Georgia’s trusted leader in radiology In radiology, it’s one thing to see; it’s another to understand. Northside’s expert team of board-certified radiologists and sub-specialists are trained extensively to interpret general to specialized imaging—from pediatric MRI to digital mammography and interventional radiology of the spine. We combine exceptional care and the latest technologies, bringing our expertise to convenient locations throughout your community. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
[ CONTENTS April 2012 ]
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On the Cover:
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A Community Recipe! Flavors of Forsyth
Community 7 11 15 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
Under the Gold Dome Giving-It Makes Sense My Forsyth Favorites Winners
Lifestyle 20 21 23
Unruly Behaviors May Just Need Rules Open Up to Aperture Mind Food
Faith 38 38 39
Finish Well Remember: Do One Thing! The Demon Called “Habit”
Join the My Forsyth fan page www.facebook.com/myforsyth Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/myforsythmag 2
MY FORSYTH
Schools 32 33
Working on Reading Comprehension Culinary Arts Programs get a ProStart®
Health 26 29 30
Managing Back Pain Don’t Fear the Fever Statins: What’s real what’s not!
Every Issue 8 10 12 14 36 40 42 47
Community News Birthdays & Announcements Forsyth County News Humane Society School Listing Church Listing Clubs & Organizations Elected Officials APRIL 2012
1264 Old Alpharetta Rd | Alpharetta, GA 30005 | 770.346.9979 APRIL 2012
w w w. B o o k Lo gi x . co m MY FORSYTH
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Publisher Julie Brennan julie@marketcomplete.com 678-614-8583
EDITOR Jennifer Paire editor@myforsyth.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Melissa Barton melissa@myforsyth.com
Market Director Kimberly Starr Kimberly@myforsyth.com 770-313-6546
Graphic Design Pixelution Studios Josh Murtha 678-945-7301 josh@pixelutionstudios.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Technical Administrator Michael Barton Michael@myforsyth.com
Printing EBA Media Solutions 770-500-2075 | www.treb-atl.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 APRIL 2012
APRIL 2012
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Individuality [ by Julie Brennan]
I am often told that I march to the beat of a different drummer. I have realized that it is true. The drummer is my mother, whom I credit with making sure that I was not afraid of being me; my true self. A person who, while being part of a society with norms, rules and regulations could still be an individual. It is interesting to see how much of our individuality is being threatened by the efforts for become more general – part of the group or clan. Perhaps part the community of many who set aside their own individuality to make others feel right. Conformity. I’m a child of the 70s; mom was a child of the day. She was never afraid to try new things and thoroughly enjoyed checking out new trends – fashion, books, music. Mom’s enjoyment of the written word was passed on to me from an early age, as Yertle the Turtle and other Dr. Seuss stories were commonplace around the house. I remember when we became members of a mail order book club, where mom and I would choose books we could both enjoy reading – “Mommie Dearest”, “Looking out for #1”, and many other titles.
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Mom always made me feel like I was part of her life – at all times. I remember going out with her girlfriends and thinking I was part of the group. I often recall the girls getting together, especially when I watched “Sex in the City.” The girls gathered for a few cocktails, dinner or a beach day, and they talked about everything – and I was right there with them. Obviously, my input was limited to my knowledge about life at the time. One thing I do remember – they all made me feel part of the group. I was probably their mascot – actually, I was their daughter too. The 80s brought a bit of a rebellion, the times when leaving the comforts of home was the norm. Even though I did so, I was still mom’s girl. While off to college, weekends were still spent at home, with mom and her friends. Even when I thought I was “all grown up” I realized mom’s love, guidance and counsel were all I ever needed. It is like magic - being oneself, knowing that even though we are part of a whole, it is our uniqueness that makes us special yet congruent with others. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, being put together to make a pretty picture come alive.
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NeWs FrOM seNATOr MurPhY [ by Senator Jack Murphy, R-GA 27th District]
THE 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS OVER; EVERYONE CAN NOW REST A LITTLE EASIER Overall the session was a success. We accomplished most of the objectives that Georgians felt we needed to accomplish. There were several bills that didn’t make it through the 40 day session; they died on the last day, mostly due to changes made by the House or Senate at the last minute, which is not unusual. One of the best things that occurred was finishing the session on March 30th - that hasn’t happened in the 10 years I have served in the legislature. Most of the time the last day has been at least the middle of April. The FY13 budget passed, HB 742. The state budget is $19.2 billion with $575 million going to cover population growth and short falls in Medicaid, K-12 Education, Regents, and other areas. $231 million went to cover increases in state employee and teacher health benefits. SB 356, which I authored, passed allowing a new Superior Judge for Forsyth County. The Senate and House put funding in the budget, and we persuaded Governor Deal to put the money in his budget as well. This judgeship is badly needed in our county. HB 1176, the judiciary bill, implements recommendations of the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform in an effort to address the problems caused by Georgia’s prison populations. Comprehensive tax reform passed, HB 386, offering Georgians over $262 million in tax savings over the next three years. This bill removes the tax levied on manufacturers, saving approximately $150 million per year, making Georgia even more attractive to businesses seeking to expand their operations, therefore creating more jobs for Georgians. The metal theft bill passed, HB 872, after being combined with the senate version, SB 321, to come up with tighter laws that will prevent theft of metal in the state�which is a huge problem. HB 954, the fetal pain bill passed after much heated debate. As I have said before, maybe we could go down to the Capitol and just pass the budget and go home. I believe the state could survive a year without any new laws, but this year we accomplished some good things. You can find the results and details of all of the legislation at www.legis. ga.gov. Please let me know if I may help in any way. May God bless you 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.
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News Around Forsyth Sawnee EMC Awards $52,500 in Scholarships Sawnee EMC recently presented scholarships to 15 students of various high schools in the area during the Youth Scholarship Reception. College scholarships from the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation/Operation Round Up program were presented to: •
Taylor Boles, Creekview High School
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Maggie Brogan, Alpharetta High School
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Kimberly Chambers, West Forsyth High School
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Luke Dinges, Marist High School
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Jonathan Gill, Milton High School
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Haley Hamil, Dawson County High School
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Jessica Huynh, Chattahoochee High School
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Emily Jennings, Chattahoochee High School
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Shea Neugent, Chestatee High School
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Lyddy O’Brien, Lambert High School
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Stephanie Pool, Lambert High School
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Savannah Scheyer, North Forsyth High School
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Martina Vis, West Forsyth High School
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Daniel Yates, West Forsyth High School
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Teresa Zittrauer, West Forsyth High School
LIGHT OF HOPE RECIPIENTS HONORED The Forsyth County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently presented the Light of Hope award to individuals in the community who share their time and resources for the betterment of our youth. “There is no better time than April, National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, to celebrate and honor people who go out of their way to be the difference in a child’s life,” explained Janet Walden, Executive Director of CASA of Forsyth County, Inc.. “CASA advocates for children in our county who have been abused and neglected. We see firsthand, daily, what a difference one caring person can make in the life of a child.” The 2011 Light of Hope recipients are: • Chris Adams • Kathy Bain • Jennifer Cardenas • Kim Coggins • Onalee Flynn • Paula Malmfeldt • Ali Margelli • Shelly Otis • Christine Roberts • Rebecca Rusk • Greg Whitt Bill and Jane Fullam were honored as CASA volunteers of the year. Building on the legacy of the Everett Bennett Family, the Everett Bennett Community Partner Award was presented to Chris and Mary Albano from Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers, a business that has bestowed its support – financially and personally – to CASA.
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APRIL 2012
Adventures in the Beauty and Science of Gardening Garden Tour The Forsyth County Master Gardeners are opening select private gardens to the public for their “Adventures in the Beauty and Science of Gardening” Garden Tour on June 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Expert gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Participants will be able to stroll through gracious farm living, a wooded wonderland, a suburban farm and nature landscape as well as enjoy water features under cool green leaves. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the Day of Tour. Visit http://fcmg.sharepoint.com for more information. Proceeds fund on-going and future projects that beautify public spaces through education and gardens maintained by the Master Gardeners.
Cumming Legion Awards Scholarship
Marjorie Clark, Priscilla Clark and 9th District Commander John Arant of Cumming 307
Cumming Legion 307 candidate, Priscilla Clark, won the 9th District, North Georgia, American Legion Oratorical contest and placed second in the Area Contest with her speech, “The Power of One.” Priscilla, 17, is a junior at Buford High School. Her scholarship winnings total $750.00. This is the 75th year the American Legion has hosted The Constitutional Speech Contest and will award approximately $ 150,000 in scholarships this year. The Legion has awarded has over 3 million dollars in scholarships since 1938.
Day Spa Welcomes Erika Cabrera Stress Breakers Day Spa, established in 2002 by Darlene Davis, is pleased to announce that Erika Cabrera is now providing services at the spa. While Davis now focuses solely on 3-D Tan, the parent company of Stress Breakers Day Spa, Cabrera will provide various types of massage and therapy at the Cumming location. Cabrera is professionally licensed through the State of Georgia and has been a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals since 2008. The spa is located at 4950 Browns Bridge Rd; 770-887-8988. For more information visit www.facebook. com/stressbreakersdayspa where you can also find special deals. APRIL 2012
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Edgardo Rivera April 23
Hope & Hunter Grosse Age 4 We love you! Mom & Dad
Kathy Galbraith May 18
Lindsay Bohannon May 4 Lynn Jackson May 11
Dan Diem April 28 Happy Birthday! Love you, Katie
Josh Murtha May 1st
Steve & Maria Morgan Celebrating 22 years of marriage! April 28 Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@myforsyth.com 10
MY FORSYTH
APRIL 2012
Giving- IT MAKES SENSE [ by Bruce Longmore ]
Have you seen the movie “Pay it Forward”? A teacher inspires a child to “think of an idea to change the world.” The young student comes up with an idea to help three other people; they in turn help three more, and so on. As you can imagine the number of people helped grew rapidly into hundreds and thousands; then millions. My experience has taught me that if you pay it forward in business good things will happen. Our business recently held a fund raiser paying it forward: giving 100% of the revenue on a predetermined date to Stick it 2 Cancer and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The buzz surrounding the event was magical and we had high expectations hoping to raise $2,000 for cancer research. Facebook posts, tweets, E-mails and phone calls all helped with the hype. After four hours of excitement and hard word we had over 300 guests, raised $3,200 for cancer research and set a retail sales record for the day. Was it worth it? Absolutely! We identified at least 30 first time guests that came simply because they support cancer research. While helping raise funds for an organization that we support, we were able to meet new customers and in increase our exposure. The support from our local media, Facebook and Twitter friends, and all-around support was simply exemplary. Two years ago we participated in Boulder Dash, a 5k run from Northside Hospital Forsyth to the Lafarge Rock Quarry—one of only two rock quarry
Events for a
runs in the USA! We were the only restaurant to give away free samples—700 samples to be exact and we ran out of food half way through the race. What happened next was amazing—we set a retail sales record. Was this an anomaly or was it just a beautiful April day and everyone decided to come to Lenny’s? I believe it was a mixture of both. The following year we doubled the number of samples, and still ran out. What we didn’t run out of was enthusiasm and our commitment to be part of community events. One of the biggest events that we are a part of is United Way’s Flavors of Forsyth. The first year the event was held, the expected attendance was 4,000; however, 10,000 actually attended. We sold over 1,500 samples of food that evening and all money collected was donated to United Way. More folks learned about Lenny’s and we were able to be a part of a fun-filled fundraising event. It’s thrilling to take our business out in the community, feel the excitement, meet exceptional giving people, introduce our product, and experience i m m e d i a t e feedback. Does Pay it Forward work? Try it and find out for yourself. Bruce Longmore is a Cumming entrepreneur. He may be reached at 404-574-3884 or Success@BruceLongmore. com. Along with his wife Donna, they are the owners of a Lenny’s Sub Shop in Cumming and in Alpharetta.
