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I’ . Northside Hospital is celebrating 30 years of bariatric excellence with the commitment to helping people battle obesity and take control of their lives. Call us to learn more about weight loss surgery and take that first step to a healthier you.
Atlanta (404) 845-5457 • Forsyth (770) 292-4726
northside.com/bariatrics
MY FORSYTH
>
THIS ISSUE
28
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CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2016
The Arbor Terrace Difference:
Setting a New Standard in Senior Living Page 14
Cancer:
A Fighting Chance Page 25
Elite Primary Care: Ready to See You Now! Page 28
LIFESTYLE 15: With Grace.. And a Privilege 15: That’s What Life Is All About!
FORSYTH FOODIE 22: Youth Foodie: Eat Right 24: Review: Coco’s
HEALTH & WELLNESS
44
30: Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat? 32: Women, Hearts and Health 34: What You Need to Know About Dry Eye 36: Take Care of Your Heart
EDUCATION 38: Leadership Forsyth: Where Leaders Learn 40: Longhorn Food Drive Feeds Hundreds
FAITH 44: The Heart of the Matter 45: Handle with Faith and Prayer
26
IN EVERY ISSUE 10: 11: 12: 17: 18: 47:
30
14
Forsyth County Government News News Around Forsyth Know Your Sheriff ’s Office Movie Review: “The Great Gatsby” Movie Review: “Top 10” The Country Preacher
iss a “don’t m e’re thing” w . mobile..
th.com
forsy www.my
FEBRUARY 2016
MY FORSYTH CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Market Complete LLC julie@marketcomplete.com 678.614.8583 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LouAnn Brownlee louann.myforsyth@gmail.com 404.242.6033 STAFF WRITER Katielee Kaner katielee.myforsyth@gmail.com Tanna Krewson Social Media Director 678.630.1203 tanna.krewson@gmail.com PRODUCTION INTERN Wendy Corona info@myforsyth.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Samantha Angeli samantha.angeli74@gmail.com 770.310.4486 PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Pendelton 678.208.077 adampendelton.com Kim Bates 770.617.7595 kimbatesphotoart.com PRINTING Rick Smith 678.910.0347 rsmith@newpointmediagroup.com MAILING SERVICES Chris Cawthon 404.379.6878 chris@mediamakergroup.com
The mission of My Forsyth magazine, a publication of Market Complete LLC, is to provide readers with a monthly publication with stories and information about their communities and its people. Each month, 22,000 copies of your community magazine are distributed via direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our rack distribution. We welcome your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the MarketComplete LLC. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2016 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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FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 7
MY FORSYTH
PUBLISHER’S LETTER THE ZEN OF CAREGIVERS
PUBLISHER’S
Caregivers are in a class of their own. Parents, teachers, physicians, nurses, social workers, and sitters are part of the spectrum of those who provide care. Depending on the knowledge, creativity, patience and efficiency of those who choose to take care of others not necessarily related to them by blood or friendship, many of us are dependent on caretakers to make sure our parents, children or family members are being helped by someone. Whether afflicted by Alzheimer’s, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, sudden loss of physical and/ or mental health, and a host of other reasons, there may come a time where we need to reach out and find someone to help us. I’ve personally seen the time, love, attention and devotion that caretakers bring to a family’s life. I’m forever grateful to Ms. Gloria, Iris and Greta, three wonderful women who, at one time or another, have taken care of someone in my family. What always fascinates me is that these wonderful ladies have become a part of our family with their love and caring ways. I’ll always remember the day my grandmother died. While at the funeral home I noticed three ladies holding hands and comforting each other while tears rolled down their cheeks. The ladies were my grandmother’s caretakers, who split their time to make sure that my grandmother was always provided for. These wonderful ladies were her constant companions and pillars of strength. Their love and support also benefitted my grandfather, my mother and me. A caretaker is often more than one who is employed to look after or take charge of goods, property, or a person; a custodian. These humanitarians become an integral part of a family, at times providing a clear view of something that others may see as a complication. Caregivers often provide calm, enlightenment, creativity, and joy to what may be a difficult situation. With heartfelt appreciation to all caregivers, we say thank you for your dedication to the well-being of our loved ones.
Julie Brennan Publisher | julie@marketcomplete.com
8 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
A gentle touch, a helping hand, A glow that makes you smile. Always near to comfort. And go that extra mile.
(from the poem Caregiver by Loraine (WilloRain)
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 9
FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS
SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEWS UPDATES FROM FORSYTH COUNTY
Register Today for Spring Break Camps Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is offering partial and full week spring break camps this April. The programs vary in location and theme, and are offered for children ages four through fifteen. Options for spring break camp include an art camp at Old Atlanta Park, gymnastics camp at Fowler Park, and a science camp at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
Stay up-to-date with Forsyth County government by signing up to receive county updates by email. You’ll receive emails about county news, programs and services, as well as the county’s monthly newsletter, The Current. Just look for ‘Get News Updates’ on the right side of the home page at www.forsythco.com to subscribe.
To view the full listing of spring break camps, visit www.forsythco.com/parks and click to download the “Winter/Spring 2016 Activity Guide”.
Connect with the Forsyth County Animal Shelter on Facebook
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE SCHEDULED FOR 2016
Are you looking for the perfect pet for your family? Visit the Forsyth County Animal Shelter, located just off of GA 400 at 4065 County Way in norther Forsyth County, to find a dog or cat who is ready to find a forever home! Connect with the Animal Shelter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ForsythCountyAnimalShelter. The shelter’s hours for adoptions are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to UNTY 5 p.m. The shelter’s hours FORSYTH CO T to drop-off or reclaim an GOVERNM,ESuNite 210 animal are Tuesday through reet 110 E. Main St Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 TV Forsyth – nel 23 p.m. Visit www.forsythco. Comcast Chan m co o. hC com/animalshelter or call yt Fors 678-965-7185 for more information.
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An update to the Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for 2016 with public workshops anticipated to begin in March and set to continue through the summer. A new plan is expected to be adopted prior to the close of 2016. This will be a full update focused upon advancing newly identified community goals with a fresh vision for future land use. The public will be encouraged to participate via public meeting announcements throughout the year. Stay tuned and visit www.forsythco.com for updates on this process and come join us to help create a core vision for the county’s long-range future.
NEWS AROUND FORSYTH
CALIBER PATIENT CARE NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION Cheryl Kearny, owner of Caliber Patient Care, a nonemergency transportation company, is pleased to announce that they are open and servicing Forsyth and Gwinnett counties. Caliber provides quality patient transport including trips to doctor’s appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, chemotherapy, hospital discharges and other transport needs. According to Kearny, Caliber specializes in safe, sensitive and secure transportation. A complete line of transportation services is offered, including ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher. “All of the services come with an above standard ‘Bedside-to-Doctorside’ level of care,” Kearny explained. The company has trained certified driver-technicians, superb on-time service rating, and new comfortable ADA compliant wheelchair and stretcher vans. For more information please contact 404-906-4647.
BE A CHAMPION OF
YES!
Registration is Underway for the 2016 Walk to Cure Arthritis. Organizers of the 2016 Walk to Cure Arthritis on May 7, 2016 are ready to sign up Forsyth County teams. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis raises money to fight and cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Whether you are close to the disease or simply looking for an inspiring charity event, Walk to Cure Arthritis is a great way to experience the power of standing together and giving back to the community. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs.
t Kelly For details contac at Maliska 678-237-4468 or s.org. kmaliska@arthriti
SOUTH FORSYTH ROTARY CLUB HOSTING 22ND ANNUAL MONTE CARLO NIGHT There’s a Great Gatsby in all of us, at least according to the South Forsyth Rotary Club. Tickets are on sale for the annual charity fundraiser, scheduled for March 5th starting at 7:30 pm at the Forsyth Conference Center. The evening features music by The Sounds of Sawnee Big Band, a 20-piece orchestra, casino games, food and drinks, silent auction and raffle. The event raises funds for local organizations. Proceeds from last year’s event helped Forsyth YMCA Camps for Kids, Jesse’s House, Bald Ridge Boys Lodge and Literacy Forsyth. Tickets are available online at rotarymontecarlonight.com.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 11
MY FORSYTH | SHERIFF NEWS
KNOW YOUR
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Forsyth County Sheriff ’s Office Headquarters has recently moved. To better serve the citizens of Forsyth County, we are now centralized in one location, the Forsyth County Courthouse Annex at 100 E Courthouse Square. The Office of the Sheriff, the Office of the Chief Deputy, the Office of Professional Standards, Finance, Human Resources and the Operations Division are located in the Headquarters building.
Other services provided to Forsyth County citizens include: Ordinance and Permits Unit • Background checks • Alcohol Sales Permits • Massage Parlor Permits • Raffle Applications • Fingerprinting for firearms permits and more Animal Control • Classified Dog Registration • Rabies Registration Civil Unit • Property Seizures • Summonses • Evictions • Writs • Temporary Protection Orders • FiFas • Condemnations
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Duane K . Piper, Sheriff
Office hours are still Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Sheriff ’s Office is accessed through the front door of the Courthouse Annex on the street level. Probate Court occupies the lower level of the building and can be accessed through the rear door at the parking lot level. Anyone visiting this building may park at one of the two parking decks in downtown Cumming. There is marked parking in the employee parking lot for visitors with disabilities who need to access this building. Although the records section of the Sheriff ’s Office is not in the Courthouse Annex, they have moved to the new Forsyth County Jail, which is directly across the street. This move does not only accommodate our citizens by having Sheriff ’s Office services in one central location, but this also saves tax payer money by utilizing an unused building rather than renting office space.
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ED STAY INFORM
Facebook Follow us on ook.com/ at www.faceb tySO ForsythCoun
©2016 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.
When it’s urgent care, you can still get Children’s care.
