My Forsyth Summer 2015

MY Summer 2015

Interns

MEET THE

MENTOR ME SALUTES REACHVOLUNTEERS

PAGE 35

TWELVE TABLES OF INSPIRATION PAGE 15

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www.myforsyth.com iii

CONTENTS MY FORSYTH

IssueSummer II Summer, 2015 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

19 | Scoop OTP: A look Outside The Perimeter 24 | In the Middle of a Sandwich…

26 | Building a Stronger Community, One Class at a Time 38 | Home for the Summer

LIFESTYLE 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 25 |

Twelve Tables of Inspiration Natures Remedies Planning a Road Trip These Are The Good ol’ Days!

Happily Ever After?

FORSYTH FOODIE

20 | Review: Costa Vida 22 | Youth Foodie: Casa Nuova

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Meet MY Interns: My Forsyth’s Interns Page 9

28 | Salt, Sugar and Sauces – the 2015 Dietary Guidelines 31 | Allergy Season in Georgia 32 | Six Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship 33 | OMG! Hunching Over Smart Devices 34 | What is Clean Eating?

FAITH

40 | Uniquely You 41 | Keeping It Real

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | 13 | 18 | 43 |

Forsyth County Government News New Around Forsyth Movie Review: Fast and Furious VII The Country Preacher

Cover Photograph Courtesy of Adam Pendleton

Leadership Forsyth Building a Stronger Community, One Class at a Time Page 26

“don’t miss a thing” we’re mobile... www.myforsyth.com

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Summer 2015

Making memories that last a lifetime!

Our mission is to help children reach their potential through mentoring relationships with responsible adults.

Join us!

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTENTS

www.mentormenorthga.org 678-341-8028

PUBLISHER Market Complete LLC julie@marketcomplete.com 678.614.8583 EDITOR Rachel Buckley rachel@myforsyth.com STAFF WRITER Katielee Kaner katieleekaner@gmail.com PRODUCTION INTERN Wendy Corona info@myforsyth.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Laurie Hunter Channing Parham lhunter50@gmail.com doingitdivine.com PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates kimbatesphotoart.com Adam Pendelton adampendelton.com

PRINTING Rick Smith NewPoint Media Group LLC newpointmediagroup.com 770-962-7220, ext 24440 TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR Michael Barton michael@myforsyth.com 770.268.3893

Help make a difference in a child’s life No Special skills or experience needed...

Donate or Volunteer!

MAILING SERVICES Chris Cawthon Media Maker Group chris@mediamakergroup.com 404.379.6878

The mission of My Forsyth magazine, a publication of Market Complete LLC, is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories and information about their communities and its people. Each month, 22,000 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution. We welcome your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the MarketComplete LLC. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2015 My Forsyth • www.myforsyth.com 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 (p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

6 www.myforsyth.com

CUMMING DANCE ACADEMY

Graceful Strong

in Dance in Character R e g is t e r Fo r

Fall Now! OnLine

www.cummingdanceacademy.com

3 LOCATIONS to SERVE YOU! MY FORSYTH FAVORITE DANCE STUDIO 2010-2015

CDA III (Buford Highway Location) 1676 Buford Highway Cumming, GA 30041

CDA I (MAIN OFFICE) | 419 TRIBBLE CAP ROAD | CUMMING, GA 30040 CDA II (Performance Academy) | 230 Elm Street Stes 100-300 | Cumming, GA 30040 0:770.781.4922|f:770-781-2667

WWW.CUMMINGDANCEACADEMY.COM

www.myforsyth.com 7

Summer 2015

Publisher’s Letter

in the Summertime...

Warm weather, swimming pools, trips to the lake and/or beach, barbeques, evenings out on the deck, and bugs… summertime is one of my favorite times of the year (better without the bugs). Born and raised in the Caribbean, I pretty much lived in perpetual summertime. Going to the beach was a normal weekend trip, the phosphorescent bay was a regular science field trip, and horseback riding was something we taught each other. No summer camps were needed for these or other experiences.

So I dedicate my publisher’s letter to summertime in my home, the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Memories of a well-spent youth, of childhood friends with whom sharing life was as easy as riding a bicycle, and the neighbors, teachers, parents and adults who watched over us, taught us a thing or two about life, and whose lasting impression in our lives have carved who we are today.

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...”

Susan Polis Schutz

Julie Brennan

Publisher | julie@marketcomplete.com 8 www.myforsyth.com

MEET THE

I

interns

nternships provide opportunities to experiment and pursue careers that match academic and personal interests. Over the years, My Forsyth magazine has enjoyed getting to know some remarkable young men and women who have written for our magazine.

When discussing our feature stories for this issue, we thought it was a perfect time to showcase our awesome group of interns who have, over the years, shared their talents and passions with our readers. We hope you enjoy reading a little bit about them.

“My internship taught me at an early age the importance of time management, meeting deadlines, and delivering interesting, quality articles that made people think. My Forsyth gave me a space to carve out my own voice and really begin to explore my own narrative. It provided me with a platform to provide insight from a generation that wasn’t always given the opportunity to be heard!”

Katie Diem, Age 23 University of Mississippi, Class of 2016

University of Georgia, Class of 2013 Forsyth Central High School, Class of 2010 Katie inquired about a position as an Intern with the magazine as part of her desire to learn about media and writing. She wanted to study journalism in college. Katie is starting her final year as a law student at the University of Mississippi, Ole’ Miss.

“I have always loved to write, ever since I was young and so it was a fantastic opportunity to express myself and explore what writing for an audience was about,” explained Katie when asked about her thoughts on her internship opportunity.

Katie plans to return to Forsyth County upon finishing her studies. We will keep an eye out for Katie Diem, Esquire.

Matt Coutu, Age 18 Kennesaw State University Class of 2019

South Forsyth High School Class of 2015 Matt’s mom contacted us to find out if her son could shadow someone that worked for the magazine as part of his 8th grade project. Matt attended the Montessori School on Sharon Road. For two days Matt and I spent our work days visiting businesses and interviewing folks. His first article, written at age 13, featured interviews with a CEO, the owner of a local restaurant, and a fitness marketing director. Matt continues to help with our magazine attending festivals and assisting us with special projects. Matt will be attending Kennesaw State to pursue a career in screenwriting. He’ll be studying creative writing with a minor in journalism.

www.myforsyth.com 9

Kiera Chipperini

, Age 19 Oglethorpe University Class of 2018 Lambert High School Class of 2014 Kiera is our newest intern. Kiera is studying communications at Oglethorpe University. She enjoys writing about various topics, including fashion. Kiera is also a contributing blogger for Trend Magazine.

Ava Clavijo, Age 11

Otwell Middle School, 6th grade Sharing her interest in food, Ava began writing the Youth Foodie column at age 10. When we met she expressed her desire to write about foods and encourage kids to try foods other than what’s available in the Kids Menu at most restaurants.

Chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries and “safe” kids’ foods are not her typical choices.

When Ava is eating out with her parents, she likes to try new foods.

Whether she follows a career in journalism is yet to be seen, but her interest in telling her story encourages her to write.

Katielee Kaner

, Age 19 South Forsyth High School Class of 2014 Currently a student at Lanier Technical College, Katielee began her internship in 2013 when she sent an E-mail asking about opportunities to internship with us. She has written several articles, including a story about the area that is now Lake Lanier, the old Sharon Schoolhouse and a heart-felt story about youth cancer, where Katielee shared her experiences as a cancer survivor along with that of her two friends Sidney Ridings and Collier Cayce.

“This internship reaffirmed my love for writing and has helped guide me towards what kind of writer I want to be,” Katielee explained.

Allie Costly, Age 20

University of North Georgia, Class of 2017 A marketing major at the University of North Georgia and consummate blogger, sincereserenity.com, Allie began her internship a few months ago. She has also volunteered her talents as a photographer for a recent awards event hosted by a local organization. Allie volunteers her time helping the Disabled American Veterans organization in Gainesville. An aspiring business professional, Allie’s writings are inspirational in nature, just as spending time with her is.

10 www.myforsyth.com

Lacey Verrill, Age 16

Forsyth Central High School, Class of 2017 While participating in a Mentor Me North Georgia Kick it Up program, Lacey mentioned she’d like to write movie reviews for the magazine. She submitted a review for our perusal and is now the official movie reviewer for My Forsyth magazine Her goal in life is to be a famous screenwriter and be a director so that she can make movies “worth making.” She’s already written a few scripts about some famous folks, including River Phoenix, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye.

Taylor Ploeger, Age19

Class of 2017 Bloomberg Univerity A freshman Mass Communication major with a concentration in journalism at Bloomberg University, Taylor is spending this summer working as an Intern with My Forsyth magazine and United Way of Forsyth County.

Kristyn Iodice, Age 25

North Georgia College and State University (UNG), Class of 2012 North Forsyth High School, Class of 2007 A casual encounter at a local retail store in 2010 led to Kristyn writing articles about her passion to help others while creating awareness about the fair trade movement. Over the years we’ve remained in touch with Kristyn.

She currently works as the Communications Coordinator at DahlonegaLumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and is preparing for her upcoming wedding.

“My internship taught me at an early age the importance of time management, meeting deadlines, and delivering interesting, quality articles that made people think. My Forsyth gave me a space to carve out my own voice and really begin to explore my own narrative. It provided me with a platform to provide insight from a generation that wasn’t always given the opportunity to be heard!”

Through the years we’ve watched these wonderful students strive to be their very best, reach their goals and help others do the same. We’ve met their parents and enjoyed times together over coffee or meals. We’ve shared in our triumphs and challenges, the death of our loved ones and the reaffirmation that, no matter at what age, reaching for our goals is a decision worth making.

“I often realize that these internships have been more beneficial to me than the interns realize. I’ve been honored that they’ve chosen to be a part of My Forsyth magazine, and my life.”

Julie Brennan, Publisher www.myforsyth.com 11

Forsyth County Government News

ENJOY LAKE LANIER THIS SUMMER AT A FORSYTH COUNTY PARK Enjoy your days of summer by visiting a Forsyth County park on the shores of Lake Lanier. From boat ramps and camping sites to fishing piers and playgrounds, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation offers wonderful amenities on Lake Lanier with activities sure to please every member of the family.

Forsyth County Parks on Lake Lanier: Charleston Park 5850 Charleston Park Road: boat ramp, picnic tables and courtesy dock Shady Grove Campground 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road: RV and tent campsites, restrooms with showers, playground, sand beach/lake swimming area, swing set, boat ramp and courtesy dock Young Deer Creek Park 7300 Heard Road: picnic pavilion, sand beach/lake swimming area, swing set, boat ramp and courtesy dock Six Mile Creek Park 6020 Browns Bridge Road: boat ramp and courtesy dock

110 E. MAIN STREET, SUITE 210 TV FORSYTH – COMCAST CHANNEL 23 | FORSYTHCO.COM

STAY SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT The Forsyth County Fire Department urges residents to take extra precautions to help avoid heat-related illness, injury and death during the hot summer months. nNever leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle – not even for a minute. nIf you see a child or pet unattended in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately. nTeach children that cars are not a play area. nStay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. nLimit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. nWear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. nProtect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

GET FIT AT FORSYTH COUNTY’S RECREATION CENTERS! Are you looking to set new fitness goals this summer? If so, Forsyth County offers affordable and quality fitness programs to help you meet your goals. Each of the county’s three recreation centers, located at Central Park, Fowler Park and Old Atlanta Park, is equipped with a cardio/weight room as well as a wide variety of fitness

For more information on Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, www.forsythco.com/parks.

