John Grisham, Richard Nelson Bolles, Rick Evans, Deepak Chopra, MarkTwain, Ken Keyes, Jr., Upton Sinclair, Carl Sandburg, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Stephen Crane, George Bernard Shaw, Anais Nin, Thomas Paine, Virginia Wolff, e.e. Cummings, William Blake, Edgar Allen Poe, Rudyard Kipling, Henry David Thoreau, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Alexandre Dumas, William E.B. DuBois, and Robert Ringer...
What do these famous authors have in common?
Best-selling books that were self-published. Our services include: Ghostwriting Editorial Layout Cover Design
Illustration ISBN, Copyright, LCCN Printing & Binding eBook Conversion
Marketing & Promotion Bookselling Website Design
Empowering Self-Publishing
1264 Old Alpharetta Road | Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (770) 346-9979 www.booklogix.com
Georgia’s most trusted hands behind every surgery The latest diagnostic services and treatments are only as good as the team performing them. At Northside, our skilled doctors and nurses perform more surgeries than any other hospital in Georgia. We provide a level of experience, knowledge and compassionate care you won’t find anywhere else. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
[ Contents August/September 2011 ] Volume 9, Issue 14
28
Win a
New
ChromeBook
24
35
Join the inaugural Discover Forsyth Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by your local businesses and Advertagging.com! Onand theit’s Cover: There’s no purchase necessary, easy to play:
Marlow’s Tavern’s General Manager (Cumming) Brian Longacre; Executive
1
Brought to you by Download the free Microsoft Tag Reader app from your mobile phone at Chef, Partner and Co-Founder John C. Metz; Market Partner Hank Clark http://gettag.mobi.
2
Go to http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.com for a list of participating local businesses.
24 Cumming’s New AroundAbout-Cumming is printed using duringNeighborhood Tavern soy-based inks and paper stocks that businesses Visit participating September 2011, look for the “Tag Me!”
3
are at leastposter 25% recycled. Marlow’s Tavern Open prizes and scan the Tag to be instantly entered to winisweekly Our printer alsogrand recycles all paper prize — a new ChromeBook computer! and ink waste.
“Tag M
and the
28 Health & Wellness and join the Hunt today! So go to http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.com 28-30 Articles with Your Health in Mind
Must be 16 or older to participate. No purchase necessary. See complete terms and conditions at http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.co
Julie Brennan is the Publisher of AroundAbout Cumming magazine. She is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Julie may be reached at julie@marketcomplete.com
2
35
Tag, You’re It!
Have Fun and Discover Forsyth
Keep up-to-date with our community! www.aroundaboutcumming.com Join the AroundAbout Cumming fan page www.facebook.com/aroundaboutcumming AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Fo
llo
w
US
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aroundcummingga
!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Community News from Senator Murphy
7
A Visit to the Source
14 It’s Back to School!
Teaching Philanthropy and Service
17 Light the Night
Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
17 Margaritas with a
Mission
A Buffet-style fundraiser.
Lifestyle
20 Preparation is Key
Vacation Time and Anytime
21 Defaulting on Your Mortgage
Not the Only Foreclosure Risk to Your Home
Faith
38 What’s Inside Matters Most 39 Stopping Time 41 The Country Preacher
22 The Key to Success
For Small Businesses
26 Thrill Seeker
Meet Jarett Reid
In every issue
School
schools
Community News
10
Birthdays
12
Forsyth County News
15
Humane Society Pets
36 School Information
34 Guide to a Student’s Successful Junior and Senior Year 37 Finding the Best Preschool for Your Child
40
Houses of Worship
42
Clubs & Organizations
46 Elected Officials
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
8
47
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Community Numbers
3
With YOU Where you ARE!
Publisher Julie Brennan julie@marketcomplete.com (678) 614-8583
EDITOR Jennifer Paire editor@myaroundaboutcumming.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Melissa Barton melissa@myaroundaboutcumming.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES Michelle Hardie michelle@myaroundaboutcumming.com 678.704.1930
Graphic Design Pixelution Studios Josh Murtha & Samantha Angeli (678) 945-7301 info@pixelutionstudios.com www.pixelutionstudios.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Technical Administrator Michael Barton AroundAbout — Cumming magazine is your monthly community magazine published by MarketComplete, LLC. Our mission is to build a sense of community and pride in the Cumming and Forsyth County areas by providing its residents with positive stories and information about its people and places. A total of 18,500 copies are distributed free of charge via direct mail and 3,000 copies are placed in key distribution points in area businesses. AroundAbout — Cumming welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. AroundAbout — Cumming is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011.
In print On the web | www.aroundaboutcumming.com Facebook Twitter On your phone
AroundAbout — Cumming 5485 Bethleview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 Phone: (678) 614-8583 | Fax: (770) 888-1511 Franchise Opportunities Available www.aroundaboutmagazines.com
Volume 9, Issue 14 4
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Tag of OVO
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
5
My Home Page [ by Julie Brennan]
I went home to Vieques, Puerto Rico this summer and loved it! After a three-year hiatus from visiting the most beautiful beaches in the world (top 20 according to Trip Advisor), my friend Glenda and I headed home. Spending time with my family and friends, I was reminded of the lessons I learned in those happy, well-spent days of my youth. Hanging out with my mom, Maria, and my step-father, Gas, was delightful and rewarding. There’s nothing like home-cooked meals the way only mom can make them. It was also fun to see all the new places that have popped all over that island. Resorts, markets, restaurants and activities are bountiful, and bound to please most. I still remember when half-and-half dairy creamer was only available during “tourist” season; now it’s a staple in the grocery stores I frequented as a child.
Meeting some of the new residents of the island was fun, too, in particular when I had the opportunity to tell them about the places and people that were there before they found Vieques. Sharing its history, the tales of people no longer there, and the adventures of ever-curious kids was fun. The time of year was also the celebration of our traditional carnival – Fiestas Patronales. The festivities, a celebration in honor of the island’s patron saint, have changed over the years. What has not changed is the homecoming of those who, like me, no longer live in this awesome island in the Caribbean. The festivities are a combination of homecoming, family and high school class reunions all rolled into one action-packed five-day event. Morning walks up and down the steep hills by the house, followed by breakfast at the Panaderia Morales (bakery) or Roy’s Coffee and Guesthouse were the precursors to hanging out by the pool at Hector’s by the Sea or Casa La Lanchita. Fresh seafood, vine ripe mangoes and papaya, and those ever-so-refreshing adult beverages made every day pass as if everything could be handled in a calm and peaceful manner. An added treat to the visit was seeing my childhood friend, Leslie. She has always been my ‘sister’ and a trusted confidant. After all, she is the one who taught me how to ride a bike, ride horses, and so much more. Oh the stories I could tell… but then again, so could she. I guess a six-day visit home revitalized me, reminded me of all the blessings that I have, and made me want to share with you a little bit of the place I will always call home.
events | portraits photo journalism fine art 770.617.7595 by appointment kbphotoart@comcast.net
6
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Community News from Senator Murphy [ by Senator Jack Murphy, R-GA 27th District]
A Visit to the Source:
South Georgia Farmers Comment on Immigration Law On July 12th, while continuing my research into the implementation of Georgia’s new immigration law, I had the opportunity to go straight to the source – vegetable farms in Moultrie and Vidalia. After speaking with farm owners, farm managers and farm workers, I believe the perceived resentment against Georgia’s new immigration law – resentment that has been described often in the media – has been exaggerated if not improperly reported. Those who run large farms in South Georgia told me they know they must stay within the law and hire legally documented workers. They are fine with that. They also told me they have no problem with Georgia’s new requirement that they use the E-Verify system to make sure their employees are not in the country illegally. Their problem, actually, is with the federal government and recent changes made to the H-2A guest worker program. If the program were more “user friendly,” they said their farms could operate much more smoothly. As usual, when there is a problem with immigration reform, it can probably be traced back to federal government bureaucracy. I traveled with a contingent of state officials to some of Georgia’s agricultural hot spots. Believe me, these farms are hot. The afternoon sun of South Georgia is not for the weak hearted. Included in our contingent was Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black; Attorney General Sam Olens; Sens. Barry Loudermilk, Jack Hill and Tommie Williams; Reps. Donna Sheldon, Brett Harrell and Ed Lindsey; as well as representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the offices of U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson. In Moultrie, we visited Southern Valley Produce, where we saw the growing, packing, and shipping of eggplants. Owners and managers said they hire legal workers and don’t mind using E-Verify. Employees, both migrant and domestic, make much more than minimum wage. The problem, they said, is that the rules of the federal guest worker program changed last year, making it more difficult to utilize experienced workers. Under previous federal regulations, farms were required to place ads for domestic workers. If they still had an employment shortage, they could apply for and utilize workers from other countries. Last year, however, the rules changed. Now, if domestic workers apply – even after the staff is full – owners and managers must use them to replace migrant
Tag of OVO
Tag for Norman’s Landing
Tag for TaeKwanDo
[ Continued on page 43 ] Senator Jack Murphy (R-GA 27th District) may be reached at 404-6567127 or jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
7
Community
Photo: www.TheOutdoorLights.com
News Around Cumming
Contribut e To Charit ie While Sav s ing Money
The Outdoor Lights
Puts the Spot on Your Home In today’s budget conscious society, the aesthetic addition of the right exterior residential lighting is becoming an alternative to expensive outings. The Outdoor Lights in Cumming, GA can help make any home feel like a vacation spot and help customers find their own “wow” statement for their homes. “We use the highest quality products to craft versatile, functional and amazing outdoor settings for every client,” said Chris Wakefield, The Outdoor Lights, President. “Each project is carefully evaluated based on the individual clients’ needs, budget and surroundings. Great care is taken to ensure every finished project is not only compatible and complimentary of the outdoor setting, but also looks and feels like a work of art.” In addition to the “Starlight” lanterns, The Outdoor Lights offers a wide range of products, including up and down lights, wash lights, dock and deck lights, bench lights, path lights and fixtures that imitate natural moon light. The company can also provide a number of custom lighting options such as brass or copper fixtures, hand-blown glass pieces, stained glass options and “moon globes,” which are spheres with flat bottoms that illuminate the ground surrounding them. The Outdoor Lights, Inc is located at 3335–A Hutchinson Road in Cumming. For more information, visit www.TheOutdoorLights.com, email marketing@ theoutdoorlights.com or call 770-844-1760. 8
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
DublDeals.com provides friends and supporters of local charities and nonprofits a new way to help raise money for their favorite causes while saving money at the same time. With DublDeals.com, supporters and other consumers are helping their favorite causes as they save. The prices for products and services offered by participating businesses are drastically reduced and range from a 50-90% savings. By going through DublDeals.com, not only do consumers and supporters save, they get to direct their donations to local causes of their choice. “Studies have shown time and again that American consumers appreciate businesses that have a good social image. At the same time, consumers need to save today almost like never before, while the demand for help from charities is higher than ever. This is a chance to help consumers, causes and business all at once” explained Walt Hensley, owner of DublDeals. com. For more information about DublDeals contact Hensley at 678520-7253 or waltmtg@charter.net. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Forsyth County Employees Recognized for 25 Years of Service During their August 4 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized two county employees for reaching 25 years of service with Forsyth County government.
(left to right): Commission Chairman Brian R. Tam; District 1 Commissioner R.J. (Pete) Amos; Brenda Milford; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff; District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell; and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent (David Henderson was unable to attend)
North Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgery is Open
Dr. E. Earl Pennington continues to provide exceptional services to his patients at his two convenient locations in Suwanee and Lawrenceville. A board certified colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Pennington has serviced the residents of North Georgia and Metro Atlanta for over 35 years. His offices are located at 3905 Johns Creek Court, Suite 200 in Suwanee and at 575 Professional Drive, Suite 285 in Lawrenceville. “In order to better serve our patients, I have privileges at numerous hospitals in the area, including Northside Hospital Forsyth, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Gwinnett Medical Center (Duluth and Lawrenceville) and Northside Hospital Atlanta, as well as the Northside Alpharetta Campus,” Dr. Pennington explained. He will be performing all major and minor surgical procedures, including open or laparoscopic colon resections for cancer, colitis, or Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colonoscopy, among others. “Along with Dr. Kota Venkatesh, board certified by the American Board of Surgery, we are available to provide a level of personal care that is impossible in larger practices. We take pride in offering a sensitive, caring environment, and are never too busy to answer questions or address our patients’ needs,” Dr. Pennington added. For more information visit www.northgeorgiacolonandrectal.com or call 678-954-8538 (Suwanee), 678-897-4147 (Lawrenceville). AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Those recognized were Brenda Milford from the Clerk of Courts and David Henderson from Commercial Services. Both Milford and Henderson reached 25 years of service with the county in the second quarter of 2011.