Cause
March for Babies Forsyth 2012 Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00 AM Registration Time: 9:00 AM Otwell Middle School, 605 Tribble Gap Rd., Cumming, GA 30040
When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, fullterm pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. We’ve been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2 billion to benefit all babies. Join us and be a champion for babies! There will be music, picnic lunch provided by Publix Supermarkets, team photos, kids’ activity area and much more! March for Babies is rain or shine. Strollers and pets with leashes are welcome. Sign up online at marchforbabies.org or contact Wendy Wyatt at 678-564-5240.
APRIL 2012
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Relay for Life Friday, May 11, 2011, 6:00 pm 235 Castleberry Rd, Cumming, GA No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Your reasons for walking in the Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays! The American Cancer Society will be enrolling people into CPS-3, a long-term study that will help researchers better identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. Please spread the word and visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website for more information about how to participate in research today for a cancer free tomorrow! Enrollment held at Relay on May 11th from 6pm-10pm. Call 770.297.1176 ext. 29062 for more information.
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Community
Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com Attention Campers: Shady Grove Campground Open for the Season The 2012 camping season in Forsyth County is officially underway as Shady Grove Campground is now open for use. The campground will remain open until November 4, 2012. The 109-acre campground has more than 110 campsites awaiting campers. Campers may also enjoy a beach and swim area, boat ramp with a courtesy dock, group campsites with picnic shelters, playground, tent camping areas and campsites with water and 30 and 50 amp power hookups. Shady Grove Campground is located at 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road in Cumming on the shores of Lake Lanier. For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation Department page at www.forsythco.com or call 770.205.6849.
Severe Weather: Be Prepared The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to prepare and plan for severe weather threats, with the following severe weather preparedness tips and information.
Disaster Supply Kit Every household is encouraged to assemble a disaster supply kit. Some items recommended for inclusion are: • Water: one gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days • Food: at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food • Can opener • Radio: battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Outdoor Severe Weather Sirens The county has 12 outdoor severe weather sirens located throughout 12
the county and designed to notify residents who are outdoors that severe weather is in the area. The sirens are activated in the event Forsyth County is placed under a tornado warning. Regular monthly testing of the audible siren takes place at noon on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting.
Weather Alert Notifications The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to sign up for weather alert notifications, for use in concert with the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens and a NOAA weather radio. Forsyth County residents can sign up to receive these time-sensitive weather alerts for severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings and tornado warnings. Citizens can elect to be notified when alerts are issued via telephone calls, emails or text messages. There is no cost for citizens to sign up to receive these weather alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply. To sign up for the alerts, visit the Forsyth County Web site at www.forsythco.com and look for the ‘Sign up to receive Forsyth County Weather Alerts’ icon on the home page. You will be directed to a secure sign-up page hosted by Twenty First Century Communications. The information provided during the registration process determines the geographical region of the county for which you will receive alerts. For more information, call the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency office at 770.205.5674 or visit www.ready.ga.gov.
Parks and Recreation Spring-Summer Activity Guide Now Available Looking for the latest information on recreational activities and camp programs available this spring and summer? The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department’s 2012 Spring-Summer Activity Guide is now available and features details on camps, athletics, fitness programs, special interest classes and more. The Activity Guide also includes information on new pass options offered for the county’s three recreation centers. Visit www.forsythco.com to view the Activity Guide online.
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2012
My Forsyth Favorites
Restaurants
APRIL 2012
TH WINN Y S
2012 ER
M Y F OR
The online votes are in and counted. And the winners are:
All-Around Restaurant
Marlow’s
Bakery
Creations
Barbecue Place
Jim ‘n Nicks
Breakfast Place
BB’s Bagels
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Doughnuts
Dutch Monkey
Fast Food Restaurant
Chick-fil-A
Fine Dining Restaurant
Tam’s Backstage
Ice Cream
Menchie’s
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Chick-fil-A
Mexican Restaurant
Chepe’s
Oriental Restaurant
Rice
Pizzeria
Mellow Mushroom
Sandwiches
Lenny’s
Seafood Restaurant
Norman’s Landing
Sports Bar
Taco Mac
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Services
Retailers
Attorney
Linda May
Auto Repair
Scott’s Auto Center
C.P.A.
Becky Brown
Car Wash
4 Minute Car Wash
Caterer
Lenny’s
Chiropractor
Gregory King & Vickery Chiropratic
Cleaning
Maids of Cumming
Day Care/Preschool
Goddard School
Day Spa
Massage Envy
Dentist
Cumming Dental
Electrician
Boutique
Francesca’s Collections & Market 334
Children’s Clothing
Justice at The Avenue Forsyth / Victoria’s Childrens’ Boutique
Cigar Store
Cigar Studio 57
Drug Store
Lakeside Pharmacy
Electronics/Appliance Store
Best Buy
Florist
Funky Mountain Flowers & Gifts
Frame Shop
Hobby Lobby
Furniture Store
Ashley Furniture Home Store / Pier 1 Imports
Arc Angel Electric
Garden Center
Pikes Nursery
Financial Institution/Bank
Wells Fargo
Gift/Home Décor Store
Parsons
Hair Salon
Aria Salon & Day Spa
Grocery Store
Publix
Handyman
KL Croft
Hardware Store
Home Depot
Heating & Air
Reliance Heating & Air
Jeweler
Lance’s Jewelry
Insurance Agent
State Farm
Liquor Store
Jax
Lawn Care
TruGreen
Music Store
Ponce de Leon Music Store
Medical Doctor
Northside Urgent Care & Family
Pet Supply Store
Rucker Pet & Wild Bird
Nail Salon
Lee Nail Salon
Thrift Store
Humane Society | Kid to Kid
OB/GYN
Gynecology Associates - North
Tire Shop
Kauffman Tires
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
Lens Crafters
Orthodontist
Hiser Orthodontics
Painter
Pro Painters of America
Pediatric Dentist
Dentistry of Children Cumming
Pediatrician
Roswell Pediatrics - Cumming
Pest Control
Forsyth Exterminating
Pet Care/Boarding
Spa Bow Wow
Pet Care/Training
Sit Means Sit
Photographer
Jayne Bleish
Physical Therapist
Atlanta Rehabilitation & Performance Center | Physiotherapy Associates
Recreation & Entertainment Audio / Home Center
All Star Audio
Birthday Party Venue
Stars & Strikes
Dance Studio
Cumming Dance Academy
Fitness/Health Club
BodyPlex
Golf Course
Lanier
Gymnastics Center
City of Cumming Parks & Rec
Martial Arts
Mendes ATA Martial Arts
Plumber
Rooter Plus
Pool / SPA Services
Mystic Waters Pool & Spa
Private School
Pinecrest Academy
Realtor
ReMax
Roofer / Roofing Company
Forsyth Roofing
Tutoring
Huntington Learning Center
Apartment Community
Preston Point at Windermere
Veterinarian
Crestview Animal Hospital
Subdivision
Polo Fields
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Residential Development
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APRIL 2012
Community Calendar
E-RECYCLE Date: Saturday, May 5 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Cumming Fairgrounds’ parking lot 3, Cumming Information: Keep Forsyth County Beautiful invites everyone to continue their spring cleaning by recycling their old, unused electronics during the “E-Recycle” Event. Accepted items for recycling include laptops, stereos, CD players, cell phones, microwaves, cameras and more. The minimum donation per carload drop-off is $5 while an additional $10 fee will apply for all televisions. For a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, visit www.forsythco.com or call 770.205.4573 for more details. ABBA HOUSE RUN FOR RECOVERY Date: Saturday, May 12 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Vickery Village Courtyard, 5920 Post Road, Cumming Information: The Run for Recovery features both a 5K and a 10K run and is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Runners will meet at the Village Courtyard and be shuttled to the race start lines on the morning of the event. Races will be staggered so runners may participate in both the 5K and 10K. The 5K race will begin at the new Fowler Park, while the 10K will begin in a neighborhood off Castleberry Road. The race is chip timed and features two professionally designed courses that utilize Forsyth County’s beautiful Big Creek Greenway. An awards ceremony will follow each race and will be held at the Vickery Village Courtyard. For more information or to register, go to active.com, keyword “abba house,” visit www.abbahouse.com or call 678-208-2000.
APRIL 2012
Free Stroke Screenings Date: Saturday, May 12 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Location: Northside Hospital-Forsyth, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming Information: Whether you are a man or woman, no matter your race, in the prime of life or enjoying your golden years, you may be at risk for a stroke. The best protection you can take is to know your personal risk. The comprehensive screenings will be administered by health care professionals and will include a risk assessment, blood pressure reading, total cholesterol (HDL, ratio of TC/ HDL), glucose, a limited number of carotid ultrasounds and a one-on-one consultation with a healthcare professional. Sleep apnea screenings and smoking cessation counseling also will be offered. The screenings are free, but registration is required. Call 404-845-5555 and press “0” to schedule an appointment.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Dates: June 11 -15 Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta Information: Let’s Go Overboard with God! St. Aidan’s VBS includes dinner immediately following classes, from 7:00-7:30 for the entire family. Contact 770-866-9221 for more information or sign up online at www.staidans.org and click on the Overboard VBS icon on the home page. There is no set cost, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
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{FORSYTHFOODIE } The Ridge Great Seafood & Steaks 1035 Turner Road Cumming, GA 30041 770.886.9003 www.theridgerestaurant.com
Fine Dining at its Finest In Forsyth County, there are next to zero options when it comes to fine dining. And to be totally honest, there never have been. Now to be fair, we’re not really a “white table cloth” kind of community, we’re more of a casual dining population with lots of kid friendly options. Besides, just a short drive south and there is a wide array of options for a special occasion or just a nice evening out.
main dish, they will recommend their USDA Top Choice Midwestern Steaks. Each charbroiled perfectly to give it that moist, fresh from the grill flavor. The other popular choice for Ridge guests? Shrimp Lanier. Large shrimp…and I mean really large, sautéed in a white wine garlic lemon butter sauce over angel hair pasta. You’ll have to take the night off from your diet to enjoy this dish but oh is it worth it!
