CELLS Stem cells will be the source of medicinal cures in the distant future but are the hollow promise of many companies today. We do know that our adult bodies are full of regenerative cells that can be harnessed for cures; however, the science has not caught up with the marketing promises. Most stem cell creams on the market take a mixture of your natural signaling molecules and plasma from around harvested stem cells (not the stem cells themselves) that are mixed into a standard moisturizer. These cell messengers are then applied to the skin with the promise of causing your own skin stem cells to react and rejuvenate. The theory behind this is sound, but not proven.

On a different note is Image SkinCare® Max Cream. This product is touted as containing a breakthrough combination of different plantderived stem cells. When I questioned the company representative about this product, she told me they were in fact stem cells (cells from the stems of plants). Obviously, this product fails from a misleading and bogus marketing ploy. *An anti-oxidant works by binding to and removing toxic waste products from your skin. Damage from UV radiation, smoking and general aging cause the breakdown of skin and the release of free radicals (molecules with too many electrons attached). An anti-oxidant absorbs this free electron and converts the free radical back to a normal, non-harmful waste product.

Hunter Moyer, MD is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is also an active member of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Research Council and Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Moyer may be reached at 404.250.3393.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 39

When it comes to Sports Medicine, we’ve got great stats.

As a leader in pediatric sports medicine, our specialists see and treat every type of sports injury. So if your child gets hurt, count on our team of doctors, therapists and athletic trainers to help him get back in the game. Learn more at choa.org/sportsmed.

©2016 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

40 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016 CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH

| 410 PEACHTREE PARKWAY, CUMMING

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 41

Dr. Clyde Jean, a chiropractor with The Joint at the Collection at Forsyth, wanted to be a veterinarian his whole life, focusing on the study of Herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles). He received his Environmental Biology degree. Shortly after obtaining his degree, he changed his career goal to become a Chiropractor due to a sports injury that traditional medicine was simply not curing.

After a few visits to a chiropractor, the results of routine adjustments changed his thought process. Dr. Jean decided that chiropractic was his career choice.

“Having been involved in every aspect of sports for over 30 years as an athlete, personal and team trainer, coach and sports chiropractor, I understand the mechanisms of injury along with the treatment and rehabilitative processes,” Dr. Jean explained. For over 12 years he has devoted his career to what he refers to as Sports Enhancement Chiropractic.

Dr. Jean recommends regular adjustments of the spine and especially the extremities for athletes who want to improve their jumping ability, running speed, throwing speed, and overall improvements in other physical exercises and sports.

For a consultation with Dr. Jean, contact 770-285-5747.

“Our chiropractic services offer you and your family a quality, affordable, convenient and accessible healthcare solution.

Chiropractic assists in eliminating and relieving the days of shoulder, neck and back pain as well as many other “symptoms” you may be experiencing,” Dr. Jean added.

The Joint …

ace the chiropractic pl way, rk 410 Peachtree Pa Suite 4122 ing, GA 30041 m m Cu 770-285-5747

MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS

ASTHMA: WHAT YOU

NEED TO KNOW

As spring is fast approaching you may notice that your child is coughing or wheezing. That is because there is an increase

in pollen during the early spring, which can act as a trigger for asthma. Here is what you need to know about asthma and your child.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. The prevalence of asthma in children in 2013 was at 8.3 percent and increasing (CDC, 2015). With a high prevalence rate it is no wonder that it costs caregivers $726.1 million per year. The direct cause of asthma is currently unknown. However, researchers believe that there are genetic and environmental factors that cause asthma. Often times asthma can be triggered by outdoor inhaled allergens, such as pollen.

What are the symptoms?

• Wheezing. The most common symptom is wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling noise that can be heard during the expiration phase of breathing.

• Coughing. Children who cough more at night than in the morning may be experiencing symptoms of asthma. They may also cough more during or after exercise or increased activity.

• Chest tightness. Chest tightness can be described as a squeezing or like someone is sitting on your chest.

• Shortness of Breath. Is a difficulty expiring out all of the air in your lungs and feeling that you can’t get enough air on breathing in.

“Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children.

The prevalence of asthma in children in 2013 was at 8.3 percent and increasing.”