FORSYTH COUNTY IS GEORGIA’S HEALTHIEST… AGAIN! Forsyth County has been named the healthiest county in Georgia in the annual County Health Rankings by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute. Nearly every county in the nation is ranked on health outcomes (how healthy we are) and on health factors (how healthy we can be). For the third year in a row, Forsyth County was ranked the healthiest in Georgia! Learn more at www. countyhealthrankings.org.

Keep the healthy trend going by enjoying one of Forsyth County’s many parks! A walk at Chattahoochee Pointe, a bike ride along the Big Creek Greenway or a hike up Sawnee Mountain Preserve are just a few of the many ways to stay active at county parks. Learn more at www. forsythco.com/parks.

12 www.myforsyth.com

classes. Fitness class offerings include body barre, yoga, spin, Zumba and much more!

Several fitness pass options are available for purchase to meet your interests and can be used at all three recreation center locations. For more information, call 770.781.2215 or visit www.forsythco.com/parks.

News Around Forsyth said April Edwards, LCSW, clinical director, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. “The donated items such as hygiene packets, clothing and food provide our veterans with basic necessities that many take for granted.”

LOCAL GROUPS HOLD COLLECTION DRIVE FOR GEORGIA’S HOMELESS VETS The 4th annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s homeless Veterans, sponsored by the metro area Pilot International Clubs and Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS), affiliated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, will take place July 4 through Sept. 11, 2015. The drive collects much-needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for Veterans who attend the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s annual “Stand Down” event in October.

“Stand Down” is a military term that refers to the time when troops are brought back from the battlefield for rest and recuperation. The Atlanta VA Stand Down event provides health and other services to help homeless Veterans get back on their feet. More than 850 homeless Veterans were served at the 2014 event.

The Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive was started in 2012 by Georgia district Pilot International Clubs. GCS became involved in 2013. Twenty-seven GCS offices across Georgia, including 19 in Metro Atlanta, will participate in this year’s drive. Travel/sample-size toiletry and personal care items are needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, combs/brushes, body wash/ soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and feminine products.

“The assistance from our community volunteers, such as the Georgia Cancer Specialists and the Northside Hospital volunteers, is invaluable to the success of our Stand Down,”

“The dignity, concern and respect shown by the community shows our veterans that they have not been forgotten,” Edwards added.

“The Atlanta VA’s Healthcare for Homeless Veterans salutes all of those who served our country.”

Donations can be dropped off at any GCS location in Georgia. For a list of locations, visit www.gacancer.com.

Cumming 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 4300 Cumming, GA 30041 Johns Creek 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 300 Johns Creek, GA 30097 For more information about the Stand Up for Stand Down drive, contact 770-864-5347 or SU4SD@yahoo.com, or visit www.facebook.com/SU4SD.

Pilot International is a 501c3 organization that exists to serve as a global charitable and educational organization of executive, business and professional leaders, working together to improve the quality of life in local communities and throughout the world. Founded in Macon, GA in 1921, the historic inspiration for the name was the riverboat pilot who would steer a true course through calm or troubled waters. Thus, for almost 100 years, Pilots have served under the motto “True Course Ever.” Today’s Pilots find their “true course” through their charge to DO MORE, CARE MORE and BE MORE every day. For more information visit their website www.pilotinternational.org

www.myforsyth.com 13

K NO W Y OU R SHERIFF’S

OFFI C E

Duane K. Piper, Sheriff

CHANGING A CULTURE How the Sheriff’s Office Works

On January 1, 2013, Sheriff Duane K. Piper embarked on a mission. The mission: to take the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office to a higher level. Two and half years later things continue to change and come together. As reported in our last edition, one of the most noticeable changes has been transparency and communication with the community through the use of social media. Many of the changes have not been so obvious to the general public, but nonetheless are important to know and understand.

The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of four main divisions— Enforcement, Operations, Jail, and Court Services. Each division has a main priority of focus. For example, the Enforcement Division is responsible for the deputies who respond to 911 calls and many of the deputies you see conducting traffic crash investigations.

Operations include School Resource Officers, Community Relations Programs, Pro Active Community Enforcement (PACE) team and Ordinance/Permits to name a few. Jail Division is responsible for all functions that include the daily operations of the jail, including the challenges that came with building and opening the new jail and also managing any warrant service in the county.

The Courthouse team’s main responsibility is keeping the courthouse secure 24/7/365, managing service of all civil papers and over the past two years, assisting in the opening of the new courthouse.

One of the ways your Sheriff Office has successfully expanded services to citizens has been through the use of cross training.

“A deputy who wears our badge and represents our agency needs to be able to assist a citizen with anything related to the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Piper asserts.

In March of 2013, Sheriff Piper and his leadership team began to re-train and cross train many of the deputies so they could operate across different divisions. For example, deputies who did not have experience in the Courthouse were put through the courthouse training program and now spend time on occasion picking up tasks in the courthouse.

14 www.myforsyth.com

Deputies who are assigned to the area of serving civil papers are now trained and equipped to work an accident if they happen to be the closest unit.

Training and fitness have been another focus for our department. The deputies that run the training area were given the ability to design and develop training programs based on feedback from deputies in all divisions. The programs they developed have paid off in a big way over the past two years. One such training was used during the courthouse shooting incident in June of 2014. A few weeks prior to the shooting, courthouse employees had completed an active shooter training scenario in the courthouse, simulating the events that eventually took place last year.

“Our training is core to what we do; many times in real life we only get one chance to do it correctly,” Sheriff Piper states.

Fitness is another focus area. Law enforcement professionals have a responsibility to the public, their partners and most importantly themselves. If a deputy is not able to run, jump, push or pull the weight of an individual in distress, they aren’t able to do their job.

Deputies are human beings as well, with all the same societal pressures as anyone else, but held to a higher standard.

“I expect it of myself as I do my entire staff” explains Sheriff Piper when discussing the training and fitness program.

“We are integrating a physical fitness assessment into the agency standards and have been for almost two years now.

It is being done methodically and with input from different programs and experts from around the country.”

All deputies, including Sheriff Piper himself, complete the fitness assessment. A full- time deputy with a degree in the field of fitness from Auburn University and a passion for health oversees the program.

“I will provide all the resources necessary to help our deputies maintain a functional level of fitness to best serve our citizens,” Sheriff Piper concludes.

These are just a few of the ways we keep your Sheriff’s Office operating effectively and efficiently.n Stay informed! Follow us on Facebook at htps://www.facebook.com/ForsythCountySO.

12

TABLES OF

Inspiration

by Ruth Goode

Recently, I attended the Lanier Technical College Foundation’s 2015 Scholarship Breakfast. This event was held as a “Thank You” to donors who provide scholarships to assist students with their educational costs. For the better part of the last 12 years, United Way of Forsyth County has provided approximately $103,000 in scholarship funds for students at Lanier Technical College, thanks to your contributions! It was an honor and privilege to be sitting amongst representatives from family foundations, other civic organizations, and companies who understand the value of their gifts, not only to the receiving individuals, but for the greater good of our area. They are an inspirational group of folks who also believe that a quality education is the most basic of building blocks for a good quality of life.

Sitting amongst the donors were recipients of those scholarships. As we moved through the agenda, we got to the point where we had remarks from a 2015 graduate of the Dental Hygiene Program. As the graduating student speaker, Kelly said in her remarks, “Everybody has a story”. Many of the students are in different phases of their lives, from high school graduates to students who had not picked up a textbook in 2030 years. She made the decision to quit her full-time job to become a full-time student, to follow a dream and to ultimately provide a better life for her daughter. Living on a shoestring budget, she had been given scholarships along the way to supplement the cost of the program. She had just received her license the day before the event. She was so proud of her journey and thankful for the blessings bestowed upon her along the way.

Meet Rose. She is currently enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at Lanier Technical College. Rose has received United Way scholarships for the past five semesters. She is a single mother of three children ages 15, 13 and 11. It is because of her children that she was inspired to return to school in order to better herself and provide a more stable life for her children. She would be the first to tell you that it has been a challenge on many different levels, especially financially. Her scholarship has defrayed costs for books, tuition and fees. It has helped relieve the financial stress.

As Cris Perkins, Executive Director of the Foundation said about the scholarships, “It is life changing to these students. These scholarships are huge to these students.

Some of these students enter the office and have a strong desire to continue their education, but don’t have the financial resources to pay for books, tuition, or fees.

A small scholarship can go a long way!” Your United Way contributions touch and improve lives daily. Thank you for being the inspiration to others!n

For the better part of the last 12 years, United Way of Forsyth County has provided approximately $103,000 in scholarship funds for students at Lanier Technical College, thanks to your contributions!

United Way Forsyth P.O. Box 1350 Cumming, GA 30028 770-781-4110 | www.unitedwayforsyth.com Ruth Goode is the Executive Director of the United Way Forsyth. She may be reached at 770.781.4110 or ruth@unitedwayforsyth.com

www.myforsyth.com 15

’

Nature s

REMEDIES

There appears to be an increase in the number of people who are getting back to nature or using medicinal herbs in combination with modern medicine.

Natural herbs can help with brain and nervous system functions, along with respiratory and circulatory systems, and digestive systems.

garlic

has an extensive history in herbal medicine. Garlic has been linked to the Like many other herbs, circulatory system aiding in heart disease, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and in strengthening the immune system. It has also been suggested for digestive complaints and ulcers.

Peppermint

GINSENG

With such a fast paced world that we live in, who can keep up and remember everything all the time? You can with the aid of Asian Ginseng. In people suffering from injury, emotional stress, and fatigue, Asian Ginseng has been shown to improve the nervous system.

Recent studies found that people taking Asian ginseng feel more alert, and showed improvements with regards to thinking, learning, memory, and concentration. This type of ginseng has also been linked to diabetes control and reducing one’s cholesterol.

is also great the digestive system.

It is often used to treat pain, gas, and diarrhea that is linked to irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint calms the muscles of the digestive system which allows for improved bile flow from the gallbladder allowing the body to better digest fat.

Peppermint also has a cooling effect on hives, rashes and other skin irritations as well as being used to treat colds and flu symptoms.

Honey is one of the most commonly used products today.

Lemon balm

has been used for ages by many to treat everything from stress relief to fevers to bites.

More commonly it is used to treat anxiety, stress, and aid in the digestion process. Another bonus to lemon balm is when planted in the garden in works as a great mosquito repellent.

Directions for making tea: 1 cup of boiling water over 5/6 fresh leaves and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

You could add honey or stevia to taste, if needed. (Do not give honey to children under 18 months). After teaching high school math all day, my wife uses it at bed time to relax, and as a calming/sleep aid.

Most use it to treat and suppress coughs; but did you know it also works for sore throats and wound care? Scientists have shown that the antibacterial properties in honey are effective at treating cuts, scrapes, and wounds. So make sure to store your honey in a cool dark place that is convenient to the medicine cabinet and the kitchen.

If you are interested in perusing this lifestyle, for you or your family, research each natural remedy carefully, as combining certain herbs can be detrimental to your health. Always consult with your primary care physician before adding natural remedies to your health care regimen. Thanks for reading and happy gardening.n

Casey Norris may be reached at Ladyslipper Rare Plant Nursery at 770.345.2998.