However, if you want to stay local (and I always do), there is no finer of an option than The Ridge. Open only for dinner and late bar hours, The Ridge features the best of the best in upscale dining in Forsyth County without the high prices you’d find in the city.
The Ridge knows how to create the best combination of food, music and atmosphere and then turn it into an experience that will make you feel sophisticated, satisfied and grown up.
The enchanted pine forest behind the restaurant is a great backdrop for the easy sounds of Just the Two of Us (Friday nights) and Manuel Covington (Saturday nights). Their soulful voices fill the restaurant as diners join in on classic songs like Fly me to the Moon or Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay. The serenades in the dim light set the mood for this classy and classic eating establishment.
Join the Forsyth Foodie on Facebook. www.Facebook.com/ MyForsythFoodie
Now, for the younger crowd, I do also considerThe Ridge one of the original “nightclubs” in Forsyth County. The bar stays open until 2am with a live DJ dishing out all the hits. And they have taxi cabs on stand-by should you take full advantage of fun. And for the “very” grown-up crowd (and those of us who just like to eat early), visit their website for the fantastic Early Bird dinner menu. Great food and great prices!
To start off, you must absolutely partake in their signature croissants and throw carb counting to the wind. This fresh, always hot pastry is drizzled with a light honey butter that will melt in your mouth with every bite. But if you insist on staying carb-free, go for The Ridge Spinach Salad. Crispy green spinach leaves sprinkled with dried cranberries, almonds, eggs, bacon and onions then topped with a raspberry poppy seed dressing. Fresh, healthy and delicious. If you ask the attentive management their choice for a
Recipe
Share your recipes and restaurant findings at www.facebook.com/MyForsythFoodie
Cannellini Bean Minestrone • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 oz. pancetta 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 carrot, diced 1 celery rib, diced 1 small onion (or 1/2 large onion), diced 2 potatoes, diced 4 cloves garlic, smashed 3 sprigs thyme 2 sprigs rosemary 2 bay leaves 1 parmesan rind (optional) 1 lb. cooked cannelini beans (can substitute 1 28 oz. can cannellini beans drained and thoroughly rinsed) • 6-8 c. chicken stock • 1 lb. kale, chard, or other hearty green, stems removed and roughly chopped • 1 lb. orrechiette, ditalini, or other small pasta Recipe courtesy of Bello Italian. 18
In a 5 qt. dutch oven or heavy bottom pot, brown pancetta until crisp over medium high heat. Remove pancetta and reserve. Add olive oil and turn heat to medium low. Add carrot, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, whole thyme sprigs, whole rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occassionally, until all vegetables are almost cooked through, but not completely, 7-10 minutes. Add 6 cups chicken stock and parmesan rind (if using) to pot and bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Now carefully remove bay leaves, stems from herbs, and parmesan rind. (At this point, you may blend half in a blender or with a stick blender for a thicker, heartier soup or leave as is for a brothier soup, chunkier soup. If blending, up to an additional 2c. chicken stock may be needed to thin soup out). Next, add the greens and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Next, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes further. Finally, add cannellini beans and reserved pancetta and heat through. Add sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Serve with freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano and extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on top and your favorite crusty bread! *Note: This soup may be served immediately but is better served the next day to allow the flavors to marry. If making a day ahead, do not add pasta to the soup. Instead, cook pasta the day you plan to serve and then stir in to the heated soup to prevent the pasta from breaking down and becoming mushy. MY FORSYTH
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APRIL 2012
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Reaching for the
Stars and following a Dream!
Since age 6, Amy Marie Seidel knew she wanted to be a performer. The Lambert High School senior is graduating this May with a 4.2 GPA and will soon be a student at the school of her dreams: New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts’ New Studio on Broadway Musical Theater. “I’ll be calling the middle of Manhattan home,” a happy and very Seidel commented. A member of the Acting Troop of Lambert, Seidel performs in her last high school musical this month. “I play Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific.” When talking about theater, Amy’s eyes sparkle and her joy is contagious. “Musical theater and acting feels me. Theater is a catalyst for change in our society,” Seidel explained. Seidel counted on the support of her teachers, coaches, family and in particular, her mother Anne, as she prepared her 13 applications to various schools, prepared for auditions, and participated in school events, while still maintaining her grade point average. “I filled out 13 applications, which included applying to the schools, the programs, and then preparing for the auditions upon being selected to present my work,” Seidel recalls. “Each school requires different things, but mostly I had to prepare two contrasting 2-minute monologues, two contrasting pieces for acting, and different songs for voice.” She also had to learn a routine while at the audition and perform it while there. “Grueling and intense, but worth every minute of it,” Seidel said when recalling the experiences of the past few months. “I have learned through this process that if you are dedicated and committed to your dream, you can’t give up. I received several rejection letters, but at the end, I was accepted in the school and program that I always dreamed of.” And to add to her joy, Seidel recently found out that her idol, Tony Award winner and Georgia native Sutton Foster, teaches at the Tisch School of the Arts. And just like her idol, Seidel feels blessed to be living her dream. 20
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oPen uP to
[ by Parkey Thompson ]
Aperture
Making the necessary decisions to become financially stable in these stressful times can be challenging. Taking a look at your current financial situation regularly, while painful, will prove to be a great aid in helping you reach your financial goals.
Warning! We’re about to move out of the point-and-shoot settings on your camera and into the Creative Modes side of the dial. This month we’re discussing Aperture: f-stops and depth of field. Don’t panic – it’s not as big a deal as you might think.
Where are you in your current financial situation? You may have unsecured debt such as credit cards or personal lines of credit. Or debts related to medical expenses or student loans.
Have a look at your camera’s mode dial; on one side you’ll see a bunch of icons and on the other, some letters.
Your FINANCIAL Plan
[ by Kaylene Fister ]
Your financial nest egg may have cracked after the recent economic downturn. You may be, just as many more out there, just doing your best to navigate from day to day. Regardless of where you are—what is your overall plan? What are you going to focus on to move in the right direction and making the changes you need to make? Your task is huge when you view it, but when you break it down into smaller steps, you can make things happen. If you lay out your plan, the items you intend to succeed on, and focus with intensity on the top prioritized item, you’ll accomplish much. You must have an intense desire to make things happen and focus. For some, focus resembles something very close to a hamster in the spinning wheel. The focus becomes doing it all at one time, without prioritizing and simply, spinning on an on. What is number one on your financial hit list? Here’s a list you may want to consider: • start an emergency Fund: Be prepared for emergencies that are most certain to be coming your way. • get out of debt: Stop carrying the baggage of old financial choices and get rid of the albatross! • invest for your Future: You are not getting any younger. Begin investing in your golden nest egg. • college costs: If you have kids that are college bound, start thinking about what it will cost, and begin preparing a college fund. • be Mortgage Free: Get rid of the risk and have a roof over your head—a place to call home.
What we’re looking for is the aperture priority mode, which is ‘A’ on Nikon and ‘Av’ on Canon. When you set the camera to this function, you’re giving yourself control over how large or small the aperture is, basically: how wide the shutter opens when you take a photo. Adjusting the f-stop changes the depth of field, which determines how much of the image is in focus. There are many terms that need definitions. Aperture priority mode allows you to select what’s called the ‘f-stop’ by using either a button or another dial, depending on your camera (check your user manual). Here’s the tricky bit – the lower the f-stop, the wider the aperture. The depth of field determines how much of your photo, from foreground to background, will be in focus. If your depth of field is shallow (or narrow), a good part of the image will be out of focus, as in this photo: See how the background is blurred? That’s what depth of field can do. Notice how her eyes are in focus but the raindrop on her hair is out of focus – that’s a very narrow depth of field. So now that we know what f-stop and depth of field are, we need to know how they work together. The lower the f-stop, the wider the aperture, right? What’s easier to remember is the lower the f-stop, with shallower the depth of field. They both get smaller or larger together. An f-stop of f5.6 will give a very narrow depth of field, while a higher f-stop of, say, f22 will give you a photo that’s in focus pretty much from front to back. But why do we want to bother with all this? Look again at the statue above. If I had taken that with a higher f-stop, the background would be more in focus, introducing too much clutter into the photo. The statue (which is the subject) would compete with the non-essential parts of the image. Show the viewer only what you want them to see.
Remember, each one of these items needs to be worked one at a time. There’s no fast-track approach, but a conviction and determination to sticking to the plan.
These next two photos are taken with a higher f-stop (i.e. a narrower aperture). The colors of the car are reflected in the trees, but instead of blurring out the trees completely I opened up the aperture a bit, allowing the viewer to see where the car is.
[ Continued on page 43] Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678-648-9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information. APRIL 2012
MY FORSYTH
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. 21
Lifestyle
Seven Fincher Men [ by W. Cliff Roberts ]
Jesse Cleveland Fincher (left) was one of seven Fincher men to serve in Company I of the 43rd Georgia Regiment. Along with his brother James C. Fincher, Jesse enlisted in the town of Cumming on March 10, 1862. Local lawyer Hiram Parks Bell, the next door neighbor of James Fincher, was elected captain of the company. James was 26 and he was elected 2nd Lieutenant. Jesse, who was 28, was made a sergeant. Both Fincher brothers had grown up in Cumming. Their parents, William and Nancy Fincher, were some of the earliest pioneers in the county. William Fincher had been elected sheriff of Forsyth County in 1852. Two more Fincher brothers, John Wesley and Elias William, would join the company in May. The Forsyth men, about 100 strong, marched to Camp McDonald near Big Shanty in Cobb County for their training. Eleven companies from various north Georgia counties were organized into the 43rd Georgia Regiment. Bell’s group became Company I and another group of Forsyth men, under Captain Henry C. Kellog, became Company F. Bell was quickly promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment, which meant that William C. Lester became the captain of Company I. In June of 1862, the 43rd participated in a brisk fight at Cumberland Gap in eastern Tennessee. After an offensive into Kentucky, the 43rd became part of Seth Barton’s First Brigade in the Army of Tennessee. Jesse Fincher was promoted at this time to the rank of 2nd lieutenant. Sent by train, Barton’s Georgians arrived in Vicksburg on December 27, 1862. They were marched off the train and into battle formation at Chickasaw Bayou. The next day the Confederates would repulse five assaults on the center of their line. Col. Bell would be severely wounded in this
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The public is invited to come and hear historian Bruce Stewart, the former president of the Atlanta Civil War Roundtable and author of Invisible Hero; Patrick R. Cleburne, at 7 PM, on Monday, May 28th, at the Bell Research Center in the historic Old Cumming School House. He will be speaking on Jefferson Davis’ change of command from Joseph Johnston to John Bell Hood just before the Battle of Atlanta. fight. In May 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant’s bold offensive south of Vicksburg was met by the Confederates at the Battle of Champion Hill. Late in the struggle, Barton’s 1st Brigade launched a desperate charge into the Yankee line. The Georgians stopped a Federal advance but at a heavy cost. Nearly surrounded, the men fell back in order under murderous fire. The 43rd would lose 29 killed, 68 wounded, and 143 captured in this important battle. One of those captured was Jesse Fincher. While his Fincher brothers and first cousins would surrender at Vicksburg and be exchanged on July 4, 1863, Jesse was not released. Instead, he was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate officers in Ohio. Johnson’s Island, located in Sandusky Bay in Lake Erie, held about 3,000 prisoners. Jesse Fincher was not released until February of 1865. Finally reunited with his wife Hilda Kemp, Jesse moved to a farm near Dalton. Jesse and Hilda raised four children in Whitfield County. Late in life, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Jesse died there in 1903. Brother James Fincher stayed in Cumming after the war and ran a small hotel in Cumming.