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, call your pediatrician to schedule an appointment. In 2013, 218 children under the age of 18 died from asthma (CDC, 2015). It is important to see your physician and begin treatment right away. If you notice your child has difficulty breathing and they are using neck muscles to breathe then call your doctor immediately this may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Referecences: CDC. (2015, October 5). Most recent asthma data. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ asthma/most_recent_data.htm Amy Jones may be reached at United Pediatrics, located at 4035 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suwannee, GA 30024. 770-717-0033 www.unitedpediatrics.com

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 43

MY FORSYTH | EDUCATION

OPTIMISTS RECOGNIZE YOUNG ORATORS Education includes many elements.

One important aspect of learning emphasized by Optimist Clubs is public speaking. To encourage and help students to become self-confident and comfortable speaking in front of people, Optimists sponsor oratorical contests in schools. The local event is sponsored by the Sawnee-Cumming and Forsyth-Cumming Optimist Clubs.

Four young orators were selected to represent Forsyth County in the 2016 Optimist Oratorical Contests. They are the finalists in the county-wide competition that began with more than 4,500 students. The top two girls and top two boys move on to compete in the zone competition.

The finalists are Reagan Smith,

Vickery Creek Middle School; Morgan Champion, North Forsyth High School; Charlie Dougal, Pinecrest Academy; and Raymond Qin, South Forsyth High. They each won $500 awards. If they win at the zone competition, they advance to the area and state competitions. Winners at the state level receive $2,500 college scholarships.

The competition is open to students from all Forsyth middle and high schools.

A separate competition in Forsyth County allows fifth-graders to gain experience.

Speeches cover a variety of subjects. This year the students spoke on “How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others.”

The Oratorical Contest is the longest running Optimist program, established in 1928, according to Jan Norman, oratorical chair of the Sawnee-Cumming club. “The Forsyth County competition is the largest in the world thanks to the commitment and efforts of our teachers, administrators, and club members,” she said. “Also, we were happy to have representatives from Optimist

Gentlemen oratorical finalists Raymond Qin (left), South Forsyth High; and Charlie Dougal, Pinecrest Academy.

44 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

International attend our competition to see how Forsyth County does it right.

“The students were impressive and inspiring,” Norman continued. “And you never know what doors the oratorical contests might open for them. Many of our judges and community leaders have shared that they got their start in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. We are grateful to the United Way of Forsyth and our partner in education, Northside Forsyth Hospital, for their support of the oratorical competition. They have enabled us to reach out to so many Forsyth County students.”

Larry Brown browntrust@bellsouth.net

Lady oratorical finalists Reagan Smith (left), Vickery Creek Middle School, and Morgan Champion, North Forsyth High.

“At Pinecrest, I don’t have to hide my faith.”

Jackson Steinert, 6th Grade

Take a tour of our award-winning school and learn about how we develop our students into Christian leaders ready to transform society.

955 Peachtree Pkwy. | Cumming, GA 30041 770 888 4477 | www.pinecrestacademy.org MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 45

MY FORSYTH | EDUCATION Publisher’s Note: Forsyth County School students participate in the yearly Oratorical Contest presented by Forsyth County Optimist Clubs. Students at various age levels participate in the contest and winners are selected during competitions. This year’s theme, How My Best Brings out the Best in Others, was presented by students who exemplify the good in our county, and our nation. I hope you’ll enjoy reading the speech below.

HOW MY BEST BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS Usually when a person hears that, they think of just being a better person in general, but really, that is only scratching the surface. If a person chooses to be a better person, it may have some sort of effect in their lives by making them say in their heads “Wow, I would like to be as cheerful and friendly as that person!”

However, this may not have the same effect to one person’s life as to the next.

To truly bring out the best in someone, I believe that you should not only set an example and be kind to others, but you should build an emotional bond between the two people and really care for the person.

As J. Richard Clarke once said, “How many times have we observed a benevolent act performed by someone and asked ourselves, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Those who do the deeds we would have liked to do seem to have mastered the art of awareness. They have formed the habit of being sensitive to the needs of others before they think of themselves.” Another comment along the same line is by Mandy Hale who said, “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.” What I love about these statements is that they illustrate that we all can care for others.

Going back to Mandy Hale’s statement, it doesn’t matter if you are poor or rich, perfect or you make mistakes; whoever you are, you can care for someone, and that truly does bring out their best in others.

This topic I was given can definitely refer to not only students and children, but to adults as well. Caring for others can be an excellent personal trait for you in the future. Some examples of how your best can bring out the would be like helping them in a time of need, or comforting them when they are having problems in schoolwork, and family or personal struggles. Even making them happy with a simple smile to brighten their day can surely help them bring out the best in themselves.

