March - April 2012

ews School N Camps Summers 34-37 Page

We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care.

Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

[ Contents March 2012 ]

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24 My Forsyth is printed using soybased inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.

On the Cover: Kathy Martin, owner of Huntington Learning Center, and 7 year-old Bailey DiMaria-Combs

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Forsyth’s Huntington Learning Center

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Health & Wellness

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The Missing Principles of Business Methodology

Julie Brennan is the Publisher of My Forsyth magazine. She is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Julie may be reached at julie@marketcomplete.com 2

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Working Together to Help Students Achieve their Goals!

27 Supplements and Your Heart 27 Preventing Eye Injuries 28 The Vitamin You Should Have Checked 29 Is it a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

Keep up-to-date with your community! www.myforsyth.com Join the My Forsyth fan page www.facebook.com/myforsyth MY FORSYTH

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MARCH 2012

Community 7

Lifestyle

Faith

Under the Gold Dome

17 Creating Your Own Stress

38 How do You

Decide?

13 Accountability:

It Counts!

20 Take a Walk in

My Shoes

38 This Spring:

Do One Thing!

15 Leading Lines

21 Execute Your Plan

39 A New Season

23 Dang, Steph!

In every issue Kit and Jimmy artwork

by Cumming-based artist Coliene Belle. www.kitandjimmy.com

Schools 34 South Forsyth High School’s DECA

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Community News

10

Birthdays and Announcements

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Forsyth County News

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Humane Society Pets for Adoption

36 School Listing

35 West Forsyth High School’s Studio West

40 Church Listing 42

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Clubs & Organizations

47 Elected Officials

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Publisher Julie Brennan julie@marketcomplete.com (678) 614-8583

EDITOR Jennifer Paire editor@myforsyth.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Melissa Barton melissa@myforsyth.com

Market Director Kimberly Starr Kimberly@myforsyth.com 770-313-6546

Graphic Design Pixelution Studios Josh Murtha (678) 945-7301 josh@pixelutionstudios.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates www.kimbatesphotoart.com

Technical Administrator Michael Barton Michael@myforsyth.com

The mission of My Forsyth magazine is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories about their communities and its people. Our goal is to bring positive stories about Forsyth County.

To businesses we provide a premium outlet for community-based advertising.

Each month, 21,500 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution.

My Forsyth, a publication of Market Complete LLC, welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the Publisher/Editor. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ŠCopyright 2011.

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My Forsyth www.myforsyth.com 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 (p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

MARCH 2012

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Passings & Crossings This month marks the anniversary of the passing of a fine man who I am privileged to have had as a friend, even for a short time. Thinking of him caused a gallery of other faces to appear and linger awhile in my thoughts—family, friends and loved ones who enriched my life for all too short a time before crossing over to what lies beyond.

The important people in our lives have a varied and everlasting effect upon us. Like long-gone but masterful composers, they permanently stamp little vignettes in our memories that we can call forth at will to want the heart or swell the spirit. Their acts of kindness, courage and selflessness provide a beacon that we can use to steer clear of moral hazards in the dark nights of the soul that occasionally afflict every human being.

Every day, people are passing out of our lives, taking with them the memory and knowledge of a different time, and a different world. It is quite a sensation to truly realize how brief and how fragile is our tenure here, and yet how far goes the influence or our tiny moment in the sun.

The world around us is so complex and so vastly improbable that its very existence might only be thought of as a miracle. I suspect that for those for whom time is short, there is a vivid and intense appreciation of that fact.

And so I treasure those occasional moments of detached lucidity that I think of as “Joe Black” moments—drinking in an experience with every sense fully awake, savoring every nuance, as if both for the first and

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last time. As if some small voice in a dim corner of the soul is telling me that I might never get another chance. You never know.

Take a moment now and then to drink in a spectacular sunset, or to notice the way the air smells just before a summer thunderstorm. Pause to watch the ballet of a hundred butterflies at dusk. Really savor the way your wine enhances a well-prepared meal. Listen to the haunting violin in Scheherazade, and imagine it as the voice of an imprisoned princess, waiting for her lover.

It is all too common these days to become totally buried in a fast-paced career and highenergy lifestyle. Santayana defined a fanatic as one who redoubles his efforts after losing sight of his goals. Even if we admit that a certain amount of fanaticism may be a necessary ingredient in an active lifestyle, there is on thing we should remember always: the goal is to live well.

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MARCH 2012

News from Senator Murphy [ by Senator Jack Murphy, R-GA 27th District]

My Thoughts on the Declaration of Independence & Oil “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the GOVERNED.” These words were written on July 4, 1776, by our forefathers. I firmly believe that these important thoughts are more important today than any other time in our history; they are what our foundation is built upon. Government sometimes forgets that it is governed by the will of the people.

Amendment X states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectfully, or to the People.”

In other words, the States tell the Federal Government, not the Federal Government telling the States. Somehow that has been overlooked.

Let’s talk about our gas situation. The current and past administrations have not taken the necessary steps to secure our independence from foreign oil. Take for example the conditions that were put in place to build the Keystone Pipeline from Canada to the Central United States.

The Federal Government has also not allowed drilling in Alaska in the Anwar region. However, from what has been studied, those projects would dramatically increase our oil capacity. We recently discovered that there is 25 times more oil in the Dakotas than we originally thought. Why not use that responsibly instead of depending on the resources of other countries?

The Government is limiting offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. If these measures were taken up and approved, we could cut our independence on foreign oil and lower gas prices. Why aren’t we doing that?

The United States has estimated we have enough natural gas to last over 125 years. Why can’t we concentrate on converting our automobiles and trucks to use natural gas as an alternate fuel source and build filling sites for our vehicles?

I am told that natural gas sells for about one dollar a gallon. That makes a lot of sense to me.

We must change our way of thinking soon for the future of our nation and our children.

God bless you and your family and our United States.

Senator Jack Murphy (R-GA 27th District) may be reached at 404-6567127 or jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.

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News Around Forsyth strands Studio to Create 40 Teenage Models

The 2012 Small Business Awards luncheon presented by the CummingForsyth Chamber of Commerce and BB&T Bank recognized trailblazers in the business community. Recipients of the coveted award included Pam and Sammy Wright (Wright Imports), Derek Brooks (Brandywine Printing), Marie Dinsmore (The Dinsmore Team), Bruce Longmore (Lennys’ Atlanta) and Jay Ryerse (JTech Networks). Sawnee EMC, Rainharvest Systems and In-Depth Wraps were also recognized during the event.

strands Studio For Hair, a new upscale salon owned

by Master Cosmetologist, Edie Ciccia is gearing up to create trendy coifs on 40 teenage models.

This unique group of young ladies will model for Pure Fashion, a non-profit faith based organization promoting modesty and dignity. As part of their modeling program -- which includes a make-up session, runway training, a ‘mall mission,’ retreat, community service, and strolls down the catwalk— the girls also visit a hair salon to learn the latest trends and to have their hair professionally styled for Pure Fashion head shots. Other strands stylists who will participate include Marla Wonner, Master Cosmetologist/Senior Stylist/Colorist; Mary Alice Gallogly, Senior Stylist, Colorist and Make-up Artist.

Pure Fashion Show is slated for April 22, 2012 at Belk at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA.

Forsyth Senior Expo a Success

Eagle Scout Recognized by Forsyth County Commissioners At their March 1 meeting the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the accomplishments of an Eagle Scout. Brandon Whitlatch was presented with a Resolution from the commissioners in recognition of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Brandon is a member of Troop 2000 of the Boy Scouts of America and is a graduate of Lambert High School, currently attending North Georgia College and State University. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held February 18, 2012.

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Attendance at the tenth annual Forsyth Senior Expo held February 18 at the Central Park Recreation Center exceeded event organizers’ expectations. The free event, put on by Forsyth County Senior Services, welcomed nearly 750 attendees.

The annual event provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including health care, housing, finance, safety and security, recreation, and travel. Approximately 80 vendors were on hand at the Expo to provide information to senior citizens as well as their families and friends.

“We appreciate the community’s attendance at the Senior Expo, and we extend our thanks to all of the volunteers and vendors who helped to make the event a success,” Senior Services Interim Director Valerie Rhoads said.

MARCH 2012

Ladies Night Out to Benefit Designing Dreams Allison Havill Todd is pleased to announce the next Ladies Night Out fundraiser to benefit this year’s charitable room makeover. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 beginning at 5:30p.m., to be held at Inspirations Kitchen & Bath Showroom, located at 1250 Alpha Dr., Alpharetta. The evening features cooking demonstrations, raffles, products and more. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For further Information and advance ticket purchase, please contact Allison Havill Todd Interiors at 770-887-7612 or info@ahtinteriors.com.

Mountain Fresh Creamery Invites public to experience ‘Fresh from the Farm’ Mountain Fresh Creamery’s owners Scott and Jennifer Glover cordially invite Forsyth County residents and all who wish to learn what ‘Fresh from the farm’ really means to visit their farm. “We try to communicate with the people that come in here as much as we can about our product and why it’s different than conventional milk,” stated Scott Glover. Visitors can experience the final stages of real-time production of high quality, farm fresh milk, butter and ice cream. Although space is limited, the Glovers invite educational groups and the general public to stop in for a lesson in sustainable agriculture, not to mention, southern hospitality and premium natural products from the source. With gracious hosts, a knowledgeable team and ‘fresh from the farm’ products, consumers can add another destination to Georgia’s list of must-see agritourism sites. For more information contact Scott or Jennifer Glover at 770-983-1MOO or visit www.

