Canine Cops - County Line Magazine

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In an emergency, experience mattersEmergencies happen. And when they do, rest assured that you’ll get the best care close to home. Northside’sboard-certified emergency medicine physicians and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified nurses arejust right up the road. We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, you’ll be in the best possible hands.Visit us online at www.northside.com.3 CountyLine | June 2012

82816COVER STORY16 CANINE COPSDEPARTMENTS6 From the Publisher24 History Made Easy:John Rogers and the Rogers Bridge Trail22 Paparazzi4CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

261224FEATURES8 STOP10 Lighthouse Lymphedema Network12 Twin Pursuits14 The Fast Lane20 What’s in Your Bin?26 From the Halls of Montezuma, To the Halls of Piney Grove28 Table Tennis Anyone?COUNTYLINE COMMUNITY30 Johns Creek Police Department Opens a South Sub-Station30 Breaking Dawn: A Walk for HopeBusiness Focus15 The Solution for Too Much Shade!5 CountyLine | June 2012

From the PublisherThe cover story this month on the K-9 Unit of the Johns Creek PoliceDepartment is interesting, informative, and heartwarming. Thework that these dogs do for the department is an incredible asset,whether they are helping to find a missing person, working on a crime inprogress, or visiting in the community. I know that you will enjoy readingabout the very special relationship between each dog and their handler. Iwant to thank Lt. Curry, Officer Hodge and Nico, Sgt. Zebley and Dano,Officer Goins and Leo, and Officer McGinn. It was a real pleasure to workwith all of you, and I thank you for the work that you do in the Johns Creekcommunity.In 2009, the Municipal Court and the Johns Creek Police Department respondedto the disproportionate number of drivers under the age of 21,who were appearing in court for traffic violations, by launching the STOPprogram. Designed to increase awareness of the dangers of driving andto promote safe driving, the program has both mandatory and voluntarymodules. Parents and teen drivers, please read about the critical advantagesthat the STOP program has to offer.There’s some really great reading in this issue about and from studentsin our community. Read about Chattahoochee High School rising seniors,Brad and Harry Kirch, who are fraternal twins with identical interests—beingthe best lacrosse players they can be and giving their best to others in need. Northview studentEthan Jin is on the rise as a table tennis competitor and is helping others to enjoy this sporton his way up. Piney Grove Middle School rising eighth-grader Laura Kraynick wrote an excellentand very interesting editorial on ESOL teacher Jonathon Kent. You will surely enjoy reading aboutSenor Kent and the experiences in his life that help him to help his students. Shreya Ganeshan,who is a rising junior at Northview, wrote a fabulous editorial about the success of this year’sMock Trial team.What’s in your bin? Is it filled with garbage or overflowing with recyclables? Denise Carletonprovides us with very important information about how and what you can recycle, why it is soimportant, and the recycling resources that are available in our community.Lymphedema is a disease that most people have never heard of, but it is very real for those in ourcommunity who suffer from it. Read about what lymphedema is and how the Lighthouse LymphedemaNetwork is working to improve the quality of life for those afflicted with this disease.A History Made Easy, Paparazzi, news about some very exciting things going on in our community,and more are in this issue.Enjoy the reading, enjoy the photos, and enjoy this issue of CountyLine!Respectfully,Judy Le JeunePublisher6CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

PublisherJudy Le Jeunepublisher@countylinemagazine.net678-787-3551Editorialeditor@countylinemagazine.netAdvertisingadvertising@countylinemagazine.net678-787-3551Advertising SalesKaren DuffyGraphic DesignSummertime GraphicsWritersScott AllenDenise CarletonKathy Des Jardins CioffiKaren L. CopijaTammy Harden GallowayCover PhotographyMark NajjarAtlanta StudiosPhotographyTammy Harden GallowayW. Cliff RobertsJane GilbertsonShreya GaneshanKathleen KraynickLaura KraynickW. Cliff RobertsJoan WhiteEars needfixing?Your hearingdoctor canhelp!Emory Audiology & Hearing Aid Center at JohnsCreek provides the most innovative treatment optionsto improve hearing. On-site audiology services areprovided by Deborah T. Woodward, AuD, a certifiedlicensed doctor of audiology who is trained to assesshearing disorders and determine appropriate treatmentoptions for hearing loss.Deborah Woodward,AuD, Doctor ofAudiologyIf you answer “yes” to any of the following questions,take the first step and schedule an appointment.• Do people seem to mumble?• Do you frequently need to ask people to repeatthemselves?• Is it difficult for you to follow conversations?• Do you need to turn up the volume on your TVor radio?• Is carrying on a telephone conversation difficult?For appointments or to register for upcomingeducational seminars, please call 770-814-1260.We accept CareCredit ®On the Cover:Canine CopsCountyLine is published by Sugarcane Communications, LLC. Noadvertising, editorial, or photographs in CountyLine may be reproducedwithout the permission of Sugarcane Communications, LLC. 23,169copies of this issue were delivered to all the homes and businesses inthe east half of Johns Creek and South Forsyth.CountyLine3651 Peachtree Parkway Suite 222Suwanee, GA 30024678-787-3551www.countylinemagazine.net4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B • Suwanee, GAOther locations include Emory University Hospital Midtownand The Emory Clinic on the Emory University campus.www.emoryhealthcare.org7 CountyLine | June 2012

