Trusted experts delivering the latest in cardiac care Northside is home to a team of talented and experienced professionals specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular services. From leading diagnostic services to angioplasty and pacemaker implantation, Northside’s experts deliver leading cardiac care right in your community. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
[ Contents January 2012 ]
27
24 My Forsyth is printed using soybased inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
On the Cover: Dr. William H. Johnson, MD, FACS, of Atlanta Bariatrics
24
A Matter of Life and Health
27
Health & Wellness
Julie Brennan is the Publisher of My Forsyth magazine. She is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Julie may be reached at julie@marketcomplete.com 2
29
Atlanta Bariatrics Comprehensive Program
27 What is Strep Throat? 28 Amblyopia or Lazy Eye 28 Two Must Do’s for 2012 29 The Simple Act of Smiling 30 Make a Resolution to Get More Sleep 31 A Journey with No Excuses
Keep up-to-date with our community! www.myforsyth.com Join the My Forsyth fan page www.facebook.com/myforsyth MY FORSYTH
Fo
llo
w
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/myforsythmag
US
!
January 2012
Community 7
Under the Gold Dome
13 A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes 15 Mixed Nuts, Mixed Fruit and Mixed Messages
Lifestyle
20 Concerned About Being Judged?
21 The Art of Two Maria’s 22 Investing with Dollar-Cost Averaging
Faith
38 A Wise Investment 41 The Country Preacher 44 Resolutions and Traditions: Why Bother?
In every issue
SCHOOLS 32 Soap Bubbles
8
Community News
10
Birthdays and Announcements
12
Forsyth County News
14
Humane Society Pets for Adoption
33 Rainwater Musical Theater’s Seussical
40 Church Listings
34 Get Ready for the Second Semester
47 Elected Officials
January 2012
42
MY FORSYTH
Clubs & Organizations
3
Publisher Julie Brennan julie@marketcomplete.com (678) 614-8583
EDITOR Jennifer Paire editor@myforsyth.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Melissa Barton melissa@myforsyth.com
Market Director Kimberly Starr Kimberly@myforsyth.com 770-313-6546
Graphic Design Pixelution Studios Josh Murtha 678-945-7301 josh@pixelutionstudios.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Technical Administrator Michael Barton Michael@myforsyth.com
The mission of My Forsyth magazine is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories about their communities and its people. Our goal is to bring positive stories about Forsyth County. To businesses we provide a premium outlet for community-based advertising. Each month, 21,500 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution. My Forsyth, a publication of Market Complete LLC, welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the Publisher/Editor. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ŠCopyright 2012.
4
MY FORSYTH
My Forsyth www.myforsyth.com 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 (p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511
January 2012
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
5
Welcome to My Forsyth!
[ by Julie Brennan}]
Northside Hospital Forsyth Campus), Stars and Strikes, The UPS Store (corner of Bethelview and Castleberry Roads), and Good Grub Subs, among other area businesses.
Continuing with the tradition of positive and informational stories, our name reflects our efforts to broaden our services. Our free monthly publication includes information relating to lifestyle, faith, schools, health and wellness, community news, events’ calendar and more. Please visit our website at www.myforsyth.com for more stories and information. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myforsyth and Twitter at twitter.com/ myforsythmag. In addition, the My Forsyth magazine APP is available free in the Apple and Android markets. (Find the QRCode on page 2 and scan it with your mobile device.) Our team of writers remains the same, as does our commitment to bringing you a monthly magazine filled with all that makes us who we are. You can reach any one of our writers or our editor directly if you have story ideas.
Don’t forget, announcements for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and births are free. Just send a photo and information to editor@myforsyth.com. Keep in touch!
The My Forsyth Team
Shelly Kent, Caroline Sherouse, M ic hael Barton, M aria Morgan (Oliv ia Kent, front)
We appreciate your support of our advertisers, who make it possible for My Forsyth to reach your mailboxes every month. Magazines are also available in racks located at Norman’s Landing, Publix stores in Forsyth pb ell urphy, Chery l Ca m County, Lakeside Pharmacy (located at the tor & Mrs. Jack M
Sena
Jennifer Paire
Ruth Goode, Christine Rob erts
Kimberly Starr Parkey Thompson, Gayle & Da vid
Nancy Johnson M elissa Barton
Hill
Kim Bates
Josh Murtha 6
2011 Daniel Hagar Memorial Golf Tournament
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Community News from Senator Murphy [ by Senator Jack Murphy, R-GA 27th District]
UNDER THE GOLD DOME Can you believe it? The 2012 Session of the General Assembly has begun. Starting on the second Monday of January, legislators gathered in Atlanta to discuss, debate and yes, sometimes argue over the proposed legislation for the coming year. Some proposed legislation has already been pre-filed. One bill requires anyone who receives welfare to be drug tested, but a similar bill in Florida has been ruled unconstitutional. Another bill requires all legislators to be drug tested – no problem here. There is also a bill that requires anyone receiving unemployment benefits to work 20 hours a week on community projects. The legislators will be discussing how we can provide tax relief, which was looked at this previous session. There are sure to be different proposals on increasing taxes as well as lowering the state income tax. We need to take a look at the specialty tags, and see if the increase from last session has helped or hurt the counties in tag fees. Possible discussion on HB 87, the immigration reform bill, might result in a proposed amendment. Horse racing may also be brought up, which would require a constitutional amendment. The only legislation we are required to pass is the budget. That always makes me wonder: what would happen if we just met, passed the budget and then went home? I really think the state would survive if we didn’t pass any additional laws for the year. Hopefully it will be a great and productive session, one that concentrates on putting Georgians back to work, with less regulation on businesses and more emphasis on improving the economy of our great State. God bless you and your families and the Great State of Georgia.
Senator Jack Murphy (R-GA 27th District) may be reached at 404-6567127 or jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
7
Community
News Around Cumming Pinecrest Academy Implements Latest in Classroom Interactive Technologies Pinecrest Academy has launched a technology system which provides the latest in classroom interactive technologies. After testing many different interactive solutions for the classroom, the school’s IT team took the best features from several different products and combined them to provide the greatest possible experience for both students and teachers. The selection process for this type of technology is the result of years of research and a collaborative effort of the school’s IT manager and instructors. “This technology has opened up my classroom to a whole new set of possibilities,” shared Gabe Liesemeyer, Middle School History and Geography Teacher. “The more visual you can be when teaching history, the more alive you can make it for the students, which allows them to engage more in the classroom. The Promethean technology and accompanying equipment is really a dream come true for me as a teacher.” For more information on Pinecrest Academy, visit www. PinecrestAcademy.org.
North Atlanta ENT Associates is Now Open Dr. Joel Hoffman is pleased to announce the opening of his private practice, North Atlanta Ear, Nose & Throat Associates. Dr. Hoffman, who is board certified in ENT and sleep medicine, has provided exceptional ENT care in Cumming since 1993. “I look forward to continuing to serve the communities of Cumming, Forsyth County and neighboring communities in my new office, located in the Northside Hospital Forsyth Medical Campus,” stated Dr. Hoffman. The office is located at 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 240 in Cumming and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dr. Hoffman provides services to adults and children, and specializes in treatment of sinus and allergy disorders, sleep apnea and snoring. “We can also provide hearing testing and hearing aids to our patients as needed,” Dr. Hoffman adds. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 770-292-3045. You may also visit their website at www.naenta.com. 8
MY FORSYTH
Local Author Releases First Book in Four Part Series John Turman’s Around the Next Bend is the first book in the four part series, Miller Townson’s Windows in Time Chronicles, which depicts the adventure of a man who grew up all over the world, but as an adult, seeks to find his roots in his Georgia ancestry. In Around the Next Bend, the reader takes a journey with Miller Townson as he accepts his fate to follow in the footsteps of six previous generations of men by fighting in the Vietnam War. Dr. John Turman is the author of the wellreceived fantasy novel, Saxon and the Sorceress, released in 1978. After a twentytwo year break from writing, he began work on the Windows in Time Chronicles in 2002. Turman uses real world events such as the Civil War, the Georgia Gold Rush, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War to create a historical account of life in the United States, and more specifically, life in Georgia during these trying times. Published by Morganland Press, with support from BookLogix Publishing Services, Around the Next Bend is available online through Amazon and the BookLogix Bookstore in print or eBook format for Kindle, Nook and iPad. January 2012
Scott’s Auto Center Recognized by Motor Age as #1 in Georgia and Top 10 in the Nation
Infant and Young Child Survival Swimming Program Now in Cumming Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), provider of survival swimming lessons for babies and toddlers from six months to six years old, is now offering its Self-Rescue™ program in Cumming. ISR integrates swimming skills that are developmentally appropriate for young children, teaching them to save their own lives, while building the confidence that can lead to a lifetime of fun in and around the water. For 45 years, ISR has successfully provided over 7 million safe lessons to infants and young children. “Sometimes, everything we do is not enough to keep a child from drowning. Even with alarms, door locks, pool fences and supervision, children can escape from protective care and find themselves in trouble,” says Ashlee Forscher, Certified Infant Swimming Resource Instructor. “At ISR, we arm children with the skills to survive if they were to accidentally end up in the water alone.” The classes are held at the Cumming Aquatic Center, located at 201 Aquatic Circle, in Cumming. For more information contact Foster at A.Forscher@ infantswim.com or visit www.infantswim.com. January 2012
The efficiency, craftsmanship, and customer service at Scott’s Auto Center in Cumming is second to none. The center was recently recognized by Motor Age, a leading automotive magazine, as one of the Top 10 Auto Repair Facilities in the Nation and #1 in Georgia. Each year Motor Age reviews shops from all over the United States. This award was given after Motor Age reviewed how Scott’s Auto Center cares for their customers, qualifications, facilities, growth over recent years and core business philosophy. Scott’s Auto Center’s exceptional service to customers has been recognized since 2003.
“Gaining the trust and confidence of our customers is very important to all of us at Scott’s Auto Center,” states Muse. “We are here to serve a need and do so with pride, meeting and as much as possible exceeding the expectations of each and every client who walks into our center. It’s not rocket science. People want honest repairs and good customer service!” Scott’s Auto Center is located at 820 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. For more information about their services visit www.scottsautocenter.net or www.facebook.com/scottsautocenter.
MY FORSYTH
9
Sarah Mabry Hackett Age 4 1/29/2008 We love you, Mommy and Mimi
Renae Gastineau Jernigan February 5
Patrick Kelly January 31 Happy Birthday! Doris W. Corona February 9
Birth Announcements
Michelle Meek
Scarlett Rayne .Daughter of Jennifer and Ryan Leo. Born January 1, 2012, 7 pounds, 15 ounces, 21 inches long .Sister of Adagia, age 8, and Teagan, age 3 1/2 .
February 4
Robin Beau turned 12 Dec 9, 2011. We are so proud of you and love you! Mom, Dad, and Lucy
Birth Announcements
Jayro Figueroa. Daughter of Blanca A. Granados and Mariano Figueroa 9 pounds, 2 ounces Born January 1, 2012
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@myforsyth.com 10
MY FORSYTH
JANUARY 2012
Send us your favorite Valentine’s Day picture and tell us what love means to you. All entries received by February 8, 2012 will be entered in our Valentine’s Giveaways, which includes gifts from Lance’s Jewelry, Bello Italian Restaurant, Norman’s Landing and more. Submit your photos and entries to: editor@myforsyth.com.