Now, I leave you all today with one question: is there a friend of family member out there that needs your help? Please, do not hesitate to help that person, especially if it will change their lives.

46 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

Adam Norton is 11 years old and attends Coal Mountain Elementary School.

MY FORSYTH | SCHOOL DIRECTORY

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway 770.887.4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive 678.965.5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road 770.781.2240 Principal: Barbara Vella bvella@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road 770.887.2341 Principal: Polly Tennies ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive 770.887.7705 Principal: Kimberly Davis kdavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street 770.887.7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane 770.888.1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road 678.965.5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Coker arcoker@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway 770.475.6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway 770.887.6161 Principal: Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road 678.965.5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road 770.887.1883 Principal: Lee Anne Rice lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road 678.455.7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road 770.888.7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us

South Forsyth Middle 4670 Windermere Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road 678.341.6481 Principal: Derrick Hershey dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway 678.965.5020 Principal: Paige Andrews pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road 770.346.0040 Principal: Kristan Riedinger kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road 678.965.5090 Principal: Dr. Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road 678.965.5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road 678.965.5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Kelly Mill Elementary 1180 Chamblee Gap Road 678.965.4953 Principal: Ron McAlliste rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road 770.781.4889 Principal: Cheryl Riddle criddlel@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road 770.889.1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us

Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road 678.965.5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road 678.455.4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us

North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive 770.889.0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road 770.667.2580 Principal: Drew Hayes dhayes@forsyth.k12.ga.us

HIGH SCHOOLS Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.8151 Principal: Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road 678.965.5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive 770.781.6637 Principal: Jeff Cheney jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway 770.781.2264 Principal: Laura Wilson lwilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road 770.888.3470 Principal: Heather Gordy hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth Academy Forsyth Academy at Night 770.781.3141

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road 770.205.8202 Head of School: Angela Martin www.cornerstonesch.com Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road 770.674.2990 Headmaster: Jonathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive 770.888.6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road 678.845.0418 Head of School: Dr. Rick Johnson Elementary Principal: Dianne Gormley www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road 678.947.3583, 678.947.0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road 770.781.5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com McGinnis Woods Country Day School 5380 Faircroft Drive 770-664-7764 Principal: Mary Johnson www.mcginniswoods.org Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road 770.205.6277 www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road 770.777.9131 www.montessorivickery.com Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road 678.208.0774 School Admin., Maureen Danbury www.montessoricumming.com

Gateway Academy 770.781.2299

Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway 770.888.4477 Head of School: Paul Parker www. pinecrestacademy.com

iAchieve Virtual Academy 678.965.4970

www.forsyth.K12.GA.US

SCHOOL INFORMATION

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 47

MY FORSYTH | FAITH

“

HOPE THAT SATISFIES Hope. It’s a short word packed with promise – an expectation that something desirable will happen. Safe to say, with the

deadline to file taxes quickly approaching, many of us are hoping for a refund.

All humor aside, I have to admit I’ve put my hope in a lot of things only to end up disappointed: *people – who later let me down *money – that didn’t lead to security *material things – that didn’t bring joy What satisfies?

So where can I place my hope to find true satisfaction? God’s Word shares some insight, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God,” (Psalm 42:11).

Did you notice that the author of this Psalm wasn’t in a happy place? He was going through the mess of life – and experiencing a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety. What settled his spirit was remembering God’s past goodness. God’s track record gave the psalmist courage to hope again.

It’s true As I’ve looked back on my own life, I’ve found the same thing to be true. Seeing God’s fingerprints on the path of my life and reviewing all He’s done, gets my eyes off of today’s circumstances and fills me with hope for the future.

Everyday life won’t always be carefree and easy. But far beyond the stressful situations, the big picture is about being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). I can have confidence that the Lord will finish what He started, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6).

And that’s a hope that won’t disappoint.

Your turn Do you tend to put your hope in people, money or things to give you satisfaction?

Review all God has done in your life.

What step will you take today to find your hope in Christ?

48 MYFORSYTH.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2016

Did you notice that the author of this Psalm wasn’t in a happy place? He was going through the mess of life – and experiencing a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety. What settled his spirit was remembering God’s past goodness.

God’s track record gave the psalmist courage to hope

”

again

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of Your goodness. Sometimes I hope in the wrong things – forgive me. Help me hope in You, knowing You have good plans for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Maria I. Morgan in an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the awardwinning author of Louie’s BIG day!

Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference. Now Available on Amazon: Outrageously Fruitful (a 10-week Bible study for women on the fruit of the Spirit)

BYOT A MISSION

FOR OUR

FUTURE When Dr. Jim Morrow and his wife Peggie first heard that many Forsyth County students were unable to do their homework from home due to the lack of access to the Internet, it sparked a desire to help.

In 2013, The Morrow Community Foundation started a benefit to support the Forsyth County BYOT initiative. In its first year, that effort supported students who did not have Internet service in their homes, and also helped schools improve their own technology infrastructure.

In its first three years, The Forsyth BYOT Benefit has donated over $120,000 to the Forsyth County Schools, placing Internet in

several hundred homes, providing devices to deserving students who were without, and improved the Media Centers in most schools.

“The students we are trying to help are the future employees, voters, business and community leaders,” Dr. Morrow explained.

“Our goal is to help the entire community as much as we can by providing these students with the tools they need to succeed. Access to the Internet is one of those tools.”

In collaboration with the Forsyth County School System, the Morrows have been able to provide the funding necessary to begin the task of providing hot spots to kids in their own homes.

According to Dr. Morrow, up to 10 devices can be connected to the same hot spot. The same level of security and safeguard that exists in the hot spots available at the schools is also available for the hot spots at homes.

To aid in securing funding for this endeavor, various events are planned for this year.

On April 16th North Forsyth High School “Raiders” Football Stadium will play host to the second annual Bubble Soccer tournament.

Teams will play 20 minute games in a winnertake-all bracket. The BYOT Golf Tournament

“The students we are trying to help are the future employees, voters, business and community leaders,” Dr. Morrow explained. “Our goal is to help the entire community as much as we can by providing these students with the tools they need to succeed. Access to the Internet is one of those tools.” is scheduled for May 9th and the iRun for BYOT event is scheduled for later this year . out the To learn more ab ntact BYOT events, co Peggie Morrow at gmail.com peggiemorrow@ . or 678-333-5582 d volunteer Sponsorships an available. opportunities are

MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 49

MY FORSYTH | HOUSES OF WORSHIP

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road | O: 770.888.8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:15 & 11:15am Pastors: Ron & Charla Nelson http://eastgatechurch.org

BAPTIST Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road O: 770.887.6900 Sunday School: 10am Sunday Service: 11am and 6pm AWANA: Sunday at 6pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Berean Baptist Church 7110 Majors Road | 770-889-1302 Sunday Worship Service: 11:00am Classes for all ages: 10:00am Evening Service: 6:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm Children’s Clubs: 7:00pm Bob Baines, Pastor www.bbc-cares.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street | 770.205.6699 Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship service: 10:50am Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive | 770.887.2428 Sunday Services: 9:30am Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11am Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15pm AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Pkwy. | 678.513.9400 Sunday Services: 9:15am – Contemporary Service (Auditorium) 10:45am – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9:00am & 10:45am; 6:30pm Bible Fellowship Jeff Jackson, Senior Pastor www.firstredeemer.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road | 770.887.4802 Sunday School: 10am | Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday Evening: 5pm Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7pm Pastor: Chris Grinstea www.ghbcc.org

Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road 770.889.1959 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am Wednesday night adult and youth activities www.longstreetchurch.com North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway | 770.781.5433 Bible Studies: 9:00am and 10:30am Celebration Worship Service: 11am (main auditorium) Hispanic Service: 10:30am (Activities Center) Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road 678.807.7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org

EPISCOPAL St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road770.888.4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 pm Saturdays Service: 5:30 pm Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15am Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.887.8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon Sundays: 8:30 and 10:45am Rector: Keith Oglesby www.ecohs.net

GREEK ORTHODOX Saint Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., 770.781.5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org

LUTHERAN Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 1171 Atlanta Highway | 770.887.0184 Sunday School: 9:00am (all ages) Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal: 6:00pm Bible Study: 7:00pm (all ages) Pastor Tim Droegemueller livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch

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Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd., Cumming, Ga. 30040 O: 770.889.5328 | www.ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service: 8 & 11am (Traditional) 9am (Blended) Discipleship Hour: 10am (Sun. School)

OTHER Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE www.forsythbahais.org www.ghbcc.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace | 678.807.9392 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am www.mycrossroadschurch.net Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Rd. | 678.648.5248 Sunday Worship: 10am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com www.castlechristianchurch.com Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway 678.230.4800Midway Elementary School, Nursery available) Small Groups: 9:30am | Worship: 10:30am Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Drive | 770.887.5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 510 Brannon Road | 678.455.5290 (Hall Phone) Worship Service: 9am, 11:30am & 2pm LifePoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road Sunday Small Groups: 9:00am Sunday Service: 10:30am Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306 770.888.5212 (Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300) Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B 404.255.1585