W. Cliff Roberts is a member of the Hiram Parks Bell Camp 1642, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
MY FORSYTH
APRIL 2012
Lifestyle Putting it All Together:
BOOK PRINTING [ by Ahmad Meradji]
[ by Christine M. Roberts]
As an author, you’ve put lots of thought into the writing of your book. But how much thought have you given to the physical makeup and look of your book? If you are self-publishing, you’ll have an endless amount of options. In most cases, your choice will be based on the genre of book you are publishing and your budget. Hardcover or Softcover? Paperback books will be the most cost-effective. Hardcover makes a beautiful presentation for a special edition. Or, you could choose to do both. What Kind of Binding? Perfect paperback, spiral, concealed spiral, saddle stitch. If you’re doing a cookbook, you could choose a spiral binding to make it easy to flip the pages. Color or Black & White Ink? Fiction novel? Black and white fits best in the budget for books with higher page counts. Children’s book? Go with full color. Paper? White, natural or color. Heavy or lightweight. Glossy or matte. One factor that may affect your choice is whether or not your book includes photos or illustrations. In that case white paper is best. With today’s print on-demand services, you don’t need to print lots of books at a time. See if your publishing support provider offers print ondemand for your online selling—nothing gets printed until there’s an order! A mistake I often see self-publishers make is printing too many copies in their first or second run. You might think you’re getting a good deal if you get a lower price per book when you order two hundred, five hundred, or even a thousand copies. But if after the book is printed that you find something you want to change then you’re left with lots of the “old” versions of your book.
We had been visiting family who enjoy having the news on as “background” noise. As the stories of murders, rapes, robberies, conflict and all the normal ugliness played I tried my best to tune it out. When we returned home, it was back to the regular rituals; one of them is walking our dog Bella. As she and I strolled down the street a van was heading toward us. I watched with trepidation and as it slowed down two men jumped out grabbed me and dragged me into the side door. My dog tried to defend me but they kicked her and then off we went. My heart was beating and I began to sweat! Then suddenly Bella yanked my arm trying to chase a squirrel and I snapped out of the trance-like state of envisioning this awful event. Has this ever happened to you? Maybe you watch a reality show about significant others cheating and you start looking at your partner with suspicion, or you watch a show about revenge and hatred only to find yourself starting to think like those characters without even realizing it. Or the lyrics of songs convey disrespect towards a certain gender or race and even though consciously you don’t think that way, somehow those messages seep into your subconscious mind. Just as it is said “feed your body healthy food and you’ll have a healthy body,” the same goes for “feed your mind healthy messages and you’ll have a healthy mind.” Take one week and pay attention to your thoughts; it is amazing what goes on inside our heads. You may have some moments that shock you, I sure have, but unless we pay attention it is easy to just continue on aimlessly. If you aren’t comfortable with what is going on inside that noggin then take a look at what you are feeding it and make some changes. Try listening to a different kind of music, turn off the news and if you must watch television, choose programming that only feeds the spirit, read motivational, educational or inspirational material—you know what to do.
I always recommend printing no more than twenty-five copies in the first run. Share those copies with family and friends to get feedback and reviews, and then you can make corrections one last time before you print a large batch. Trust me, 99% of authors I have worked with find something they want to change after their first print run.
All of us have choices about what we can do to be purposeful and create the lives we love and want. Feeding our minds that “healthy food” is one place to start, what do you think?
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 BookLogix offers free educational publishing workshops on Saturdays at their office. To see a schedule of topics and dates, visit BookLogix.com. APRIL 2012
Mind Food!
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
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Recipe
A Community
One beautiful Sunday Hundreds of tasty treats Thousands of people Flavors of Forsyth Sunday, May 20, 2012 Noon - 6:00 p.m. Forsyth Conference Center (Outside on the Campus of Lanier Technical College)
Mix all the ingredients and you get – Flavors of Forsyth! United Way’s one-day event, filled with fun activities for kids of all ages, music, and a large sampling of treats from area restaurants is North Georgia’s most tasteful event! “This Festival of food benefits nonprofit organizations and programs throughout our community,” explains Ruth Goode, Executive Director of United Way of Forsyth County. In 2011, the organization provided $1,210,858 in funds to nearly 50 programs and initiatives in the community, providing services to almost 50,000 residents. This year the event will be held at the Forsyth Conference Center, located on the campus of Lanier Technical College. “In collaboration with last year’s host, The Avenue Forsyth, we realized we needed a larger area with ample parking for the thousands of guests that attend this event,” Goode adds.
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2011 culinary competition winners: • • • •
FOR ATTENDEES
Imagine local chefs showcasing some of their restaurant’s favorites-from appetizers to entrees. “The variety of delicacies is fantastic,” Goode adds. Attendees have an opportunity to vote for the restaurant they believe is the best at Flavors of Forsyth. The winner earns the coveted “People’s Choice Award.” Participating restaurants include Norman’s Landing, Marlow’s Tavern, Lenny’s, Moe’s, Bello Italian, Chef Kern, Smokejack BBQ and many more. “The first year we participated in Flavors we expected about 4,000 people would stop by and try our sandwiches. Instead we had over 10,000. This is one event we are proud to be able to participate in,” explains Bruce Longmore, owner of Lenny’s Subs. “Flavors of Forsyth offers an opportunity for restaurateurs, businesses and artists to gain exposure, but equally as important, the event provides an occasion to celebrate the generosity of our community. Through our donors giving spirit, our organization has allocated over $12.2 million dollars since 1992. Flavors of Forsyth carries us a step closer to fulfilling our vision of creating a community where all people have the opportunity to engage, thrive and achieve a better quality of life,” explains Luke Haymond, United Way Board Chair.
• • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
People’s Choice: Fagan’s Biscuit Barn Best Booth: Jim ‘N Nicks Best Appetizer/Salad: Chef Kern’s Fine Food Best Fast Dining Entree: Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches Best Casual Dining Entree: Cheeky Taqueria Best Fine Dining Entree: Baba’s Gyro & Kabob Best Dessert: Southside Bistro/SFHS Culinary Arts
American Red Cross Boys Scouts CASA Children’s Center for Hope & Healing Challenged Child and Friends Family Haven Forsyth County 4-H Council Forsyth County Child Advocacy Center Georgia Highlands Medical Center Girl Scouts Jesse’s House Literacy Forsyth Mentor Me North Georgia The Place of Forsyth County
Food and drink items will range in price from $.50 to $3 per sample and tickets may be purchased on-site during the event. Admission into the event is FREE and parking will be available around the conference center.
KIDS ZONE AND ARTIST MARKET
Vendor and volunteer opportunities are also available for the event. For those interested, call 770.781.4110 or visit www.UnitedWayForsyth.com. You can also check their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/FlavorsofForsyth) for continuous updates.
“We want to make sure the event has something to offer everyone,” states Lindsay Bohannon, the event’s Kids Zone Coordinator and United Way Administrative Assistant.
With your support, United Way of Forsyth County serves the community everyday. Come join them on May 20 and let them serve you the best Forsyth County has to offer. Don’t miss out! Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 20 and get ready to enjoy the magnificent tastes at Flavors of Forsyth!
Flavors is not just about food; there’s also an area dedicated to kids’ events, including bouncy houses, face-painting and other activities for the young festival goers.
“There’s also an area for artists to showcase their work,” explains Melissa Corliss, United Way’s Director of Community Impact.
THE PURPOSE OF FLAVORS
While promoting some of Forsyth’s great restaurants, the event raises funds for community organizations. “The generosity of our sponsors, participating restaurants, vendors and volunteers allow us to raise funds for various organizations in our community,” Goode explains. The partner organizations assisted by United Way include: APRIL 2012
Forsyth County United Way Staff: Leigh Crow, Lindsay Bohannon, Melissa Corliss, Ruth Goode
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Health & Wellness
“ Northside Hospital’s Spine Center makes evaluation and treatment of back pain as easy as possible.
”
MANAGING BACK PAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY By Jim Labus, PA-C, and Tammy Johnson, PT, Northside Hospital Spine Center
Back pain is a common complaint. Approximately 80 percent of Americans will experience it sometime in their lives – whether due to a new, isolated injury or a persistent problem. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and spasms. When it comes to back pain, no two patients are the same. Treatment options vary. Medication may not address the cause of the problem, but treatment also doesn’t necessarily mean surgery. For many patients, conservative and physical therapy may be all that is needed. Northside Hospital’s Spine Center makes evaluation and treatment of back pain as easy as possible. Each patient benefits from a conservative, coordinated and personalized approach – combining the expertise of specialists in neurosurgery, pain management, radiology and physical therapy – to determine the best treatment plan. And all services are conveniently located on site, so as to expedite care.
Northside Hospital Spine Center Finding treatment for back pain shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you just require pain management or something more, Northside Hospital’s Spine Center can get you to the right provider, quickly and all under one roof. The center is equipped to diagnose and treat any condition that involves the spine and offers self referral and appointments, within 24-48 hours in most cases.
Two locations provide quality care, close to home:
Using physical therapy to treat back pain Physical therapy is designed to speed the healing process and get patients back to their normal routine – through stretching, stationary or cardiovascular exercises, weight resistance, massage and more. During your first appointment, a physical therapist will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history, check your posture and measure your muscle strength, range of motion, balance, coordination and other motor function – all in order to determine an individual treatment plan that will best relieve your pain and discomfort. As your pain improves, the therapist will teach you specific exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. He or she also may evaluate the ergonomics of your home and workplace – to help you avoid future problems. Following the prescribed techniques will help prevent your pain from returning. 26
Any physical therapy, rehab and reconditioning program is essentially an education process. Your therapist will teach you what it takes to recover and resume your normal daily activities. You may need only a few sessions before you experience relief, or you may need to make permanent lifestyle changes.
Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 400 Cumming, GA 30041 Medical Tower at Northside Hospital 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 950 Atlanta, GA 30342 Most major insurance plans are accepted. To schedule an appointment, call 404-459-1809. For more information about back pain, to observe a physical therapy session or to listen to candid conversations from spine and back specialists on the latest treatments, visit www. northside.com/Healthcast.
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Health & Wellness
Unruly Behaviors
Not Feeling Better On a Gluten-Free Diet? [ by John Thomas, DC ]
W
ith the buzz on how gluten can cause so many chronic symptoms, many of my patients have tried a gluten-free diet. Most share that they felt better for a little while some state they’ve felt worse. Gluten sensitivity is not a fad, it is real. There are over 10,000 research publications on gluten and its affects: including health issues from digestive disorders to chronic pain and fatigue to metabolic disorders like thyroid disease and diabetes. Because going on a gluten free takes a great deal of education and commitment, it is recommended that proper testing be performed to identify whether the diet is right for each individual. Remember, adopting a gluten-free diet is not a trend; it is a permanent lifestyle change that should be taken very seriously as even small amounts of gluten exposure can cause problems. To accurately diagnose gluten sensitivity, the right lab test must be used. Genetic testing is the gold standard for diagnosing gluten sensitivity. If you have chronic health issues gluten may be a trigger, but you have to consider other components that may be causing these issues.
May Just Need Rules [ by Jennifer Callahan Williams ]
Complete strangers look at you with irritation thinking you cannot control your own child. They look at you with judgment in their eyes as though you spoil your child to the point that they are out of control. Your heart aches as you watch your child trying to join in a game with other children but doesn’t know how or just tries to keep up with a conversation and just doesn’t “get it” when the kids laugh at silly jokes. You know your child is imaginative, fun, creative and wants to play with the other children in the park. However, you watch as the other children run the other way because your child is awkward with their request to play together. You and your child study all week for the big test on Friday. The big day arrives and you soon learn that your hard worker could only recall half of the information. You want the best for your child and had never really imagined you would watch these frustrating and sometimes heart breaking moments unfold for your own child.
These are just a few short examples of what it is like having a child with These are the top three reasons why I believe some may not feel better on some kind of developmental delay. There is a neurological reason behind why situations like this happen. It’s not because they are choosing to act this a gluten-free diet: way. Typically, if you see the parent that is attentive to their child having 1. Gut repair: Unresolved Intestinal Permeability issues also known as a “fit” that “fit” isn’t due to the fact that their parent has not done a good ‘Leaky Gut’ can cause symptoms even on a gluten-free diet. If you are job of parenting. This parent fights every day to do what is right for their sensitive to gluten and have been eating it for years, the damage that has child. Their daily schedule may be filled with constant supervision of that been done to your intestinal lining needs repair and continued support. child and consistent support to manage daily routines. If you come across a situation like this, most parents would just appreciate some space and an There are tests available to measure the damage to your intestinal lining. unassuming non-judgmental opinion of what you may think is happening. 2. Cross-reactive foods: The “I’m gluten-free but I eat corn-chips syndrome.” Some foods act chemically similar to gluten and may cause Despite these daily struggles these families have more appreciation for a negative reaction or symptoms. Other foods that should be tested for the little things that some of us can take for granted. The 4-year-old child sensitivity along with gluten include: coffee, chocolate, buckwheat, rye, that you avoided melting down in the grocery store isle can talk to you about mechanical engineering topics and has a great memory. The child barley, sorghum, rice, milk potato, oats, and yeast, to name a few. that was socially awkward toward your child at the park is the easiest of 3. Hidden exposure: Gluten can be found in foods such as bread, pasta, cake, the three children in that family and is very sympathetic towards other cereals, and crackers. It can also be found in: soy sauce, food starches, food people, doesn’t tease anyone about their differences, and has no prejudice for people not like him. The little girl that gets angry and cries or screams emulsifiers and stabilizers, artificial food coloring, mail extract, and syrup. because she can not express her real emotions can almost read your mind People who experience chronic pain and fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and and knows what kind of day her daddy had when he walks in the door. She is more intuitive than you would have guessed. even weight gain should consider gluten sensitivity as a possible trigger. Sensitivity to gluten is real; so is the need to ensure that proper testing and First impressions may not be what they seem and if you don’t take the care is taken before starting a gluten-free diet. Consult with your healthcare time to see a child from their parent’s eyes you may miss some beautiful and pure qualities. Consider having an open mind to understanding what professional before you choose to adopt a gluten-free diet. it may be like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Dr. John C. Thomas is a chiropractor, Board Eligible Clinical Nutritionist, and Certified Gluten Coach. He can be reached at 678-456-9122. 28
Jennifer Callahan Williams is the Director of Brain Balance of Suwanee. She may be reached at 770-614-4790. MY FORSYTH
APRIL 2012
Health & Wellness
Don’t Fear the Fever [ by Susan G. Traxler, M.D., F.A.A.P. ]
As a pediatrician, the concern that prompts parents to bring their children to the office more than any other concern is fever. However, fever is an important part of our body’s defense against infection; fever is usually helping us, not hurting us. A simple cold or viral illness can cause a high fever, and, thankfully, this usually does not mean your child has a serious problem. If the fever is mild and the child is generally feeling well, no treatment is needed, just fluids and rest. The illness is probably not too serious if your child is still interested in playing, is eating and drinking well, is alert and smiling at you or if they look well when their fever comes down. When your child is uncomfortable or not sleeping well, however, it is desirable to lower (but not necessarily eliminate) the fever. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are frequently helpful (check with your doctor for specific dosing guidelines). Do not bundle up a child with the chills, but do remove excess clothing and blankets. A lukewarm bath can also cool someone with a fever, but please do not give your child a cold bath or alcohol rub.
have febrile seizures, but this type of seizure is typically innocent (though still anxiety-provoking for parents!) and does not cause permanent harm. Realistically, if any of the following situations applies to your child during a febrile illness, it is best to have them evaluated promptly: (1) (2) (3)
(4) (5)
Parents frequently ask me “at what level of fever do I need to worry?” Most parents will likely be reassured that brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6F degrees! Untreated fevers caused by infection seldom rise above 105F degrees. Occasionally, toddlers may
if your baby is less than 28 days old and has a rectal temperature of 100.5F or higher; if any fever of over 100.5F lasts for more than 5 days; fever that is either over 105F or if the fever continues to rise despite ibuprofen (do not give ibuprofen to infants under six months unless with doctor’s guidance); fever with a rash or new bruising; labored breathing that does not return to normal with correction
[ Continued from page 43] 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.
Expires 05/31/12
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Health & Wellness
“
i strongly recommend all individuals who have any evidence of vascular disease, whether that be a previous stroke, heart attack, stents, or bypass surgery to stay on a statin capable of bringing their ldl cholesterol at least below 100.
”
Statins : What’s real what’s not! By NARENDRA SINGH, MD, FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA
A class of cardiac medications called ‘statins’ has recently received a lot of press coverage. The headlines include claims that statins save lives, cause diabetes, reduce Parkinson’s disease, and increase memory loss. These are amongst the top selling medications worldwide and the implications of each headline on patient compliance can be substantial. There are six statins available in the United States with simvastatin(Zocor), atorvastatin(Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) being the most commonly used. All statins work by shutting off the liver’s ability to produce cholesterol. This in turn reduces plaque buildup in our arteries. Statins have been studied for over 25 years and multiple studies have confirmed their benefit in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even death. The greatest benefit occurs in those individuals who have established plaque buildup (secondary prevention). Statins reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) but have minimal affect on the good cholesterol (HDL). Statins also decrease inflammation in the body (as measured by hsCRP). In order to prevent the progression of plaque buildup your LDL needs to be less than 100 mg/dl, and to reverse plaque buildup your LDL needs to be less than 70 mg/dl. Achieving these numbers through today’s calorie rich diets is difficult although not impossible (www.ornishspectrum.com). I strongly recommend all individuals who have any evidence of vascular disease, whether that be a previous stroke, heart attack, stents, or bypass surgery to stay on a statin capable of bringing their LDL cholesterol at least below 100.
risks of statins need to be considered. While these are among the safest drugs on the market, in a few patients they can affect the liver. Muscle injury is also very rare but ‘muscle pain’ is one of the most frequent side effects. For most patients good hydration and sometime the use of CoQ10 from the health food store can alleviate these symptoms. Statins are likely harmful and contraindicated during pregnancy. The long-term use of statins is quite favorable but in a small percentage of patients diabetes will develop. The data on memory loss however is less convincing and in some cases statins actually improves cognition. As a result for individuals at low-risk I would not recommend a statin and reemphasize dietary measures to get the cholesterol as optimal as possible. For individuals at intermediate risk, two noninvasive tests are helpful in guiding who should be treated. Unfortunately insurance companies generally do not cover these tests but they are relatively inexpensive. An ultrasound of the carotid arteries to look for intimal medial thickness (IMT) or a low radiation dose CT called a calcium score can help determine if there is early plaque buildup. In such individuals I would favor treatment with a statin if dietary measures are unsuccessful. Studies are currently underway to validate this approach. Statins undoubtedly are one of the greatest medicines ever developed, but all medicines have their limitations and side effects. Consult with your physician before initiating or terminating statin therapy. I personally am into my ninth year of taking a statin for primary prevention!
The picture is less clear when it comes to primary prevention. These are individuals who may have risk factors for heart disease but no evidence of it presently. For many high-risk individuals such as those with a strong family history of heart disease, diabetes, inflammation or hypertension, studies support the use of a statin. For lower risk individuals the potential 30
MY FORSYTH
Dr. Narendra Singh, MD FRCPC FACC FAHA studied at the Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax Nova Scotia and went on to complete a residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Toronto. He is the Director of Clinical Research at Atlanta Heart Specialist. APRIL 2012
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APRIL 2012
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Schools
how parents can work on reading comprehension
with their Child [ by Kathy Martin]
Have you noticed that your child is capable of reading, but has trouble recalling what he or she reads, even immediately thereafter? A few of the basics of good reading are strong decoding ability, recognition of high-frequency and irregular words, and good comprehension. Without these building blocks, a child will never achieve reading fluency and will likely always struggle with reading. Luckily, there are a number of things parents can do to help their children better comprehend what they read. Here are several tips:
Teach your child to question. If your child reads something and doesn’t understand it, encourage him or her to think about why. What part is confusing? How can he or she clarify that part? Does re-reading help? Talking through it aloud? Is there information missing that would help him or her understand better? Use visuals to understand the story. After a chapter in a story, have your child write down three things that happened and the effect or consequence resulting from them. Use flash cards to chart sequences of events—what happened first? And after that? Have your child identify the beginning, middle and ending of a story. Help your child relate the story to him or herself. Ask your child what he or she thinks about a character’s behavior. Has your child ever felt the same way the character feels? How is a situation in the story similar to (or different than) a situation in your child’s own life? Summarize often. Whether reading a textbook or a story, have your child periodically summarize what he or she reads. What’s the general idea of the passage? What was the main point or idea of the chapter he or she just read? How would he or she explain it in a few sentences to someone who is unfamiliar with the story? You can reinforce the comprehension strategies that are taught in the classroom by practicing them with your child at home. The important thing is to teach your child to think while he or she is reading and to recognize when something doesn’t make sense. Reading comprehension is one of the keys to becoming a good student and will play a significant role throughout the rest of your child’s life. Happy Reading!