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
11
Community
Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com Looking for a Way to Properly Retire a WornOut American Flag? Forsyth County residents seeking a way to properly retire worn out American flags can do so at four locations throughout the county – the county’s convenience centers and Fire Station 1. The three Forsyth County Convenience Centers are now accepting flags in need of proper retirement. The worn out flags can be given to the center’s attendant; the American Legion Post 307 will then collect the flags from the convenience centers and ensure they are retired properly. Flags can be dropped off at the following Forsyth County Convenience Center locations: • Coal Mountain Center, 3560 Settingdown Road • Old Atlanta Center, 3678 Old Atlanta Road • Tolbert Street Center, 351 Tolbert Street The convenience centers are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed on Sundays and county holidays. Please note that all three convenience centers will be closed Monday, January 2 in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Citizens can also continue to utilize the flag retirement drop-box available at Forsyth County Fire Station 1 at 234 Castleberry Industrial Drive. This drop-box is also a joint effort of Forsyth County and the American Legion.
Use Caution During Cold Winter Months Help keep you and your family safe during the winter months with these tips from the Forsyth County Fire Department. • Maintain proper chimney `maintenance by having your chimney inspected by a certi fied chimney sweep. • Have your home heating system inspected annually by a certified technician to make sure your system is 12
• • • • • • • • •
burning cleanly and efficiently. All homes should have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. It is highly recommended to never use fuel-fired gas heaters inside the home. Residents should always turn off heating appliances and alternate heating devices, such as electric blankets and heaters, when not in use. Never use a home oven, stove or barbecue grill to heat your home. Maintain a home safety and survival kit, should the area experience extended ice storms. Never leave candles unattended. To ensure safety on the road, keep your vehicle well maintained to be sure it is dependable in cold weather. This is especially true with your vehicle’s batteries. Also, make sure to keep the gas tank as full as possible. In the mornings while warming up your car, pull it outside to avoid the buildup of gasses inside the garage. In case of emergency, dial 911.
Christmas Tree Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB) invites residents to recycle their Christmas trees during the “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling event through January 28. A wood chipper processes the trees into mulch. All three Forsyth County Convenience Centers will serve as dropoff sites for the trees through Saturday, January 28. Trees can be dropped off at the centers Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (centers are closed on Sundays and county holidays). Please note that all three convenience centers will be closed Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Coal Mountain Center, 3560 Settingdown Road, 770.781.2071 • Old Atlanta Center, 3678 Old Atlanta Road, 770.205.3010 • Tolbert Street Center, 351 Tolbert Street, 770.781.2176 For more information visit www.forsythco.com or call KFCB at 770.205.4573.
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Community
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes And our dream was to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children by Cheryl Evonosky
Victoria’s Children’s Boutique sponsored an annual children’s fashion show at the Polo Golf and Country Club in Cumming, Georgia on November 19, 2011, and the proceeds went to the Yaarab Shriners of North Georgia’s Hospital Fund. This special event was highlighted by the “Roadrunner” Shriners and the Yaarab Red Devil Shriner Clowns. It included a heart-warming fashion show, silent and live auctions, hors d’oeuvres, music by Audio Celebration, and photos by Carolyn Whitmore’s Studio. The guest speaker was Dr. Pete Stasikelis, Chief of Staff, at the Greenville, SC Shriners Hospital for Children. He shared a video about the outstanding program and services offered at the hospitals and the importance of all the contributions made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Dr Pete”, as he is lovingly known, was presented a special award by Victoria, the 14 year old granddaughter of Alex and Cheryl Evonosky and daughter of James and Cheryl Mowery. Victoria was a recipient of the services at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, and Dr. Pete was her surgeon. They did so much to improve the quality of her life that the family wanted to give back to them, something that would benefit other children and their families. The annual fashion show is their way to help raise money for this wonderful organization that has helped thousands of children thru their orthopedics, burn, spinal cord injury, cleft lip and palate hospitals.
ership were Silver Level Sponsors. Many businesses in the community donated items for the live and silent auctions, and Billy Spain, was an excellent auctioneer who brought fun to the bidding aspect. Cash donations, items for auction, and services from local business all helped to make this a great evening. The grand finale was the presentation of Victoria. As the perfect song, “My Wish for You”, was playing, the audience stood as Victoria was escorted down the runway by her Daddy and an entourage of “Roadrunner” Shriners. As she stepped up on the riser, everyone in the audience had tears in their eyes as they watched Victoria dance with her Daddy. It was such a sweet heart-warming moment as she hugged, kissed, and thanked each Shriner at the event. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, and our dream once again came true. The “Runway Angels” Fashion Show was an exciting, loving, and successful event raised over $7000 for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The highlight of the evening was the “Runway Angels” Fashion Show. Thirty-three “little Angels” were excitedly awaiting their turn to be announced---to walk down the runway to the music provided by Audio Celebrations, to glow in the loving smiles and pride of their parents and grandparents, and to be escorted by a Shriner in the “Runway Angels” Fashion Show. These escort Shriners are a very special group known as the “Roadrunner” transporter drivers. They drive thousands of miles every year taking children and their families to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Tireless hours are spent by the Shriners helping children, from standing on the street corners collecting money for the hospitals, to driving them to the hospital to receive the care they need to improve the quality of their lives. The “Roadrunners” at our event were Harold Brooks, Vance Taylor, Billy Cline, Harold Rich, Emmett Orr, Jack Iler, Bob Anderson, Charlie Brannon, Phil Faukner, and David Gattis. The love Shriners have for children can not be expressed. The Shriner Clowns bring smiles and laughter to all the children at the hospitals. Their devotion and dedication to bring happiness to children is outstanding. The “Runway Angels” Fashion Show was honored to have Jim “Stache” Cox, Gary “Shoofly” Lewis, and Matt “Tiny” Greer, all Shriner Clowns with the Yaarab Red Devil Clowns. Victoria and the other Runway Angels had fun having their pictures taken with them. Many people and their donations helped to make this a successful event. Special businesses like Publix Super Markets Charities and Jim Ellis Auto DealJanuary 2012
MY FORSYTH
13
[ Continued on page 31 ] 14
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Community
Mixed Nuts, Mixed Fruit and Mixed Messages [ by Ruth Goode ]
Last year, we heard that Georgia ranks 3rd in the nation in childhood obesity. For Georgians aged 10-17 more than 37% are obese. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius states that the United States spends $1 of every $10 in health care dollars treating obesity related problems. That’s nearly $150 billion, more than it spends on treating cancer.
So, some of us are eating too much of the wrong things and getting too little exercise and some of us are not getting enough nutritious food. This sounds like the land of the “Haves and Have Nots”.
Here’s where it gets confusing…. In 2009, Georgia’s food insecurity rate was 17.8% of the state population or 1,693,710 people, while the national average food insecurity rate was 16.6%. Again, our state was one of the worst in the nation in this category. Food insecurity is the lack of access, at times, to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life. The food insecurity rate for our Congressional District in 2009 was 17.5% or 137,690 people, 50% were children. Forsyth County’s food insecurity was 11.1% of the county population, or 17,530 people. New figures for 2010 will be out early this year. I suspect the number of food insecure people will have risen. Don’t think for one minute that those dealing with food insecurity are necessarily living in poverty. The new faces at food pantries are the unemployed, under-employed, those on fixed incomes and many are from households with a working adult. Forsyth County Public Schools report 19.93% of the student population
January 2012
is on free or reduced lunch, that’s 7,554 students. In several schools, over 40% of the student’s qualify for free or reduced lunch. Children from food insecure homes are more likely to fall behind academically, have weakened immune systems, higher absenteeism, etc. That’s a whole other article!
In mid-November, United Way of Forsyth County hosted a community conversation on food insecurity in our county. There were 25 attendees representing 13 different food pantries or food programs as well as representatives from the Forsyth County Schools and DFAC’s. Some of the programs have been seeing fewer clients, but the group believes that is due to the sharp increase in food sources in the county. United Way’s statistics also show a decrease in calls for food. We believe the food pantries are doing a great job of providing for those in need which is why there are fewer calls. The group also agreed
MY FORSYTH
[ Continued on page 43 ] that the faces of the clients have changed. Ruth Goode is the Executive Director Many are clients needing assistance for the of time United Waylives. Forsyth. She may be first in their reached at 770-781-4110.
15
Community
Community Calendar Stress-Free Marketing Workshop Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Location: BookLogix Publishing Services, 1264 Old Alpharetta Rd, Alpharetta Information: Award-winning author Renea Winchester lead the Stress-Free Marketing Workshop, designed for aspiring and emerging authors. Renea will speak about the importance of name recognition; how to launch your book; how to get your work into the hands of readers and much more. The cost of this workshop is $ 40, and includes a copy of her book, Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. To register for this workshop, visit: www.booklogix.com/Stress_Free_Marketing.html Dian Malouf Jewelry Trunk Show Date: Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Lance’s Jewelry, 1705 Market Place Blvd., Cumming Information: Made in America jewelry featuring the designs of artist Dian Malouf. Hand-carved, solid sterling and 14-karat gold, hand-cut stones showcase the beauty of her unique designs.
10th Annual Forsyth Senior Expo Date: Saturday, February 18 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Central Park Recreation Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming Information: The Forsyth Senior Expo provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including health care, housing, finance, safety and security, recreation, and travel. For information about being a vendor at the Forsyth Senior Expo, contact Donna Grizzle at 770.781.2178 ext. 5032 or djgrizzle@forsythco.com. 16
Sawnee EMC 2012 Washington Youth Tour Date: Applications due by February 29 Information: Each year, two students at least 16 years of age, are awarded the responsibility to represent Sawnee EMC as delegates in the Washington Youth Tour. Students on the tour learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government. They attend educational seminars, visit with their representatives in the House and Senate, and see the sights around Washington, DC. The deadline for 2012 Washington Youth Tour applications is February 29, 2012. Download an application at http:// www.sawnee.com/community/Youthtour.aspx. Endurance 11U Skills Clinic Dates: Register now for March 4, 11, 18 and 25; sessions for girls in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th Location: Contact Endurance Academy at 404-644-3708 for details. Information: The perfect opportunity for your child to learn the basic skills and fundamentals of the game of volleyball. The 75-minute sessions, instructed by Endurance Academy’s coaches, provides girls who are new to the sport an environment of fun and games while learning the basics of the sports. Cost: $110. Weight Loss Surgery Options Date: Monday, January 30 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; 5:00-7:00 p.m. Location: 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Atrium by Morrison’s Café Description: Learn valuable information about weight loss options available, including exercise, surgeries, and much more. This FREE event features experts in the field of health, nutrition, and weight loss.
