SCOOP OTP: A LOOK OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER
MY SPRING I, 2015
R your S eset
enses
WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER Page 14
AN EYE ON DESIGN Page 23
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SPRING I, 2015
you are invited to forsyth county family haven’s 5th annual btw (benefit for the women) event
CONTRIBUTORS 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 TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR Michael Barton michael@myforsyth.com 770.268.3893 PRINTING EBA Media Solutions treb-atl.com 770.500.2075
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 4 www.myforsyth.com
rescuing addicts regenerating men reconciling families
770.886.7873
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2725 Pine Grove Road Cumming, Ga 30041
nolongerbound.com
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C
SPRING I, 2015
ontents MY FORSYTH
Cover Photograph Courtesy of Adam Pendleton
IN THIS ISSUE
Selfless Service: Disabled American Veterans Page 9
Know Your Sheriff’s Office Using Social Media to Keep the Public Informed Page 13
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“don’t miss a thing” we’re mobile... www.myforsyth.com
6 www.myforsyth.com
FEATURES 17 | 24 | 34 | 37 |
Minimizing Your Chances of Hitting a Deer Scoop OTP: A look Outside The Perimeter F.A.R. in Forsyth Why College? Share with your Teens the Benefits of College
LIFYESTYLE 14 | 15 | 20 | 32 |
When a Community Comes Together Does Anyone Want to Talk? Out of Focus, In of Focus Driverless Cars: No Longer Science Fiction
MY HOME
30 | Cold Weather Vegetables
FORSYTH FOODIE
23 | Review: APU Restaurant 24 | Traveling Foodie: Hugo’s Oyster Bar 25 | Youth Foodie: Mestizos
MY BUSINESS
33 | An Eye on Design
HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 | 27 | 28 | 38 |
Sleep Apnea: Diagnosis and Treatment Where do I go from Here? Technology to Tame the Heart Computer Vision Syndrome
FAITH
40 | Love is a Beautiful Thing 41 | It’s in the Glue
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | 13 | 18 | 43 |
News Around Forsyth Forsyth County Government News Movie Review: Now You See Me The Country Preacher
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P
SPRING I, 2015
UBLISHER’s Letter
Reset...
“here’s to the opportunity to refresh and reset ourselves however often we need it.” Ever have one of those days when you wish you could hit a “reset” button? Yeah, me too! While we may not have that button readily available, it is within us to boost, change or completely overhaul our circumstances. Much like springtime, branches that are brown and bare find a way from within to spring forth something new. There’s something special about the first warm day of the new year. Colder temperatures give way to the warmth of the sunshine. Buds sprout then burst into flowers and the most vibrant green overcomes the once dormant blanket of grass. The time is only made more awesome with choirs of birds singing songs you just realized you missed hearing—same with the screams and laughter of children playing outside. While writing this column I couldn’t help but notice my dogs outside. They were lying still on the grass looking up to the sky. As they took in the sunshine they looked so peaceful and pleased that their old friend, the warm sunshine, had returned. I’d like to feel how they looked in that moment every day…
That’s precisely when I think a “reset” button would come in handy—one click to jump start a better attitude, day or life. Whatever I need in that particular moment. So here’s to spring! Here’s to the opportunity to refresh and reset ourselves however often we need it. Here’s to warmth all around us, color bursts in our lives and the time for healing to grow into happiness. Notice the flowers that are springing forth for your attention. It’s time to get that picnic basket out and clean up the outdoor grill. Mother Nature has hit her “reset” button. Time for us to do it too!n
About the cover: Special thanks to Adam Pendleton Photography for the cover image. The picture says in so many ways, “Spring is here!” For me, it brought together two of my favorites… yellow and sunflowers! A poster in my office reads “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” This picture makes me happy… I hope you enjoy it too!
Julie Brennan
Publisher | julie@marketcomplete.com Julie Brennan is the Publisher of My Forsyth magazine. She is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Julie may be reached at julie@marketcomplete.com 8 www.myforsyth.com
by Allie Costley
B
ack in the summer of 2013, I would have never guessed that the man and woman I was approaching at table twelve would change my life. Before I knew it our conversation had evolved from drink orders and buffet items to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The woman introduced herself as JoAnn and explained that she was the Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary unit #17 in Gainesville, Georgia. She began to explain their purpose and, struck by an overpowering grip of gratitude and hope for the lasting impact of her efforts, I told her I wanted to help her help Veterans. She welcomed me with open arms and within months I was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. For those who have never heard of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), it’s a charitable organization chartered by the United States Congress for disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces that helps them and their families through various means. This includes purchasing wheelchairs and helping to feed and house these struggling heroes and their families. The beauty of DAV is that, unlike other charities, 100% of your donations go straight to helping your local Veterans. How beautiful is that? Not a penny wasted. www.myforsyth.com 9
T
he Disabled American Auxiliary helps Disabled American Veterans by collecting donations and directly distributing items to the families in need. This past December we hosted a coat drive at the VA Oakwood Clinic, in which we distributed donated coats to several hundred people in need. If you’ve never experienced this feeling, there is nothing more beautiful than they no longer have to worry about staying warm in the winter. We will not allow them to feel cold and alone. Wouldn’t you want the same? Isn’t it time that we start giving back to the ones who have selflessly served for us? It’s time we all dedicate a valuable portion of our lives to giving selfless service. As JoAnn mentioned during DAV’s February meeting, “Volunteer is one of the best words that can come out of our mouths.” I challenge you, to dedicate one day a month to helping others, whether it be through physical donations, monetary donations or simply by giving your time. I encourage you to discover your passion and let your innate ability to help your fellow man take over. No matter your passion, you are capable of forthcoming positive change. Let’s make a difference and show God’s love through our selfless service. If we, as a nation, can cultivate our efforts of giving then we are one step closer to a better world. And that, my friend, is a pretty good place to be.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 beyoungandhopeful.com for a dose of encouragement and feel free to contact her via allieecostley@gmail.com. 10 www.myforsyth.com
NEWS AROUND FORSYTH NEWS 18th Annual Plant and Garden to be held April 10 and 11 The Forsyth County Master Gardeners will celebrate the 18th Annual Plant and Garden Event to be held April 10 and 11.
DATES:
Join the 2015 FRIDAY, APRIL 10Forsyth County Relay for Life Get ready and join the Carnival of Hope! 8:00am-5:00pm
Organizers of the 2015 Relay for Life event, scheduled for 11 Saturday, May 2, are gearing up SATURDAY, APRIL 8:00am – 4:00pmday at the Cumming Fairgrounds. for a fun-filled Unlike years past, the event will last one day only, beginning at 11 am and ending at 11 pm. LOCATION: Teams are forming and ready to be part of the The Barn @ Most Spectacular Relay for Life in “Very Greatest Cumming the Universe.” For details and to register visit Fairgrounds www.relayforlife.org/forsythcountyga.
The event’s purpose is to educate and inspire the public with research-based advice TH and healthy TH gardening practices. Free to the public, the 235 Castleberry Road event will be held in the Barn, a covered venue Cumming, GA 30040 on the Cumming Fairgrounds. The public are Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs & Vegetables invited to attend free presentations and browse The annual Forsyth County Master Gardener many vendors showcasing annuals, perennials, RAIN OR SHINE! Plant Sale offers a wide variety of southern native plants, ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and Covered Venue plants, unique garden accents and more. garden items. The event takes place April 10 inside heated barn Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer and 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. on fairgrounds any questions or offer expert advice on For details visit http://fcmg.sharepoint.com.
APRIL 10 & 11 2015 PLANT SALE
planting, growing & caring for your plants.
Registration is underway for the 13th Annual Summer Camp at Artistic Adventures Clay Camps, Vac-clay-tion Bible School, Art Attacks, Teen Drawing, Watercolor and Acrylics are featured in this year’s offerings during Artistic Adventures Summer Camp Series. The camps begin on June 1. For details visit www.artisticadventures.com/summer-camps.html or call Jayme at 404-642-6564. www.myforsyth.com 11
FORSY T H C OUN T Y GOVERNMEN T NE WS
110 E. MAIN STREET, SUITE 210 | TV FORSYTH – COMCAST CHANNEL 23 | FORSYTHCO.COM
Forsyth County Park Spotlight: Chattahoochee Pointe
Forsyth County’s Chattahoochee Pointe offers visitors approximately 100 acres bordering the Chattahoochee River. Adventurers will delight in utilizing the canoe launch and enjoying a relaxing paddle down the river. Located at 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive off of Old Atlanta Road, Chattahoochee Pointe is a wonderful destination for the entire family to spend a relaxing day. In addition to two pavilions and more than two miles of walking trails, Chattahoochee Pointe also features a riverthemed nature-inspired playground for children. Chattahoochee Pointe’s hours of operation are as follows: March through October – 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and November through February – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on Chattahoochee Pointe and other opportunities from Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, visit www.forsythco.com/parks. Visit the New Forsyth County Animal Shelter Are you looking for the perfect dog or cat for your family? Come visit the new Forsyth County Animal Shelter and adopt one of the animals who are looking for their forever home. The Forsyth County Animal Shelter is located just off of GA 400 at 4065 County Way in northern Forsyth County. The shelter is open for adoptions Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and adoption fees are $85 per animal. For more information: 678.965.7185, www. forsythco.com/animalshelter, facebook.com/ ForsythCountyAnimalShelter Forsyth County Honored with Community Improvement and Greening Award Forsyth County received the Community Improvement and Greening Award during the 36th Annual Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards Luncheon. More than 200 Georgians attended the annual ceremony created to honor individuals and organizations working to improve Georgia’s environment. 12 www.myforsyth.com
The annual awards ceremony recognizes outstanding efforts in the areas of litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling and community improvement. The Community Improvement and Greening Award presented to Forsyth County recognizes efforts to preserve and improve the beauty of a community. These efforts include outdoor environmental education, enhancement of public areas, community gardens, bike paths and pedestrian walkways, and working with the public and with community organizations. The Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards program also honors Georgia’s Keep America Beautiful Affiliates for their comprehensive environmental impact on the local community. Since its inception in 1978, Georgia’s affiliate network has grown to be the nation’s largest with 77 local affiliates serving 76 percent of the state’s population.