For more information about Huntington Learning Center, contact Kathy at the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming. 770-292-8994 or martink@hlcmail.com
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APRIL 2012
Schools
CULINARY ARTS
Programs get a ProStart®
Imagine having one hour to butcher a chicken, demonstrate five precision knife cuts and then create a three-course fine dining meal for two that will be judged by the best Executive chefs in Atlanta! Now do this, as a teenager without running water or electricity. Competitions are difficult under the best of circumstances; this one is a Top Chef Challenge.
ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart®’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to West and South Forsyth high schools teams!
Students from two local high schools recently took first place at the state ProStart® competition in two categories. South Forsyth High School won the culinary challenge and West Forsyth High School won the culinary management. Both teams are participating in the 2012 National ProStart® Invitational culinary competition to be held in Baltimore, Maryland. J.T Cropper, Mikayla Dickey, Claire Kelly and Connor McKinlay represent West’s team, while Joshua Andrews, Jamey Brazier, Mia Kosko, Marin Wijma and alternate Aaron Woodmansee represent South’s team. A first-place state culinary award is nothing new for the students on South Forsyth teacher Dawn Martin’s culinary team. Last year, South became the first in the state to win both culinary and management first-place awards. “This class is giving us all the skills we need to know to do well in the industry and providing us with the opportunities to meet chefs to help us achieve our goals,” Marin Wijma said. “Ms. Martin opens us up to so many opportunities and we’re eternally grateful for what she’s done for us.” Both teams are grateful to their teachers, coaches, parents and friends for their support and continued encouragement.
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Schools
“I have fun and like to visit places and learn,” said Addison Townsend, age 5. The Vickery Elementary School student and proud Daisy enjoyed seeing all the displays and meeting the older girls. “The joy in the girls’ eyes, their smiles and all they learn is great,” said Radostina Townsend, Addison’s mom and Daisy group leader. Troop 14254 leader Cindy Morris recalled her own experiences as a young girl scout and is very proud of the work her girls have accomplished. “Among the various projects completed, the girls built a portable bridge last year, as part of their Bronze award project, for the bridging ceremonies. Bridging takes place as a girl moves from one level of Girl Scouting to the next.
Involvement Matters:
Girl Scouts celebrate 100 years! When Sharon Elementary School students and girl scouts Chantelle Chalk (age 10), Lucia Morris (age11), Casey DeBusschere (age 10) and Madison Pannebaker (age 11) talked about their latest Girl Scout project with their troop leaders, they chose to honor the tradition of discovery, connection and taking action. The girls are members of Troop14254. “The Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary, so we decided to celebrate the alumnae,” explained Morris. The scouts talked about events tied with the centennial celebration and set out to contact the alumnae in Forsyth County, whom they interviewed for a video.
“Getting involved as a leader brought back memories of my 11 years in scouting,” Morris added. Morris was a Girl Scout for six years before becoming a leader in her daughter’s troop, which she has done for four years. “This wonderful organization teaches girls to trust and believe in themselves while gaining confidence and having fun too!” The troop’s co-leader, Liz DeBusschere, is also very proud of the troop’s accomplishments. “Seeing the girls being able to take a project and seeing it all the way through is a great experience. They managed the project from beginning to end—from getting supplies and requesting donations to completion of the task at hand. Whether building a portable bridge or collecting toys for children in need, these girls work together to complete their projects.” Congratulations to all Girl Scouts on your 100th Anniversary!
For more information about Girl Scouts, visit www.gsgatl.org or call 770.702.9200.
Phone calls, e-mails and much preparation went into what culminated into a beautiful display presented as part of a recent event held at Cum-
“I have learned leadership skills and how a girl can make a difference. I enjoy our time at the Forsyth Animal Shelter. We get to walk all the dogs, pet the cats, and help the shelter staff.” ming Elementary School. A timeline of events and highlights of the Girls Scouts history was showcased, along with uniforms, books and medals that spanned over 40 years. Mary Ann Milton joined the Girls Scouts in 1950, at age 10. “I received an invitation from the girls in Troop 14254 and was delighted to bring manuals, pictures and uniforms dating back to when I first joined the organization,” Milton explained. A long-time volunteer and Girl Scout, Milton continues her work as a scout leader. A display of her old Brownie and old Intermediate uniforms, her own badge sash and the badges that went with the older khaki uniform were part of Milton’s presentation. Another alumna joining the festivities was Mary H. Carter, who is gearing up to celebrate her 78th birthday on May 3rd. A girl scout for 10 years, Carter also volunteered as a leader for eight years. While the event showcased scouting over a 100 year period, it also allowed younger generations to speak to and see firsthand what scouting can do for girls. 34
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APRIL 2012
Vogue
Schools
Model Behavior in
A Season like No Other High School Musicals Sore As preparations for proms, graduations and celebrations become the focus of the end of another school year, the season of musical theater at local high schools was simply spectacular. Musicals such as South Pacific, Sweeney Todd, and The Three Musketeers, to name a few, were presented throughout the year at various Forsyth County Schools.
with Pure Fashion Teens
[ by Vivian Heard ] “It’s neat to meet pretty girls who are wholesome,” comments high school senior, Taylor Halbig, age 18, who for four years has participated in a modeling program for teens called Pure Fashion.
Congratulations to all who participated in these amazing productions, and thanks to all the sponsors, parents, teachers and friends who made this year in musical theater a spectacular one!
“The purpose of Pure Fashion is to encourage teenage girls to live, act, and dress in accordance with their dignity as children of God,” explains Ale Aguirre, Pure Fashion Program Director for Atlanta. “This international faith-based program guides teens in becoming confident leaders who live virtues of modesty and purity – while having a lot of fun,” continues Aguirre. Taylor and 37 other teenagers were preparing for their are preparing for an exciting stroll down the catwalk on April 22 at the 2012 Pure Fashion Show, after eight months of model training. This is no ordinary fashion show. Attendees will see young ladies donned in fashions that are pretty, trendy and tasteful.
Here’s to the 2012-2013 season!
Most recently, Taylor, who serves as a Team Leader, spent a Sunday in March with fellow Pure Fashion models at local hair salon, strands STUDIO FOR HAIR. A hair session and accompanying photo shoot are part of the Pure Fashion experience, and six stylists spent the day creating coifs of cascading curls, up do’s, and trendy straight styles.
“Whenever I question the significance of a program that teaches modesty, dignity and beauty from within, I look at these girls, see great results, and know that it is making a difference.” ~ Taylor Halbig, Pure Fashion Model
Photos by Jerod Ray South Forsyth High School Yearbook “I am honored we were chosen to work with such beautiful young ladies. My team and I enjoyed the experience just as much as the girls did,” commented Edie Ciccia, salon owner. After hair styles were complete, the girls had professional head shots taken onsite by photographer, Allen Bourne, adding to the overall modeling experience. Seventeen of this year’s models are students at Pinecrest Academy, a private Catholic school in Cumming. Many are veteran Pure Fashion models like Taylor, having participated for three and four years. The mothers behind the models love the program, too. “Amanda has been in Pure Fashion for three years. I love this program!” shares Tina Binkley, mother of model, Amanda Binkley. “It’s a journey of self-discovery for teen girls in a positive, Christian environment, and I’ve seen some moms reap rewards from the program as well.” In addition to the hair session, models participate in a beauty workshop, outreach day, a make-up session, runway training, a ‘mall mission,’ weekend retreat, Holy Week missions, and a mini fashion show.
Pure Fashion is run by volunteers, in Atlanta and across the globe. APRIL 2012
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Schools ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 887-4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive, (678) 965-5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road, (770) 781-2240 Principal: Dave Culpepper dculpepper@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville (770) 887-2341 Principal: Rebecca G. Johnson rjohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 887-7705 Principal: Debbie Smith dsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street, (770) 887-7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, (770) 888-1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road, (678) 965-5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Davis ardavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road, (770) 889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, (678) 455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway, (770) 887-6161 Principal: Dr. Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (770) 887-1883 Principal: Donna Morris dmorris@forsyth.k12.ga.us 36
SCHOOL INFORMATION WWW.FORSYTH.K12.GA.US HIGH SCHOOLS
Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (770) 888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton rhampton@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road, (678) 341-6481 Principal: Sharon Ericson sericson@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road, (678) 965-5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway, (678) 965-5020 Principal: Kristan Morse kmorse@forsyth.k12.ga.us
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert bhebert@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road, (770) 346-0040 Principal: Ron McAllister rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 781-2264 Principal: Dr. Jason Branch jbranch@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road, (678) 965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470 Acting Principal: Betty Pope rgill@forsyth.k12.ga.us
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road, (678) 965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, (770) 781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall cstovall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road, (678) 965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, (770) 889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road, (770) 887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road, (678) 965-5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee (678) 455-7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth Middle 2865 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 888-3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road, (770) 667-2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us MY FORSYTH
Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, (770) 674-2990 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, (770) 888-6705 Directors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, (678)845-0418 Vice-Principal: Butch Quinn www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road (678) 947-3583, (678) 947-0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road, (770) 781-5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-6277 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road, (770) 777-9131 Head of School, Kathy Lindaman www.montessorivickery.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, (770) 888-4477 Head of School: Fr. Robert Presutti www.pinecrestacademy.com [ Continued on page 43 ]
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Schools
happy
Mother’s daY
[ by Susan Matsen ]
Breakfast in bed is great, but preparing breakfast together is a memory maker. This year, send invitations to your children to join you in the kitchen for a special Mother’s Day occasion. • Choose a simple recipe with minimal ingredients and let the fun begin. Encourage your children to measure, pour, stir and mix. • Set the table with linens, flatware and glasses (or sippy cups). Provide materials for your children to ‘decorate’ their own placemats. • Talk with your children regarding their interests, friends and ideas. • Take plenty of pictures and send your memories to family and friends. • Relax – this is YOUR day! happy Mother’s day!