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Lifestyle
Winter Blues or
Glorious Gloom? [ by Kaylene Fister ]
We’ve had gray, rainy days for so long now it seems as if the sun has migrated south along with the birds. And in a way it has, seeing as my homeland New Zealand is starting to bask in the light and warmth of early summer. Nevertheless, from a photographer’s viewpoint gloomy days are glorious! The light is soft; not harsh as it would be on a sunny day. The only thing you need to worry about is getting rained on with that camera. Autumn leaves look pretty against a brilliant blue sky, but in my opinion they look even better against a backdrop of soft gray clouds. They’re not competing for the eye’s attention. Sooner or later, the clouds will move on and we’ll have sunny days again. So what can we do to rescue our photos from the harsh, flat light of an otherwise beautiful blue day? People can be moved into the shade (but watch out for dappled light as it filters through the trees) or if you have a handy assistant, they can hold up a shade. You don’t need to rush out and buy a set of shades and reflectors - they can be
expensive. A light-coloured sheet will do in a pinch, just be aware that the colour may cast a hue on your subject. But what do we do with landscapes? The best times for shooting outdoors are dusk and dawn. That’s when the shadows are longer, giving more depth to the vista and the light’s coming in from the side instead of directly above. And we all have enough tired-looking shadows under our eyes without using the sun to emphasise them! Besides that, the light is magical. The basic rule of thumb is roughly 30 minutes before sunrise to an hour after (at most) and 30 minutes either side of sunset. This will give you the rosy hues of dawn and the golden light of day’s end. And really dramatic skyscapes as the sun pokes through after a storm. What more can a photographer want? Don’t waste time in front of a computer trying to mimic the beauty that’s around you; get out there with a camera and make it yours! Kaylene Fister is a professional photographer residing in Cumming, originally from New Zealand. Kaylene is the owner of Southern Kiwi Photography. She may be reached at 404.583.0659. January 2012
MY FORSYTH
17
{RestaurantGUIDE}
> Forsyth Foodie Are You Ready for some Football…Food? Fall is my favorite time of year. Why? One word…Football! And what goes with great football? Food! My football weekends over the past few months have included a lot of different foods, either at a tailgate, in front of the TV or in a bar with friends. And of course, with the Super Bowl around the corner, I’ve got to start planning my menu. So, what’s my one “must have” dish while cheering on my favorite team? Good, ole fashion Buffalo Wings. There are a lot of great places around Forsyth County that serve up some delicious wings but in my experience, no one does this dish better than Roosters Café. Their wings offer the best combination of flavor, texture and substance. They’re crispy, always tender and meaty and the sauce has just the right amount of “zing” for whatever your taste buds can handle.
mushy, never overcooked and dry. If you’re not a wing lover, Roosters also has a wide array of other great “bar food” items like their juicy Rooster Burgers and Rooster Dogs. Not many places around town keep jumbo frank hotdogs on their menu. While the restaurant itself is not what I consider a “sports bar”, it is, hands down my go-to place when ordering wings for any game day festivities. Other notable favorite: If you want good wings plus a good “sports bar” atmosphere, I definitely recommend Taco Mac. Usually, I tend to shy away from chain restaurants, but since they are a chain local to Metro Atlanta, I’m willing to make an exception. Their service is always quick and friendly, the menu has a great variety and you can watch just
Now, if you’re like me, you’ve also gotta have fries with that 10 Piece basket. For you potato connoisseurs, don’t worry, Roosters fries are good – long and skinny, slightly browned with the skin on the tips – never undercooked and
18
about any sports event at any given time on more than one TV. Plus, they have a HUGE beer selection. Who could ask for a better combination? Taco Mac at Cumming 2275 Marketplace Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041 678.679.1050 www.tacomac.com Taco Mac at Johns Creek 2607 Peachtree Pkwy Suwanee, GA 30024 678.679.0430
Roosters Cafe 216 Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30040 770.889.6890
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
19
Lifestyle
Getting ready to sell your books? Should you POD or SOD?
Concerned About Being Judged?
[ by Ahmad Meradji]
Maybe there’s a good reason.
If you’re getting ready to have your book printed and start selling copies, you may think that you need to order a truckload of books. Did you know that about half of all titles published sell less than 250 copies per year? About 30% of titles produced worldwide actually go unsold. Want to be able to avoid having a basement full of extra books? There are two methods every self-publishing author needs to know about: Print OnDemand (POD) and Ship On-Demand (SOD).
[ by Christine M. Roberts]
T
There was a time in my life when I was making poor decisions, like spending time with people that I shouldn’t and spending money that I didn’t have. I wasn’t sharing these activities with anyone because I decided it wasn’t any of their business and I didn’t want to be judged!
Do you have any circumstances in your life where you feel this way? Maybe you’re spending time with a “friend” but your significant other or close friends wouldn’t understand or you couldn’t help but buy that $ 5,000 plasma television even though your credit cards are maxed out and you owe friends or family money. Maybe your Doctor has told you that if you don’t take better care of yourself that your life is in jeopardy but you keep that information to yourself as you continue to consume those Bud lights and country cooking. But “hey it’s nobody’s business!” Well if we are doing the “right” thing and being responsible then our conscience will be clear and there isn’t energy spent on worry about being judged, right? Sometimes we can convince ourselves that what we are doing is ok; we can rationalize just about anything, can’t we? The benchmark for knowing if that rationalization is adequate is if we want to keep it to ourselves. That always works for me; if I hesitate about telling someone then I shouldn’t do it, as simple as that. So if you are feeling like “its” no one’s business then maybe it’s a good opportunity to take inventory and ask yourself “if I’m concerned about being judged, maybe there’s a good reason?” Think about it. We all know what is right and what is wrong so stop trying to kid yourself or others; having a clear conscience is the way to live. What if we all decided to live life making the “right” choices? Now that’s a resolution worth sticking to, year round!
Print On-Demand is where an order is placed for the book by a buyer; the book is printed, and then shipped to the buyer. There are fewer upfront costs since you are not paying to print large quantities of a book before copies begin selling. The manufacturing cost per book is higher, but you will not have to pay fees to have the book stored at a facility, or store books in your home. This process also gives you the ability to modify your book content after it is published and before more copies are sold, if necessary. Ship On-Demand is where a large batch of books is printed and then stored somewhere, and when an order is placed by a buyer the book is then pulled from inventory and shipped. Ship On-Demand is essentially the process used by traditional publishers who plan to sell large quantities of a title. If you have the money to buy a larger order of books, you will pay less per copy because of the volume of your order. This could mean more profit back per copy, since you paid less for those copies than you would pay if they are printed one at a time by print on-demand. You’d be surprised to learn how many books sold today are printed using Print On-Demand versus Ship On-Demand. Ever ordered a book from Amazon? There’s a good chance that the book was printed after you paid for it! So which is better for a self publisher? Here are some things to consider: POD
SOD
You don’t have much room in your initial publishing budget for manufacturing costs.
You would like to pay a low cost per book by ordering a larger quantity.
You are unsure of how well your title will sell, and do not want to over-print. You don’t want to pay storage fees or store books at home.
You want to set up distribution with a major book distributor (i.e. Baker & Taylor or Ingram).
Your publishing support provider (i.e. BookLogix) offers POD bookselling and pays you royalties when copies sell, without you having to order books upfront.
You want to be able to ship the books yourself when you get orders from Amazon, your website, etc.
Regardless of which method you choose, be sure you have a good sense of all potential expenses that may be incurred, such as storage fees, processing fees, and shipping costs.
Christine Roberts is a volunteer with Mentor Me, a local non-profit agency that matches caring volunteers with children who need mentors. Their mission is to help children reach their potential through mentoring relationships with responsible adults. Christine can be reached at Christine.M.Roberts@comcast.net 20
MY FORSYTH
Ahmad Meradji is President and CEO of Booklogix Publishing Services in Alpharetta. He can be reached at 770-346-9979 or by email at Ahmad@booklogix.com January 2012
The Art of two Maria’s
Lifestyle
[ by Julie Brennan]
T
here are times when one can simply enjoy the moment, when a smile is what you’ll see in everyone’s face as you are part of someone’s dream becoming a reality.
Maria Kehr (85) and Maria Samms (87) are two talented artists who met at the Cumming Nursing Home. Their dream was to have their art being displayed at a gallery. “We met in the dining room of the nursing home,” recalls Kehr. The two residents began a
conversation that led to finding out one thing they both had in common – their love for art. The talented ladies continued to chat about their art to each other, which soon became the talk among the caregivers at the nursing home. Kehr recalls drawing all of her life. “I eventually earned a scholarship to art school and decided to follow-up with learning more about what I loved so much,” she states. Kehr began painting portraits and other scenes that became famous among her family and friends. Samms artistry is slightly different than Kehr’s. Her work is Chinese painting or porcelain art, where painting over the glaze with enamel colors is meticulously done to create works of art. “It’s not a one-step process,” Samms states. The two artists shared their talents with each other and often dreamed of having their work shown in a gallery. Their dream came true when Robert Weinberg, owner of Bald Ridge Folk Art Gallery and Kim Maley, owner of Market 334, open their doors to host a show of Kehr’s and Samm’s work.
these two ladies, while providing them with a place to showcase their art” adds Weinberg. A visit by Cumming’s Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and Forsyth County Commissioner Pete Amos made the event even more special for Kehr and Samms. Others in attendance including family, friends and When asked how they felt as their dream of a gallery show became a reality, the two ladies smiled and stated “We are overwhelmed.” As for those in attendance, we were in awe of the talents displayed.
“This was simply a great opportunity to share the beautiful work of these two remarkable ladies,” explains Maley. “They were overwhelmed by the accolades they received by those in attendance at the event.” A close look at the pieces by each artist left many in awe and wondering how these talents remained hidden for so long. “We were honored to be able to present this show and enjoyed meeting
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
21
Lifestyle
Investing with Dollar-Cost Averaging [ by Julie Kimball] “Buy low and sell high” is perhaps the best-known adage about investing in the stock market. However, there is just one catch to this brilliant advice: It’s almost impossible to follow. A few individuals have made an occasional accurate call. But, it’s impossible to predict the stock market’s ups and downs. Typically, stock market investments are for the long term. One way of handling the unpredictability is by taking the emotions out of investing by using a concept called dollar-cost averaging. Dollar-cost averaging is the systematic investment of a specific sum of money over specified time periods. This method allows investors to capitalize on market cycles by purchasing more shares when prices are low, and fewer shares when prices are high. As a result, the average cost of their total investment is reduced, which increases the potential for higher returns on their principal. Dollar-cost averaging can offer real advantages to investors would like to accumulate wealth over time. It promotes the habit of investing by providing a framework to support the discipline that so many people lack or find difficult. Consistent, regular investing may be a good way for many people to work toward building wealth over the years.
[ by Parkey Thompson ]
If you are like most of America, your personal finances have taken a hit. You may be one who is in significant debt or you have no idea what you are going to do for retirement. You have to ask yourself the question, “What are our children learning from the management of our finances?” You can always do better. In fact, you have been telling yourself that for years. Days, months, and now years have come and gone, but what have you done to better manage your finances? This New Year is your year to make the powerful changes. Each month this year, I want to highlight an area you need to focus on to better manage your money. You have to start somewhere and this month I want you to understand that you have to have a “need”. That’s right; you need a “need”. You need something that is going to drive you to make the changes you need to make. You need something to look forward to, to push you, to keep you motivated to stay on plan. You may need to have a picture of how you would look once you accomplish your goal. What would you look like debt free? What would you look like if money was not a huge stress factor in your life? What would life be like if you and your spouse were on the same page and moving towards the same goals? What you want to look like will help you understand your need. Maybe it is not a matter of how you would look, but a matter of survival. Let’s say you go to the doctor and you are told that you “must” make some changes in your health: maybe eating better, exercising more, getting more rest, living with less stress. The doctor goes on to say that if you do not, there will be negative consequences to your life. What would you do? My guess is that you would make the changes you need to make. What you have done is understood your need.
Specific rates of return, especially for
extended time periods, will vary over time. There is also a higher degree of risk associated with investments that offer the potential for higher rates of return. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Dollar-cost averaging does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Such a plan involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue their purchases through periods of low price levels. Investments are subject to market risks including the potential loss of principal invested.
Julie Kimball, MBA, is a Certified Financial Planner with Summit Financial Solutions. She may be reached at 770-928-8100. Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC, Advisory services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM. Summit Financial Solutions is not a registered broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm. 22
Identify Your Need
As a coach, I meet people all the time who have not learned of their need. As a result, they fall off the wagon. Your need will empower you to get it in gear. For me and my wife, it was recognizing that we were broke. We made a great combined income, but we owed it all to everyone else. At 41 years old, I finally realized where we were - I had a need. That need empowered us to go on an aggressive plan to change what we knew and did with the money we earned. Without the changes, we were sinking fast and our future was looking bleak. Recognizing your need, a vision, is the first step in getting a solid financial plan.