MountainFreshCreamery.com.

New Book of Poems Published Thoughtful poems, inspired by various daily and life experiences fill the new book by author Dr. Henry Fields, a native Georgian who was educated in public schools and a private seminary.

A graduate engineer of Georgia Tech, he spent most of his career as the minister of local congregations. During those years, he wrote inspirational columns for local newspapers. His love of words and using them to express thoughts with a minimum of word usage led to his hobby of writing poetry.

The father of two grown children and grandfather of four grandchildren, Henry retired with his wife, Betty, to the North Georgia Mountains. They live on a small farm where he continues to write for specific publications and for pleasure.

Scratchpad Ponderings: A Collection of Poems is available at www.rosedogbookstore.com.

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Cheryl Pruitt March 1

Dylan Coon Age 4 on February 12 We love you so much!

Daddy, Mommy, Reagan, Gunny & Duke

Katie Diem March 30

Reagan Coon Age 7 on March 17 We love you so much!

Daddy, Mommy, Dylan, Gunny & Duke

Happy Birthday Sophia and Stu! March 9 and March 22 Love, Mom

Suzanne Hendricks March 15

Canyon Rozeboom Age 6 on March 1 Brother of Kassidy

Glenda Cronan March 31

Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@myforsyth.com 10

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MARCH 2012

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Community

Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com Homestead Exemptions Those who purchased a house during 2011, were living there on January 1, 2012, consider this their primary legal residence and are not claiming homestead at any other location are eligible for lower property taxes by filing for Homestead Exemption. While you can file for Homestead Exemption year-round, you must file before April 1 to receive these benefits for 2012.

Each of the new approximately 40,000-square foot recreation centers includes two basketball gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, cardio/ weight membership room, fitness studio, multi-purpose/art studio, dance studio, and a community room with a kitchen.

For details: Forsyth County Tax Assessor’s Office Forsyth County Administration Building 110 E. Main Street, Suite 260, Cumming 770.781.2106

Fire Department Seeking Entries for Fire Safety Poster Contest The Forsyth County Fire Department invites local third grade students to enter the second annual Forsyth County Fire Safety Poster Contest. The contest is open to all third grade students in Forsyth County public and private schools and homeschooled students. Three winners will enjoy a pizza party with their class and local firefighters. The three winners and three runners up will have the honor of having their artwork displayed in county buildings. The deadline for poster submissions is March 16.

Full details and contest rules can be found on the Fire Department page at www.forsythco.com. For additional information, call Fire Safety Educator Michele Cranford at 770.781.2180 ext. 4028.

Two New Recreation Centers Now Open The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department opened two new recreation centers in February, one each at Old Atlanta Park and Fowler Park. The new facilities were made possible by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by Forsyth County voters in 2008 and by Impact Fees.

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The centers will offer a variety of athletic programs, summer camps and recreational activities including fitness, dance, art, martial arts, gymnastics, and special interest classes.

New programs are slated to begin at the centers in mid-March and will include music classes, Jujitsu, jump rope clinics, driving classes for teens, home school gymnastics and creative art programs for all ages.

The Old Atlanta Recreation Center is located at 810 Nichols Road, across from Lambert High School. The Fowler Park Recreation Center is located inside Fowler Park at 4110 Carolene Way. Forsyth County also has a recreation center at Central Park, located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road. The county’s three recreation centers will serve as the main activity registration sites for the Parks and Recreation Department.

For additional information about the recreation centers, call the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department at 770.781.2215.

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MARCH 2012

Accountability: It Counts! [ by Ruth Goode ]

When you give to United Way of Forsyth County, you’re guaranteed that community volunteers hold the agencies accountable for the use the contributions made by our donors. An annual evaluation process ensures all donations make a positive impact in the most critical areas of need. These areas are: • Substance Abuse/Mental Health/Domestic Violence Services • Promoting Self-Sufficiency/Strengthening Families & Seniors • Promoting Community Health, Safety, Leadership, Information &

Referral and Nonprofit Education • Therapeutic Services for At-Risk Children & Youth • Services for Citizens with Special Needs • Strength-Based Support Services for Children & Youth Once the annual campaign begins to cool down at United Way, the next step of the process heats up! It is called the Community Investment process. The Community Investment process begins with site visits to the agencies in mid-summer and then again in January. Also in January, the agencies submit their Program Application as well as their Audit, 990, Partnership Certification, Counterterrorism Compliance Form, Statement of Agreement, Roster of Board Members, and any changes to their Bylaws.

The Partnership Certification requires agencies to be in compliance with all legal, local, state and federal operating and reporting requirements, code of ethics and governance standards and IRS reporting.

MARCH 2012

A panel of community volunteers reviews the Program Application which includes the agency’s request for funds from United Way. Committee members are carefully chosen at the beginning of the year. They are trained in all aspects of the allocation process and required to take part in the activities of the committee so they are knowledgeable of the agencies they review. These volunteers represent the small business community, Forsyth County Schools, healthcare facilities, large corporations, colleges, local government, and churches. They take their job seriously as they are responsible for deciding where approximately $1,000,000 will be placed in the community. Each committee member averages between 30-35 hours of service each year.

The full panel of volunteers (30 members) makes a recommendation for funding to the Board of Directors who has final approval of the funding recommendations. [ Continued from page 43]

Ruth Goode is the Executive Director of United Way Forsyth. She may be reached at 770-781-4110.

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Leading Lines [ by Kaylene Fister ]

Sometimes what makes one photo more interesting than another is the viewer’s ability to ‘discover’ something that might not be obvious at first glance. Admit it, a couple of years ago you probably stood at a mall kiosk, tilting your head, trying to find the hidden 3-D image inside one of those weird-looking pictures, right? I know I wasn’t the only one with a crick in my neck after doing that!

One of the many ways you can add interest and depth to an image is the use of leading lines. They draw the viewer into an image and, when done well, leave him there to wander around for a while. Have you ever noticed that sometimes a photo causes you to pause and look for more? Odds are it has lines that keep your attention.

The photo of road lines is a clear example of how lines can draw you into and through a photo. Your eye automatically follows the bright yellow path and stays with the fairly vertical movement - there’s no compulsion for left-to-right tracking here.

Driving back from our Thanksgiving trip out west last year, Steve and I passed through St Louis.

The day was various shades of flat gray and we didn’t have long to stop, but having never been in the city, I wanted to see the Arch and give myself a memory of its size.

This photo did just that for me, but in terms of leading lines it’s not good. While the arch leaves the frame in a similar position to the yellow lines above, the lines tend to pull the eye right out of the image in a distracting way. The lines were the subject in the road photo (no less so than the leaf) but here the trees are in a losing battle with the Arch for your attention. Do you notice that happening?

I took this last photo as light was failing on a foggy day a few weeks ago. It’s a much better example of the way lines guide the eye, so let’s talk about what we have.

The most obvious line is the road itself - a clear path (pun intended!) right into the lower middle of the image. In addition, we have the edges where seal meets grass - black lines leading in. What about the fence to the right? It runs in parallel to the road, reinforcing the direction.

[ Continued on page 43] Kaylene Fister is a professional photographer residing in Cumming, originally from New Zealand. Kaylene is the owner of Southern Kiwi Photography.

She may be reached at 404.583.0659.

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Community Calendar 27th Annual Jumble Sale Date: April 19-21 Times: Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. – Noon Location: Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church, 7620 Lanier Drive, Cumming Information: The Jumble Sale is sponsored by the Deer Creek Presbyterian Women. Proceeds from the sale go toward local, community, church and foreign missionary needs. Drop off items from April 12 thru the 17. Contact 770-887-6801 for details. Unfortunately we cannot accept computers or baby car seats.

Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale Date: March 30-31 Time: Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming Information: Approximately 30 vendors from four states are participating in this event. Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, including many cultivars of Japanese Maples will be available. Garden decor and related items such as tools, birdhouses, hats, photographs and paintings will also be available. Presentations and demonstrations to include native plants, haybale gardens, vermiculture, square foot gardens, pollination gardens, and hydroponic gardening. Rain or shine. Call 770-887-2418 for more information.

“Dream, Challenge, Inspire, Create” Date: April 15-18 Times: Tuesday thru Friday 10:00 to 4:00; Saturday 12:00 to 4:00 Location: The Bowen Center, 334 Highway 9, Dawsonville Information: Presented by The Sawnee Artists Association of Cumming, the 11th “Bellezza” Art Show and Sale features original works by the members in oils, watercolor, pastels, mixed media, acrylic and 3-d art with wood, glass, sculpture, pottery, and fiber. Photography is included in this show. Hand-made jewelry will be displayed. Visit sawneeart.org for details.