TV Forsyth - Tune in to Your County Government Did you know that meetings of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals are broadcast live on TV Forsyth (Comcast channel 23 and AT&T channel 99) and are also streamed live online at www.forsythco.com? Even if you are unable to attend county meetings in person, TV Forsyth helps you stay connected with Forsyth County government. Also tune in to TV Forsyth for these rebroadcasts: Board of Commissioners meeting rebroadcast Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at noon Planning Commission meeting rebroadcast Friday at noon and Sunday at 5 p.m. Zoning Board of Appeals meeting rebroadcast Monday at noon and Saturday at 5 p.m. Severe Weather Alerts – Sign Up Today! The weather in Georgia can change in an instant. To help remain informed of the changes in local weather, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to sign up for weather alert notifications, for use in concert with the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens and a NOAA weather radio. Forsyth County residents can sign up to receive these time-sensitive weather alerts for severe thunderstorm ...continued on page 46
K N OW Y OU R S H ERIF F ’S O F FICE
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has one of the largest Facebook pages in the Southeastern United States. One of the most popular aspects of this page is a weekly post known as “Traffic Law Tuesday.” Each week, the Sheriff’s Office posts about a Georgia Traffic Law and explains it in laymen’s terms. Each post also includes the actual law that is being discussed. “Traffic Law Tuesday” has sparked many discussions within our community and has received positive feedback from Forsyth residents who praise the weekly posts. Last July, the FCSO post about the newly passed “slow-poke law” even received 270,000 views! As of July 1, 2014, the “slowpoke law” went into effect. The new law requires drivers traveling in the left-hand lane to move to the right lane when a vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed comes up behind them. This only applies when there are multiple lanes in the same direction and does not apply if traffic, weather, or the need to make a turn inhibit changing lanes. This law is designed to reduce congestion, road rage, and tailgating. Check out the full law here: § 40-6-184. Impeding traffic flow; minimum speed limits; passing lane: (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation. (b) Whenever the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner of transportation or local authorities determine on the basis of any engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any part of a road
under their respective jurisdictions impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, such commissioners jointly, or such local authorities, may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation, and such limit shall be effective when posted upon fixed or variable signs. (c) Upon roads, streets, or highways with two or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, no person shall continue to operate a motor vehicle in the passing lane once such person knows or should reasonably know that he or she is being overtaken in such lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. For purposes of this Code section, “passing lane” means the most left-hand lane other than a high occupancy vehicle lane. (d) Subsection (c) of this Code section shall not apply: (1) When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to drive in the passing lane; (2) When inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards make it necessary to drive in the passing lane; (3) When compliance with a law of this state or with an official traffic control device makes it necessary to drive in the passing lane; (4) When a vehicle must be driven in the passing lane to exit or turn left; (5) On toll highways, when necessary to pay a toll or use a pass; (6) To authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties; or (7) To vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations. Stay informed! Follow us on Facebook at htps://www.facebook.com/ForsythCountySO. www.myforsyth.com 13
When a
comes together
by Ruth Goode
Opportunities are created. Hope becomes reality. Great things happen! There are currently two community collaborations of “kick butt” proportions in the health and human services area. I’m not one to use slang in a professional setting, but these two groups are fired up! There I go again. Firstly, the Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council. Their mission is to educate, advocate, and empower the community to prevent substance abuse across the lifespan in Forsyth County, Georgia. The issue is not new. Perhaps one of the most intensive efforts took hold eleven years ago by establishing a Drug Court which began with a vision of Judge Stan Gault and activated by Judge Jeffrey Bagley. There have always been initiatives as part of the Forsyth County Public Schools, Sheriff’s Department, Public Health Dept, and many others, but not until recently has there been such a collective effort of organizations to address drugs in our county. This effort has been spearheaded by Commissioner Cindy Mills. The Sheriff’s Dept has several key new programs being introduced in the near future and Forsyth County Schools have several new initiatives in the implementation stages as well. There’s a new urgency around this issue because everyone is of the belief that one young life lost to drugs is one too many. Many other individuals and groups from the community are joining forces to contribute to the work of the Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council. The second collaborative effort is Family Promise of Forsyth County. The mission of this organization is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. Not a new concept, Family Promise is a national organization established 25 years ago. The network now has approximately 185 affiliates 14 www.myforsyth.com
in 41 different states. Once fully established, the Forsyth chapter will be one of 17 sites in Georgia. How it works….A family lives at a host church for a week. That church provides overnight lodging, meals and may provide support services for the family. The family moves every Sunday to a different church while in the program. During the week, volunteers provide a variety of services along with social service agencies in the community. There is a Day Center where adults will build resumes, seek employment (if unemployed) and permanent housing. There will be approximately 13 host churches in the community. This is sometimes referred to as the Interfaith Hospitality Network. This is not your traditional, temporary, stand-alone homeless shelter. In fact, by using this method of temporary housing, the cost is about one-third of that of a traditional shelter. The organization is still in need of host churches. These two community-wide efforts will improve lives of our citizens and in some cases, save lives! Now how wicked awesome is that? For more information about these programs, please refer to the following social media sites: http://forsythcountydrugawarenesscouncil.org www.facebook.com/familypromiseforsythcounty
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
Does Anyone Want to
Talk? by Christine Roberts
As I typed the message, or should I say dissertation, as a response to the response to my first dissertation, it hit me….Why don’t I just call her? What a revelation! Does this happen to you? You’ve been texting, instant messaging, making comments and then checking comments on Facebook all while trying to drive, make dinner, grocery shop, go through the airport or whatever situation you’re in at that moment. Then suddenly you realize that the amount of energy and time that it’s taking to type or dictate all those correspondence, you could have already had a quick conversation. Now don’t get me wrong, there is definitely times when a quick text is appropriate, e.g. you let someone know you’re running late, you confirm a meeting place, or other one or two statements. But it seems as if we’ve gone off the deep end, I included; I have text strings that are as long as the Gettysburg address! Now, I have to say that voice recognition has helped improve the communications for texting and emailing but still… When this awareness hit me, I realized there was a mental barrier stopping me from making the call versus this laborious exercise of going back and forth texting. The barrier was…will the person on the other end be annoyed that I’m actually calling? Will they think to themselves “WHY IS SHE CALLING ME?” The voice inside my head said “don’t do it! If she wanted to talk to you, she would have called”, so I continued on my marathon digital dialogue. So what does that mean, I’m just not “hip” enough and am not embracing technology? Am I the old fogey that just wants to talk to people, how uncool! Will I turn into my Aunt who doesn’t’ have a clue and still wants to use a rotary phone… is this me? After having this internal conversation, I comforted myself by justifying that with many things in life, there is the pendulum effect - where something goes from one extreme to the other but ultimately comes back to equilibrium. Hum, something to ponder? So maybe all this nonverbal communication will come back to equilibrium at some point. What do you think? When it does, know that I am here and would love to TALK to you….just call me!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
www.myforsyth.com 15
For the Love of the
FOR THE LOVE OF THE ROAD I love road trips! Over the past five summers, my children and I have traveled almost 40,000 miles, by car. We’ve been to thirty-six states and five provinces. By “been to,” I mean we’ve stayed and toured. Merely driving through does not count! It has been a privileged to see so much of our beautiful country - Acadia National Park, the beaches of Cape Cod, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, the Alamo and the Grand Canyon. I can’t wait to go back out on the road and see more. My new found love of road travel is somewhat ironic, because only ten years ago, I refused to drive anywhere that took longer than three hours. I was all about the air miles. After the birth of our fourth child, I realized that my flying days were over. There was no way I could afford to see all that I wanted to if we traveled by air. So I bought some maps and joined American Automobile Association (AAA). The seed for our first trip was planted when I read a book that was set in my mother’s hometown, a place I hadn’t been in thirty years. I did some research online about Lowell, MA, and got very excited to explore. I also got curious about where my dad grew up, just outside of
by Lacey Verrill
by Allie Smith
Boston, and of course this led to a long list of must-sees in Bean Town. I added several stops to see family and friends along the way, and the list grew into a thirty day itinerary. The trip itself was liberating. I really felt like, “I am woman, hear me roar,” because I did the majority of the trip on my own. That’s right, just me and my children, whose ages at the time ranged from 2 – 9. Everyone thought that I was nuts, especially my husband. To be fair, he had real job and could not possibly join us for thirty days, but he did fly in for a couple of weekends. The trip was a total success and I got the bug. I couldn’t wait to start planning the next summer’s adventure. I’ve learned a lot over the last five years, and I’m going to share that with all of you. My future columns will be about the planning, preparation and execution of a road trip. I will divulge tips I’ve learned to make life on the road easier and cheaper, some of which I had to learn the hard way. There will be some funny anecdotes, and information about places we’ve visited. I hope you’ll join me!n 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.