MY FORSYTH
Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678-648-9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information. January 2012
Lifestyle
Interview with an Aspiring Artist [ by Shelly Kent ]
We caught up with local aspiring artist, Sophia Kent, age 6, for a few words about what inspires her creativity and how she became so interested in art. My Forsyth: Sophia, what makes you so good at art? SK: Well, I think some magic snuck into me when I was in my mom’s tummy. My Forsyth: What inspires you to paint? SK: It really relaxes me. I like to do it in my free time when everything is quiet. I watch painting shows on TV and look through my art books for ideas. Sometimes I just paint what I’m thinking about. My Forsyth: Do you have a favorite piece of work? SK: The flowers with trees behind them in a pretty, light blue sky—I dabbed that painting with my fingers. Then I used brushes to paint a barn with a fence and a lake of water. It looks like Wisconsin to me. I put a lot of inspiration in it and it reminds me of my younger age, like when I was three. My Forsyth: How did you first get started with art? SK: I asked for some art projects to do from Hobby Lobby and then went to some art shows and stores like the [First Mountain] Art Gallery in Vickery Village. My Aunt Katie and Uncle Mike gave me an awesome art kit for Christmas and Santa Claus brought me canvases to paint on. My Forsyth: Tell us about the Little Blue Horse painting by Franz Marc that you and your Mom painted together? SK: It’s huge and it’s so beautiful with so many colors. It has details with shine. We went outside and opened all the paint jars. My mom outlined the horse and we started swirling paints. It was so much fun. I painted most of the colors but most importantly, I painted the colors on the sides of the canvas, too. My Forsyth: What are your future plans? SK: To keep going, maybe do some flowers and plants with ribbons. I might want to do a snow globe with people bundled up, and maybe some pictures of my childhood. I want to paint a wall in my bedroom but my mom has to get me a ladder and she will probably have to tie a rope around me or something so I don’t fall. I want to paint a house with snow and a blue sky with lights and stars. I want to grow up and be a good artist, and open my own gallery. I also want to sew a quilt. My Forsyth: What would you tell another child who wants to be an artist? SK: It matters who you are, be the best you can be forever and ever. Oh, and wear old clothes when you paint or your mom might get mad. Sophia Kent is the daughter of My Forsyth’s columnist Shelly Kent. Sophia’s interview came about after one of her paintings was seen by this magazine’s publisher. We hope it inspires other young artists, and their parents, to follow their dreams. January 2012
Classes dedicated to revealing THE TRUTH about WHY you’re sick and
NOT GETTING BETTER
DYING TO KNOW, A SEARCH FOR THE CAUSE IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW STRUGGLES WITH Autoimmune Disease
Anxiety/Depression
Fibromyalgia
Thyroid Problems
Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes
Digestive Problems
Fatigue/Insomnia
Leaky Gut
ADD/ADHD/Autism
Weight Gain
Chronic Pain
THEN THESES CLASSES ARE MEANT FOR YOU! Classes presented by Dr. John C. Thomas, Clinic Director of Discover Chiropractic Cumming. Using the metabolic and brain-based approach to managing chronic health conditions, Dr. Thomas has had patients experience full remission of symptoms. He has a Doctorate in Chiropractic, as well is Board Eligible in Clinical Nutrition and has advanced training in Functional Neurology.
To Register Call 678-456-9122 or at www.drthomasSeminars.com
MY FORSYTH
23
Atlanta Bariatrics in Cumming Jennifer Hutson’s decision to trust Dr. William Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics in Cumming was life-changing, and potentially life-saving. Bariatric surgery ended her struggles with weight loss and gain. “I struggled with my weight my whole life,” recalls Hutson. “I was a heavy child and made fun of in school. As an adult, I yo-yoed back and forth, struggling with weight loss and gain. After I had my three children, it just became almost impossible to get the weight off. I hated my 260-pound body. “ Hutson researched various alternatives to deal
BEFore
after
with her weight management struggles. “I interviewed a few doctors and really liked Dr. Johnson and the staff at Atlanta Bariatrics. They were all very supportive and motivating,” Hutson adds. On October 2, 2007, Hutson had the Lap-Band procedure and she has “never looked back.” Over four years since her surgery, Hutson has stayed within five pounds of her goal and is living a healthier, happier life. “Dr. Johnson and his wonderful staff helped me through this most important part of my weight loss journey,” a grateful Hutson concludes. Dr. Johnson recommends people considering bariatric surgery become educated on their options. and speak with their primary care doctors to find the best bariatric surgeon for them. There are several types of bariatric surgery, the most common ones being gastric bypass surgery, lapband surgery and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Information about these surgeries is discussed at the free monthly seminars hosted by Atlanta Bariatrics. “People who are morbidly obese are at a much
Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS Dr. Hart attended medical school at the University of Alabama – Birmingham, and completed his surgical residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He has served as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine and was a founding member of their bariatric program. Dr. Hart is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress. He is a recognized as a Center of Excellence surgeon by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 24
MY FORSYTH
higher risk for cancer and early death than people who aren’t,” says Dr. Christopher Hart, Atlanta Bariatrics’ founder. “They also tend to have other chronic medical conditions that can make their health situations even more dangerous. For those, bariatric surgery can literally be a life-saver.” Obesity is causing earlier deaths America’s obesity epidemic continues to grow and result in early death. Locally, the State of Georgia’s Public Health Division estimates 6,700 Georgians die every year because they are overweight or obese approximately 10% of all deaths. Heart disease, some cancers, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other medical conditions arising from the metabolic and mechanical abnormalities induced by excess body fat cause the deaths. Fat-related diseases occur most often in adults, but overweight children and adolescents can develop type 2 diabetes, high blood lipids, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, early maturation, and orthopedic William H. Johnson, MD, FACS Dr. Johnson attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Florida. He then completed a fellowship at Duke University in advanced laparoscopy and bariatric surgery. Dr. Johnson is certified through the National Board of Medical Examiners and is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a recognized as a Center of Excellence surgeon by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). January 2012
problems. Psychosocial consequences of excess body fat are particularly common in children. “Severe obesity is associated with a high risk of a variety of health problems, cancer and early death,” explains William Johnson, M.D., board certified surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery. “Bariatric surgery is a tool that helps us help our patients gain control of their weight while reasserting their ability to live healthier lives.”
procedures while minimizing or eliminating some of the disadvantages of both approaches,” explains Dr. Johnson. As with any surgery, there are risks involved. “However, severely obese people are already in much greater danger health-wise than nonobese or even somewhat obese people, so the benefits can far outweigh the risks,” Dr. Johnson asserts.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You? There are two main types of weight-loss surgery: restrictive and malabsorptive. Restrictive procedures aim to limit the amount of food one can eat in a given time. They will limit the amount of calories that can be consumed by restricting the volume of food. Patients feel full with a small portion of food, thereby limiting hunger and allowing weight loss. Examples include laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Malabsorptive procedures limit the amount of calories that are absorbed in the intestines. Malabsorptive procedures include the jejuno-ileal bypass. Because of this, purely malabsorptive procedures can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and metabolic abnormalities. These procedures have generally been abandoned. Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Switch variants also rely mainly on malabsorption and again carry higher risks of nutritional deficiencies and metabolic abnormalitites. “The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been the most common type of weight-loss surgery over the past two or three decades. The main advantage of RYGB is that it encompasses advantages of both restrictive and malabsorptive
What makes a person dangerously obese? According to the National Institutes of Health, morbid obesity is being 100 pounds or more above an ideal body weight, having a body mass index of 40 or more, or having a body mass index of 35 and one or more co-morbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Stories abound about negative attitudes and treatment towards obese individuals. “I’ve heard many over the years, from opportunities for promotions, participation in events and a host of other challenges faced by the severely obese,” Dr. Johnson states. As a Center of Excellence, the physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals at Atlanta Bariatrics are ready to provide their expertise to their patients and their families and become an integral part of the team-approach to better health and weight management. Some may think of bariatric surgery as cosmetic surgery. “Although patients feel much better about their appearance after weight loss, the purpose of surgery is to become healthier. Weight loss surgery may alleviate or help the patient avoid weight related diseases,” explains Dr. Johnson. From an insurance standpoint, the surgery is definitely not cosmetic.
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
A comprehensive approach to health after surgery Every patient and their families are able to take advantage of the comprehensive team of bariatric care members. The bariatric patient advocate assists patients through their weight-loss journey, providing oneon-one coaching to patients to ensure they meet the various requirements for bariatric surgery. A registered dietician ensures that dietary guidelines are met and a complete medical nutrition therapy followed. A registered medical assistant and key office personnel complete the team that provides each patient with unequivocally the best care before, during and after surgery. The team takes pride in its care and service. “My work provides me with the gratification of knowing that I am part of a team that can make a positive difference in the lives of our patients,” Dr. Johnson states. “Along with our patients, we help them transform their lives while working toward better health. It’s not just about the surgery; it’s about all the positive changes that are a direct result of this life-changing experience.” Hundreds of patients have benefited from the comprehensive bariatric program offered, with countless stories of positive outcomes, lives saved, and great experiences. Atlanta Bariatrics is the only full time bariatric practice open daily, with office hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
r Free Educational Seminars Call 770-232-2911 for details and to sign-up or visit www. atlantabariatrics.com. NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL FORSYTH, Cumming 4th Monday of every month 6:00-8:00 p.m. 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Bennett Education Center – Classroom A EMORY JOHNS CREEK HOSPITAL, Duluth 1st Wednesday of each month and 3rd Tuesday of every month 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 6325 Hospital Parkway, Room #109 – Frist Conference Room 25
THYROID PROBLEMS?
DESIGN
PRINT PROMOTE
Includes: Design, Print & Shipping*
Call Today and Get Your Business Noticed!
Call 678-807-9855 or visit www.AtlantaThyroidRelief.com and find out how to get better…TODAY!
*All brochures get two design concepts. 1,000 copies printed on 100 pound gloss text. 5 to 7 days for printing and 2 days for shipping after final design is approved.
678.945.7301
26
Do you suffer from thyroid symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, cold hands or feet, dryness of skin or scalp? (just to name a few) NEW information reveals why this happens and how to finally get relief!. Been treated without success? Been told to “live with it”? Tired of taking drugs that don’t fix the problem? Not getting any better? There IS NEW hope. If you’re tired of dealing with this problem and worried about it getting worse, call now to get free information explaining why you’re not better and how a new effective treatment is offering relief…without drugs.
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
HeaLth & Wellness
What is Strep Throat?
[ by Susan G. Traxler, MD ]
Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection of the throat. Symptoms may vary but usually begin rather suddenly and include fever, sore throat, red throat (sometimes with white patches), headache, nausea, loss of appetite, chills, swollen glands in the neck and difficulty swallowing. Some people with strep throat get a rash as well. However, most sore throats in children are caused by viruses, not strep throat, and many viral sore throats exhibit the same symptoms as strep. To make matters even more confusing, strep throat cannot definitively be diagnosed by either one’s symptoms or by the doctor’s exam. To make the diagnosis, a rapid strep test can be done in most doctors’ offices, but may still miss a few cases of strep. If the rapid strep test is negative, a throat culture can be performed to see if strep bacteria grows; this additional test takes one to two days to get results. Sore throats should only be treated
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
with antibiotics if the strep test or culture is positive. Antibiotics are taken to prevent rare but more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever. People of any age can get strep throat, but it is most common between the ages of 5 and 15. It is spread by person-to-person contact with saliva or nasal secretions and, as such, commonly spreads among family members. Most people with strep are contagious (and should stay home from school or work) until they have been on antibiotics for 24-48 hours. Susan G. Traxler, MD is a graduate of Davidson College. She received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Traxler may be reached at 770-664-4430.