16 www.myforsyth.com

A

part of me wonders if perhaps I should’ve been a travel agent. For me, planning a trip is as much fun as actually going on a trip. It’s one of the few areas in my life where I am completely organized. My meticulous planning is based, at least in part, on nervousness. Since I’m often traveling on my own with four kids, I gain a sense of security knowing that all has been planned out ahead of time.

The first thing is to decide where you’re going. For last summer’s road trip, we had planned to see family in Rehoboth Beach and Cape Cod, so that’s where I started.

Both destinations are popular summer beach venues, so I booked our rooms early. A little tip for those of you wanting to visit the Northeast — most schools don’t let out until mid-late June. Why does this matter? Lower rates. Also, smaller crowds, which means shorter lines and wait times at parks and restaurants.

Once I locked in our reservations for Rehoboth and the Cape, I got my maps out.

For me, a personal goal is to explore all fifty states. Since I grew up in New England and have travelled there frequently, we’ve checked several of those states off our list. Still, there were other sites that we’d missed. Acadia National Park was a bucket list item, and since we’d be so far north, it made sense to venture into Canada. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island all made our itinerary.

Once I mapped out the trip, I calculated the miles between each destination. I try to limit the drive time to four hours a day between cities.

We travel in the morning, usually getting to our destination in time for lunch, and then spend the afternoon sightseeing. If we have a big driving day, I’ll plan to stay at a hotel with a nice pool to keep my little ones happy.

As for hotels, I take full advantage of the membership rewards programs. If you’re going to use points - book early! They only reserve so many rooms for those purposes. When choosing a hotel, I always check out reviews on TripAdvisor. The site has never failed me. The few times I’ve gone rogue and ignored a bad rating, I’ve been burned. I also try to include stops to see family and friends, who often invite us to stay with them. I always take advantage of their hospitality and their washing machines.

Laundry rooms are available at some hotel chains. It’s a good idea to investigate so you can plan your laundry days in advance (which helps when packing).

iinngg n n n a n l a P l P

. p i r t d A roa

by Allie

Smith

When traveling with children, especially growing teenage boys, it’s ideal to stay at hotels that offer free breakfast. The food isn’t always the best, but it’ll save money. Some chains also offer complementary family style meals during the week. When on the road with the kids, I often dine early (yes, early bird and happy hour specials), and frequent restaurants with good children’s menus.

When it’s the five of us, we squeeze into one room, but that’s our secret. For years, my little one was quite happy sleeping in a pack-n-play. Not sure how this is going to fly this summer, as he’s now seven, but we’ll find out. Sometimes we have to enter the hotel in shifts, so we don’t alert the front desk that we’re over capacity (and/or incur an extra charge). When Dad is with us, we splurge for an extra room. I call ahead the day before and ask to be “pre-blocked” into connecting rooms.

I’m frequently asked how I decide what to explore when we’re in a new city. I have a variety of methods and resources. Last summer, on Prince Edward Island, I had to see the home from Anne of Green Gables, a favorite childhood book. Anne is a fictional character, but the author grew up on PEI. No one in my crew was interested – so Dad and the kids watched a movie in the car while I revisited my childhood. I love to visit National Historic Sites, because I’m a history buff — and they’re usually pretty affordable. Big ticket items are the amusement parks, aquariums, and tall buildings! You don’t even want to know what I paid for the five of us to go to the top of the Sears Towers (excuse me, Willis Tower) in Chicago.

For sightseeing, once again TripAdvisor is a great place to start. Also ask family and friends for input. Sometimes I’ll post an inquiry on social media and I’m rewarded with tons of suggestions.

As the children have gotten older, I’ve learned to get their input about what they want to do. Every road trip usually includes a zoo, continued on page 46

Allie Smith is an avid reader, traveler and the mother of four children. You can follow her on Goodreads or her blog www.thelatchkeymom.com. She can be reached at asreadsforsyth@gmail.com.

www.myforsyth.com www.myforsyth.com 17 17

by Lacey Verrill

Action, high speed chases and hilarious humor. Of course I’m talking about Furious7, the latest addition to the Fast and Furious franchise. When I went to go see this movie at the fantastic Movies 400, I was expecting to ask questions the whole time and have no idea what was going on. However, the movie caught me up to where they were without any confusion!

After being caught up, I got to enjoy the movie rather than question it. This movie is so brilliantly created and well-crafted. The cast in this movie definitely made the movie worth watching. Vin Diesel plays Dominic Toretto, the leader of the pack. Paul Walker plays Brian O’Conner, Dom’s right hand man. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays Hobbs. Jason Statham plays Deckard Shaw, the one after the group for the death of his brother in one of the previous movies. Michelle Rodriguez plays Letty, the girl of the group and Dom’s wife.

My favorite part was when Kurt Russell who played Mr. Nobody came out. This movie is a great movie and has an amazing tribute to Paul Walker made me cry. It was beautiful.

There is also confirmation that they will make a Furious 8 in a couple of years so go out and see this movie or buy it so you get caught up for the next one.

RATING: 10 out of 10

Lacey Verrill is a student at Forsyth Central High School. The 16 year old sophomore loves movies and sharing her reviews with family, friends and our readers.

These Are The Good ol’ Days!

by Christine Roberts

As our family zipped around trying to make sure we had everything needed for the entire day, emotions ran high.

Frustration grew as time was ticking to get on the road PRONTO. There was at least a one hour drive to get to the fields. It was the crack of dawn on a Sunday and frankly I was annoyed that we’ve gotten ourselves into this crazy schedule! Our children are 11 yrs. and 9 yrs. old and we’ve created this life. Yes us, we created it! This life of being on the go constantly, so I certainly couldn’t play the victim.

Ugh…don’t you hate when that happens?

Just last week I had a conversation with a couple of ladies at work whose children are now in their twenties and out of the house. They shared about the days of sports events and being on the go with a look of yearning and a tone of nostalgia. They advised “enjoy this time, you will miss it”. WHAT? Are they serious?

So back to this crazy morning where we can’t find a cleat, my daughter’s pony tail isn’t tight enough, and my son won’t wear his jacket…it hits me. These ARE the Good ol’ Days!

Last week my husband and I were laughing with our children reminiscing about the time our son got into my expensive hair gel and smeared it in his hair and all over the bathroom. And when both children dumped an entire box of Styrofoam peanuts all over the house that couldn’t be vacuumed because they were too big, plus because of static electricity they were sticking to everything. Oh boy, that one almost put me through the roof.

We had so much fun ruminating about those days and all the mischief they got into.

So, whatever is happening and you think you’re going to lose your mind, take a moment to consider that these are the good ol’ days. Trust me, it is not easy sometimes but, having that paradigm shift got me through this morning.

Now off to the next crazy adventure.n

Christine Roberts volunteers with Mentor Me-North GA. She is also an author, speaker, leadership consultant, certified child advocate, wife and mother of two children.

She may be reached at christine@cmrobertsllc.com

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OTP Bucket List

by Suzanne Taylor & Michelle Knapp

These days, everyone seems to have a Bucket List. If you live in the suburbs of Atlanta, you’ve most likely gone downtown for the big attractions: the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, CNN and the various art and history museums. Here are a few ideas of places that you may consider visiting this year.

Stone Mountain National Park

1

For those who stop and smell the roses:

Check out Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, especially during the spring when 20 million daffodils bloom, but it is absolutely beautiful other seasons as well.

Smith Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw is a smaller, serene garden that is truly a hidden gem. They have an impressive Bonsai Tree collection, statues, and more than 16 acres of trees and flowers.

If you enjoy a leisurely drive, Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville is another beautiful place for flower enthusiasts to visit.

2

For the whole family:

Tanglewood Farms in Canton. This 10-acre, kid-friendly farm is home to 150 different miniature animals. Tanglewood Farms is a perfect place for children’s birthday parties, too!

Seasonally, you can pick strawberries at the 3-acre Warbington Farms in Cumming.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a Fall Foliage & Polar Express train ride, as well as some other family friendly scenic train rides through beautiful Blue Ridge Georgia.

Make this one a day trip and round it out with shopping and dining in downtown Blue Ridge.

Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell is an absolute must for families that love nature, animals, hiking or all of the above. Check their website for all of the different events they offer.

3

For the history buffs:

The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw features The General Train and the Great Locomotive Chase Movie. It’s an easy museum to visit with just an hour or two.

Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville is home to the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in the U.S., is located in Lilburn. Stroll through the temple and listen to the audio tour explain Hindu art, architecture and philosophy. An Arti ceremony can be attended, but please see website for special rules for entrance.

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, located in Lithonia, has many stories hidden in the granite outcrops throughout the land. The area is rich in natural wonders that drew Native American travelers and traders, settlers looking for new land after the Creek succession, freed slaves, and a group of Trappist monks.

There is something for everyone at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Stop by for the day or participate in a retreat, and immerse yourself in the monastic culture. A visit to the Monastery appeals to the mind, body and soul. The monastery is located in Conyers.

Stone Mountain National Park offers attractions, hiking, history and an amazing laser light show that is a must see for everyone. Stroll leisurely through the park, or take a more active approach and hike the mountain for some beautiful views.

Gibbs Gardens

Enjoy Tellus Science Museum and Planetarium – a unique experience in Cartersville.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Scoop OTP did not receive any compensation for the mention of any place on this list. It was compiled based on comments, suggestions, and our own personal experiences of living here over 15 years. Visit ScoopOTP.com for more ideas.

www.myforsyth.com 19

FORSYTH FOODIE

Viva La Costa Vida!

E at In spi r e d • Li v e I n spi r e d

A quiet lunch with a dear friend provided this foodie a great opportunity to enjoy one of Forsyth’s newest restaurants – Costa Vida. Costa Vida features a variety of freshly made items, including hand-made tortillas. Donnie Williams, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother Michael, is proud of the restaurant’s commitment to freshness.

burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, salads and nachos. While these may all sound like your typical Mexican dishes, it’s the variety of ingredients and toppings that takes the offerings from ordinary to extraordinary.

“We use fresh ingredients and make everything from scratch,” Williams explained. “We have no cans, no microwaves, no freezers, and no preservatives.”

For this foodie, having fresh cilantro, lime and cilantro vinaigrette as choices makes me very happy. Protein options include sweet pork, shredded beef, grilled chicken, raspberry chicken, and grilled steak. Dessert offerings include Tres Leches, Flan, Cinnamon Tortilla, Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Nadine Neville-Turpin, a registered nurse and owner of Authenticity Health and Wellness Coaching, has enjoyed Costa Vida’s culinary treats for a while.

“I don’t enjoy eating out very much; I prefer my own food preparation to 95% of what I eat in restaurants.

I like the flavor better and I have the certainty of knowing that the ingredients are healthy,” Nadine explained. The freshness of Costa Vida’s ingredients and the fact that they are gluten-friendly has made Costa Vida one her favorite places in Forsyth County.

Ninety-five percent of the menu items naturally contain no gluten and offers many gluten-friendly options for celiac and gluten-sensitive guests.

Costa Vida does not focus on typical Mexican cuisine. The owners envisioned a fresh take on Mexican food as invigorating as a trip to the coast. Their award-winning tortillas are handmade and grilled on their signature comal (cast iron plate) right in front of patrons.

The Sweet Pork Burrito is a Caribbean-flavored dish that takes Williams away to the beach and makes him feel like he is “sitting on the beach sipping a piña colada with my toes in the sand!”

