Georgia’s most trusted hands behind every surgery The latest diagnostic services and treatments are only as good as the team performing them. At Northside, our skilled doctors and nurses perform more surgeries than any other hospital in Georgia. We provide a level of experience, knowledge and compassionate care you won’t find anywhere else. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
[ Contents February 2012 ]
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24 My Forsyth is printed using soybased inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
On the Cover: The Team at Scott’s Auto Center
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More than Georgia’s #1 Top Auto Repair Facility
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Health & Wellness
Julie Brennan is the Publisher of My Forsyth magazine. She is a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Julie may be reached at julie@marketcomplete.com 2
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Scott’s Auto Center
26 Maintaining Exercise into the New Year 27 Flu Season is Here 28 Having Trouble Losing Weight? 29 Take Steps to Prevent Heart Failure
Keep up-to-date with our community! www.myforsyth.com Join the AroundAbout Cumming fan page www.facebook.com/myforsyth MY FORSYTH
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FEBRUARY 2012
Community 7
Under the Gold Dome
13 Supporting Health Care in Forsyth County 15 My Forsyth Favorites
Lifestyle 17 Tracking Your Progress 20 Positive Thinking: A Form of Denial? 22 Your Plan 23 Ambition of an Entrepreneur
Faith 38 True Love 38 Building your Relationships 39 A Fasting Season 41 The Country Preacher
In every issue 8
Community News
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Birthdays and Announcements
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Forsyth County News
33 Everyone is Special in their Own Way
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Humane Society Pets for Adoption
34 Great Math Activities to Do With Your Child
40 Church Listings
35 Change 4 Georgia
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Schools
47 Elected Officials
37 What’s in a Valentine? FEBRUARY 2012
Clubs & Organizations
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Publisher Julie Brennan julie@marketcomplete.com (678) 614-8583
EDITOR Jennifer Paire editor@myforsyth.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Melissa Barton melissa@myforsyth.com
Market Director Kimberly Starr Kimberly@myforsyth.com 770-313-6546
Graphic Design Pixelution Studios Josh Murtha (678) 945-7301 josh@pixelutionstudios.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates www.kimbatesphotoart.com
Technical Administrator Michael Barton Michael@myforsyth.com
The mission of My Forsyth magazine is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories about their communities and its people. Our goal is to bring positive stories about Forsyth County. To businesses we provide a premium outlet for community-based advertising. Each month, 21,500 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution. My Forsyth, a publication of Market Complete LLC, welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the Publisher/Editor. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ŠCopyright 2011.
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My Forsyth www.myforsyth.com 5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 Cumming GA 30040 (p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511
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A bit of my heart…. [ by Julie Brennan ]
Our thoughts will likely turn, sometime this month, to love and kindness, while heart icons and images are found everywhere. My thoughts also turn to my grandparents, both who passed away due to heart conditions. They were great folks with a love of life and people that they instilled in me. Grandma was a teacher and grandpa was a TV and radio repair man who also worked for the Water and Sewer Authority. He was also the island’s best known water meter reader. February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease can affect women of any age, and it is the number one cause of death for women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute. I want to encourage you to review the various articles included in this issue of My Forsyth magazine that focus on the heart. Everything we can do to help ourselves, our friends and loved ones can only make us healthier and stronger. Take care of your heart. Talk to your physician and share any concerns you may have. Visit the online resources available including www. GoRedForWomen.org and www.heart.org, among others. Visit them frequently, not just during the month of February.
DID YOU KNOW? • • • •
More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. 1 in 3 American women die of heart disease, compared to 1 in 30 women that die of breast cancer. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Eighty percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Really 80% of heart disease can be prevented!
Courtesy of Dr. Kimberly P. Champney, MD, MSCR, Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Care 404-303-3320
We won’t live forever, but why not make the time we do have livable, in a healthy way, and with a happy healthy heart.
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News from Senator Murphy [ by Senator Jack Murphy, R-GA 27th District]
General Assembly
“In Session”
The first five days of session, and the five days of budget hearings are gone. The senate jumped off to a quick start passing two bills on education the first day of session. The first piece (SB 184) dealt with giving the local school systems the ability to keep teachers who are newly hired. The second (SB 38) gives the state school superintendent the ability to hire and terminate employees under his direct control. The senate majority caucus announced the following goals as our primary legislative objectives for the 2012 legislation session: • • • • •
Promoting limited, constitutional government Increasing fiscal responsibility Creating pro-jobs tax reform Instituting 21st century education reform Protecting our children
Georgians are expecting us to put the state back on the right track starting with sweeping reform and responsible spending. We can’t afford to look our children in the eye and tell them that next year education will be better, wasteful spending will be stopped, and more jobs will be created unless significant changes take place. Promoting limited government was one of the primary objectives expressed by citizens across Georgia. As leaders in Washington continue to guide us down the path of wasteful spending and irresponsible policy, we must take control of the future of our state to ensure a bright tomorrow for our children. Georgia’s legislators have established a fiscally responsible tone when dealing with valuable taxpayer dollars. As our revenues have begun to rebound, we’ve turned our attention to shoring up our revenue shortfall reserve (RSR). Just as families save for emergencies, we as a state must be forward thinking and prepare for future emergencies and economic downturns. The Georgia legislators have retained a AAA bond rating, while not raising taxes. The FY2013 general budget recommendation presented by the Governor called for a spending plan of approximately $19.2 billion. Governor Deal’s budget does not include any tax increases and is built on $929 million in revenue growth from existing sources. Tax revenue is projected to grow 5% over the FY2012 amended budget. While this may seem like a lot, it is less than 2007 when revenue approached its peak at $19.9 billion. [ Continued on page 43 ] 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 Georgia Senior Follies Country Jamboree Announced The 2012 Georgia Senior Follies announces its fourth season! This year the group is presenting the Georgia Senior Follies Country Jamboree. By popular demand, there are 11 shows instead of eight. The show features the music of Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Patsy Kline, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Skeeter Davis, to name a few. Get ready for square dancing, can-can, comedy skits and ”Hee Haw” memories. Many of the cast members from previous shows will be with us including Kathy and Bob Russell (the show’s producer/director and musical director,) Those Two Guys (John Provence and Dick Wagoner) , Gabe Russo and Gary Casten.
State-of-the-art Animal Hospital Opens
Performances will take place at the historic Cumming Playhouse from April 20 through May 6. Tickets are available online at www. playhousecumming.com or at the box office at 770 781 9178. All tickets are $25.
A full service small animal hospital located 5063 Post Road near West Forsyth High School in Cumming is now open. “We understand that your pets are members of your family and that their medical care is important to you. We look forward to meeting your family, and encourage you to drop by for a tour of our hospital any time,” states Dr. Joshua Woods, owner and veterinarian at Vickery Animal Hospital. Dr. Woods decided he wanted to become a vet in the seventh grade, and never wavered from that path. He graduated from The University of Georgia with a major in animal health, and again as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He has been in practice for eight years, most recently at a 24-hour emergency and critical care clinic in Midtown Atlanta. Dr. Woods has a special interest in endocrine cases and chronic disease management. Joining Dr. Woods are Melodie Moon, Heather Cook, and Lara Fletracco. An open house is slated from Saturday, February 11 from 10 am to 3 pm. 8
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Students Make a HUGE Impact On January 16th, 2012, middle and high school students in Cobb, North Fulton and Forsyth County served at the 5th annual BRING ON THE RAIN day of service. This event, sponsored by flood student missions, engages students in hands on service projects across Atlanta. Over 125 students spent 300 plus hours on their day off from school serving others in the community by serving lunch at a shelter for homeless women and children, working at The HOPE Store, North Fulton Community Charities, playing bingo with the elderly at Chestnut Ridge Nursing Home, sprucing up yards with Homestretch, walking the streets of ATL handing out snacks to the homeless, and delivering meals under the bridges to those many have forgotten. On the Sunday night before the event, a kick-off rally was held at the Alpharetta YMCA Teen Center. Students got to connect with their project groups and hear how they anticipated making a difference in the city. Student leaders from the school chapters led the students out the next day in the community impacting the lives of others. Kimberly Scales, Executive Director of flood, commented, “The hearts of students today is simply AMAZING. There are so many of them out there who truly want to make a difference in the world. Their passion, love, and commitment to serving those around them humble me and constantly make me evaluate my own heart. We just don’t give middle and high school students enough credit for being such great examples to us adults. These students have come to realize that they can change the culture of their schools, simply by serving and loving on others.” Flood is all about students serving locally and cultivating a sense of servant leadership within their students. flood has Chapters located in seven different schools in Forsyth and North Fulton but has students from over 20 schools serving. Over 1000 students have come out to serve and make a difference in the community with flood since its inception in 2007. Chapters are now forming for the 2012-2013 school year and any student interested in starting a chapter should contact flood. If any student or parent would like to learn more about flood go to the website at www. floodstudentmissions.org or call 770-289-1834.
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Carissa Bailey Age 9 on February 25 We love you, Mom, Carter & Colin
Derryth Werner February 4
Brooke Bohannon Age 4 | February 15th Happy Birthday. We love you very much! Love, Mommy & Daddy
Janis Murphy February 24
Angela DeCaires February 24
Christian Pique Age 10 on February 8th We love you and are so proud of you! Congratulations on winning the Matt Elementary Geography Bee! Love, Mom, Dad, Connor, Cayla and Caty
Jennifer Paire Editor, My Forsyth magazine February 17 Happy Birthday!
Derryth & Mark Werner Celebrated 14 years on 11.29.2011 Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@myforsyth.com 10
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Community
Forsyth County Government News 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210 • TV Forsyth — Comcast Channel 23 • www.forsythco.com February 5-11 is Burn Awareness Week Burns are recognized as one of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive. Accordingly, the Forsyth County Fire Department provides the following information and tips to help keep you and your family safe from this type of injury. About scald burns: • A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam. • Children have thinner skin than adults which can result in a more severe burn. • The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen or dining room and in the bathroom. • The maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120˚F (48˚C). Tips to help keep children safe around the house: • Keep children at least three feet from hot appliances, pots, pans or food. • Avoid using tablecloths or anything a child can pull on and cause hot food to spill. • When cooking, use back burners and keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove. • Always test bath water with your hand before bathing children. • When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely, checking the water temperature frequently. • Remember to always dial 911 in the event of an emergency. For additional information about Burn Awareness Week, visit the Fire Department page at www.forsythco.com.
Forsyth Senior Expo is February 18
security, recreation, and travel. Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road in Cumming. For more information about the event, call Forsyth County Senior Services at 770.781.2178.