PRESBYTERIAN Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive | 770.887.6801 Sunday School: 9:45am (all ages) Sunday Worship Service: 11am (Traditional) Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road 770.205.9390 www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com Sunday Worship: 11:00am Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III, Pastor Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road 678.889.8694 Sunday: 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Contemporary Worship Pastor Mike Austin www.parkway-church-org Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road 770.889.8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9am Sunday Contemporary Service: 11am (Childcare available for both services) Bill Ford, Senior Pastor www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road 678.990.9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45am Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30pm Jon Adams, Pastor www.thevinecommunitychurch.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road | 770.887.9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5pm, Sundays:,7:30, 9 & 10:30am & 12 noon; 5:30pm, Spanish Mass: 1:30pm, Weekdays: 9am Father Frank, Pastor www.goodshepherdcumming.com St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road | 770.205.7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5pm Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11am & 5pm, Spanish Mass: 1pm, Weekdays: 8:30am Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC, Pastor Parochial Vicars: Fr. Joseph Ramos, LC and Fr. Juan Guerra

MY FORSYTH | FAITH

THE COUNTRY PREACHER April 9, 1996, Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, delivered an address to the Mississippi College School of Law. Known for his wit, humor and sarcasm, Justice Scalia castigated the liberal society for its scorn and rejection of the Christian faith.

Woven throughout the Bible are the answers to questions regarding the after-life.

Who hasn’t left a funeral wondering if there wasn’t something else beyond death and the grave? Justice Scalia said, “The worldly wise do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. It is really quite absurd [to them] . . . so everything from the Easter morning to the Ascension has to be made up by the groveling enthusiasts as part of their plan to get themselves martyred . . . A general belief in God is one thing . . . [it is] quite another matter to embrace the miracles of the Virgin Birth of Christ, His rising from the dead, and His own ascension from the grave . . . One can be sophisticated and believe in God. Reason and intellect are not to be laid aside where matters of religion are concerned. What is irrational [is] to reject . . . the possibility of miracles and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is precisely what the worldly wise do.”

The justice summarized “We must pray for the courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world . . . fools for Christ’s sake.” By quoting I Corinthians 4:10 Scalia acknowledged that people would not feel he was brilliant if he believed in God and the Bible. Knowledge strengthens and increases faith but it cannot replace it. Man was created a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:68) and under God’s authority.

German theologian, Erich Sauer, wrote, as the creator, God is the source of all that exist outside Himself. Because all that is in the universe is His work, it is also His property. The darkened thinking (or “foolish heart” in Romans 1:21) of man affected by his sin can never completely understand God. Therefore, what fallen man thinks about God is untrustworthy.

Justice Scalia affirmed his belief in what the Apostle Paul called “the Gospel”, I Corinthians 15: 1-4 “that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures”.

During an Easter Sunday School lesson a class member asked if the resurrection was taught in the Old Testament. We turned to verses in Job 14. “For there is hope of a tree,

if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.”

“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.” Job 14:7, 14-15. In many older cemeteries are tombstones shaped like a tree stump. I suggested that the class share with us if they saw one. Within weeks class members were bringing pictures of various size tree stump tombstones. Chapter 19:23-26 of Job records his plea “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God”. Job’s words are written in God’s Bible, and engraved on tree stump tombstones. This is the Easter story promising that believers will have a restored body.

Rev. David Hill is a Cumming Resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. *Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.

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MY FORSYTH | HOUSES OF WORSHIP // CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

UNITED METHODIST Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Rd. | 770.887.4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith www.bethelview.net Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway | 770.887.2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11am (Traditional) Worship Services: 9:51am (Contemporary) 1:30pm ( Hispanic/Latino en Español) 9am (Lake Service (May-August) Dr. Jeff Ross, Senior Minister Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway | 770.887.0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45am Sunday School: 10am Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11am (Nursery available for both services) Ted Miller, Pastor www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy. | 770.475.5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30am Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday school: All ages: 9:30am Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45am www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway 770.887.0770 Bible Study: 10am & 5pm Traditional Service: 11am www.PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thur: 11:30am – 12:30pm Location: Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen | 770.887.1962 tiffany@servpro8378.com Info: $50 membership fee & $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first.