Minor illnesses and injuries can happen anytime. When they do, you don’t have to settle for anything less than our doctors and nurses, who are specially trained to care for your child. And with our online scheduling, you can get in line for check-in before you leave home. Learn more at choa.org/urgentcare.
CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH | 410 PEACHTREE PARKWAY, CUMMING FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 13
THE ARBOR TERRACE DIFFERENCE: Setting a New Standard in Senior Living Offering a variety of senior living options, Levels of Care including apartments, memory care and assisted living, Arbor Terrace is setting a new tone for convenient, quality and caring standards for those seeking a place to live their happy golden years.
“As a community of caregivers we are here for one purpose: to engage and enrich the health and spirit of our residents. We honor individuality and celebrate each person’s unique life through deep connections with our residents and families,” explained Beth Richardson, Arbor Terrace’s Director. “We create delightful surprises and meaningful moments within a safe and caring community.” We are thankful for Arbor Terrace! “Our mom, Bonnie, is one of the founding residents. When we realized that the John’s Creek facility was being built, we added Arbor Terrace to the search list for a place for Mom, and from the beginning we were impressed. A visit to the Roswell location to see a functioning Arbor facility confirmed it was the type of place we were hoping for. Now that Mom is here, we can say that the facility is even better than we’d hoped for. It is a lovely place, beautifully decorated! And the staff are all so friendly and helpful. It’s clear to see that they are meant to be in their roles, they care about what they do and care for Mom. We are very happy with Arbor Terrace!” - Lisa H.
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Arbor Terrace offers four levels of care, ranging from minimal assistance to full assistance with all daily activities. For those looking for a safe environment for their loved ones who are not diagnosed with complete memory loss yet need some level of assistance, Arbor Terrace offers the innovative Bridges program. Residents are under the careful care of staff specifically trained to understand the progression of memory disorders. If a higher level of care is necessary due to memory impairments, Arbor Terrace offers the Evergreen memory care program. This program provides structured, daily programming geared towards preserving independence and self-value while at the same time providing the “just right” support and guidance to fill the day with friendly and familiar experiences. “Creating meaningful and lasting relationships is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’ve created a program specially designed to allow us to engage and enrich the health and spirit of each resident. We call it Engaged Living,” stated Becky Wagner, Engagement Director. Engaged Living combines a life-enriching program where residents are able to learn, connect and socialize. The Engaged Living Program is anchored in four facets of daily life: deep connections, resident care, dining and people. Arbor Terrace also offers unique dining experiences for their residents. Dining options that meet residents’ nutritional needs in an environment that is relaxed and enjoyable are available and carefully developed by their Chef, nutritionist and staff.
Mom is a new person.
“We moved our mother into the Evergreen (memory care) neighborhood at Arbor Terrace from another local community. She is a new person, much happier, and all of our stress levels have dropped dramatically.” - Family Member
A Matter of Living Arbor Terrace’s directors and staff share a common goal: that every resident remain as independent and active as possible. To accomplish their goal, they understand the need to offer a balance of programs that help each resident make the most of their day. “Through partnerships within the local community, we are able to offer a variety of programs to maintain physical and cognitive functioning while providing a balance to meet other social and spiritual needs,” added Beth Richardson. For a tour of the facility, call 770-790-0891.
of Johns Creek Arbor Terrace te Drive 3180 Karen Whi 024 30 Suwanee, GA 9 8 770-790-0 1 pany.com/ www.arborcom -creek/ location/johns
DEmentia
impacts your
whole family
There’s no getting around it: dementia is hard on everyone involved. But it is possible to lessen the load. We’re here to help with a progressive approach to assisted living for memory loss that redefines the traditional idea of memory care, bringing peace of mind to everyone in your family. Our two neighborhoods of memory care provide just the right amount of assistance at just the right time.
Schedule a private tour with our trained senior care counselors to learn how we can help.
(770) 999-9577 3180 Karen White Drive Suwanee, GA 30024 www.at-johnscreek.com FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 15 2016-0108 JC
MY FORSYTH | MOVIE REVIEW
WITH GRACE… & A PRIVILEGE
The Great Gatsby
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton Director: Baz Luhrmann • Rated PG-13 Destiny is defined as “the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate.” People who believe their lives are planned out before then will stop at nothing. To get there they will even risk it all. Guided by his determination and inextinguishable hope, a man will fight against the odds to get the love of his life and achieve his “God given destiny” in Baz Luhrmann’s film “The Great Gatsby”. Based on the novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this movie follows a man named Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, and how his new friendship with the mysterious man Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, drags him into the battle of secrets, infidelity, and Gatsby’s search for his long lost love. There’s so much to love in this movie. I love how Baz Luhrmann stayed with the vintage 1922 feel and atmosphere but sprinkled some modern feels and music in it. The outfits perfectly fit each character and the cars are true beauties. I love how the lighting helped to keep a specific tone during parts of the movie. Like bright for happy and dark or gloomy for sad. This breathtaking movie taught me a lot. It taught me that someone is always watching. For you, it might be “the man upstairs” or people out in public. It also taught me that there’s no changing the past. No matter how much you wish to go back and live in those memories the past is gone. However, we all have a gift, the present. If you choose to stay with the past and ignore the present, that’s OK. I’m going to take my presents and run to the future with them. Just like Tom Buchanan, played by Joel Edgerton, says “Life is something you dominate.” So what are we waiting for? Let’s dominate!
RATING: 100%
Lacey Verrill is a junior at Forsyth Central High School with a passion for writing and big dreams of becoming an Oscar-winning screenwriter.
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by Monica Miller
It was an historic moment in my life. If it hasn’t already happened to you… it’s coming. The day when you discover that first gray hair on your head. Mother Nature’s distinct way of giving you highlights without the high salon prices! When I saw the little guy in all its sparkling splendor standing out from the rest, my mouth dropped…and then I laughed. One of my hairs was doing its own thing- there was no denying it! I laughed in my bathroom and welcomed it to the bunch. I didn’t pluck it. My mother warned me years ago that if you pluck one, seven will sprout up around it. I’m not sure if that’s a scientific fact, but it was enough to scare me straight and not pull it out. Perhaps it was her cue to her daughters to embrace change and age with grace. As I’m growing in years, I’m learning that change is ever present. It’s how we react to that change that will determine our sanity and our overall happiness. I wasn’t going to let one silver strand steal my joy. In fact, I took that moment to thank God for allowing me to get to an age where I am fortunate enough to be the recipient of a touch of gray. Some people simply don’t live to see the day. For that reason I see signs of aging as a privilege. I happily embrace the lines around my eyes and lips as signs that I’ve smiled a great deal in my years. And now this gray hair is providing me the opportunity to change the way I part my hair. What a privilege!
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 17
MY FORSYTH | MOVIE REVIEW
With the 88th Academy Awards coming up on February 28th Hollywood is abuzz with end of the year Best-Of lists and trying to rank their favorite films of the year. I myself always come up with a Top 10 ranking every year as well. I am sharing my list with you here in the hopes that my opinion may introduce you to some new movies that either flew under your radar that you would like to seek out or perhaps shine a spotlight on a film that you yourself loved.
1. Spotlight Directed by Tom McCarthy 10 out of 10 An investigative exploration of the Catholic priest molestation scandal that broke in the early 2000’s in Boston makes for one of the best acted intricately plotted movies of 2015. Stand Out Performance: Mark Ruffalo
2. Inside Out Directed by Pete Doctor 9 out of 10 An emotional rollercoaster that touches on every reason why growing up can be so hard and your emotions can run away from you in ways you cannot understand. The best Pixar movie since Wall*E. Stand Out Performance: Phyllis Smith
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens Directed by J.J. Abrams 9 out of 10 It was such a thrill to sit in a Star Wars film and not know all of the twists and revelations yet. A true return to the galaxy far, far away that fans have been clamoring for almost 30 years. Stand Out Performance: Daisy Ridley
4. Straight Outta Compton Directed by F. Gary Gray 9 out of 10 A truly masterfully told tale of the rise of Gangster Rap in the late 80’s and the impact it had on the music industry, America and especially the performers from the rap group N.W.A. Stand Out Performance: Jason Mitchell
7. The Martian
10. The Revenant
Directed by Ridley Scott 8 out of 10 A gripping tale of survival set on Mars which is quite possibly the most inhospitable place imaginable. Based on the novel by Andy Weir the science-speak translates to film so well. Stand Out Performance: Matt Damon
Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu 8 out of 10 Dazzling cinematography really draws the audience in to this desperate tale of survival and revenge. The tumultuous story of making this film could be the basis of its own movie in a few years. Stand Out Performance: Leonardo DiCaprio
8. Room
Directed by Quentin Tarantino 9 out of 10 The 8th film by Tarantino delivers on all cylinders. In what could easily be called his most dialogue heavy and possibly his most violent film yet he continues to amaze. A+ score as well! Stand Out Performance: Sam Jackson
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson 8 out of 10 An adaptation of a book that seemed unfilmable should not work as well as this one does. The unique point of view translates to film so well with adept camera work and tight directing. Stand Out Performance: Brie Larson
6. Steve Jobs
9. Ant-Man
Directed by Danny Boyle 9 out of 10 With a unique storytelling structure Aaron Sorkin writes an unflinching portrayal of an innovative but deeply damaged genius. Razor sharp dialogue makes this a gripping slow burner of a film. Stand Out Performance: Kate Winslet
Directed by Peyton Reed 8 out of 10 Marvel reinvents the Superhero genre yet again by turning this origin story about Ant-Man, the little known founding member of The Avengers, and turning it into a comedic heist movie. Stand Out Performance: Michael Peña
5. The Hateful Eight
18 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
tions: Honorable Men 10) of Carol (8 out t ou of 10) Ex Machina (8 Road Mad Max: Fury 10 (8 out of ) aur The Good Dinos ) 10 (8 out of The Big Short (8 out of 10)
David James Ray Mason graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies with focus on Film Criticism and Director Studies from East Carolina University in 2008. He enjoys a wide range of films including foreign, avant garde, cult cinema, indies, modern blockbusters and especially the classics.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 19
THAT’S WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT! As we sat and shared stories of what has been going on in our lives the past year and a half, I realized that this is what life is all about; spending time with cherished friends that add value to our lives and encourage us, who demonstrate kindness, grace and passion. This describes my friend Julie. I couldn’t believe it had been that long since we got together. I have to say that the primary reason for the delay has been my crazy schedule, trying to fit 50 lbs. into a 10 lb. sack! Now Julie on the other hand, works hard but has an incredible gift to connect with everyone she meets. It seems like everywhere I go people know her and love her… I call her the Mayor. She knows how to make time for others and enjoy life. Even after a tragic loss a year and a half ago, she has an incredible positive outlook on life and people. Now this is the kind of person you want to hang with. How about you? Do you make the effort to schedule time with friends that build you up and when you walk away you feel inspired and energized? I had heard a podcast with Joel Osteen and he talked about the 2-minute people, 2-hour people and 2-day people. You can probably figure out what that means but just in case: 2-minute people are the ones that suck the life out of you with their negative attitude and drama, the 2-day people are the ones that bring out the best in you and you walk away feeling optimistic and hopeful, and the 2-hour are everyone in between. There are many lessons I have learned in life but two key ones are: • Be intentional about making time to connect with others. • Be intentional to plan that time with those “2 -day” people.