Patrons are commonly referred to as Costavidans and can order from a wide variety of choices, including 20 www.myforsyth.com

Kids’ can choose from taco, quesadilla, or enchilada with choice of meat, a side of rice and beans, a cinnamon tortilla and a drink, all for $4.00.Next time you are in the mood to try a little twist to the typical Mexican foods, consider trying Costa Vida. You are in for a treat!n

DAILY SPECIALS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Small Grilled Chicken Salad Two Sweet Pork Enchiladas Grilled Chicken Burrito Small Sweet Pork Salad Chile Verde Burrito Shredded Beef Burrito Small Pork Nachos

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill 405 Peachtree Pkwy #165 Cumming, GA 30041 www.CostaVida.net 770.887.4572

Join

us monday nights for select Wine Dinners! mer Custo n ciatio Appre Day 6 July 2 2 pm – s s

Artfully Prepared Pleasantly Presented Fresh ingredients from our farm

Mi Don’t It!

Italian Food at It’s best!

5670 Atlanta Highway Suite A1 | Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 770.475.9100

casanuovarestaurant.com

www.myforsyth.com 21

Youth Foodie

by Ava Cavijo

Casa Nuova

A New Look At Traditional Italian Food Are you tired of chain restaurants that aren’t always fresh?

If you are, you should try Casa Nuova which means “new house” in Italian.

Before you go, get your parents to make a reservation – it can get crowded because everyone loves their great food. I’ve been there a couple of times and tried different things each time.

The first time I went, I ordered Fettuccine Alfredo as an entrée and Antipasto Freddo for an appetizer. The antipasto had salami, ham, provolone, and mozzarella cheese with lettuce, tomatoes, olives and a dressing on the side. It’s plenty to share with your whole family – it’s definitely something to savor! The Fettuccine Alfredo had delicious long noodles surrounded by a homemade creamy white sauce.

I’ve had this dish at other restaurants, but here the Alfredo sauce seems lighter but still had a great cheesy taste.

I recently went to Casa Nuova again for lunch and had another exceptional experience. Our lunch entrees came with a house salad that was fantastic. It has fresh tomatoes and lettuce from their garden, homemade croutons, grated parmesan cheese, and a perfectly paired dressing all in a chilled bowl to keep it crisp and cool. I almost forgot to mention the basket of warm, heavenly garlic bread they bring as you are waiting for your salad or food. It is buttery, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, a bundle of joy to eat! The bread isn’t loaded down with garlic but has a nice garlicky flavor, and they will bring you all you want. Next, let’s talk about entrees. My dad had Veal Francese, which is beef lightly fried and served with noodles in a lemon butter sauce. My mom had sole, a type of fish, in a lemon sauce with artichokes on pasta. I had the lasagna. It had indescribable fresh, salty mozzarella, ground beef, and a light tomato sauce. The thing that made it so good was the lightness of the sauce, and it had more sauce than noodles. For dessert, I had chocolate mousse cake which was creamy, rich and decadent. We also took home a tiramisu.

On this last visit, I got a special treat when our waiter, Juan Carlos, asked if I would like a tour of the kitchen. I couldn’t pass up the chance to see where these delicious meals are made. At this restaurant, good meals come from a clean kitchen that is well coordinated. There’s a bread station and the salad station is right next to the chilled bowls. There’s a big pot of sauce next to the huge stove where they prepare meals. There was an ice cream maker and a cappuccino maker near the freezer. The workers were all concentrating on their jobs, so the atmosphere was quiet except for the sound of food cooking. Juan Carlos told me about a garden the owners have and explained that’s where they get a lot of their fresh produce like vegetables and herbs.

They even use a green house after the first freeze .The reason they go through all the trouble of gardening is because they are big on the farm to table concept and the quality of their food. This is what sets them apart from other Italian restaurants, and you can taste the difference.

Casa Nuova is locally owned since 1998 by Maria and Carlos Fundora. The restaurant is classy and a little fancy. There are chandeliers that give dim lighting, and they have nice cloth napkins – dark red which I thought was a great way to hide pasta stains. The owners are very involved in our community so, when you go, you’re supporting a great business and treating yourself to a delicious meal. All three of their kids have worked there. Pepe, their oldest son, is in training, and their daughter works on the social media. Their son Alex is very good with people and will tempt you with a tray of the desserts.

As you can see, Casa Nuova is a special Italian restaurant because of the nice people and the freshness of the food. Hope to see you there!n

Ava age 10, is a student at Cumming Elementary School. She enjoys trying new foods and restaurants. She may be reached at ava@myforsyth.com

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Moving Against the

I

can’t help but focus on time lately, you know, the intangible idea that seems to consume most of our energy. To be fair, our lives are wrapped up in the concept of time because everything in our day-to-day lives is measured by it. We set the alarm in the mornings; we have a designated lunch hour; we schedule our workouts, dinner dates, and holidays. When our lives are measured on such an intricate detail as a minute-by-minute play-by-play, you can’t help to eventually question its fleeting qualities.

Travel, for me, always highlights the intangibility and mutability of time. I still stand in awe at how I can get from the U.S. to Eastern Europe in 12 hours and manage to skip a night and begin a new day in less than a few hours. Time travel, here, moves at super speed something like a science fiction experiment where you land in another time zone….literally.

Is it six hours ahead or six hours behind? Do we fall back or spring forward?

The irony in this space/time travel experience is landing in a region where time seems to have stood still in the last few decades. I recently traveled through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary on a river cruise, and just as the river flows, you can see how time is mutable. Romania, the southernmost and starting-point in our journey, seems to have not changed in decades; while sailing through the Iron Gates in Serbia landed us in Belgrade, which is a beautiful city lined with outdoor cafes, high-end shopping, and pedestrians milling about on a sunny Friday afternoon like it was a holiday.

In Romania, remnants of the old Communist regime are still clearly present. Dilapidated, brown and gray apartment blocks forced between cultural-rich monuments to the past; all the while suppressed under the weight of elaborately constructed government buildings. The juxtaposition of two bygone eras slowly ever so slowly being engulfed in the encroaching Western World’s influence is powerful to witness.

Current ►

by Stacy Bagwell

As a westerner, we have seen what is about to come to this region. Yes, their landscape will change and with some, they will be grateful to wipe all remnants of the former governments stamp on their culture. However, I am not sure if “our” stamp is better. Starbucks (Bucharest 2 to Budapest 9), McDonalds (Bucharest 12 to Budapest 12), and, you know, Wal-Mart and Costco currently at a score of zero, will be next—consumerism will place another type of control over the region, and time will begin to move at a warped pace. In this transition the older generations will be in awe at how their lives are so different, the younger generation will wish for it to move faster, and then tourists will line the streets and think this is like any other city in the world.

by “Untouched Western Time

”

Can we force time to stand still?

My hope is to see areas of the world where it has been untouched by Western time. Because once you are measured by this, it moves at such a speed that one cannot even blink without wondering where the year went and most importantly how your time was “measured”. Of course, the goal is to be present in those moments created daily in our lives. Our lives should be measured by moments, not dictated by a digital clock glaring at us from our nightstand.n

Stacy Bagwell is the owner of A Bag Well Traveled, Inc. and Independent Affiliate of Brownell Travel, a Virtuoso Agency. Stacy may be reached at 440-408-9341 or www.abagwelltraveled.com.

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IN THE MIDDLE OF A SANDWICH… “Sometimes Ordering A Sandwich Isn’t That Simple”

by Monica Miller

You’ve looked at the menu and made your decision.

It’s now your turn. The person at the counter signals to you that he’s ready to take your order. Given all the bread options, I chose homemade whole wheat and yes, I’ll take that toasted!

But just as we were getting to the “meat” of the meal, his gaze became a stare. I knew the guy on the other side of the counter was no longer there with me. I spoke a little slower and my energy dropped to mirror his. I wondered where he was at that moment…and then he brought me into the fold.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “My best friend died yesterday.”

My sandwich was no longer a concern for either of us.

Stunned, I offered condolences.

After a few moments, he finished taking my order with renewed focus. His hands got busy and his mind got back on the task at hand. While I was dealing with feeding a hunger, he was dealing with something deep in his soul. Had he not said anything, I would not have known. It would’ve just been another slightly off balance encounter.

But he shared. He didn’t have to. People don’t have to, but sometimes they do. Once I knew what he was dealing with, compassion grew within me.

Let’s not always expect to hear what’s happening in people’s lives to know where they’re coming from.

Instead, let’s freely offer compassion. You never know what story people are in the middle of and where their journey is taking them when you happen to cross paths.n

“You never know what story people are in the middle of and where their journey is taking them when you happen to cross paths.”

24 www.myforsyth.com

HAPPY

EverAfter...

5 Tips That Can Help Improve Your Marriage

Preventive care is a phrase that is often mentioned in medical and dental areas.

Taking time to make sure we are properly caring for our well-being is very important to maintain good health. Your marriage is no different.

This time of year is typically known as the wedding season. For a variety of reasons, many couples decide to join in marriage in this season. Like your health, your marriage is important to maintain.

I recently ran across an article that shared the top things that destroy marriages. This article, citing experts in the field, showed the top five things that people do, or do not do, to allow their marriage to slip into a non-healthy state.

Knowing these items, like preventive care, will help everyone from newlyweds to older couples sustain and make stronger their marriages.

Maybe surprisingly to you, I found that all five are often directly related to the top one. Working with clients, I see regularly how each one is true and how they tie right back into the top one.

What is that top one? Finances. The number one issue in the destruction of marriages is finances. I have witnessed it in marriages that this statistic is not directly affected by whether you have a small income or a large income, but is always related in how we work together as a couple.

Working from the bottom up, here are the five:

5

A Double Life - I often see where one person, and sometimes the other too, has a totally different financial direction. Financial accounts, including credit, are opened and used that the other spouse has no idea of or approved.

4

Growing Apart - When couples do not plan and work together, one spouse may go off on their own and do as they wish without the other person’s knowledge.

Then the excuse for failure becomes “we just grew apart.�

They forget that, at one point, they grew together. Making poor financial choices lead to growing apart instead of the synergy created when working, and growing, together.

3

Contempt - Often an extension of number 5 and 4 once things begin to move in the wrong direction.

Instead of addressing and correcting, bitterness and contempt creep in.

2 1

Poor Communication - Directly a result in our lack of intention in working together as a couple. Many find it easier to avoid than to be communicating and addressing the financial areas of our lives together.

Finances - My experience has been to see all four areas above come right back to the area of money.

Recognition is key. When you see each one of these areas, you can now work to make sure you and your marriage are not a statistic.

Like preventative actions with your health, you can preventively protect your marriage and your finances.n

Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678.648.9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information about his services.

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Leadership Forsyth BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY ONE CLASS AT A TIME

S

ince its inception in 1989, Leadership Forsyth has been guided by its mission to strengthen the Forsyth County community by enhancing individual and collective leadership potential. Each year, the Leadership Forsyth class selects a project to complete that will enrich and benefit the county.

“Over the years, several business owners, community leaders and volunteers have been part of the program,” tated Tammi Bramblett, Executive Director of the program.

The Class of 2012 chose to enhance an existing outdoor trail and added a Life Trail and to add a LifeTrail Advanced Wellness System at the Hearthstone Lodge Community Center. The 2013 Class opened a new self‐guided interpretive trail at the Caney Creek Preserve, which included the installation of seven signs, which and added 2,500 feet of new trail.

The 2014 class dedicated a commemorative walk and garden area at the Forsyth County National Guard armory. The walk and garden area is in honor of all fallen Georgia National Guard members, and offers the public a place to come to reflect on the sacrifices of servicemen and women.