“GARDENING WITH YOUR KIDS”
As a part of April’s Gardening/Springtime theme the students from The Goddard School Johns Creek/Suwanee learned about stages of life by observing and nurturing caterpillars turn to butterflies. The structured yet creative curriculum helped the students appreciate and understand the hands on approach to learning as they released the butterflies on the playground. This annual theme will not be forgotten!
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Faith
Remember:
Finish Well
Do One Thing! [ by Neida Streit ]
[ by Maria I. Morgan ]
What does that mean? Do One Thing was the theme for this year’s One Great Day of Service at Cumming First United Methodist Church on March 24. The One Great Day of Service began 11 years ago with an idea of serving our community as a process of spiritual growth during Lent.
Remember your first day on a new job? You were filled with eager anticipation. No doubt you carefully chose your clothes the night before, and made sure you looked your best as you hurried off to work. You gave yourself an extra few minutes so you’d arrive on time. And you didn’t mind putting in a few extra hours. It’s fairly easy to begin well. It can be a challenge to continue well. The Bible is full of stories of people who began well. Consider Saul. When he met the prophet Samuel and found out he was to be Israel’s first king, Saul answered in true humility, “Am not I a Benjamite of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Wherefore then speakest thou so to me?” (1 Samuel 9:21; KJV). But we all know that Saul didn’t continue well. His humility was overcome by jealousy, when David’s popularity rose above his own. He allowed jealousy to take hold, and soon King Saul was consumed with plans to kill David. Unfortunately, King Saul didn’t choose to finish well, either. He willfully disobeyed God, and sought counsel from a witch (forbidden by God) before going into battle against the Philistines. He began as one who followed God, yet ultimately decided he wanted to call the shots. What about you? Have you given control of your life to the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you serving Him faithfully with your life, or are you following your own game plan? In contrast to King Saul, the Apostle Paul became a servant of Christ and devoted his life to carrying out the Lord’s will. I’m sure there were plenty of opportunities for Paul to become jealous of other believers. No doubt he was tempted to take his eyes off the work Christ called him to do, but instead, he resolved to be a faithful follower. His determination is evident, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 3:14). Each of us has a decision to make. If you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior, are you following His plans for your life? You can make the choice to finish well, and say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” (2 Timothy 4:7). Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Word. It’s full of examples of people who have lived for You and those who have not. Help me to desire to continue well in spite of temptations to do things my way. Help me choose to be like the Apostle Paul, who finished well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com 38
In our effort to turn to God, we recognize that God is not a passive observer. The prophet Joel says: Yet even now, says God, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. During Lent, we dealt deal with the parts of our lives that keep us from God. Let go of that which does not bring life to ourselves and to others, and does not glorify God. Do this as we follow Jesus on the way to the Cross, remembering God’s promise of His presence and guidance. The idea of giving of ourselves in service to others exemplifies the ministry of Jesus – the ultimate servant. Jesus cared for everyone and directs us to do the same. In one of his many talks with his disciples he talked about clothing him when he needed it and feeding him when he was hungry. Confused, the disciple asked, when did we do this? Jesus answered, When you do this to the least of these, you do this to me. More than 400 volunteers gathered together on the One Great Day of Service for holy communion then dispersed into the community to work on more than 50 service projects: yard work & house cleaning for older adults, making care packages and prayer squares for the military, feeding the hungry, carpentry repairs, making blankets for hospice patients, social gatherings with the elderly and putting together health kits for child advocacy and UMCOR. A Blood Drive and Food Drive were also held. The wonderful feeling you get from helping people is indescribable. The blessings you receive are uncountable and it makes you want to do more. The Do One Thing logo has the numbers 365 in the middle of the “o” of One. Our hope was for each participant and even each person who sees the logo to be inspired to one thing – not just one day a year, but do one thing EVERY day of the year. One thing does not mean a service project that would require a team of people like One Great Day of Service. One thing can be as simple as a smile, buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line, giving a flower to someone special in your life, visiting a shut-in, write a note to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, a phone call – the possibilities are endless if you look for a way to DO ONE THING. So, I challenge you – DO ONE THING – you will be amazed at the blessings you receive in return. Neida Streit is the Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church. She may be reached at 770-887-2900 or NStreit@cfumc.com
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APRIL 2012
Faith
The Demon Called
“Habit” [ by Nancy Johnson ]
I believe in a demon called “Habit.” Now before I go into too much detail, I should probably tell you that I am a mild mannered Methodist. In my circles, we don’t talk much about the diabolical. You rarely, if ever, hear of exorcisms or possession. While we honor our scripture, including tales of the demonic, we put a greater focus on living as Christians in the modern world. So it might seem a bit exaggerated to speak of habit as a demon. In my experience, however, as I wrestle with habits of my own, I have found that they can have a hold on us greater than anything we might see in spooky movies. Habits are those simple, often benign activities that we practice on a regular basis. We do them so often, they become involuntary. Our habits most frequently are harmless things like biting our nails or slamming our car doors. They are so little; we could quit them at any time if we wanted to. Or so we think until we actually try. That’s when the game gets ugly. Let’s say you try to quit biting your nails. Your strategy: just don’t do it. You sit for a moment with your hands in your lap until something distracts you. The next thing you know, the end of your finger is between your teeth. You decided to cut out snacks. Your usual snack time rolls around and though you don’t have a reason in the world to be hungry, all you can think about is that tub of ice cream in the kitchen or box of peanut butter crackers in the break room. You give in and start hunting some napkins. Finally, and even harder to break are our patterns of thinking, our fears and anxieties, our prejudices and judgments. Changing these requires the spiritual equivalent of major surgery. The frightening part of coming face to face with this demon called habit is realizing how much control it has. It is alarming to realize that we are “possessed” by something that we thought we could command. We had imagined that we were our own person, with plenty of will-power and selfcontrol, until the illusion was broken by a direct encounter with this fiend. So when we really do plan to face that demon, when we are serious about breaking a habit and making a change, we have to do so very carefully. First, we have to know the tricks of our opposition. Taking steps in the right direction may well cause a knot in your stomach. Recognize it as the anxiety related to change; breathe deeply, relax, and then keep going. Also, be aware that whatever positive strides you make, you will likely fall back into old habits at some – probably early – point. When you do, chalk it up as a part of the journey and keep moving forward. It can be scary to think that something we don’t want can “possess” us. The best escape from this demon is to give ourselves instead to the only one who can truly own us, the Creator who made us and cherishes us. Rev. Nancy Johnson is a resident of Cumming, Georgia and the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Roswell. More of her writing can be found on her blog A Feast for the Soul at soul-feast.blogspot.com. She can be reached at nancy.johnson@ngumc.net. APRIL 2012
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Faith NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road, Cumming 770-888-8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:00 & 11:00 am Wednesday Night services 7:00 pm Pastors: David & Robin Houtsma www.eastgatechurch.org
BAPTIST
Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road (770) 887-6900 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. AWANA: Sunday at 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street, (770) 205-6699 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service: 10:50 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive, (770) 887-2428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15 p.m. AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Parkway, (678) 513-9400 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. – Contemporary Service (SFC) 10:30 a.m. – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9 & 10:45 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Bible Fellowship Pastor, Dr. Richard G. Lee www.firstredeemer.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road, (770) 887-4802 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening: 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7 p.m. Pastor: Chris Grinstead www.ghbcc.org Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road, (770) 889-1959 www.longstreetchurch.com Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday night adult and youth activities 40
cuMMiNg area houses oF worship North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway, (770) 781-5433 Church service times: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Bible Studies 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Service (main auditorium) Hispanic Service is at 10:30 a.m. in our Activities Center. Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road, (678) 807-7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org
EPISCOPAL
St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, (770) 888-4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, (770) 887-8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.episcopalholyspirit.org
GREEK ORTHODOX
Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., (770) 781-5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org
LUTHERAN
Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday School: 9:00am, all ages Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal 6:00pm Bible Study for all ages 7:00pm Pastor Tim Droegemueller email: livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd. Cumming, Ga. 30041 , 770-889-5328 ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service 8:15 AM Traditional 9:30 AM Contemporary 11:00 AM Traditional 1:00 PM Hispanic Sunday School 9:30 AM MY FORSYTH
OTHER CHURCHES
Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 648-5248 www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), (678) 230-4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, (770) 887-5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 510 Brannon Road, Cumming, GA (678) 455-5290 - Hall Phone Worship Service: 9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm Visitors Welcome Nursery available LifePoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 Sunday Small Groups: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, (770) 888-5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
PRESBYTERIAN
Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, (770) 887-6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net
MARCH 2012
Faith tHE CountRy PREACHER [ by David Hill ]
Living on a dirt road in a house beyond the view of the highway provided our family the peaceful quiet of country living. The only nighttime noise that competed with the cricket choir was the sound of a large fan drawing the cool evening breeze into screened windows throughout the house. I have no memory of possessing a key to the house. To my knowledge our doors were never locked whether we were gone for a week or simply had gone to bed for the evening. Would it matter if we had a key and locked the doors, when the windows were always open to capture any breeze slight enough to rustle the leaves of the pear tree? Our off the road and out of sight peaceful living presented two problems. First, with all the windows open and the powerful fan inhaling the outside air through our window screens mother endured the endless task of removing road dirt from every furniture crevice. Secondly, my sisters and I couldn’t see the school bus coming. To avoid waiting for it on a rainy day or cold morning, we tried to time the quarter mile trip to the paved road just right. We walked or, if necessary, picked up the pace when we could see the bus at the stop before ours. If it was moving towards our stop I led the trio in a marathon race so the bus driver could at least see me coming. My sisters didn’t like to run. It was my job to reach the bus stop in time. The driver then waited for my sisters to catch up. Generally, this system worked pretty well.
Our unexpected return found our surprised mother unprepared for a day with children disrupting her schedule. Once we had left for school it became mother’s personal time to pray and read her Bible. We knew she did it but we didn’t know when. Christian principles and character are not developed in a crisis but they are grown a day at a time. When the right decisions are needed the heart has been made ready with the answers. “Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues (from it flow the springs) of life”. Proverbs 4:23 Mother was always there whether we missed the bus or came home from school in the afternoon. She could afford not to work outside the home because we had one phone, one TV, one car (mother didn’t drive), lived in a very small house and raised most of what we ate. Mothers make sacrifices for the benefit of their children. They home school, work to send them to a Christian school or cut corners so they can be there when their children come home from public school. They buy clothes at garage sales, skip cable TV and bypass lunch with the girls. If you feel that what I have said has nothing to do with successful motherhood, I can only say it worked. My parents lasting marriage of 70 years and the marriages of their children defied modern statistics. Perfection is not possible and we don’t raise the mates of our children but there is no greater influence on their lives and future than their mothers.