What do you say? Do an inventory of those in your life and determine who you want to spend time with, get out that calendar, make that call, and send that text or email. Book it! That’s what life is all about! Christine Roberts volunteers with Mentor Me North Georgia. She is also an author, speaker, consultant, certified child advocate, wife and mother of two children. She may be reached at christine@cmrobertsllc.com 20 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 21
MY FORSYTH | YOUTH FOODIE
EAT RIGHT
Making healthy food choices is important not only for adults but for kids as well. To find out
more about this, I interviewed Amanda Wooden, a corporate nutritional consultant, who gave me a lot of good advice and tips about healthy eating. When I asked Amanda what to have more of in a lunch, she suggested making a rainbow with fruits and vegetables. For example, on Monday eat an apple, Tuesday eat an orange, Wednesday a banana, Thursday a cucumber, and Friday some
22 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
blueberries. You get the point! If you are like me and go straight for the candy jar when you get home, add a glass of milk with it – it’s one of the best things for you with lots of protein and calcium, and it helps keep you hydrated. Another tip is to divide your dinner plate into sections – half of your plate should be filled with vegetables or fruit, a quarter should be a whole grain, and a quarter a meat or a protein. For a lot of people (even me), that doesn’t happen as often as it should, but that’s my goal. A lot of kids focus on bringing a cool lunch, but that’s not always the healthiest choice. So remember, being healthy IS cool! Instead of choosing candy to munch on, how about choosing some grapes instead? Do you bring pudding in your lunch? Maybe try some yogurt. There are so many healthy alternatives out there. How about finding one and sharing it with friends and family? For a healthy lunch, I know it’s smelly, but tuna is the healthiest meat to choose. You can mix in a little mayo, celery, pickles and even some boiled egg. Put it on a sandwich or crackers. Some other healthy things for lunch are carrot sticks, cucumber slices, celery, and other veggies or fruits. One suggestion Amanda had, that I really love, is edamame – small soybeans in the pod. They are tasty and filled with fiber and protein. Oranges and clementines also make a
great afternoon snack – healthy, sweet, and fun! Small changes in our eating habits can make a difference in our lives. Try to start going for the fruit bowl instead of the candy bowl. Staying healthy is hard because of the world we live in – we don’t have recess time and don’t get out to play as much as we should. A lot of things say they are healthy but, if you read the ingredients on a label, they are not. For example, smoothies seem healthy but some are full of sugar. Healthy breakfast is another thing to be aware of – if your cereal is so sweet and tastes like candy or peanut butter, take a look at the label and see if you can find a similar but healthier option. You can also add some peanut butter and fruit to breakfast to give you more energy. Salads also can be really good for you but, when they are loaded down with dressing, cheese, and bacon, they become unhealthy. One option, instead of mayonnaisebased dressing use olive oil and vinegar or dressing made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. To sum up, healthy should be a verb, not an adjective – eat a variety of foods, stay active, and drink lots of water. Make the simple changes it takes to make healthy choices, and you will see and feel the difference. Ava Clavijo, age 12, is a student at Otwell Middle School. She enjoys trying new foods and restaurants.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 23
MY FORSYTH | FORSYTH FOODIE
COCO’S CUBAN RESTAURANT Flavors and spices mixed with great Latin music make every visit to Coco’s Cuban Restaurant a fun experience. My friends smile as my head bubbles to the beat of the salsa music, while the aroma of cilantro, onions, garlic and other flavorful and aromatic spices are blended to create the unique flavors that make Cuban food so great to eat.
It seemed I could only find really good Cuban food in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami or mom’s house. Now I can drive to a small strip on Buford Highway and treat myself to really good food. Rice and black beans, along with Cuban bread, are staples in Cuban restaurants. Coco’s has some of the best Cuban bread I’ve been able to find in North Georgia. Nicely toasted with a bit of butter, it is pretty close to the bread I’m used to getting at our local bakery back home. Some of my favorite dishes include empanadas, Cuban sandwich, masitas de cerdo (fried pork chunks) and their fish filets. The empanadas are hefty and filled with perfectly seasoned beef or chicken. One empanada and a cup of coffee and I’m golden! The Cuban sandwich has nice layers of hand pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles. The sandwich is hot-pressed to perfection. A Cuban sandwich and a glass of Materva… yep, golden! Masitas de puerco are nicely prepared and accompanied with rice and beans. A masterful combination that makes me happy … and yes, with the right drink, golden! The fish is fresh and nicely prepared. Coco’s offers a choice of sauces that blend quiet well with the fish. No Cuban meal would be complete without dessert, and choices are plenty at Coco’s. Flan, Tres Leches, Rice Pudding, Mango Pie and Guava and Cheese Plate are a few of their offerings. Try one of these with a cup of coffee… and you know the rest!
Coco’s Cuban Restaurant 1240 Buford Hwy. Cumming, GA 30041 770-888-5668 Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am – 9 pm 24 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Next time you are in the mood for a little adventure in the tastes of Cuban cuisine, give Coco’s a try. And don’t be rushed… take time to enjoy the music while you are there!
CANCER: A FIGHTING
CHANCE By Sara Simmons
A cancer diagnosis has a tremendous impact on a myriad of people – with the cancer patient being the most affected. From changes in daily routines to relationships, cancer patients stand in a position that brings unexpected life-challenges that are personal to each. Sometimes referred to as the battle of a lifetime, each individual’s battle is their own. On every patient’s corner is a resource of individuals who fight the battle the best they know how – whether by providing healthcare, moral support, and sometimes quiet prayers. The value of caretakers is undisputable.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 25
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I met Eddie Gaitan a few years ago, while visiting a friend at her work. Gaitan has worked as a volunteer at Northside Hospital Forsyth since 2012. The father of four and grandfather of one, Gaitan battled cancer head-on since his first diagnosis in 2001. A second diagnosis of cancer in a different area of his body occurred in 2014. Eddie’s journey is, as he refers to it, an ongoing crusade towards health and living. “It’s not about a fight in as much as living with a disease that does not define me; it is something that is part of my body that I will do all that I can to get rid of – to exterminate. Cancer does not define who I am or how I live my life, though it may make it a bit taxing at times, ” explained Eddie with a contagious smile that all of us who know him have grown accustomed to. Whether an individual’s cancer journey is a public or a personal one, what is important is their wish to live and to be seen and treated as living beings and not cancer-stricken humans. Their will to survive is powerful and, thanks to the advances in medical treatment, the battles have a new arsenal at their disposal. 26 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Treatment: Innovations and Good ‘ol Fashion Medicine An online search will bring about hundreds of articles about innovations in the areas of detection, treatment and prevention of cancer. A recent article by MD Anderson discussed the advances in the operating room, where surgeons are not just excising tumors; they’re testing innovative therapies to stop cancer in its track. The ultimate question remains: does innovation allow doctors to manage a cancer patient’s disease and return them to a reasonable quality of life? Meet Dr. Sanjay Athavale, a physician at Northside Hospital Forsyth specializing in the treatment of diseases affecting the head and neck, including robotic surgery. “Robots have a special place in cancer treatment,” explained Dr. Athavale. “The advantages that technology brings are unparalleled, as is being a part of this growing technologically-advanced world we live in. However, robots are a tool at our disposal.”
The advantages that technology brings are unparalleled, as is being a part of this growing technologicallyadvanced world we live in. However, robots are a tool at our disposal.
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“Robots,” Dr. Athavale added, “allow surgeons to perform surgery in a minimallyinvasive, less traumatic manner. This typically allows for a shorter recovery time.” Oropharyngeal cancers are up 225% since the late 1980s. Researchers associate this rise with the spread of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Athavale specializes in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancers.
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I still have a lot of fight left in me seems to resonate among the cancer patients I have met over the years; perhaps as a reminder to us all that life, after all, is worth living. Traditionally, radiation and chemotherapy have been used to treat oral cancers, and patients’ prognoses are generally good, according to experts in the field. But long-term side effects of radiation include scarring, tightness in the throat, trouble swallowing and loss of saliva; effects that patients wish to avoid at all cost. These long-term effects may be lessened with the use of robotic technology. “Behind each robotic procedure is a human being, a surgeon just like myself that can reach affected areas in the neck and throat with more precision and accuracy,” Dr. Athavale asserted. “Picture if you will the miniaturization of a human being that can go into specific areas and manipulate the infected site(s) and get rid what is affecting the person – the cancer cells.” “It’s not all about the robot, it’s about taking care of the problem,” added Dr. Athavale.