The Leadership Forsyth Class of 2015 dedicated its class project, the Charlie Smith and Buddy Lang Sport Court, to the Bald Ridge Lodge on May 9th, 2015. The court is named for the two lifelong friends who proposed the creation of the boys’ home in 2008. The Bald Ridge Lodge is a non-profit stabilization and assessment center for boys, ages 12-18, located in Forsyth County.

Leadership Forsyth is a nine month program that fosters the development of diverse youth and adult community leaders, strengthens personal capacity to be an active leader, promotes high quality leadership in Forsyth County and promotes community awareness and engagement.n

Each fall, a new class of about 35 members is selected from community nominations.

The program runs From August through May. For more information visit www.leadershipforsyth.org or their Facebook page.

26 www.myforsyth.com

1 2 3 4 5

5 Where is the late night food option??? Mom, what do you mean I can’t have unlimited grilled cheeses, fries, brownies, and ice cream at 11:30 pm?! I NEED 24/7 GREASE IN MY LIFE!

All your friends are miles away.

You actually have to drive to see your friends. You can’t just walk next door into the embrace of a roommate and show them a weird pic you found — unless you’re really tight with your neighbors…

Struggles Every

College Student Home for the Summer Can Understand

by Kiera Chiapperini

I

have no doubt that at some point someone told you that it would be hard to leave home when you went away to college, but nobody told you it would be even harder to come back. If you’re a college student who has left campus for the summer, then you definitely feel these struggles.

It’s just a Thursday. Thirsty Thursday is no more my friends.

Your friends are working their summer jobs and don’t have time to let loose with you. Your weekend starts on Friday night *shudders*.

Thank you for Basecamp! You get home to find your town’s Yik Yak is dull and nobody up votes your yaks about how your college town is cum better than your hometown Pudi ipsanda dolorum other than other salty college students.

So, how’s school going? The dreaded question that literally everyone asks you when you come home. Duck, dodge, run, you can’t avoid it no matter how much you want to. Can’t they see you just don’t care?

Although being home from college can seem like a drag, just remember to make the most of your summer and know that every other college student is feeling your pain. While these struggles may seem awful, don’t wish away your time at home. Spend time with your family including your animals, and friends you haven’t seen in a while and you’ll be back on campus before you know it!n Kiera Chiapperini is a student at Oglethorpe University. She may be reached at kchiapperini@Oglethorpe.edu.

www.myforsyth.com 27

TO YOUR HEART!

Salt, Sugar and Sauces – the 2015 Dietary Guidelines

By Narendra Singh MD

T

his year the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) issued a report that hopefully will shake up the food industry and more importantly individual Americans. While it would be impossible to summarize the 500 page report (http:// www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015dga-timeline.pdf), I want to highlight some key recommendations that can inprove your heart health.

In general terms, DGAC reaffirms that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low or non-fat dairy, seafood, legumes, nuts and moderate alcohol ( adults only) is beneficial. Reducing red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened foods and drinks as well as refined grains is equally important. The report also confirms that a plant based diet is not only healthier but also environmentally more sustainable than our traditional animal foods diet.

The report reemphasizes the value of replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats. This lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL) and thereby reduces heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, our previous dietary policy of restricting total fats and replacing them with carbohydrates has no beneficial impact on cardiovascular risk! Saturated fats should be limited to less that 10% of total calories.

Dietary cholesterol such as from butter and eggs should no longer be restricted. The majority (80%) of cholesterol is produced in the liver and thus dietary intake has limited impact on blood levels.

Sugar consumption came out as one of the biggest concerns. It is one of the key factors in why 2/3 of Americans are considered overweight or obese. It is the trigger for diabetes and all its devastating complications.

Sugar should represent no more than 10% of total energy intake‌a daunting target in our carb-rich world!

Salt has been equally contentious but the goals for the general population are to limit to less than 2300 gm a

day. Reading food labels and utilizing electronic or written diaries are important tools for recognizing and changing dietary patterns.

With respect to seafood, DGAC advised paying more attention to the type of fish rather than the farm versus wild caught debate. Salmon and trout have much higher omega 3 levels per serving than do catfish or crawfish.

Dietary supplements often lead to overconsumption of certain nutrients, which is not necessary, but in general also not harmful. Certain nutients such as Vitamins A, D, E,C, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and fiber are under-comsumed. It’s one of the reasons why a multivitamin a day is still worthwhile.

The committee also understood the need to reduce overall caloric intake by decreasing portion size and improving product labeling of total calories. Equally important was the need to increase physical activity over all age groups and populations. The success of the tobacco cessation campaign is now being reengineered to impact dietary behavior. Curtailing marketing to kids, adding soda taxes, limiting caloric density, offering fitness memberships or healthy food subsidies, may all play a role as we work both individually and collectively towards a healthier America!n

Narendra Singh MD FRCPC FACC FAHA, is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Georgia Regents University in Augusta, and the Director-Clinical Research, Atlanta Heart Specialists, LLC. Dr. Singh studied at the Dalhouse Medical School in Halifax, Nova Scotia and went on to complete a residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Toronto. He may be reached at 678.679.6800, www.heartdrsingh.com.

28 www.myforsyth.com

www.myforsyth.com 29

. t r a e H . r e u s i Yo t r e p x E r u O At Atlanta Heart Specialists we provide the highest quality cardiovascular care for our patients, including advanced interventions, education, preventative therapy, and much more.

1500 Northside Blvd., Suite2500 Cumming GA 30041

678.679.6800 4375 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 350 Suwanee GA 30024

770.622.1622

“because after all you have better things to do!

Narendra Singh, MD, FRCPC, FACC, FAHA Direcctor, Clinical Research Clinical Assistant Professor Georgia Regents University

www.HeartDrSingh.com 30 www.myforsyth.com

Allergy Season in Georgia Do your eyes ever become red, swollen and itchy, perhaps accompanied by a runny nose? If so, you’re probably experiencing eye allergies.

According to AllAboutVision.com, 30 to 50 percent of Americans have allergy symptoms, and about three of every four allergy sufferers have eye allergy symptoms.

When an allergic reaction takes place, your eyes overreact to a substance, called an allergen, perceived as harmful, even though it may not be. For example, dust that is harmless to most people can cause problems for allergic individuals.

Many allergens are in the air, where they come in contact with your eyes and nose. Airborne allergens include pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in eye drops such as those used to lubricate dry eyes. continued on page 46 Dr. Mira Sivan is an optometrist with a private practice located at The Vickery in Cumming. She may be reached at 678.648.5185. Visit her web site at www.fyeo-eyecare.com

Exceeding Your Expectations. . .

Crowns|Bridges|Botox|Porcelain Veneers Kor Whitening Deep Bleach System Comfortable Family Office Environment Relax with TV and Headphones

Free Velscope Oral Cancer screening for all new patients

SHERRY R. JORDAN, D.M.D.

www.JordanDentistry.com | 1735 Buford Highway, Suite 135 | Cumming, GA 30041 | 770.888.6262 www.myforsyth.com 31

This is for all of my fellow lovebirds out there, whether you are in a happy relationship or teetering hopelessly on the brink of separation. I promise, it’s never too late to rekindle the love you once shared or to ignite a new spark into an everlasting flame. Getting your relationship back to the level of “loving, supportive, hopeful, and secure” can be obtained in six very simple steps:

6

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship

1. Communicate This is probably the most important advice I could ever give you.

Communication is key in a healthy relationship. If something bothers you, don’t continuously bottle it up until you explode into a fit of rage. Remember that he cares for you so he will listen, and he loves you enough to respect your sensitive heart and guard his own words. In short, please don’t lash out at the one who loves you. Tell him how you feel so that you can peacefully resolve the issue together.

2. Be Affectionate Hold his hand, touch his arm, and give him a quick kiss. Nothing says “I love you” like a sweet gesture of affection.

Little gestures like these have the power to make him feel loved and appreciated without having to say a single word.

3. Say Thank You Does he hold the car door open for you? Brag about you to his friends?

Take out the trash? Let him know how appreciative you are of the things he 32 www.myforsyth.com

does, big or small. Do not assume that he knows how thankful you are. Even if he does, it’s always nice to hear a little reinforcement every once in a while.

4. Be Generous Do little things for him, like rub his shoulders when he’s stressed or treat him to a night out. When we eat at the college cafeteria Travis always gets a water for me and I get him a bowl of vanilla yogurt. It doesn’t take much effort, and it’s a sweet little reminder that you would happily do anything for him.

5. Compliment Him Tell him how handsome he looks in that shirt, how wonderful his new cologne smells or how proud you are of him for acing that test. Nothing makes a man feel better than knowing his woman is attracted to him, notices his success and is supportive every step of the way.

6. Be Playful Why so serious? Your significant other should be the person you want to laugh with, hope with, dream with. How can you reach the stars if you can’t have

fun with the one you love? No matter your age or stage of life, pillow fights, tickle fights, ice cream covered noses and little jokes should never go out of style.

Don’t let a moment pass that you do not attempt to cultivate your relationship with the one you love. Remember that of the seven billion people on this earth, he chose you. He loves and cherishes you. Allow yourself to fully appreciate him and show him just how grateful you are for his love!n Allie Costley is an active marketing student and aspiring business professional at the University of North Georgia. She is a lover of coffee, traveling and sweet potato soufflé. Visit her blog sincereserenity. com for a dose of encouragement and feel free to contact her via allieecostley@gmail.com.

OMG! Hunching Over Smart

Devices Stresses Neck: Poor Posture Causing

“text neck’’

By John J. Moss, M.D.

ere’s a “text” to save you a lot of neck pain. When H using your smartphone or tablet, avoid tilting your head for prolonged periods of time.

As people around the world use their smartphone and tablet more and more, spine experts are seeing an increase in neck pain complaints.

But how bad is it? Well, in the upright or neutral position, the human head weighs about a dozen pounds.

As the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical spine begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, or the equivalent of two bowling balls.

At 30 degrees, it’s 40 pounds, at 45 degrees, it’s 49 pounds and at 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds, or the weight of four bowling balls or a seven-year-old child, according to data published by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj in the National Library of Medicine.

The average smartphone and tablet users spends two-tofour hours per day hunched over, reading e-mails, surfing the internet, playing games, sending texts or checking social media sites. That’s 700-to-1,400 hours per year putting stress on the spine.

It’s no secret that correct posture is better for your back.

But this poor habit, sometimes called “text neck,” can lead to early wear-and-tear on the spine, degeneration and may even lead to surgery.

Your spine is your body’s natural shock absorber. When you scrunch it up (or over, as the case may be), you force the muscles and ligaments in your neck, back, shoulders and legs to compensate. Making them work out of their natural position makes you more prone to injury.

Be a smarter user of your smart device by pulling your device up more and look down with your eyes instead of tilting your head. Also pay attention to your posture.n

Dr. John J. Moss is the medical director at The Northside Hospital Forsyth Spine and Pain Treatment Center.

Dr. Moss has experience treating chronic neck pain, chronic back pain, neuropathic pain and a variety of other conditions. Northside Hospital Forsyth Spine and Pain Treatment Center is located at 1100 Northside-Forsyth Drive, Suite 400 in Cumming. For more information about conditions of the spine and available treatment options, visit www.northside.com/spinecenter or call 404-459-1809 to schedule an appointment. www.myforsyth.com 33

Choose A Meal Plan From Our Dietitian Approved Menus

4

by Healthy Mix | Low-Carb Gluten Free | Vegetarian

HCG DIET APPROVED MEALS NOW AVAILABLE! HCGFRESHNREADYMEALS.COM

What Is Clean Eating?