Johns Creek Driving School and Drive Smart Georgia receive AAA Approval The owners of Johns Creek Driving School and Drive Smart Georgia are pleased to announce that both schools were designated as AAA-approved. “Only three schools in the state of Georgia are AAA-approved, so this is a huge deal for us,” explains owner Steve Jones. “It was a long and tedious process, but the final approval was definitely all the work.” The AAA Approved Driving School Network is a nationwide organization of quality driving schools designed to help motorists identify the best driver training resources in the country. “The Approved Driving School Network guarantees AAA members quality schools and instructors that have passed our stringent standards,” said Michele Harris, Director of Traffic Safety Culture, AAA Auto Club South. “AAA continuously monitors the performance of qualified schools and works together with them to ensure the integrity of schools displaying the AAA brand.” “We couldn’t be happier because this is a huge designation,” adds owner Alex Jones. “Since the day we opened, our goal has always been to operate the best driving school in Atlanta. This approval from AAA shows that we’re definitely on the right track.” Drive Smart Georgia is located at 13695 Highway 9 in Alpharetta. Johns Creek Driving School is located at 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway in Johns Creek.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
9
Kristyn Iodice August 29 Age 22
Anika Malhotra Age 9 on August 21 Daughter of Puneet & Maria
Cindy Smith
Travis Ruhlin Age 21 August 14
September 12
David Beining
Candice Williams Age 28 on September 9 Wife of Austin Williams
Age 42 September 12 Scott Williams July 27th Age 12 Carl Badgett August 17 Husband of Cindy
Wedding Announcement Kimberly Haley & Louis Pellegrin Wedding on September 24 in Charleston, SC
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@myaroundaboutcumming.com 10
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
JULY/AUGUST 2011
Tag of OVO
Tag for Norman’s Landing
Tag for TaeKwanDo
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
11
Community
Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com
Forsyth County Offers New Weather Alerts Forsyth County government announces a new tool to rapidly communicate weather alerts to citizens. The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is utilizing TFCC Alert from Twenty First Century Communications. With TFCC Alert, Forsyth County residents can sign up to receive time-sensitive weather alerts for three severe weather situations: severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings and tornado warnings. Citizens can elect to be notified when alerts are issued via telephone calls, emails or text messages. There is no cost for citizens to sign up to receive these weather alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply. To sign up for the alerts, visit the Forsyth County Web site at www.forsythco.com and look for the ‘Sign up to receive Forsyth County Weather Alerts’ icon on the home page. You will be directed to a secure sign-up page hosted by Twenty First Century Communications. The information provided during registration determines the geographical region of the county for which a citizen will receive an alert. Forsyth County EMA recommends residents use the new weather alert notifications in concert with other notifications, including a NOAA weather radio and the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens. The sirens, which are located throughout the county, will be sounded only when the county is placed under a tornado warning. For questions or additional information regarding the weather alerts, call the Forsyth County EMA office at 770.205.5674 or visit www.forsythco.com. Passenger Fare for Dial-ARide Service to Increase Effective September 1, 2011, the passenger fare for Forsyth County’s public transportation Dial-A12
Ride service will increase. The increase will be the first fare increase for the Dial-A-Ride service in approximately 10 years. The rates will increase from $1.50 per one-way trip and $2.50 per round-trip, to a flat $2.00 per trip fare. “We have been able to maintain the same rates for many, many years, but rising operating expenses and fuel costs necessitated the need for an increase,” Director of Fleet Services Avery Gravitt said. “Even with the slight increase in our fare, our rate will still be lower than or the same as our neighboring counties.” The Dial-A-Ride program offers on-call transportation services to Forsyth County residents for such things as medical appointments, shopping, education and errands. The service operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To use Dial-A-Ride, passengers must be at least 18 years of age or be accompanied by an adult. All five of the Dial-A-Ride vans are equipped with lifts for wheelchair service. Appointments are accepted up to 30 days in advance on a firstcome, first-served basis. Scheduling hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule a trip, call 770.781.2195. Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop The Forsyth County Planning and Community Development Department invites the public to attend the final community workshop for the Comprehensive Plan update, to be held on Thursday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. This final workshop will focus on the Community Agenda draft as determined by previous public meetings and Steering Committee input. Each component of the draft will be available for review in an open house format. Attention will be placed on how the components relate to each other and the ways in which the different sections of the plan fit together to express and implement the community vision. The workshop takes place at the Forsyth County Administration Building, Suite220, located at 110 E. Main Street in Cumming To receive additional information and learn about further options for public input, access http://compplan.forsythco.com or call 678.513.5866.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Tag for Huntington Learning Center
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Tag for Forsyth County Humane Society
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
13
Community
It’s Back to School!
[ by Ruth Goode ]
In the fall of 2000, I had stopped by Midway Elementary School to meet with the school coordinator for the United Way campaign. As I was waiting in the hallway, I passed the third grade classroom of Mrs. Trusty. The bulletin board outside her classroom posted her students response to “If I Were President….” work assignment. I couldn’t help but notice their responses. At the top of the list of things that students were most concerned with was helping people in need. Some of them more specifically wanted to help the homeless, stop violence and ensure everyone was safe. Some wanted to make sure everyone had a sufficient amount of food and clothing. A few were concerned about pollution, drugs, prosperity, peace, helping the disabled and getting sick people medicine. A couple of students would make sure teachers were paid more money. One student, no doubt a politician in the making, wanted reasonable gas
“Teaching children the importance of philanthropy and service early in their lives helps them understand the significance of compassion, empathy and giving. It never goes out of style.” prices and taxes. One young lady, Kristen, wrote, “Share and care for each other and take care of the woods.” Those 3rd grade students are now 19 or 20 years of age. How would they fill in the blank today? I love that assignment. A couple of years earlier, an 11 year old boy, Matthew Nonnemacher from Hazleton, Pa., was inspired by a homework assignment “If you had any wish, what would you wish for?” Matthew set his mind on taking his wish a step farther to make it reality. His goal was to collect one million pennies for the local poor. He worked with his local United Way to launch “A Million Ways to Care,” a penny drive. Local students were contacted to solicit help from other students, and canisters for the collection of pennies were placed in businesses throughout the community. Eventually, over 1.8 million pennies were collected --- $18,000! Matthew was interested in becoming a priest, but rather than wait to help people, he wanted “to help them now.” I wonder where Matthew is today. He’s probably doing great work. [ Continued on page 43 ] Ruth Goode is the Executive Director of United Way Forsyth. She may be reached at 770-781-4110.
14
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Tag for Huntington Learning Center
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING Tag for Forsyth County Humane Society
15
Community
Community Calendar How to Create a Compelling Book Proposal Date: August 27 Time: Registration at 9:30 a.m.; Session begins at 10 a.m. Location: BookLogix, 1264 Old Alpharetta Road, Alpharetta Information: Guest presenter John Fayad, The Literary Coach and Former Publisher of Business Book Review, will provide you with the tools to create your proposal. Many aspiring and established authors have difficulty developing a marketable book concept or organizing the content of their book. Creating a compelling book proposal will not only improve your chances of getting published, but will also help solidify your book concept, provide a structured outline for you to write against, and frame a promotional plan that will ensure the success of your book. To register for this workshop, please call (770) 346-9979 or visit http://www.booklogix.com/Upcoming_Events.html .
Wine and Design at Funky Mountain Flowers Date: August 24 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road Location: Funky Mountain Flowers , 2360 Bethelview Rd # 108, Cumming Information: Bring your friends and a bottle of your favorite wine and learn techniques to design your very own flower arrangement. Lots of fun, conversation and learning. Cost is $40 per person and includes flowers, container and a super fun teacher. Call 770-781-4616 for details and to sign up. Northside Hospital Prostate Cancer Screening Date: August 25 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Location: Northside Hospital-Forsyth Cancer Center, 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 140 Information: Free screenings. Recommended for men age 40-75 that have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are not currently under a physician’s care for prostate-related problems; men who haven’t had a prostate exam within the past year; and, men who are uninsured (limited space available for those with insurance). Contact: 404-845-5555, press “0” for details and to register. 16
Libel and Privacy 101 for Authors Date: August 27 Time: Registration at 11:15 a.m.; Session begins at 11:30 a.m. Location: BookLogix, 1264 Old Alpharetta Road, Alpharetta Information: Attention fiction and non-fiction authors: subjects and “characters” can and will sue you! Cynthia Counts, a privacy and libel lawyer with twenty years of experience, will teach you what you need to know to protect yourself. Learn the basic concepts of libel and privacy law and how to minimize your legal risk. We want to help ensure that one of your real life “inspirations” does not turn into a real life nightmare! To register for this workshop, please call (770) 346-9979 or visit http://www.booklogix.com/Upcoming_Events. html.
24th Annual Chamber Membership Golf Tournament Date: October 3 Location: Windermere Golf Club, 5000 Davis Love Drive Information: Grab your clubs and come enjoy a day on the greens with us! Registration includes all green and cart fees, arrival gift, lunch and awards reception. $150 per person; $500 per 4 person team. For details and to sign up, contact (770) 887-6461.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Community
Light The Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Forsyth County is gearing up to Light the Night, an event where hundreds of walkers will take to the Cumming Fairgrounds help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s fundraising event. Community advocates, business leaders, and supporters are excited to have this walk take place in Cumming. Anyone can take part - children, adults and seniors are all welcome. This is a casual fundraising walk with no fitness requirements.
Through her involvement Kallos learned of others who have joined the walk and have stories of their own. “My family and I are honored to say that Mom is being recognized as the walks Remembered Hero. It is our hope that her story, and those of all the other brave people we will walk for, will inspire others to join us as we Light the Night to fight Blood Cancer!”
Walk the Night Forsyth | Cumming Fairgrounds October 1, 2011 Check in at 5 p.m. – Walk begins at 7:30 p.m. There are numerous stories that have touched the lives of many. Marion Barrington’s story is one of them. “When my mother was diagnosed with stage III Multiple Myeloma in May 2009 my world changed forever. No longer could I assume that she could be there for me or that could I lean on her, for now she would need me. She would need me to be there for her, she would need to lean on me, but most importantly, she needed me to fight!” explains Emily Kallos. Barrington’s fight lasted seven years, and on January 1, 2010 she passed away. “While dealing with the death of our beloved mother and sorting through mail, my sister found a post card from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society advertising their annual Light the Night walk. I immediately hit the internet to find out more and that very day started Team Marion. I felt completely moved to do it, I just had to,” Kallos adds.
There are many ways everyone can help. You can register to walk individually or as part of a team; just make a donation online; or become a volunteer or sponsor/partner. For more information visit www. lightthenight.org/ga.