and under, on driver safety. The motivation to startthe program was the result of discussions betweenMunicipal Court Judge Donald Schaefer and Clerkof the Court Tony Day, who were discouraged bythe disproportionate number of drivers under theage of twenty-one that were on the court’s calendarfor traffic violations. They discussed launchinga program to increase awareness of the dangers ofdriving and to increase safe driving. “We are veryproud of our program and the impact it has had onour young drivers. If it prevents one young life frombeing lost, we have succeeded,” stated Tony Day.The program has both a voluntary and mandatorymodule.by Judy Le Jeunephotography courtesy ofthe City of Johns CreekDid you know that trafficcrashes are the #1 causeof death among youngadults under twenty-one?Or, that a teen’s risk of being in a car crash is at alifetime high in their first 12-24 months of driving?Sadly, the fatality rate for drivers age 16-19 is fourtimes that of drivers age 25 to 69. These are but afew of the alarming statistics on drivers betweenthe ages of 16 and 21. Recognizing the danger todrivers under the age of twenty-one in Johns Creek,in July 2009, the Municipal Court and Police Departmentlaunched STOP, an intervention programthat educates traffic violators, who are twenty-oneVoluntary ModuleParents may register a vehicle that is driven by afamily member under the age of twenty-one bycompleting a registration form online or at the JohnsCreek Police Department (JCPD). Once the form iscompleted with the teen driver’s name, the vehicledescription and contact information, it remains onfile with the JCPD. A subtle decal that identifies thedriver and vehicle as registered with the voluntarySTOP program is placed in the upper left corner ofthe rear window. If the car is being operated by thedriver who is under twenty-one, and is stopped byan officer with the JCPD, the officer will completea notification form that includes the time, location,number of passengers, the reason for the stop, andwhether a citation was issued. Parents will receivean email with information about the stop, whethera citation was issued, and any potential problems.Mandatory ModuleAll traffic violators under the age of twenty-onemust attend a mandatory session of the STOP program.Sessions are held every other month in thecourt room of the Johns Creek Municipal Court. Thesessions are approximately two hours, with threespeakers presenting information. Municipal JudgeDonald Schaefer speaks about the law, how it relatesto drivers under the age of twenty-one, andhow the law affects them. “I hope that our programmakes an impression on parents and teens alikethat all actions have consequences, to pay attentionwhen driving, and to always wear a seat belt.We do this because we care, and we know how wewere when we were their age,” said Judge Schaefer.Johns Creek Fire Department Division Chief Chris8CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