27
HeaLth & Wellness
Two Must Do’s for
Amblyopia or Lazy Eye:
2012
What is it?
[ by John Thomas, DC ]
Most of us make resolutions for the New Year: some we keep, most we do not. When it comes to obtaining optimal health I continue to learn and evolve my protocols to give my patients the best quality care and to add as much value to their lives as possible. Over the past year I’ve seen people get their lives back after suffering for years with chronic health conditions, so instead of giving you the usual tips of diet and exercise or how to keep those New Year’s resolutions I want to give you the two things that I believe you must do in 2012 to make it the healthiest year yet. Get tested for food sensitivities. Food sensitivity testing can be the most important thing you do for you body. There is a big difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity/intolerance. Food sensitivities give rise to an inflammatory process in the gut. This inflammatory process can lead to countless chronic conditions, including digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, chronic fatigue, ADD, aching joints, skin disorders, arthritis and others. Food sensitivities to foods such as gluten/wheat, milk, eggs, yeast, and/or soy are among those I have seen in my patients. If you are continuously eating something that causes inflammation in your gut, you are creating inflammation throughout your body and in your brain. “Fire in the gut, fire in the brain!” Sensitivity to foods varies by individuals, which is why it is very important to get tested properly. Exercise your Brain. How many times a day do you forget things? Where did I put my keys? What was I supposed to pick up at the grocery store? We all have those moments; sometimes more often then we should. Although the convenience of technology may have something to do with it, you can use technology to help exercise your brain. For example, I use a free app on their smart phones call Lumosity. This brain training app gives you daily exercises to keep your brain sharp and focused. I even have my 4- and 6-year olds doing some of the brain training activities daily. Ever heard the saying -- If you don’t use it, you lose it! This is especially true for your brain. The cells in our body need two things to survive. FUEL and ACTIVATION! Fuel comes from the food we eat and air we breathe, and the activation comes from continuous stimulation. If you stay away from foods that are causing you to become inflamed and exercise your brain on a regular basis you are on your way to a healthier you in 2012.
[ by Dr. Mira Sivan ] What is amblyopia? It’s the lack of development of vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with lenses. In other words, the eye is completely healthy but still can’t see well even with corrective lenses. Amblyopia can result from a failure to use both eyes together. Lazy eye is often associated with crossed-eyes or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before the age of six and it does not affect side vision. Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye or a tendency to bump into objects on one side, eyes that turn in or out, eyes that do not appear to work together, inability to judge depth correctly, or poor vision in one eye. Symptoms are not always obvious.
Treatment for lazy eye may include a combination of prescription lenses, prisms, vision therapy and eye patching. Vision therapy teaches the two eyes how to work together, Covering the stronger eye with a patch (eye patching), is the most common method of treating amblyopia. Early diagnosis of amblyopia increases the chance for a complete recovery. This is one reason why the American Optometric Association recommends that children have a comprehensive optometric examination at least once between ages three and five. Lazy eye will not go away on its own. If not diagnosed until the pre-teen, teen or adult years, treatment takes longer and is often less effective. Delaying treatment can result in permanent vision problems. Amblyopia is usually easily diagnosed with a complete examination of the eyes. Special tests are usually not needed.
Dr. John C. Thomas is the clinical director of Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Cumming, GA. He can be reached at 678-456-9122. 28
Dr. Mira Sivan is an optometrist located at Vickery Village in Cumming, She may be reached at 678-648-5185. MY FORSYTH
January 2012
HeaLth & Wellness
The simple act of SMILING [ by Cesar Cardenas, DMD, MS ]
The simple act of smiling: the most basic and standard expression of all humans. It is cross-cultural, has the same meaning in different societies, it uses the same language and even tribes that had been completely disconnected from other civilizations use the smile the same way we all do. Scientists consider that infants initially smile as a type of reflex and soon after that it becomes a social smile. Surprisingly, we are actually born smiling. 3-D Ultrasound technology shows that we even smile in the womb. After birth, babies smile even when they are sleeping and even blind babies smile in response to the sound of the human voice. With a smile babies learn to engage their caretakers, get attention, express their happiness and be loved. Smiling is not only a universal natural expression; it is also a frequent one. More than 30% of adults smile more than 20 times a day and less than 14% of us smile less than five times a day. Children smile as many as 400 times a day. Facial expression research studies also are dedicating their time to study the effect of the smile in other people. Two studies form Uppsala University in Sweden confirmed that other people’s smile actually suppress the control we usually have over our own facial muscles, compelling to smile. These studies also showed that it’s very difficult to frown when looking at someone smiling, so there is more to a subconscious innate drive to smile when we see one. This explains why smiling is contagious and how we have a subconscious desire to smile when we see others doing so. Typically, when you are around smiling children you are likely to smile more often. Now imagine the power that we all have when we smile and how we can positively impact our social, work and family lives. Imagine how we can change others’ response to us just with a smile. It is not a secret that good customer service requires lots of smiles. Even on the phone we can hear and feel smiles; not only does our expression change when we smile, but our voice changes too. It is often said that we can easily pass on a smile through the phone line. A 2010 research project in Wayne State University examined baseball cards
January 2012
photos of Major League players in 1952. The study found that the span of a player’s smile could actually predict the span of his life! Players who did not smile in their pictures lived an average of only 72 years, while players with glowing smiles lived an average of 79.9 years. This study is supported by other recent studies including a 2009 study in Germany where functional MRI imaging measured brain activity in regions of emotional processing in the brain before and after injecting Botox to suppress smiling muscles. The findings revealed that facial feedback actually modifies the neural processing of emotional content in the brain and concluded that our brain’s circuitry of emotion and happiness is activated when we smile. Therefore, smiling stimulates our brain’s reward mechanism in a way that even chocolate, a wellknown pleasure-inducer, cannot match. Unlike chocolate, lots of smiling can actually make you healthier. It has been proven that smiling has therapeutic effects, and has been associated with reduced stress hormone levels (like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine), increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels (like endorphins) and lowered blood pressure. Smiling has an enormous impact on a person’s heath, self-esteem and both personal and business relationships. So next time you get a picture taken, make sure you have a big, huge smile! Make sure your smile is healthy; make sure your smile is beautiful… you need it because you should be smiling all the time. It is good for you; it is good for everyone else.
MY FORSYTH
The world needs it: the simple act of smiling!
Dr. Cesar Cardenas of Windermere Orthodontics may be reached at 770-888-1929. www.facebook.com/WIndermereOrthodontics
29
HeaLth & Wellness
“ Inflammation also can cause
plaques in your arteries to break loose, lodging in vessels in the heart or brain and leading to a heart attack.
”
Make a Resolution to Get More Sleep [ Cynthia Blount, RN, BSN, CPHQ Director, Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers ] Do you want to feel better, have more energy and look your best? Getting enough sleep can help. When you don’t get enough sleep, you deprive your body of needed rest, resulting in feeling irritable, anxious, hungry and tired. Experts believe that there are several ways that sleep deprivation can cause health problems, too: • Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder occurring when the muscles at the back of the throat relax to the point of obstructing the upper airway. Breathing can stop for up to 40 or more seconds. You don’t receive enough oxygen, causing “miniawakenings” (gasping for breath) several hundred times a night. These awakenings can cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise, straining the heart and leading to permanent high blood pressure or, ultimately, heart disease. • Sleep imbalance can upset or confuse the release of hunger regulating hormones. Research shows that when we don’t get enough sleep, our leptin (internal appetite-suppressing hormone) levels fall and ghrelin (internal hunger-promoting hormone) levels increase. Thus, when you’re feeling sleepy, you might feel like you need to head for the fridge, instead of bed. Even with exercise, our metabolism slows down if we don’t get enough sleep. This can potentially lead to obesity and diabetes, two of the primary causes of heart disease. • Cortisol levels can rise due to lack of sleep, causing inflammation around your heart, raising blood pressure and disrupting sleep. Inflammation also can cause plaques in your arteries to break loose, lodging in vessels in the heart or brain and leading to a heart attack. 30
Tips for how to get a good night’s sleep The human body needs sleep to maintain a healthy balance. The Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers offer these tips to help you get a good night’s sleep: • Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, including weekends. • Exercise regularly, but finish at least three hours before bedtime. • Eat healthy, but finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. • Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime. • Replace sugar and caffeine with healthy snacks such as carrots or a granola bar. • Create a quiet, dark and comfortable sleeping environment. • Relax. Take a warm bath, drink a cup of warm milk or read a book. • Leave worries at the bedroom door. If you’re concerned about something, make a list of the steps you’ll take to solve the problem. • Don’t nap during the day for more than 20 minutes or on a regular basis, and never after 5 p.m. • Don’t read, watch TV or do work in bed for an extended time. For more information For more information about Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Center – in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee – or about how you can get a better night’s sleep, visit www.northside.com.
Northside Hospital Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, GA 30041-7659 770-844-3200 • www.northside.com
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
HeaLth & Wellness
A Journey with No Excuses [ by Brenda Dickey ]
Everyone is on a journey and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reevaluate our lives, assess what’s working, and change what is not. The big question is “Where will our journey take us this year? Will we find health? Finally lose that weight? Take a leap of faith and try an alternate solution to aches and pains? My journey this year is one of health and wellness of every kind! I will be the brave one; I will take the chance and open my mind to new ideas, different approaches, and alternative solutions. You may learn through my journey, and perhaps find some answers of your own! The course is set, the anchor is up and here comes the wind… No More Excuses. These three words are painted in very large letters on the wall of Lanier Personal Training at Vickery Village in Cumming. It’s important that I give you full disclosure if you are to see any real value in reading my journey and perhaps see that we may have things in common. I have never really had a weight problem thus, I have never pushed myself too hard at the gym—I don’t like to sweat or feel fatigued in any way, so when I saw these words, I laughed a little on the inside. Owner Wade Alexander and his bride-to-be, Bree Shiebeck met me at the door to answer a few questions I had about their new adventure. I was curious about the training room I walked into, as it did not look like the typical gyms I am used to seeing. “Functional training is a very different approach than weight machines, where you sit and lift,” Wade explained. You never sit in his gym. In his 11 years as a personal trainer he has trained mostly at traditional gyms containing free weights and treadmills. Wade devotes his talent and knowledge to teaching clients proper form, alternative moves through boxing, TRX, Kettle bells, and ropes! (Let me just say that lifting your own body weight takes far more out of you than you might think.) Functional training builds endurance and muscle in a much healthier way, so I decided
January 2012
to try it out. Of course, I had my list of excuses and began sharing them with Wade. “I have a degenerative disk between L4 and L5, so I probably can’t do all of these things. It may hurt me,” I said. “I did too and I had surgery when I was 25,” Wade stated. He pointed out that he had a steel rod, was given many pain medications and was chalked up to a couch potato with a remote control in his hand. After six months of this, Wade moved to Colorado, the land of extreme sports. He decided that if a skier could break his back and come back, so could he. And so he did. I had one 45-minute session and I must say that Wade Alexander is truly gifted in motivating the unmotivated. I’m now accountable to someone else who believes I can look and feel like he does-healthy, happy and in great shape. My journey continues, as I am gearing up for my second session. It is certainly up to me to decide if my excuses will take over my efforts to make 2012 the healthiest year of my life.