Recently, there has been increasing awareness about “clean eating”. What does clean eating mean exactly? First of all, it involves being mindful of your food’s pathway between its origin and your plate.

Fortunately, many restaurants are now sourcing their products locally whenever possible. Secondly, it’s about eating whole foods un- or minimally processed, refined, and handled, making them as close to their natural form as possible. Minimally processed foods can be beneficial, because they have had bacteria and toxins removed, an example of this is pasteurized milk. Clean eating is sometimes referred to eating whole foods.

Additionally, choosing organic foods when possible can help reassure that foods do not have pesticides, and have been minimally processed.

What are the benefits to clean eating? Clean eating involves eating a large amount of fruits and vegetables.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes, as well as improve chronic illness. Furthermore, it can help with weight management and improve skin and hair health.

How do you eat clean? Most importantly, when following a clean diet, you should try choosing foods that are unprocessed. Great examples of these are fresh fruits and vegetables, dried legumes, nuts, farm fresh eggs.

Minimally processed foods include: unrefined grains (pasta, popcorn, whole wheat bread, steel cut oatmeal, quinoa and brown, rice), unprocessed meat (choose wild over pastured and pastured over grain fed), hormone free dairy, oils. Make sure to read the Nutrition Facts Label and ingredient list when purchasing minimally processed foods.

Here is a helpful link to explain the Nutrition Facts Label http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/ LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm.

Furthermore, there has been a recent diet that has ganed attention; that incorporates some clean eating principles called the Paleo diet. Paleo diet consists of only eating foods that our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era. The difference in the Paleo diet with clean eating is that is restricts all grains, legumes, and dairy products.

Therefore, the diet is gluten and dairy free. A huge benefit to the Paleo diet is it involves a community. There are several Paleo websites, blogs, and newsletters that offer support to follow this lifestyle. Ultimately, being successful in taking on a new lifestyle change requires not only your own will power; but also the support of the people around you. continued on page 46

Julia Lott MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian with Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine. Julia has a Master of Science in Nutrition and a BBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. Julia is passionate about promoting wellness and healthy eating habits. She has experience counseling individuals with a variety of nutrition concerns, such as diabetes, renal disease, cancer, and weight loss. She may be reached at Julia@freshnfitcuisine.com.

34 www.myforsyth.com

R

each

S t u d en ts an d Adu lts t hat Me n to r M e Salu te s Th e 20 1 4 - 20 15 REAC H Vo lu n te e r s

REACH (Raising Expectations and Achievement of our Children) is a mentoring program where volunteers work one-on-one with an elementary school (K-5) student. This site-based program allows volunteers to mentor children while providing homework assistance to children for one hour every week during the school year. Volunteers from various area schools ages 14 and up joined adults during the 2014-2015 school year.

2011-2015 Michaela Arnholt 2011-2015

Shivani Rangsawam 2011-2015

Sandra Alcala 2011-2015 Lambert High School 3 YEARS

To learn more about the REACH Program, visit: www.mentormega.org.

South Forsyth High School 4 YEARS

Vickery Creek Middle School Annabella Soro Forsyth Central High School Jessica Garcia, Chase Hubbard, Julianna Vale, Karen Andrawes, Collin Hubbard Lambert High School Brielle Springer, Nick Mcgreevey, Shuchi Patel, Alexis Gilmer, Justin VanCuren, Phoebe Ahn , Ashley Srivastava, Cole Bennett Dalia Aly, Eugene Ahn, Lauren Cass, Macy Henson, Sunou Kim, Anna Um, Atithi Patel, Brandon Weiss, David Stein, Dylan Lamb, Neha Balachandran Hannah Moore, Emma Horsma Annie Lee North Forsyth High School Maris Wilson, Sydney Dispain, Christopher Armenta South Forsyth High School Alexandre LohĂŠac, Kaitlyn Quigley Peyton Reagan, Samantha Wiles, Taylor Timmerman, Zuhra Nassery Courtney Pauls, Michaela Arnholt Shivani Rangaswamy,Chelsea Linke Jenny Choi,Katie Reneslacis Miranda Moore, Rachel Hughes Shivani Palanivel,Sydney Mai Syeda Bano,Tanya Sharma Eesha Kumar, Anika Potluri Maria Tahir West Forsyth High School Heather Morrison,Rahul Gurram Ashlyn Kidd Covenant Christian Academy Genesis Brown Mill Springs Academy Brett Parks Pinecrest Academy Jay Lin , Jeffery John Vanessa Fowler, Gabriel Ferrari Adult Mentors Included Sandra Alcala, Susan Larson, Jessica Sanchez, Debbie Turner, Janet Barnett, Lorena Francis, Mirta Kent, and Pallavi Purkayastha.

Annie Lee 2012-2015

Phoebe Ahn 2012-2015

Covenant Christian Academy

Genesis Brown 2012-2015

Susan Larson 2012-2015

Forsyth Central High School

Jessica GarcĂ­a 2012-2015

ThankYou!

South Forsyth High School

Courtney Pauls 2012-2015

Reach Volunteers www.myforsyth.com 35

ENCOURAGE

YOUR CHILD

TO READ ALL SUMMER LONG

HOW PARENTS CAN MAKE READING A REGULAR FAMILY ACTIVITY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

School’s out for summer, but that doesn’t mean that learning has to stop altogether. In fact, says Marc Turk, Executive Director of the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming, summer is the perfect time for children to hit the books - for fun. “During the school year, most children have very little time to read for the pure enjoyment of it,” Turk explained, “The freedom of summer break creates a great opportunity for children to explore interests, expand their horizons and entertain themselves through reading.”

How can parents help their child develop a reading habit this summer?

Visit the library. During the summer months, many libraries put on summer reading programs for kids of all ages, providing reading logs, awarding prizes to participants and hosting a variety of fun events to get the whole family involved. Even if your library doesn’t have such a program, regular library trips are still one of the best ways to get your child interested in books and reading.

1

2

Make it a family activity. When a child is young, bedtime reading may be part of the nightly routine, but as he or she progresses through school, evenings are often filled with extracurricular activities, homework and dinner. This summer, designate a time each day when every member of the family can unwind with a good book. Just 20 minutes of daily reading will improve your child’s language, writing, spelling and of course, reading skills.

3 4

Check out online summer reading programs. Sometimes, a little recognition and reward is excellent motivation for a child.

Read for the fun of it. The more you force reading upon your child, the less he or she will want to read, so remember - let your child choose his or her reading material. If your child is hooked on comic books all summer, or chooses material he or she has read before, that’s okay. You can, however, gently encourage your child by suggesting books on people, sports, activities or other subjects of interest. If your son is a baseball fanatic, for example, how about picking up a biography of his favorite player?

5

Show interest. As any member of a book club will attest, it is fun to talk with others about books you’ve read and exchange opinions. If your child is too young to join a formal book club offered at the library, express interest in what he or she is reading. Emulate his or her enthusiasm and ask many questions. Again - if your child gets excited about a book, it’s much more likely that he or she will want to continue reading.

Contact the Huntington Learning Center at 770-292-8994 to find out about programs that may best suit your child’s needs. The Huntington Learning Center of Cumming, located at 5485 Bethelview Rd, Suite 340, has been recognized for its professional learning standards by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).n

36 www.myforsyth.com

Huntington Learning Center of Cumming Recognized for

Achievements

with MSA APPROVAL

The Huntington Learning Center of Cumming, located at 5485 Bethelview Rd, Suite 340, has been recognized for its professional learning standards by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). Since the turn of the 20th century, accreditation has had a major impact on American education, with Middle States Association among the pioneers in the field.

Marc Turk, Executive Director of the Cumming Huntington Learning Center, acknowledges the value of this achievement; an achievement he shared with his staff, educators, and parents.

“The standards set forth by MSA are rigorous yet optimize the learning standards that all educational facilities should strive to meet,” Turk explained. “In order to achieve this status, our center was required to cite evidence of meeting the Twelve Standards of Accreditation for Corporations; complete a Self-Study based on four areas, including educational delivery model and quality control; and participate in an onsite review by a visiting team.”

MSA establishes protocols and standards for learning institutions to ensure they provide top quality services. MSA accreditation signifies that the educational mission at the Cumming Huntington Learning Center is clearly documented and supported by its staff, that the curriculum is rigorously defined and organized, and that instruction is professionally sanctioned and tailored to the needs of individual students.

It also recognizes that Huntington’s instructors are fully qualified and that Huntington fosters productive relationships with students and their families.

At its inception, accreditation responded to the public demand for improved quality and greater accountability for schools serving society’s needs. The U.S. Department of Education describes approved accrediting organizations such as Middle States as a “reliable authority as to the quality of education.” Accreditation is an external, objective validation of school quality and student achievement that fosters continuous school improvement.

“We look forward to continue to meet and exceed all standards set forth by MSA and invite parents to visit our facility and learn more about our center and its educational offerings,” Turk added.

For more information, call 770-292-8994, or visit cumming. huntingtonhelps.com.

Marc Turk, Executive Director Cumming Huntington Learning Center 5485 Bethelview Rd, Ste 340, Cumming, GA 30040 www.myforsyth.com 37

Forsyth’s Family Promise

building community, strengthening lives

DONATE VOLUNTEER get involved...

This school year over 600 students attending Forsyth County Schools met the federal definition of homeless. These students and their families often live without basic necessities including food, clothing, and a stable roof over their head. Many of these families have two working parents struggling to maintain a fixed, adequate, regular (F.A.R.) residence for their children. There is no temporary housing solution for families in Forsyth. They are faced with the choice to reside in one of our neighboring county’s shelters or to live in an oftentimes unsafe environment within our county lines.

Thankfully, the faith community of Forsyth County is coming together to bring us Family Promise’s Interfaith Hospitality Network. This program, which has 180 affiliates in 41 states, unites congregations to help families regain housing, independence, and dignity.

Success rate for this program is over 80 percent nationwide. This isn’t a shelter. It’s a way for families to get back on their feet and gain the skills necessary for long-term sustainability while living in a safe environment. Family Promise is currently seeking 13 host churches to get this program up and running. If your congregation isn’t on board yet, consider talking to your church leaders to get the conversation going.

The children and families of Forsyth are counting on you.

Family Promise of Forsyth is also looking for a few good beds for its 1st Annual Bed Race and Festival on August 29th at Forsyth Central High School. Teams will be pushing their modified beds around the track in hopes of becoming the bed racing champions. Prizes will be awarded for the most original and funniest bed themes. So grab a few friends, strap on your running shoes, and start working on your team’s theme. Or, if bed racing isn’t in your blood, consider supporting the cause by showcasing your talent in one of the festival’s booths. Either way, we hope to see you on August 29th.

Visit Forsyth’s Family Promise page at http://www. familypromiseofforsythcounty.org/ for more information on the Bed Race and Festival. You can also get updates by following them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/familypromiseforsythcounty.n

PEOPLE make this program work...

Dr. Jamie Rife is the Homeless Education Liaison for Forsyth County Schools in Forsyth County, Georgia. She received her B.A. in Spanish and Sociology from the State University of New York College at Cortland and earned her Masters of Education in School Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. She also holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

When not trying to rid the world of homelessness, she can often be found running and hiking the trails of Roswell, GA where she resides with her husband.