The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: 3rd Wed: 7 – 8:30pm Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple 678.965.5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tues. at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: 770.887.6461 www.cummingforsythchamber.org Info: $15 for members & $30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Wed: 11:30am (No fees) Location: Starbucks-141 & Ronald Reagan John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Pkwy.

Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier | 770.887.2772 rgrier@harborfs.com Women Who Mean Business Meeting: 1st Tues. Registration: 7:30am Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility, 513 W. Maple Street Contact: 770.887.6461 Info: Free for members, $30 for nonmembers Register online at cummingforsythchamber.org.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tues: 11am—1pm Location: The Columns at Pilgrim, Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright 770.886.0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Info: No fees. Open to all

Health Center (CHC) Serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979.

Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: 770.886.5419 www.savethehorses.org

Forsyth County Women’s Club Meeting: 3rd Thur of each month at 11:00am– $22 lunch Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Johanna Morgan 678.525.9309 jlmorgan1960@gmail.com Info: Membership open to all women of Forsyth and surrounding counties Program includes group activities, information and more. www.forsythcountywomensclub.net

Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: 770.887.6480 Info: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats/dogs. www. forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: 678.513.9400 Info: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. www.thereshope.org

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Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Info: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy Contact: 770.889.8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wed: 12:15pm Location: Forsyth Conference Center 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd www.southforsythrotaryclub.org Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tues, 4th Tues is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King, Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming www.piecemakersga.netw

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Cumming Meeting: Meets four times daily Location: Ingles Shopping Center at 432 Canton Highway (Hwy 20) Second suite on far left.

24/7 Line: 770.886.0696 Info: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County www.aacummingga.org Holistic Moms Network – Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tues: 6:30pm Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke parkway-chruch.org holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com www.holisticmoms.org Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com www.labradorfriends.com Moms Club of Cumming – North Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com www. momsclub.org

Moms Club of Cumming – Southwest Meeting: Last Tues. of each month Contact: www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: 2nd & 4th Thursday 6:45 pm - 8:15 pm (support meetings for consumers and family members) Location: Forsyth County Senior Center, 595 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, Ga. 30040 Educational meeting: 3rd Tuesday 7 pm Location: United Way of Forsyth County, 240 Elm Str., Cumming, Ga. 30040 Contact: www.namifdlga@gmail.com Website: www.namifdl.org Single Mom Meeting Connect with other single moms, learn about paths to higher education and get links to community resources. Light dinner provided and free on-site childcare/ homework help provided.

Meeting: 2nd Thurs: 6:30pm Location: 210 Dahlonega St., Suite 203, Cumming Contact: Valerie Daniel Faith’s House, Inc. 770.205.6311 www.faithshouseinc.org SMART Recovery Meeting: Every Tues: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC. 107 W. Court house Sq., Suite 274 www.smartrecovery.org

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Our faith-based program brings regeneration to each man and reconciliation for the family, giving them the tools necessary to live their new life successfully and free from addictions!

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MARCH/APRIL 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 53

MY FORSYTH | ADVERTISERS

ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE REGENERATION PROGRAM No Longer Bound – pg. 53 770-886-7873 www.nolongerbound.com

DANCE ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION Cumming Dance Academy – pg. 7 770-781-4922 www.CummingDanceAcademy.com

ATTORNEY/INJURY LAWYER Jonathan R. Brockman, PC – Inside Cover 770-205-8887 www.brockmaninjurylawyer.com

DEMENTIA/SENIOR CARE Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek – pg. 33 770-999-957 www.at-johnscreek.com

DENTIST/DENTAL CARE Jordan Dentistry – pg. 45 AUTOMOTIVE/CAR REPAIRS Christian Brothers Automotive – pg. 19 770-888-6262 www.JordanDentistry.com 470-253-7376 https://locations.cbac.com/cumming EDUCATION/PRIVATE ACADEMY Pinecrest Academy – pg. 45 BOOK PRINTING/BINDING 770-888-4477 Apex Book Manufacturing - pg. 53 www.pinecrestacademy.org 470-239-8552 www.apexbm.com FURNITURE OUTLET Dawsonville Furniture Outlet – pg. 5 BREW PUB/TAPROOM 706-300-0746 Rick Tanner’s Grille & Bar Cherry Street Brewing Co-Op – pg. 23 HAIR SALON/SPA 770-205-5512 www.ricktannerschicken.com hairdue Salon & Spa – Inside Back Cover www.cherrystreetbrewing.com 678-445-6383 www.hairdue.net CARPET/UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Carpet Cleaning Plus – pg. 57 HEATING/VENTILATION/AIR 678-807-8537 CONDITIONING www.carpetcleaning-plus.com Shelnutt HVAC – pg. 13 706-265-5854 CONFERENCE CENTER/SPECIAL www.shelnutthvac.com EVENTS Forsyth Conference Center - pg. 57 HEARING AIDS/TESTING 678-341-6633 Ambit 3D – pg. 17 www.forsythconferencecenter.com 770-205-5776 Cumming 770-534-4150 Gainesville CHIROPRACTIC CARE/SPORTS REHAB JEWELRY STORE The Joint – Chiropractic Place – pg. 42 Forever Gems – pg. 55 770-285-5747 678-566-0900 www.chiropractoratlanta-thejoint.com/ Facebook: ForeverGemsUSA cumming/collection-at-forsyth