Right: Harry building homes in Honduras.Below: Brad transporting bricks to buildcement block walls in Honduras.photography courtesy of Sherrill KirchThe summer of 2010, Brad and Harry traveled with their church to Houma,Louisiana, to help rebuild churches damaged during Hurricane Katrina.Last summer, they went to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to do mission workwith Heifer International, including helping to build a home using pick axesin rocky soil, hand mixing cement and hauling heavy blocks. The Honduraswork was particularly challenging for Harry, who had separated his shoulderthe day before the trip during a lacrosse tournament in Baltimore andonly had the use of one arm. As Erik Mjorud, their church’s high schoolyouth advisor, said, “Most young adults would have used it as an excuseto shy away from any work. Instead, Harry worked twice as hard and with twice as bigof a smile on his face.”This summer, they plan to work with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance again, traveling toTuscaloosa to help rebuild homes destroyed by last year’s tornadoes. They will also continueparticipating in local charities far too numerous to list.Then, when school begins, Brad and Harry will once again join the quest for Chattahoochee’sfirst-ever boys’ lacrosse state championship. Brad will strum a little guitar. Harry willplay a little basketball. They’ll both do a little more for their fellow man than could fit inone short story. And all around them parents, teachers and friends will agree with Mjorud,who called them “really incredible young men.”“A lot of people say ‘I don’t have time to do community service,’” Brad said. “But you canmake the time.” “I just enjoy it,” Harry added. “It makes you feel better when you helpsomeone else.”We are ranked #11 and #12out of 2,700 Solid Source Agents.Challenging, Lecture-basedMath and English Classes— 1 st -12 th Grade Levels —Classes held Tuesday-Friday 5-9:30pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-6:30pm★ Intensive Summer SAT Program ★Six week program starts on 05/28, 3 days a week.Register now while spots are available.The Cortjens-Ryan Team understands Johns Creek, livesin the community and can help you buy or sell a homefor the best value in this market.Debbie Cortjens770.331.6855dcortjens@comcast.netLiz Ryan404.713.6023lizryan2@bellsouth.net• Multimedia interactive teachingenvironment• Strategies and tactics increaseproblem solving skills, critical reading& writing skills• Competition training-Our students haveconsistently won Regional, State &National Competitions, including AMC,Mathcounts, and Math Olympiad.MATH INSTRUCTOR -James Chen, Ph.D. (Math)has over 10 years of classroomteaching experience.ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS -Language Arts teachers arefrom local, high-ranking highschools.Click on this in the ad atCountyLineMagazine.netand receive an exclusiveSpecial Offer!404-388-630310475 Medlock Bridge Rd. Suite 500Johns Creek 30097www.AlltopSchool.com13 CountyLine | June 2012

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The officers of the Johns Creek Police Departmentwork under the motto “Strivingto set the standard all others will chooseto follow.” Within the department’s K-9 Unit, thestandards are high and the officers, human andcanine, uphold them with great enthusiasm.The K-9 Unit was established in 2009 with twopolice handler/dog teams, and a third team wasadded in 2011. They provide crucial support tothe department’s services. Each of the unit’s dogsis trained to assist the officers in tracking, apprehensionand narcotics searches. All of the department’sdogs were born in Europe and spenttheir early training years there. “From the timethe puppies open their eyes, they start obediencetraining,” explains Lieutenant Nick Curry, the unit’scommanding officer. “Obedience is the foundationfor all of their work, from tracking to narcotics detection.”The dogs’ training then continues at specializedschools in the United States, where theyare prepared for police or military work.by Kathleen Kraynickphotography by Mark NajjarOPSAs each new K-9 team is created, LieutenantCurry works with the training school to identifya dog that will be a good fit in the local communityand with the officer designated as the dog’shandler. Officers attend a six-week training coursewith their dog, where they participate in drills andexercises to begin to develop the trust and bondthat are critical in a successful team. During thistime, officers begin to bring their dog home withthem, as all of the dogs live with their handlers.While the City’s first two police dogs were purchasedthrough Cobra K-9 in Virginia, the Departmentnow works with Custom Canine Unlimited inMaysville, Georgia. Officer Beth McGinn recentlyattended training as the City’s fourth K-9 handler17 CountyLine | June 2012