38 www.myforsyth.com

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: Barbara Vella bvella@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, 770.887.2341 Principal: Polly Tennies ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, 770.887.7705 Principal: Kimberly Davis kdavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street, 770.887.7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, 770.888.1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road, 678.965.5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Coker arcoker@forsyth.k12.ga.us Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 678.965.5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kelly Mill Elementary 1180 Chamblee Gap Road 678.965.4953 Principal: Ron McAlliste rmcallister@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: Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, 770.887.1883 Principal: Lee Anne Rice lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 770.888.7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, 678.341.6481 Principal: Derrick Hershey dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, 678.965.5020 Principal: Paige Andrews pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, 770.346.0040 Principal: Kristan Riedinger kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, 678.965.5090 Principal: Dr. Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us MIDDLE SCHOOLS 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: Cheryl Riddle criddlel@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 HIGH SCHOOLS Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.8151 Principal: Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road 678.965.5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive 770.781.6637 Principal: Jeff Cheney jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, 770.781.2264 Principal: Laura Wilson lwilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road 770.888.3470 Principal: Heather Gordy hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth Academy Forsyth Academy at Night 770.781.3141 Gateway Academy 770.781.2299 iAchieve Virtual Academy 678.965.4970 PRIVATE SCHOOLS 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 Head of School: Dr. Rick Johnson Elementary Principal: Dianne Gormley www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road 678.947.3583, 678.947.0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, 770.781.5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, 770.205.6277 www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road, 770.777.9131 www.montessorivickery.com Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road, 678.208.0774 School Admin., Maureen Danbury www.montessoricumming.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, 770.888.4477 President: Father Robert Presutti Head of School: Paul Parker www. pinecrestacademy.com SCHOOL INFORMATION www.forsyth.K12.GA.US

www.myforsyth.com 39

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone I’m not. There’s nothing wrong with admiring great character qualities of other people, but God made me

unique

Uniquely You Big Faith

The story of David and Goliath is very familiar. David was a young shepherd boy. Goliath was the Philistine giant who challenged the Israelites to a fight.

The entire Israelite army cowered in fear of Goliath’s threats. His words were brash and bold, punctuated with blasphemy against the God of Israel. David knew God could beat Goliath, and urged King Saul to let him fight the giant.

God-given Abilities

Saul offered David his armor. He put on the helmet of brass and the coat of mail, girded his sword on the armor, and attempted to go. But the armor felt heavy and awkward. Although it might be what the warriors wore, he knew it wasn’t right for him. He took off the protective gear, and exchanged it for what he was skilled

— — and that’s reason enough to shine for Him with the gifts and abilities He’s given me.

by Maria L. Morgan

at using: his shepherd’s staff, sling and pouch for stones.

Carefully selecting five smooth stones, David made his way toward Goliath. The giant thought this was some sort of Israelite joke, but David’s voice was strong and clear: “And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands,” (1 Samuel 17:47).

With one, well-aimed stone, Goliath was killed, and the Philistine army was scattered. David chose to use the abilities God had honed in him, rather than the armor of the warriors. And God used David to win a mighty victory in Israel.

Develop Your Abilities

Although I may not have the same skills and abilities other great men

and women of God possess, He has equipped me to magnify Him with the talents He’s given me.

Do you wish you had someone else’s talents? Take time to praise the Lord for the way He’s equipped you to serve Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

thank you for allowing me to serve you. Help me to see that each person you have created has different talents and abilities.

My job is to use what you have given me to bring you honor and glory.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Maria I. Morgan is passionate about sharing the truths of God’s Word with today’s generation. Originally an inspirational author and speaker for adults, Maria has widened her circle to include kids. She lives in the muggy South with her husband, two retrievers, and two Maine coon kitties – the perfect mix to fuel her creativity for years to come! (You can purchase a copy of her children’s book, “Louie’s BIG day!” on Amazon. You can also find her devotionals and download a free copy of her eBook, God Speaking, at www.mariaimorgan.com).

40 www.myforsyth.com

KE EP ING IT REAL

B E H A P P Y WI TH YOURSELF

by Neida Streit

A n d A ll Yo u r U ni qu e ne s s

by Neida Streit

We are inundated daily with advertisements tempting you to change your hair color, your weight, your body shape, your style – basically anything anyone could or want to change. Of course, it all promises to make you the best you can be – prettier, slimmer, fashion-savvier – irresistible.

With all those promises of less wrinkles, glowing skin, shining hair, perfect bodies and great style, you could rationally expect your life to be much better, perfect even. What happens when that is not the reality? OK, you’ve had a makeover, new hairstyle, new clothes, new car, facelift, nose redone, changed your eye color with contacts – but you are still YOU! Does all this bring you new friends? Does spending a fortune on your appearance change your personality?

At most, it changes your outlook on life for a short time. You might be a little more confident. You might feel a little more glamorous, but eventually reality sinks back in and you are still the same person you were before the makeover.

True serenity and happiness begins from inside. It begins with attitude. Your attitude about yourself gives others a hint of the true person you are. If you are confident in yourself and happy in your own skin, it shows. True beauty is not just the outside, it is also the inside. Inside beauty is the aura that you radiate about yourself. You give off good vibes and people respond to that, or you give off bad vices and less people interact with you.

Each person is unique and wonderfully made by God. Celebrate the gifts God has given you and let that inner light shine.

Be happy with yourself and all your uniqueness. Your happiness will be contagious and make those around you smile. Keeping it real makes the world a better place!

Neida Streit is a life-long resident of Cumming. She served as a Cryptologic Linguist in the Air Force. Streit may be reached at neida.streit1@gmail.com.

www.myforsyth.com 41

HOUSES of WORSHIP NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road | O: 770.888.8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:00 & 11:00am Wednesday Night Services 7:00pm Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.eastgatechurch.org

BAPTIST

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

EPISCOPAL

St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road | 770.888.4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 pm Saturdays Service: 5:30 pm Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15am Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.887.8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon Sundays: 8:30 and 10:45am Rector: Keith Oglesby www.ecohs.net

GREEK ORTHODOX

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

LUTHERAN

Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 1171 Atlanta Highway | 770.887.0184 Sunday School: 9:00am (all ages) Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal: 6:00pm Bible Study: 7:00pm (all ages) Pastor Tim Droegemueller livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd., Cumming, Ga. 30040 O: 770.889.5328 | www.ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service: 8 & 11am (Traditional) 9am (Blended) Discipleship Hour: 10am (Sun. School)

OTHER

Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE | www.forsythbahais.org www.ghbcc.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace | 678.807.9392 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am www.mycrossroadschurch.net

Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road | 770.887.4802 Sunday School: 10am | Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday Evening: 5pm Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7pm Pastor: Chris Grinstea www.ghbcc.org

Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road | 678.648.5248 Sunday Worship: 10am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com www.castlechristianchurch.com

Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road | 770.889.1959 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am Wednesday night adult and youth activities www.longstreetchurch.com

Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway | 678.230.4800Midway Elementary School, Nursery available) Small Groups: 9:30am | Worship: 10:30am Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com

North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway | 770.781.5433 Bible Studies: 9:00am and 10:30am Celebration Worship Service: 11am(main auditorium) Hispanic Service: 10:30am (Activities Center)

First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Drive | 770.887.5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org

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 42 www.myforsyth.com

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 510 Brannon Road | 678.455.5290 (Hall Phone) Worship Service: 9am, 11:30am & 2pm Visitors Welcome - Nursery available

LifePoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road Sunday Small Groups: 9:00am Sunday Service: 10:30am Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306 | 770.888.5212 (Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300) Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B | 404.255.1585

PRESBYTERIAN

Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive | 770.887.6801 Sunday School: 9:45am (all ages) Sunday Worship Service: 11am (Traditional) Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.205.9390 www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com Sunday Worship: 11:00am Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III, Pastor Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road | 678.889.8694 Sunday: 9:00am (Traditional Worship) Contemporary Worship:Sunday: 11:00am.

Brazilian Ministry Sunday Services: 7:00pm (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: 9am Sunday Contemporary Service: 11am (Childcare available for both services) Bill Ford, Senior Pastor www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road | 678.990.9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45am Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30pm Jon Adams, Pastor www.thevinecommunitychurch.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC

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

he TCOUNTRY

PREACHER

by Rev. David Hill

The unrest of today’s world has created a general preoccupation with the Bible’s prophecy. Prophecy has been called “pre written history”. Man’s history began with man. God’s history preceded the world’s creation.

“What was eternally determined in Him before the ages will in the ages be carried through and perfected.” How can mankind understand the behavior of the worlds’ nations without Divine revelation?

Recently, a major network discussed a news article which labeled an international leader as Antichrist.

Leaders of the past, Nero, Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Hitler were thought to be the demonic personage who would unite the world’s economies, religions and governments to oppose God. The network concluded that the government leader was not Antichrist but only a king from the book of Revelation! It is amazing to find a secular news program discussing international events in the context of Scripture.

God opens the door to the future and lets us look, Revelation 4:1. Often prophecies provide a brief look and a few details to help us understand future events.

Almost everyone is familiar with the fulfillment of some prophecies. Jesus was born “In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet”, Matthew 2:5; Micah 5:2. There were 16 detailed prophecies in reference to Christ’s death and crucifixion that were literally fulfilled, including sold for 30 pieces of silver, forsaken by His disciples, Zachariah 11:12, 13:7; betrayed by a friend, Psalm 41:9; crucified with thieves and buried as a rich man, Isaiah 53:12, 53:9.

Many people who read the Bible avoid any literal interpretation of its prophetic passages. Though it’s a revelation from God, the Bible isn’t written in superhuman or celestial language. We are to compare Scripture with Scripture (John 5:39). “Search the Scriptures” and “study” (II Timothy 2:15) them. A simple cursory reading isn’t enough.

It is the Bible’s teaching that Israel, the nation, people and land are promised God’s protection. They were “chosen” to give us the Bible (Romans 3:2), the message of salvation (John 4:22), His commandments as a standard of righteousness (John 1:17) and the birth

of the Messiah, the Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7). The book of Obadiah prophesied doom to Edom. “There shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau” because they failed to protect Esau’s brother Jacob’s people Israel. America should be very cautious in their relationship with God’s chosen!

The predictions of God’s true prophets must always “come to pass” or “it is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken”, (Deuteronomy 18:22) and they are a false prophet.

The disciples asked Jesus to tell them “what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?”

Matthew 24:3-12, lists false Christs (messiahs), “wars and rumors (reports) of wars”, perhaps one war following another without a time of peace, food shortages, new diseases, an increase of earthquakes in unusual places and this is “the beginning”. There will be a hatred of believers in Jesus Christ, the killing of Christians and “iniquity” or lawlessness will be widespread. These are easily understood predictions.

Read your Bible and you’ll find many predictions are less complicated than perceived. We have always used animals to symbolize countries, the Russian bear, the English lion, the African leopard, etc. Just think of the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions! The prophetic symbolism in Daniel and Revelation, whether referring to ancient or modern nations, is not so difficult. Christian persecution which appears almost daily in the news has many people asking prophetic questions.

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

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HOUSES of WORSHIP & Clubs and Organizations HOUSES OF WORSHIP – CONTINUED

UNITED METHODIST

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

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS NETWORKING

Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tues: 11am—1pm Location: The Columns at Pilgrim, Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright | 770.886.0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Info: No fees. Open to all Forsyth County Women’s Club Meeting: 3rd Thur of each month

at 11:00am– $22 lunch Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Johanna Morgan | 678.525.9309 jlmorgan1960@gmail.com Info: Membership open to all women of

Forsyth and surrounding counties

Program includes group activities,

information and more.