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“Patients affected by cancer want to know that their surgeon and healthcare team have the tools necessary to make them better.” Recently, Northside Hospital Forsyth invested in state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate the treatment of head and neck cancers. The Leksell Gamma Knife® radiosurgery system aids in the treatment of tumors and neurological conditions, providing advanced and noninvasive technology. Dr. Athavale is quick to point out that today’s cancer patients have many options to choose from, surgery being one of them. “I help each patient choose the best treatment available to them.” A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment Models for teaming and the dimensions for team effectiveness have been in place for many years; they derive from the human relations model of management. An interdisciplinary approach to service delivery presupposes interaction among the disciplines. Not only are individuals from several disciplines working toward a common goal, but the team members have the additional responsibility of the group effort (Rothberg, 1981). This approach necessitates effective communication among the various individuals involved in the patient’s rehabilitation (Melvin, 1989). The team includes not only the professionals but the patient and his or her family and significant others as well. “At Northside Hospital Forsyth we use a multi-disciplinary approach when determining how to treat our patients. This simply means we have a team which includes doctors (medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologist), nurses, genetic counselors, research nurses, social workers, and nurse navigators. This team is dedicated to discuss and determine the best treatments available for a patient and their diagnosis,” explained Niti Patel, RN, MSN, OCN, Oncology Services manager at the hospital.
A Patient’s Point of View “The reality of being diagnosed with throat cancer was, at first, a shock. It quickly became real and at times overwhelming,” stated William Conine, a cancer survivor. Surgery, treatments, lifestyle changes, personal challenges and motions at times engulfed me,, but what was most important was having the right team on my side and my wish to survive, to live,” Conine added. Technology advances provide tools for the fight. Highly-skilled and trained, caring healthcare professionals are equipped to use those tools to treat each individual patient. “I still have a lot of fight left in me” seems to resonate among the cancer patients I have met over the years; perhaps as a reminder to us all that life, after all, is worth living.
FORSYTH CANCER CENTER 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 140 Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: (770) 292-7000 NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL FORSYTH 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: (770) 844-3200
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 27
MY FORSYTH | COVER STORY
ELITE PRIMARY CARE: READY TO SEE YOU NOW
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Family physicians focus on the treatment of individuals
of all ages, from children to the elderly, with an emphasis on health issues including those related to early childhood,
obesity and fitness, COPD, pain management, tobacco and nicotine addiction, and nutrition, to name a few. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, in the increasingly fragmented world of health care, one thing remains constant: family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person. Family medicine’s cornerstone
is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care.
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Family physicians focus on the treatment of individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, with an emphasis on health issues including those related to early childhood, obesity and fitness, COPD, pain management, tobacco and nicotine addiction, and nutrition, to name a few.
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A patient-centered medical practice, Elite Primary Care is ready to serve the needs of individuals and families. The practice aims to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the care delivered while responding to each patient’s unique needs and preferences. “We are excited to bring our expertise to
Forsyth County,” explained Dr. Peter Wrobel, Elite’s Medical Director. “Our healthcare staff is highly-trained and ready to take care of all who seek our help.” While choosing a primary healthcare provider may sometimes be limited because of an individual’s insurance restrictions, due diligence on the part of each person is very important when looking for the best primary care physician that will meet their specific needs. “We strive to exceed the expectations of our patients,” stated Leanne Edwards, practice manager.
“An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The Importance of Choosing a Primary Care Physician Though going to the doctor seems to only come to mind when something is wrong, it is best to establish a relationship with a physician that will monitor one’s health at all times. A routine health exam may uncover conditions such as high blood pressure or even hormonal imbalances due to glandular problems. “Health problems like these can go unnoticed by the patient for years and could result in serious chronic health issues,” Dr. Wrobel explained. Annual exams helps Elite physicians guide each patient toward healthy lifestyle habits that may decrease the likelihood that they’ll need expensive specialty care. Nothing can really give you a feel for whether you’ve selected the right doctor like an office visit and a face-to-face meeting. “Whether a phone Care call or a visit to our Elite Primary ew office, we welcome is accepting n individuals to find ct ta patients. Con out more about our their office at practice by asking for questions and getting 470-695-7264 tion. to know us,” Edwards more informa added. FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 29
MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS
It is clear that thin is in and has been for the last decade or more. Current trends like
the thigh gap and the amount of money spent in the United States on weight loss programs points to the obsession we have with fat. Research has weighed in (pun intended) that both genetics and free-will play a major role in our weight. Recent discovery of the FTO gene, and the resultant obesity if the gene is mutated indicates that some people have a hereditary cause for obesity. Having said that, large identical twin studies from California show that people with the exact same genetic make-up can or cannot become obese based on their lifestyle. So what is fat, and why do we need it? Fat (or triglycerides) are an essential source of energy for humans. A calorie is a measure of this energy, and it is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. But not all foods are the same. A gram of proteins or carbohydrates contain enough energy for four calories, whereas fats provide energy for nine calories. If we are all marathon runners it probably doesn’t matter how many calories (and fat) we are consuming. A fat cell (or adipocyte) serves several purposes in your body. Primarily, fat cells are storage containers of fat. If you look at a fat cell under the microscope you see a small cell body and a large space filled with triglycerides. When you gain weight, you don’t make many new fat cells. Rather 30 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
the storage space stretches to accommodate the increase in fat. (As a side note, cellulite develops because the bulging fat cells push against tethering points between your muscles and skin.) Fat cells also serve to protect and insulate your body, and they are a source for enzymes that produce steroid hormones like estrogen and leptin. Fat cells are essential, but only in moderation. Losing fat is not impossible, but losing fat cells is extremely difficult. As we covered earlier when you lose weight you will deplete the fat stores within the fat cells of your body, but you will not lose the fat cells themselves. Losing weight is not easy, but it does come down to a simple formula of consuming fewer calories than you burn on a daily basis. Counting calories, eating protein rich foods or juice cleansings all work in the short term, but remember that a healthy lifestyle is a marathon and not a sprint (pun intended). Both surgical and non-surgical treatments have been developed to help trim excess fat cells from your body. Two non-surgical treatments that I am familiar with are Kybella injections and CoolSculpting. Kybella is the new, FDA approved injectable that has been proven to “melt” the fat away from your neck and double chin. This liquid necklift works, because it is a chemical similar to the ones in your intestines that break up and help absorb the fats in your foods. By injecting it into your neck, your body will slowly absorb the excess fat over a two to three month period. For larger
areas of the body, selectively freezing the fat cells with CoolSculpting can remove 25% to 35% of the bulk in your love handles, waist, thighs or virtually anywhere else. The process takes about an hour and there is minimal to no downtime. Liposuction is a surgical procedure where large portions of your fat cells are removed from your body with a cannula and suction machine. There are many new terms added to standard liposuction like SmartLipo, VASER, BodyJet, and LASER lipo that include new gadgets and usually increased costs. In some instances these new techniques are better, and in most instances they are not. Results from liposuction are considerably more dramatic than non-surgical treatments; however, the swelling, bruising and pain are more and they last longer. Please see your board-certified plastic surgeon for further advice. If you are worried about fat, you are not alone. In truth, genes may play a role as to how you look in those jeans, but your choices are most important. Set nutrition and exercise as a healthy goal first, and visit your plastic surgeon second. Hunter Moyer, MD is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is also an active member of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Research Council and Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Moyer may be reached at 404.250.3393.
MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS
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Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women.”
WOMEN, HEARTS, AND HEALTH Thanks to high profile awareness programs like the Red Dress Campaign and Go Red for Women there is increased recognition that heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. We have made great strides in reducing cardiovascular death rates but since 1984, at any age, death remain higher in women than men. In certain ethnic groups (Blacks, Native Americans and South Asian women) the risk for heart attacks is disproportionally high. Women present later with their heart attacks, are diagnosed later, respond less well to treatments and have more complications. These findings are highlighted in an important scientific statement published January 2016 by the American Heart Association. Rather than focus on grim statistics there is a lot that women can do proactively to prevent heart attacks. TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) is very important. While smoking is declining in the U.S., women have not shown the same rate of decline. Multiple resources to help 32 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
quit smoking are available and should be tried. Weight gain and obesity are increasing in women and result in a higher incidence of diabetes and heart disease. Carbohydrate restriction, smaller portion sizes, and increased physical activity can reverse this trend. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol reading and blood glucose are an important part of prevention. Please take the time to get these checked through your primary care professionals or at health fairs. Psychosocial stressors are a major contributor to heart disease risk. They are often unrecognized and untreated. Depression, marital stress, excessive workloads, physical and sexual abuse are all worrisome risk factors that need to be addressed. Recognizing symptoms is another important aspect of prevention. The classic descriptions of chest pain (pressure, tightness and squeezing) certainly do exist in women but many other varied presentations also can represent a heart attack. Sharp, aching, soreness in the chest,
fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety, neck and jaw discomfort, indigestion and palpitations should not be ignored if they are severe or recurrent. Women often put family needs above their own which also contributes to delayed presentation and consequently worse outcomes. On average, heart disease presents seven years later in women than men: but women are not average! If you have risk factors, family history, and symptoms do not ignore them. While your body’s own estrogens provide protection to women, unfortunately hormone supplements do not. They actually increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. They should be used sparingly when needed to relieve perimenopausal symptoms. In general, treatment of heart attacks presently is no different in women versus men. That is not to say that this is correct. Too many of our devices and drugs have not been adequately tested in women. Women are underrepresented in most clinical trials thus limiting our understanding. Much of this relates to a lack of family and social support that would allow for greater participation. Similar participation concerns for cardiac rehabilitation have been seen. I encourage women to increase their participation in high quality clinical trials so that future therapies can be tailored more specifically for them. Women represent more than half the world’s population—its time that their heart health take an equally significant importance! Narendra Singh, MD, FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, and the Director of Clinical Research, Atlanta Heart Specialists LLC, Atlanta, GA. Dr. Singh may be reached at 678-679-6800 or DrSingh@ahsmed.com. www.heartdrsingh.com.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 33
MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS The Importance of Tears Although you might not realize it, your eyes constantly produce tears. Tears are needed to keep the front of your eyes moist and comfortable. They help remove tiny specks of debris or dust from the eyes. When something falls into your eye, tear production increases, in an attempt to wash away the foreign object.