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Straight from the Heart Date: April 21 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Johns Creek Baptist Church, 6910 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta Information: A series of learning lessons on topics including Drug Abuse, Created by God, Nutrition, Internet Technology, Internet Security, Resume Writing and Networking, Sporting Events and Gardening. The event is free. To register visit http://jcbc.org.

3rd Annual Boulder Dash 5K Fitness Walk / Run & Corporate Challenge Date: April 28 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Location: Race begins at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming Information: A race course through the quarry, event venues and Spring Fling post race activities. Visit http:// boulderdash5k.com for details and registration information.

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MARCH 2012

Creating Our Own StressLet’s Decide What IS

Important! [ by Christine M. Roberts]

While driving home from running errands there was this knot in my stomach and a feeling of pressure on my mind. There were so many things I “needed” to get done! Ugh, there just isn’t enough time in the day! As my mind raced through the list, not sure if it was divine intervention or what, it suddenly hit me that there were numerous things that I did not have to do. Why am I creating all this stress for myself?

Do you ever feel this way? We create all these tasks that weigh on our minds.

Maybe it’s ironing the pillow cases (that is just me, yes…I let that one go), making character cookies for your child’s class instead of stopping by Publix, ordering and sending customized birthday cards when you could just click on Evite, getting those last two bales of pine straw to make the flower beds look just right, when you are the only one who will notice, reading all those junk emails that are sitting within your inbox when you should just delete them, or whatever it is that you expend energy on thinking it needs to be done.

In Stephen Covey’s book “First Things First”, he talks about the subject of managing our time effectively by organizing all the “stuff” into different categories.

This is an excellent tool/idea to help us get things into perspective. If we eliminate most of the things that fall in the Not Important, Not Urgent categories, it really helps us to focus on the important and urgent items and then DECIDE to forego the other entries. It’s easier said than done but it’s worth a shot. For me, it is something to get me back to putting my head on straight.

Let’s all challenge ourselves to purge those items in the fourth quadrant and like my friend, Dominic, from up north says “forgeta bout it!”

What if we all got clear about where we should spend our time, there would probably be a lot less stress in our lives…well, maybe? *TIME MANAGEMENT MATRIX from Stephen Covey’s book “First Things First”

Christine Roberts is a volunteer with Mentor Me, a local non-profit 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 Christine.M.Roberts@comcast.net MARCH 2012

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{ForsythFoodie } Norman’s Landing 365 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 770.886.0100 www.normanslanding.com

Join the Forsyth Foodie on Facebook. www.Facebook.com/ MyForsythFoodie

Go on…let them spoil you!

If you’ve ever planned a trip to the beach, one of the things to look forward to the most is, of course, all of the awesome seafood that is available. I recently took a winter beach trip for a few days and while I was there I thoroughly enjoyed some deliciously fresh seafood…paired with some great southern dishes of course. (Think fried shrimp and fried green tomatoes!)

During one of my many fantastic meals, I got to thinking, where is the best seafood restaurant in Forsyth County?

of the day are always great, their made-fromscratch sides are great comfort food, the salads are hearty with healthy produce, the meat dishes are always tender and juicy and the desserts… well, you get the point. It’s all just, great!

Now, a year ago, this would have been a really hard question to answer. Spondivits, a local seafood and steak dive, had a great selection of amazingly fresh seafood. But late in 2010, they closed their doors. So without them I didn’t have to flip a coin, my choice was a no-brainer…

Norman’s Landing!

I wish I could give you one signature dish to try, something to specifically ask for if you visit Norman’s Landing, but the fact is, everything is great. So if I still haven’t convinced you, consider this, Bill has given over $1 million dollars to local charities. So, if for no other reason, go support this local establishment because they in turn, support our community.

And to top it all off, the service is always great too.

Owner Bill Norman (original partner in Longhorn Steakhouse) and his staff take the restaurant slogan to heart – “Let us Spoil you!” - and not only do they treat you well, they will always leave you wanting to come back for more.

If you have lived in Forsyth County for any span of time and have not visited the famous fish camp on Peachtree Parkway, you are missing out. Since Norman’s Landing opened in 1995, I have never, and I mean NEVER had one, single bad meal in that restaurant. Whether it was a seafood dish, or a land-lovers meal, everything was fresh, juicy and just plain delicious. I don’t even think I can choose one specific meal to highlight. Their fresh catches

Recipe

Share your recipes and restaurant findings at www.facebook.com/MyForsythFoodie

Chocolate Cake * 3/4 cup softened butter * 1 3/4 cups sugar * 2 eggs * 1 tsp. vanilla * 2 cups flour * 3/4 cup cocoa * 1 3/4 tsp. baking soda * 1/2 tsp. salt * 1 1/3 cups water

Directions: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute at medium speed. Combine flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with water. Pour mixture into 2 greased and floured 8-inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely and frost with your favorite frosting.

Recipe courtesy of Chris Wilde.

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Take A Walk In My

Shoes!

[ by Jennifer Callahan Williams ]

Complete strangers look at you with irritation thinking you cannot control your own child. They look at you with judgment in their eyes as though you spoil your child to the point that they are out of control. Your heart aches as you watch your child trying to join in a game with other children but doesn’t know how or just tries to keep up with a conversation and just doesn’t “get it” when the kids laugh at silly jokes. You know your child is imaginative, fun, creative and wants to play with the other children in the park. However, you watch as the other children run the other way because your child is awkward with their request to play together. You and your child study all week for the big test on Friday. The big day arrives and you soon learn that your hard worker could only recall half of the information.

You want the best for your child and had never really imagined you would watch these frustrating and sometimes heart breaking moments unfold for your own child.

These are just a few short examples of what it is like having a child with some kind of developmental delay. There is a neurological reason behind why situations like this happen. It’s not because they are choosing to act this way.

Typically, if you see the parent that is attentive to their child having a “fit” that “fit” isn’t due to the fact that their parent has not done a good job of parenting.

This parent fights every day to do what is right for their child. Their daily schedule may be filled with constant supervision of that child and consistent support to manage daily routines. If you come across a situation like this, most parents would just appreciate some space and an unassuming non-judgmental opinion of what you may think is happening.

Despite these daily struggles these families have more appreciation for the little things that some of us can take for granted. The 4-year-old child that you avoided melting down in the grocery store isle can talk to you about mechanical engineering topics and has a great memory. The child that was socially awkward toward your child at the park is the easiest of the three children in that family and is very sympathetic towards other people, doesn’t tease anyone about their differences, and has no prejudice for people not like him. The little girl that gets angry and cries or screams because she can not express her real emotions can almost read your mind and knows what kind of day her daddy had when he walks in the door.

She is more intuitive than you would have guessed.

First impressions may not be what they seem and if you don’t take the time to see a child from their parent’s eyes you may miss some beautiful and pure qualities. Consider having an open mind to understanding what it may be like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.

Jennifer Callahan Williams is the Director of Brain Balance of Suwanee. She may be reached at 770-614-4790.

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Execute

Your Plan

[ by Parkey Thompson ]

Gardeners’ Circle of Life 2012 GMGA Conference [ by Pat Bowen ]

Recently, I was waiting in my office for a client to arrive. At the exact time they were scheduled to arrive they called and shared that they were going to be about 10 minutes late. It was more than 30 minutes later before they finally arrived. Knowing that I was likely fearing something bad had happened, they came in and shared with me that they had gotten lost. As it turned out, she was reading her book, told him to get off at exit 20, and he kept driving until he realized that the surroundings did not look familiar and there was no exit 20! They had driven into the next county.

That was a great picture they had created for me to use in their meeting that day. They were lost, no one paying attention, and woke up way off course. They were not executing as they should have. Truthfully, that was exactly where they were with their finances - way off the course that they had set, now trying to figure how bad the damage was, and how to get back on course.

The event that day was a picture of a typical American family. Last month we discussed having a plan, a spending plan; a budget!

This month, like the client described above, you need to make sure that you execute and stay on course.

Putting your spending plan together does no good if you do not execute your plan. Tracking to the plan you created will help you end up exactly where you planned. Unfortunately, when you are not following the plan you cannot succeed. Like the couple wondering down the interstate, you will be wondering outside your spending plan.

How do YOU execute Your PLan successfully?

1. Have your spending plan done before the month begins.

Each month brings about new challenges - planned and unplanned. By having your budget in place at the beginning of the month, you are less likely to get sidetracked.

2. Regularly check how close you are to following the spending plan. Make sure you are staying on course by keeping up with your actual expenditures.

3. If you get off course, take corrective action to get yourself back on the track of your spending plan.

4. Use the proper stop mechanism to keep you on track.

Cash is key in many categories!

5. At the end of the month and while you prepare for the next, analyze where you ended with your actuals. Find areas where you can improve and employ those changes.

If you want to perfect your green thumb, Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 are days you don’t want to miss.

Cherokee County Master Gardeners will be hosting the only Georgia Master Gardeners Association (GMGA) Conference for 2012. Beginning and experienced gardeners and even aspiring gardeners are all invited to attend this two day immersion in all things green and growing.