Be a Part of the Mobile Trash Unit in 2012 Volunteers are invited to sign up to be a part of the Keep Forsyth County Beautiful Mobile Trash Unit (MTU) litter cleanups. Launched in 2010, this program targets roadside litter in Forsyth County. Two different opportunities exist for citizens to get involved with the MTU litter cleanups – the Family Mobile Trash Unit and the High School Mobile Trash Unit. Locations for cleanups will change each month based on need and will be announced to participants the week prior to the cleanup via email. Visit www.forsythco.com or call 678.513.5892 for details.
Get Active at Forsyth County’s Sexton Hall Enrichment Center Forsyth County’s new Sexton Hall Enrichment Center serves active adults ages 50+, offering a variety of opportunities including art, music, dancing, drama, continuing education, technology, fitness and leisure activities. In addition to a number of classes being offered, clubs are forming for bridge, pinochle, canasta, and mah jong. Special events including dances, jewelry making workshops and more are also planned. Sexton Hall Enrichment Center is located at 2115 Chloe Road, just off of Sharon Road between Peachtree Parkway and Old Atlanta Road (formerly the location of Lakeland Community Church). To receive additional information or to register for programs offered at the center, call Senior Services at 770.781.2178.
The tenth annual Forsyth Senior Expo will be held at the Central Park Recreation Center on Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Forsyth County Senior Services Department invites senior citizens as well as their families and friends to attend the free event and learn about planning for the future. The Forsyth Senior Expo provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including health care, housing, finance, safety and 12
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Supporting Health Care in Forsyth County [ by Ruth Goode ] United Way works to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life: A quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. Access to good health care seems out of reach for many in the United States today. Health care costs are one of the top concerns for people in the United States as well as here in our community. There are approximately 47 million people in the United States without health insurance. One out of every five people in the United States has no prescription coverage.
Forsyth County for the first 5 years of use was $577,366. The total savings to Forsyth County citizens in 2011 alone was $204,701! Together, we create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. We feel we can create opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on key areas such as helping children and youth achieve their potential, improving people’s health, supporting citizens with special needs, supporting diverse populations and those who are aging. Take care of yourself and your family in 2012.
Here in Forsyth County, Georgia Highlands Medical services continues to provide quality, comprehensive medical services to persons in need of healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. In 2011, more than 65% of the patients treated were uninsured. Georgia Highlands provided cancer screenings, lab and radiology services, diabetic monitors and testing supplies and prescription drugs to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these services. United Way financially supports the Pharmacy program, Diabetic Education program, mammograms & prostate screenings and mental health services. Patients received free prescription samples and Patient Assistance Program drugs with a total value of $1,628,080 in 2011. They also filled 5,251 prescriptions from the 340b Physician Dispensary since it opened in March of last year.
Check out the following websites for more information: Georgiahighlandsmedical.org Familywize.org February is “Heart Month”. There is no better exercise for the heart than leaning over and lifting someone up! Our mission: To improve lives in our community by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of our citizens. United Way of Forsyth County P.O. Box 1350 Cumming, GA 30028 770-781-4110 www.unitedwayforsyth.com
If you are not a patient of Georgia Highlands Medical Services, United Way also distributes a prescription discount card free of charge. By using the FamilyWize prescription discount cards, you could lower the cost of your prescription medicine by as much as 35%. There are no age restrictions, no income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and no waiting to get a card. The FamilyWize cards are accepted at the following pharmacies in Forsyth County: CVS | Kroger | Target | Goodson Drugs Lakeside Pharmacy | Wal-Mart | Ingles | Publix United Way introduced the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Cards in Forsyth County in 2005. The total savings in FEBRUARY 2012
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Ruth Goode is the Executive Director of United Way Forsyth. She may be reached at 770-781-4110. 13
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My Forsyth Favorites
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My Forsyth magazine is conducting a countywide survey to find out who, by popular vote, is the favorite restaurant, coffee shop, attorney, accountant, and dance studio, among our readers. Vote for your favorite business today and help them earn the recognition of being Forsyth’s Favorite! All winners will be recognized in the April issue of My Forsyth magazine. Visit www.MyForsythFavorites.com and complete the survey. The survey will be available online only through March 21st. Categories include: • Restaurants Services • Small Business Retailers • Recreation and Entertainment
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Community Calendar
The Taming of the Shrew Date: Thursday, February 23 Time: 8 p.m. Location: North Georgia College & State University, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega Information: In this early comedy of his, Shakespeare masterfully draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance theatrical tradition of commedia dell’arte, or “comedy of craft”, to provide his characters, situations, and settings for his play. The romance between Petruchio and Kate glows with dimension and detail, tucked neatly inside the commedia structure. Kate and Petruchio clash intellectually, spar physically and grow psychologically, revealing depth and humanity amidst the wacky and manic world that is The Taming of the Shrew. Tickets are $25; NGCSU students with ID/no charge.
Free Prostate Cancer Screenings Date: Thursday, March 8 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Georgia Highland Medical Services, 260 Elm Street, Cumming Information: To help raise awareness of the disease, Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Georgia Highland Medical Services, is offering this free prostate cancer screening. Health care professionals will screen adult men for symptoms of prostate cancer and offer free PSA (protein specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams at no charge. Uninsured men, age 4075, who have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer and haven’t had a prostate exam within the past year, are eligible to participate. A limited number of appointments are available for men with insurance. A nurse navigator is available to help arrange follow up care, if indicated. To register, call 404-845-5555 and press “0.” Qualified Spanish interpreters available on site. Register early! Forsyth County Master Gardener Plant Sale Date: Friday, March 30 Time: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming Information: Annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs will be sold. Free presentations include native plants, hydroponics, square foot & organic gardening. Check out The Kinsey Family Farm booth, which will feature a unique selection of ornamental trees, shrubs, evergreens and unusual native trees. Tri-state vendors will offer unique plants and garden items. Rain or Shine!
Creekside MOPS Consignment Sale Date: February 24-25 (Friday and Saturday) Time: Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday 8a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Creekside United Methodist Church, 673 Peachtree Parkway, Bldg. A Information: MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Teen MOPS (for young, teenage moms) groups are gearing up for the annual Spring Sale. This is s a wonderful opportunity to shop for gently used (and even some new) children’s and maternity items such as quality clothing, toys, games, nursery equipment, and much more. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the MOPS and Teen MOPS ministries. For details contact mops@creekside. net or visit www.creekside.net. 16
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Gardener’s Circle of Life Date: April 20-21 Time: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Information: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners are hosting “Gardeners’ Circle of Life.” For more information and to register, visit www.Georgia MGAConference.com.
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Tracking Your Progress [ by Kaylene Fister ] The more you get out there and shoot, the better your photos will be, right? Practice makes perfect... Have you ever looked at a photo you took and wondered what magic you performed to produce something that fantastic? There’s a lot to remember when you’re starting out and it’ll be a while before selecting the best settings to achieve the affect you want becomes second nature. In the meantime, what can you do to help your progress? You can look at your photos and see how your photography is maturing over time, but even that’s of no use if you don’t understand what you’re doing to produce better results. One way to keep track of the technical side of your work is to use a checklist. The preparation for every photo shoot I do includes completing one of these before I head out the door, whether it’s for a client or my own personal work. Some of the basic information you’ll want to note includes: • Camera Mode: are you shooting in Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual? • What lens are you using? • ISO setting • Aperture (f-Stop) • Shutter speed • Focus: auto or manual? • Light source: e.g. natural or studio? • White balance • Are you using a tripod? Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list of what you might want to record. Think about what you want to improve on and include it. Also, add a section for notes and results - give yourself a grade on how the shoot went. How could you have done better? What pleased you about the shoot? The main thing is to experiment and learn what works for you. 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. FEBRUARY 2012
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{ForsythFoodie } The Foster House 305 West Main St. Cumming, GA 30040 770.887.9905 www.foster-house.com
Fagan’s Biscuit Barn 1530 Peachtree Pkwy. Cumming, GA 30041 678.455.5670 www.fagansbiscuitbarn.com
Join the Forsyth Foodie on Facebook. www.Facebook.com/ MyForsythFoodie
Southern Comfort Anywhere Us Southerns are known for a lot of things. Our southern “twang”, southern hospitality, college football, and most importantly…southern food. And boy do we love our food. So much so that bands like The Zac Brown Band (from Forsyth County!) even sing about foods like chicken fried, sweet tea and pecan pie. And, since us Southerns do food so well, that means there is never a shortage of places to get your mouthwatering “meat and two’s”… no matter what big city or small town you’re in. (For those of you non-southerns, that means a meat and 2 vegetables plate) Around the central part of Forsyth County, The Foster House is a must visit. Located in a beautifully renovated 19th century home, The Foster house has southern charm and deep roots in our county’s history. The Hamby family’s hot ‘n fresh breakfast leaves out the low-fat, non-fat and substitute ingredients and keeps with the good stuff. Stone ground grits, flakey buttered biscuits, fried eggs and country ham are just a few of the staple items found their menu. If you prefer a light breakfast but heavy lunch, you cannot go wrong with the fried pork chops – one of my favs! Now for those of you in the south end of the county, don’t fret, Fagan’s Biscuit Barn is right
Recipe
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No matter where you are in Forsyth County, or anywhere in the southeast, you can find a local establishment that dishes out some good ole fashion (and unhealthy) home cookin. While staple restaurants like The Meal House in Coal Mountain, Doris & Paulette’s and Vittles are long gone, there are still plenty of delicious and filling options around. And the best part…they’re all locally owned by families that have been cookin on this land since before most of you reading this ever heard of Forsyth County.
Share your recipes and restaurant findings at www.facebook.com/MyForsythFoodie
Beef Esterhazy * * * * * * * * * * * * *
there to bring you the best of home cookin in the area. Started by a longtime local family the Fagan’s (and some Mathis too), cook up recipes straight from mama’s, grand mama’s and great-grand mama’s kitchens. Their vegies are picked from the local farm, brought right to the red barn and served up hot and fresh for anyone’s likin.