The Four Horsemen is powerful group of solo acts working together to make the biggest global magic trick to join the famous “Eye”, a place “where the truly great magicians distinguish themselves from the mediocre ones.” However, these magicians are being chased by FBI agent Dylan Rondes and unexpected partner from Interpol. This movie takes on a magical journey with modern day Robin Hoods. The actors in this film make the movie even more magical! Jesse Eisenberg plays J.Daniel Atlas, the control freak leader who is amazing at very technical magic tricks. Woody Harrelson plays Merritt, the funny guy of the group who is a mentalist. Isla Fisher plays Henley the beautiful escapist. Dave Franco plays Jack Wilder, the rookie magician who is great with cards and slight of hand tricks. Michael Caine plays Arthur Tessler, owner of Tessler Insurance and “Benefactor” for The Four Horsemen, and finally Morgan Freeman plays Thaddeus Bradley, a Magician debunker who is after The Four Horsemen. The biggest question and most important part of the movie is the discovery and appearance of the Fifth Horsemen, which surprises everyone, including myself. This movie is absolutely amazing! It has an amazing cast, amazing crew, and incredible script that is unique! I love this movie so much and I hope you go out and buy it and love it just like I do. My Rating: 100%
Lacey Verrill is a student at Forsyth Central High School. The 16 year old sophomore loves movies who loves to share her reviews with family, friends and our readers. 16 www.myforsyth.com
How to Minimize Your Chances of Hitting a Deer with Your Vehicle by Kent Kammermeyer
There are plenty of deer and plenty of vehicles in Georgia and the Eastern US. Unfortunately, sometimes they occupy the same space at the same time. The result is often times, a collision. In Georgia alone, there are about 50,000 deervehicle collisions annually. Some collisions are unavoidable, but many can be avoided by vigilant, undistracted drivers who know what to do when they spot a deer ahead. When you spot a deer, slow down as much as possible. Do not swerve or leave your lane in an attempt to miss the deer. Deer are unpredictable, and one calmly standing on the side of the road could suddenly bolt in front of your vehicle. Always consider that deer may travel in small groups across the roads, with one or more following. There are increases in deer movement from October through December because of the rut (breeding season) when does are being chased by bucks eager to breed, and in late winter/
early spring when green up occurs along the road shoulders. Peak daily movements and road crossings typically occur around dawn and dusk. Use high-beam headlamps whenever possible at night to help illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways. Deer cross all roads whether urban or suburban. There are pockets of deer living within the city limits of many large cities in the Eastern US, including Georgia. You’ll spot quite a few “Deer Crossing” signs around, but these only identify the historically worst crossing areas. Deer can cross virtually anywhere, especially where both sides of the road are forested. Numerous research reports have concluded that deer whistles attached to your hood, bumpers, fenders, or grille do not work. Don’t waste your money. So far no cost-effective widespread fencing to deter deer crossing has been identified. The research continues so in the meantime, be vigilant!n
Kent Kammermeyer is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and the author of Wildlife & Woodland Facts & Fun. The book is available now through Amazon.com and Shop.booklogix.com.
www.myforsyth.com www.myforsyth.com 17 17
Em erge nc y Fund : You Definitely Need One! by Parkey Thompson
Last fall the Farmer’s Almanac had many people on edge. They were predicting that our current winter was going to be a tough one for many areas of our country. I, for one, was concerned because the previous winter was very tough and their predictions were pretty much right on. However, so far (and I am knocking on wood as I write this), this winter has not been too bad - until last night. Almost twenty fours after this ice storm started, I am told almost one third of my county is without power. That is a long time to go without heat, energy for an electric stove to cook, or access to the internet in this technical world. When this storm started, after days of some huge doomsday warnings from the media’s meteorologists, we
were told we would be spared of all but a cold rain. Then, at the last moment, we were told we were being hit with a winter storm. Few planned on this. This storm was a picture of how an emergency will often creep on you. Typically, we think of the possible scenarios and then begin to assess the possibility. We often then decide that everything will be fine—until the emergency hits us. You need an emergency fund. You need money tucked safely away but able to be accessed in the event of an emergency. Emergencies happen all the time. They may not be an ice storm, but it could be something even more serious. A true emergency fund needs to be the size or the amount of three to six months worth of your monthly expenses. As an example, if your monthly expenses are equal to $5000, your emergency fund needs to be somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000. Yes, that is a great deal of money, but you will appreciate it when the worst happens and you have the cash to get by. ...continued on page 46 “We often then decide that everything will be fine—until the emergency hits us.”
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.
18 www.myforsyth.com
Reset YOUR
LIFE by Monica Miller
I’m not sure if it’s curiosity or I’m just getting older, but I find myself thirsty for people’s pearls of wisdom. I guess I’m at that age where I want to gain real knowledge. What is the key to love, marriage, parenting, and health? I want to know what works. Perhaps what works for others could work for me. I’m in search of something every day and hope that ‘something’ will find me. I believe a few pearls of wisdom found me recently at my youngest sister’s wedding. Nuggets of knowledge were tossed about freely for the newlyweds; and perhaps for the rest of us who would listen.
Some thoughts shared included: l l l l l
Enjoy being just you two. Go on a date every week. Remember why you fell in love with each other. Grow your friendship. Be kind to each other.
All were tidbits I recall having been told before I got married 12 years ago. However, one phrase bowled me over. Maybe because it came from a woman who was celebrating 61 years of marital bliss. Maybe it’s just because she said it into a microphone and I really heard it loud and clear. Ruby said, “You’ve got to work at it every day.” With those words, my reset button was pushed. Give an effort daily! Do not take things for granted. Give more-expect less. The phrase works for all of life’s aspects. Love, marriage, parenting, health-they don’t just happen! You have to work at it every day. Spread love and joy out there! Show you care, for others and yourself! Work at it every day and rest assured your days and heart will be filled with the magnificence of living a full life.n
Give an effort daily! Do not take things for granted. Give more — expect less.
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OUT OF FOCUS
I N OF F O C U S
by Stacy Bagwell
T
he blurry part of the image was my intended focus. I had planned on capturing the road we were traveling on from Colca Lodge through Yanque in southern Peru to the Cruz del Condor cliffs. The road we were traveling on was winding and filled with potholes from the rains. The driver’s car didn’t, at first appearance, to be up for the task. The reason I attempted this photo is because I love taking pictures of roads. I have at least one iconic picture from every trip, and this was the one, and I missed it. “I was out of focus.”
It was early in the morning; we left the hotel at 7 to try to be at the Cruz del Condor cliffs by 8 to see the famous Andean Condor; because of their weight, they prefer to live in very windy climates high in cliffs, so the wind can support them as they glide through the air. And, because of this, the trip to see them was going to be interesting. We knew it was going to be a rough trek, and cold. Did I mention cold? We were at the end of our trip to Peru, and we were tired. I had just gotten over a 24 hour bug and all I kept thinking was “I got up this early to see a bird”.
“Needless to say, I was out of focus.“ When you are out of focus, mentally and emotionally, and even physically, you only see things the way you want to see them, distorted. I wanted to see all the things around me negatively because that was how I felt. I saw the tired, apathetic dancers in Yanque on our way out. I saw the potholes in the road on the way up, and I felt the bitterness of the wind while we were there. And, to sum it all up, I didn’t get to see that damn bird. Up close any way.
“I was out of focus .”
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Travel requires us to always maintain our focus. We are going to get sick, tired, frustrated, taken advantage of, or lost. What I do know is that when you maintain the right focus, you see with a different set of lenses. When I shifted my focus back to God, I saw the beauty in his creation…us included, and God’s joy in our everyday experiences; I saw the details differently. The bitterness of the cold became a blessing after hiking, and I did actually “see” the Condor (my camera captured it for me to see later), and on the return, the road showed me this amazing woman. When she approached the car, she was a picture of strength, compassion, warmth, and independence, and she had such joy in seeing us that day. I will never forget her smile because it reached the depth of her eyes. I want to smile like that one day, not from an oversimplified expectation to do so but from the depths of my eyes. I had found my focus again, and it is another reason I love to travel. I carried this beautiful lady’s smile home with me, and it reminds me to stay focused on what is truly important. Because it’s all in the details, and it’s up to us on how we choose to adjust our lenses.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.
A
valon is Alpharetta’s newest luxury community combining shopping, dining, living and working within a walking community with resort level hospitality. It’s a must OTP spot to visit. You’ll see you can spend hours exploring the variety of unique restaurants and retail shops. By Michelle Knapp and Suzanne Taylor
The restaurant scene includes everything from a casual spot to grab a sandwich at Goldberg’s Deli, to places to relax and enjoy a cocktail at Cru Food and Wine Bar, to a more formal cuisine at Oak Steakhouse. Scoop’s personal favorite is the bar at the El Felix for their delicious blood-orange margaritas. If the kids are looking for a treat, there is a Pinkberry and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory. There is tons of positive buzz about the award winning Antico Pizza that recently opened too!
Avalon has been selected as the location for many first time stores not only OTP, but in Georgia! The Cosmetic Market is the first one to open in the state! They carry scented candles labeled with OTP city names you’ll want to proudly display at your home or office. Of note, locally owned NoteWorthy paper offers whimsical, affordable and adorable products. If you’ve loved the catalog, you’ll adore the store. Soft Surroundings has now opened it’s first store in Georgia. It’s a women’s wonderland for self and home worth checking out.
The Whole Foods at Avalon is home to the Salud Cooking School. The school offers culinary education classes that are affordable and make for a fun night out with friends or a date night. The movie theater at Avalon is a first of its kind in the country with all 12 theaters offering VIP premium reserved seating. There’s also a full service kitchen and bar. You won’t find a more comfortable and luxurious movie viewing experience than what is offered at Avalon.