The event will be held at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton and will include great speakers, good food, beautiful and informative tours, shopping with a variety of garden related vendors, door prizes, silent auction items, valuable handouts, and lots of learning and sharing with fellow gardeners. Sign-in begins on Friday at 8am and shopping with scores of vendors opens Friday at noon (open to the general public on Friday only) through the end of the conference on Saturday afternoon.

There will be Friday morning and afternoon tours of the Funk Heritage Center and Burgess Arboretum on the Reinhardt College campus in Waleska, and Friday tours from 9:30am5pm of Gibbs Garden, a hidden jewel in near-by Ball Ground.

Then “Meet and Greet” local Master Gardeners one-on-one Friday evening over light refreshments.

For more information, to sign up for Conference updates, and to register for the Conference go to http:// georgiamgaconference.com.

You can complete your registration online with PayPal, or download the online registration form to mail with your check. The Conference fee is $75 for non-members of the GMGA, and it includes workshops and Saturday lunch. There is an extra charge for the tours and Meet and Greet event. You’ll receive your tickets for the tours, goodie bags, your name tag, all instructions and agenda information when you sign in at the Conference.

If you have specific questions regarding the conference, please contact Gerald Phillips, Conference Chair at gphilli@ hotmail.com.

Sticking to the spending plan you created is key in building a solid financial plan.

Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678-648-9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information.

MARCH 2012

Pat Bowen is a Cherokee County Master Gardener.

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Lifestyle Confederates of Forsyth County: Lieutenant David Terrell Harris of the Concord Rangers [ by W. Cliff Roberts ]

Davy Harris was 21-years-old when he and his friends volunteered for Confederate service at the Concord Baptist Church in Forsyth County. He was the 10th of 13 children born to a pioneer settler of the county, a blacksmith and cabinet maker named Claiborne Harris, and his wife Sarah Amelia Potts. Organized into a company under Captain Edward Smith, the local men called themselves the “Cherokee Rangers” and were sent to the North Carolina coast.

There were not enough Georgia troops on the Outer Banks to form a Georgia regiment so the Forsyth men fell in with the 2nd Battalion of North Carolina Infantry.

After being captured and paroled on Roanoke Island in February 1862, Harris and the rest of the battalion were sent to Richmond and Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. The Battalion was in Gen. Richard Ewell’s Corp at the Battle of Gettysburg. They lost 240 men in the battle, 64% of their total, in the epic three-day struggle. Lt. Harris returned to Forsyth County on his only furlough of the war in January 1864. In the few days that he was home, Davy Harris married his childhood sweetheart, Tahlitha Smith.

In April 1864, the company of Forsyth men was transferred to the 21st Georgia Infantry. One month later, at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Davy Harris was knocked senseless and captured in hand-to-hand fighting at the

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The public is invited to come and hear Dr. Brian Steel Wills, the Director of the Civil War Center and Professor of History at Kennesaw State University, at 7 PM, on Monday, March 26th, at the Bell Research Center in the historic Old Cumming School House. Dr. Wills is the author of “A Battle from the Start: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest and George Henry Thomas: As True As Steel.” He will be speaking on the War of 1812 in a bicentennial year. “mule shoe” on the Confederate line. He was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp in Delaware. Union officials, upset with how Southerners had been treating Yankee POWs at the Andersonville Prison in Georgia, choose to make an example of 600 Confederate officers. Harris was one of the “Immortal 600” who were sent to Morris Island outside of Charleston. They were placed in a small stockade in front of the Union cannon batteries. Under the hot Low Country sun, they endured wretched conditions, starvation rations, and constant shelling from Confederate artillery. Many of the officers died before they were finally sent back to Fort Delaware in March 1865. On June 16, 1865, Lt. Harris took an oath of allegiance to the Union and was finally released. He began a long walk home to Georgia and a new beginning. David and Lithy Harris had nine children after the war. They lived in Dahlonega and later in Hall County.

David Harris was a businessman and part-owner of a gold mine. Lt. Harris died in 1912 and is buried in Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville.

W. Cliff Roberts is a member of the Hiram Parks Bell Camp 1642, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

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MARCH 2012

Lifestyle

Dang, Steph!

What’s That Sound?

Is that Your Book I hear?

We Love What You’re Doing for Women [ by Shelly Kent ]

[ by Ahmad Meradji]

Everyone is talking about eBooks.

There’s a new device, “reader” or tablet every few days. But there’s another book medium out there that hasn’t gone anywhere: Audiobooks!

Have you thought about doing an audiobook? If not, you should consider it as another way to reach readers. Audiobook downloading has grown one hundred fifty percent in the past five years, according to the Audio Publishers Association (APA). The Toronto star reported in February that digital audiobooks are the only book category other than eBooks to achieve double-digit growth in the past year.

When are people listening to audiobooks? Users primarily play them while travelling/commuting, exercising, cooking, or walking the dog. Teachers and schools may use them for educational purposes. And parents may play them for their children. Forty-five percent of audiobook listeners who have children under 18 say their kids listen to audiobooks also. Parents may play audiobooks for their children in the car or at bedtime. Who listens to audiobooks? You might picture someone with vision problems or senior citizens. But, young people, ages 18 to 24, make up almost one quarter (23%) of all audiobook listeners.

Turning your book into an audiobook is easy with the right help. You can select from male or female vocal talent or both if you have different characters or a collection of short stories or poems. You can even choose to read your book yourself! Music and sound effects can be added, but be careful with having too many sounds added, you want to make sure the story is what the listener is focusing on, not the sound effects and music. The cost of doing an audiobook will be based on factors including the length of your story and production and editing costs. You can sell your audiobook with online retailers including Amazon, iTunes, on your website, or on a CD. BookLogix offers free educational publishing workshops on Saturdays at their office. To see a schedule of topics and dates, visit BookLogix.com.

Women. Was there ever a word so complex? Tucked in our houses we strive to maintain our family’s equilibrium, outside the house we absorb energy from our jobs, our friends, and our passions—each of us living in our own world, striving to fit comfortably into the one around us.

But we women, we don’t always make it easy on each other, do we? Just spend five minutes scrolling Facebook and you’ll be up to speed on how amazing everyone’s life is, leaving you to wonder, where are everyone’s problems?

After “liking” everyone’s lavish vacations, kids’ trophies, new jobs, or stylin’ makeover, it leaves me a little tired and flat, wondering if I’m up to par with the world around me.

Enter a new kind of attitude, pioneered by a local entrepreneurial mom, Stephanie O’Connor. Her apparel company, Dang Chicks, makes its products in the U.S.A. and utilizes local talent for modeling, marketing, and business support. Every unique individual and personality that comprises our community inspires the product lines Dang Chicks develops.

The attitude Dang Chicks’ apparel perpetuates is catching on like wildfire.

Perhaps you’ve seen country singer Miranda Lambert wearing her Dang Texan shirt, or singer Natalie Stovall or The View’s co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck wearing their Dang Proud shirts.

But more importantly, perhaps you’ve seen a Dang Strong shirt on a local woman who’s fighting cancer, a Dang Lucky shirt on a Mom who just started another phase of her life after a long tribulation, or a Dang Hopeful shirt on the mother of a child with autism. Instead of fostering envy, Dang Chicks plants seeds of strength and fortitude and, as brand wearers can attest, provide that kick of empowerment and vigor they may need to get through each new challenge.

Stephanie thrives on the touching letters she receives from what she calls “The Dang Chicks Nation” and has built an entire online community that revolves around the realities women contend with on a day-to-day basis. The simple messages found on her company’s merchandise are revitalizing and refreshing, and those mantras are just the kind of lift we women need in our lives.

So hello, Dang Chicks Nation! We Forsyth County women have been waiting for someone like you—and we’ll help spread your word everywhere we go, because your success is our success, too.

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 MARCH 2012

[ Continued on page 43]

Shelly Kent is a freelance writer. She may be reached at 404-232-9898 or shellykent@comcast.net.

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Huntington Learning Center Working together to achieve students’ goals!

In March 2007, Kathy Martin completed her vision of helping students achieve their educational goals and opened the doors to Forsyth’s Huntington Learning Center. Founded in 1977, Huntington is the nation’s longest running supplemental education services provider.

“I worked at other Huntington sites for several years prior to opening my own center,” explains Martin. “Our mission is to help kids do better in school. The success of the program lies in the individual attention that our staff devotes to every student and the expertise of our caring, certified tutors.” Martin holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia.

Huntington Learning Center Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

770.292.8994 martink@hlcmail.com

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The learning center counts with 15 part-time teachers and three administrators on staff. “Our instructors have demonstrated subject matter knowledge and a unique ability to address the specific needs of each student,” explains Martin.

Courtney Harbison, Managing Director of the learning center, plays a pivotal role in engaging students enrolled at the center.

Tom Koch, a tutor at the learning center for the past five years, knows the importance of making sure students understand that their tutors are on their side. “The greatest satisfaction I have known is seeing students who were struggling with reading, vocabulary, and math have the ‘light come on’ as they worked through the program.” Koch states, “The program of study presented through the core of Huntington’s curriculum has been an engine that drives learners to the successes they now enjoy in school.”

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MARCH 2012

Individual, Personalized Programs The learning center offers intensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized learning programs targeted to a student’s specific needs.