Website: www.forsythcountywomensclub.net Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thur: 11:30am – 12:30pm Location: Bello Italian Restaurant

101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen | 770.887.1962 tiffany@servpro8378.com

44 www.myforsyth.com

Info:

$50 membership fee & $10 monthly.

Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first.

The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: 3rd Wed: 7 – 8:30pm Location: The Nurturing Nook,

205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple | 678.965.5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tues. at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: 770.887.6461 www.cummingforsythchamber.org Info: $15 for members &

$30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Wed: 11:30am (No fees) Location: Starbucks-141 & Ronald Reagan

John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Parkway

Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier | 770.887.2772 rgrier@harborfs.com Women Who Mean Business Meeting: 1st Tues. Registration: 7:30am Location: Cumming-Forsyth County

Chamber of Commerce

Event’s Facility, 513 W. Maple Street Contact: 770.887.6461 Info: Free for members, $30 for non-members

Register online at cummingforsythchamber.org.

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

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

Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: 770.886.5419 | www.savethehorses.org Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: 770.887.6480 Info: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats/dogs.

Website: www. forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: 678.513.9400 Info: Non-profit organization partnering with

churches across North Georgia to feed

those in need.

Website: www.thereshope.org Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Info: Non-profit organization dedicated to

informing, educating, and providing

an outstretched hand to women who

face an untimely pregnancy Contact: 770.889.8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org

Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tues, 4th Tues is “sewcialbee”

(community quilts, classes or just

getting together) Location: Christ the King, Lutheran Church

1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap

Road, Cumming Website: www.piecemakersga.netw

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

AA Cumming Meeting: Meets four times daily Location: Ingles Shopping Center

at 432 Canton Highway

(Hwy 20) Second suite

on far left.

24/7 Line: 770.886.0696 Info: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located

in Forsyth County Website: www.aacummingga.org Holistic Moms Network – Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tues: 6:30pm Location: Land of a Thousand

Hills Coffee House 5095

Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke | parkway-chruch.org holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com 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 Tues. of each month Contact: www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin (excluding major holidays) Meeting: 2nd & 4th Thurs: 7PM-8:30PM 2nd Thur: 2 support meetings (for consumers and

family members.

4th Thur: Educational meeting Location: Forsyth County Senior Center, 595

Dahlonega Highway

Cumming, Ga. 30040 Info: Two support groups (family & peer)

meetevery Thurs. except the last when

there is a speaker.

Contact: Flo Giltman | lgiltma1@gmail.com Website: www.namifdlga.org

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wed: 12:15pm Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org

SMART Recovery Meeting: Every Tues: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC.

107 W. Court house Sq., Suite 274 Website: www.smartrecovery.org

Ducktown Chapter #460 – Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: 2nd & 4th Fri: 7:30pm Location: 4655 Canton Hwy Contact: 770.887.8147

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Planning a Road Trip cont. from page 17 some good will for the presidential libraries, art museums, state capitols, and sites that mean nothing to them – like the Mary Tyler Moore statue in downtown Minneapolis.

I keep a road trip budget. When making reservations, I record the room rate and taxes. I calculate the miles we’ll be driving and estimate the gas expenditures. I investigate the charges we’ll incur at the places we’ll visit, too. I’ve started doing preliminary research after I experienced sticker shock at a few museums. It’s easier to decide if something’s too expensive from your computer screen, than when a ticket agent informs you that it’ll be $75 dollars to visit the Clinton Presidential Library – I kid you not! Mr. Clinton has since slashed his prices. If you know you’re going to pay top dollar to see Graceland (totally worth it, btw), then you can balance it out with some free sites. You’d be surprised how many art museums let children in for free, and then charge a nominal fee for adults.

While I’m planning, I put together a road trip bible, which comes out on the road with me. It contains all our reservations, maps, and any information I’ve gathered about our venues. It’s my life line, and it also serves as a great record of what we saw. Once the trip is planned, it’s time to start making your packing list!n

What is Clean Eating cont. from page 34 Finally, there are many benefits to adopting a clean eating lifestyle change. Consuming foods in their purest form is always most beneficial. This way of life can improve your health and give you more energy. Lastly, don’t forget that clean eating accompanied with regular physical activity is when individuals will gain the most value. Transitioning to clean eating can be challenging with our busy schedules. Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine TM offers fresh, organic, Paleo meals to help you with your new healthy lifestyle change. n

Allergy Season in Georgia cont. from page 31

You can reduce your risk of eye allergies by reducing your exposure to common allergens.

1. Keep your home free of dust and pet dander, and keep pets off the furniture.

2. Stay inside with the air conditioner on when a lot of pollen is in the air. Use efficient furnace filters that trap most allergens, and replace them frequently.

3. When outdoors, wear wrap-style sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen and other airborne allergens, and drive with your windows closed.

4. If you think you are allergic to eye drops, replace them with a preservative-free brand.

5. If you wear contact lenses, switch to daily disposable contacts. Because you discard these lenses after each use, they won’t accumulate deposits that can worsen allergy-related eye discomfort.

If these measures are ineffective, we can recommend over-the-counter remedies or prescribe allergy medication to help relieve your symptoms.

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ADVERTISERS ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSEREGENERATION PROGRAM No Longer Bound – pg.45 770-886-7873 www.nolongerbound.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Pendleton – pg. 45 678-208-7077 www.AdamPendleton.com

BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc.–pg. 5 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com

Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine – pg. 34 678-208-0341 www.freshnfitcuisine.com

Kim Bates Photography – pg. 49 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Northside Hospital Forsyth – pg. 3 770-844-3200 www.northside.com

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

Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 30 Atlanta Heart Specialists 678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 www.heartdrsingh.com

DENTIST/DENTAL CARE Jordan Dentistry – pg. 31 770-888-6262 www.JordanDentistry.com

Lenny’s Subs – pg. 47 678-947-0336 Fax orders: 678-947-5343 Norman’s Landing – pg. 21 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Towne Club Windermere – Inside Front Cover 770-844-7779 www.towneclubwindermere.com

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta – pg. 29 404-252-1137 www.obgynofatlanta.com

North Georgia Smiles – pg. 29 678-648-7311 www.northgeorgiasmiles.com EDUCATION/PRIVATE ACADEMY Huntington Learning Center – pg. 37 770-292-8994 www.huntingtonhelps.com Pinecrest Academy – Inside Back Cover 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org

REAL ESTATE The Dinsmore Team – pg. 5 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com RESTAURANTS, FOOD SERVICES & CATERING Casa Nuova – pg. 21 770-475-9100 www.casanuovarestaurant.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Laurie Hunter Graphic Design – pg. 49 www.doingitdivine.com JEWELRY STORE Lance’s Jewelry –Back Cover 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com

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ELECTED APPOINTED OFFICIALS

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 O: 202.456.1414 | E: president@whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov Senator Johnny Isakson, (R) 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3643 | www.isakson.senate.gov Senator David Perdue, (R) 383 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3521 | www.perdue.senate.gov Congressman Doug Collins, (R), District 9 1504 Longworth H. O. B. Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.9893 | Georgia office: 770.297.3388 Congressman Rob Woodall, (R), District 7 1724 Longworth HOB Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.4272 | Georgia office: 770.232.3005 STATE GOVERNMENT Governor Nathan Deal (R) O: 404.652.7003 | F: 404.652.7123 Website: gov.state.ga.us Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (R) O: 404.656.5030 Website: gov.state.ga.us

Senator Michael Williams (R), District 51 O: 404.656.7127 e-mail: michael.williams@senate.ga.gov Sen. Steve Gooch (R), District 51 O: 678.341.6203 | F: 770.844.5821 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov District 23 Vacant, Pending Election Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24 O: 770.887.0400 | E: mike.dudgeon@house. ga.gov Rep. Kevin Tanner (R), District 9 O: 404.656.0152 | E: kevin.tanner@house.ga.gov FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT Website: forsythco.com Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210 Cumming, GA 30040 O: 770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 Website: forsythco.com County Manager Doug Derrer O:770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 COMMISSIONERS R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) O: 678.513.5881 | E: rjamos@forsythco.com Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) O: 678.513.5882 | E: brtam@forsythco.com Todd Levent, District 3 (R) O: 770.781.2101 | E: tlevent@forsythco.com Cindy Mills, District 4 (R) O: 678.513.5884 | E: cjmills@forsythco.com Jim Boff, District 5 (R) O: 678.513.5885 | E: jjboff@forsythco.com Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter O: 770.781.2110

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff Duane K. Piper 475 Tribble Gap Road, Suite 200 Cumming GA 30040 O: 770.781.3045 | Dispatch: 770.781.3087 FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Dr. Jeff Bearden, Superintendent 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming O: 770.887.2461 | www.forsyth.k12.ga.us BOARD OF EDUCATION Ann Crow, District 1 (R) O: 770.490.6316 | E: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) O: 770.781.5222 | E: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) O: 770.657.0810 E: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Darla Light, District 4 770.887.0678 | E: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) 770.889.0229 | E: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us CITY OF CUMMING Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 3040 O: 770.781.2010 Cumming City Council Members Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton City Administrator Gerald Blackburn | O:770.781.2010 City Clerk Jeff Honea | E: jhonea@cityofcumming.net

COMMUNITY NUMBERS EMERGENCY — 911 HOTLINES — 24 HOUR HELP LINES Battered Women Hotline | 770.479.1703 Poison Control Center (Atlanta) | 404.616.9000 Outside Metro Atlanta | 800.222.1222 Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) 404.250.KIDS Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center 770.428.2666 MEDICAL Georgia Highlands Medical Services 770.887.1668 | 260 Elm Street | www.ghms-inc.org Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive 770.844.3200 | www.northside.com Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road 770.844.7494 | 770.886.7135 Health Department 428 Canton Highway | 770.781.6906 FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard 770.781.2000 | www.cummingpd.net Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road 770.781.2180 | forsythco.com Georgia State Patrol | 770.205.5400 48 www.myforsyth.com

LIBRARIES 770.781.9840 | www.forsythpl.org Cumming Public Library | 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library | 5345 Settingdown Road Post Road Library | 5010 Post Road Sharon Forks Branch | 2810 Old Atlanta Road PARKS AND RECREATION City of Cumming Main Number 410 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.781.2030 Central Park Office | 770.781.2215 Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road | 678.455.8540 Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road | 770.781.3491 Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway | 770. 781.2215 GOLF CLUBS Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville | 706.216.7336 Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive | 770.887.0006 Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive | 770.887.7656 Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive | 678.513.1000 FORSYTH COUNTY MARINAS Bald Ridge Marina 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road | 770.887.5309 Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road | 770.887.5432

Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville | 770.887.5715 YMCA 6050 Y Street | O: 770.888.2788 POST OFFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road | O: 770.886.2388 UTILITIES City of Cumming O: 770.781.2020 Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department 110 East Main Street O: 770.781.2160 | www.forsythco.com AT&T Res: 888.757.6500 | Bus: 866.213.6300 www.att.com Georgia Power (Electric) | O: 888.660.5890 Sawnee Electric Membership | O: 770.887.2363 SOLID WASTE Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground O: 770.887.6063 | www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC 2535 Ivy Street East | O: 770.205.6912 Waste Management, Inc. 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta 770.751.1304 | www.wm.com RECYCLING Keep Forsyth County Beautiful | O: 770.205.4573

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