Avalon is Georgia’s first Gigabit community, with internet speeds 100 times faster than the surrounding area. Concierge service, a community fire pit, children’s play area and dog park are also included in the amenities at Avalon. It truly was designed to be a live, work, and play community, and appears to be doing just that. We hope you enjoyed the Avalon Scoop and share with us your favorite OTP place at info@scoopotp.com Visit our website for the latest scoop Outside The Perimeter of Atlanta at www.scoopotp.com
www.myforsyth.com 21
Artfully Prepared Pleasantly Presented CasaNuovaRestaurant.com
Italian Food at It’s best! 5670 Atlanta Highway Suite A1 | Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 770.475.9100
t h e t r av e l i n g F o o d i e
ROSWELL
Don’t let the name fool you! There’s a lot more to Hugo’s than just oysters. While looking for a Sunday Brunch treat, my friend Allie and I came across a great place in Roswell – Hugo’s Oyster Bar. Featuring an extensive Bloody Mary Bar, to Allie’s great satisfaction, the pub is fun, simple and friendly. The service 22 www.myforsyth.com
is outstanding, the menu features great delicacies and unique blended drinks, and the atmosphere is perfect for friends looking for a quiet time to catch up. Allie started our Sunday feast with a Bloody Mary she masterfully
created; Allie is the self-proclaimed Bloody Mary expert. I chose the Ginger Limeade, a refreshing blend
of Hanger 1 Regular and Lime Vodka, muddled ginger, lemon and lime juice, and ginger beer. Hugo’s chef has taken the traditional Eggs Benedict recipe and kicked it up a notch, or two, by creating the Hugo’s Benedict. French bread medallions, Boudin sausage, cheddar, poached eggs (or ...continued on page 46
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Fors y th F o o d i e Often defined as an individual with an ardent or refined interest in food, our foodies (yes, we have a few) are always on lookout for new adventures in culinary treats. One of them enjoys trying foods from other countries and recently found a Peruvian—Cuban restaurant in Cumming.
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A Peruvian—Cuban Taste Treat
Located across the street from a major supermarket and a BBQ place, Apu Grill features very tasty food from the owners’ heritage – Peruvian and Cuban. While the ingredients may be similar to those used by most traditional Hispanic-based recipes, Apu Grill combines them to make tasty treats that are unique to their restaurant. One of my favorites is the Aji Salsa Verde, a unique blend of avocado, jalapeños, cilantro and some aromatics that make a great dip for the fresh chips that every table receives. A diner described the dip as “one that will make you slap your mama with its creamy goodness created by the avocado.” The menu features meats, chicken, pork and seafood dishes. During my first visit I tried the Ropa Vieja, a Cuban-standard, masterfully prepared with an exquisite blend of seasonings that made me want to say “que rico!” Other dishes include churrasco, chimichanga, plantanos maduros, masas de puerco, lechón asado, camarones enchilados, arroz blanco con habichuelas, tostones, and desserts that are finger-licking good. Flan is my favorite! The service is great; the décor is simple and understated. I mostly appreciated their ability to stay true to the tastes of their featured heritage. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Mondays | 433 Canton Rd, Suite 101 Cumming, GA 30040 | 470-297-4420
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H
ave you ever tried Mexican food for breakfast? I never even considered it until I tried Mestizo Southwest Grill. The past couple of times I went for breakfast, I got pancakes. The pancakes are very fluffy and light. They’re topped with whipped cream that tastes like it has cinnamon which gives it great flavor. Now, with that sweetness, you need something else for balance, and that’s why they put fresh juicy strawberries on the side. A lot of people like syrup on their pancakes but, at Mestizo, they use sweet caramel. This combination of fluffy pancakes, sweet whipped cream, strawberries, and caramel truly makes a fantastic breakfast! For something different, try the
Youth Foodie
by Ava Cavijo
savory Huevos Rancheros, a combination of crispy tortillas, refried beans, pico de gallo, and poached eggs – delicious! You can also order a more traditional breakfast like bacon and eggs. I’ve also eaten lunch at Mestizo. I had a chicken quesadilla with tomatillo salsa. It had a little spice, soft but not mushy chicken, and ooey gooey cheese. The chicken has an indescribably good flavor from being cooked with onions and green peppers. The soft and gooey cheese gives me a pleasing feeling like I get when I enjoy a good grilled cheese sandwich at home. Some people might think green salsa is weird and, don’t worry, because I did too until I tried it. It’s fresh and spicy ...continued on page 46 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
470.239.8547
24 www.myforsyth.com
www.myforsyth.com 25
SLEEP APNEA: A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK
Provided by Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that occurs when a person experiences repeated pauses in breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night, and often for a minute or longer. As a result, people who suffer from sleep apnea are unable to reach the deepest, most restful stages of sleep and often feel sluggish throughout the day. Though restless nights and daytime fatigue are certainly irritating problems, having sleep apnea affects much more than just someone’s quality of sleep. For the more than 18 million U.S. adults living with this condition, studies show that sleep apnea increases their risk of developing other life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. There are two types of sleep apnea: lObstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. lCentral sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common than central sleep apnea. Although a person may experience episodes of choking or gasping for air throughout the night, he or she may not remember the next morning,
26 www.myforsyth.com
and as such, many cases go undiagnosed. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause your blood oxygen levels to drop, thus putting added stress on your body. This added stress is the major catalyst for other serious conditions like those mentioned above. Lack of sleep may also worsen psychological conditions such as depression, but more importantly may cause extreme daytime sleepiness which could result in falling asleep at inappropriate times. The risk of falling asleep behind the wheel is three times more common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea than in the rest of the population. Symptoms and Risk Factors Sleep apnea can affect anyone, at any age, but you’re more likely to have from sleep apnea if you are overweight, a male, over the age of 40, have a family history of the condition, and/or suffer from nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies and sinus problems. Snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea, but it’s not the only one. Seek advice from your health care provider immediately if you: lHave been sleeping poorly for a month or more lAre drowsy throughout the day or where drowsiness prevents you from carrying out your normal activities effectively. lHave been told by your bed mate that you snore loudly, have pauses in breathing or make strange noises in sleep lWake up with a very sore or dry throat l Occasionally wake up with a choking or gasping sensation lHave morning headaches lExperience forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center As the first fully accredited sleep disorders center in Georgia by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, The Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers uses only the latest technology to diagnose and treat sleep disorders for adolescents and adults. Physician referrals are usually not needed. For more information or to find a location near you, call (404) 236-8200 or visit www.northside.com/sleep.
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riends and co-workers are great at giving advice in some things in your life, but they may not be the best source on diet and nutrition. We are constantly bombarded every day with quick weight loss advice…alkaline diet, raw food diet, south beach diet, or detox diet, etc… When we are listening to these recommendations, we always need to consider the source. We have to take care of our bodies and be smart about our food choices. It’s always important to educate yourself and understand if resources are reliable when receiving diet advice. Where is the best place to seek advice about diet and exercise? I don’t know about you, but I would want advice from someone who is the expert. So when it comes to nutrition information, registered dietitians are considered the experts. What exactly is a dietitian? A registered dietitian is considered the food and nutrition expert. They translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. Registered dietitians have at minimum a bachelor’s degree, have completed a supervised accredited practice program, and passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Finally, registered dietitians are required to complete continuing professional education requirements to maintain their registration. Dietitians are promoting healthy food choices all year around to everyone that will listen. However, in the month of March, dietitians give it their ALL to promote the importance of making smart food choices and concentrating on health and wellness. March is National Nutrition Month ® created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign is focused on stressing the importance of making informed food choices and developing long lasting food and physical activity habits. by Julia Lott So when you think about starting the next fad diet; it’s always good to first talk to a dietitian, before making any drastic diet changes.n
where do I go from HERE...
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. www.myforsyth.com 27
TO YOUR HEART!
Technology to Tame the Heart By Narendra Singh MD
This month I’d like to discuss how we can utilize technology to protect our heart and strengthen our body. Some of the biggest names in the business (Apple®, Google®, and Samsung®) and other enterprises are investing heavily on what is called wearable technology such as Google glasses®, iWatch®, Fitbit® wristbands and AliveCor® monitors. With these devices individuals are able to gather information such as body temperature, heart rate, steps taken, calories consumed, sleep patterns, respiratory rate, blood sugar and heart rhythm. Combine this with the thousands of health apps available on both the iPhone and Android platforms and the possibilities to monitor your body are nearly limitless. With all new advances come new challenges. These devices are expensive and often can’t reach those that need it most. The amount of information collected is huge and can almost be overwhelming. Knowing what to do with the information becomes the next hurdle. This is a rapidly evolving field but I will provide some general thoughts on how best to take advantage of these technologies. First identify what information you are seeking and determine which of the many apps or devices can offer it to you in the most affordable and user friendly manner. Second, determine what you plan on doing with the information. Tracking steps taken is of little value if you
don’t plan to increase those steps to a healthier target. Third, work with your health care professional to interpret your data in a meaningful way that allows you to safely achieve your personal health care goals. Understanding the limitations of technology are also important. Many of these devices have not been well tested or ever validated. This can lead to false readings creating unnecessary concerns or a false sense of security. Whenever possible try and calibrate your device with standard medical equipment. Limit who gets your information. We are in an era of big data and the apps you use to store information can also in turn be used to market merchandise and services back to you. The vendors collectively analyze and leverage population behaviors but with recent security breaches your personal behavior can also exposed. Personally collected data if released could also affect your future heath insurance premiums, disability and life insurance coverage and possibly employability. Overall I believe these new devices have the potential to completely transform healthcare! In conjunction with endless access to internet information, you are empowered more than ever before to take control of your own health. So go ahead and wear your favorite technology to set new goals for optimal activity, restful sleep , calories consumed and weight lost!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.
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. t r a e H . r e u s o i Y 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 Director, Clinical Research Clinical Assistant Professor Georgia Regents University
www.HeartDrSingh.com
Award-Winning Research Program www.myforsyth.com 29
cool weather vegetables l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
C A S EY NOR R I S S H A RES H IS S EA S ONAL FAV O R ITE S FO R C O O L WE ATH E R V E G E TABLE P LANTI NG
Vegetables such as cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other leafy greens do well this time of the year. Turnips may be planted in late summer for a fall or early winter harvest. Hardy herbs like thyme, rosemary and parsley may be grown as well. They will not grow as fast in the colder months but will
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
I
n the spring and fall we have the pleasure of planting cool weather vegetables. These are seasonal plants and need to be planted at the right times for a good harvest and to help avoid insects. They like the cooler weather and will thrive when others fail. Fall planting typically starts in late August and continues until around the second week of October; the spring planting season for cool weather crops starts in March and continues till midApril.
of the soil. A simple soil test may be performed by your local county extension agent to determine the soil ph in your garden. They are a great resource that many people don’t use and should. They have loads of information and are usually knowledgeable about the green industry professionals in your area. So if they don’t have the answers you need they can usually point you in the right direction. Watering a cool weather garden is much different than a summer garden. You have smaller plants and cooler temperatures so they need much less water. Your watering schedule will depend on a few different things. Soil composition as well as plant size and exposure can dramatically effect watering.