and her dog, a female Dutch Shepherd named Kyra, will begin work in June. OfficerMcGinn is thrilled to be taking on her new role and shares, “I’m excited to show thecommunity that these dogs are not only man’s best friend, but woman’s best friend too.”According to Lieutenant Curry, police dogs in Johns Creek are most often deployed fornarcotics searches and to help find missing persons. “Dogs have more than 220 millionolfactory receptors, compared to about two million in humans,” explained LieutenantCurry. “They have an outstanding ability to pick up individual smells to identify drugs orthe scent of an individual person.” He pointed out that Johns Creek is home to severalassisted living facilities and that police dogs are a valuable resource in quickly findingelderly persons who become lost.“Dogs have more than 220 millionolfactory receptors, comparedto about two million in humans,”explained Lieutenant Curry. “Theyhave an outstanding ability to pickup individual smells to identify drugsor the scent of an individual person.”The department’s canine members also serve as ambassadors. The dogs and their handlersparticipate in community events, such as the Founders Day Parade, and conductdozens of demonstrations at schools throughout the year. According to Sergeant JamesZebley, the police dogs help open dialogue with citizens who may otherwise not engagein conversation. “People will talk to us and ask questions. Having a dog makes us approachable,”says Sergeant Zebley. Officers even hand out baseball-style cards withtheir dogs’ photos. In 2009, World Financial Group, whose offices are located near policeheadquarters, and the Atlanta Kennel Club worked together to purchase protectivevests for the department’s first two dogs, Dano and Nico. Students at Dolvin ElementarySchool are raising funds to purchase a vest for Leo, the City’s third police dog. “Ourcitizens absolutely love these dogs,” says Lieutenant Curry, “and accept them as part ofthe community.”Sergeant James Zebley and DanoSergeant James Zebley has been a police officer for 12 years, working in Alpharetta andat Kennesaw State University before joining the Johns Creek Police Department when itwas formed in 2008. Having worked with a dog at Kennesaw State, he is the only one ofthe City’s four handlers who had K-9 experience coming into the job.Sergeant Zebley’s father was in the Marine Corps and he grew up on military basesseeing handlers working with dogs. Knowing that he wanted to be in a service-orientedprofession, but recognizing that he did not want the frequent moves of a military career,he considered police work. “It was being able to work K-9 that really solidified my decisionto become a police officer,” he says.Asked about his dog, Dano, Sergeant Zebley speaks with admiration, “The work thesedogs do is second-to-none. They give one hundred percent all the time. Dano’s work iswhat he loves—he’s never had a bad day at work.” Like all of the department’s dogs,Dano lives with Sergeant Zebley in his home, where he can relax and be “just a dog.”“Dano wears a special collar for work and that’s his cue. When the collar’s on, he knowshe’s working. When I take it off, he’s a normal dog,” explains Sergeant Zebley.Sergeant Zebley acknowledges that being a handler often means that he’s called intodangerous situations, but says, “It’s comforting for me to know that I have him and thatwhen we’re at work, he’ll do anything in his power to keep me safe. It’s a comfort for myfamily as well, for my wife and my parents to know that he’s protecting me. The bond Ihave with Dano couldn’t be any stronger. I spend more time with him than anyone. I’lldo anything for him; he’ll do anything for me.”18CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

Officer George Hodge and NicoOfficer George Hodge has always owned and loved dogs and grew up with an interest inworking with them. The son of a police officer, he saw police work as his opportunity todo so. His career began in Fulton County, where he worked primarily in the Johns Creekarea, so transitioning to the City’s department was a logical step.Officer Hodge and his dog, five-year-old Nico, have worked together for three years.Returning from their initial training in Virginia, Officer Hodge says Nico fit right in withhis family. “I thought it might be a big adjustment, but he settled in with our sons andwas like a pet from the moment he walked in the door.” Officer Hodge explains that apolice dog’s career averages six to eight years, though it can depend on the amount ofstress on the dog. “I try to use Nico as often as I can,” he says, “but he’s not in a lot ofhigh stress situations. The majority of his work is narcotics searches, with an occasionaltrack.” Officer Hodge explains that when Nico is off-duty, he relaxes and plays like anyother dog. “We have schedules and structures, but it’s important for the dogs to getdown time as well. They can get overworked, and it needs to be fun for them.”Working as part of a K-9 team is rewarding. Officer Hodge shares, “Every time we’vebeen on a call—a track, a missing person search, a narcotics search—there’s been a successfuloutcome and I think, ‘This is exactly why I wanted to do this!’” The bond OfficerHodge shares with Nico is clear when he talks about him, “He protects me and I protecthim. And, I know when we’re out there, we’re going to do everything we can to protecteveryone else.”Officer William Goins and LeoOfficer William Goins has been a handler for nearly a year and his dog, Leo, is almostthree years old. Officer Goins began his police career at Kennesaw State University andjoined the Johns Creek Police Department in January 2010. His particular area of interestin police work is drug interdiction—finding illegal narcotics and identifying methodsof transporting and hiding them. “Having a narcotics detection dog allows us to find somuch more, and he makes our jobs easier,” says Officer Goins.Like the department’s other dogs, Leo is a German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection,tracking and apprehension. With his youth and energy, Leo enjoys tracking and isgood at it. A particularly proud moment for Officer Goins was their first successful track.They were called to help the Milton Police Department find a gunman who had fled onfoot into an apartment complex. Leo tracked the suspect to a particular place wherehe was hiding. “It was great to see all of the training fall into place flawlessly. WithoutLeo, the situation would likely not have been resolved as quickly and as safely,” sharesOfficer Goins.Because police dogs spend most of their first two years in a kennel and in training, theirhandlers work hard to socialize them. School demonstrations and community eventsgive the dogs an opportunity to make a positive impression. “Kids love to see the dogsand watching a four-year-old pet Leo is heartwarming,” says Officer Goins.The relationship between handler and dog is tight, Officer Goins explains, “I’ve had dogsmy whole life and have always had a good bond with them, but nothing like this. Theidea that this animal would literally die for you—it’s one of the most intense partnershipsthere is.”19 CountyLine | June 2012