1 2 ½ pound beef tenderloin 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt & Freshly ground pepper to taste Paprika 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 rib celery, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons dry Madeira wine 1 cup good sour cream
Recipe Courtesy of Chris Wilde The perfect beef dish- easy to prepare and a great dish to serve to guests. Always a crowd pleaser! I like to leave the carrots, onions, and celery in the sauce to make the meal a bit more rustic. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. A robust red wine goes nicely with this meal. ~ Topher Heat oven to 425F. Trim beef and tie if necessary or have butcher prepare. Brush meat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat remaining oil in small roasting pan. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; sauté until browned. Sprinkle with flour and stir for 3 minutes over medium heat; add broth and stir until well blended and thickened. Place meat over vegetables and bake for 25 to 30 minutes for medium rare (use meat thermometer for accuracy). When done, remove meat for platter. Add lemon juice, wine, and sour cream to roasting pan and scrape bits from bottom of pan into mixture. Cook, stirring, just to boiling point. Remove from heat and taste for seasoning. Strain into sauce boat. Cut meat into ½-inch thick slices and place on platter in overlapping slices. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve sauce separately. Serves 6-8. MY FORSYTH
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It was as if the sky parted and angels began to sing. Yes, she was right! The job was a nightmare! At that moment I began the process of changing my situation.
Positive Thinking:
A form of denial?
Are there people or situations that you are trying to convince yourself are good and positive? Is there a relationship, either romantic or platonic, that just doesn’t work or takes so much energy, but you keep trying to convince yourself that it’s not so bad? It may be a job that you think you are stuck doing, maybe your son’s sports team experience is running you ragged and it turns out he doesn’t even like it that much. It could be that playgroup while, theoretically, sounds good but you don’t have anything in common with the other Mom’s. Being positive and optimistic is terrific but there may be times when we are spending a lot of energy convincing ourselves that something is good when it’s not. If that’s the case then we have to stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Whatever it is either make it right or move on…its ok!
[ by Christine M. Roberts] A beautiful woman sat down next to me while I gazed out at the Pacific Ocean pondering my life. We struck up a conversation sharing our stories. When she asked me about mine I explained that my move to California was considered a prestigious promotion. I managed the company’s largest customer for the country, the position required 95% travel, all escalation issues funneled to me, 60-70+ work weeks and “challenges” at every turn. But I told her that I was doing my best to focus on the positive. I was listening to every motivational CD ever made, it seemed, and trying to have a paradigm shift about how I viewed things.
What if we all took charge of those situations that don’t bring us joy, wouldn’t that be a great life? Positive thinking or a form of denial…hummm which one is it?
The following words changed my life… She said “I think positive thinking can be a form of denial, if you hate it, hate it! Why are you trying to make it something it’s not?”
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
“
Great little restaurant in the heart of Cumming. It’s very hard to miss this place because it is tucked away in the back of a small shopping center. There is nothing really fancy about this place but the quality of the food here is just as good as any high end Italian restaurant without the steep price tag.
”
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John Grisham, Richard Nelson Bolles, Rick Evans, Deepak Chopra, MarkTwain, Ken Keyes, Jr., Upton Sinclair, Carl Sandburg, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Stephen Crane, George Bernard Shaw, Anais Nin, Thomas Paine, Virginia Wolff, e.e. Cummings, William Blake, Edgar Allen Poe, Rudyard Kipling, Henry David Thoreau, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Alexandre Dumas, William E.B. DuBois, and Robert Ringer...
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Lifestyle
Your Plan [ by Parkey Thompson ]
Last month I began a series of articles to help you better manage your finances in this New Year. The kickoff article was written with the intention to help you understand to recognize your need to improve. Once you recognize your need, you need a plan! All of us need a plan, but many go through life without any plan whatsoever. The plan that I am referring to is not a full blown financial plan. Building a financial plan with help from a financial planner can be a wise and needed step, but the plan that I am referring to is the simpler plan of how you will spend your income each month—a spending plan or budget. You may fail to recognize what you can do when you manage your income and spending. Without a plan, or a budget, you are susceptible each month to spending more, and often significantly more, than what you earn. That translates very quickly to debt. Building a budget helps direct you on the right path of spending the money you work hard to earn. Not having a budget can quickly lead to significant money problems. A budget is simply a document that shows the income you have coming in and then spending it, all of it, on paper. Written out, your budget becomes powerful when you allow yourself to be managed by the plan that you have created. As a financial coach, I get to meet many wonderful people who have no real desire to live by a budget. These same people long to accomplish their financial goals, but dread the idea of following any type of plan. It is ironic that many of these same people followed a plan to get to my office whether it was read to them from their GPS unit or printed off their computer. A budget will get you on track. It may even open your eyes to change what you have been doing or encourage you to see what you really could do. Are you one of those who believe that there is no way to save up cash to purchase a car without a loan? Those who build that objective into their monthly budget are significantly more likely to never have another car payment. You cannot even imagine how that would feel can you? A budget is a plan your monthly income and outflow. Noted leadership guru John Maxwell has said that a budget “is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” Ever wonder where your money goes every month.
Parkey Thompson is a personal financial coach. He may be reached at 678-648-9940. Visit www.myfinancialfocus.net for more information. 22
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Lifestyle
Ambition of an Entrepreneur [ by Shelly Kent ] As a writer, I constantly interview business owners to learn what makes their products or services unique and desirable to their market share. I’m one of those who always slaps my head at the simplicity of some of the catchiest ideas—like the Silly Bandz® craze last year. Whoever was behind that must be sipping out of a pineapple on his or her own private beach by now. Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me, and I was intrigued when I heard that former Wolf Camera dot.com President Cliff Whitney occupies the old Pump It Up building off Exit 13 in Cumming. Here’s a guy who, following Wolf Camera’s buyout by Ritz Camera, turned down an offer to move to the West coast and instead put down roots to grow his passion right here in Forsyth County. With a six-month, zero-interest credit card as start up money, Cliff went all in and launched Atlanta Hobby. Now, only a few short years later and with sales in the millions he serves hobby enthusiasts all over the world with a hi tech product mix of remote control cars, airplanes, and helicopters, all of which have evolved significantly since the advent of electric motors and lithium polymer batteries. When retailers talk about adjacency, they usually mean hanging a pack of batteries in front of the toy rack so customers can supplement their main purchase. Cliff’s “adjacencies” take the form of two additional businesses that both interconnect with Atlanta Hobby. In recent years he has built Mercury Adhesives, which sells a variety of glues and adhesives to Atlanta Hobby customers as well as to other hobby shops and retail outlets in over 60 countries. If that weren’t enough, he and his crew run the R.C. Radio Network (RCRN) online radio station. Listeners tune in 24/7 from all over the word to listen to great tunes, and each Tuesday night Cliff produces a live interactive program called Air Show [ Continued on page 43 ] FEBRUARY 2012
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Scott’s Auto Center More than Georgia’s #1 Top Auto Repair Facility
2003
Robertson adds. “We recommend Scott’s Auto Center to everyone we know.” Besides a car center with 16 bays, additional comforts have been added to provide customers with a relaxing atmosphere while waiting for their repair. “Our waiting area includes a large plasma TV, Free Wi-Fi, Internet, and the famous putting green,” Muse explains. Another amenity is the barber shop, where Muse’s father handles haircuts. Mr. Muse, age 80, is a retired barber who continues to work at the shop. Many customers take advantage of the in-house barber shop. “Sometimes our customers like to wait for their car repairs to be completed, so we want them to have commodities to make their wait a pleasant one. There are times when a professional hair cut at the barber shop is just what they need.” And if a car wash or detailing is what your car needs, that service is available too!
Today “I began repairing vehicles in 1978,” recalls Scott Muse, owner of the auto center. “I started my one bay auto center in the building located across the street from our current location 10 years ago.” Muse is proud of the work that has been accomplished over the years, as well as the staff of technicians, customer service advisors and the entire team at Scott’s Auto Center. The center was recently recognized by Motor Age, a leading automotive trade publication, as one of the Top 10 Auto Repair Facilities in the Nation and #1 in Georgia. Each year Motor Age reviews shops from all over the United States. This award was given after Motor Age reviewed how Scott’s Auto Center cares for their customers, qualifications, facilities, growth over recent years and core business philosophy. Scott’s Auto Center’s exceptional service to customers has been recognized since 2003. The efficiency, crafts-manship, and customer service at Scott’s Auto Center in Cumming is second to none. “Our technicians have the experience and certification needed to take care of all cars and trucks– domestic and foreign. Most importantly, they have the qualities necessary to provide outstanding customer service to all who trust us with their car repairs,” adds Muse. “We’ve been bringing our cars to Scott’s Auto Center since it was a one-bay shop,” states Cathy Robertson. As many others, the Robertson Family has trusted the workmanship, honesty and customer service they’ve received from the service center personnel for over 10 years. “With three kids in college, it is gratifying to know that their cars are well taken care of and reliable, all because of the work done at Scott’s,” 24
Training and Education “The ability to serve each client with the best products and services available in the industry is of utmost importance to me,” explains Muse. Every technician at Scott’s Auto Center is trained in various aspects in the field and their certifications are routinely updated to keep pace with changes in the industry. “We offer and require ongoing training with A/C Delco classes as well as other training offered by specific manufacturers, including General Motors, Toyota, BMW, etc.,” Muse adds. There are six ASE Certified Master Technicians at Scott’s, something rarely found in repair centers. For today’s car owner, auto repair is more complicated than ever. Vehicles keep getting more complex, while technology and diagnostic tools constantly change as well. To improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals, the Automotive Service Excellence Certification
The service desk and waiting area at Scott’s Auto Center are family friendly.
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The putting green gives customers a chance to get outside to pass the time while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced.
An aerial view of the bays in one of two buildings on Scott’s Auto Center’s campus.
(ASE) is in place. “As a full service repair center offering everything from a tire repair to a transmission overhaul, the training of all personnel is the key to providing quality service to our customers,” states Muse. Besides offering top notch repair services, Scott’s Auto Center knows the importance of time to its clients. “As needed, we may offer transportation, discount repairs to senior citizens and military personnel, and other services to accommodate our client’s specific needs,” explains Bob Contreras, service advisor.
“Scott is a member of our community. You can find him at school games and events. He is vested in our community,” states Tom Ayers, a customer of Scott’s Auto Center for the past 10 years.
Communication with technicians, clients, suppliers and everyone involved in the repair of a vehicle is constant and aids in facilitating proper car care from beginning to end. Our customers’ complete satisfaction is important to us. “If we have a less than satisfied customer, although rare, we will work with them until they are happy and we can resolve the issue at hand,” Muse explains. Customers receive an e-mail survey following the completion of their services received at Scott’s. “If the survey returned is less than excellent, the client receives a personal call from me,” auto center owner Muse asserts.