Watering Tips As the plant grows and the root system goes deeper into the soil you will need to water less. Don’t get into a routine of watering when you feel like it. Water when the plants need it. They will be on their own schedule and you have to check on them periodically to ensure proper watering.
have leaves available for harvest.
Soil Prep When preparing to plant a vegetable garden I like to amend the soil or even build the beds with a mixture of mushroom compost and top soil. This mix will have great drainage and fertility to help your vegetables grow. Drainage is essential for good root growth and disease control. Healthy roots will make a healthy plant and improve your harvest. I am a big fan of the Southern States fertilizer brand. Everyone here at Ladyslipper Nursery has been using it for years and most folks use the 10-10-10 as an all purpose vegetable fertilizer. We want to make sure to stay away from high phosphorus fertilizers because they can make things go to seed faster and can stress out your plants. When you look at the fertilizer analysis you will see three numbers. The middle number is phosphorus and we usually try to keep it below ten. Many people will also add pelletized garden lime to bring down the ph 30 www.myforsyth.com
“I hope this inspires you to do some cool weather crops this spring. Thanks for reading and we will see you in the garden.”
Casey Norris may be reached at Ladyslipper Rare Plant Nursery at 770.345.2998.
A Safe Place for Your Greatest Investments “Specifically designed for secure storage of motor coaches, boats and other large items.”
Ronald Reagan Boat and RV Storage, serving the Suwanee, Cumming, Dawsonville, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek areas, is now open. Located at 2180 Ronald Regan Parkway in Cumming, the site is 1.5 miles south of GA400 and Highway 20. “We offer additional amenities that make preparing for a road excursion or a day on Lake Lanier easy and convenient. No need to rush back since we are open 24/7,” explained Rob Carreno, co-owner of Ronald Regan Storage. The facility offers the highest level of security of any lot in the area,” added Nate Hand, co-owner.
The storage location offers day/night digital video cameras covering every area of the facility. “We also provide personalized key coded gates, perimeter fencing and full illumination at night,” Carreno added. Offering competitive rates and making continuous improvements to meet the needs of their customers, Carreno and Hand are ready to serve the needs of customers looking for a location to store their pride possessions.n
Protect Your Investment With The Best!
Call us at 470.253.7722 to reserve your spot
www.myforsyth.com 31
Driverless
CARS:
No Longer S c i e nce Fiction by Taylor Ploeger
Technology has definitely given people today a better quality of life. Whether it’s advanced medicine or the ability to have all the knowledge you could possibly need at your fingertips with smart phones. Now we are seeing a new leap in technology that is sure to start some controversy. Driverless cars. Google started making driverless cars out of Toyota Priuses in 2005 and since then they have really improved the technology. Each car has about $150,000 worth of equipment in it including laser precise mapping systems that allow the car to recognize and adapt to its surroundings. Google’s lobbyists starting fighting for robotic car laws that would permit autonomous cars to drive on public
roads in 2012 and since then only four states have passed those laws. It’s understandable why there is such retaliation against driverless cars. Freshman Alexa Stover of Bloomsburg University said, “I would prefer to be in control of the car, than the car be in control of itself.” People are scared of what driverless cars hitting the market will mean. Insurance will have to change, the idea of being out of control is there, and when you never have to drive you will never get the experience you may need if the “autopilot” stops working. However, there are many positives with autonomous cars. Google’s cars have logged 300,000 miles without accident so far. The typical person only averages 165,000. Driverless cars can also help with long road trips that tire the normal human. With a driverless car you wouldn’t have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel. Whether or not driverless cars will be on the car markets in the future is unclear. The push for them and the retaliation both have many supporters and strong points. It’s hard to tell which way the fight will lean.n
Taylor Ploeger is a freshman Mass Communications major with a concentration in journalism at Bloomsburg University. She is a contributing writer for My Forsyth. She can be reached at tploeger129@gmail.com
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Eye for Design The excitement of taking your idea and making into a reality is simply magnificent while overwhelming at times. Choosing the right message to deliver your vision and product to your clients, selecting the vendors you may need to fulfill your orders, and putting together an encompassing plan that meets every aspect of your business plan can be a daunting task.
There are experts in every field imaginable, and finding the one that best fits your needs at a particular time may come easy – yet likely it is not. Resources are bountiful – Small Business Administration, the State of Georgia Small Business office, financial institutions, universities and colleges, and a host of other organizations are equipped everyone who wishes to let their entrepreneurial spirit soar. One of the key areas in any business is image — what folks see about your business as defined by your business’s logo, printed materials, Web site and social media presence, to name a few. Choosing a designer with an eye for design may sound simple, yet it is not. With the readily available programs that promise to make everyone a designer, it is sometimes
hard to decide if hiring designer is worth the time and money. Face it – it is! According to Business Insider, “you want to stand out, you can’t have just a logo anymore -- you need to become ...continued on page 46
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F.A.R. in Forsyth by
by Jamie Rife
I would like your help in eliminating me. Yes, you read that right. Well, maybe not eliminate me, but rather my position. If I didn’t exist, it would mean all children in Forsyth County Schools had “fixed, adequate, regular” (F.A.R.) nighttime accommodations. My name is Jamie Rife, Forsyth County School’s Homeless Education Liaison. You probably did not know such a position even exists! My full-time responsibility is supporting homeless children in our community. Just one year ago, I had no idea about the vast issue of homelessness in our county. That’s because our population of homeless families in Forsyth is invisible. They don’t stand on the corners begging for money or sleep on our park benches, so we tend to think they are not among us. But they do exist and they are our coworkers and neighbors. They are our children’s friends and classmates. They are hidden in plain sight. This is my first year as the Homeless Liaison, and so far we have identified over 540 students who meet the federal definition of homeless this school year. These are families that may spend time in hotels or motels, couch surf with friends or family, stay in a shelter, or live in one of our county’s campgrounds due to a lack of alternative accommodations. They never know if they’ll be in the same place night-to-night. Essentially, they lack fixed, adequate, regular nighttime housing which is what the federal government considers “homeless.” Today I received two phone calls and one in-person visit from different families who had no place to spend the night. They have one thing in common—children. Each of these families has at least one child enrolled in our schools. Here’s the kicker. I’ve got no place to send them. This is a constant source of heartache and frustration for my families, colleagues, and me. But, we are doing something about it through a national organization named Family Promise.n Visit www.familypromise.org and join our local Facebook page at www.facebook.com/familypromiseforsythcounty.
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 is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education from Liberty University. After teaching Spanish for ten years, eight of which were spent in Forsyth County Schools, Ms. Rife spent two years as the Graduation Coach at Liberty Middle School. 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. 34 www.myforsyth.com
Making memories that last a lifetime!
Our mission is to help children reach their potential through mentoring relationships with responsible adults. Join us! www.mentormenorthga.org 678-341-8028
DON’T WANT TO MOVE? WE CAN HELP!
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HerculesHouseMovers.com 770.235.7999 www.myforsyth.com 35
WHY COLLEGE?
SHARING WITH YOUR TEEN THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO COLLEGE by Marc Turk
If your teen sees graduation as the light at the end of a long tunnel, and an end to the drudgery of the classroom, it may not come as a shock to you that he or she is uninterested in going to college. If a colledge education is important to you,it may be disappointing to learn that it is not a priority for your student. Here are a few ways to help your teen understanthe significant impact that higher education can have on his or her long-term success and fulfillment—and help him or her overcome any fears about going.
nA college education is an excellent investement. By jumping into a job, a teen may feel a sense of independence and worth as the result of receiving a paycheck. In the short run, that can be very appealing. However, you should remind your student to think beyond the next few years. Simply put, college-educated workers typically earn more mo Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook website (www. bls.gov/oco) to show your student that the earnings of college graduates far out outpace the expected income of those with only high school degrees. An assembler/fabricator job right out of high school can yield an annual salary of approximately $28,000; however, the mean salary of an industrial designer with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture or engineering is $58,000. nCollege offers all kinds of interesting classes. Remind your teen that college is not like high school—he or she will have much more freedom in choosing classes. Once your teen gets through the first year of general education requirements, he or she will get to pick a major and focus on the courses he or she finds mos interesting. Show your student a sample college course catalogue. If your teen is interested in fashion, point out an interesting introductory class, such as apparel and merchandising digital technology. Digital animation and game design might greatly appeal to a young gamer. Remember: your teen will have the best chance of success at college if he or she gets excited about what he or she is studying. nThere’s much more to college than the classes. Your teen may be so focused on the academic parts of college that he or she has overlooked the fact that college is an inspiring and rewarding experience—othat goes beyond homework and tests. At college, your teen will meet and interact with people from all different backgrounds, and have the opportunity to become his or her own person. Once your teen finds him or herself and a community in which he or she thrives, school will feel completely different than it ever has before. n There’s plenty of help if you teen needs it. Above all, your student may be afraid of yet another four years of classroom struggles. Perhaps your teen is convinced that he or she cannont handle college classes. Introduce your teen to the vast array of supprot services available on nearly every college campus—including teaching assistants, tutoring, disability support, and 24-hour computer labs. Many colleges also offer remedial classes before freshman year begins. These classes helps students acclimate to college-level academics.