Participating teams include:
Margaritas with a Mission, a Jimmy Buffet-inspired event, is set for Saturday, October 15 with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. The event will be held at the Windermere Golf and Country Club and is the 5th annual fundraiser for the Society hosted by the Forsyth Fights Cancer Committee. Featured at the fundraiser, which will be held from 6:30-10:30 p.m., will be exciting live and silent auctions, a “wine tree” raffle, tropical dinner buffet, dancing and of course, margaritas and other refreshments. “We’re very excited about this year’s fundraising party for the American Cancer Society,” said Linda Conyers, event chairperson. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone –and all for the great cause of raising money and awareness to fight cancer We invite everyone in the community to come out and join us on October 15 and get involved in helping to make cancer a thing of the past.” Windermere Golf and Country Club is located at 5000 Davis Love Drive in Cumming. For more information or to register to attend, log onto www.margaritaswithamission.org or call Linda Conyers at (770) 781-4706, email conyerscpa@bellsouth.net, or call Suzanne Hendricks at the American Cancer Society at (770) 297-1176, email suzanne. hendricks@cancer.org. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
17
{RestaurantGUIDE}
> Forsyth Foodie This local eatery is a scaled down version of a longtime restaurant that graced the social scene of Cumming for almost 20 years. The original Deckers Restaurant, which was established in 1988, accommodated endless election night parties, wedding celebrations and the who’s who of Cumming until the owners took a break in 2004. A year later, to the delight of many, the smaller “order at the counter” café opened in the lower level of Lakeland Plaza, where it remains today. Its fresh salads, which are large enough to share, are prepared with a creative mix of ingredients like raisins, mixed nuts, egg and sliced avocado, all topped with your choice of dressings including raspberry vinaigrette, hot bacon or honey mustard – all homemade and delicious!
18
For first time guests, you must try their signature chicken tenders. These fresh pieces of meat, served with honey mustard dressing, always come out hot and wrapped in a buttery breading that melts in your mouth leaving you wanting more. However, if you prefer a slightly healthier option, get the Summer Salad. You’ll get your leafy greens and a taste of chicken tender heaven all at the same time. And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to grab one of the specialty cookies made by resident cookie artist and owner, Jennifer Wright. The no nonsense staff and intimate café atmosphere makes Deckers a convenient lunch time choice for anyone. Don’t forget to check out their dinner menu and catering options as well.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Deckers Express
560 Lakeland Plaza Lower Level Cumming, GA 30040 770.889.4742 www.deckersexpress.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Tag for Pacific Spice
Tag for North Georgia Accounting (the green ad!)
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
19
lifestyle
Preparation is Key: Vacation time and any time [ by Becky Brown, CPA] My summer vacation is over, but as I was getting ready to head out to enjoy time away, several things have come up as far as what to do (no, nobody wants to think about this), if something happened? So here are just a few of the things that you should think about not necessarily just at vacation time, but to it a little easier if something does happen. And let’s face it, when you are dealing with losing a loved one, the easier you can make for your family the better. Let’s first talk about what you can do as an individual and then the steps that you need to take if you are a small business owner. I will preface this by saying that I am not an attorney nor do I profess to address this from a legal standpoint. Please seek an attorney for any legal advice. Listed are a few steps that I feel all individuals should take: • Prepare or have a will prepared • Let your Executor know where your will is located • Store your will in at least two places • Bank savings box • Fireproof box • Give your Executor authority to access your bank savings box • Add your Executor as a signer on your bank account
Tag for Pacific Spice
In this day and age of technology and do it yourself will preparation, locating a copy of your will could be a problem which is why I say it’s important to store in two locations and be sure your Executor knows of these locations. I also suggest that you give the executor of your will access to your bank savings box. Why? Let’s say something happens to you and your spouse. Your executor has the right as executor to access your bank savings box, but without a copy of the will he/she can’t prove that he/she is executor of your will and he/she can’t get access to the will… okay you get the point.
Tag for North Georgia Accounting (the green ad!)
So, what are some of the preparations that should be made if you an owner of a small business: • Add a signer to the company bank account • Let the staff know who to call • Have a plan in place • Buy/sell agreement If you are the owner of a small business, it is advisable to have your spouse added as a signer on the company bank account. If not a spouse, than a son/daughter or other trusted family member. Even if you have a staff member as a signer on the company bank account, I would suggest you still add a trusted family member to protect the business interests. There should be a contingency plan in place. This should include who to call, whether to contract the work out, how to wind down the business, close or sell the business. I could spend a lot of time talking about buy/sell agreements but that may have to wait until a future article. Suffice it to say that if you have a partner you should have a buy/sell agreement in place. Now that all that’s taken care of there’s nothing else to worry about. Well, except for remembering to pack this or that. Did I pay that bill before I left? Did I call and hold my mail? Did I remember to SEND THAT EMAIL? DID I CALL TO CONFIRM OUR RESERVATION? WILL OUR DOGS BE OKAY? DID I REMEMBER…? DID I FORGET…? BOY, DO I NEED A VACATION!!!! Becky Brown, CPA, is a QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor and owner of NGAC, Inc. She may be reached at 770-888-7700.
20
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Lifestyle Defaulting on Your Mortgage is Not the Only Foreclosure Risk to Your Home [ by Christopher S. Thurman, Esq. ] Are you about to build a new home, renovate your current one, or have your home repaired through an insurance claim? If so, you need to know that almost everyone who does work on your home can file a lien against your property. A lien can hold up the closing if you are selling or refinancing your home— or worse: a person who has filed a lien against your property can even foreclose on it, just like a bank can if you default on your mortgage. Scenario: You hire a contractor for a $50,000 renovation project, he completes the project on time, you are completely satisfied with the work and you pay him $50,000. All is well, right? Not necessarily. If the contractor does not pay his subcontractors and/or material suppliers for the work they do on your home, they could essentially file $50,000 in liens against your property. In order to remove those liens and avoid possible foreclosure, you would have to pay the subcontractors and/or material suppliers—on top of what you already paid the contractor. Thus, your $50,000 renovation project could cost you $100,000! A lawyer specializing in construction law can help you avoid this potential nightmare. Do-it-yourself construction forms are risky and will probably not protect your home against liens. In fact, many lawyers not familiar with Georgia’s lien laws will not advise clients about them because they are very complicated, very strict and very technical. Liens are just one of many construction-related issues that can affect your property. A construction lawyer can help you avoid problems before work begins, while it is being done, and even if you learn the work is defective after it is finished. When it comes to protecting your home, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. Seek proper advice about how to protect your property before hiring anyone for a construction project.
Let’s Remodel! [ by Parkey Thompson ]
Whether it is the economy and you feel you are unable to see your house or you just want to make some changes - remodeling may be right up your alley! Remodeling has some great benefits, but it can be very expensive. When you consider the inconveniences and the big mess also consider your finances. You can do that in three steps - plan, budget, and pay. Your first step should be to sit down and thoroughly plan out the area set for the remodeling. Be careful to not let your plans grow beyond what you need to do, what you can afford, or what you can recoup. Realistically look and see if it makes sense to put the money into a project. In other words, is your project going to give a positive return on your investment? You can find so many areas to improve, but what project is going to have the biggest payback in the end? As you plan your project, prioritize what needs to be done now and what could wait until another phase. Don’t break the bank! Remodelers beware; once you begin to plan a remodeling project you will find so many other opportunities to improve. You plan on putting in new kitchen counter tops and that leads to new cabinets, a new floor and none of it looks good unless you have new appliances. Plan what you can afford and avoid scope creep that can become very expensive. Now build a budget around your plans and make sure you stick to it. As you complete your plans, make sure you are adding in all the costs – including a contingency amount. Get realistic estimates on material and labor before you begin. Without a proper budget attached to a well thought out plan you are going to be headed down the road of significant cost overruns. You now have your plan in place and you know what it is going to cost. Now – how do you pay for it? Many Americans will head down to their bank and sign up for another loan. Still others may decide that they can pay for their project using credit cards or, even worse, a loan from their 401(k)!! You can be different! As a financial coach, I challenge you to remodel as you can pay for it. Yes, pay cash! That may mean saving money for a period of time before you actually begin your project. In doing so, you will save the cost of interest on money borrowed which increases the project cost, eliminate the risk of not being able to repay, and you will be able to enjoy your remodeled project knowing it is paid for!!
Christopher Thurman is an attorney in Cumming specializing in construction law, and has more than ten years of experience with lien issues. He may be reached at (678) 534-8443, or csthurman@earthlink.net. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678-648-9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information. 21
lifestyle The Key to Success for Forsyth County’s Small Businesses
[ by Shelly Kent ]
If you haven’t heard of Lenny’s Sub Shop yet I’d like to pull you out from under that rock and take you there for a sandwich that will move you to tears—especially if you douse their hot pepper relish on top. Bruce Longmore, owner of the Cumming and Alpharetta franchise, is EVERYWHERE, which is the key to his success and the reason why so many people frequent his stores. His locations are scooping up awards left and right for community service and support. While operating under a franchise umbrella, Longmore, his wife Donna, and their family truly put their own stamp on their stores with their unflagging presence in the heart of Forsyth and North Fulton. What makes the two stores such successes? Aside from fresh sliced deli meats and vine-fresh produce, networking has been a true business builder for Longmore. Once he ensures everything is right on the service line, Longmore hops the counter and shakes hands, shares menus and samples with community businesses, joins drives and fundraisers, and lets his fellow business men and women know all about Lenny’s box lunch catering program. Bruce is fully committed to an interactive online social media campaign through SONARconnects and is involved in the Chamber, Small Business Association, Network for Success, and Business 400.
for Business 400, which holds its monthly events the first Tuesday evening of each month at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lake Lanier Technical College just behind The Avenues. Longmore credits Network for Success and Business 400 founder, Ron Dinsmore, with mentoring him in the art of effective networking and notes significant increases in business as a result of executing Dinsmore’s advice. Established in 2009, Business 400 founder Ron Dinsmore and his wife, REALTOR® Marie Dinsmore oversee each event to ensure everyone who comes to play can win. The Dinsmores invest their personal time and funds to grow the entrepreneurial community along the Georgia Highway 400 corridor. They offer tips, tools, and training workshops to help shy people break out of their shell, salespeople develop stronger presentations, and those who are floundering in their careers push ahead or pursue positive change. As the Longmores and Dinsmores already wholeheartedly believe, the key to small business success in Cumming appears to be concentrating efforts on what business owners can do for the community and not the other way around. Both seem to have that down pat and are rewarded in kind through thriving businesses. Are you a small business trying to establish a community presence? Are you a community member who was moved by something a local business did for you? We’d love to hear your story!
Shelly Kent is a freelance writer. She may be reached at 404-232-9898 or shellykent@comcast.net.
Longmore jumped at the chance for Lenny’s to become a corporate sponsor
22
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
lifestyle More
Alphabet Soup! What’s an LCCN?
Does your business have enough customers?
Are you satisfied with the profitability of your business?
Are you recognized by your market as the leader in your field?
[ by Ahmad Meradji ] When your book is released, you hope to sell copies to get it into the hands of readers. But will readers be able to check your book out of a library? If you want your book to be carried at a library, you’ll need an LCCN. (Yes, it’s time for more publishing alphabet soup!)
If your answer is “NO” to any of these questions, Small Bizz MBA can help! Regardless of the age of your business, we can develop a Personalized Marketing Plan to help you effectively market and promote your business to your target market.
LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. An LCCN is an identification number assigned by the Library of Congress for books in its cataloged collections. The number is used by librarians to locate a specific book in the national databases. The Library first began printing catalog cards for titles in 1898. The number was called a Library of Congress Card Number, but with the development of machine-readable records technology in the late 1960s, the term was changed to Library of Congress Control Number. An LCCN is assigned to a book while the book is being cataloged by the Library of Congress, if it has been selected for addition to the Library’s collections. In some cases, a number can be pre-assigned to the book through the Preassigned Control Number Program (PCN). Some books are not eligible for submission for the PCN program, such as eBooks, custom editions, or books under 50 pages (with the exception of genealogies and children’s books, and catalog exhibitions submitted by museums and art galleries). It’s important to note that even if a number is pre-assigned to the book, the book may not be kept in the Library of Congress’ permanent collection. Self-Publishers can apply for an account with the PCN program at http://pcn.loc.gov When a number has been assigned, it should be placed on the book’s Copyright page. It can also be included in other registrations/information for your book, such as the ISBN registration. Now you’re ready to approach libraries about carrying your book, and don’t forget to ask about doing a book reading or signing event! Ahmad Meradji is President and CEO of Booklogix Publishing Services in Alpharetta. He can be reached at 770-346-9979 or by email at Ahmad@booklogix.com
The Highest Standards | The Most Trusted Transactions
Lise Tomlinson
Relationship Manager
Go to MerchantBillofRights.com today.
lise.tomlinson@e-hps.com PHONE 770.480.3975 FAX 678.807.2817
Cumming, GA 30040
HeartlandPaymentSystems.com/lisetomlinson
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
23
Cumming’s New Neighborhood
Tavern A
merican tavern fare served in a modern atmosphere best describes Marlow’s Tavern, now open at The Avenue Forsyth in Cumming. Marlow’s Tavern offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to gourmet level. “Marlow’s Tavern offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere that allows our guests to enjoy great tasting food in a casual and warm environment” says John Metz, Marlow’s co-owner and Executive Chef. The new location at The Avenue Forsyth is fast becoming a favorite gathering place among residents and visitors to the area.