Huntington prides itself on its unparalleled programs, which specialize in helping parents, caregivers and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential. “We can also provide subject-specific tutoring as well as SAT and ACT preparation, with one-to-one instruction available for students ages five through young adult,” Martin explains.

“We offer tutoring that gives students testtaking strategies, and shows them how to apply their knowledge to questions that involve problem solving, analytical thinking, reasoning, drawing conclusions, interpreting facts and essay writing,” Martin explains.

With college entrance exams just around the corner, students are gearing up to take their tests. Juniors are encouraged to develop their plan, to include a list of preliminary schools of interest, investigate scholarships and get help from their schools counselors. After they take their test, they may not be satisfied with their score, at which time they can plan to take the exam again in the fall.

“A large part of what we do at Huntington Learning Center is to teach students study skills that they can use in their classes at school. I really enjoy helping them prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes,” states Harbison.

Since opening the center in 2007, students have increased their scores as much as 500 points on the SAT and seven points on the ACT (increase calculated from initial test at Huntington and the scores from the official test). “For students who follow our approach, we see a gain in their confidence, their test taking skills and their mastery of the material,” Martin comments.

“Students who are in need of extra help with their preparation for these important tests can contact our center to learn about and enroll in our SAT/ACT test prep programs,” Martin adds. One-to-one sessions are offered during the day, after school, and on weekends to be flexible to the needs of each student.

MARCH 2012

Managing Academic Stress Parents play a key role in the puzzle of higher education and college preparation.

Students may feel the pressures of academic stress and parents too need their own tips for dealing with their stressed children. A few tips include: • Talk about it. If you notice signs of stress, be supportive and spend time with your child doing things that are not related to homework or school events. Explain to your child that it is normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Admitting to these feelings will not disappoint you and will help you in helping deal with the issues causing the problem.

• Help your child prioritize. Teach your child to organize homework by due date. Take the same approach with activities. Learning to prioritize will help your child manage his/her time, stay organized, and minimize the level of stress.

• Allow for free time. Allow for some unstructured time in your child’s day where he or she gets to choose what to do.

• Teach your child the joy of learning. Encourage your child to be open to new ideas; foster your child’s curiosity; encourage your child to pursue his or her own strengths. Students who are eager to take in new knowledge and appreciative of the learning process are more likely to enjoy school, rather than dread it.

Tutoring available in: Reading Writing Mathematics Study Skills Phonics Vocabulary Science Test Preparation SAT/PSAT, SSAT & ACT Preparation

Learning effective study habits now will benefit your child greatly in college and beyond.

“We have the tools and expertise, as well as the desire, to help students and parents navigate through the challenges that learning may bring,” Martin states. “If your efforts to help your child become an engaged and successful learner are not working, give us a call. We can develop a customized learning program that addresses and corrects the root cause of your child’s study difficulties.”

Huntington helps thousands of children refine their study skills and tackle subjects where they may be struggling. If your child needs additional help, don’t wait to correct the problem. “Call us to find out more about our customized tutoring programs,” adds Martin.

For more information about Huntington Learning Center, contact 770.292.8994.

There is a team of caring, qualified and skilled tutors ready to help each student succeed.

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Health & Wellness

“

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Limit junk food. Limiting the junk food in your house and keeping your 26

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.

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.

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

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MARCH 2012

Health & Wellness

Preventing Eye Injuries [ by Dr. Mira Sivan ]

Supplements and

Experts say more than 90% of eye injuries can be prevented by simply taking a few precautions and wearing [ By Dr. Narendra Singh, MD, FRCPC FACC FAHA ] safety glasses. Those can be with corrective lenses or ne of the most common questions I am asked in my clinic is what without any power. Either way, supplements do you recommend to protect against heart disease. The the lenses have to be made from answer is both simple…NONE… and complex… depends on what you Polycarbonate or Trivex material. mean by a supplement.

If you use a lawn mower, leaf-blower, drill or similar power tools, you A landmark study entitled INTERHEART showed that 90% of heart need protective eyewear. These glasses should have a snug, wrapdisease risk can be predicted by 9 risk factors.The six risk factors that style frame to decrease the likelihood of small, airborne particles increased risk include abnormal lipids, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, getting behind the lenses. abdominal obesity, and psychosocial factors. The 3 risk factors that decrease cardiovascular risk include regular physical activity, moderate Workplace Eye Safety Programs alcohol intake, and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables.

In U.S. workplaces that involve any kind of airborne particles or Many large trials looking at supplements such as vitamin B 12, folic acid, noxious chemicals, employers must adhere to Occupational Safety niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E and most recently vitamin D have failed to and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for protective eyewear reduced cardiovascular risk and in some cases increased risk of other and emergency eye care. complications slightly. The concept of using supplements results from a lifestyle that has become more sedentar and stressful, and a diet that has Most protective eyewear standards require employers to provide become more processed and calorie decadent. Supplements are felt to help prescription safety lenses to employees who need corrective eyewear. neutralize these adverse changes.

Your Heart O

I would counter that the best supplements one can take come from proper dietary choices. There is ample evidence that antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease. Finding the right mixture of supplements is more difficult than choosing the right foods such as vegetables rich in flavinoids, (tomatoes, berries, chocolate and even caffeine). The highly touted Mediterranean diets’ success is largely in part to the incorporation of such foods.

Laser Pointers, Champagne Corks and Fireworks Be careful with household chemicals, since many can burn your eyes. Always wear goggles, read instructions carefully, work in well ventilated areas and make sure the nozzle is pointed away from you.

Always wear appropriate eye protection when playing sports Another important supplement (dietary choice) are omega-3 fats. The (protective sports eyewear). Have fun in the sun, but always wear American Heart Association recommends 2 grams of omega 3-containing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays foods or supplements on a daily basis while eliminating all trans fats. when outdoors for extended times.

Multiple studies have shown that alcohol in moderation reduces Looking directly at the light beam of a laser pointer can cause cardiovascular risk in part by raising good (HDL) cholesterol. This amounts temporary vision loss and even permanent damage to the retina. to 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men daily, without the luxury of saving up all consumption for the weekend! Red wine confers the added Champagne corks. During a celebration, you’re probably not thinking bennefit of antioxidants such as resveratrol. about eye damage. But a flying cork from a bottle of champagne Foods rich in dietary fiber and having a low glycemic index (nuts, legumes can rupture an eyeball or cause a detached retina, both of which and whole grains) work by reducing total caloric intake, improving diabetes can cause blindness. control, and protecting against both heart disease and cancer risk.

Never use fireworks. Even sparklers burn hot So …other than a simple multivitamin…the path to a healthier heart is not enough to melt gold! in supplementing with tablets but rather with a richer choice of food and drinks in your daily lives!

Safety is important and taking the necessary precautions to protect your eyes can help you prevent injuries.

Dr. Narendra Singh, MD FRCPC FACC FAHA studied at the Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax Nova Scotia and went on to complete a residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Toronto. He is the Director of Clinical Research at Atlanta Heart Specialist.

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Dr. Mira Sivan is an optometrist located at Vickery Village in Cumming. She may be reached at 678-648-5185.

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Health & Wellness

The Vitamin You Should Have Your Doctor Check Regularly [ by John Thomas, DC ]

Regularly we hear in the news that there’s some new vitamin to consider

or new deficiency to worry about. When it comes to chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetes, or any autoimmune condition it’s very important that Vitamin D levels are adequate to help your immune system do its work. Our diets are lacking in Vitamin D. Good sources of this powerful vitamin include organ meats, lard, seafood, butter and egg yolks.

Sunlight is another important factor and source of Vitamin D. Why is Vitamin D so important?

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune rates have been skyrocketing in the past 20 years, which correlates with decreased levels of Vitamin D in the general population. Current research has linked Vitamin D deficiency with diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Adequate Vitamin D levels help to keep the immune system in balance so it doesn’t swing out of control into an autoimmune disease.

People suffering from chronic diseases need higher amounts of Vitamin D to maintain health, even if their tests show sufficient Vitamin D. Do not take Vitamin D without having your blood levels tested! You need both 25-OHD and 1, 25-OHD tested. 25 is the storage form and 1,25 D is the active form. You need both levels checked. This way, you are eliminating the guess work.

Often patients come to my office with only one level checked, with Vitamin D levels on the low side of normal. A complete check of both levels is something that I recommend that all my patients with chronic issues. For those with any autoimmune condition, I recommend they take extra Vitamin D. Complete testing, examination and overall history and physical are recommended before beginning any type of regimen, including adding Vitamin D to your daily vitamin intake.

Dr. John C. Thomas is a chiropractor, Board Eligible Clinical Nutritionist, and Certified Gluten Coach. He can be reached at 678-456-9122.

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MARCH 2012

Health & Wellness

Is it a Cold or a Sinus Infection? [ by Susan G. Traxler, M.D., F.A.A.P. ] As a pediatrician, I am often asked by concerned parents whether their child has a “sinus infection” rather than just a cold. Colds and sinus infections can both involve symptoms of runny nose, fever and cough, so how can you tell the difference?