What You Need to Know About Dry Eye If you have never suffered from dry eye, you might not appreciate how important your tears are to your eye health. Without
enough moisture, your eyes can become dry, itchy, red and uncomfortable. Dry eye occurs when you do not make enough tears or the tears you produce are not high quality.
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Dry eye symptoms include: • A feeling that there is a foreign object in your eyes • Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes • Burning and stinging • Itching • Eye fatigue • Blurred vision • Pain and redness • Difficulty reading or working on a computer for long periods of time • Stringy discharge • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses • Inability to cry Optometrists can offer several strategies and treatment options that will help your eyes feel more comfortable, including:
• The use of artificial tears for added moisture • Changing a medication if dry eye is a side effect • Treating underlying diseases and conditions that cause dry eye • Plugging the drainage holes in your eyes to prevent tears from draining too quickly • Changing the type of contact lenses you wear • Recommending that you use an air purifier to remove allergens from the air • Prescribing cyclosporine, an anti-inflammatory medicine that increases tear production If you have a severe case of dry eye, your eye doctor may suggest punctal cautery, a minor surgical procedure that permanently plugs the drainage holes in your eyes. Keep your eyes healthy with regular eye examinations. Mira Sivan is a family practice optometrist with an emphasis on ocular disease, contact lenses fitting and pediatrics. She may be reached at 678-648-5185.
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 35
MY FORSYTH | HEALTH & WELLNESS
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART From the Northside Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute
Heart disease is the No.1 killer of both men and women in the United States. However, through risk reduction, lifestyle changes, regular screenings, monitoring and quality health care, you can keep your heart health in your hands and increase your chances of living a long and happy life.
What is your risk? According to the American Heart Association, a range of factors can raise your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. The more factors you have, the greater your risk. Although you can’t do anything about your age, gender, heredity and race, there are many factors that you can modify, treat or control simply by making lifestyle changes or taking medication. • Quit smoking. A smokers’ risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases risk, even for nonsmokers.
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• Lower your blood cholesterol. As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of heart disease. When other factors (such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke) are present, the risk is even higher. • Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal and makes both it and arteries more prone to injury. • Get active. Regular, moderate-to vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. • Lose excess weight. Excess weight increases the heart’s workload. People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other factors. • Manage your diabetes. Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control.
• •
Reduce stress. Too much stress over time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. Find healthy ways to manage stress, exercise and eat right. Limit alcohol. Alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to one drink a day.
ation about For more inform sk for heart reducing your ri t heart health disease or abou e at the services availabl tal Heart & Northside Hospi e, visit www. Vascular Institut r eartandvascula /h m co e. id hs rt no -3200. or call 770-844
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 37
MY FORSYTH | LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP FORSYTH: Where Leaders Learn
“Our purpose is to provide a masters level leadership training and inspire a network of emerging leaders through an educational experience that increases participants’ knowledge, awareness of our community and involvement with community leaders, volunteers and business community,” Bramblett explained. Since its inception in 1989, over 600 participants have graduated from the program.
Program Overview The program begins with an overnight retreat. The retreat is followed by 9 monthly sessions where the Leadership Forsyth (LF) class embarks on a series of structured/planned morning workshops that focus on leadership theory and practice. To learn more about Leadership Forsyth, three information sessions are scheduled. Sign-up and find out more about this program. Tuesday, March 15, 8:00 a.m. Forsyth Conference Center 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Cumming GA 30041
There’s a certain group of folks who share a common thread – “the best class ever” – is their chant, and being graduates of Leadership Forsyth is their bond. Under the direction of Executive Director Tammi Bramblett, the organization aims to strengthen our community by enhancing individual and collective leadership potential. 38 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 5:00 p.m. Forsyth County Schools Central Office, 1120 Dahlonega Hwy Cumming GA 30040 Tuesday, March 29, NOON Northside Hospital Forsyth Bennett Education Center 1400 Northside Forsyth Dr. Cumming GA 30041
The vision of Leadership Forsyth is to educate, develop and inspire diverse individuals to actively participate in the betterment of our community. The afternoon sessions involve educational tours of various Forsyth county historic and cultural landmarks, as well as government, educational, non-profit, and private sector facilities. All of the activities are coordinated to increase the class member’s knowledge of the community and reinforce the theme for the class day . The highlight of the LF class experience is the dynamic experience of engaging the diverse leadership backgrounds of the class members combined with the “in the moment” leadership training/experiences to deliver on a class project that is targeted to meet an identified community need. “The connections made within the Leadership Forsyth network have the ability to create, foster, and enhance the personal and professional endeavors of its members and ultimately create positive change in the community,” Bramblett added.
ett, Tammi Brambl tor ec ir Executive D yth rs Leadership Fo yth.org rs fo ship tammi@leader 678-699-4699
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 39
MY FORSYTH | SCHOOL NEWS
LONGHORN FOOD DRIVE
FEEDS HUNDREDS
The Student Council at Lambert High School made the holiday season a bit brighter for residents in Forsyth County this past December. Their
2015 food drive netted 12,764 items to feed Forsyth County’s children and their families. In its fifth year, the annual event has become a tradition at the school. This year, the students decided on “Together, We Can” to unify the school in its mission to feed families. Student Council advertised the event in the school and by social media starting in November. Classes competed from December 1 through 11 to raise the most donations. Brittney Cantrell, one of the school’s Biology teachers, is a standout in the competition. In the past two years alone her classes have collected over 8,000 items. U.S. History teacher Vegas McCain gets honorable mention for the 3,000 items his classes have gathered in the last two drives. Over the course of the past five years the event has donated over 60,000 nonperishable items. Jennifer Wilson, event organizer, is proud of her students and school community, stating, “The success of this campaign is truly a reflection of the leadership of teachers and compassion of students.” She also notes its appeal each year is in large part due to the fact that the items are distributed to fellow Forsyth County students. Lambert students delivered food to the Almon C. Hill Center of Forsyth County Schools a week before classes let out for the semester. Students and staff sorted the food, creating a store-like environment for Forsyth parents to come choose the foods that best meet the needs of their household. Many of the children benefitting from the three day distribution of food were the county’s students who meet the federal definition of homelessness. As of January, 472 students attending Forsyth County Schools had been identified as homeless. This number is estimated to top 700 by the end of the academic year as it has historically. Kim Bolivar, Homeless Education Liaison for Forsyth County Schools whose students benefitted from the donation, expressed her gratitude for the event. “Shopping at the food pantry was a ray of hope for families who struggle to put meals on the table when students are out of school,” she stated, adding, “I sincerely appreciate the time and energy put forth by the Lambert High School community in making this event such a success.” Dr. Jamie Rife is the Federal Program Specialist for the ESOL, Migrant, and Homeless Education Programs in Forsyth County Schools. Her career in Forsyth County Schools has included time as a teacher, Graduation Coach, school administrator, and the Homeless Education Liaison. She is a contributing writer for My Forsyth magazine and can often be found running the trails of Roswell, GA where she resides with her husband. 40 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 41
MY FORSYTH | SCHOOL DIRECTORY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway 770.887.4584 Principal: Sherri Black sblack@forsyth.k12.ga.us Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive 678.965.5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell kbraswell@forsyth.k12,ga.us Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road 770.781.2240 Principal: Barbara Vella bvella@forsyth.k12.ga.us Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road 770.887.2341 Principal: Polly Tennies ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive 770.887.7705 Principal: Kimberly Davis kdavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street 770.887.7749 Principal: Pam Pajerski ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane 770.888.1223 Principal: Eric Ashton eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road 678.965.5070 Principal: Dr. Amy Coker arcoker@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway 770.475.6670 Principal: Todd Smith tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.5248 Principal: Steve Miller stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway 770.887.6161 Principal: Eileen Nix ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road 678.965.5010 Principal: Terri North tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road 770.887.1883 Principal: Lee Anne Rice lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road 678.455.7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter kcarpenter@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road 770.888.7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us
South Forsyth Middle 4670 Windermere Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 Principal: Sandy Tinsley stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road 678.341.6481 Principal: Derrick Hershey dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sliver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway 678.965.5020 Principal: Paige Andrews pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road 770.346.0040 Principal: Kristan Riedinger kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road 678.965.5090 Principal: Dr. Lynne Castleberry lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road 678.965.5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road 678.965.5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver dsarver@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Kelly Mill Elementary 1180 Chamblee Gap Road 678.965.4953 Principal: Ron McAlliste rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road 770.781.4889 Principal: Cheryl Riddle criddlel@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road 770.889.1630 Principal: Tracey Smith tbsmith@forysth.k12.ga.us
Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road 678.965.5000 Principal: Connie McCrary cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road 678.455.4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us
North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive 770.889.0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt jhunt@forsyth.k12.ga.us
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Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road 770.667.2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek krohacek@forsyth.k12.ga.us
HIGH SCHOOLS Forsyth Central High 520 Tribble Gap Road 770.887.8151 Principal: Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us Lambert High School 805 Nichols Road 678.965.5050 Principal: Dr. Gary Davison gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive 770.781.6637 Principal: Jeff Cheney jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway 770.781.2264 Principal: Laura Wilson lwilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road 770.888.3470 Principal: Heather Gordy hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us Forsyth Academy Forsyth Academy at Night 770.781.3141 Gateway Academy 770.781.2299 iAchieve Virtual Academy 678.965.4970
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road 770.205.8202 Head of School: Angela Martin www.cornerstonesch.com Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road 770.674.2990 Headmaster: Jonathan Arnold www.covenantrams.com Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Industrial Drive 770.888.6705 D irectors: Jonny and Ellen Whisenant www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road 678.845.0418 Head of School: Dr. Rick Johnson Elementary Principal: Dianne Gormley www.friendshipchristianschool.us Horizon Christian Academy (K-6) 2160 Freedom Parkway (7-12) 433 Canton Road 678.947.3583, 678.947.0711 Headmaster: Heather Marshall www.horizonchristian.org Ivy League Montessori School 1791 Kelly Mill Road 770.781.5586 School Director: Becky Carty www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road 770.205.6277 www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road 770.777.9131 www.montessorivickery.com Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road 678.208.0774 School Admin., Maureen Danbury www.montessoricumming.com Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway 770.888.4477 Head of School: Paul Parker www. pinecrestacademy.com
SCHOOL INFORMATION
www.forsyth.K12.GA.US
LOCAL BOOK PRINTING AND BINDING
EXPERIENCE THE QUALITY
“At Pinecrest, I don’t have to hide my faith.” Jackson Steinert, 6th Grade
Take a tour of our award-winning school and learn about how we develop our students into Christian leaders ready to transform society.