Respect, honesty and integrity guide the team at Scott’s Auto Center. A call or visit to their Cumming location makes everyone see that these are not just words – they are what make Scott’s Auto Center #1 in Georgia and in the Top 10 in the Nation. “Gaining the trust and confidence of our customers is very important to all of us at Scott’s Auto Center,” concludes Muse. “We are here to serve a need and do so with pride, meeting and as much as possible exceeding the expectations of each and every client who walks into our center. It’s not rocket science. People want honest repairs and good customer service!” Rest assured you will get that, and more, at Scott’s Auto Center! (678) 947-4040 | www.ScottsAutoCenter.com
Mona Ayers has been a satisfied customer for many years. “The folks at Scott’s go above and beyond the call of duty. If there’s something I need them to check on any of our cars, all I have to do is ask. And the prices are reasonable.” Community Involvement “We are members of the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce and participate in various events throughout the year,” explains Muse. Their community involvement includes schools, churches, and non-profit organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the MAFT Foundation, One Miracle US Foundation, the Sheriff’s Association, The Luke Project, Boys Scouts, and the American Cancer Society, all of which have received help from Scott’s Auto Center over the years.
While you wait, stop by the barber shop and visit Roland, retired 80-year old barber, for a haircut.
As a locally owned and operated service center, Scott’s Auto Center’s commitment to the community it serves is unparalleled.
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Health & Wellness
Maintaining Exercise [ by Lisa Diglio PA-C ]
into the New Year
The freshness of a New Year stimulates many determined and confident declarations, including the ever popular “I’m going to get back in shape” resolution. Gym memberships surge along with optimistic spandex sales. Now that a month has passed by, the crowds have already thinned out at the local clubs as motivation wanes. In order to maintain a regular exercise regimen, there are a few things you must take into account. A regular exercise routine takes time and you must make the time to do this. Repeatedly, I hear patients say, “I don’t have time to exercise.” Work and family, often combined with a long commute, can take a bite out of the day. The demands on us are greater than ever and it is a constant struggle to carve away extra time to exercise. But once I dive a bit deeper, I often find that patients have a free gym at work or plenty of room at home for exercise. Leaving for work a bit early or staying a bit late in order to squeeze in that thirty minute workout could be done. I encourage patients to make it a family affair. Get everyone on the living room floor and
THYROID PROBLEMS?
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Call 678-807-9855 or visit www.AtlantaThyroidRelief.com and find out how to get better…TODAY! 26
watch how great the kids can be at yoga. Growing up, my parents would take us to the track and, while my mother pushed me in the stroller and chased my brother around, my father would jog laps around us. Then they would switch. Bicycling is a fabulous option for families, as the Greenway and other trails have opened the door for safe bike riding in our area. Weekend excursions count as exercise. Take a look at a sixty-year old individual that never exercised and then take a look at one who still does. I guarantee you can see the difference. Just three times a week improves longevity, joint health, mood, and energy. Even if you did not grow up in a house of exercise fanatics, you can utilize exercise as a tool to help release stress; helping you sleep better, focus better at work and feel better overall.
Lisa Diglio PA-C is a member of the healthcare team at Morrow Family Medicine, located at 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 200, in the Northside Hospital Forsyth campus. She may be reached at 770-781-8004.
If you are considering jumping back into a regular exercise routine, please consider these recommendations in order to prevent injury and setbacks. Mixing up the core strengthening (yoga, pilates, weight training) and cardiovascular exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, biking) will give you the best results overall. • • • • •
Start out easy. If you haven’t been active at all, break up the routine into two fifteen minute intervals on two different machines-i.e. the bike then the elliptical. Don’t have money for the gym? Go for a walk. A brisk arm-swinging walk gets the heart pumping! Add small hand weights to make it even more challenging. It’s raining out? Dark? Too cold? There are many pilates, yoga, zumba and step videos out there that provide excellent core-strengthening in the comfort of your own home. If doing weight training, do sets with lower weight and higher repetitions to encourage fat burn and strength development. Avoid the intense regimens of P90X or Kettle Bells unless your fitness level is highly advanced.
And remember, being heart healthy is not always reflected in the number on the scale. It’s how you feel that counts.
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Health & Wellness
T
The most important thing you can do to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your children. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. You and your children can also take routine steps to help prevent the spread of flu germs: (1) cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; (2) avoid people who are sick; (3) wash hands with soap and water, or, if soap is not available use alcohol-based hand sanitizer; (4) avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; (5) wipe down tables, countertops and toys with household disinfectant.
Typical symptoms of influenza may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Surprisingly, not everyone with the flu will run a fever. In younger children, influenza may present with typical flu symptoms or may appear like croup, bronchitis or pneumonia. Stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea and irritability are more frequently observed in children.
Antiviral drugs are available to treat flu illness. These medicines are not a cure, but they can help people get better a little faster and prevent serious complications that may land a child in the hospital. In general, these medicines must be started within the first 48 hours of symptoms and are primarily used in young children or patients with chronic illnesses that put them at high risk of complications from influenza. For most healthy children 5 years of age and older who get flu symptoms, the most important treatment is to make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids and consult your pediatrician as needed.
FLU SEASON IS HERE! [ By Susan G. Traxler, MD, F. A. A. P. ] ypically influenza (“flu”) season begins in late fall and lasts through March, with the peak occurring in January and February. Influenza is an acute infection of the nose and throat that can sometimes spread to the lungs as well. Children are among those most likely to develop flu and its complications—every year, close to 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized from complications of the flu. Children are also more likely to spread the infection to others.
Influenza is highly contagious. The virus is spread when someone either inhales infected droplets coughed or sneezed out by an infected person. Or someone can catch the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose. People with flu are contagious for a full day before getting sick and for up to seven days after symptoms begin. Therefore, it is important that any child with the flu stay home from school until they are 24 hours without fever.
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Susan G. Traxler, MD is a graduate of Davidson College. She received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Traxler may be reached at 770-664-4430.
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Health & Wellness
Having Trouble Losing Weight?
[ by John Thomas, DC ]
OK, February is here. You’ve had a month to make good on your New Year’s resolutions. Are you still struggling to lose weight despite eating less and exercising more? If so, you may have an underlying metabolic disorder. Most individuals can lose that extra holiday weight with a combination of mindful eating and exercise. But for some, no amount of diet and exercise will allow you to lose weight until you correct your underlying metabolic breakdowns. For some, weight gain is a side effect of a more serious health issue. Here are my top reasons why you may not be able to lose weight. • • • • • • • • • •
First check your thyroid -- There are six patterns that can cause hypothyroid or low thyroid symptoms, and only one will be resolved using thyroid hormones. The other five are not related to thyroid function directly, but rather one of the other reasons listed below. The liver’s main function is to get rid of toxins in your body. When you have more toxins than it can handle, your liver tucks them away in fat cells. Fat cells neutralize toxins. Imbalances in the immune system will cause an increase in TH17 activity resulting in increased inflammation. Parasites gobble up B vitamins that could potentially decrease energy production and fuel utilization. Dysbiosis: Altered gut bacteria can cause increased calorie utilization from your food. Insulin resistance: The blood sugar that your cells need to make fuel (ATP) is not adequately getting into your cells. This allows more glucose to stay in your blood stream and allows for water retention. This leads to increased weight and fatigue. Reactive hypoglycemia: Blood sugar levels fall quickly so you may reach for a sugary snack to bring your glucose levels up quickly, likely these are calorie dense not nutrient dense. Anemia: All cells need oxygen and glucose in order to make ATP. To make sure cellular processes happen, if this is a stomach cell, then maybe you aren’t producing hydrochloric acid that you need to start the digestion process. High cortisol: This is going to cause altered feedback throughout the body, which will cause water retention, likely due to increased aldosterone production. This also impacts the hippocampus in the brain, which will in turn decrease output to the thyroid gland. Also, blood sugar is mobilized from fat, muscle, liver glycogen stores and, if not utilized, can add to insulin resistance. Blood sugar is usually restored as abdominal fat. Low cortisol: May allow frequent drops in blood sugar, causing you to reach for sugary snacks to bring your blood sugar up. If this happens too much, your body may go into starvation mode, holding onto more of everything you put into your body.
All of the above are correctable, typically without the use of drugs. So before you turn to the latest fat diet or exercise program, get a thorough check up. Why struggle through another year when you don’t have to?
Dr. John C. Thomas is a chiropractor, Board Eligible Clinical Nutritionist, and Certified Gluten Coach. He can be reached at 678-456-9122. 28
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“ gets too
If the body large, the strain on the heart can be tremendous,
”
February is American Heart Month Take Steps Now to Prevent Heart Failure
Most people know the signs of heart attack—even if only from TV: Crushing chest pain that radiates down the left arm, shortness of breath, sweating and anxiety. But what about heart failure? With a slower, insidious onset, this less familiar yet common cardiovascular condition affects about 5 million Americans and factors in 300,000 deaths a year, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. With those numbers, it’s a good idea to understand what heart failure is, what causes it, how it is treated and, most importantly, how it can be prevented. What Is Heart Failure? The heart is a pump. Deoxygenated blood enters the heart from the body, the heart pumps the blood into the lungs for oxygenation and filtering, and then circulates the blood back into the body to distribute to the extremities, organs and tissues. In about 50 percent of heart patients, “the heart is so weak it can’t push enough blood out to the body to meet its needs or it can’t move enough blood through [itself] so it pools in the lungs and tissues,” says Aashish Desai, M.D., cardiologist at Northside Hospital. Over time, symptoms develop, which include shortness of breath (especially upon exertion or when lying down), swelling in the feet and ankles, and general fatigue, Desai says. What Causes Heart Failure? Numerous disease processes can cause heart failure, but the most common cause is coronary artery disease. When blood vessels constrict or are built up with plaque caused by cholesterol, less blood flow occurs with increased demand from exercise. This can lead to either reversible injury or permanent damage to heart wall muscle. A weakened heart can be caused by other conditions as well, such as a viral infection, uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, kidney problems, smoking and diabetes. Additionally, obesity contributes to heart failure. “If the body gets too large, the strain on the heart can be FEBRUARY 2012
tremendous,” Desai says. “Obesity is a real risk factor.” WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS? Once a diagnosis of heart failure is made— through ultrasounds and X-rays of the heart and lungs and other tests—the patient has numerous treatment avenues. Medications are prescribed to increase the heart’s pumping ability, reduce fluid retention and control blood pressure. But drugs alone are not enough. “No medicine is as powerful as common sense,” Desai says. “There is no magic pill.” Heart failure patients must stop smoking and follow a diet that reduces salt and fat intake. Desai stresses the importance of a daily regimen. Taking all the prescribed medications, eating a proper diet, controlling blood pressure and notifying the healthcare provider of changes in body weight or increased shortness of breath are crucial. Heart failure is a chronic condition, but with proper maintenance, it can be managed. “We can’t cure it, necessarily, but we can help,” Desai says. Are You Doing Everything You Can to Care for Your Heart? Northside Hospital offers a variety of heart health services, including diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and education. To learn more, visit northside.com and search “heart health.” Dr. Aashish Desai is a cardiologist with Cardiovascular Physician’s of North Atlanta (CPNA) at Northside Hospital. His practice interests include vascular disease, including coronary and peripheral angioplasty, and noninvasive cardiology, including nuclear and cardiac CT imaging.