College is about exploration. Perhaps your teen feels that college would be a waster of time because he or she doesn’t have a good sense of career direction. However, remind him or her that while some students know what they want to study, many others use their time at college to explore several different possibilities. Before declaring a major, your student can take classes of interest, talk with professors, and take a career interests assessment at the career center. 36 www.myforsyth.com
When your student graduates high school, he or she will be exited about his or her newfound independence and may be eager to take control of his or her own life. Respect that the college decision is not yours to make, as difficult as it may be to agree with your teen’s choice. Forcing him or her to go to college against his or her will may not achieve the desired longterm result. Offer your thoguhts and insight, but ultimately, let him or her decide what to do.n Marc Turk is the Executive Director of the Hunting Learning Center in Cumming. The learning center has been recognized for its professional learning standards by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). Contact 770-292-8994 for more information.
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Computer Vision Syndrome
by Dr. Mira Sivan
Are you spending six hours a day or more in front of the computer? More than 143 million Americans use a computer at work every day. And if you spend more than two hours a day in front of a computer, you could be among the estimated 125 million people suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS. Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by the eye constantly focusing on a computer screen. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as headache, loss of focus, burning/tired eyes, blurred vision, and shoulder and back aches, to name a few. A Solution to CVS Computer Vision Syndrome is relatively easy to solve. Your optometrist can prescribe specialized computer eyeglasses that will give you optimal vision for computer work and help make your workday more comfortable and productive. Minimizing Computer Eye Strain. Making some changes in how you work at a computer can help reduce eye strain. Eliminate exterior light from entering your workspace by closing drapes or blinds. Reduce interior lighting, by positionig your monitor so that windows are to the side of it not in front or behind. Minimize glare. Install an anti-glare coating applied to your lenses. Follow the ‘20-20-20 Rule’. Every 20 minutes, look away from the computer screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, take a 10-minute break away from the computer every hour. Adjust your monitor. Position your monitor at or below eye level, and adjust your office chair so your legs can fit comfortably under the desk. These changes, while helpful, do not address the underlying visual problem of CVS. To determine if you have CVS and to learn what solutions we can provide, call our office at 678-648-5185 for an appointment. Content provided by Vision Source (www.visionsource.com) 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
Forsyth’s Oratorical Contest a
Success!
Collaboration between the Forsyth County School System, the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club and the Forsyth Cumming County Optimist Club has, over the years, provided students with the opportunity to express their thoughts on pre-assigned topics as part of the yearly oratorical contest. The topic, “How My Optimism Will Help Me Press On To ‘Greater Achievements of the Future,’” was discussed by students using examples from their own lives, quotes from historical figures and anecdotes from their daily lives. “This is one of our favorite events of the year,” stated Jan Norman, a member of the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club. Norman has been at the helm of the oratorical contest for over 22 years. United Way of Forsyth County and Northside Hospital Forsyth proudly co-sponsor the contest every year. This event is the largest in the nation, surpassing all Optimist International Clubs in United States for the number of participants. This year, over 4,500 students at all grade 38 www.myforsyth.com
levels were encouraged to participate in their school’s oratorical contest. Each school designates a coordinator who works with each student to prepare them for the competition. “Participating in an oratorical contest is what set me on my path to public speaking,” stated Wendy Corona, WSB-TV News Anchor and Reporter. “I was challenged by a teacher to take part in the contest – she saw something in me! I did it and, surprise, made it to the semi-finals at the state level.” Corona vividly remembers the contest, where her speech, “Destiny, Choice Not Chance” earned her the Los Alisos Oratorical Contest 1st Place Girls 1988 trophy. The trophy remains displayed in her office, as a reminder of what got her career started. “Once the students get to this level of the competition, they are all excellent. This makes our job difficult, but it is so enjoyable to see the talent before us,” explained Ruth Goode, Executive Director of United Way of Forsyth, who has judged contests for over 10 years. “This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do, but I enjoy being able to do so. These young adults inspire us with their presentations while making us realize that there is a brighter side to our future than we sometimes believe,” Goode added. A celebratory lunch for students who reached the final competition for the state will be held in mid-April.n
S C H OO L S 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
Midway Elementary
Otwell Middle
iAchieve Virtual Academy
4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta, 770.475.6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us
605 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us
678.965.4970
Sawnee Elementary
Piney Grove Middle
1616 Canton Highway, 770.887.6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us
8135 Majors Road, 678.965.5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Settles Bridge Elementary
Riverwatch Middle
600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, 770.887.1883 Principal: LeeAnne Rice lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us
610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee 678.455.7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sharon Elementary
South Forsyth Middle
3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 770.888.7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
2865 Old Atlanta Road 770.888.3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Shiloh Point Elementary
Vickery Creek Middle
8145 Majors Road, 678.341.6481 Principal: Rebecca Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us
6240 Post Road, 770.667.2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sliver City Elementary
High Schools
6200 Dahlonega Highway, 678.965.5020 Principal: Paige Andrews pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, 770.346.0040 Principal: Kathy Rohacek 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
6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 678.965.5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us
2565 Echols Road, 678.965.5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Kelly Mill Elementary
7465 Wallace Tatum Road 770.781.4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us
1180 Chamblee Gap Road 678.965.4953 Principal: Mr. Ron McAllister 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: Charley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Liberty Middle
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
Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.8151 Principal: Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us
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
Lambert High School
Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs
805 Nichols Road 678.965.5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Montessori at Vickery
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive 770.781.6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, 770.781.2264 Principal: Jeff Cheney jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road 770.888.3470 Principal: Heather Gordy hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us
2830 Old Atlanta Road, 770.205.6277 www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com
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
Forsyth Academy Forsyth Academy at Night 770.781.3141
Gateway Academy 770.781.2299
www.myforsyth.com 39
by Maria L. Morgan
IS A BEAUTIFUL THING Isn’t love wonderful? I’m not talking about the starry-eyed stuff of fairytales; but the kind of love that is a verb —an action word. A few weeks ago, I visited my daughter, Riley, and her husband, Josh, in Alabama. They had celebrated a month of marriage just days before I arrived. And they were living out a truth I needed to revisit: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; 1 John 4:7a A light bulb moment Love is so much more than words. Saying “I love you,” without demonstrating it, is empty. Every morning, instead of staying in bed, I saw Riley get up early to make breakfast for Josh. She packed his lunch. Later that evening, Josh helped with things around the house, instead of lounging around. They were just small things that might have gone unnoticed had they not spoken volumes to me. In my own marriage, I had forgotten the true definition of love – putting the needs of my husband first. Leaving selfishness behind Somewhere along the journey I’d fallen into the trap of selfishness. Time to refresh my definition of love and begin living it.
Prayer
Jesus Christ is my ultimate example: 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Worth imitating While on earth He demonstrated His love over and over. It was alive and active as He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciples’ feet before His crucifixion. As He hung on the cross, His words were spoken out of concern for others. What a beautiful picture of a servant! I love the way authors Mary Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss put it: “Jesus taught that true greatness comes by serving, not by selfishly seeking a position of authority…It’s not about getting; it’s about giving. It’s not about selfishness; it’s about selflessness.” (True Woman 101: Divine Design, p. 61) With a renewed vision of love, my goal is to imitate Christ. Your turn Is love a verb in your life? What step will you take to put love into action today?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that love is to be demonstrated. Help me be willing to serve instead of expecting to be served. In Jesus’ name, Amen. by Maria I. Morgan
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
A
couple in my husband’s family just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. My parents celebrated their 56th anniversary in December and my husband and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary the day after Christmas. The most-asked questions we all hear are “What is your secret” or “How do you do it?”
IT’S IN THE
Glue by Neida Streit
It’s in the glue! The glue is what keeps us together—united and committed to each other. The glue is the little things you do for each other. The glue is holding hands while strolling along a riverbank. It is the shared smile as you look at each other across a room. It is praying together and crying together and laughing together. It is saving the last cookie or sharing the last drink. It is the knowledge that your spouse and you can face anything together and, with God’s help, come out stronger than ever and still in love. To make this super glue, it takes commitment and work. Life is not all good and easy. Life is hard and difficult. It is arguments, financial and/or health problems, annoying habits, stress and conflict. The glue is in how you handle life. You can fight, break up and divorce, or you can fight, talk, pray and grow closer together—looking to God and each other.
This doesn’t mean that you spend all your time together either. You need space together and apart– hobbies together and hobbies with friends that do not necessarily include your spouse. It is important to your growth as a couple to have a hobby and social life separately and together. This doesn’t mean that you will never disagree, or argue or get really mad at each other or scream or yell. It doesn’t mean you will never have to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong”. You can and will do all those things, but through it all you will still love each other and stick together with the glue. Whether you are just starting out in your relationship or have been married a long time, it is never too late to start making or strengthen the glue!n
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.
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Houses of NON-DENOMINATIONAL Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming 770.888.8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:00 & 11:00 am Wednesday Night services 7:00 pm Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.eastgatechurch.org
BAPTIST Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road 770.887.6900 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. AWANA: Sunday at 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org
Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street, 770.205.6699 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service: 10:50 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net
First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive, 770.887.2428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15 p.m. AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org
First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Parkway, 678.513.9400 Sunday Services: 9:15AM – Contemporary Service (Auditorium) 10:45AM – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9:00AM & 10:45AM; 6:30PM Bible Fellowship Jeff Jackson, Senior Pastor www.firstredeemer.org
Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road, 770.887.4802 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.