located at 470 Morgan Falls Road in Sandy Springs,and the Roswell Recycling Center at 11570 MaxwellRoad in Alpharetta.Ultimately, education is the key-turner to sustainablerecycling in our local communities. Everyone needsto know where to recycle, what they can recycle, andwhy it’s important for all of us to recycle.So think about what’s in your bin, and do your partto recycle.Annual Events: In the spring and fall each year(April and November), Keep Forsyth County Beautifuland the City of Johns Creek hold events for residentsto dispose of items, such as electronics, Christmastrees, bulky recycling, and household hazardouswaste.Event recycling: Keep Forsyth County Beautifuland the City of Johns Creek can “loan” groups andbusinesses for free use at events—school carnivals,arts festivals, bingo nights, family nights, and sportingevents—containers with lightweight steel frames,blue plastic tops well-marked for recycling, and clearplastic bags.Contacts:Keep Forsyth County BeautifulWebsite: http://www.forsythco.com(Departments: Keep Forsyth County Beautiful)Email: kfcb@forsythco.comor tlwright@forsythco.comPhone: 770-205-4573City of Johns CreekWebsite: www.johnscreekga.gov(Community: Sustainability)Email: info@keepjohnscreekbeautiful.orgor info@JohnsCreekGA.govPhone: 770-551-7766 or 678-512-3200Denise Carleton is the Co-Founder and ExecutiveDirector of Reaping Nature Educational OutreachFoundation, a Forsyth County 501(c)(3) non-profitorganization. Reaping Nature serves children, thepublic and the environment in North Fulton, Forsythand Cherokee counties. For more information abouttheir programs and events, visit them online atwww.reapingnature.org.Click on this in the ad atCountyLineMagazine.netand receive an exclusiveSpecial Offer!A Buckhead SalonRight Here in Your Neighborhood!Our stylists are continually trained on the latest in cuts—from the runway to wash-and-wear hair—and color techniques.• Cuts• Opti-Smooth Straightening• Color/Highlights• Up-Dos• Textured Perms• Facial WaxingCall for your appointment:770-495-7404FinesseHAIR SALON3651 Peachtree Pkwy Suite B • Suwanee 30024Located next to Kroger in the Johns Creek Shopping CenterMonday-Friday 9:30am-6:30pm • Saturday 9am-3pm • Sunday 11am-3pm21 CountyLine | June 2012

PaparazziANNETTE ROBERTS, DORIS DICKERSON, MARILYN YOUNGDEEPIKA & SHASHANEK BOMMIREDDYJAN BAILEY, JULEE HERMANSONSHERRI BLACK, JANET DICKERSON, KAREN COLEMAN,LISA BIEDERMANNRITA HAN, RACHAEL COMBSFRAN EATON, JEANNIE PICKARD, TERESA WILLIAMSONAMANDA RAY, ELLEN JOHNSONANDREW ATCHISON, ANTONIO MORALES22CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

KERI & JAKE BODKERLYNNE RILEY, BEV MILLERLYDDY O’BRIEN, BENI KOZENBRIAN, MIKE & KEVIN DUFFYAMANDA LIBBEY, CINDY DARBY, JANE MACKINGTAYLOR GREENLEAF, ERIC MALANEY, PEYTON CLARKCHERYL & JERRY HOLLANDJOAN HOLT, CHRIS JOHNSON23 CountyLine | June 2012