Northside Hospital Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, GA 30041-7659 770-844-3200 • www.northside.com
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Health & Wellness
Let’s Talk About It! Frustrated by your child’s behavior?
[ by Jennifer Callahan Williams ]
Does your child’s behavior confuse and frustrate you? If a child has immature or underdeveloped areas of their brain inappropriate behaviors can occur. Your child’s behavior could actually be a result of their own frustration with academic tasks, difficult social situations, and difficulty with processing the world around the appropriately. Emotional concerns could also be an immature response due to an immaturity in the brain function. Take a step back and try to view the world and the situation from your child’s perspective. Keep in mind, if they are functioning at a brain age of a certain age level those are the types of behaviors you will see and therefore your parenting techniques may need to be adjusted accordingly. Right hemispheric delayed children typically present with behavior issues from an early age. These children are typically impulsive, have poor balance, are uncoordinated, social skill delays, appear clumsy, and don’t have a good sense of rhythm. They are space invaders and may say inappropriate things without understanding why they are wrong. Like all kids, they may crave friendships but have a hard time mak-
ing them. These children can have strong academic skills, easily memorizing facts and details, has an analytical personality, and are very literal. However, they may have a very difficult time just having a conversation of understanding the moral of a story. The school year may start off well because of the impressive reading and spelling skills but feedback from teachers about behavior starts to reflect issues in the classroom. Left hemispheric delayed children have different signs that are usually subtler than those of a right brain delayed children with differences in personality. They love to be outdoors and physical activities. These kids may have delayed speech and have more issues with articulation and academically have a difficult time grasping early academic skills. What they learn one day is often gone the next. Delays with reading and spelling affects progress in other academic areas. These children are people pleasers and will compare themselves to peers around them, be very empathetic, and read people and situations very well. They have a tendency to take things personally and be task avoiders when they think they may not be successful or if they know the skill is a struggle for them to complete. These children can have a low self-esteem but they are often very social, well liked by teachers, and they get along well with all kinds of other children. If you are living with or know a child that is struggling with the concerns discussed here trying to have a greater understanding of what life is like for them on a daily basis with the frustrations they continuously face and this will help with frustrations you may be having as well. If your child has any of the concerns discussed here you may have a child whose brain is not developing at normal developmentally rates. You can read the Disconnected Kids, or Reconnected Kids books or Dr. Robert Melillo to learn more or call one of the Brain Balance Centers for a further evaluation to determine if your child has a Functional Disconnection. The longer you wait the longer it takes to change the neuroplasticity in the brain.
Jennifer Callahan Williams is the Director of Brain Balance of Suwanee. She may be reached at 770-614-4790. 30
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Business
Is Business Networking for Me? [ by Don Kyle ] Networking with other business people can be an extremely effective way of generating business for your business if done properly. Just what is business networking? The Wikipedia definition is “Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded business people recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities... Many business people contend business networking is a more cost-effective method of generating new business than advertising or public relations efforts. This is because business networking is a low-cost activity that involves more personal commitment than company money.” Business networking can be conducted through many forms, including: • Business Associations, • Chambers of Commerce, • Networking Organizations, • Informal Groups of Business People, • One-on-One Networking, and • Various Non-businesses Civic and Charitable Organizations. When selecting your business networking strategy, you must approach it with a long-term view, and the methods and groups you select should be those you enjoy. If you don’t like what you are doing, it will become obvious to others very quickly. Further, it is unreasonable to assume that you will get business simply by joining a particular group; therefore, you must become active in whatever group you join. Remember, people do business with those they trust and like. Whatever form business networking you select, it is critical to conduct your activities in accordance with the rules of the group or organization you have selected. For example, some groups may insist you refer business only to other members within that group, others may not be so restrictive, while others may prohibit conducting business at their events, such as some civic groups.
Ghostwriters: Don’t be Afraid to Use One! [ by Ahmad Meradji]
In the new film Young Adult, Charlize Theron’s character is the ghostwriter of a young adult novel series. The character goes to a bookstore in her hometown and offers to sign copies of the books, but the clerk is completely confused that she is not the author listed on the cover of the book. She then tries to explain that she actually wrote the books, not the woman whose name is on the cover. How does that work? A ghostwriter is a professional writer for hire. Ghostwriters can be hired to write a book, an article, report, or other materials. Depending on the agreement/contract you work out with a ghostwriter, you assume the rights to the finished materials, and will have your name on the work as the author. A ghostwriter can be used as little or as much as you need for your project. You may want a ghostwriter to polish a rough manuscript into a final one; have them write a section of your book; or a ghostwriter can produce the entire manuscript based on your notes, concepts, recordings and research. Some ghostwriters specialize in certain genres, such as health/medical or science fiction, and have lots of experience writing in that area. Using a ghostwriter can be easier than you might think. Let’s say you’d like to write a memoir. You may not have time to type chapter after chapter, but you are able to talk into a tape recorder while making a long commute to work. Record your favorite memories, things you remember about your family’s past, lessons learned, etc. You can then work with a ghostwriter to turn those recordings into a book. You may even have the ghostwriter talk to a family member or friends to add their memories to the book. The cost of ghostwriting services, and the length of time it will take a ghostwriter to complete a project, can depend on many factors, such as: how much research or interviewing the ghostwriter would need to do; how much material they would go through if you’re providing recordings or notes; and the length and type of work you want them to produce. There are a number of ways to find a ghostwriter, but you can start by meeting with a publishing support provider, who can recommend writers who will be a good fit for your project.
When conducting your networking activities, carefully listening to others about what they do is crucial to establishing business relationships. As others learn about you and your business, a trusted relationship often can result. Don Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Small Bizz MBA, a company which assists businesses with their marketing, branding and advertising needs. He may be reached at (404) 580-6331, dkyle@smallbizzmba.com. 32
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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 FEBRUARY 2012
Schools
Everyone is Special in their Own Way [ by Cheryl Evonosky ]
Victoria, Ariel, Emily
As I watch the snowflakes gently drift to the ground, I am reminded how each snowflake is unique and different. Yet, together these snowflakes form the majestic wintry portrait of God’s beauty in nature. Well, children are like these snowflakes. Each one is special, unique, and different. Yet, together they can form a beautiful teamwork worthy of praise for their accomplishments. This is where our story begins… “Hey, all you Patriot fans. Let me hear you clap your hands…” Sounds like a simple cheer, and for most children, it is. But to a group of special needs children, the cheer was challenging. Victoria, Emily, and Ariel are members of the Liberty Patriots Pep Team, an idea envisioned by Victoria’s mother, Cheryl Mowery, who is her daughter’s strongest advocate and knows the virtue that all children should be valued and respected regardless of their abilities. As parents and grandparents of special needs children, we are continually aware and reminded of the challenges that arise daily. Our children are usually limited to the programs and activities in which they can participate at school and are not included in many aspects of the extra curricular activities. Many special needs children do not have the physical ability to participate in the general education sports or cheerleading programs. So, Victoria’s FEBRUARY 2012
mother developed a program for them…The Liberty Patriots Pep Team. It is a modified cheerleading team that allows the members to participate and feel that they are a part of their school and contribute in a meaningful way to the school spirit. Letters were sent home with each student in the special needs classes informing the parents of the Liberty Patriots Pep Team and inviting their child to become a member of this new program. These children all have different abilities that should be respected, and their uniqueness embraced. Some are fast runners, some do well in math, some have artistic talents, but all of them can support their school and cheer for the team, and the Liberty Patriots Pep Team allows them to truly feel successful and a contributor to their school. As this program continued to develop, many wonderful aspects began to happen. The Pep Team started out wearing specially designed tee shirts, shaking pom-poms, and cheering from the sidelines at the basketball games. But this idea has now turned into a “character developing” program.
cheers at the basketball games. This program has now become a teaching element for “human compassion” and shows a true love and caring for each other. These girls, who have shown the value of wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, show a glimpse into their heart of the type of adult they someday will become. They not only teach the cheers, but they show a respect to each member of the Pep Team and encourage them to do their best. Our hearts are so full of appreciation to these girls. “This program is very good. These children need to be included, need to be recognized, and need to succeed”, stated Lynn Jewell, Emily’s mom. God gives us all challenges in this world, but it is how you meet these challenges that develop your character. The Liberty Patriots Pep Team is shouting, “Rah, rah, rah” and shaking their pompoms to cheer on their team. But in my heart, I’m shouting, “Rah, rah, rah” for each member of this special Pep Team and their peer cheer tutors for outstanding accomplishments in meeting these challenges.
Several students on the regular 8th grade cheer team, Lauren and Katie, volunteered their time to become peer cheerleaders and work with Victoria, Emily, and Ariel. They taught cheers to the girls, and together they performed these MY FORSYTH
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Schools
Great Math Activities
to Do With Your Child
27 + 3 = [ by Kathy Martin ]
Math is a skill that requires frequent practice to master. How can you help your child learn “practical math” at home? Here are several activities to help your child reinforce his or her math skills. Calculate sports statistics. In every professional sport, the tracking and reporting of statistics plays an important role. Use these stats to create a number of activities for your child. Baseball is one great math sport. Teach your child to follow his or her favorite baseball player and chart the player’s by-game statistics. Have your child use graph paper to graph at bats, hits, batting average, runs batted in and home runs by game. Using a calculator, have your child calculate things like the player’s best game by home run per game.
$200 bill.
Play with coins. Coins offer a variety of opportunities to practice math reasoning skills. Have your child guess the coins you hold in your hand by providing your child an amount of cents. For example, what six coins total 30 cents? (Answer: either one quarter and five pennies, or six nickels.)
Start investing. As your child begins earning and saving money, teach your young saver the concept of compound interest by taking him or her to the bank to discuss different investment options with a banker: savings accounts, bonds and CDs. Give your child a savings register to track his or her deposits, withdrawals and interest. Use cooking to teach fractions. What fraction (and measuring cup) is the same as two 1/4 cups of flour? What fraction is the same as two 1/8 cups of flour? How about 1/3 plus 1/4? How did your child calculate his or her answers? Have your child use the measuring cups as a helpful visual to understand why 2/4 is the same as 1/2, and so on.