955 Peachtree Pkwy. | Cumming, GA 30041 770 888 4477 | www.pinecrestacademy.org FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 43
MY FORSYTH | FAITH
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THE HEART OF THE MATTER Matters of the heart are a big topic of discussion in February. From American Heart Month to Valentine’s Day the focus ranges from our physical hearts to our emotional “hearts.” Over the years I’ve made choices that affect my physical heart – eating relatively healthy, getting exercise, monitoring my blood pressure. I’m motivated to make healthy decisions because heart disease runs in my family.
Heart disease Jesus had some challenging things to say about our emotional “hearts.” Take a look at Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (KJV). It seems another kind of “disease” runs in the human family - we’re all sinners. That’s serious – a condition that requires a drastic course of action. Fortunately, the Lord also shared the remedy, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved,” (Romans 10:9). Jesus died to pay the price for our sin debt; when we accept His payment, we are regenerated (2 Cor. 5:17). 44 MYFORSYTH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Living it out With a brand new spiritual “heart,” something beautiful happens – I’m able to live a life that’s pleasing to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What exactly does that look like in everyday life? As I stay connected to Christ through reading His Word and praying, He gives me the ability to respond the way He would – in love, with a servant’s heart, and a desire to point to my Heavenly Father. • With my spouse it may mean being quiet instead of nagging • With my child(ren) it might mean stepping away from work and spending time with him/her (them) • With that family member it may mean forgiving instead of carrying a grudge • With my neighbor it could be giving the benefit of the doubt instead of thinking critically about him/her Your turn
As you take care of your physical heart this month, take time to consider your spiritual “heart” too. Have you accepted
With a brand new spiritual “heart,” something beautiful happens – I’m able to live a life that’s pleasing to God through the power of the Holy Spirit
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Christ’s payment for your sins? What step will you take today, to respond to others in love?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word is rich with truth. It helps me understand physical life is short, but spiritual life is eternal. Help me yield to You so I can respond the right way to others and honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Maria I. Morgan in an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the awardwinning author of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference. Now Available on Amazon: Outrageously Fruitful (a 10-week Bible study for women on the fruit of the Spirit)
MY FORSYTH | FAITH
HANDLE WITH FAITH AND PRAYER Have Faith. Keep Praying. Keep the Faith. You need to pray for comfort. Hard times strengthen your faith.
These are all phrases I have heard all my life when trouble finds you or your family. These are phrases I heard often in the past few years through the illness and loss of several family members and friends. Some were ill for a long time, fighting a long, hard battle before recovery or passing on. Others passed away
suddenly, some at a very young age. Although grief is hard to bear, I really believe that grief is handled better with faith and with prayer. Throughout the years, our family has had the opportunity to handle the hard things in life. I say opportunity because I have learned that attitude plays a big part in handling the big life challenges. If you have a grateful attitude – even towards hardship – you have a clearer choice.
You can choose to get angry at God and at life or you can choose to lean on God and get through life. If you choose to be angry, it can consume your life leading to depression and despair. If you choose to get through life, you lean on God through faith and prayer. Having faith assures you that God is with you, with an arm around your shoulder, helping you, carrying you if necessary. Prayer brings a sense of peace and comfort, but there are times that we find it hard to pray for ourselves. When this happens, you can ask family, friends and church family to pray for you. Just as Jesus interceded in prayer for others, prayers from others can intercede for you. The words I am praying for you are powerful and bring comfort in knowing that others care enough to intercede for you. Of course, you don’t always get a yes answer, but my experience has taught me that I DO get the comfort and strength I need to keep going. I intend to keep the faith and keep praying! Neida Streit is a life-long resident of Cumming. She served as a Cryptologic Linguist in the Air Force. Streit may be reached at neida.streit1@gmail.com.
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MY FORSYTH | HOUSES OF WORSHIP
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Eastgate Church 2820 Brookwood Road | O: 770.888.8852 Sunday Morning Worship Times: 9:15 & 11:15am Pastors: Ron & Charla Nelson http://eastgatechurch.org
BAPTIST Antioch Baptist Church 2465 Antioch Road O: 770.887.6900 Sunday School: 10am Sunday Service: 11am and 6pm AWANA: Sunday at 6pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Pastor: Travis Bridgeman www.welcometoantioch.org Berean Baptist Church 7110 Majors Road | 770-889-1302 Sunday Worship Service: 11:00am Classes for all ages: 10:00am Evening Service: 6:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm Children’s Clubs: 7:00pm Bob Baines, Pastor www.bbc-cares.org Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church Street | 770.205.6699 Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship service: 10:50am Pastor: Dr. Barry Crocker www.cummingbaptist.net First Baptist Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive | 770.887.2428 Sunday Services: 9:30am Contemporary Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups 11am Traditional Worship Service & Bible Fellowship Groups Wednesday: 6:15pm AWANA Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Pkwy. | 678.513.9400 Sunday Services: 9:15am – Contemporary Service (Auditorium) 10:45am – Blended Service (Auditorium) 9:00am & 10:45am; 6:30pm Bible Fellowship Jeff Jackson, Senior Pastor www.firstredeemer.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road | 770.887.4802 Sunday School: 10am | Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday Evening: 5pm Wednesday Evening & AWANA: 7pm Pastor: Chris Grinstea www.ghbcc.org
Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road 770.889.1959 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am Wednesday night adult and youth activities www.longstreetchurch.com North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway | 770.781.5433 Bible Studies: 9:00am and 10:30am Celebration Worship Service: 11am (main auditorium) Hispanic Service: 10:30am (Activities Center) 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 Road770.888.4464 Wednesday Services: 6:30 pm Saturdays Service: 5:30 pm Sunday Service: 7:45, 9 & 11:15am Rector: Father Tripp Norris Curate: Father Daron Vroon www.saintcolumba.net The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.887.8190 Services: Thursdays 12 noon Sundays: 8:30 and 10:45am Rector: Keith Oglesby www.ecohs.net
GREEK ORTHODOX Saint Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church 3074 Bethelview Rd., 770.781.5250 Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10 AM Pastor: Fr. Barnabas Powell www.stsrni.org
LUTHERAN Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS 1171 Atlanta Highway | 770.887.0184 Sunday School: 9:00am (all ages) Sunday Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean) Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal: 6:00pm Bible Study: 7:00pm (all ages) Pastor Tim Droegemueller livingfaithoffice@bellsouth.net www.livingfaithlutheran.com facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch
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Christ The King Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church In America) 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd., Cumming, Ga. 30040 O: 770.889.5328 | www.ctklutheran.com Sunday Worship Service: 8 & 11am (Traditional) 9am (Blended) Discipleship Hour: 10am (Sun. School)
OTHER Baha’is of Forsyth County 1-800-22-UNITE www.forsythbahais.org www.ghbcc.org Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace | 678.807.9392 Sunday School: 10am Worship Service: 11am www.mycrossroadschurch.net Castle Christian Church 3149 Old Atlanta Rd. | 678.648.5248 Sunday Worship: 10am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Senior Minister: Jason Rodenbeck jason@castlechristian.com www.castlechristianchurch.com Family By Faith Worship Center 4805 Atlanta Highway 678.230.4800Midway Elementary School, Nursery available) Small Groups: 9:30am | Worship: 10:30am Pastor: Randy Grimes www.familybyfaith.com First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Drive | 770.887.5542 Pastor Stan Percival www.fccga.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 510 Brannon Road | 678.455.5290 (Hall Phone) Worship Service: 9am, 11:30am & 2pm LifePoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road Sunday Small Groups: 9:00am Sunday Service: 10:30am Childcare available Pastor: Chris Stovall www.lifepoint.org NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306 770.888.5212 (Located across from Ingles, behind the National Guard in Building 300) Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am Pastor Case Koolhaas www.newsongweb.org Rameshori Buddhist Center 130 Allen Road, Unit B 404.255.1585
PRESBYTERIAN Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive | 770.887.6801 Sunday School: 9:45am (all ages) Sunday Worship Service: 11am (Traditional) Childcare available Pastor: John S. Martin www.deercreekshores.org email: dcspres@comcast.net Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road 770.205.9390 www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com Sunday Worship: 11:00am Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III, Pastor Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road 678.889.8694 Sunday: 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Contemporary Worship Pastor Mike Austin www.parkway-church-org Parkway Church 5830 Bethelview Road 770.889.8694 (½ mile west of GA 400 exit 13) Sunday Traditional Service: 9am Sunday Contemporary Service: 11am (Childcare available for both services) Bill Ford, Senior Pastor www.parkway-church.org email: info@parkway-church.org The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road 678.990.9395 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:45am Wednesday: Middle and High School youth meet at 7:15 – 8:30pm Jon Adams, Pastor www.thevinecommunitychurch.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC Church of Good Shepherd 3740 Holtzclaw Road | 770.887.9861 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5pm, Sundays:,7:30, 9 & 10:30am & 12 noon; 5:30pm, Spanish Mass: 1:30pm, Weekdays: 9am Father Frank, Pastor www.goodshepherdcumming.com St. Brendan Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road | 770.205.7969 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5pm Sunday: 7:30, 9 & 11am & 5pm, Spanish Mass: 1pm, Weekdays: 8:30am Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC, Pastor Parochial Vicars: Fr. Joseph Ramos, LC and Fr. Juan Guerra