What is Marlow’s?
Marlow’s Tavern has an open kitchen with a warm, neighborhood yet contemporary feel, the perfect complement to its moderntavern menu. The open kitchen invites diners to observe the chefs at work, while communal tables in the bar and large cozy booths in the dining room allow guests to unwind. Several flat screen plasma TVs are discreetly incorporated, “in-the-round”, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of shows while they dine. Marlow’s is a meeting place for all seasons with spacious patios that are open year round allowing guests to enjoy cocktails and tavern specials under the stars.
(770) 886-3666 www.marlowstaver n.com 24
Marlow’s at The Avenue Forsyth
According to Metz, choosing to open a Marlow’s Tavern at The Avenue Forsyth was an easy choice. “We chose Forsyth because of the continued growth of the area. It continues to be a vibrant community with endless possibilities. The Avenue development has helped shape the revitalization of the area in a way that moved it forward much quicker than smaller retail spaces would have,” Metz explains. “We think Marlow’s will have great synergies with The Avenue and all of its shops and restaurants by bringing a unique experience that is currently not available in the center-a unique classic tavern environment with a very neighborhood feel.” Everyone at Marlow’s Tavern is looking forward to serving the neighborhood and meeting their new neighbors. Marlow’s offers a wide range of American favorites with a gourmet twist, masterfully prepared by the tavern’s kitchen team, under the careful leadership of Tara Sakal, Chef de Cuisine and a Forsyth Central High School graduate. “We are always cooking up something special in our kitchen,” Sakal explains. As a Cumming native, Sakal is pleased to share her expertise and talents in the kitchen with those who visit Marlow’s Tavern. “It’s
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Join us for the Marlow’s Tavern Golf Classic on Monday, October 10 at Horseshoe Bend Country Club. To benefit Special Olympics Georgia! great to see my family and friends come over for a meal. We have the opportunity to chat and enjoy each other’s company in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.” One visit to Marlow’s and you’ll soon find out for yourself.
A Sampling of Their Offerings
Whether choosing from their Classic Tavern Burgers, Big Bar Sandwiches, Tavern Favorites or Crisp Cool Salads, everyone will find something to please their palate. A few items to choose from include the Ahi Tuna Poke, a combination of Ahi Tuna, Hawaiian Style Sauce, Avocado, Mango, Teriyaki Sauce, Scallion and Crispy Wonton that will most certainly have you asking for more. The Asparagus Fries, made of Crispy Thin Asparagus with Tarragon, Citrus Aioli are also a crowd pleaser. The burgers, simply stated, are fantastic.
A Community Partner
what Marlow’s has to offer. “This place is my second home, and everyone here is family,” affirms Longrace. The Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) is also a recipient of Marlow’s Tavern’s dedication to their communities. Daniel Hester, a special Olympian, joined by his parents Anita and Buster, attended the grand opening of Marlow’s at The Avenue. Since the inception of the partnership, the restaurant has raised more than $350,000 for the Special Olympics. While providing the community with a hospitable place to gather for a great meal, or beverage, Marlow’s wants to be an asset to the communities it serves. Catch up with all the happenings at Marlow’s Tavern on Facebook and Twitter. The restaurant is located at 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041.
Besides serving a wide range of culinary treats, Marlow’s Tavern is also involved in community events. “This year we joined the Flavors of Forsyth event, hosted by United Way of Forsyth County,” states General Manager Brian Longrace. “Even though our location was not open, we had an opportunity to meet several of our neighbors and new friends while supporting the great work of United Way.” Those in attendance at the event got an early taste of AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
25
Gratitude:
lifestyle
Jarret Reid:
The Root of Happiness
Thrill Seeker
[ by Christine M. Roberts ]
[ by Matt Coutu ] There are fascinating people everywhere, and I am lucky to have met a few. Jarret Reid, a 1999 graduate of Polaris High School, is one of them. A warm, summer day in Orange County, California, 17 year old Jarret was rollerblading at the local skate park he frequented since he was 13. Just after landing a jump, a boy about his age approached him and asked how to do a certain trick he had seen him master. The boy was going to be rollerblading in a commercial and needed some guidance, so Jarret showed him. After he had mastered the trick, the boy thanked him and left. A couple days later, Jarret heard that the boy had injured himself and would not be able to perform the stunt, so he offered to fill in. After the commercial aired, producers started calling him to be stunt doubles in their movies. The next year, he stunt doubled in the 1999 movie, The Prince and the Surfer. And after that, movies such as Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Domestic Disturbance (2001), The Dust Factory (2004), Yours, Mine and Ours (2005), Art School Confidential (2006), and the 2006 comedy, Benchwarmers. He also performed a stunt in an episode of CSI: New York, where he got hit by two taxis, a box truck and a messenger bike, before getting beat down by a cop. In 2001, he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first person ever to do a back flip on a scooter. He accomplished this by going off a ramp at a high speed. According to The Scooter Resource website, there is no argument that Jarret was one of the most influential scooter riders of all time. He currently lives in Forsyth County and holds a spot on the Razor USA Scooter Team, which travels around the world and competes in tournaments involving scooters. “It’s a great way to see the world,” he says. “I’ve been to Spain, Australia, Mexico, and Canada. I’ve been to Japan, six times!” He doesn’t just do stunts in movies though. I asked him what the craziest thing is he has done. According to Jarret, the craziest thing he has ever done was to scooter off a ramp on the roof of a three story hotel into a pool. He must have cleared at least 25 feet! Jarret claims there’s nothing he won’t do and he hasn’t chickened out of anything yet. Throughout his career, he has broken almost every bone in his body and has met some amazing people along the way such as Frankie Munez, Vince Vaughn, and John Travolta. Forsyth’s very own thrill seeker currently works at his mother’s ice cream shop, Ice Cream Social, on Bethelview Road. So next time you’re in the area, stop in for a visit. Jarret makes a mean milkshake and has fascinating stories to tell.
Matt Coutu is a 9th grade student at South Forsyth High School and an aspiring journalist.
26
I had taken time off from my career that I loved to care for our children full-time, which I am thankful for but frankly, it was tough. Our disposable income had decreased dramatically, ok it was non-existent! My husband traveled frequently and because we don’t have family in town I felt totally stressed out and trapped. Being home with a baby and toddler was so much harder than anything I had ever done. I envied the mom’s who were home full-time and loving it.
If anyone could have read my thoughts they would have been mortified; I had turned into this negative thinking person, and it was awful! I remember saying to myself “this is not me!” How could I have gone from this happy go lucky, joyful person to this unappreciative miserable person? One day it hit me and I realized the main thing I was missing was gratitude. Do you ever feel this way? Life can seem so difficult with all the demands of running the house, managing schedules, thinking the house isn’t big enough or the car isn’t good enough, the children don’t mind, our your spouse doesn’t help enough, and paying the bills with not enough money. Our thoughts turn into whatever we perceive to be lacking in our lives and we find may ourselves constantly focused on what we don’t have. For me, I had to get the pendulum swinging the opposite way from predominantly negative thoughts to positive thoughts. I started listening to motivational CD’s, turned off the news as well as other negative programming, started journaling everything that I’m grateful for, listened to inspirational music and tried to feed my mind and spirit only positive, good stuff. There’s no quick fix; it’s a matter of stepping in the direction that you want your life to go and deciding what life we want to live and being purposeful to head that way. If we get down to the root and seek out gratitude then the chances of being happy and fulfilled will increase dramatically. What do you think?
Christine Roberts is a volunteer with Mentor Me, a local nonprofit agency that matches caring volunteers with children who need mentors. Their mission is to help children reach their potential through mentoring relationships with responsible adults. Christine can be reached at cmroberts10@comcast.net.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
lifestyle
When Freon Leaks [ by Dan Jape ]
Two of most common questions I am asked by homeowners are “do I have a Freon leak” and “why can’t we fix their Freon leak”. First, let me state unequivocally, that if you ever had to add any Freon to your cooling system, you have a leak. There is no reason you have to add Freon to an air conditioning system unless there is a leak. An air conditioning system is a sealed system that if properly installed and maintained, should never leak and never need even a few pounds of Freon added. I stress this due to the misconception that it is normal to have to “top off” your Freon in your air conditioner. While this has been common practice for years due to the fact it was less expensive to add Freon than it was to find and repair a leak, it is not the case anymore. Freon is in its last years of production and will be taken off the market soon. The quantity of Freon being produced is being curtailed each year and the price is going up. If your cooling system needs Freon every year, it will soon be more expensive to keep adding it than it will be to buy a new system. Normally these leaks are not one big leak, but rather many small leaks where the tubing is stressed or ruptured by the bonding of a dissimilar metal such as copper & aluminum. These dissimilar metals expand and contract at a different rate and wear a hole in the copper tubing and also react to each other to form corrosion and lack of heat transfer. This is why an air conditioner with a same metal coil is more leak proof than a coil with copper tubing and aluminum fins.
leaks and with enough time, patience and diagnostic money, they can tell you exactly what you already know. You have a leak! To try and repair these leaks, one would have to melt away the aluminum fins to get to the copper tubing in the middle of the coil and weld up the stress areas. This would render that area of the coil useless and the chance you could repair all the possible leaks and weak areas in a coil are slim to none. Most of the time, these leaking air conditioners are old and inefficient and your money would be better spent simply cutting the cord on them as opposed to throwing good money after bad. What difference does it make where the leak is in that 12 year old machine? I see person after person spend hundreds of dollars each year finding a leak only to be told it can’t be repaired or worse, fixing one leak only to find they have another the next month after all their Freon has leaked out. Do not get too attached to your old air conditioner- as it is just another appliance in your home like your dishwasher or water heater that needs to be updated after 12 to 15 years- and assure you are afforded the comfort and energy savings a new system can give you.
Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating and Air. He may be reached at (770) 594-9096.
Most air conditioning companies have Freon leak detectors to sniff out
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
27
Braces, Sports and Mouth Guards –
HeaLth & Wellness
Things You Should Know [ by Dr. Michael Gorlovsky and Dr. Cesar Cardenas ]
Back to School
Hygiene Routine [ by Sherry Jordan, D.M.D. ] Going back to school often means adjusting to new schedules for both parents and children. That new schedule offers a great opportunity to make sure good oral hygiene is a part of your child’s everyday routine. Good oral hygiene habits take only about 5-6 minutes a day. The best defense against tooth decay is brushing at least two times a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once daily and regular dental checkups. It is important to establish the importance of good oral hygiene in the early years since there is growing evidence that dental health is linked to a person’s overall physical well-being throughout life. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) more than half of all 5-to-9 year old children have had at least one cavity. Candy is not the only culprit to tooth decay. Foods that have carbohydrates such as pizza, bread, chips, and pasta also break down into sugar by bacteria in the mouth. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugary substances from food and drinks. Within seconds of ingesting sugar the bacteria produces damaging acids that wear through the tooth enamel causing cavities. The cavity forming acids affect your teeth for 20 minutes before beginning to neutralize. Sticky sugary foods will give your teeth a longer sugar bath. Also, the more times you eat sugary foods throughout the day or drink sugary drinks such as sodas or juice boxes, the more often you feed bacteria the fuel that causes tooth decay. Look for smart food choices such as cheese, nuts, yogurt, carrots, celery, water, berries, and other foods low in sugar. Now is the time to establish a great oral hygiene routine in your child’s schedule by waking up or getting ready for bed a couple of minutes earlier to ensure enough time for their before school two minute tooth brushing and their before bed two minute tooth brushing and floss. Tooth decay and other dental problems can cause pain and infection that can result in loss of concentration in school, school absences, and problems eating, sleeping, and speaking. Dental decay is five times more common than asthma, and seven times more common than hay fever. Dental exams are just as important to good health as medical exams. Call your dentist today to schedule your family for their dental exam. It’s one call you don’t want to postpone.