Maintain the family budget. Put your child in charge of calculating the family’s monthly budget for living expenses, needs and wants. Have him or her calculate different variables, such as a 5 percent raise in your salary or an unexpected expense - car repairs, for example - and report how those impact your family’s “bottom line.” Ask your child to calculate how much could be saved toward that family vacation or for future college expenses. What line items in the family budget are the highest? By what percentage?
Math is truly everywhere, and with a little creativity, you can help your child strengthen his or her math skills by doing everyday activities. Give your child daily opportunities to reason, solve problems and think through math situations, and you will be teaching him or her that math is an important part of life.
Calculate the cost of groceries. The grocery store is a great place to teach your child addition and subtraction. Have your child keep a running estimate of the grocery bill as you shop. Once you check out, ask how far off his or her estimated total bill was. Ask how much change you would receive by paying with a $100 or 34
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Kathy Martin is the owner of the Huntington Learning Center in Cumming, located at the corner of Bethelview and Castleberry Roads. Contact the center directly at 770-292-8994 to find out about what program will best suit your child’s needs.
FEBRUARY 2012
Schools
Change 4 Georgia: Helping our troops demonstrates gratitude and goodwill Remington and Donald Hughes, Commander VFW Local Post 9143
will make philanthropy more inclusive for students who want to help their community. This is a delicious project for Safari students and perhaps a tasty lunch for some of the high school clubs. The special for today is helping our 2000 brave Georgia troops who are fighting for our freedom and security. The Program’s Purpose isn’t really to eat elephants! It is to donate supplies that are not readily available or provided to our Georgia troops, but add comfort and fit in their backpacks. VFW Commander Richard Knight sent me a “wish” list of items our troops need and want like: chewing gum, Chap Stick, soap, and Q-tips. He will make sure the items get to the troops. Our part is fun and rewarding!
When kids talk, we should pay attention. Their compassion, honesty and ability to make a difference may be sometimes overlooked because of their young age or little life experience. Meet Remington Youngblood, a 10 year old student at Johns Creek Elementary, who chose to make his young voice heard and so it has. His passion was honored as he recently won the essay contest about “My Hero” sponsored by the school’s PTA and placed second in Digital Video Production in the Forsyth County Technology Fair. Enjoy Remington’s words below, which he presented to the Forsyth County School Board. Remington has also met with Governor Nathan Deal and has a full schedule of presentations in the next few months. Perhaps you’ll consider helping him in his quest to demonstrate gratitude and goodwill to our troops. Contact Change4Georgia@gmail.com for details. The Problem is I am only 10. Now - typically, that is not a problem; however, there are very few community service opportunities to help our troops available to students my age.
The Positive Program Benefits for Students are: 1. Helping others demonstrates goodwill and is meaningful and uplifting; 2. Knowing that a small act of kindness can make a difference as BIG as an elephant; and 3. To quote the school board’s mission statement: “to prepare and inspire all students to contribute and excel.” In Closing: To paraphrase Forsyth County Board member, Ann Crow, from her December 15th, 2011, school board invocation pledge, “It is a time to share…a time to do…help the military know that we appreciate and love them for what they do for us.“ My hope and challenge is that other Forsyth County schools and businesses will decide to join us at the table, grab a napkin and “take a bite.” Thank you. Remington and Craig Villani, VFW Local Post 9143 Quartermaster and Tommy Hutchenson, VFW Local Post 9143 Judge Advocate
The Solution is to eat an elephant. That’s right – eat an elephant! And, we need to do it one bite at a time! Johns Creek Elementary, Riverwatch Middle School’s Rachel’s Challenge program, South Forsyth High School’s Random Acts of Kindness Club and North Forsyth High School’s Teens 4 Troops & Patriots are willing to take the first “4 bites” and implement a new community service program called “Change 4 Georgia.” It FEBRUARY 2012
List of Items Needed • Gum • Beef Jerky • Tuna/Chicken Packets • Energy Bars • Kleenex • Candy • Baby wipes • AA & AAA Batteries • Moon Pies • Toothpaste • Q-tips • Toothbrush • Pop Top Cans Food/Fruit • White Socks • Soap • Nuts • Dried Fruit • Ground & Instant Coffee • Hot Chocolate • Body Wash • Chapstick • Playing Cards • Peanut Butter Crackers • Protein Shakes • Cup-O-Soup • Aleve • Microwave Popcorn • Disposable Razors • Toilet Tissue • Motrin • Medicated Foot Powder • Instant Mac n Cheese • Nutter Butters • Ramen Noodles
For additional information or to inquire about making a donation, please contact us at: Change4Georgia@gmail.com or 770-476-4037.
Remington and Governor Nathan Deal MY FORSYTH
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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
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Schools
What’s in a Valentine? Preschoolers Provide Some Valentine’s Day Wisdom
[ by Susan Matsen ]
Preschoolers at The Goddard School Johns Creek Suwanee were asked why they give Valentine’s. Their responses: “You make hearts and give them to people you like to make them happy.” ” “You give your Mom a card before going to work so she will remember you love her.” “You give cards to your friends so they know you like them.” “Just kiss the person you love.”
•
shapes with children’s scissors. Cutting is great motor skill practice. Draw a heart shape for them to cut or let them make their own designs. Tip – cards may curl due to the glue – place between the pages of a heavy book to flatten.
Consider making a Snow Globe Valentine. This will require a bit more parental supervision and participation – but will provide house of enjoyment for little hands to shake. It makes a wonderful gift as well.
What you’ll need: • • • • • •
Small jar with lid Florist clay Small Valentine’s figurine (waterproof) White and/or silver glitter or fake snow Hot glue gun Ribbon or felt
Directions:
Yes, on the 14th of February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving cards, candy, flowers or gifts to those we love. How did this tradition start? There are several theories. One legend has it that in third century Rome, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than married men – so he outlawed marriage for young men. A priest named Valentine secretly married young couples until Claudius discovered this and had him put to death. Another legend professes that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death, he sent a letter to her and signed it “your Valentine” – making it the first Valentine. Remember the Valentine’s Day tradition of the Valentine’s box full of cards from friends? Take a few moments this year to create cute, homemade cards with your child. Gather an assortment of colored paper, tissue paper, ribbon, lace, fabric, doilies, markers, crayons, scissors, stickers, glitter, glue, hole punch, etc. Let your creativity run wild as you make your cards – consider adding a photo for a personal touch
Some tips for making cards Valentine cards with your preschooler: • • •
Use stickers to decorate or cut out hearts from a different colors of construction paper or card stock. Experiment with different patterns – florals, stripes, polka dots or solids. Kids love glitter – Draw a heart or phrase (such as “Be Mine”) with glue. Then sprinkle glitter, let dry completely and tap off any excess glitter. Under parental supervision older children can cut
FEBRUARY 2012
· Wash and dry jar completely, including the lid. · Attach figurine to inside of jar lid using florist clay. It’s a good idea to build up the clay so the object will appear taller. To see what it will look like, place empty jar over the top of your figurine to see if you have the height where you want it. Make sure whatever you use is waterproof and won’t dissolve. · Fill jar with water to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top. Use cold water, warm water tends to cloud. · Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of glitter, or “snow” into water. This measurement is based on a medium to large baby food jar. Adjust amount accordingly. Instead of using just white or just silver glitter, mix the two colored glitters. Silver tends to fall faster, the white floats more. Putting them together creates a fun effect. · Line inside of lid with hot glue gun and screw on lid. · Dab lid dry if any water dripped or spilled. Apply a layer of hot glue around the rim of the lid to seal shut. · Let stand and dry overnight -- lid side up. · Decorate the lid rim -- attach decorative ribbon or colored felt with glue. Use stickers, paint or draw with glue and sprinkle with glitter.
These winter ideas are provided courtesy of The Goddard School located at Johns Creek/Suwanee (4410 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024, 678-475-0701). MY FORSYTH
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Faith
Building Your Relationships
[ by Neida Streit ]
She wandered off again. This time we found her in the neighbor’s yard, a few doors down. Precious, our golden retriever, figured out her invisible fence [ by Maria I. Morgan ] wasn’t working, and took full advantage of it. She seemed to enjoy her escapades, yet her limp was testimony to the fact that they had proven dangerous. I’m a lot like my furry golden. Sometimes I step out of the boundaries the Lord has set for my safety. The proverbial ‘grass is greener on the other side of the fence,’ entices me away from what I know is best. Sin can be pleasant for a season, but eventually there is a price to pay. For some reason, I have a tough time remembering that love often requires chastisement. Love is so much more than a giddy feeling. As a pet owner and parent, I realize there are times when punishment is the loving response in order to prevent disaster. So why should I be surprised when the Lord uses these same methods with me? He’s careful to spell it out, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth,” (Hebrews 12:6; KJV). The boundaries placed in my life by the Word of God are for my good. When I wander outside the boundaries, there are consequences. There’s nothing quite like a ‘whipping’ to motivate me to return to safety! Remember King David? We all know the story of his sin with Bathsheba and how it led to the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). If David had gone off to battle, like he was supposed to, these devastating sins could have been avoided. Several months passed before David felt the consequences of his sin. Not only did David and Bathsheba’s baby die, but because David had Uriah killed with the sword, the sword did not depart from David’s house. What a high price to pay! The Lord loved David and couldn’t allow him to get away with such gross sin. The result? David repented of his sins, and found the Lord’s forgiveness. Are you testing the boundaries the Lord has placed in your life? Do you realize true love includes chastisement? What will you do today to remain in God’s safety zone? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the boundaries You give me in Your Word. I know that true love demands discipline when I sin. Help me to choose to stay within Your safety zone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our first relationship occurs with our mother and father. In my opinion, the relationship begins in the womb. We talked to both our children, played music to them and read to them often. The next relationships come as we grow older. These relationships include other family members, friends, teachers and religious (for some). These relationships are familial, platonic, and spiritual and then finally – that special love with that special someone. I dated some in high school, more in college and then also as I entered the workforce as a graphic artist. It was not until I decided to enlist in the Air Force – when I was not looking for anyone, I might add – that I found that special person. On March 18, 1981, I flew from Atlanta to San Antonio, TX to enter basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. We had to wait for over an hour for a bus to take us from the airport to the base. While waiting, I struck up a conversation with a young man from Ohio – not really sure I even knew where Ohio was, and he had “driven through” Georgia once or twice. I was a small-town Southern Girl and he was a farm boy, we talked almost the whole time. He says he saw me a few times during basic, but if I saw him, I didn’t realize it with his new “sporty (military)” haircut. After basic training, we were beginning the first of 2 years of schooling for our jobs as Cryptologic Linguists – a fancy way of saying that we were going to learn a language (Arabic for us) and then learn to intercept, break code, transcribe and translate voice and print “stuff”. We were still at Lackland during this time and a fellow southerner friend kept telling me I just HAD to meet this guy in his dorm – we were made for each other. He was in a totally wrong relationship and I kept telling Karl I see what you have picked out for yourself, so don’t do me any favors! Eventually Karl did get us together and we began dating. Bill and I have been married for 30 years and Karl has had multiple divorces. Thirty Years. More than half of our entire life so far. Has it been easy? Not always. Has it been difficult? A lot of the time. So, how did we make it this long? Because the foundation of our relationship is a strong belief and trust in God and a total commitment to each other. When you allow God into your relationship, you have a sense of support and wellbeing that brings you through the tough times. Our tough times have been financial, medical, grief and even spiritual. I firmly believe that happiness has to come from within you. If I do not want to be happy, there will be nothing on earth that Bill can do to make me happy and vice-versa. This means being happy with who you are, with what you do and with what you have. Once you get to that place, it is pretty easy to be happy and find joy – even in the tough times. So, how do you do that? Keep God in your life. Pray together. Work together as a team. Communicate with each other. And most of all – don’t go to bed mad at each other. Talk it out and give it to God. Renew your commitment to each other every day. Let God in your life and keep Him there. He is working for you, even when you don’t realize it. How else would a girl from Geor- gia and a guy from Ohio meet in an airport in Texas? I’d love to hear how God helped you meet the love of your life!