MY FORSYTH
Lanier Personal Training 5814 North Vickery Street, Cumming GA www.LanierPersonalTraining.com 770-888-0601
Brenda Dickey is the proud mother of two. She is the owner of Funky Mountain Flowers and Gifts. She may be reached at (770) 781-4616.
31
Soap Bubbles [ by Noelle Petty and Jordan Jarrett ]
Could you imagine life without the luxuries that you have become so accustomed to? What would you consider these luxuries? A car, television, laptop, iPhone, or MP3 player? For some people, luxuries are much more modest and appreciated: a bed, air conditioning, heat, a shower, a gas stove. However, for others, even these basic needs are out of reach and missing from their lives. It’s hard to imagine a week without a shower, much less a month without shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, or deodorant. Homeless shelters and outreach ministries do their best to provide a steady supply of hygiene materials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) to the less fortunate of bustling cities. Sadly, in most cases, their sources of supplies are unstable and inconsistent, resulting in a feeble quantity of materials to distribute to a disturbingly large group of people. Together we founded Soap Bubbles, a non-profit homeless aid organization that has partnered with Safehouse Outreach to distribute their “Pure Packages” (Hygiene Kits that consist of: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Deodorant, Baby Wipes, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Chap Stick and Disposable Razors) in an effort to cleanse the nation’s homeless from the outside in. Our goals are as follow: Short Term Goals: • Attract attention to our organization and our cause in order to gain support in the form of donations • Package and distribute 100 hygiene kits in our first ‘Bubble Attack’ • Distribute over 1,000 hygiene kits in our first year Long Term Goals: • Implement a simplified version of our organization in five major cities in the next 10 years • Distribute over 10,000 hygiene kit by 2017 • Become sponsored by a large hotel chain and collect “leftovers” all over the country Although these goals may seem lofty, with the support of the community, they are achievable. Soap Bubbles has been fortunate enough to pair with multiple hotels in Georgia that will provide them with a constant supply of travel sized shampoo, travel sized conditioner, and travel sized body wash. Now all we need is the help of supplemental private donors to complete the Pure Packages: deodorant, baby wipes, toothbrush/ toothpaste, Chap Stick and disposable razors. If you are interested in donating resources, becoming part of the “Foam Squad,” or just learning more about Soap Bubbles, please contact us at SoapBubblesATL@ ymail.com Noelle Petty and Jordan Jarrett are the founders of Soap Bubbles and students at Lambert High School. 32
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
schools
Presenting Seussical the Musical If entertainment is escapism, then prepare yourself for a spectacular journey with the Riverwatch Musical Theater’s production of Seussical the Musical. Seussical is a favorite among school, community and regional theaters. Based on the books of Dr. Seuss, Seussical centers on the imagination of a young boy and features the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie La Bird. Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Seussical is a high energy crowd pleaser. Under the direction of Miriam Reynolds, the show is certain to be a hit. Miriam has successfully interpreted such hits as High School Musical, Oklahoma!, the Wizard of Oz and Bye Bye Birdie with contagious energy and enthusiasm. Miriam Reynolds heads up Riverwatch Musical Theater department. After she directed her first play at the age of 16, it was love. On average, Miriam attends 30 shows a year ranging from Broadway, to local theater, to middle school and high productions. At Riverwatch, Miriam has helped successfully interpret such plays as Bye Bye Birdie, the Wizard of Oz, High School Musical and Oklahoma! “The great thing about Miriam is that she can spot talent in people that they don’t even know they have yet”, says Alicia Buck, whose daughter Claire performed as last year’s Ado Annie in Oklahoma and will star as Mayzie La Bird in this year’s Seussical. “The best part is she knows what do with it. She has a passion for seeing kids grow through theater.” The stage will feature a four tiered platform, 36 feet wide, vibrant set colors and beautiful, original costume designs. Seussical is a spectacle certain to please all ages. Seussical will be presented March 8-10, 2012 at the Lambert High School Theater, nightly at 7:00, with Saturday matinee at 3:00. For more information, please visit: RMSdrama.wordpress.com
Lambert High School 805 Nichols Rd.
Suwanee, GA 30024 January 2012
MY FORSYTH
33
schools
GET READY FOR THE SECOND SEMESTER [ by Kathy Martin ]
Remember that “go get ‘em” attitude you and your child had at the beginning of the school year? That certainty that setting aside “homework time,” limiting TV and recreational Web surfing and staying in close contact with teachers would lead to top grades all year long? If these seem like distant memories now that the school year is half over, you’re not alone. Unfortunately the mid-point of the school year can be a “make or break” time for addressing any problems that have held your son or daughter back. Taking a close look at the following indicators will help you determine if your child’s current studying habits and overall approach to school work are making the grade. Indicator #1: Grades and teacher conferences Take a look at your child’s overall grades during the first half of the year. If you believe your child could have done better, talk directly with teachers to determine any issues that are impacting his or her progress. It’s also important to tell the teacher about any issues that may affect your child’s academic success. Family tension, financial concerns, health issues or marital problems directly impact a child’s ability to concentrate in school. Creating a partnership between school and home is a responsibility that both parents and teachers share. Indicator #2: Standardized test results In recent years, parents and students have paid the most attention to standardized tests, during the spring, specifically the CRCT – that can determine a student’s ability to graduate or move on to the next grade. But you can get a good idea of which skills should be strengthened in advance of these tests by taking a second look at the results of other standardized exams that may have been given during the fall. If your child scored poorly in reading or mathematics at the beginning of the year, for example, you might pay particular attention to these areas as he or she prepares for the high stakes tests that will be given in just a few months. I
34
ndicator #3: Homework While some students tend to complete homework successfully all year, many may have fallen out of the “homework habit” as the December holidays approached. After a long break, January is a good time to ramp up for the coming months by re-establishing important routines, such as setting time aside for homework each afternoon or evening and maintaining a specific area of your house or apartment specifically for homework. Indicator #4: The Work/Life Balance While sports, clubs and other school-related leisure activities can make the educational experience much more well-rounded and rewarding, they should never become more important than academic progress. It’s therefore important to find the right balance between leisure and learning time. Take a look at your child’s academic success during the first half of the year and weigh it against all of the extracurricular activities that filled his or her schedule. Were there enough hours in a typical day last semester to keep up with schoolwork while enjoying every activity? Working collaboratively, parents and students should prioritize activities that are most important, and create a schedule that strikes the right balance. Kathy Martin is the Executive Director of Huntington Learning Center in Cumming. She may be reached at (770) 292-8994.
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
35
schools Elementary Schools
Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 887-4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive, (678) 965-5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road, (770) 781-2240 Principal: Dave Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville (770) 887-2341 Principal: Rebecca G. Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 887-7705 Principal: Debbie Smith dsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street, (770) 887-7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, (770) 888-1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road, (678) 965-5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road, (770) 889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, (678) 455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway, (770) 887-6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (770) 887-1883 Principal: Donna Morris dmorris@forsyth.k12.ga.us 36
School Information www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
High Schools
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, (678) 341-6481 Principal: Sharon Ericson sericson@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road, (678) 965-5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, (678) 965-5020 Principal: Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, (770) 346-0040 Principal: Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 781-2264 Principal: Dr. Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, (678) 965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470 Acting Principal: Betty Pope rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Middle Schools
Private Schools
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road, (678) 965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road, (770) 205-8202 Principal: Elaine M. Francel www.cornerstonesch.com
Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, (770) 674-2990 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com
Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, (770) 888-6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net
North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, (678)845-0418 Principal: Tom Davis www.friendshipchristianschool.us
Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road (678) 947-3583, (678) 947-0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org
Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road, (678) 965-5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (678) 455-7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth Middle 2865 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 888-3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road, (770) 667-2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us MY FORSYTH
Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, (770) 781-5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-6277 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 888-4477 Head of School: Fr. Robert Presutti www.pinecrestacademy.com
JANUARY 2012
schools
Cures for Cabin Fever Some Wonderful Winter Children’s Activities [ by Susan Masten ]
It’s that time of year, when it’s colder outside and winter is upon us. What can you do to cure cooped up children with cabin fever? Try these ideas for you and your child to enjoy some wonderful winter activities: Art Show — Put a variety of art materials out on the table and see what your children make. Make sure you use smocks and cover the table and floor. Items could include – paint, pasta noodles, yarn, construction paper, tissue paper and more. Then display the art work along the walls and host a gallery opening later that day. Ask them to talk about their artwork and enjoy. Camping Adventure —Pitch your tent indoors, read a story around the “flashlight campfire” and enjoy some s’mores. Beach Day — Put on you swimsuit and flip fops and soak up some sunshine. Blow up the beach ball and toss is around the room. Put a bucket of water in the kitchen and enjoy floating boats….or take your suits and your toys to the bathroom. Make a special frozen treat in your blender. Puppet Play —Make puppets by decorating paper with yarn, markers, crayons and more. Then use the puppets to create your
own story. If you’re really adventurous, build a theater from a large box (refrigerator or the like) and use it throughout the winter to host your puppet shows. Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt — Make a map of your house and search for clues and hidden treasures. Let your children make their own map and hide treasures for you to find. Scrapbooking — Pull out your holiday pictures or summer photos. Bring out a variety of papers, stickers, scissors and more. Work with your children to make scrapbook pages for their albums. You could also go online. There are many sites where you and your children can make a digital scrapbook. Cooking up some fun — Bake some cookies, soup or even a fun-filled kid’s lunch. There are a variety of kid friendly cookbooks as well as online sites that can provide hours of fun and entertainment in your kitchen. Depending on the age of your child, use your time in the kitchen to work on counting, measuring, sequencing and sorting activities. These winter ideas are provided courtesy of The Goddard School located at Johns Creek/Suwanee (4410 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024, 678-475-0701).
John Grisham, Richard Nelson Bolles, Rick Evans, Deepak Chopra, MarkTwain, Ken Keyes, Jr., Upton Sinclair, Carl Sandburg, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Stephen Crane, George Bernard Shaw, Anais Nin, Thomas Paine, Virginia Wolff, e.e. Cummings, William Blake, Edgar Allen Poe, Rudyard Kipling, Henry David Thoreau, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Alexandre Dumas, William E.B. DuBois, and Robert Ringer...
What do these famous authors have in common?
Best-selling books that were self-published. Our services include: Ghostwriting Editorial Layout
Cover Design Illustration ISBN, Copyright, LCCN
Printing & Binding eBook Conversion Marketing & Promotion
Bookselling Website Design
Empowering Self-Publishing 1264 Old Alpharetta Road | Alpharetta, GA 30005 | (770) 346-9979 | www.booklogix.com January 2012
MY FORSYTH
37
faith
The Quiet Month
[ by Nancy Johnson ]
January just seems to sit there. After the rush of the holidays and the short-lived adrenaline behind those resolutions, not much is going on. In contrast with the bright colors and noise of December and the budding hope of spring, January is gray, quiet and cold. What do we do with this time? Heave a deep sigh, and then wait for spring? I hope not. We don’t necessarily have to jump into a lot of activity either. We might simply want to take advantage of the season and spend some time being still. Stillness is undervalued in our on-the-go world. We are pressured on every side to accomplish. Whether we work in the home, at the office or out on the job site, we are expected to get things done, to be productive. That isn’t bad necessarily, but neither is it healthy when taken to the extreme. We are not meant to be moving all the time. As much as we try to deny it, we need rest. We need to be still.