Dr. Sherry Jordan earned her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She may be reached at 770-888-6262.
28
Whether it’s baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer or any other contact sport, we always advise our patients to play it safe and consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear at every practice and every game. These sports account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age. A mouth guard is a simple yet effective piece of equipment that not only protects the teeth but can also prevent a serious jaw injury. Young athletes in braces should especially wear mouth guards to prevent lacerations to the lips and cheeks from any impact to the face. According to the American Association of Orthodontist, 76 percent of parents say the thing that concerns them most about their child participating in sports is that he⁄she will get hurt, yet only 33 percent reported that their children wear mouth guards during organized sports. Parents, coaches and kids need to grasp the prevalence of sports injuries and know that many sports injuries can be reduced or prevented by wearing the proper protective gear. The investment in such equipment is minimal, especially when compared to the physical pain and mental anguish suffered by injured youngsters and their parents. It’s best to prevent accidents, but know what to do if one occurs…FIRST AID TIPS Broken or Loosened Tooth • Clean the injured area and place an ice pack • Attempt to gently reposition the tooth • Store the tooth fragment (if broken) in water for possible re-attachment • See a dentist or orthodontist, if in braces, as soon as possible Knocked Out Tooth – Time is critical! • Call your dentist for immediate attention • Locate the tooth; hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root) • Avoid rubbing or touching the root • Rinse the tooth. Do not scrub. • Attempt to gently put the clean tooth back in its socket. • If the tooth cannot be put back into its socket, put the tooth in milk or saline solution. • Do not soak or store the tooth in water. • If milk or saline solutions are unavailable, the tooth can be stored in the cheek where saliva will help provide vitality to the root surface. • Do not let the tooth dry out!
Dr. Michael Gorlovsky and Dr. Cesar Cardenas of Windermere Orthodontics may be reached at 770-888-1929. For more tips, follow them at www.facebook.com/WindermereOrthodontics.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
HeaLth & Wellness
“Developing
healthy eating habits early helps kids maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are older. ”
Developing Healthy Eating Habits For Your Child [ by Carol Brazier, RD, CDE, Northside Hospital Diabetes and Nutrition Education Program ] With busy schedules, fast food convenience and picky eaters, figuring out how to get your child to eat healthy foods can be a big challenge. Developing healthy eating habits early helps kids maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are older.
Limit junk food. Limiting the junk food in your house and keeping your pantry stocked with healthy snacks will guide your child in developing a taste for nutritious snacks. Try creating a dried-fruit mixture with ingredients such as apricots, apples, cherries, figs and dates.
Know “why?” Encourage questions and be sure to have an answer. For example, “Milk makes your bones strong” or “Peanut butter has protein, which is good for your muscles.”
Be smart about eating out. When eating at a restaurant, teach your child to search the menu for words such as “grilled,” “fresh,” “lean,” “roasted,” or “steamed.” Though it is important to limit fries, burgers and pizza, it won’t do any harm to occasionally eat these foods.
Go grocery shopping together. Get your kids involved in shopping decisions. Teach them about the nutritional values of different foods, how to choose fruit and vegetables, and how to read food labels. Get kids involved in the kitchen. Whether it is washing fruits and vegetables, cracking eggs or mixing ingredients, kids are more likely to try foods that they “made.” Older children can assist in planning the menu for a particular night. Add-in healthy food. Find ways to add healthy foods into foods your child already likes. For example, use turkey meatballs in pasta sauce. Carrots, apples, oranges and zucchini can be grated and used in casseroles, pancakes, muffins and bread. Sit down for a family meal. Though this may not be possible every night, try to set aside time for family meals on a regular basis. At the dinner table, you can lead by example by filling your plate with healthy foods in moderate portions. Encourage your kids to eat slowly to better detect hunger and fullness.
Northside Hospital Diabetes and Nutrition Education Not sure where to begin to make a difference? Northside Hospital’s Diabetes and Nutrition Education Program is an excellent resource for people looking to make a change in their lives. The following services are available: • Individual nutrition and fitness assessments • Ongoing educational classes in nutrition, exercise, lifestyle change and stress management • Weekly weight monitoring • Group support classes • Grocery store tour Classes are offered during the day and evenings throughout the year, and individual appointments can be arranged at your convenience. For more information, please call (404) 851-6023 in Atlanta; (770) 844-3274 in Forsyth and (678) 493-1501 in Cherokee. Northside Hospital Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive • Cumming, GA 30041-7659 770-844-3200 • www.northside.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
29
HeaLth & Wellness
The Evils of
So You’re
Over 40…
Gluten
[ by Jim Morrow, MD & Lisa Diglio, PA-C ]
In the whirlwind of our lives, turning forty often brings everything to a halt. Suddenly, a number represents more than just another candle on the birthday cake and we start to wonder if we should be eating the cake at all. Relax. You’re not alone. This is a symptom signifying you are not getting older, but wiser. We must nurture our bodies as we age, but developing a healthy relationship with a family physician is important too. Your family physician is your personal guide, working with you to maximize your quality of life for many years to come. Turning 40 marks a time when women often include a family physician into their overall care instead of just seeing the gynecologist. Men often have a family physician that they have only seen when they were ill. Now is the time to consider a complete physical exam for both prevention and treatment purposes. As you move into this new realm of care, it’s ok if you are healthy. It’s just fine if you run 3 miles a day and can swim a mile. There have been cases of marathon runners, in excellent shape, who have horrendous cholesterol and heart disease. Screening early and thoroughly, while forging a relationship with your family doctor, can help prevent and potentially identify health issues. Think of it as preparing yourself for the second half of your life. For all patients: • History including family, alcohol and tobacco use sexual history and environmental situation. • Medication History including all vitamins and supplements. • Vital Signs: Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate and Oxygen level, Weight and Height • Complete Examination (head to toe). • Fasting labs including sugar, kidney and liver function, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood count, thyroid level. • Electrocardiogram and Chest X-Ray on a per case basis For all men: • Prostate Serum Antigen (PSA) test and prostate exam For all women: • Breast Cancer screening: mammogram and exam • Pap smear (if appropriate) Don’t be afraid to ask questions and bring a list if necessary, so you remember what is important. Expect to be told to exercise more, lose weight and watch what you eat. Have ideas of what you want in the future and share them with your provider. Stay focused and thorough and you will and your provider will do the same.
Dr. Jim Morrow and Mrs. Lisa Diglio practice at Morrow Family Medicine in the 1400 Building, Suite 200, on the Northside Forsyth Campus in Cumming. Call 770-7818004 to schedule an appointment.
30
[ by John Thomas, DC ]
Gluten, the protein in wheat, barley, rye and oats, is one of the biggest culprits in causing chronic health issues such as fibromyalgia, thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel that I see in my office. It is extremely important to be tested properly for gluten sensitivity. People who have chronic health issues may have already been tested for gluten and the results could have came back negative; the problem is that most methods of testing for gluten traditionally done from saliva or stool may only test for alpha gliadin and one isomer of transglutaminase. People can react to any of the 10 other particles of the breakdown of gluten, including wheat germ agglutinin. A food sensitivity test from a lab called Cyrex Labs tests all components of wheat and gluten as well as 24 other foods that may be cross-reactive. The reason why so many people across the country are gluten-sensitive is that we’ve been eating genetically-engineered wheat since the late 1940’s. Our bodies were not made to eat genetically-engineered wheat. Our bodies were not made to eat chemicals and that’s exactly what we are consuming! If you are sensitive to gluten, it will cause your immune system to attack your body, whether it’s your thyroid, joints, pancreas, or elsewhere. This sensitivity leads to chronic gut inflammation and absorption issues of proper nutrients; and in time poor health. It is estimated that less than 1% of the US population is sensitive to gluten due to celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. There are those who believe that only those diagnosed with celiac disease should steer clear of gluten. Over 90% of the patients I see with chronic health issues are sensitive to gluten in some form and must make dietary changes in order to resolve their symptoms and change the quality of their life. I believe that one of the best things that you can do is to avoid gluten as much as possible. It is very important to be patient and give your body a few weeks after making the switch to a gluten free diet so it can adjust. Switching to a gluten-free diet is a learning process. Pay attention to your body and the way it reacts to the foods you eat. Before you make any changes, consult your healthcare provider and make an educated decision regarding the best way to ensure your body is the healthiest it can be. Dr. John C. Thomas is the clinical director of Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Cumming, GA. He can be reached at 678-456-9122.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
schools
Vertical Success A great summer of fun and help!
High school students from Forsyth County participated in this year’s Vertical Success program, created by Douglas Hiser and his staff at Hiser Orthodontics. “We wanted to create a Christian-based environment for leadership development and community involvement for the youth that work at our office,” explained Hiser. Interns volunteered at local food pantries and clothing drives. The students also spent time at White Oaks Retirement
Center in Cumming during the 4th of July holiday. Singing, conversation, and playing instruments were just a few of the activities held. The students returned a few weeks later and participated in a Summer-time Luau! Vertical Success members are gearing up for other events throughout the year, including their Christian Concert on October 15 to be held at North Forsyth High School.
Tag for The UPS Store
Tag for Discover Chiropractic
Tag for Cumming First United Methodist Church
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
31
Letting Go [ by Brenda Dickey ]
101
Many of my friends will be getting a hard lesson in letting go this month with their babies leaving the nest and all. I am reminded of a story that happened not so long ago in my family. My son, who was 9 years old at the time, had often spoken of this great need he had for his own pet. A pet that he would care for and give all the love it needed to grow into a healthy adult. A puppy was out of the question because I was a one dog woman and that position was currently filled in my heart. However, after holding snakes, and bunnies, my son decided on four mallard ducklings. How hard could these fuzzy, sweet creatures be? The plan was to raise them, feed and love them, and let them go on our lake in hopes that they would hang around. We chose the mallard ducks because we had predators around and they needed to be able to fly away when threatened. The flip side of this was that they could eventually fly away from us as well. I couldn’t help but feel that this was going to be my son’s first hard lesson in letting go. I began talking to him about how hard it would be for him getting up extra early to change the bedding and water for the ducks, and how he would worry if the weather was going to be too cold for them. It’s a bit like parenting, I said to him. We worry and fret about our children’s safety, we are amazed at how fast they grow, and we don’t always let them go out whenever they choose, because it may not be safe. Yes, I could see the excitement and the heartbreak in the near future for my little man. It is no easy task putting so much of yourself into something that may never appreciate or even remember what you did and what you gave up. Alas, the day came to set these beautiful birds free. Even I had a tear in my eye as we herded them towards the lake; there is a part of you that wants them to stay, and another part that is so excited for the journey they will take as they spread their wings and fly. Touching isn’t it? But here’s the thing… the freeing of the ducks did not go as planned! Apparently, like many children, they refused to leave the nest! They had decided that life was far easier when everything is done for them, and the risk of getting out there to experience life was more than they were ready to take on at that time. Not to mention that they followed my golden retriever around as if he was their mother, and they would not swim in our pond; they preferred the pool. Little by little they gained their independence, and a nice mallard couple seemed to have taken them under their wing (no pun intended). One night, as we returned home, they were not waiting in the driveway for us as usual and I couldn’t help but think that was the night we really let them go. My son was so proud that they were brave enough to fly away, and he made the remark that they could always come home for dinner if they need to. Perhaps he gained more wisdom from that experience than even I had even hoped for!