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Lance’s Jewelry –Back Cover 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com

Northside Hospital Forsyth – pg. 3 770-844-3200 www.northside.com

MASSAGE Massage Envy – pg. 29 678-208-2888/678-208-0680 www.massageenvy.com

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta – pg. 43 404-252-1137 www.obgynofatlanta.com

PACKAGE STORE/WINE Westside Beverage – pg. 23 470-695-7627 http://wsbeverage.com PAINT & FLOORING Gregory’s Paint & Flooring – pg. 22 770-476-9651 Johns Creek 770-887-1363 Cumming www.gregoryspaintandflooring.com

REAL ESTATE The Dinsmore Team – pg. 29 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com

PHARMACY Highlands Pharmacy – pg. 7 770-887-1670

RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES/ CATERING Casa Nuova – pg. 25 770-475-9100 www.casanuovarestaurant.com Lenny’s Subs – pg. 54 678-947-0336 Fax orders: 678-947-5343

PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Children’s at Forsyth –pg. 40 404-785-3100 www.choa.org/urgentcare

Norman’s Landing – pg. 25 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com

Elite Primary Care – pg. 35 470-695-7264 www.elite-primarycare.com

Thai Basil Kitchen – pg. 26 470-695-7377 www.thaibasilkitchen.com

Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 37 Atlanta Heart Specialists 678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 www.heartdrsingh.com

Palapas Bar & Grill – pg. 27 770-889-1002 www.palapasbarandgrill.com

North Atlanta Dermatology – pg. 41 770-814-8222 www.naderm.com North Georgia Vein Institute – pg. 41 678-513-1600 www.northgeorgiavein.com

WAREHOUSE/HOME/PATIO/DECOR Midway Warehouse – pg. 9 678-762-0444 www.midwaywarehouse.net WINDOWS/WINDOW TREATMENTS Creative Windows by Carol – pg. 13 770-753-0977 www.creativewindowsbycarol.com

PAULA GAULT RECEIVES 2016 CASA BOARD MEMBER LEADERSHIP AWARD

Paula Gault, board member of CASA of Forsyth County, (pictured in the center) is the recipient of the 2016 CASA Board Member Leadership Award from Georgia CASA. She is

standing with (L-R) Freda Hammonds, Board Chair, Georgia CASA Board of Directors, Duaine Hathaway, Executive Director, Georgia CASA, Rod Walker, Vice Chair, Georgia CASA Board of Directors and Julia Neighbors, Georgia CASA Board of Directors, as she receives her award at Georgia CASA’s state conference on Saturday, March 5th in Stone Mountain.

A retired school superintendent, Paula became a board member in 2008, continuing to serve children in the community after retirement. She has served two separate terms as board chair.

Paula is very supportive of the CASA staff. In addition, she always greets new CASA volunteers going through training, as well as attends the swearingin ceremonies to thank them, and their families, for their commitment to serve.

She also participates each year in CASA of Forsyth County’s Superhero Run, even

wearing her superhero cape. Due to her leadership, board-solicited sponsorships for the event have dramatically increased, resulting in $36,000 in event proceeds in 2016. The CASA program’s overall funding sources are now much more diverse, due in part to her board leadership.

Paula’s dedication and the hands-on work she has done as a board member have had a ripple effect on her fellow board members. While she will be stepping down from the board in June, she will leave a solid board in place whose members share the same knowledge, passion and vision for CASA of Forsyth County.

For more information about CASA of Forsyth County, visit www.forsythcountycasa.org or call 770-886-4082.