Maria Morgan is a freelance writer and a Cumming resident. Visit her on the web @ www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com 38
Neida Streit is the Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church. She may be reached at 770-887-2900 or NStreit@cfumc.com MY FORSYTH
FEBRUARY 2012
Faith
A Fasting Season [ by Nancy Johnson ] The season of Lent is almost upon us and you may not even know about it! Not all Christian traditions practice the disciplines of this season. Many people of faith may not even know what it is. The season of Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter, not including the Sundays along the way. It is a special time, but not a giddy one. Lent is a somber season of fasting, repentance, prayer and simplicity. We are called to set aside extravagances and spend our time reflecting solemnly on our lives, our mortality. Not blatantly cheerful stuff and not always high in public appeal. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Ashes have traditionally been a sign of mortality and humility. Once worn in mourning, they are a symbol of repentance and sorrow. Today, we wear ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday as a sign of our faith and our commitment to the Christian life. Many Christians will receive the ashes in the morning to wear them throughout the day. It becomes a discipline for ourselves and a witness to others of a life that is centered on something greater than what we can see. The day before Ash Wednesday is called Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Celebrated in modern times with parades and pancakes, it is the last hoorah before the long and serious season of Lent. In many traditions, the faithful will give up something for Lent. This is a modern form of fasting in a time when we are less likely to renounce our meals. The thing that is relinquished is supposed to be something important that will be missed. As we miss it we pray, we remember our frail and imperfect state, and we work to grow closer to God. While following the “rules” of Lent is important, rules aren’t really the point. The point is that during this season, we are meant to tumble over the questions of sacrifice, faithfulness and our need for grace. However, strict or lenient we make our disciplines, we will fail at them some time. And we will learn once again how much we rely on the grace that God offers us. Whatever I decide I can or can’t eat/do/watch/play, the point is that I am willing to sacrifice something. That I am willing to be intentionally dissatisfied so that I may learn that there is a greater satisfaction to be had! Lent isn’t bad, if even if it is something of an acquired taste. It offers a wonderful opportunity for an inward focus that is so sorely missed in our normal frenzied lives. It gives us the chance to slow down and examine what really matters. For many Christians, it gives meaning to the last long weeks of winter before we experience the joy of spring. Then there is celebration at the end, when Easter reminds us that new life is always possible, in every season. May you celebrate the season of Lent. I pray that these weeks are filled with prayer and reflection so that you may fully know the joy of Easter.
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. FEBRUARY 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: 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship Service 9:30 Bible Studies 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Service (main auditorium) 11 a.m. Spanish Worship Service (Student Center) Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road, (678) 807-7746 Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. www.refugebaptistchurch.org
Episcopal
St. Columba’s Church 939 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, (770) 888-4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays Service: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m. Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road, (770) 887-8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon, Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Rector: Keith Oglesby www.episcopalholyspirit.org
Greek Orthodox
Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., (770) 781-5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org
Lutheran
Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 103 Buford Dam Road, (770) 887-0184 Sunday School: 9:00am, all ages Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal 6:00pm Bible Study for all ages 7:00pm Pastor Tim Droegemueller email: livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd. Cumming, Ga. 30041 , 770-889-5328 ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service 8:15 AM Traditional 9:30 AM Contemporary 11:00 AM Traditional 1:00 PM Hispanic Sunday School 9:30 AM MY FORSYTH
Other Churches
Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee (678) 648-5248 www.castlechristianchurch.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (Midway Elementary School), (678) 230-4800 Small Groups: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, (770) 887-5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 510 Brannon Road, Cumming, GA (678) 455-5290 - Hall Phone Worship Service: 9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm Visitors Welcome Nursery available LifePoint Christian Church 5000 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta (678) 366-2797 Sunday Small Groups: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306, Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300, (770) 888-5212 Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B Sandy Springs, 30328 , (404) 255-1585
Presbyterian
Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive, (770) 887-6801 Sunday School all ages: 9:45 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net
FEBRUARY 2012
Faith
and Rebecca (Genesis 24:67) it is interesting to read “. . . she became his wife and he loved her.”
The Country Preacher [ by David Hill ]
If you have ever given a gift to your mate or children and you have had to explain why it was “more practical” than what they really wanted, you may understand why I bought a spirited Arabian horse for the benefit of my wife and three daughters. Omar was just too good a deal to pass up even if I was the only one capable of riding him. He was very unhappy that he had been sent to new owners, and a strange pasture, separating him from his herd. Fearing he would jump the fence, I was forced to draw a higher strand of wire on the fence and mark his new boundary with rags. I spent the next three weeks trying to corner him so I could bridle and eventually saddle him. All of this was happening to my daughter’s delight who reminded me “Okay Dad, he’s your horse.” Real love was the gentle kindness that left “I told you so.” unsaid. We all five smiled as I picked myself up after being thrown. Giving the girls a German Shorthair hunting dog instead of a cuddly lap dog turned out to be a more popular gift than the horse. Andy, a frequent visitor to my Maryland pastorate, shared my preference for “practical” giving. His wife and children had received a recliner that “we can all use”, as well as kitchen and household items that “just make more sense”. Without further fuss, Andy’s wife and daughters celebrated his birthday with an unusually large number of beautifully wrapped gifts. Each of these he opened to discover soft and lacy feminine things that matched both the sizes of the ladies in his family and the color of his face.
Single people need to seek marriage and a lifetime love commitment based on the love that originates with God. You cannot start over. God can erase yesterday but you must start where you are now and move forward. There is no backing up in life. 1. If you are looking for something that doesn’t exist it is certain you will not find it. 2. Hollywood film romances are pretend. Actor’s lives are often sad. Placing your hopes on make believe can cause you to miss an opportunity for the real thing. 3. Marrying someone with the goal of changing them usually just changes what originally attracted you. 4. When Ronald Reagan’s wife decided to divorce he wrote “My loneliness was not from being unloved but rather from not loving.” You can love your mate into the person you will want to keep for life if they will allow you. Are you doing your part? 5. The person you are married to may grow into the person you have always desired. People usually mature at different ages. A lot of couples give up too soon.
Patiently God reveals His love. It is not based on what we have done for Him or who we are but who He is. “ . . . God is love”, I John 4:16, 8. True love is not learned in a seminar nor is it discovered in human relationships. Love without selfishness begins with God. In the Old Testament arranged marriage of Isaac 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
FEBRUARY 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: Rev. Robert A. Frederick, Jr. www.stbrendansatl.com
United Methodist
Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road, (770) 887-4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. www.bethelview.net (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway, (770) 887-2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. www.cfumcga.com (Child care available) Sunday Hispanic/Latino Worship: 12 noon Wednesday Communion Service: 12 noon Senior Pastor: Rev. John L. Cromartie, Jr. MY FORSYTH
Rev. Hill is a Cumming resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway, (770) 887-0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available for both services Pastor: Ted Miller • www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School all ages: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway, (770) 887-0770 Sunday Services Bible Study 10 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Bible Study 5 p.m. PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
OTHER CHURCHES
Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE | www.forsythbahais.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 977 0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net 41
Reference
[ Continued on page 43 ]
Cumming Area Clubs and Organizations Business Networking
Business 400 Meeting: First Tuesday 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Location: The Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, GA Contact: (877) 581-1039 or ron@business400.com Information: The goal is to provide the 400 Community the opportunity to effectively network and to view the 400 corridor as a single economic engine. Go to www.Business400. com for events and me membership info. $5 for members and $15 for guests at the door. Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Location: The Columns at Pilgrim Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright, (770) 886-0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Information: No fees. Open to all. Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thursdays 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location: New) Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen at tiffany@servpro8378.com or 770-887-1962 Information: $50 membership fee and $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. Forsyth Business Network Meeting: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. Location: Stars & Strikes, 133 Merchants Square Contact: Cheryl Campbell, cheryl@starsandstrikes.org Information: There is a membership fee, may visit twice for free. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: Third Wednesdays from 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple, (678) 965-5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tuesday at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: (770) 887-6461 or www.cummingforsythchamber.org Information: $15 for members and $30 for non-members
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
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
Political Organizations
Women Who Mean Business 42
Forsyth County Democratic Party MY FORSYTH
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.
Meeting: Location: Contact:
2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CooCoo’s Nest restaurant, corner of Freedom Parkway & Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming 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
FEBRUARY 2012
News from Senator Murphy
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 7] It is important to remember that while revenues have dropped since 2008, the state has seen an increase in the demand for services. The university system has seen 17% growth and technical schools have seen an increase of 46% from 2008 to 2011. The number of Medicaid and PeachCare recipients grew 17% during this time as well. In addition to covering these shortfalls, Governor Deal also announced a new set of initiatives. Accountability courts, post-conviction programs that allow the avoidance of prison in exchange for monitored treatment and recovery, has been expanded by $10 million. Anticipating needs in the health care field, the Governor recommended $9.2 million to cancerrelated research and training of health care professionals. Pre-K saw the restoration of 10 days to the school calendar, days that were cut last year due to declining lottery revenue. Other increases include a reading mentoring program, additional funding for school nurses; a Medicaid provider cut restoration, and increased capacity at the Department of Juvenile Justice. The senate’s top priority this session is enacting policy focused on job creation and economic growth, but without a doubt the 2011 budget is the biggest challenge we have. In order for us to make the targeted cuts we need, it is paramount that we take time to go over every area of each agency to analyze where and how these cuts can be made.