Brenda Dickey is the proud mother of two. She is the owner of Funky Mountain Flowers and Gifts. She may be reached at (770) 781-4616.
32
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Eagle Scouts Soar!
Clayton is a member of Troop 39 of the Boy Scouts of America and a graduate of North Forsyth High School. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held July 9, 2011. Pictured (left to right): Commission Chairman Brian R. Tam; District 1 Commissioner R.J. (Pete) Amos; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff; Clayton Thomas Gillon; District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent; and District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell.
Joshua Bishop is a member of Troop 513 of the Boy Scouts of America. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held May 21, 2011. Pictured (left to right): Commission Chairman Brian R. Tam; District 1 Commissioner R.J. (Pete) Amos; Joshua Bishop; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff; District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell; and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent.
A Recipe for Success
Hunter Green is a member of Troop 3143 of the Boy Scouts of America and a graduate of Northview High School. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held August 28, 2011. Pictured (left to right): Commission Chairman Brian R. Tam; District 1 Commissioner R.J. (Pete) Amos; Hunter Green; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff; District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell; and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent.
[ by Mikayla Dickey ]
Since West Forsyth High School opened in 2007 they began to make a name for themselves in sports, academic achievement, and more recently the Culinary Arts program run by Chef Dee Smith. With a sparkling new culinary lab and eager students itching to enter (after passing a sanitation test of course) the program took off. The recipe for success is simple. First, you start two heaping table spoons of help from Chef Dawn Martin (culinary instructor at South Forsyth High School), a pinch of determination from Chefs Smith and Martin, a cup of community support, and a handful of young aspiring chefs to bring out the flavor. Combine all these rare ingredients into a large stock pot and allow to it to simmer for 3-4 years, stirring occasionally. And your final product is the first and second place holders in the 2010-2011 Pro-start competition! Other winners included South taking first place and heading to compete with 40 other culinary teams at nationals and West Forsyth taking second and sitting in the stands to cheer on their sister school and friends as they took 3rd in the nation. All this excitement is only one of the great experiences for West Forsyth culinary program in the past year; they catered the Concert in the Quarry (another partnered project with South Forsyth), the occasional sports and band banquets to celebrate the end of a season, and the chance to show off their skills again during a breakfast hosted and catered by the culinary students for the Georgia legislators before they began their session. With the new school year, the endless possibilities and the students eager to get back in the kitchen, who knows what these two schools will be cooking up next. Mikayla Dickey is a senior at West Forsyth High School.
33
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
schools Guide to a Student’s Successful Junior and Senior Year [ by Kathy Martin] Your student is about to embark on the second half of his or her high school career. It’s an important time - and your teen’s last chance to enhance his or her resume, raise those grades and prepare for the impending college application process. How can you guide him or her to achieve continued success? Here’s a guide to help your student through these next two years. Junior year Tip #1: Maintain GPA and/or improve grades. You’ve probably heard before that junior year is the most important year of high school. From a college admissions standpoint, it’s true. If your teen’s cumulative GPA could use a boost, now is the time to buckle down. However, if your teen’s GPA is strong, he or she should work to maintain those good grades, even with a more challenging course load and busy schedule. Tip #2: Develop a schedule of challenging courses. When it comes time to apply for colleges, GPA is important, but just as important is a challenging curriculum that will prepare your teen for college-level course work. Your teen should meet regularly with his or her guidance counselor junior year to
be sure he or she is taking the appropriate number (and level) of classes. Tip #3: Get involved. If your teen has been getting settled in high school these last two years, now is a good time to boost the resume with meaningful activities. What is your teen interested in? What are his or her strengths? Help your teen discover who he or she is by engaging in extracurricular experiences that will demonstrate his or her commitment and passion to colleges. Tip #4: Nurture teacher relationships. Letters of recommendation can be a vital component of the overall college application package, so if your teen has not developed good relationships with teachers yet, this year is a good opportunity. Teachers and guidance counselors can also be valuable resources for advice on colleges, majors and more. Senior year Tip #1: Stay focused on grades. Even if your teen applies to early action and early decision programs at colleges, it’s important to maintain good grades. Colleges will rescind admissions offers if they see a significant drop in grades senior year, or they may put new freshmen on probation for a semester. Tip #2: Get started early. The college application process can be a timeconsuming and stressful process. Planning ahead will pay off later. Encourage your teen to be head of the game - start working on the personal essay, take the SAT and/or ACT one final time (if needed) in October or November, and give him or herself plenty of time to develop the best application package possible. Tip #3: Work on time management. Senior year is busy. It’s also a good time to fine-tune those time management skills, which will be key to your teen’s success in college and in his or her career. Help your teen learn to prioritize, manage his or her time well and avoid procrastination. Tip #4: Develop strengths. Selling oneself to colleges is uncomfortable for many students, but it also allows students to learn more about their areas of strength and weakness. Your teen should take this time to assess his or her abilities and interests. Doing so may give him or her new ideas for college majors, but it will also help your teen identify areas where he or she could better him or herself. The college search process begins practically the moment your teen starts high school, and while there is a long list of to-dos, there are a few simple things your teen can do to ease the process. Staying organized, making studying and homework a priority, and staying in touch with the guidance or college counselor will make your teen’s final two years of high school smooth and enjoyable. Kathy Martin is the owner of the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming, located at the corner of Bethelview and Castleberry Roads. Contact the center directly at 770-292-8994 to find out about what program will best suit your child’s needs.
34
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
The Hunt Is On Discover Forsyth Scavenger Hunt begins in September
If you shop in Forsyth County and have a mobile phone, you could be a prize winner, courtesy of local company, AdverTagging. In partnership with AroundAbout Cumming magazine and local businesses throughout the county, AdverTagging, a Microsoft Service Provider, has announced the Discover Forsyth Scavenger Hunt which will run every day in September. Visitors to participating retail locations may scan the Microsoft Tag on special in-store displays using the free Microsoft Tag reader, and will be automatically entered into weekly prize drawings. The Grand Prize, a Chromebook computer will be awarded on October 1, 2011. In addition to Scanning the Tags hunters will also unlock special loyalty rewards from participating businesses creating a double incentive to participate in the Scavenger Hunt. “ In 2010, 20% of all internet searches were conducted from a mobile phone. By 2013, over half of all searches will be mobile based, and one-third of these are looking for local businesses,” said Kay Wolfe, Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
According to ABI Research, mobile users spent $1.2 billion on consumer products in 2009 and this number is expected to grow to $119 billion by 2015. “AdverTagging is promoting this Scavenger Hunt as a fun way to introduce the community to the real power of this incredible technology,” she added. Forsyth businesses wanting to take advantage of this unique promotion can sign up until August 21, but spots are limited. To participate in the hunt as a player or as a sponsoring business, you can signup online at http://scavengerhunt. advertagging.com or call 877-225-9937. Consumers planning to participate in the Hunt only need a mobile phone with internet access, and the free Microsoft Tag reader, available for download at http://gettag.mobi. FACT SHEET • There are 285.6 million mobile subscribers in the United States. Stated another way, that’s 91% of the population! CTIA • Mobile devices will pass PCs as the access device of choice by 2013. Gartner
• One-third of mobile searches are tied to the users local environment. Google • Mobile search will represent 20% of all search traffic by 2012. RBC Capital Markets • 27% of U.S. mobile web users have clicked on a mobile ad. ABI Research • 53% of mobile users would share their location to receive more relevant ads. Mashable • Mobile coupon redemption is 10x that of traditional coupons. Borrell Associates • 112 retailers have mobile sites or apps. Internet Retailer • Smartphones to surpass feature phones in 2011. Nielsen • 36% of people are interested in receiving grocery coupons on their mobile phone. Compete For more information about AdverTagging Kay Wolfe at kwolfe@ advertagging.com, call 877-225-9937, visit www.advertagging.com.
Win a
New
ChromeBook!
Join the inaugural Discover Forsyth Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by your local businesses and Advertagging.com! There’s no purchase necessary, and it’s easy to play:
1
Download the free Microsoft Tag Reader app from your mobile phone at http://gettag.mobi.
2
Go to http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.com for a list of participating local businesses.
3
Visit participating businesses during September 2011, look for the “Tag Me!” poster and scan the Tag to be instantly entered to win weekly prizes and the grand prize — a new ChromeBook computer!
Brought to you by
“Tag Me!”
So go to http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.com and join the Hunt today! Must be 16 or older to participate. No purchase necessary. See complete terms and conditions at http://scavengerhunt.advertagging.com.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
35
schools 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: Dave Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville (770) 887-2341 Principal: Rebecca G. Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 887-7705 Principal: Debbie Smith dsmith@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 Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road, (770) 889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, (678) 455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway, (770) 887-6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (770) 887-1883 Principal: Donna Morris dmorris@forsyth.k12.ga.us 36
School Information www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
High Schools
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, (678) 341-6481 Principal: Sharon Ericson sericson@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road, (678) 965-5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, (678) 965-5020 Principal: Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, (770) 346-0040 Principal: Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 781-2264 Principal: Dr. Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, (678) 965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470 Principal: Richard Gill rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Middle Schools
Private Schools
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road, (678) 965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road, (770) 205-8202 Principal: Elaine M. Francel www.cornerstonesch.com
Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, (770) 674-2990 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com
Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, (770) 888-6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net
North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, (678)845-0418 Principal: Tom Davis www.friendshipchristianschool.us
Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.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
Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road, (678) 965-5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (678) 455-7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth Middle 2865 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 888-3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road, (770) 667-2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, (770) 781-5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-6277 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 888-4477 Executive Director: Rick Swygman www.pinecrestacademy.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
schools FINDING THE BEST PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD
[ by Susan Masten ]
Choosing the right preschool for your child may be one of the most complicated decisions you have to make as a parent. An estimated five million children are in preschool programs, and the number is growing. According to the Families and Work Institute, children benefit from quality programs with competent staff and good ratios. If you’re looking for a preschool for your child, here are some important things to consider as you make your decision. Do your research….ask your friends, go online and call/visit your top choices in person. Note, there is a significant difference between preschools and day care facilities. You want your child to be in a stimulating, nurturing and loving environment. Think about some of the basic factors….distance from home, type of program, size, etc.
Sign-up today!
Prepare your questions and call your top preschools….Are you accredited? What is the teacher/student ratio? Tell me about your curriculum. What are you doing to prepare my child for kindergarten?
Get 5 months free
Go for a tour. When touring the facility, consider the following:
year mailbox contract.
with a signed one(Expires 9/30/2011)
• Reputation…..Top preschools have a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere and are known for their nurturing environment. Stop by at drop off or pickup time and watch the parents, children and teacher interactions. Smiling, friendly faces should be visible. Feel free to ask parents what they think about the school. Stop in unannounced. Good preschools welcome visitors and will invite you in to see the school. As noted above, look for preschools that are accredited.
The UPS Store 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360 Cumming GA 30040
• Safe, Clean Environment…. A good preschool is safe and clean. The building should be bright and cheery and the floors, windows and walls should be clean. Hazardous substances should be in locked cabinets. The school should have a security system, so strangers can’t just walk in off the street. Ask about all emergency procedures, as these should be firmly in place.
770-888-1502
(Located in the Publix Shopping Center—corner of Bethelview and Castleberry Roads)
• Strong Curriculum…The best preschools have daily schedules and a stimulating curriculum that include time for group and individual activities. Preschoolers are NOT ready for a rigorous academic program. The school should have a wide range of age-appropriate toys and activities that support and engage your child’s individuality and imagination. Children should be encouraged to explore a broad-range of learning opportunities including creative art, math, dramatic play, science, music and computers; to ask questions and to take time making friends and socializing. • Qualified, loving staff… A loving staff is of the utmost importance. Preschool teachers should have at least two years of college, CPR training, and on-going, continuing education classes. Watch to see how the staff interacts with the children. Are the class ratios low enough to give your child the attention they deserve? Teachers should be responsible, organized and passionate about the children and the school. In addition, teachers should have open line of communication with parents. A daily activity report and bi-annual progress reports encourage on-going communication with parent and teacher as well as parent and child. As you make this important decision, take time to be prepared. You, and your child, will be glad you did. Susan Masten is the Owner/Operator of The Goddard School in Johns Creek. She may be reached at 678-475-0701.