MY FORSYTH | FAITH
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Better marriages are more THE COUNTRY PREACHER important to Marriage is important. “Home” is a characteristic when you dated? The person who our nation than beautiful word. Children enrich our lives, was disorganized or late will not be different. give us purpose and encourage us to make an Can you find ways to help them? My wife who wins the effort to be better people. Another of our ten has the nicest ways to organize our important grandchildren will marry this June. Today’s papers without scolding. She labels folders and presidential children are growing up in a world that considers offers suggestions to help with filing without marriage unnecessary or of little value. A lack of voicing complaints. A horse (or husband) primary. family unity has given us violent youths who are can’t be pulled in the direction you wish but searching for a sense of worth. Better marriages are more important to our nation than who wins the presidential primary. Couples often give up on marriage too quickly. Reader’s Digest published a popular series of articles entitled “Can this marriage be saved?” Let me encourage you with advice several people found helpful and changed their mind about divorcing. Many couples discover too late the baggage they unpack at their new house includes lots of the problems they thought were left behind. Couples have difficult times when they could easily divorce and return to being single or marry again. Your efforts to make major changes in the person you marry will usually be unsuccessful. Men and women don’t mature at the same pace. A pouting spoiled child, the selfish teen used to getting their way will not change because of a ceremony. If your complaint is your mate doesn’t express their feelings, did they have that
face away from him, throw the rope over your shoulder and generally he will walk along with you. “Charity (love) is kind”, it finds a way, I Corinthians 13:4-5. You can’t start over. Many marriages fail over solvable problems. The person you are married to will always be part of your emotions and life. We can’t re-live yesterday. Starting where you are now may mean you’ll need to work through problems that were unresolved in your previous marriage. A new mate will not be perfect nor will you. Realizing there will always be differences between men and women will help you understand how special they can make your life. Coming home to an empty house after the loss of a mate can teach you more about the value of love than all the books or seminars on marriage. A good marriage is more about who we are than it is about the person we have married. Years ago I was preaching to Friday night’s jail
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inmates when one of those listening said the first thing he wanted to do after getting out was to have a better home by showing his wife what the Bible said about him being the head of the home. I said “Sir, you are in jail. Your wife is law abiding. She has no reason to listen.” It is amazing to find that insignificant acts of kindness are rewarded with caring that is many times the amount of our original investment. To return an insult, scolding or efforts to have the last word with a gesture of love is much better than being the winner of the argument, I Peter 3:9. Love cannot be re-invented but it can be re-discovered. Rev. David Hill is a Cumming Resident and frequent guest preacher at Antioch Baptist Church. *Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible. FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 47
MY FORSYTH | HOUSES OF WORSHIP // CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
UNITED METHODIST Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Rd. | 770.887.4888 Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am (child care available) Pastor: Rev. Deborah Griffith www.bethelview.net Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Highway | 770.887.2900 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11am (Traditional) Worship Services: 9:51am (Contemporary) 1:30pm ( Hispanic/Latino en Español) 9am (Lake Service (May-August) Dr. Jeff Ross, Senior Minister Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Highway | 770.887.0615 Sunday Traditional Service: 8:45am Sunday School: 10am Sunday Contemporary Praise Service: 11am (Nursery available for both services) Ted Miller, Pastor www.lanierumc.org Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy. | 770.475.5230 Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:30am Sunday Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday school: All ages: 9:30am Sunday Contemporary Worship: 10:45am www.midwayumc.org Piedmont United Methodist Church 1170 Dahlonega Highway 770.887.0770 Bible Study: 10am & 5pm Traditional Service: 11am www.PiedmontUMC@bellsouth.net
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Forsyth Network for Business Professionals Meeting: Thur: 11:30am – 12:30pm Location: Bello Italian Restaurant 101 Meadow Drive Contact: Tiffany Allen | 770.887.1962 tiffany@servpro8378.com Info: $50 membership fee & $10 monthly. Visit twice for free. No occupation overlap. Call first. The Inspiration Network of Cumming Meeting: 3rd Wed: 7 – 8:30pm Location: The Nurturing Nook, 205 Pilgrim Mill Road Contact: Leanne Temple 678.965.5969 Member Power Networking Lunch Meeting: Every Tues. at 12 Noon Location: Various chamber member restaurants Contact: 770.887.6461 www.cummingforsythchamber.org Info: $15 for members & $30 for non-members South Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Wed: 11:30am (No fees) Location: Starbucks-141 & Ronald Reagan John’s Creek, 435 Peachtree Pkwy. Cumming, GA 30041 Contact: Robin Grier | 770.887.2772 rgrier@harborfs.com Women Who Mean Business Meeting: 1st Tues. Registration: 7:30am Location: Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Event’s Facility, 513 W. Maple Street Contact: 770.887.6461 Info: Free for members, $30 for nonmembers Register online at cummingforsythchamber.org.
BUSINESS NETWORKING
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Central Forsyth Leads Group Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tues: 11am—1pm Location: The Columns at Pilgrim, Mill Apartments Contact: Nancy Wright 770.886.0500 or nancyw@ecigroups.com Info: No fees. Open to all
Health Center (CHC) Serving the medical needs of North Georgia since 1979. Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Inc. Contact: 770.886.5419 www.savethehorses.org
Forsyth County Women’s Club Meeting: 3rd Thur of each month at 11:00am– $22 lunch Location: Windermere Golf Club Contact: Johanna Morgan 678.525.9309 jlmorgan1960@gmail.com Info: Membership open to all women of Forsyth and surrounding counties Program includes group activities, information and more. www.forsythcountywomensclub.net
Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter Location: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Contact: 770.887.6480 Info: Non-profit, no-kill shelter for cats/dogs. www. forsythpets.org There’s Hope for the Hungry Contact: 678.513.9400 Info: Non-profit organization partnering with churches across North Georgia to feed those in need. www.thereshope.org
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Whispering Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center Location: 133 Samaritan Drive, Suite 306 Info: Non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and providing an outstretched hand to women who face an untimely pregnancy Contact: 770.889.8302, whisperinghope4u@bellsouth.net Website: www.WhisperingHope.org
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Rotary Club of South Forsyth Meeting: Wed: 12:15pm Location: Forsyth Conference Center 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd www.southforsythrotaryclub.org Piecemakers Quilt Guild Meeting: 2nd Tues, 4th Tues is “sewcialbee” (community quilts, classes or just getting together) Location: Christ the King, Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming www.piecemakersga.netw
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Cumming Meeting: Meets four times daily Location: Ingles Shopping Center at 432 Canton Highway (Hwy 20) Second suite on far left. 24/7 Line: 770.886.0696 Info: Group of Alcoholics Anonymous located in Forsyth County www.aacummingga.org Holistic Moms Network – Forsyth County Monthly meetings with informational speakers, yoga group, play groups Meeting: 2nd Tues: 6:30pm Location: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House 5095 Post Road, Cumming Contact: Ann Linke parkway-chruch.org holisticmomforsyth@yahoo.com www.holisticmoms.org Labrador Friends of the South, Inc. Location: PO Box 933, Cumming Contact: labfriendinfo@gmail.com 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 www. momsclub.org
Moms Club of Cumming – Southwest Meeting: Last Tues. of each month Contact: www.momsclub.org NAMI Forsyth Dawson Lumpkin Meeting: 2nd & 4th Thursday 6:45 pm - 8:15 pm (support meetings for consumers and family members) Location: Forsyth County Senior Center, 595 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, Ga. 30040 Educational meeting: 3rd Tuesday 7 pm Location: United Way of Forsyth County, 240 Elm Str., Cumming, Ga. 30040 Contact: www.namifdlga@gmail.com Website: www.namifdl.org Single Mom Meeting Connect with other single moms, learn about paths to higher education and get links to community resources. Light dinner provided and free on-site childcare/ homework help provided. Meeting: 2nd Thurs: 6:30pm Location: 210 Dahlonega St., Suite 203, Cumming Contact: Valerie Daniel Faith’s House, Inc. 770.205.6311 www.faithshouseinc.org SMART Recovery Meeting: Every Tues: 6:30 p.m. Location: Professional Recovery Counseling, LLC. 107 W. Court house Sq., Suite 274 www.smartrecovery.org
rescuing addicts regenerating men reconciling families For over 20 years No Longer Bound has been a place of refuge and healing for men suering from addiction. We believe that sobriety alone is only half the battle; therefore we focus on providing a complete lifestyle change. Our faith-based program brings regeneration to each man and reconciliation for the family, giving them the tools necessary to live their new life successfully and free from addictions!