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
May God bless you and your family.
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
Ambition of an Entrepreneur [ Continued from page 23] where listeners are invited to become part of the show with live video feeds from the studio as well as interactive chat and multimedia visuals all in the name of education and entertainment for hobby enthusiast. When asked about the transition from a big bucks executive with a corporate jet to an upstart company on an industrial backstreet in Cumming, Cliff happily states, “everyone should start their own business, I now have a chance to watch my kids grow up and I haven’t had a headache in ten years.” Cliff and his team are a strong presence in our community and believe that encouraging children to craft and pilot remote control aircraft and vehicles does them good body and soul, from getting outdoors to stretching their math and science skills. Cliff says he likes to plant the seeds in kids for future carriers in aviation or business. It’s easy to see he’s found his passion and enjoys growing that passion in others. Up next? Watch for Cliff to expand the user-supported R.C. Radio Network into a television-type Internet broadcast, and perhaps pen a book about companies profiting by change and the rise and fall of the giant photo industry. In the meantime you can stop by to see Cliff and his crew at 6110 Parkway N Drive in Cumming, dial him at (678) 513-4450, or check out his websites at www.atlantahobby.com; www.RCRadioNetwork. com or www.mercuryadhesives.com. FEBRUARY 2012
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Schools
Forsyth County Tech Fair Winners Announced
Big Creek Elementary School student Callahan Thompson and Brookwood Elementary School student Jessie Bowman recently won the Forsyth County Tech Fair contest. The two elementary school students met to work on their project over the course of six weeks, working five Thursdays and two overnight weekends to prepare for their presentation. Their topic: The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Survival. They girls chose their topic after noticing the increase in popularity of TV shows about survival. In their guide the top things needed for survival were explained. They are:
• • • • •
Water Shelter Food Fire Medical Care
Their tips were presented in a simple and effective manner. Did you know that most places in the world have pure water on the surface? Water: The water on top (the surface) is cleaner than what is below it. Shelter: A bad place to put a shelter is a dry river bed. (In case of flash flooding.) Food: Do not eat any plants that have a milky sap or white berries. (Poisonous) Fire: It can be used to keep you warm and dry, for cooking, to help purify water, and to scare away insects and animals. Medical care: To slow bleeding calmly raise wound above heart level.
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Callahan is considering either becoming a physical therapist or something in broadcasting because she loves doing the news crew at Big Creek Elementary. Jessie is interested in pets/animals so she might pursue something in that field, thought she also enjoys broadcasting. Jessie is on her school’s news crew as well. Callahan prefers to do the teleprompter and copy editing while Jessie likes to be in from of the camera. What’s next for the dynamic duo? They are currently working on their oratorical contest projects, slated for presentation later this spring. This year’s theme is “The way my optimism helps me overcome obstacles is...” There’s no doubt we’ll be hearing more about Bowman and Thompson – whether winning awards, helping with special projects, or broadcasting the news. Whatever they choose to do, they will do so with efficiency and tenacity.
MY FORSYTH
FEBRUARY 2012
FEBRUARY 2012
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Reference Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government: President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Commissioners: R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) e-mail: rjamos@forsythco.com
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Atlanta Office: 100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1340 GA: Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
(202) 224-3521
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) Atlanta Office: One Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: www.isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 Georgia Office: Wachovia Center GA: 500 Jesse Jewel Parkway, Suite 301, Gainesville, GA 30503 Website: www.tomgraves.house.gov
(202) 225-5211 (770) 535-2592
Rep. Rob Woodall. (R), District 7 Post Office Box 1871 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Website: http://robwoodall.com
(770) 963-2420
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) Website: www.gov.state.ga.us fax:
County Manager Doug Derrer
(770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
(770) 661-0999
(770) 781.2101 fax : (770) 781.2199
(678) 513-5881
Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) e-mail: brtam@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5882
Todd Levent, District 3 (R) e-mail: tlevent@forsythco.com
(770) 781-2101
Patrick B. Bell, District 4 (R) e-mail: pbbell@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5884
Jim Boff, District 5 (R) e-mail: jjboff@forsythco.com
(678) 513-5885
Forsyth County School System Superintendent, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming Website: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.forsythco.com Board of Education: Ann Crow, District 1 (R) e-mail: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-2461
(770) 781-2110
(770) 490-6316
(404) 652-7003 (404) 652-7123
Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) e-mail: KMorrisey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 781-5222
LT. Governor Casey Cagle Website: www.gov.state.ga.us
(404) 656-5030
Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) e-mail: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 657-0810
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov fax:
(770) 887-1960 (770) 205-0602
Darla Light, District 4 e-mail: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 887-0678
Senator Steve Gooch (R), District 51 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov
(678) 341-6203 fax: (770) 844-5821
Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) e-mail: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(770) 889-0229
Rep. Mark Hamilton (R), District 23 e-mail: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov
(770) 844-6768
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 24 e-mail: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov
(770) 887-0400
City of Cumming Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Rep. Amos Amerson (R), District 9 e-mail: amos.amerson@house.ga.gov
(404) 657-8534
Cumming City Council Members: Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Ralph Perry, John Pugh and Rupert Sexton
Forsyth County Government: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2101 Website:www.forsythco.com fax: (770) 781-2199 46
(770) 781-2010
City Administrator Gerald Blackburn
(770) 781-2010
City Clerk Jeff Honea jhonea@cityofcumming.net
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FEBRUARY 2012
Reference Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — Cumming • (770) 615-3334 Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center Medical Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road Health Department 428 Canton Highway Fire and Law Enforcement City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road Georgia State Patrol Libraries Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road Parks and Recreation 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
FEBRUARY 2012
Forsyth County Marinas Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville
(770) 479-1703 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
(770) 844-3200 www.northside.com (770) 844-7494 (770) 886-7135 (770) 781-6906
(770) 781-2000 www.cummingpd.net (770) 781-2180 www.forsythco.com (770) 205-5400
(770) 781-9840 www.forsythpl.org (770) 781-9840 (770) 781-9840
(770) 781-2030
(770) 887-5432 (770) 887-5715
YMCA 6050 Y Street
(770) 888-2788
POST OFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road
(770) 886-2388
Schools Forsyth County Board of Education www.forsyth.k12.ga.us
See page 36 for complete listing (770) 887-2461
UTILITIES City of Cumming (770) 781-2020 Water & Sewer Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department (770) 781-2160 110 East Main Street www.forsythco.com Solid Waste Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill (770) 887-6063 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground www.advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC (770) 205-6912 2535 Ivy Street East Waste Management, Inc. (770) 751-1304 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta www.wm.com Recycling Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (770) 205-4573
(770) 781-2215 (678) 455-8540
Telephone AT&T Residential Business www.att.com
(770) 781- 2215
Georgia Power
888) 660-5890
(770) 781-3491
Sawnee Electric Membership
(770) 887-2363
(888) 757-6500 (866) 213-6300
(706) 216-7336 (770) 887-0006 (770) 887-7656 (678) 513-1000
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Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! ACCOUNTING North Georgia Accounting Consultants..........................43 770-888-7700 www.ngacinc.com
CHURCH/SERVICES Cumming First United Methodist.............................39 770-887-2900 www.cfumcga.org
AUTO REPAIR/CAR CENTER Scott’s Auto Center.. 24, 25, 45 www.scottsautocenter.org
CLEANING/WINDOWS/ROOF/ GUTTER Window Gang........................6 678-366-9778 www.windowngang.com
BOOKS/BOOK PUBLISHERS BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc........................21 770-346-9979 www.booklogix.com CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS Carpet Dry Tech..............7, 45 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com CHILD CARE/LEARNING CENTER The Learning Experience....30 678-455-8614 CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE Victoria’s Children’s Boutique...............................11 7770-888-7828 www.victoriaschildrenboutique.com CHIROPRACTOR Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation.............23, 26 678-456-9122 www.chiropractorcumming.com
COLLISION CENTER Main Source Collision..........22 770-889-1331 www.mainsourcecollision.com DENTISTS /ORTHODONTICS Jordan Dentistry..................31 770-888-6262 www.jordandentistry.com Windermere Orthodontics.....5 770-888-1929 www.orthodonticsatwindermere.com EDUCATION /INSTRUCTION Huntington Learning Center........ Inside Front Cover 770-205-2800 www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Pixelution Studios................23 678-945-7301 HAIR SALON Wendy Grosse OVO Salon.....................11. 45 678-469-4414 HOBBIES/GIFTS Atlanta Hobby......................15 678-513-4450 www.atlantahobby.com HOME CARE SERVICES Angels All Around................11 678-807-7801 www.angelshomecareservice.com HOME SALES/REAL ESTATE Marie Dinsmore .................. Inside Back Cover 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com JEWELRY STORE Lance’s Jewelry ....................... Back Cover, 45 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com
Pinecrest Academy .................. Inside Front Cover 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org
MAILING SERVICES/ PACKAGING The UPS Store, Bethelview.. 39 770-888-1502 www.theupstorelocal.com/6159
FLOWERS/GIFTS Funky Mountain Flowers and Gifts.....................................22 770-781-4616 www.funkymountain.com
PERSONAL TRAINING/ FITNESS Lanier Personal Training......29 770-888-0601 www.lanierpersonaltraining.com
PET ADOPTION/RESCUE Humane Society of Forsyth County....................14 770-889-1365; 770-887-6480 www.forsythpets.org PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Bates Photography.........4 770-617-7597 www.kimbatesphotoart.com Southern Kiwi Photography...7 404-583-0659 www.SouthernKiwiPhoto.com PHYSICIANS/ MEDICAL SERVICES Alpharetta Pediatrics...........27 678-947-4588, 770-664-4460 www.alpharettapediatricsonline.com North Atlanta ENT Associates...........................28 770-292-3045 www.naenta.com Northside Hospital Forsyth....1 770-844-3200 www.northside.com
Norman’s Landing...............19 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com SPECIAL EVENTS Bowl for Kids.......................17 678-341-8028 www.mentormenorthga.com CASA Superhero Run..........17 www.forsythcountycasa.org SPORTS/RUNNING SUPPLIES Totally Running....................21 678-341-8092 www.totallyrunning.com WEB HOSTING/ DEVELOPMENT GhostNet, Inc......................48 770-852-2292 www.ghostnetinc.com
RESTAURANTS / FOOD SERVICES Bello Italian Restaurant........20 770-888-1998 www.belloitalian.com Good Grub Subs.................19 678-701-5644 www.goodgrubsubs.com
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