* This offer is only valid at The UPS Store 6159. Not valid with other offers. Each store is independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes, Etc Inc. Tag for The UPS Store
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
37
faith
Matters Most
What’s Inside [ by Maria I. Morgan ]
What do the following things have in common: new clothes, pens, and a calculator? They all point to a new school year, right?! I remember the excitement of going back to school. I have to admit that shopping for clothes was my personal favorite. Searching for the perfect pair of shoes was right up there, too. With each New Year, I was determined to look my best, and yes, even to try my hardest. As I look back on the years spent in school and college, I was interested in portraying the right image. Can anyone identify? I wanted to fit in and be accepted by my peers. Hours were spent making sure hair and make-up were just so. I put a premium on my outward appearance, not realizing the importance of what was on the inside. The words of 1 Samuel put things in proper perspective, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart,” (1 Samuel 16:7; KJV). God knows that what’s really important is what’s on the inside. He’s quick to reveal the heart that’s pleasing to Him, “...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Tag for The UPS Store
Tag for Discover Chiropractic
Tag for Cumming First United Methodist Church
A true friend demonstrates care and concern, is a good listener and provides encouragement when it’s needed. A friend is honest - sharing the truth in love, even when it’s not popular. These characteristics are evident in the person who has true beauty - a beauty that is more than skin deep. When I realize it’s not about me, but it’s all about the Lord and loving others His way, I’m on the right track. Instead of trying to FIND the right friend, my job is to concentrate on cultivating the characteristics that allow me to BE a good friend! A new school year, or even another day at the office, is the perfect opportunity to focus on the needs of others. Let God’s Word guide you, “A friend loveth at all times...” (Proverbs 17:17). And you’ll be sure to point them to an all-sufficient Savior! Do you tend to focus on outward appearance rather than what’s on the inside? How can you be a better friend? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that what’s inside matters most. Help me to develop the characteristics of a true friend, and point others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com
38
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Stopping Time faith
[ by Nancy Johnson ]
Chances are pretty good that most of us are experiencing the contradictory feelings that come around this time each year. We are desperately craving relief from the heat and we wish that time would speed up – just a bit – into cool autumn. At the same time, we are astounded by another school year that seems to have arisen out of nowhere. Somehow, without our knowing it, our children have become a year older. Another slow summer has come to a close and we wish that the time wouldn’t hurry away. Whether we are ready for it or not, the seasons will change. Time will move on. Last weekend, in order to beat the heat, our family made a quick overnight trip to the mountains. It was a little cooler in the higher altitudes of north Georgia, but the best part of the adventure was playing, hiking and visiting historical sites with my husband and two kids. As we walked along, it seemed as if my children grew taller before my very eyes, and I joined the many families throughout history who have wondered how life can go by so fast. Time does seem to get away from us. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t accept a few extra hours in a day. Most parents I know wish that their children would slow down – just a little – in their relentless march toward adulthood. Moments that are precious will stay for only an instant, before becoming another cherished memory. How we wish we could hold on to them! But I have learned a secret. Here it is. Time will slow down when we do. We seem to have a sickness that makes us compulsively shove more onto our calendars. It is as if we believe that the more we do, the fuller our lives will be. I’m beginning to believe that the opposite is true. When my daughter was a newborn, I remember my first few weeks with her. Ringing in my ears were voices of family and friends reminding me how quickly the time would pass. So I spent hours on end just holding her, looking at her – soaking in the stillness of the moment because in no time at all, life would go back into high gear. I still remember those moments and treasure them. They are the cherished instants with my daughter, when time stood still because I did. Time doesn’t fly on its own. It is our passenger, and will go exactly as fast as we do. The really important pieces of our lives will last as long as we will hold still for them, and they will return every minute of focus we give. In this new season, may you stop time? If you can’t bring it to a complete halt, then at least let it pause for breath. Take a moment to look long and hard at your loved ones and at your life. Inhale deeply the reality of “now,” quickly before it becomes “then.” You will find that the time is not lost but gained.
Nancy Johnson is an ordained United Methodist minister. She can be reached at nancy.johnson@ngumc. net. Visit her blog, A Feast for the Soul, at soul-feast.blogspot.com. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Social Network: Campmeeting and Revivals [ by Neida Streit ] If you didn’t grow up in the south, you may not know what I am talking about. Campmeeting was the social life of everyone when I was a child. We all went to every church’s campmeeting or revival, depending on your work schedule and who was having what. It was a social network to rival facebook. Everyone knew everyone, and if there happened to be a newcomer, the word spread about them so that soon, they would hear “Oh, you’re the new family in town.” The first question everyone asked a stranger was “where do you go to church”. Campmeeting was exactly what it sounds like. You packed up your stuff and camped out at church. The meeting part was the worship services, the endless food, seeing people you might not have seen since last campmeeting. Sharing pictures of the family vacations and trips, new arrivals – baby pictures were always a hit. It was a time for re-connecting with old friends, making new ones, singing all the old favorite hymns along with plenty of preaching and praying to renew your faith and relationship with God. At the end of each week were the baptisms (or dunkings) in the special tiny concrete swimming pool, a pond, the lake or a creek – whatever was handy. When I was baptized, I didn’t take nearly a big enough lung full of air for as long as Rev. Phillips held me under and prayed over me! I can still feel the cooler sawdust under our feet while sitting under the arbor at Zion Hill Church – cooler as compared to the 100 degree air! The sweltering heat of the afternoon service at Holbrook Campground, the wonderful singing at Sardis Campground, the tent meetings on West Maple Street in town – all hold their own unique memories, feel and smells. And the food was awesome – the likes of which you will not see anywhere else except maybe a family reunion. The chicken, ham, BBQ, pot roast, peas, beans of every kind, corn, potatoes, casseroles, bread and desserts – recipes being swapped and compared – a cooking extravaganza to rival Paula Deen and Rachel Ray. Some of the campmeetings and revivals have already taken place, but I bet if you look for them, you can still find some throughout August. Go visit to experience what I am talking about. Not every church has dinner on the grounds with all the food like they used to, but the singing and preaching is still – for the most part – just like old times. A good foundation, you would be amazed all the scripture, prayers and stories you can remember from way back when. Neida Streit is the Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church. She may be reached at (770) 8872900 ext. 215 or via e-mail at nstreit@cfumcga.com.
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
39
faith Assemblies of God
Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming 770-888-8852 Sunday Morning Worship times: 9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday School Connect Groups: 10:15 am Wednesday Night Service: 7:00pm Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.eastgatechurch.org
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road (770) 887-6900 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. AWANA: Sunday at 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street, (770) 205-6699 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service: 10:50 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive, (770) 887-2428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15 p.m. AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Parkway, (678) 513-9400 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. – Contemporary Service (SFC) 10:30 a.m. – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9 & 10:45 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Bible Fellowship Pastor, Dr. Richard G. Lee www.firstredeemer.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road, (770) 887-4802 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening: 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7 p.m. Pastor: Chris Grinstead www.ghbcc.org Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road, (770) 889-1959 www.longstreetchurch.com Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday night adult and youth activities 40
Cumming Area Houses of Worship North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway, (770) 781-5433 Church service times: 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship Service 9:30 Bible Studies 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Service (main auditorium) 11 a.m. Spanish Worship Service (Student 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 Road, Suwanee, (770) 888-4464 Wednesday Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Joseph Greene 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 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.episcopalholyspirit.org
Greek Orthodox
Saints 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, LCM S 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday school: 9:30 a.m., all ages Sunday worship: 8 &10:45 a.m. Living Faith Lutheran Korean Church Worship: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday evening fellowship meal (6 p.m.) Bible study for all ages (7 p.m.) Pastor Tim Droegemueller www.livingfaithlutheran.com
Other Churches
Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 648-5248 www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), (678) 230-4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, (770) 887-5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org LDS Church 510 Brannon Road, (678) 577-4991 Sunday Service: 1 p.m. LifePoint Christian Church 5000 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta (678) 366-2797 Sunday Small Groups: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, (770) 888-5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
Presbyterian
Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, (770) 887-6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road, (678) 889-8694 www.parkway-chruch.org Traditional Worship: Sundays 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship: Sundays11:00 a.m. Brazilian Ministry Sunday Services: 7:00 p.m. (The service is in Portuguese.) Rev. Bill Ford, Senior Pastor Rev. Cido Araujo, Assoc. Pastor of Brazilian Ministries
JULY/AUGUST 2011
faith
The Country Preacher “When can we have a depression?” one of the little boys in our Sunday School asked his mother. Their family had been watching The Waltons, a 1970s television program. He wished his family could be like the one he saw in the TV program. It would be difficult to find a community that looked more like Middle America than the rows of ranch style homes that surrounded the West Virginia church where I was the pastor. What many of the children who lived in those homes wanted was not riches nor famous parents but just the love and the warmth they felt as they watched a television family struggle through a difficult period known as The Great Depression. I have heard that our memory often changes a lake’s brown water to clear or blue. Maybe my remembrance of the summer days before school began weren’t as good as I recall but I can’t think of much I would want to change. Raising almost everything we ate required hard work. When Dad came home from his job we ate and then worked until dark. If we picked beans or gathered corn then the next day was spent at a shady picnic table breaking beans and shucking corn. While we worked Mother told us stories about when she was growing up. She encouraged us to show Christian character and told us about her parents who had gone to be with the Lord. Mother would plan a refreshment break when we enjoyed cookies or frozen Kool Aid on a stick. I loved our family togetherness.
Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road (770) 889-8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available for both services Senior Pastor: Bill Ford www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road, (678) 990-9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jon Adams www.thevinecommunitychurch.com
Roman Catholic
Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road (770) 887-9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30, 9 & 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon; 5:30 p.m. Spanish Mass, 1:30 p.m. Weekdays: 9 a.m Pastor: Father Frank www.goodshepherdcumming.com St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road, (770) 205-7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. JULY/AUGUST2011
[ by David Hill ]
In the hottest part of the early afternoon I was free to head to the woods with a BB gun and my black and white shepherd dog. I fought imaginary enemies and searched for allusive wild game. There was peacefulness in those afternoons that many children today will never experience. Children are longing for a “normal family life”. They want their parents to show character and responsibility. Their wish is to have parents whose judgment they can trust, someone who is consistently honest. The burden of hard work and poverty, something we
Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Spanish Mass: 1 p.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Pastor: Father John Howren www.stbrendansatl.com
United Methodist
Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. (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 & 11 a.m. (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. www.cfumcga.com
[ Continued on page 43 ] Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway, (770) 887-0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
OTHER CHURCHES
Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 977 0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net
Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, (770) 887-0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller www.lanierumc.org AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
41
Reference
Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations
Business Networking
Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Location: Lanier Tech College New Conference Center 7745 Majors Rd Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: (877) 581-1039 or ron@business400.com Information: The goal is to provide the 400 Community the opportunity to effectively network and to view the 400 corridor as a single economic engine. Go to www.Business400. com for events and me membership info. $5 for members and $15 for guests at the door. Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, (770) 886-0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all. Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thursdays 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location: New) Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen at tiffany@servpro8378.com or 770-887-1962 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. Forsyth Business Network Meeting: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. Location: Stars & Strikes, 133 Merchants Square Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: Third Wednesdays from 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, (678) 965-5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tuesday at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: (770) 887-6461 or www.cummingforsythchamber.org Information: $15 for members and $30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. No fees. Location: Starbucks-141 and Ronald Reagan – John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier (770) 887-2772 rgrier@harborfs.com 42
Women Who Mean Business Meeting: First Tuesday, Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street Contact: (770) 887-6461 Information: Free for members; $30 for non-members. Register online at www. cummingforsythchamber.org.