42 www.myforsyth.com
Wo r s h i p
Sunday Evening: 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7 p.m. Pastor: Chris Grinstead www.ghbcc.org
Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road, 770.889.1959 www.longstreetchurch.com Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday night adult and youth activities
North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway, 770.781.5433 Church service times: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Bible Studies 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Service (main auditorium) Hispanic Service is at 10:30 a.m. in our Activities Center
Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road, 678.807.7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org
EPISCOPAL St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, 770.888.4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, 770.887.8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.ecohs.net
GREEK ORTHODOX Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., 770.781.5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org
LUTHERAN Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 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 for all ages 7:00pm 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 770.889.5328 ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service 8 & 11 AM – Traditional 9 AM – Blended 10 AM – Discipleship Hour (Sun. School)
OTHER Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE www.forsythbahais.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 678.977.0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net
Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee 678.648.5248 www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com
Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), 678.230.4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com
First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, 770.887.5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 510 Brannon Road, Cumming, GA 678.455.5290 – Hall Phone Worship Service: 9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm Visitors Welcome Nursery available
LifePoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 Sunday Small Groups: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org
NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, 770.888.5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org
Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328, 404.255.1585
PRESBYTERIAN Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, 770.887.6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net
Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road, 770.205.9390 www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Pastor, Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 42
he TCOUNTRY
PREACHER by Rev. David Hill
Easter with its promise of the resurrection of the body gives meaning and purpose to the brevity of life. The burials in many older cemeteries faced eastward awaiting The Glad Day, resurrection morning. Grave stones often display a reminder to the living that explains this soul still lives and waits for the day of its reunion with a new body. In a Lewisburg, Kentucky church yard, Isaac and Sarah Burris, my great great grandparents left this grave stone message, “Remember me as you pass by, as you are now so once was I, as I am now so you must be. Prepare for death and follow me.” The only reliable information concerning the state of the soul after death is found in the Bible. It offers answers to frequently asked questions. “Can I see my family or friends again if they have died?” “What, if anything happens to the bodies of those who have died?” “Is there any reason for living a life which will end after a few years?” “Why was I born if that is all there is to life?” In Genesis 1:26, “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:’” The word used for “God” is plural while the verbs are singular so God made man a three part creation, body, soul, spirit or a trinity. The word “image” means form and “likeness” means appearance. After Adam’s sin something was lost in our “likeness” to God’s image. I Corinthians 15:35-57 asks the question, “But some man will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?’ . . .”, then it explains the difference between the spiritual and the natural body. Adam’s body was not corruptible before his sin but it wasn’t eternal. Man was created the 6th day. Eternal God has neither beginning nor end. The resurrection body will be both incorruptible and immortal. What an improvement! Our human body is important to God. Even from dangerous battlefields, the military recovers the bodies
of our dead and returns them to their families. Romans 8:23 states we are waiting for “the redemption of our body” (Philippians 3:21). The Devil knew that his lie to Eve would bring death, as it brought spiritual separation and will bring eternal death to him when he defied God loosing God’s fellowship, Ezekiel 28:15. To complete salvation the body as well as the soul must be redeemed. There are three kinds of death: spiritual, physical and eternal. (1) Spiritual death means the separation or alienation of the soul from God. Man can live only when in communion with God. His spiritual death will bring a continual worsening and eventually eternal death. (2) Physical death means separation of the soul from the body. The soul’s physical appearance looks like our body. Moses and Elias were recognizable when they appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:4) without their resurrected bodies. At physical death our roughly 30 chemicals return to the soil awaiting recreation. (3) Eternal death is spiritual death made permanent. The eternal separation of an individual from God is discussed in John 5:24, 28-29; Revelation 20:6, 11-15, the final judgment and the second death. People sometimes express belief in another form of life existing beyond our planet but scoff at the idea of a God who is different from us. The literal bodily resurrection in which the graves are opened and new bodies are given to us is the Bible’s teaching. I Thessalonians 4:13-18 comforts us with the assurance we can see our family and friends again. Conscious existence beyond the grave gives hope and meaning to present life. John 11:25-26
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 (cont.) Clubs & Organizations HOUSES OF WORSHIP – CONTINUED
Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road, 678.889.8694 Traditional Worship: Sundays 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship: Sundays11:00 a.m. Brazilian Ministry Sunday Services: 7:00 p.m. (The service is in Portuguese.) Rev. Bill Ford, Senior Pastor Rev. Cido Araujo, Assoc. Pastor of Brazilian Ministries
Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road, 770.889.8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available for both services Senior Pastor: Bill Ford parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org
The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road, 678.990.9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jon Adams thevinecommunitychurch.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road 770.887.9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m.; Sundays,7:30, 9 & 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon; 5:30p.m. Spanish Mass, 1:30 p.m. Weekdays: 9 a.m Pastor: Father Frank goodshepherdcumming.com
St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road, 770.205.7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Spanish Mass: 1 p.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Pastor: Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC Parochial Vicars: Fr. Joseph Ramos, LC and Fr. Juan Guerra, LC stbrendansatl.com
44 www.myforsyth.com
UNITED METHODIST Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, 770.887.4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. bethelview.net (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith
Piedmont United Methodist Church
The Inspiration Network of Cumming
1170 Dahlonega Highway, 770.887.0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
Meeting: Third Wed. from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, 678.965.5969
Member Power Networking Lunch
Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, 770.887.2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 and 11 a.m. – traditional worship services 9:51 a.m. – contemporary worship services 1:30 p.m. – Hispanic/Latino worship service en Español 9 a.m. – lake service (May-August) Senior Minister Dr. Jeff Ross
Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, 770.887.0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller lanierumc.org
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta 770.475.5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. midwayumc.org
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS NETWORKING Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tues. 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, 770.886.0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all
Forsyth County Women’s Club Meeting: Third Thurs. of each mo. at 11:00 a.m. – $22 lunch Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Johanna Morgan 678.525.9309 jlmorgan1960@gmail.com Information:Membership is open to all women of Forsyth and surrounding counties Program includes group activities, information and more. Website:forsythcountywomensclub.net
Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thurs.11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen at tiffany@servpro8378.com or 770.887.1962 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first.
Meeting: Every Tues. at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: 770.887.6461 or cummingforsythchamber.org Information: $15 for members and $30 for non-members
South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wed. at 11:30 a.m. No fees Location: Starbucks-141 and Ronald Reagan – John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier 770.887.2772 rgrier@harborfs.com
Women Who Mean Business Meeting: First Tues. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street Contact: 770.887.6461 Information: Free for members; $30 for non-members Register online at 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 Website: savethehorses.org
Clubs & Organizations Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter
RECREATION & HOBBIES Cumming Garden Club
Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: 770.887.6480 Information: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. Website: forsythpets.org
Contact: 770.844.7061 Meeting: Held second Tues. of each month from Sept. until May at 10:00 AM Information: Non-profit organization with the purposes of educating members & the community in gardening, conservation & creative expression.
There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: 678.513.9400 Information: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. Website: thereshope.org
Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Information: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy Contact: 770.889.8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: WhisperingHope.org
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Ducktown Chapter #460 – Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: Location: Contact:
2nd & 4th Fri at 7:30 p.m. 4655 Canton Hwy 770.887.8147
Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wed. at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: southforsythrotaryclub.org
Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke at parkway-chruch.org holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com Website: holisticmoms.org
Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: Contact: Website:
PO Box 933, Cumming labfriendinfo@gmail.com labradorfriends.com
Cuong Nhu Martial Arts Club
Moms Club of Cumming – North
Contact: 404.423.3524 Meeting: Every other Wed. at 7 p.m. Location: Central Park Website: meetup.com/North-Atlanta-CuongNhu-Martial-Arts-Club/ Information: No fees, open to 16 yrs +
Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com Website: momsclub.org
Piecemakers Quilt Guild
Moms Club of Cumming – Southwest
Meeting: 2nd Tues. of each month; 4th Tuesday is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming Website: 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 Information: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County Website: aacummingga.org
Holistic Moms Network – Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tues. of each month at 6:30 p.m.