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MY FORSYTH | ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS // COMMUNITY NUMBERS

ELECTED/ APPOINTED OFFICIALS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 O: 202.456.1414 E: president@whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov Senator Johnny Isakson, (R) 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3643 www.isakson.senate.gov Senator David Perdue, (R) 383 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3521 www.perdue.senate.gov Congressman Doug Collins, (R), District 9 1504 Longworth H. O. B. Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.9893 Georgia office: 770.297.3388 Congressman Rob Woodall, (R), District 7 1724 Longworth HOB Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.4272 Georgia office: 770.232.3005 STATE GOVERNMENT Governor Nathan Deal (R) O: 404.652.7003 | F: 404.652.7123 Website: gov.state.ga.us Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (R) O: 404.656.5030 Website: gov.state.ga.us Senator Michael Williams (R), District 51 O: 404.656.7127 e-mail: michael.williams@senate.ga.gov Sen. Steve Gooch (R), District 51 O: 678.341.6203 | F: 770.844.5821 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov Rep. Sheri Gilligan, (R), District 24 O: 404.656.0325 E: sheri.gilligan@house.ga.gov Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 25 O: 770.887.0400 E: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov Rep. Kevin Tanner (R), District 9 O: 404.656.0152 E: kevin.tanner@house.ga.gov

FORSYTH CO. GOVERNMENT Website: forsythco.com Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210 Cumming, GA 30040 O: 770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 County Manager Doug Derrer O:770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 COMMISSIONERS R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) O: 678.513.5881 | E: rjamos@ forsythco.com Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) O: 678.513.5882 E: brtam@forsythco.com Todd Levent, District 3 (R) O: 770.781.2101 E: tlevent@forsythco.com Cindy Mills, District 4 (R) O: 678.513.5884 E: cjmills@forsythco.com Jim Boff, District 5 (R) O: 678.513.5885 E: jjboff@forsythco.com Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter O: 770.781.2110 FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff Duane K. Piper 475 Tribble Gap Road, Suite 200 Cumming GA 30040 O: 770.781.3045 | Dispatch: 770.781.3087 FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Dr. Jeff Bearden, Superintendent 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming O: 770.887.2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us BOARD OF EDUCATION Ann Crow, District 1 (R) O: 770.490.6316 E: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) O: 678-250-4047 E: kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) O: 770.657.0810 E: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Darla Light, District 4 770.887.0678 E: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) 770.889.0229 E: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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CITY OF CUMMING Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 3040 O: 770.781.2010 Cumming City Council Members Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Christopher Light, Linda Ledbetter and Charles F. Welch, Jr.

COMMUNITY NUMBERS EMERGENCY — 911 HOTLINES — 24 HOUR HELP LINES Battered Women Hotline 770.479.1703 Poison Control Center (Atlanta) 404.616.9000 Outside Metro Atlanta 800.222.1222 Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) 404.250.KIDS Sexual Assault & Family Violence Ctr. 770.428.2666 MEDICAL Georgia Highlands Medical Services 770.887.1668 | 260 Elm Street ww.ghms-inc.org Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive 770.844.3200 | www.northside.com Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road 770.844.7494 | 770.886.7135 Health Department 428 Canton Highway | 770.781.6906 FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard 770.781.2000 | www.cummingpd.net Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road 770.781.2180 | forsythco.com Georgia State Patrol | 770.205.5400 LIBRARIES 770.781.9840 | www.forsythpl.org Cumming Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Post Road Library | 5010 Post Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road PARKS AND RECREATION City of Cumming Main Number 410 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.781.2030 Central Park Office | 770.781.2215 Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road | 678.455.8540

Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road | 770.781.3491 Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway 770. 781.2215 GOLF CLUBS Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville |06.216.7336 Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive | 770.887.0006 Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Dr. | 770.887.7656 Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Dr. | 678.513.1000 FORSYTH COUNTY MARINAS Bald Ridge Marina 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road 770.887.5309 Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road 770.887.5432 Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville | 770.887.5715 YMCA 6050 Y Street | O: 770.888.2788 POST OFFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road O: 770.886.2388 UTILITIES City of Cumming O: 770.781.2020 Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department 110 East Main Street O: 770.781.2160 www.forsythco.com AT&T Res: 888.757.6500 Bus: 866.213.6300 www.att.com Georgia Power (Electric) O: 888.660.5890 Sawnee Electric Membership O: 770.887.2363 SOLID WASTE Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground O: 770.887.6063 | www. advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC 2535 Ivy Street East O: 770.205.6912 Waste Management, Inc. 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta 770.751.1304 | www.wm.com RECYCLING Keep Forsyth County Beautiful O: 770.205.4573

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