Here are some facts about common colds according to HealthyChildren. org (a website hosted by the American Academy of Pediatrics): (1) Colds typically last 5 to 10 days; (2) Colds usually start with clear, watery runny nose; after a couple of days, it is normal for the nasal drainage to become thicker and yellow or green in color; within several days, the discharge becomes clear again and dries up; (3) Colds frequently include a daytime cough that often gets worse at night; (4) If a fever is present with a cold, it is usually at the beginning of the illness and is generally low grade, lasting for a day or two; and, (5) Cold symptoms usually peak in severity at 3 or 5 days, then improve and disappear over the next 7 to 10 days.

than 10 to 14 days without improving; (2) thick yellow nasal discharge and a fever for at least 3 or 4 days in a row; (3) a severe headache behind or around the eyes that gets worse when bending over; (4) persistent bad breath along with cold symptoms (of course, this could just mean your child needs to brush his teeth!).

Here are some important points I try to impress upon my own patients: (1) the presence of fever does not necessarily mean bacterial infection; and (2) changes in nasal drainage from clear to thick, yellow or green are the natural course of a viral cold and not necessarily an indication for antibiotics. Please bear in mind that antibiotics do not make colds go away any faster and should not be given to prevent a cold from “turning into” a sinus infection. The good news is that children have common colds far more often than sinus infections. If you are concerned your child may have a sinus infection, ask your pediatrician to help you sort it out!

But, sometimes children do have bacterial sinusitis and may benefit from antibiotic therapy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, signs and symptoms that your child may have bacterial sinusitis include: (1) cold symptoms (nasal discharge, daytime cough, or both) lasting more

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Susan G. Traxler, MD is a graduate of Davidson College. She received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Traxler may be reached at 770-664-4430.

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THYROID PROBLEMS?

Do you suffer from thyroid symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, cold hands or feet, dryness of skin or scalp? (just to name a few) NEW information reveals why this happens and how to finally get relief!. Been treated without success? Been told to “live with it”?

Tired of taking drugs that don’t fix the problem? Not getting any better? There IS NEW hope. If you’re tired of dealing with this problem and worried about it getting worse, call now to get free information explaining why you’re not better and how a new effective treatment is offering relief…without drugs.

Call 678-807-9855 or visit www.AtlantaThyroidRelief.com and find out how to get better…TODAY!

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MARCH 2012

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Business

Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards

2012 A celebration of entrepreneurship, commerce, community involvement and success.

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MARCH 2012

Business

The Missing Principles of

Business Hyperlocal Marketing?

Methodology What is [ by Don Kyle ]

Hyperlocal marketing is a term that is thrown around quite a bit

these days. However, it is probably the oldest form of marketing.

Prior to the advent of the Internet, mobile media, television, radio, and other traditional media, business owners had no other form of promoting their businesses than by spreading the word to prospective customers in their hyperlocal markets. Hyperlocal methodology has not changed over the years, but the technology and tools have and will continue to evolve.

In the beginning, hyperlocal marketing included a lot of activity by merchants, such as vendors shouting out in public markets, selling their goods in the streets, community festivals, and so on.

Advertising through word-of-mouth is still one of the most effective ways to promote your business. Think how often neighbors discuss information about local restaurants and businesses while they are socializing? These discussions now proliferate social media, along with numerous sites that rate businesses, activities, services, etc.

A hyperlocal market for each business may differ slightly depending on the type of business you operate and the makeup of your community. It may be as small as a neighborhood or as as large as a town or city. Regardless of your hyperlocal market size, you must construct a strategy that will allow you to effectively reach your market.

So how can businesses proactively participate in hyperlocal marketing today? In previous articles, we discussed branding, community involvement, text message marketing and business networking. All of these activities and tools can become integral parts of your hyperlocal marketing campaign.

By becoming involved in your community, you are spreading the word about your business. Likewise, business networking does the same to other business owners, many of whom can become great referral sources and maybe even affiliates. By properly branding your business, you can craft the ideal message you want to promote. Text message marketing is just one of the many tools at your disposal to help you spread the word to your prospective customers.

There are a number of ways to promote your message to your hyperlocal market today, including the Internet, mobile media and traditional forms of advertising. Keep in mind, however, that good old fashioned word-of-mouth advertising is still one of the best; so get involved in your hyperlocal market today.

Please feel free to submit questions about your business and I will address them in future columns.

[ by Bruce Longmore ] Society plays an essential role in business, just as your business should play an important role in society. And believe it or not, most businesses completely miss this critical component.

Many of us gathered our business principles from our parents, schools, books, Webinars and seminars, but I believe much of what makes a business successful cannot be learned in those forums, and that’s what I’m here to talk to you about today.

Let me start by telling you about my background.

Like many of you I was stuck in the corporate grind…in my case for 22 years. Each year my Fortune 20 company would raise quotas and cut territories. Company goals became increasingly unrealistic and I began to realize that the stress I was adding to my life was doing a lot to line corporate pockets and little to provide for my own family.

I was caught in the corporate handcuffs with deferred commissions and no clear goal of how to transition out of the perpetual cycle that had become my career. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a complainer, nor was I ungrateful for my job. I am a hard worker and a realist and you need to be both to go into business for yourself---ready to throw the proverbial 9 to 5 right out the window and prepared to be responsible for every aspect of your operation.

Seeking to break out of the corporate structure presented the tough question of “What to do next?” I found that purchasing a franchise was a good solution for me and my family. The franchise was an established model that had been shown to work, but would also offer me the latitude I desired to drive my own ambitions with my extensive sales and marketing experience. I believe the recipe for success is a quality product, excellent staff, and strong community presence. Giving back to the community has lead to explosive growth in our business-even during these tough economic times.

I look forward to sharing these business principles with you that aren’t taught in textbooks and seminars, learning more about you, and taking your questions. Are you considering owning your own business? What questions can I answer for you? Please stop by Lenny’s Sub Shop off Marketplace Boulevard in Cumming next to Walmart and Home Depot or Windward Parkway in Alpharetta next to LA Fitness and Cracker Barrel and say hello!

Don Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Small Bizz MBA, a company which assists businesses with their marketing, branding and advertising needs. He may be reached at (404) 580-6331, dkyle@smallbizzmba.com.

MARCH 2012

MY FORSYTH

Bruce Longmore is a Cumming entrepreneur.

He may be reached at 404-574-3884 or Success@BruceLongmore.com. Along with his wife Donna, they are the owners of a Lenny’s Sub Shop in Cumming and in Alpharetta.

33

Schools

“

I really enjoyed this year’s state conference. It was an awesome feeling to win the state’s largest chapter, and it felt even better to make it to internationals.

–SFHS Junior, Hannah Shaul

”

South Forsyth DECA Dominates State Competition Students from all over Georgia traveled to the Omni Hotel in Atlanta this weekend for the annual DECA (An Association of Marketing Students) State Career Development Conference. The three-day conference was held February 23-25. SFHS Marketing Teachers, Debra Moore, Dr. Nancy Ruff, and Katie Pniewski, brought 100+ students to the competition. DECA is an association for marketing education students. It represents the program of student activity known as co-curricular, rather than extracurricular, since DECA activities are designed to reinforce the competencies taught in marketing and management classes.

34

South Forsyth High School received more wins than any other school in Georgia. The school has 82 students who now qualify for international competition, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah this April. DECA’s industry validated competitive events are aligned with National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. Competition begins at the regional level and advances to state, and international levels. Students have the opportunity to compete in several types of competitions including written events, interviews, role-plays, case studies, as well as individual and team presentations.

South Forsyth also won the title of largest chapter in all of Georgia with 812 professional, alumni, and student members. This is the fourth year in a row South Forsyth High School has won this title.

Senior, Annalise Abney, says, “When South Forsyth was called for the largest chapter, we were absolutely ecstatic!”

Georgia Students also elected SFHS Junior, Lauren Calvert, as Georgia DECA President for the 2012-2013 school year at this conference.

MY FORSYTH

MARCH 2012

Schools

Studio West Presents….

Hello Dolly & The Three Musketeers Family entertainment may be hard to come by, but West Forsyth High School’s highly acclaimed Studio West Productions is making it easy with their production of another classic American musical-- Hello Dolly. The show will run Thursday, March 22nd and Friday, March 23rd at 7:30, Saturday, March 24th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 25th at 3 p.m.

“

Her choreography is so creative. It’s not easy, but she really works with everyone to bring out their best and make the show as entertaining as possible.

”

aptation by Ken Ludwig is both “refreshing” and “awesome” according to critics. “The Three Musketeers is fast-paced, witty, and intense at just the right moments. There is a wonderful balance of emotionally charged dialogue as well as ample amounts of stage combat.” Set in Renaissance-era France, The Three Musketeers includes tales of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor.

Advance tickets are available over the phone or online for a reduced price of $11.50 for adults and $7.50 for students 18 years and younger. To purchase, call 866-967-8167 or go to showtix4u.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $12 and $8. For more information about West Forsyth High School’s Studio West Productions, or to learn how you can contribute, go to wfhsstudiowestproductions.com.

Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy this Tony-award-winning slice of early 20th Century Americana. Opening on Broadway in 1964, Hello Dolly is the story of widowed matchmaker, Dolly Gallagher Levi, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others through a series of comic, romantic entanglements, ultimately finds her own match. Eric Gray, artistic director for Studio West, said that this musical will appeal to a wide range of audiences. “This is a very high energy musical with big dance numbers, colorful costumes, and lots of humor”.

Sharon Druzbanski has been Studio West’s resident choreographer for the past year, and students say that her addition to the artistic team really helped push the kids’ performances to the next level. “Sharon expects us to give more than 100 percent,” said Curtis Stallings, who is in his senior year with Studio West. “Her choreography is so creative. It’s not easy, but she really works with everyone to bring out their best and make the show as entertaining as possible”.

Audiences can also look forward to another Studio West production, “The Three Muskateers” coming in April. This action-packed stage play will run Thursday, April 19th thru Friday, April 20th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 21nd at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 22nd at 3 p.m.

The action-packed stage play will run Thursday, April 19th thru Saturday, April 21nd at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 22nd at 3 p.m. Based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers stage play adMARCH 2012

MY FORSYTH

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 High Schools

Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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 Acting Principal: Betty Pope 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 Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us 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 MY FORSYTH

Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, (770) 674-2990 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, (770) 888-6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, (678)845-0418 Vice-Principal: Butch Quinn www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road (678) 947-3583, (678) 947-0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, (770) 781-5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-6277 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road, (770) 777-9131 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessorivickery.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 888-4477 Head of School: Fr. Robert Presutti www.pinecrestacademy.com

MARCH 2012

Every camp is unique in its own way.

Choosing the camp that is right for your kid is very important, and while it may take a little bit of research, your hard work will ultimately pay off – a happy camper!

There are various types of camps. Find out which type best fits your child’s desires and can better meet both theirs and your expectations.

• Traditional camps that offer a little bit of everything.

• Academic camps that focus on science, math, or even creative writing.

• Adventure camps that are all about outdoor hobbies like rafting or mountaineering.

• Arts camps that specialize in theatre, music, film, or painting.

• Religious camps that focus on faith and worship.

• Sports camps that let you sharpen your skills in tennis, soccer, or baseball.

• Special needs camps that are especially for kids living with an illness, such as cancer or diabetes, or a physical disability.

• Day camps that offer the fun of camp without the sleep away part.

A few questions you may consider asking your kids before choosing a camp include:

• Do you want to go to a day camp?

• Are you ready for a sleep-away camp?

• How far away do you want to go?

• How long do you want to stay?

• What activities are important to you?

• Do I want a general camp, or one with a specialty?

A bit of research and engaging your child in the decisionmaking process are important components when deciding where to go for summer camp. It is bound to make the experience a memorable one for all.

American Camp Association http://www.campparents.org My Summer Camps http://www.mysummercamps.com/ MARCH 2012

MY FORSYTH

37

Faith

How Do You Decide? [ by Maria I. Morgan ]

As the old saying goes, ‘Time marches on.’

Seems like only a few years ago, my husband and I were bringing our daughter home from the hospital. But this month, she’ll leave the glorious teen years behind - a new decade unfolding before her.

Remember being twenty? I do. Life was full of decisions - what college major to pursue, what job to apply for, who to date? Things haven’t changed that much. A twenty-year-old still faces lots of decisions.

Don’t we all? I’m glad there’s someone available to guide that decision-making process, no matter how old we are!

Decisions don’t always seem that important to me. Sure, I pray for direction concerning the seemingly ‘big’ things, but sometimes I fool myself into thinking I can handle the ‘small’ decisions. As I perused the clothes racks at the mall recently, I was excited to find lots of things on clearance.

I was tempted to scoop up a number of items and head back to the dressing room...until I remembered the reason for my trip to the store. I didn’t need winter clothes; I was looking for a spring outfit. Logic triumphed over emotional spending! Lesson learned. Oftentimes, it’s the little things that take me furthest off course.

God wants me to come to Him anytime I need direction. In fact, He encourages me to ask for wisdom, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,” (James 1:5; KJV). Because Jesus lived on this earth, He knows the difficulties I face. He endured temptations, yet He never sinned.

He extends an incredible invitation, “...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

The more I read and study God’s Word, the better equipped I am to make good decisions - whether big or small. The Apostle Paul was quick to remind the Corinthians to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Today, I’m determined to trust the Lord, and acknowledge Him in all I do, knowing that He will direct my paths! (Proverbs 3:5-6) Are you facing lots of decisions? What step are you willing to take to seek direction from the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for caring about every decision I make. Help me ask for Your wisdom, and be obedient to the direction You give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spring is in the Air, on the Ground and in the Spirit

–

Do One Thing! [ by Neida Streit ]

Spring

– the time when the air is warmer, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding and people are sneezing! I do love spring, but as an allergy sufferer, it is a little bittersweet for a while. I really love the beautiful flowers and trees in bloom. I love to watch the birds in my front yard – we have bluebird, bluejays, woodpeckers, cardinals, brown thrashers, yellow birds, green birds, brown birds, gray birds, black birds – just to name a few. I love watching our little bluebird couple who has come back to the same nest for the past three years. He keeps watch while she nests, brings food to her and they chatter to each other like, well, an old married couple! This year, they have brought some of their friends as well.

I know it will get colder again for a little bit around Easter and of course, we haven’t had blackberry winter yet – the cold just before the blackberries bloom. It is always this way – a little chilly at Easter – maybe to help us reflect on the cold, somber days of Jesus’ last time on Earth. He turns his eyes toward Jerusalem and prepares to travel there for his arrest, trial and crucifixion. This is the time known to the church as Lent – a reflective season of the heart. Lent is a time to look inward so that we can look toward God. In the shadow of the cross, we confess our sins and express our agonies. With the assurance of the resurrection, we claim our joys and celebrate our blessings.

One way to grow in your spiritual journey during Lent is to serve others. Do one thing for someone else. Do One Thing. You could start by being a part of our One Great Day of Service on March 24. There are more than 30 projects in the community that day – so something should appeal to you. Do One Thing. Come together in a community to serve that community. Do One Thing. If you do one thing for someone else each day, you will be blessed in ways you can’t even imagine. Do One Thing. That is not hard, is it? Do One Thing. You only have to Do One Thing – register before March 18 at www.cfumcga.com Do One Thing until it becomes second nature.

Get closer to God by watching the marvelous creation he gave us in the nature right in our own yard. Get closer to God by serving someone else.

Get closer to God just by talking to Him. Get closer to God by listening to Him. Get closer to God – Do One Thing!

Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com 38

Neida Streit is the Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church. She may be reached at 770-887-2900 or NStreit@cfumc.com MY FORSYTH

MARCH 2012

Faith

Season

A New

[ by Nancy Johnson ]

Nature is a great teacher. My family and I learned this the fun way.

After celebrating Easter last year, we packed up and left town on a camping trip to Pine Mountain. We pitched our tent, grilled hot dogs and watched pollen blow off the trees in great puffs that looked like smoke.

While we were there, we spent a full day at the beautiful Callaway Gardens. We examined rhododendrons and azaleas that had either bloomed or were on the brink. Daffodils and tulips were already out in bright colors. And the yellow coating of every car – or anything that moved too slow – reminded us of the age old truth of spring: that the old of winter must die away to make room for the new.

Spring isn’t just for plants. It is a season of new beginnings for most of us. As we watched the earth transform, something happens in our hearts. We leave hibernation ready to come to life and make new plans. It is a time for personal transformation – time to grow, to release the old and begin again; time to make new starts.

But the lessons of nature teach us that new starts aren’t usually made without something also ending. We see this in the seasons as leaves, once green and fresh, turn gold then brown, and then cover the ground before the process starts again. We perceive this in the less visible seed that has to stop being a seed – has to die – in order to bring about a new life. I saw this proof in my inch-high seedlings.

My four year old son and I put those seeds into the soil. We didn’t see what happened to them hidden in the soil, but we watched as they grew leaves – and a few months later, tomatoes.

New beginnings, though great, aren’t easy. It is a well known truth of human nature that change is hard. If you aren’t certain of this, try losing ten pounds or giving up a bad habit. One of the reasons that change is so difficult is the steel grip that our minds have on what has always been. Whether we like it or not, our subconscious loves familiarity. To make a real transition in our lives will require that we let go of something that is probably familiar and comfortable. It can be a heartrending process. Letting a piece of the past die might make us feel as if we no longer know ourselves, we may feel lost.

Even so, we should probably become somewhat acquainted with this feeling. While uncomfortable, it can be a positive sign of change.

The dust of it may cover us like pollen, but rest assured something wonderful and new will be budding in our lives. Allow it to grow. It will be beautiful.

Rev. Nancy Johnson is a resident of Cumming, Georgia and the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Roswell. More of her writing can be found on her blog A Feast for the Soul at soul-feast.blogspot.com. She can be reached at nancy.johnson@ngumc.net.

MARCH 2012

MY FORSYTH

39

Faith Non-Denominational

Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming 770-888-8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:00 & 11:00 am Wednesday Night services 7:00 pm 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: 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m.

Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, (770) 887-8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 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, LCMS 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday School: 9:00am, all ages Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal 6:00pm Bible Study for all ages 7:00pm Pastor Tim Droegemueller email: livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd. Cumming, Ga. 30041 , 770-889-5328 ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service 8:15 AM Traditional 9:30 AM Contemporary 11:00 AM Traditional 1:00 PM Hispanic Sunday School 9:30 AM MY FORSYTH

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 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 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 510 Brannon Road, Cumming, GA (678) 455-5290 - Hall Phone Worship Service: 9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm Visitors Welcome Nursery available 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

MARCH 2012

Faith The Country Preacher [ by David Hill ]

At the country church, where I was the pastor, Easter began with an early sunrise service at a graveyard. It reminded people that Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death offers the opportunity for immortality. In the morning service my three little girls and their mother sat on the front pew as I delivered a message that told the congregation of Jesus’ awful payment for sin. My greatest responsibility as a pastor was to be sure that those who dutifully listened to the sermon understood the Gospel message, especially my wife and children.

Easter morning services aren’t as colorful as they were when ladies of every age wore a fresh corsage. New hats, frilly dresses, patent leather shoes and lacy socks adorned the girls. Starched dress shirts with bow ties and often a first suit gave the boys the look of miniature gentlemen. The message remains unchanged. The hope in Jesus’ death and resurrection offers understanding to those who have experienced the death of friends and family.

Many people who are familiar with the verses which describe the promised birth of Jesus Christ are unfamiliar with the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the planning of God to pay for lost mankind though the death and resurrection of His Christ. Abraham was given a promise (Genesis 12:1-3) that a blessing which is called the Gospel in Galatians 3:8, would come through the nation he would father. Israel, the 12 tribes coming from Abraham’s son Jacob, was “chosen” to provide the written word (Romans 3:1-2) through their scribes and provided a standard of God’s righteousness and the message of the monotheistic true God, in The Ten Commandments given to their teacher Moses.

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 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

MARCH 2012

Moses was given reminders like the Passover, the serpent on a pole and the smitten rock to picture the coming sacrifice of God’s Christ. In April a spotless male lamb would be slain and its blood put above the door and on the side posts. The lamb was roasted on a cross like spit (fire is a Biblical picture of judgment) and eaten with bread that lacked impurity (Exodus 12:2-8). When the children of Israel were bitten by poisonous snakes he placed a snake on a pole as a reminder of Satan and sin. By faith, they could look to the serpent on the pole and believe that one day Jesus would bear their sins. He would die “the just for the unjust” paying for sin on the cross (Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-15). They were given a picture of eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ when Moses smote the rock in Exodus 17:6 and water came out to quench their thirst. Our Saviour would be smitten for our sins and like the woman at the well in John 4 there would be a living water, giving us eternal life (Isaiah 53:4; I Corinthians 10:4).

At least 16 detailed Old Testament prophesies describe the last days of Christ’s life. The 30 pieces of silver, betrayed by a friend, forsaken by His disciples, accused by false witnesses, dumb before accusers, spit upon and scourged, hand and feet pierced, His garments divided by lot, mocked by enemies, given gall and vinegar, prayed for His murderers, not a bone broken, crucified with thieves, His forsaken cry, His side pierced and buried as a rich man. It is plain that God’s Christ was sent by the predetermined plan of God.

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.

Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Spanish Mass: 1 p.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Robert A. Frederick, Jr. www.stbrendansatl.com

United Methodist

Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. www.bethelview.net (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, (770) 887-2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. www.cfumcga.com (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. MY FORSYTH

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.

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 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

Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE | www.forsythbahais.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 977 0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net 41

Reference

[ Continued on page 43 ]

Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations Business Networking

Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m.

Location: The Metropolitan Club

5895 Windward Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 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.

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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

Cumming Garden Club Contact: (770) 844-7061 Meeting: Held second Tuesday of each

month from Sept. until May at

10:00 AM Information: Non-profit organization with the

purposes of educating members

& the community in gardening,

conservation & creative

expression.

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 Mika King, forsythcountynewcomers@gmail.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 MARCH 2012

Leading Lines

clubs, Continued 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 Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com Moms Club of Cumming — North Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com Website: www.momsclub.org Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org

[ Continued from page 15] Sure, we have a somewhat strong black line created by the tree, disappearing at the top middle, but by the time it reaches that point it has weakened as the branches divide and thin. But do you notice the two downward-curving branches? They are at least as strong as the straighter branch and lead your eye back toward the road and the uncluttered lighter area where the road disappears.

So now that we’re a little more aware of the effect of lines, can you see them around you more? My bet is you will - it’s like when you buy a car and suddenly notice how many people are driving that model. Architecture, whether man-made or natural, is full of lines. Play with them and see what works and what leaves you stranded.

Dang, Steph! We Love What You’re Doing for Women [ Continued from page 23]

Shop Dang Chicks Locally Lavender at The Avenues Forsyth, The Shoe Gallery at Johns Creek

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

Just Me Boutique off James Burgess Join the Dang Chicks Nation or enter their occasional Facebook contests for $100 in shopping credits: www.dangchicks.com

Single Mom Meeting Connect with other single moms, learn about paths to higher education and get links to community resources. Light dinner provided and free on-site childcare/ homework help provided.

Meeting: 2nd Thursday every month at 6:30pm Location: 210 Dahlonega St., Suite 203, Cumming Contact: Valerie Daniel Faith’s House, Inc. 770-205-6311 website: www.faithshouseinc.org

*Dang Chicks also has an expanded line of soaps, jewelry, hats, and belt buckles.

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

Accountability: It Counts! [ Continued from page 15] United, volunteers, community agencies and United Way staff, collaborate to ensure that each dollar donated is used for the benefit of our citizens in the areas where they are needed most. With your contributions, the building blocks for a good life— education, income, health and basic needs —are put together and build upon.

For a complete list of agencies and contributions made for the year, visit www.unitedwayforsyth.com.

MARCH 2012

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MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

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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

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

(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199

(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 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) 887-2461

(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

Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton

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

City Administrator Gerald Blackburn

(770) 781-2010

City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net

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MARCH 2012

Reference Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 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 City of Cumming Main Number: 410 Pilgrim Mill Road Central Park Office 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

MARCH 2012

Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville

(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

(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 Department (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) 781- 2215

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

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Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community!

ACCOUNTING North Georgia Accounting Consultants .........................................7 770-888-7700 www.ngacinc.com

CHURCH SERVICES Cumming First United Methodist............................................39 770-887-2900 www.cfumcga.org

MAILING SERVICES/ PACKAGING The UPS Store, Bethelview.................31 770-888-1502 www.theupstorelocal.com/6159

AUTO REPAIR/CAR CENTER Scott’s Auto Center ............................Inside Back Cover, 45 678-947-4040 www.scottsautocenter.net

CLEANING/WINDOWS/ROOF/ GUTTER Window Gang.....................................11 678-366-9778 www.windowngang.com

PET ADOPTION/RESCUE Humane Society of Forsyth County...................................14 770-889-1365; 770-887-6480 www.forsythpets.org

BOOKS/BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc.......................................11 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com

DENTISTS /ORTHODONTICS Windermere Orthodontics....................5 770-888-1929 www.orthodonticsatwindermere.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates Photography......................20 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com

EDUCATION /INSTRUCTION Huntington Learning Center..................................... Cover, 24 770-205-2800 www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com

PhotoJack.net.......................................4 404-217-9333 www.photojack.net

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS Carpet Dry Tech...................................7 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com CHILD CARE/LEARNING CENTER The Learning Experience...................43 678-455-8614 CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE Victoria’s Children’s Boutique.............................................15 7770-888-7828 www.victoriaschildrenboutique.com CHIROPRACTOR Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation............................20, 30 678-456-9122 www.chiropractorcumming.com

Pinecrest Academy............................34 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org HAIR SALON Wendy Grosse OVO Salon....................................13, 45 678-469-4414 HOME SALES/REAL ESTATE Marie Dinsmore..................................44 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com JEWELRY STORE Lance’s Jewelry ...................................... Back Cover, 45 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com

Southern Kiwi Photography................15 404-583-0659 www.SouthernKiwiPhoto.com PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Alpharetta Pediatrics..........................29 678-947-4588, 770-664-4460 www.AlpharettaPediatricsOnline.com

North Atlanta ENT Associates..........................................28 770-292-3045 www.naenta.com Northside Hospital Forsyth...................1 770-844-3200 www.northside.com RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES Braise.................................................19 678.456.8932 www.braisecumming.com Good Measure Meals.........................19 404-815-7695 www.goodmeasuremeals.com Norman’s Landing..............................17 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com SPECIAL EVENTS Flavors of Forsyth...............................19 www.UnitedWayForsyth.com

Atlanta Heart Specialists ................................. Inside Front Cover 678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 www.ahsmed.com

SPORTS/RUNNING SUPPLIES Totally Running.............................30, 45 678-341-8092 www.totallyrunning.com

Foot & Ankle Wellness Center……..31 678-513-8777 www.ffotandanklewc.com

WEB HOSTING/DEVELOPMENT GhostNet, Inc.....................................48 770-852-2292 www.ghostnetinc.com

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48

Lanier Adult Medicine........................30 678-455-0030 www.LanierAdultMedicine.com

MY FORSYTH

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