Charitable Organizations
Georgia Highlands Medical Services Contact: (770) 887-1668 Information: This is a non-profit Community Health Center (CHC) serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979. Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: (770) 886-5419 Website: www.savethehorses.org Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: (770) 887-6480 Information: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. Website: www.forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: (678) 513-9400 Information: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. Website: www.thereshope.org Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Information: 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
Ducktown Chapter #460 — Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: 2nd & 4th Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Location: 4655 Canton Hwy. Contact: (770) 887-8147 Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org
Political Organizations
Democratic Women of Forsyth County Meeting: Second Thursday Location: Different restaurants in Cumming Contact: Mary Chatfield, (770) 887-1106 Facebook page: DWFC GA Information: Democratic women meet monthly and the meetings alternate between lunch and dinner meetings with programs. AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
Forsyth County Democratic Party Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: CooCoo’s Nest restaurant, corner of Freedom Parkway & Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming Contact: Ricia Maxie at ricialm@aol.com or Mary Chatfield at (770) 887-1106
Recreation & Hobbies
Cuong Nhu Martial Arts Club Contact: (404) 423-3524 Meeting: Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: Central Park Website: www.meetup.com/North-Atlanta Cuong-Nhu-Martial-Arts-Club/ Information: No fees, open to 16 years + North Georgia Chess Center Location: 2450 Atlanta Hwy. Suite 1401 Contact: Joseph or Cathy Couvillion 770-844-9204, northgachesscenter@gmail.com, www.northgachesscenter.com Information: Call for hours. Membership $15 per month or $150 annually. Lessons are also available. Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month; 4th Tuesday is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming Website: www.piecemakersquiltguild.org
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-hour information line: (770) 886-0696 Information: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County Website: www.aacummingga.org Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club Meeting: Third Thursday of each month Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Imy Rach, imyrach@yahoo.com Information: A luncheon with program, many interest group activities every week (ladies, mens, couples and singles). Open to all women currently living in the county. Website: www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org Holistic Moms Network - Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke at holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com Website: www.holisticmoms.org AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
It’s Back to School!
clubs, continued Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com
[ Continued from page 14 ]
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 Website: www.momsclub.org Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location: Forsyth County Family Center 133 Samaritian Dr., Cumming, GA Information: Two support groups (family & peer) meet every Thurs. except the last when there is a speaker. Contact: namifdlga@gmail.com Website: www.namifdlga.org SMART Recovery Meeting: Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC. 107 W. Court house Square, Suite 274 Website: www.smartrecovery.org
News from Senator Murphy
[ Continued from page 7 ] workers, sending those folks back to their home countries. Unfortunately, the domestic workers have a tendency to produce less and to quit after a few days. This leaves farms with employment shortages and crops left to rot in the fields. At the onion filed in Vidalia, we heard similar complaints about the guest worker program and a similar sentiment: Georgia’s immigration law would not be a burden if the federal guest worker program was easier to navigate and the debilitating requirements were removed. Farmers at both locations asked us if Georgia could modify the H-2A federal guest worker program in some way. If there was a mandated cutoff, for example, where domestic workers who applied after a certain date would not force the elimination of a migrant worker, then the labor force could remain constant. They also asked if we could possibly form a Georgia guest worker program. We will see where our research leads on these possibilities. Farmers have been the backbone of Georgia’s economy for generations upon generations. Our citizens have told us that we need immigration reform, and I agree with them. What we really need is for the federal government to realize that we can regulate immigration, we can utilize guest workers and we can control illegal immigrants from weighing down our resources. It’s time the feds help or get out of our way.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
More recently, the story of Rachel Beckwith hit the airwaves. Rachel turned 9 on June 12, 2011. In her own words, she said she had recently learned that millions of people don’t live to see their 5th birthday because they don’t have access to clean, safe water. She asked everyone she knew to donate to her campaign for clean water rather than give her gifts. Her goal was to raise $300 by her birthday. She was close to meeting her goal to bring clean, safe water to Africa. She died on July 23 after a car accident. Her pastor encouraged people to donate to “charity:water” in honor of Rachel. As of this writing, $769,871 has been raised. I think I know where Rachel is today. Teaching children the importance of philanthropy and service early in their lives helps them understand the significance of compassion, empathy and giving. It never goes out of style. Those parents and teachers who encourage their children and students to give back should be commended! Start early and make it a lifestyle, one that improves the lives of others. Thank you Ms. Terri North, Principal of Piney Grove Middle School who gave more than 1000 students, staff, parents and volunteers the opportunity to give back to our community in May, 2011. Carrie B’s response from Ms. Trusty’s assignment…”If I were President, I would make a law that kids must be tucked into their beds and kissed good night!”
The Country Preacher
[ Continued from page 41 ] which comes with an economic depression, is bearable if a family faces it together. Could you imagine being the little child Jesus set before those gathered to hear Him preach (Matthew 18:2-3)? In His omnipotence He saw the future of every child that Satan would rob of their youthful innocence. He saw others Satan would fill with doubt, working to destroy their faith in a Saviour who could wipe away their sin with a prayer. He saw the weaknesses of parents who would live selfishly at the expense of children. God is called our Father, His church is like a bride and we can all be “the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26 If I could return to those long hours of labor, anticipating the end of summer I would still dread the beginning of school. It separated me from our family’s daily togetherness. Only God can change yesterday. He can offer forgiveness for mistakes and open new opportunities to do better in the future, I John 1:9. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
43
Include your coupon here! Call 678.704.1930 for details.
44
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
PRESSURE WASHING Decks $139 Houses 770-844-7111 Licensed & Insured www.WASHTHISHOUSE.com
Patios Walkways Driveways
House Wash
(Up to 2000 sq. ft.) Some restrictions apply Exp. 09/30/2011
Pools & More
GUTTER CLEANING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
45
Reference Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government: President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199
Commissioners: R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 GA: Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
(202) 224-3521
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.tomgraves.house.gov
(202) 225-5211 (770) 535-2592
Rep. Rob Woodall. (R), District 7 Post Office Box 1871 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Website: http://robwoodall.com
(770) 963-2420
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us fax:
County Manager Doug Derrer
(770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
(770) 661-0999
(678) 513-5881
Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5882
Todd Levent, District 3 (R) e-mail: tlevent@forsythco.com
(770) 781-2101
Patrick B. Bell, District 4 (R) e-mail: pbbell@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5884
Jim Boff, District 5 (R) e-mail: jjboff@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5885
Forsyth County School System Superintendent, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.forsythco.com Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
(404) 652-7003 (404) 652-7123
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(404) 656-5030
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov fax:
(770) 887-1960 (770) 205-0602
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Senator Steve Gooch (R), District 51 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 889-0229
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23 e-mail: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov
(770) 844-6768
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24 e-mail: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov
(770) 887-0400
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
Forsyth County Government: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2101 Website:www.forsythco.com fax: (770) 781-2199 46
(770) 781-2010
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
(770) 781-2101
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
Reference Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — Cumming • (770) 615-3334 Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center Medical Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road Health Department 428 Canton Highway Fire and Law Enforcement City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road Georgia State Patrol Libraries Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road Parks and Recreation Main Number: 410 Pilgrim Mill Road Athletic Division Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Golf Clubs Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
(770) 479-1703 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
(770) 844-3200 www.northside.com (770) 844-7494 (770) 886-7135 (770) 781-6906
(770) 781-2000 www.cummingpd.net (770) 781-2180 www.forsythco.com (770) 205-5400
(770) 781-9840 www.forsythpl.org (770) 781-9840 (770) 781-9840
(770) 781-2030
Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
(770) 887-5432 (770) 887-5715
YMCA 6050 Y Street
(770) 888-2788
POST OFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road
(770) 886-2388
Schools Forsyth County Board of Education www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
See page 36 for complete listing (770) 887-2461
UTILITIES City of Cumming (770) 781-2020 Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer Authority (770) 781-2160 110 East Main Street www.forsythco.com Solid Waste Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill (770) 887-6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC (770) 205-6912 2535 Ivy Street East Waste Management, Inc. (770) 751-1304 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta www.wm.com Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (770) 205-4573
770) 781-2215 (678) 455-8540
Telephone AT&T Residential Business www.att.com
(770) 205-4715
Georgia Power
888) 660-5890
(770) 781-3491
Sawnee Electric Membership
(770) 887-2363
(888) 757-6500 (866) 213-6300
(706) 216-7336 (770) 887-0006 (770) 887-7656 (678) 513-1000
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
47
Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! ACOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Becky Brown, North Georgia........20 Accounting Consultants, Inc 770-888-7700 BOOK/BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc.................Inside Cover 770-346-9979 1264 Old Alpharetta Road, Alpharetta www.booklogix.com CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS Carpet Dry Tech.............20, 44 678-368-5991 CHIROPRACTOR Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation..............31 678-456-9122 CHURCH SERVICES Cumming First United Methodist........................38 770-887-2900 CLOTHING B.Loved..........................44 www.shopbloved.com CUSTOM T-SHIRTS & SPECIALTY ITEMS Big Frog..........................31, 44 770-889-3764
DANCE COMPANY Fusion Dance Company..............11 770-815-8172 ORTHODONTICS Windermere Orthodontics…..32 770-888-1929 www.orthodonticsatwindermere.com EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION DeVry University………..11 1-866-DEVRY-34 www.DeVry.edu/Atlanta Huntington Learning Center.............................12 770-205-2800 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 340 www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com ELECTRICAL SERVICES Arc Angel Electric, Back Cover, 44 770-889-9243 www.arcangelectric.com www.arcangelsolar.com FREELANCE WRITERS Shelly Kent......................14 404-232-9898 HAIR SALON Wendy Grosse OVO Salon......................5 678-469-4414 HEATING/AIR/PLUMBING Reliable Heating & Air………27 770-594-9969 www.reliableair.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Kim Bates Photography.................6 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com
JEWELRY STORE Lance’s Jewelry.. Back Cover, 44, 45 770-781-5500 1705 Market Place, Blvd. www.lancesjewelry.com MAILING SERVICES/PACKAGING The UPS Store, Bethelview..........37 770-888-1502 5885 Bethelview Road, Suite 360 MARKETING/BRANDING/ ADVERTISING Small Bizz MBA……….23 404-580-6331 MEDICALSERVICES Northside Hospital Forsyth......1 www.northside.com MOBILE & WEB DEVELOPMENT Smartware Design ..............14 770-510-6192 PAYMENT SYSTEMS Heartland Payment Systems…..23 770-480-3975 PET ADOPTION/RESCUE Human Society of Forsyth County...............15
www.ghostnetinc.com Networking &Security Solutions Professional Web-Development & Hosting Windows/Linux/Mac Support Computer Sales/Repairs/Upgrades
770.852.2292 | 706.253.1013 Effective solutions for your computer & networking needs. 48
770-889-1365; 770-887-6480 www.forsythpets.org
HOME IMPROVEMENT/SERVICE Handyman Malcolm……44 678-654-3852 Patriot Painters ………5 770-262-7345 www.patriotpainters.com
AROUNDABOUT — CUMMING
RESTAURANTS/FOOD SERVICES Baba’s Gyro & Kabob…..18, 19, 45 770-888-8100 Bello Italian Restaurant…..18 770-888-1998 Good Measure Meals.....19 404-815-7695 Norman’s Landing........ 7, 18, 45 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com Pacific Spice…………….18, 19, 45 770-886-4881 www.pacificspice.com TAE KWAN DO World Champion Tae Kwan Do...11, 46 770-886-9933 WEB HOSTING SERVICES GhostNet, Inc.................48 770-852-2292 www.ghostnetinc.com WINE TASTING/PAIRINGS Southeast Vino.................22 www.southeastvino.com
6 Months FREE Web Hosting
Mention this ad to receive your first six months of web hosting free when you have your web site developed by GhostNet! We provide complete Web Development Services, whether you need a full E-commerce site, just a basic information page, or simply need someone to maintain your existing site. New sites only please. HOT DEAL!
Expires 09/30/2011
$10/$20 OFF
We support all operating systems on laptops, computers and servers, and servers for business clients. Mention this ad for $10 off your next in-house repair or $20 off your next on-site visit for business network clients. One discount per client please. Discount applies to labor only. HOT DEAL!
Expires 09/30/2011
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011