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.every month at 6:30pm Location: 210 Dahlonega St., Suite 203, Cumming Contact: Valerie Daniel Faith’s House, Inc. 770.205.6311 Website: faithshouseinc.org
SMART Recovery Meeting: Location: Website:
Every Tues. at 6:30 p.m. Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC. 107 W. Court house Sq., Suite 274 smartrecovery.org
Meeting: Last Tues. of each month Contact: momsclub.org
NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: Second and fourth Thurs. of each month 7PM-8:30PM (excluding major holidays). Two support meetings (for consumers and family members) held the second Thursday of each month Educational meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month Location: Forsyth County Senior Center, 595 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Ga. 30040 Information: Two support groups (family & peer) meet every Thurs. except the last when there is a speaker. Contact: Flo Giltman lgiltma1@gmail.com Website: namifdlga.org
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FORSYTH GOVERNMENT NEWS cont. from page 12
warnings, flash flood warnings and tornado warnings. Citizens can elect to be notified when alerts are issued via telephone calls, emails or text messages. There is no cost for citizens to sign up to receive these weather alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply. To sign up for the alerts, visit the Forsyth County Web site at www.forsythco.com and look for the ‘Weather Alerts’ icon on the home page. You will be directed to a secure sign-up page hosted by Twenty First Century Communications. The information provided during the registration process determines the geographical region of the county for which you will receive alerts. For more information, visit the Emergency Management Agency page at www.forsythco.com.n EMERGENCY FUND cont. from page 18
Crazy? Why do you carry a spare tire? A spare is in your trunk area and just sits there taking up space and, depending on its location, taking on dirt. Why is it there? In the event that you have an unanticipated emergency with a tire. You are mitigating the risk of having a flat tire and not being able to continue to move forward to your destination. An emergency fund allows you to quickly move forward and keep pace. Unfortunately, there is never an emergency fund that will take care of every possible emergency. At the same time, most of you never carry four spare tires either. Emergencies happen. They happen to everyone. Those who are prepared get by and prepare for the next one. Those who are not are often wonder how they can ever rebuild again. Be prepared - have an emergency fund. THE TRAVELING FOODIE cont. from page 22
cooked to your preference) and fried oysters created a most delightful taste, coupled with Hollandaise sauce and breakfast potatoes to satisfy even my discerning taste. The Crab Cake Benedict also provided us with something to be very happy about. The addition of fried green tomatoes was unexpected but definitely welcomed. While known for their fresh oysters, there fresh lobster is a treat as well. Allie and I returned to make sure that what Hugo’s manager Barrett Craig told us about their lobster was true: fresh, tasty and satisfying. Hugo’s features only seafood native to the waters from the Outer Banks to the Mississippi Delta (with notable exception of top-quality oysters from the Northeast), Mackerel and snapper from the Carolina coasts, Georgia blue crab, Finfish from blue Florida waters, Flounder from clear lagoons at the Caribbean’s edge, Gulf shrimp, and Bayou crawfish. Seafood isn’t everything to love at Hugo’s. Classic New Orleans sandwiches like po’ boys, debris and muffulettas; salads drawing inspiration from around the South, steaks, snacks and classic Deep South and Cajun desserts are also 46 www.myforsyth.com
part of their extensive menu. The Brioche bread pudding is my favorite… though I’ve tried a few other offerings. If you are in the mood for a Sunday Brunch treat that will entice you to try more offerings available on the menu, Hugo’s Oyster Bar is just that place. Allie and I have visited Hugo’s a few times since our first visit on a recent Sunday afternoon. It is definitely in our restaurants to visit rotation. Perhaps it will become part of yours! Hugo’s Oyster Bar, 10360 Alpharetta Street, Roswell GA, Hugosoysterbar.com | 770.993.5922 YOUTH FOODIE cont. from page 24
but not too spicy. It has a small hint of smoky chipotle pepper flavor. On another trip there, I tried the fish tacos. It was so pretty with all the colors from the purple cabbage and pico de gallo until I devoured it! I don’t know who could resist that crunchy cabbage, creamy chipotle ranchero sauce, and pico de gallo on top of the fish. The kick of the cabbage is truly something special. The freshness of the pico with the juicy tomatoes, onions, and cilantro is something I couldn’t live without. The food is truly amazing, and you can enjoy it all in Mestizo’s relaxed atmosphere. I was very surprised to meet the owners, two sisters who were very nice. Their dad is always there wearing a hat that says “Happy” on it, and every time I look at it, it cheers me up. He comes out and talks to the customers to be sure they like the food. Another interesting fact about the sisters is they live just down the street from me. Mestizo Southwest Grill | 3050 Keith Bridge Rd Cumming, GA 30041 | 770-886-3449 | mymestizo.com
EYE FOR DESIGN cont. from page 33 a brand. An eye-catching, message-sending, innovative brand.” A graphic designer can transform your company’s product, message, and mantra into one cohesive visual design that will, hopefully, make you more memorable and appealing to your audience. lLook for experience in the type of work you need. lAsk for and verify references. Get a recommendation. lKnow your message and explain it – can the designer transmit your message graphically? lPrepare a detailed creative brief that Outline your message, your objectives, the desired deliverables, and your timeline. lOpen and constant communication is the key to a working relationship. lExpect to pay a higher price for more experience and a larger project. When there’s mutual respect for each other’s expertise, the effort set forth to make a graphic design project be worth the time and money spent by every party is rewarding for all. Ask questions, be honest and be prepared. After all, your business depends on it.n
Advertisers ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE REGENERATION PROGRAM
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Laurie Hunter Graphic Design www.doingitdivine.com
No Longer Bound – pg. 5 770-886-7873 www.nolongerbound.com
HOME MOVING/CONSTRUCTION/ REMODEL
BOOK PUBLISHERS
Hercules House Movers – pg.35 770-235-7999 www.herculeshousemovers.com
BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc. – pg. 19 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com
JEWELRY STORE
DANCE ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION
Cumming Dance Academy Inside Front Cover 770-781-4922 www.CummingDanceAcademy.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
DENTIST/DENTAL CARE
Jordan Dentistry – pg. 25 770-888-6262www. JordanDentistry.com
EDUCATION/PRIVATE ACADEMY
Huntington Learning Center – pg. 37 770-292-8994 www.huntingtonhelps.com Pinecrest Academy – pg. 7 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org
Lance’s Jewelry –Back Cover 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com
Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta – pg. 25 404-252-1137 www.obgynofatlanta.com REAL ESTATE
The Dinsmore Team Inside Back Cover 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES/
Casa Nuova – pg. 22 770-475-9100 www.casanuovarestaurant.com
Adam Pendleton – pg. 15 678-208-7077 www.AdamPendleton.com
Norman’s Landing – pg. 24 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com
Kim Bates Photography – pg. 7 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Lennys Subs – pg. 47 678-947-0336 Fax Orders: 678-947-5343
PHYSICIAN/MEDICAL SERVICES
Northside Hospital Forsyth – pg. 3 770-844-3200 www.northside.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jeans & Jewels – pg. 4 770-889-6384, ext. 100
Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 29 Atlanta Heart Specialists 678-679-6800 | 770-622-1622 www.heartdrsingh.com
Spread the Word About Your Business... Advertise With Us. Call Today 678.614.8583
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More FOOD. More TASTE. More PERSONALITY. nOrder On-Line nCatering 678.947.0336 | Fax: 678.947.5343
1040 Market Place Blvd. | Cumming Ga Next To Home Depot & Walmart
www.myforsyth.com 47
E LECTED APPO INTED O FFI CIA LS
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT President Barack H. Obama (D) 202.456.1414 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, fax: 202.456.2461 Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) 202.224.3521 Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 GA: 770.763.9090 Atlanta, GA 30339 fax: 202.224.0103 Website: chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) 202.224.3643 Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: 770.661.0999 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Bearden
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24
770.887.2461 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: forsyth.k12.ga.us 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040
770.844.6768 e-mail: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov 770.887.0400 e-mail: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov
Rep. Kevin Tanner (R), District 9 404.656.0152 e-mail: kevin.tanner@house.ga.gov
FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210, Cumming, GA 30040 770.781.2101 Website: forsythco.com fax: 770.781.2199
County Manager Doug Derrer: 770.781.2101 fax : 770.781.2199
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 202.225.5211 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: 770.535.2592 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: tomgraves.house.gov
Rep. Rob Woodall. (R), District 7 770.963.2420 email: woodall@mail.house.gov Website: woodall.house.gov
STATE GOVERNMENT Governor Nathan Deal (R) 404.652.7003 Website: gov.state.ga.us fax: 404.652.7123
COMMISSIONERS R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) 678.513.5881 e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R)
BOARD OF EDUCATION Ann Crow, District 1 (R)
770.490.6316 e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) 770.781.5222 e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R)
770.657.0810 e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Darla Light, District 4
770.887.0678 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R)
770.889.0229 e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
678.513.5882 e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
CITY OF CUMMING Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt
Todd Levent, District 3 (R)
Cumming City Hall 770.781.2010 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
770.781.2101 e-mail: tlevent@forsythco.com
Cindy Mills, District 4 (R) 678.513.5884 e-mail: cjmills@forsythco.com
Jim Boff, District 5 (R)
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton
City Administrator Gerald Blackburn 770.781.2010
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
678.513.5885 e-mail: jjboff@forsythco.com
404.656.5030 Website: gov.state.ga.us
City Clerk
Forsyth County Tax Commissioner
Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
Sen. Michael Williams (R), District 51 404.656.7127 e-mail: michael.williams@senate.ga.gov fax: 770-205-060
Sen. Steve Gooch (R), District 51 678.341.6203 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov fax: 770.844.5821
48 www.myforsyth.com
Matthew C. Ledbetter 770.781.2110 Website: forsythco.com
COMMUNITY NUMBER S
EMERGENCY — 911
Hampton Park Library
HOTLINES — 24 HOUR HELP LINES
770.781.9840 5345 Settingdown Road
Battered Women Hotline
Sharon Forks Branch
770.479.1703
Poison Control Center — Atlanta
770.781.9840 2810 Old Atlanta Road
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 ghms-inc.org
PARKS AND RECREATION City of Cumming Main Number: 770.781.2030 410 Pilgrim Mill Road
Central Park Office 770.781.2215
Central Park Recreation Center 678.455.8540 2300 Keith Bridge Road
Neighborhood Healthcare Center 770.844.7494 2825 Keith Bridge Road 770.886.7135
Health Department 770.781.6906 428 Canton Highway
770.888.2788 6050 Y Street
POST OFFICE
770.886.2388 525 Tribble Gap Road
UTILITIES City of Cumming 770.781.2020
Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department 770.781.2160 110 East Main Street forsythco.com
Solid Waste
770.781.3491 235 Castleberry Road
Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill 770.887.6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground advanceddisposal.com
Windermere Park
Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC
Cumming Fairgrounds
(770) 781 – 2215 3355 Windermere Parkway
Northside Hospital — Forsyth 770.844.3200 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive northside.com
YMCA
GOLF CLUBS Chestatee Golf Club 706.216.7336 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville
Country Land Golf Course 770.887.0006 6560 Mayfield Drive
770.205.6912 2535 Ivy Street East
Waste Management, Inc. 770.751.1304 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta wm.com
RECYCLING Keep Forsyth County Beautiful 770.205.4573
Polo Golf & Country Club FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT City of Cumming Police Department 770.781.2000 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard cummingpd.net
770.887.7656 6300 Polo Club Drive
TELEPHONE AT&T
Windermere Golf Club
Residential 888.757.6500 Business 866.213.6300 att.com
678.513.1000 5000 Davis Love Drive
Forsyth County Fire Department 770.781.2180 3520 Settingdown Road forsythco.com
Georgia State Patrol 770.205.5400
LIBRARIES Forsyth County Public Library
FORSYTH COUNTY MARINAS Habersham Marina 770.887.5432 2200 Habersham Marina Road
Port Royale Marina
ELECTRICITY Georgia Power 888.660.5890
Sawnee Electric Membership 770.887.2363
770.887.5715 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
770.781.9840 585 Dahlonega Road forsythpl.org
www.myforsyth.com 49
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1705 Market Place Blvd. | Cumming, GA 30041 | 770.781.5500 Monday-Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Closed Sunday