A Wise Investment
[ by Maria I. Morgan ]
I’m stuck. No progress. Although I have been exercising regularly, I’m not seeing the results I am after. Time to re-evaluate. Obviously my current routine isn’t cutting it. In order to move beyond my plateau, I’ll have to work out harder or longer – or maybe both. Knowing how to get back on track is only part of the equation. The bigger question is: Am I willing to put in the extra time and effort it will take to see progress? As the days of a brand new year unfold, this same question can be asked in a number of different areas. Where do I desire to see growth? In relationships? In job skills? The list is endless. As I contemplate the categories most important to me, I have to decide if the return will be worth the additional work required. Relationships with family and friends are precious. In my opinion, time spent cultivating these bonds is definitely a worthy investment. But another relationship ranks even higher on my list – my relationship with the Savior. His Word directs me to, “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18a; KJV). Just like any other relationship, it takes time and effort to get to know the Lord. Will it be worth it? The Apostle Paul was convinced of the value of knowing Him, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,” (Philippians 3:7-8a).
The calm of stillness even comes with gifts. When the world feels desolate and inactive, we can turn our eyes inward. We can look at our unseen life within, and we can grow. Far too often, our inner “self” is the part of us that gets ignored. To examine the quality of our own lives, to evaluate our spiritual health is to contribute to our well-being. It is just difficult to do this when we don’t slow down! Like the plants in my garden that die back in winter, there is still life unseen. It is being formed and is growing, even now, in ways that I’ll never get to watch. The same thing is true inside each one of us. Take the opportunity in this season to feed that growth with quiet reflection. Write in a journal. Bundle up and take a long walk or sit for a while in meditation or contemplative prayer. Make a cup of hot tea and watch the world outside your window. Don’t feel pressured to focus on a particular task, or to accomplish any measureable self-improvement. Only allow stillness, quiet, simplicity. In this season, new things will begin without our even trying. Allow them grow, so that in the right season, you may bloom.
Knowing the Lord gives me access to His wisdom. I can face life’s challenges with the assurance that I’ve sought God’s guidance. He promises me, that He is, “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6b). Seeking the Lord requires an investment. An investment of time. When I consciously set aside time to spend with the Lord, I come away knowing it was time well spent. Physical exercise may be beneficial for a while, but a close relationship with my Savior will last forever! Is your relationship with the Lord important to you? Are you willing to spend more time getting to know Him? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to have a relationship with You. Help me to realize the importance of knowing You. I look forward to spending time with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web at www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com
Nancy Johnson is an ordained United Methodist minister. She can be reached at nancy.johnson@ngumc. net. Visit her blog, A Feast for the Soul, at soul-feast.blogspot.com. 38
MY FORSYTH
Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com January 2012
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
39
faith Non-Denominational
Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming 770-888-8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:00 & 11:00 am Wednesday Night services 7:00 pm Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.eastgatechurch.org
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road (770) 887-6900 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. AWANA: Sunday at 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street, (770) 205-6699 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service: 10:50 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive, (770) 887-2428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15 p.m. AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org
Cumming Area Houses of Worship 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: 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship Service 9:30 Bible Studies 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Service (main auditorium) 11 a.m. Spanish Worship Service (Student Center) Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road, (678) 807-7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org
Episcopal
St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road, (770) 888-4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, (770) 887-8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.episcopalholyspirit.org
First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Parkway, (678) 513-9400 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. – Contemporary Service (SFC) 10:30 a.m. – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9 & 10:45 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Bible Fellowship Pastor, Dr. Richard G. Lee www.firstredeemer.org
Greek Orthodox
Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road, (770) 887-4802 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening: 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7 p.m. Pastor: Chris Grinstead www.ghbcc.org
Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday School: 9:00am, all ages Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal 6:00pm Bible Study for all ages 7:00pm Pastor Tim Droegemueller email: livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch
Johns Creek Baptist Church 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road (678) 474-4400 Sunday School: 9:45am Sunday Worship: 11am Wednesday Evening: Dinner at 5pm followed by Bible Study and Children’s Activities from 6pm & Music Ministry: 7pm Pastor: Dr. William L. Self www.jcbc.org 40
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
Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd. 770-889-5328, ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service 8:15 AM Traditional 9:30 AM Contemporary 11:00 AM Traditional1:00 PM Hispanic Sunday School 9:30 AM MY FORSYTH
Other Churches
Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 648-5248 www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), (678) 230-4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, (770) 887-5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 510 Brannon Road, Cumming, GA (678) 455-5290 - Hall Phone Worship Service: 9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm Visitors Welcome Nursery available LifePoint Christian Church 5000 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta (678) 366-2797 Sunday Small Groups: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, (770) 888-5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
Presbyterian
Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, (770) 887-6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net
January 2012
faith The Country Preacher [ by David Hill ]
January is a month of hope, opportunity and new resolutions. A fresh year affords us the chance to evaluate last year’s efforts, analyze their results and choose the best direction for tomorrow. In the words of Will Rogers, “Live in such a way you’ll not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” Christian character is measured by our effort not by our perfection. “For a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again . . .” (Proverbs 24:16) and “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down . . .” (Psalm 37:24). The godly advice of Solomon’s mother in Proverbs is scattered over 31 chapters to provide us guidance if we read one each day of the month. They will offer you the wisdom that is necessary to make your decisions in the coming year. Several years ago I gave each of the families of my three daughters the book titled A Commitment to Valor, a character portrait of Robert E. Lee by Rod Gragg. The birthday of Robert E. Lee is January 19th and Stonewall Jackson’s is January 21st. The character of both men was admired by the soldiers of the North and the South. Their concern for the souls of men, their clean personal habits and spiritual examples in faith and prayer are detailed in the books Christ in the Camp by J. William Jones and The Great Revival in the Southern Armies by W.W. Bennett. Robert E. Lee’s father, Light Horse Henry Lee of Revolutionary War fame, had left the family heavily in debt. Robert E. Lee married Mary Curtis, daughter of Martha Washington’s grandson, George Washington Park Curtis. As executor of the Curtis will, Lee had both the burden of his father’s debts and the difficulty of making Arlington’s (now our National Cemetery) thousands of neglected acres profitable. The sale of its slaves would have relieved his debt problems. Feeling that “slavery as an institution is a moral Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road, (678) 889-8694 www.parkway-chruch.org Traditional Worship: Sundays 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship: Sundays11:00 a.m. Brazilian Ministry Sunday Services: 7:00 p.m. (The service is in Portuguese.) Rev. Bill Ford, Senior Pastor Rev. Cido Araujo, Assoc. Pastor of Brazilian Ministries Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road (770) 889-8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available for both services Senior Pastor: Bill Ford www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road, (678) 990-9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jon Adams www.thevinecommunitychurch.com
January 2012
and political evil . . .” he chose to release the slaves. April 20th, 1861, Lee was offered the command of the Union Army. Rejecting the financial benefits of the new position he resigned his commission in the army because he felt the invasion of the southern states was unconstitutional. Monetary gain at the expense of character is a poor value. Both Lee and Jackson favored the preservation of the Union but believed the war had then become a second war of independence. Second in his class at West Point, Lee was one of the few students to ever graduate without a single reprimand or demerit. Our newspapers today are filled with college scandals involving immoral behavior, cheating and even murder. Politicians have become so corrupt that parents find it difficult to teach their children to offer the respect due the office. Hasn’t it always been that way? NO! America still has Christians who have enough character to lead with honor. Our country’s debt problem is less worrisome than its character deficit. D.L. Moody said, “Character is what we are in the dark.” Ecclesiastes 10:1, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”
Roman Catholic
Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road (770) 887-9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30, 9 & 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon; 5:30 p.m. Spanish Mass, 1:30 p.m. Weekdays: 9 a.m Pastor: Father Frank www.goodshepherdcumming.com St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road, (770) 205-7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Spanish Mass: 1 p.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Robert A. Frederick, Jr. www.stbrendansatl.com
United Methodist
Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. www.bethelview.net (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, (770) 887-2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. www.cfumcga.com (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. MY FORSYTH
Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, (770) 887-0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller • www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway, (770) 887-0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
OTHER CHURCHES
Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE | www.forsythbahais.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 977 0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net 41
Reference
[ Continued on page 43 ]
Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations
Business Networking
Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Location: Lanier Tech College New Conference Center 7745 Majors Rd Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: (877) 581-1039 or ron@business400.com Information: The goal is to provide the 400 Community the opportunity to effectively network and to view the 400 corridor as a single economic engine. Go to www.Business400. com for events and me membership info. $5 for members and $15 for guests at the door. Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, (770) 886-0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all. Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thursdays 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location: New) Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen at tiffany@servpro8378.com or 770-887-1962 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. Forsyth Business Network Meeting: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. Location: Stars & Strikes, 133 Merchants Square Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: Third Wednesdays from 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, (678) 965-5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tuesday at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: (770) 887-6461 or www.cummingforsythchamber.org Information: $15 for members and $30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. No fees. Location: Starbucks-141 and Ronald Reagan – John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier (770) 887-2772 rgrier@harborfs.com 42
Women Who Mean Business Meeting: First Tuesday, Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street Contact: (770) 887-6461 Information: Free for members; $30 for non-members. Register online at www. cummingforsythchamber.org.
Charitable Organizations
Georgia Highlands Medical Services Contact: (770) 887-1668 Information: This is a non-profit Community Health Center (CHC) serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979. Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: (770) 886-5419 Website: www.savethehorses.org Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: (770) 887-6480 Information: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. Website: www.forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: (678) 513-9400 Information: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. Website: www.thereshope.org Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Information: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy. Contact: (770) 889-8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org
Civic Organizations
Ducktown Chapter #460 — Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: 2nd & 4th Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Location: 4655 Canton Hwy. Contact: (770) 887-8147 Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org
Political Organizations
Democratic Women of Forsyth County Meeting: Second Thursday Location: Different restaurants in Cumming Contact: Mary Chatfield, (770) 887-1106 Facebook page: DWFC GA Information: Democratic women meet monthly and the meetings alternate between lunch and dinner meetings with programs. MY FORSYTH
Forsyth County Democratic Party Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: CooCoo’s Nest restaurant, corner of Freedom Parkway & Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming Contact: Ricia Maxie at ricialm@aol.com or Mary Chatfield at (770) 887-1106
Recreation & Hobbies
Cumming Garden Club Contact: (770) 844-7061 Meeting: Held second Tuesday of each month from Sept. until May at 10:00 AM Information: Non-profit organization with the purposes of educating members & the community in gardening, conservation & creative expression. Cuong Nhu Martial Arts Club Contact: (404) 423-3524 Meeting: Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: Central Park Website: www.meetup.com/North-Atlanta Cuong-Nhu-Martial-Arts-Club/ Information: No fees, open to 16 years + North Georgia Chess Center Location: 2450 Atlanta Hwy. Suite 1401 Contact: Joseph or Cathy Couvillion 770-844-9204, northgachesscenter@gmail.com, www.northgachesscenter.com Information: Call for hours. Membership $15 per month or $150 annually. Lessons are also available. Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month; 4th Tuesday is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming Website: www.piecemakersquiltguild.org
Support Organizations
AA Cumming Meeting: Meets four times daily Location: Ingles Shopping Center at 432 Canton Highway (Hwy 20) Second suite on far left. 24-hour information line: (770) 886-0696 Information: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County Website: www.aacummingga.org Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club Meeting: Third Thursday of each month Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Imy Rach, imyrach@yahoo.com Information: A luncheon with program, many interest group activities every week (ladies, mens, couples and singles). Open to all women currently living in the county. Website: www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org January 2012
clubs, Continued
Holistic Moms Network - Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke at holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com Website: www.holisticmoms.org Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com Moms Club of Cumming — North Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com Website: www.momsclub.org Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location: Forsyth County Family Center 133 Samaritian Dr., Cumming, GA Information: Two support groups (family & peer) meet every Thurs. except the last when there is a speaker. Contact: namifdlga@gmail.com Website: www.namifdlga.org SMART Recovery Meeting: Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC. 107 W. Court house Square, Suite 274 Website: www.smartrecovery.org VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 307 Post Office Box 2624 | Cumming, Georgia 30028 Meeting: 2nd Monday at 7:00pm (except Aug) Location: Georgia National Guard Armory 429 Canton Highway, Cumming Contact: Geoff Toman, Commander 678-372-2463 Website: www.americanlegionpost307.org
Mixed Nuts, Mixed Fruit and Mixed Messages [ Continued from page 15] Ms. Burgess with the Department of Family and Children Services noted that in 2005, 850 families received food stamps. In 2010 that number increased to over 2,500. Mr. Rob Johnson, COO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Kay Blackstock, Executive Director of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank gave an overview of their programs. They spoke about the “No Kid Hungry” campaign which includes programs that provide meals to children in need during the summer months. The attendees talked about their challenges and agreed that they would all benefit from collaborating and sharing information. Another meeting is planned for late January/early February. That’s how our Forsyth County rolls….working united! There are a number of local programs that do so much in the way of providing food and/or meals for our residents. Please check out the listing on our website, www.unitedwayforsyth.com. DECEMBER 2011
Don’t forget to leave your bag of non-perishables by your mailbox in May when United Way and the National Association of Letter Carriers team up for the “Stamp out Hunger” food drive! What’s on your plate this year? If your plate is full, find out how to help your fellow Forsythians whose plate is empty. Mix it up! Check out the following websites for more information: ChooseMyPlate.gov FeedAmerica.Org Our mission: To improve lives in our community by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of our citizens. United Way of Forsyth County P.O. Box 1350 Cumming, GA 30028 770-781-4110 www.unitedwayforsyth.com
MY FORSYTH
43
faith Resolutions and Traditions:
Why Bother?