Like all great plans, occasionally it malfunctioned resulting in catastrophe. We missed the bus.
Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road, 770-205-9390 www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Pastor, Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III. 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 APRIL 2012
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: Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC Parochial Vicars: Fr. Joseph Ramos, LC and Fr. Juan Guerra, LC www.stbrendansatl.com
UNITED METHODIST
Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. www.bethelview.net (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, (770) 887-2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. www.cfumcga.com (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. MY FORSYTH
Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, (770) 887-0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller • www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway, (770) 887-0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
OTHER CHURCHES
Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE | www.forsythbahais.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 977 0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net 41
Reference
[ Continued on page 43 ]
Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations Business Networking
Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Location: The Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, GA Contact: (877) 581-1039 or ron@business400.com Information: The goal is to provide the 400 Community the opportunity to effectively network and to view the 400 corridor as a single economic engine. Go to www.Business400. com for events and me membership info. $5 for members and $15 for guests at the door. Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, (770) 886-0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all. Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thursdays 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location: New) Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen at tiffany@servpro8378.com or 770-887-1962 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. Forsyth Business Network Meeting: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. Location: Stars & Strikes, 133 Merchants Square Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: Third Wednesdays from 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, (678) 965-5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tuesday at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: (770) 887-6461 or www.cummingforsythchamber.org Information: $15 for members and $30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. No fees. Location: Starbucks-141 and Ronald Reagan – John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier (770) 887-2772 rgrier@harborfs.com 42
Women Who Mean Business Meeting: First Tuesday, Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility 513 W. Maple Street Contact: (770) 887-6461 Information: Free for members; $30 for non-members. Register online at www. cummingforsythchamber.org.
Charitable Organizations
Georgia Highlands Medical Services Contact: (770) 887-1668 Information: This is a non-profit Community Health Center (CHC) serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979. Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: (770) 886-5419 Website: www.savethehorses.org Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: (770) 887-6480 Information: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. Website: www.forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: (678) 513-9400 Information: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. Website: www.thereshope.org Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Information: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy. Contact: (770) 889-8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org
Civic Organizations
Ducktown Chapter #460 — Order of the Eastern Star Meeting: 2nd & 4th Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Location: 4655 Canton Hwy. Contact: (770) 887-8147 Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Location: 6300 Polo Club Drive Website: www.southforsythrotaryclub.org
Political Organizations
Democratic Women of Forsyth County Meeting: Second Thursday Location: Different restaurants in Cumming Contact: Mary Chatfield, (770) 887-1106 Facebook page: DWFC GA Information: Democratic women meet monthly and the meetings alternate between lunch and dinner meetings with programs. 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 Mika King, forsythcountynewcomers@gmail.com Information: A luncheon with program, many interest group activities every week (ladies, mens, couples and singles). Open to all women currently living in the county. Website: www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org APRIL 2012
don’t Fear the Fever
clubs, Continued Holistic Moms Network - Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke at holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com Website: www.holisticmoms.org Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com Website: www.labradorfriends.com Moms Club of Cumming — North Monthly meetings with informational speakers, park play days, holiday parties, fieldtrips, playgroups and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Contact: momscummingnorth@yahoo.com Website: www.momsclub.org Moms Club of Cumming — Southwest Meeting: Last Tuesday of each month Contact: http://www.momsclub.org
[ Continued from page 29] the fever; (6) fever with localized pain (ear pain, sore throat, severe headache, neck stiffness, pain with urination, abdominal pain); (7) fever with lethargy (not just a sleepy baby or child, but one with inability to make eye contact or lack of response to your voice), confusion, refusal to walk, persistent crying and cannot be consoled; (8) fever with concerns for dehydration (whether due to vomiting or diarrhea or just lack of intake); (9) Parents just feel like “something is really wrong” (parental gut instinct matters no one knows your child like you do!). Try not to get too fixated on the degree of fever (except in the case of a newborn). In general, focus on the child not the number. Ultimately, when you are worried about your child, let your pediatrician evaluate them. If nothing is significantly wrong, you’ll be greatly reassured. If your child is sick, your pediatrician will help you find the best way to help your child return to good health as soon as possible.
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 Single Mom Meeting Connect with other single moms, learn about paths to higher education and get links to community resources. Light dinner provided and free on-site childcare/ homework help provided. Meeting: 2nd Thursday every month at 6:30pm Location: 210 Dahlonega St., Suite 203, Cumming Contact: Valerie Daniel Faith’s House, Inc. 770-205-6311 website: www.faithshouseinc.org 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
schools, Continued PRIVATE SCHOOLS Montessori Kids of Cumming 3034 Old Atlanta Road, (678) 208-0774 Head of School, Charlotte Pixley www.montessoricumming.com
Open Up to Apeture [ Continued from page 21] This beach photo is taken with the highest f-stop of these three images, to get as much of the vista as possible in focus. There is, however, a problem with opening up the aperture. A wider opening means more light gets in. And it’s not much good to us having a bunch of photos that have fantastic focus but are all washed out. But not to worry, there’s a way to fix the problem. It’s a balancing act between the f-stop (aperture) and shutter speed (how long the shutter is open). We’ll talk about shutter speed next month. In the meantime, see what happens when you play with aperture—and have fun! APRIL 2012
MY FORSYTH
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MY FORSYTH
APRIL 2012
APRIL 2012
MY FORSYTH
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Reference Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government: President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Commissioners: R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 GA: Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
(202) 224-3521
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.tomgraves.house.gov
(202) 225-5211 (770) 535-2592
Rep. Rob Woodall. (R), District 7 Email: woodall@mail.house.gov Website: http://woodall.house.gov
(770) 963-2420
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us fax:
(770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
(770) 661-0999
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
Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(404) 656-5030
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov fax:
(770) 887-1960 (770) 205-0602
Senator Steve Gooch (R), District 51 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
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
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
(678) 513-5881
(678) 513-5882
Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.forsythco.com
(404) 652-7003 (404) 652-7123
(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199
Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
Forsyth County School System Superintendent, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 889-0229
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 781-2010
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
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County Manager Doug Derrer
City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
(770) 781-2010
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
MY FORSYTH
APRIL 2012
Reference Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center Medical Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road Health Department 428 Canton Highway Fire and Law Enforcement City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road Georgia State Patrol Libraries Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road Parks and Recreation City of Cumming Main Number: 410 Pilgrim Mill Road Central Park Office Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Golf Clubs Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Drive
APRIL 2012
Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
(770) 479-1703 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
(770) 844-3200 www.northside.com (770) 844-7494 (770) 886-7135 (770) 781-6906
(770) 781-2000 www.cummingpd.net (770) 781-2180 www.forsythco.com (770) 205-5400
(770) 781-9840 www.forsythpl.org (770) 781-9840 (770) 781-9840
(770) 781-2030
(770) 887-5432 (770) 887-5715
YMCA 6050 Y Street
(770) 888-2788
POST OFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road
(770) 886-2388
Schools Forsyth County Board of Education www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
See page 36 for complete listing (770) 887-2461
UTILITIES City of Cumming (770) 781-2020 Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department (770) 781-2160 110 East Main Street www.forsythco.com Solid Waste Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill (770) 887-6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC (770) 205-6912 2535 Ivy Street East Waste Management, Inc. (770) 751-1304 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta www.wm.com Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (770) 205-4573
(770) 781-2215 (678) 455-8540
Telephone AT&T Residential Business www.att.com
(770) 781- 2215
Georgia Power
888) 660-5890
(770) 781-3491
Sawnee Electric Membership
(770) 887-2363
(888) 757-6500 (866) 213-6300
(706) 216-7336 (770) 887-0006 (770) 887-7656 (678) 513-1000
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Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! AUTO REPAIR/CAR CENTER Scott’s Auto Center.Inside Front Cover, 45 678-947-4040 www.scottsautocenter.net BOOKS/BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc....................................... 3 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com CARPET & UPHOLSTER Y CLEANERS Carpet Dry Tech................................. 7 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com CHILD CARE/LEARNING CENTER The Learning Experience................. 43 678-455-8614 CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE Victoria’s Children’s Botique............. 13 7770-888-7828 www.victoriaschildrenboutique.com CHIROPRACTOR Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation................................ 20 678-456-9122 www.chiropractorcumming.com CHURCH/SERVICES Cumming First United Methodist.......................................... 39 770-887-2900 www.cfumcga.org
DENTISTS /ORTHODONTICS Jordan Dentistry............................... 31 770-888-6262 www.JordanDentistry.com Windermere Orthodontics................ 44 770-888-1929 www.orthodonticsatwindermere.com EDUCATION /INSTRUCTION Huntington Learning Center................................................. 5 770-205-2800 www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com ELECTRICIAN Arc Angel Electric.... Inside Back cover 770-889-9243 www.ArcAngelElectric.com FLOWERS/GIFTS Funky Mountain Flowers & Gifts....... 13 770-781-4616 www.FunkyMountain.com HAIR SALON Wendy Grosse OVO Salon.................................. 13. 45 678-469-4414 JEWELRY STORE Gems In Art........................................ 6 770-844-8005 www.GemsInArt.com 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 PET ADOPTION/RESCUE Humane Society of Forsyth County................................. 14 770-889-1365; 770-887-6480 www.forsythpets.org PHOTOGRAPHY Southern Kiwi Photography................ 7 404-583-0659 www.SouthernKiwiPhoto.com PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Alpharetta Pediatrics........................ 29 678-947-4588, 770-664-4460 www.AlpharettaPediatricsOnline.com Atlanta Heart Specialists.................. 27 678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 www.ahsmed.com Northside Hospital Forsyth........... 1, 31 770-844-3200 www.northside.com RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES Bello Italian Restaurant..................... 19 770-888-1998 www.BelloItalian.com
SPECIAL EVENTS Back To Woodstock........................... .4 www.ForsythCountyFamilyHaven.info Flavors of Forsyth............................. 24 www.UnitedWayForsyth.com SUMMER CAMPS/ACADEMIES Artistic Adventures........................... 34 404-642-6564 www.Artistic-Adventures.com Cumming Dance Academy.............. 33 770-781-4922 www.CummingDanceAcademy.com Applause Conservatory.................... 37 770-881-7246 www.ApplauseConservatory.com Willow Brook Academy.................... .37 678-455-0555 www.WillowBrookAcademy.com WEB HOSTING/ DEVELOPMENT GhostNet, Inc................................... 48 770-852-2292 www.ghostnetinc.com
Good Measure Meals....................... 19 404-815-7695 www.goodmeasuremeals.com
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770.852.2292 | 706.253.1013 Effective solutions for your computer & networking needs. 48
Norman’s Landing............................ 19 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com
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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 5/31/12 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 5/31/12 Expires 09/30/2011 APRIL 2012
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