770.886.7873
770.205.4285
2725 Pine Grove Road Cumming, Ga 30041
nolongerbound.com
FEBRUARY 2016 | MYFORSYTH.COM 49
MY FORSYTH | ADVERTISERS
ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE REGENERATION PROGRAM No Longer Bound – pg. 29 770-886-7873 www.nolongerbound.com
The Joint – Chiropractic Place – pg. 31 770-285-5747 www.chiropractoratlanta-thejoint.com/ cumming/collection-at-forsyth
ATTORNEY/INJURY LAWYER Jonathan R. Brockman, PC – Back Cover 770-205-8887 www.brockmaninjurylawyer.com
DANCE ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION Cumming Dance Academy – pg. 7 770-781-4922 www.CummingDanceAcademy.com
DENTIST/DENTAL CARE Jordan Dentistry – pg. 31 AUTOMOTIVE/CAR REPAIRS Christian Brothers Automotive – pg. 19 770-888-6262 www.JordanDentistry.com 470-253-7376 www.locations.cbac.com/cumming EDUCATION/PRIVATE ACADEMY Pinecrest Academy – pg. 43 BOOK PRINTING/BINDING 770-888-4477 Apex Book Manufacturing - pg. 43 www.pinecrestacademy.org 470-239-8552 www.apexbm.com BREW PUB/TAPROOM Rick Tanner’s Grille & Bar Cherry Street Brewing Co-Op – pg. 21 770-205-5512 www.ricktannerschicken.com www.cherrystreetbrewing.com
EDUCATION/PRIVATE ACADEMY Pinecrest Academy – pg. 38 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org FURNITURE OUTLET Dawsonville Furniture Outlet – pg. 9 706-300-0746
CONFERENCE CENTER/SPECIAL EVENTS Forsyth Conference Center - pg. 53 678-341-6633 www.forsythconferencecenter.com
HAIR SALON/SPA hairdue Salon & Spa – pg. 5 678-445-6383 www.hairdue.net
CARPET/UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Carpet Cleaning Plus – pg. 53 678-807-8537 www.carpetcleaning-plus.com
HEATING/VENTILATION/AIR CONDITIONING Shelnutt HVAC – pg. 17 706-265-5854 www.shelnutthvac.com
CHIROPRACTIC CARE/SPORTS REHAB Georgia Spine & Sports Rehab – pg. 37 770-614-6551 www.goergiaspinesports.com
HEARING AIDS/TESTING Ambit 3D – pg. 41 770-205-5776 Cumming 770-534-4150 Gainesville
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JEWELRY STORE Forever Gems – pg. 34 678-566-0900 Facebook: ForeverGemsUSA Lance’s Jewelry – 55 770-781-5500 www.lancesjewelry.com MASSAGE Massage Envy – pg. 35 678-208-2888/678-208-0680 www.massageenvy.com PACKAGE STORE/WINE Westside Beverage – pg. 17 470-695-7627 http://wsbeverage.com PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Pendleton – pg. 20 678-208-7077 www.AdamPendleton.com PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL SERVICES Children’s at Forsyth –pg. 13 404-785-3100 www.choa.org/urgentcare Elite Primary Care – pg. 29 470-695-7264 www.elite-primarycare.com Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 33 Atlanta Heart Specialists 678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 www.heartdrsingh.com North Atlanta Dermatology – pg. 39 770-814-8222 www.naderm.com North Georgia Vein Institute – pg. 37 678-513-1600 www.northgeorgiavein.com Northside Hospital Forsyth – pg. 3 770-844-3200 www.northside.co
Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta – pg. 39 404-252-1137 www.obgynofatlanta.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Georgia Promotional Products – pg. 45 678-845-0397 www.gapromotional.com REAL ESTATE The Dinsmore Team – pg. 49 770-712-7789 www.dinsmoreteam.com RESTAURANTS /FOOD SERVICES/ CATERING Casa Nuova – pg. 23 770-475-9100 www.casanuovarestaurant.com Lenny’s Subs – pg. 50 678-947-0336 Fax orders: 678-947-5343 Norman’s Landing – pg. 23 770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com Palapas Bar & Grill – pg. 22 770-889-1002 www.palapasbarandgrill.com WAREHOUSE/HOME/PATIO/DECOR Midway Warehouse – Inside Front Cover 678-762-0444 www.midwaywarehouse.net WINDOWS/WINDOW TREATMENTS Creative Windows by Carol – pg. 17 770-753-0977 www.creativewindowsbycarol.com
MY FORSYTH | ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS // COMMUNITY NUMBERS
ELECTED/ APPOINTED OFFICIALS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT President Barack H. Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 O: 202.456.1414 E: president@whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov Senator Johnny Isakson, (R) 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3643 www.isakson.senate.gov Senator David Perdue, (R) 383 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 O: 202.224.3521 www.perdue.senate.gov Congressman Doug Collins, (R), District 9 1504 Longworth H. O. B. Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.9893 Georgia office: 770.297.3388 Congressman Rob Woodall, (R), District 7 1724 Longworth HOB Washington DC 20515 O: 202.225.4272 Georgia office: 770.232.3005 STATE GOVERNMENT Governor Nathan Deal (R) O: 404.652.7003 | F: 404.652.7123 Website: gov.state.ga.us Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (R) O: 404.656.5030 Website: gov.state.ga.us Senator Michael Williams (R), District 51 O: 404.656.7127 e-mail: michael.williams@senate.ga.gov Sen. Steve Gooch (R), District 51 O: 678.341.6203 | F: 770.844.5821 e-mail: steve.gooch@statesenate.ga.gov Rep. Sheri Gilligan, (R), District 24 O: 404.656.0325 E: sheri.gilligan@house.ga.gov Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R), District 25 O: 770.887.0400 E: mike.dudgeon@house.ga.gov Rep. Kevin Tanner (R), District 9 O: 404.656.0152 E: kevin.tanner@house.ga.gov
FORSYTH CO. GOVERNMENT Website: forsythco.com Forsyth County Board of Commissioners 110 East Main Street, Suite 210 Cumming, GA 30040 O: 770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 County Manager Doug Derrer O:770.781.2101 | F: 770.781.2199 COMMISSIONERS R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 (R) O: 678.513.5881 | E: rjamos@ forsythco.com Brian R. Tam, District 2 (R) O: 678.513.5882 E: brtam@forsythco.com Todd Levent, District 3 (R) O: 770.781.2101 E: tlevent@forsythco.com Cindy Mills, District 4 (R) O: 678.513.5884 E: cjmills@forsythco.com Jim Boff, District 5 (R) O: 678.513.5885 E: jjboff@forsythco.com Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter O: 770.781.2110 FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff Duane K. Piper 475 Tribble Gap Road, Suite 200 Cumming GA 30040 O: 770.781.3045 | Dispatch: 770.781.3087 FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Dr. Jeff Bearden, Superintendent 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming O: 770.887.2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us BOARD OF EDUCATION Ann Crow, District 1 (R) O: 770.490.6316 E: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kristin Morrissey, District 2 (R) O: 678-250-4047 E: kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Tom Cleveland, District 3 (R) O: 770.657.0810 E: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Darla Light, District 4 770.887.0678 E: DLight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Nancy Roche, Chairperson, District 5 (R) 770.889.0229 E: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us
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CITY OF CUMMING Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt Cumming City Hall 100 Main St., Cumming, GA 3040 O: 770.781.2010 Cumming City Council Members Quincy Holton, Lewis Ledbetter, Christopher Light, Linda Ledbetter and Charles F. Welch, Jr.
COMMUNITY NUMBERS EMERGENCY — 911 HOTLINES — 24 HOUR HELP LINES Battered Women Hotline 770.479.1703 Poison Control Center (Atlanta) 404.616.9000 Outside Metro Atlanta 800.222.1222 Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) 404.250.KIDS Sexual Assault & Family Violence Ctr. 770.428.2666 MEDICAL Georgia Highlands Medical Services 770.887.1668 | 260 Elm Street ww.ghms-inc.org Northside Hospital — Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive 770.844.3200 | www.northside.com Neighborhood Healthcare Center 2825 Keith Bridge Road 770.844.7494 | 770.886.7135 Health Department 428 Canton Highway | 770.781.6906 FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT City of Cumming Police Department 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard 770.781.2000 | www.cummingpd.net Forsyth County Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road 770.781.2180 | forsythco.com Georgia State Patrol | 770.205.5400 LIBRARIES 770.781.9840 | www.forsythpl.org Cumming Public Library 585 Dahlonega Road Hampton Park Library 5345 Settingdown Road Post Road Library | 5010 Post Road Sharon Forks Branch 2810 Old Atlanta Road PARKS AND RECREATION City of Cumming Main Number 410 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770.781.2030 Central Park Office | 770.781.2215 Central Park Recreation Center 2300 Keith Bridge Road | 678.455.8540
Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road | 770.781.3491 Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Parkway 770. 781.2215 GOLF CLUBS Chestatee Golf Club 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville |06.216.7336 Country Land Golf Course 6560 Mayfield Drive | 770.887.0006 Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Dr. | 770.887.7656 Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Dr. | 678.513.1000 FORSYTH COUNTY MARINAS Bald Ridge Marina 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road 770.887.5309 Habersham Marina 2200 Habersham Marina Road 770.887.5432 Port Royale Marina 9200 LanMar Road, Gainesville | 770.887.5715 YMCA 6050 Y Street | O: 770.888.2788 POST OFFICE 525 Tribble Gap Road O: 770.886.2388 UTILITIES City of Cumming O: 770.781.2020 Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department 110 East Main Street O: 770.781.2160 www.forsythco.com AT&T Res: 888.757.6500 Bus: 866.213.6300 www.att.com Georgia Power (Electric) O: 888.660.5890 Sawnee Electric Membership O: 770.887.2363 SOLID WASTE Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill 8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground O: 770.887.6063 | www. advanceddisposal.com Olde Atlanta Recycling LLC 2535 Ivy Street East O: 770.205.6912 Waste Management, Inc. 774 McFarland Road, Alpharetta 770.751.1304 | www.wm.com RECYCLING Keep Forsyth County Beautiful O: 770.205.4573
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