[ by Neida Streit ]
Everyone talks about the New Year’s Resolution and what they plan to do, change or lose each year. These resolutions are made with good intentions – but it doesn’t take long for life to get in the way and those resolutions (and intentions) are long forgotten. Oh, we are mostly good at having a few traditions around holidays – especially Christmas, New Year’s and Easter, but what about the rest of the year? My husband and I came from different backgrounds, heritages and geography. What that meant was that we had a whole lot to learn about each other and figuring out how our own family dynamics would mesh. Bill was Catholic, German/Dutch heritage and from Ohio. I was Southern Baptist, hodgepodge of Native American/Irish/ English/ French and from Cumming, GA. We met in Texas at the airport waiting for the bus to go to basic training (we entered the US Air Force on the same day). In getting to know each other, one thing was very clear. God and family were important to both of us. Because of this, traditions are also important. We were both blessed with strong family ties and mothers and grandmothers that loved passing on their traditions to their children and grandchildren. They loved talking about family history and in telling stories from their childhoods. After we had our son, I thought: What will he tell HIS children about his childhood? What will his fond memories be? With these questions in mind, at a very young age we began “dates” – just Matthew and me and “guy time” just Bill and Matthew and of course there were family events too. These special times were going to a park to feed the ducks, a picnic, a movie, story-time, ice cream run, etc. While on a picnic one day on Crete, a young mother-to-be came up to us just to tell me that she had seen me with my son around the Base doing things together, just the two of us and wondered why. I explained our idea
of creating many, many memories for him to remember his childhood. The smile on her face was beautiful – she says “that’s so wonderful – I want my family to be just like yours!”
Over the years we have developed many family traditions. Our “dates” and “guy time” are not as often as we would like, but memories are still cherished and still being made. Some of the more memorable: •
Christmas with its special worship events, music and driving for miles to look at the lights
•
New Years with sparkling juice (or wine) in champagne glasses
•
Deep sea fishing trips to catch the fish for Christmas and 4th of July Fish Fry gatherings
•
Easter Egg Hunt complete with raw egg toss/battle followed by either a water gun or silly string fight
•
Vacations with extended family: brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends all together
•
Sending a birthday card in the mail sometime during the month – it takes some stress off if you don’t promise to be on time!
•
Even a monthly phone call can be a tradition that brightens someone’s day
Keeping in touch, going to a special church service together, making those memories and traditions together – they are all a very important part of shaping your child into a person who values God and family. Make this New Year’s Resolution one you CAN accomplish. My New Year’s Resolution is: Make a new tradition or special memory with each person in my family and each of my closest friends this year. I would love to hear some of your traditions and special memories! Email me: nstreit@cfumcga.com
Neida Streit is the Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church. 44
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Include your coupon here! Call 770-313-6546 for details.
January 2012
MY FORSYTH
45
Reference Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government: President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Commissioners: R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 GA: Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
(202) 224-3521
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.tomgraves.house.gov
(202) 225-5211 (770) 535-2592
Rep. Rob Woodall. (R), District 7 Post Office Box 1871 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Website: http://robwoodall.com
(770) 963-2420
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us fax:
County Manager Doug Derrer
(770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
(770) 661-0999
(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199
(678) 513-5881
Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5882
Todd Levent, District 3 (R) e-mail: tlevent@forsythco.com
(770) 781-2101
Patrick B. Bell, District 4 (R) e-mail: pbbell@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5884
Jim Boff, District 5 (R) e-mail: jjboff@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5885
Forsyth County School System Superintendent, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.forsythco.com Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
(404) 652-7003 (404) 652-7123
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(404) 656-5030
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov fax:
(770) 887-1960 (770) 205-0602
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Senator Steve Gooch (R), District 51 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 889-0229
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23 e-mail: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov
(770) 844-6768
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24 e-mail: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov
(770) 887-0400
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton
Forsyth County Government: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2101 Website:www.forsythco.com fax: (770) 781-2199 46
(770) 781-2010
City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
(770) 781-2010
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
MY FORSYTH
January 2012
Reference Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — Cumming • (770) 615-3334 Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center Medical Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road Health Department 428 Canton Highway Fire and Law Enforcement City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road Georgia State Patrol Libraries Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road Parks and Recreation Main Number: 410 Pilgrim Mill Road Athletic Division Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Golf Clubs Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive
January 2012
Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
(770) 479-1703 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
(770) 844-3200 www.northside.com (770) 844-7494 (770) 886-7135 (770) 781-6906
(770) 781-2000 www.cummingpd.net (770) 781-2180 www.forsythco.com (770) 205-5400
(770) 781-9840 www.forsythpl.org (770) 781-9840 (770) 781-9840
(770) 781-2030
(770) 887-5432 (770) 887-5715
YMCA 6050 Y Street
(770) 888-2788
POST OFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road
(770) 886-2388
Schools Forsyth County Board of Education www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
See page 36 for complete listing (770) 887-2461
UTILITIES City of Cumming (770) 781-2020 Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer Authority (770) 781-2160 110 East Main Street www.forsythco.com Solid Waste Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill (770) 887-6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC (770) 205-6912 2535 Ivy Street East Waste Management, Inc. (770) 751-1304 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta www.wm.com Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (770) 205-4573
770) 781-2215 (678) 455-8540
Telephone AT&T Residential Business www.att.com
(770) 205-4715
Georgia Power
888) 660-5890
(770) 781-3491
Sawnee Electric Membership
(770) 887-2363
(888) 757-6500 (866) 213-6300
(706) 216-7336 (770) 887-0006 (770) 887-7656 (678) 513-1000
MY FORSYTH
47
Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! ACCOUNTING North Georgia Accounting Consultants ……39 770-888-7700 www.ngacinc.com
CHURCH/ SERVICES Cumming First United Methodist........................44 770-887-2900 www.cfumcga.org
ACCUPUNCTURE Alpha Acupuncture………29 404-935-1534 www.alphaaccupuncture.com
COLLISION CENTER Main Source Collision…….32 770-889-1331 www.mainsourcecollision.com
BOOKS/BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc...................37 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com
DENTISTS / ORTHODONTICS Jordan Dentistry………..31 770-888-6262 www.jordandentistry.com
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS Carpet Dry Tech...........23, 45 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com CHILD CARE/LEARNING CENTER The Learning Experience….................43 678-455-8614 CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE Victoria’s Children’s Boutique…......................13 7770-888-7828 www.victoriaschildrenboutique.com CHIROPRACTOR Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation...........23, 26 678-456-9122 www.chiropractorcumming.com
Windermere Orthodontics..Inside Back Cover 770-888-1929 www.orthodonticsatwindermere.com EDUCATION /INSTRUCTION Huntington Learning Center.............................35 770-205-2800 www.huntingtonlearningcenter. com
FREELANCE WRITER Shelly Kent.....................7 404-232-9898 FUNDRAISERS/GOLD PARTIES Gold Valley Parties……… 7 678-428-9747 www.goldvalleyparties.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Pixelution Studios..........26 678-945-7301 HAIR SALON Wendy Grosse OVO Salon...................26. 45 678-469-4414 HOBBIES/GIFTS Atlanta Hobby…….15 678-513-4450 www.atlantahobby.com HOME CARE SERVICES Angels All Around…………11 678-807-7801 www.angelshomecareservice. com
Pinecrest Academy…..Inside Front Cover 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org
HOME SALES/REAL ESTATE Marie Dinsmore………5 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com
FLOWERS/GIFTS Funky Mountain Flowers and Gifts…...........................32 770-781-4616 www.funkymountain.com
JEWELRY STORE Lance’s Jewelry ........................ Back Cover, 45 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com
MAILING SERVICES/ PACKAGING The UPS Store, Bethelview…………..39 770-888-1502 www.theupstorelocal.com/6159 PERSONAL TRAINING/ FITNESS Lanier Personal Training……..............…..29 770-888-0601 www.lanierpersonaltraining.com PET ADOPTION/RESCUE Humane Society of Forsyth County...............14 770-889-1365; 770-887-6480 www.forsythpets.org PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates Photography.......4 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com Southern Kiwi Photography……..17 404-583-0659 www.SouthernKiwiPhoto.com
Northside Hospital Forsyth...............................1 770-844-3200 www.northside.com RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES Good Measure Meals.....19 404-815-7695 www.goodmeasuremeals.com Norman’s Landing……….19 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com WEB HOSTING/ DEVELOPMENT GhostNet, Inc................... 48 770-852-2292 www.ghostnetinc.com
PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Bariatrics........24 770-232-2911 www.atlantabariatrics.com Alpharetta Pediatrics…….27 678-947-4588, 770-664-4460 www.alpharettapediatricsonline.com
www.ghostnetinc.com
6 Months FREE Web Hosting
Networking &Security Solutions Professional Web-Development & Hosting Windows/Linux/Mac Support Computer Sales/Repairs/Upgrades
770.852.2292 | 706.253.1013 Effective solutions for your computer & networking needs. 48
North Atlanta ENT Associates…......................33 770-292-3045 www.naenta.com
MY FORSYTH
Mention this ad to receive your first six months of web hosting free when you have your web site developed by GhostNet! We provide complete Web Development Services, whether you need a full E-commerce site, just a basic information page, or simply need someone to maintain your existing site. New sites only please. HOT DEAL!
Expires 02/29/12 Expires 09/30/2011
$10/$20 OFF
We support all operating systems on laptops, computers and servers, and servers for business clients. Mention this ad for $10 off your next in-house repair or $20 off your next on-site visit for business network clients. One discount per client please. Discount applies to labor only. HOT DEAL!
Expires 02/29/12 Expires 09/30/2011 January 2012