From the Halls of Montezuma,To the Halls of Piney GroveMr. Kent is active at North Point Community Churchand, when asked if he wanted to join a mission tripto Bolivia, he accepted. He had been unemployedfor six months and before leaving, he sent a resumeto TeachGeorgia. Though he had never been ateacher before, he felt an urge to apply and prayedabout it before he left for Bolivia. When in Bolivia,he worked with a church on the poorer side of town,building a sidewalk, installing fans, painting walls,repairing a roof, and playing with the kids. Afterspending time with middle school aged children,he realized just how much he loved being aroundthem! Mr. Kent also happened to be the only bilinbyLaura KraynickPublisher’s Note: Laura Kraynick is a rising eighth-grader at Piney Grove Middle School.Jonathon Kent looks like any other teacher whenyou take a glance at him. If you dig a littledeeper though, you will see that there is muchmore than what appears. “Senor Kent” is what allof the kids at Piney Grove Middle School call him.Known as the fun, athletic Spanish teacher, all ofthe students love him! Little do they know just howinteresting he is.Mr. Kent’s adventures started when he joined theMarines right after high school. In his six yearsthere, he had many interesting experiences andtraveled around the world. Some of the areas hevisited include Parris Island, SC; 29 Palms, California;Camp Lejeune, NC; and the Mediterranean Seaand Adriatic Sea, where in 1995, his unit rescuedAir Force Pilot Captain Scott O’Grady, who was shotdown in Bosnia. When asked if being in the militaryinfluenced him as a teacher, he replied, “Absolutely.If you can handle the military, you can handle anything.There is no doubt that teaching is harder thanmilitary life sometimes. The kids can be challenging,but if I didn’t care enough about the kids and theirfuture, I wouldn’t be doing this job.”After leaving the Marines, Mr. Kent attended NorthGeorgia College and State University in Dahlonega.He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with anemphasis in Business and a Bachelor of Science inComputer Information Systems.26CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

Johns Creek Police DepartmentOpens a South Sub-StationThe need to increase police visibility and provide added conveniencefor residents on the south side of Johns Creek, resultedin the opening of the Johns Creek Police Department’s sub-stationon April 30 th . Located at 3005 Old Alabama Rd in Unit 120, thesub-station is near the Newtown area of the city. This area is veryactive with events at Newtown Park, the Dream Dog Park, ParkPlace, and the Newton Community Clubhouse. “I’m proud thatour department has literally moved into the community in an effortto make it more convenient for our community and the policedepartment to come together,” said Mayor Mike Bodker.In addition to being more convenient for patrol officers workingon the south side of the city, the sub-station will also be utilizedas a training area, for victim and witness interviews, and for communitypresentations. Officers from the Community Services Departmentwill operate from the sub-station. “There’s a need formore officers in this area of the city,” said Officer Mark Johnsonof the Community Services Department. “I’m looking forward toriding my bike in neighborhoods and through parks and getting tomeet the residents and business owners in this area.”JCPD Chief Ed Densmore and Mayor Mike Bodkercut the ribbon to open the sub-station.Though the sub-station will not be open for public drop-in, thereis a call box next to the door for citizens to report problems orcall for assistance. The call box goes directly to dispatch, and anofficer will respond to the call.by Karen L. CopijaThe first annual “Breaking Dawn:A Walk for Hope” took placeon April 14 th at Windermere Park.The walk took place “at the breakof dawn” to symbolize bringing thetopic of suicide and mental illness“out of the whispers” and into thelight. Society still attaches a stigmato suicide, and it is largely misunderstood.While mourners usuallyreceive sympathy and compassion,the suicide survivor (the person leftbehind after a suicide), may encounterblame, judgment or exclusion.The walk is a way of bringing Survivorsof Suicide together. As I wastold after the loss of my 16-year-oldson, Kyle in 2006, “it’s a family younever want to be a part of. But, inthis family everyone has your back.”And that’s true. Sadly, we all knowthe shock associated with the lossby suicide and we are empathetic toeach other’s grief. We know we willnever “get over it,” but together wewill get through it.The walk started at 6:15am withapproximately 80 walkers, among200 lighted luminaries around thewalking track and into the woods.Around the track were informationalsigns with brief statistics aboutsuicide and depression. The SuicidePrevention Action Network-GA(SPAN-GA) Faces of Suicide quiltswere on display. These quilts are abeautiful, powerful testament thatsuicide does not discriminate. Itaffects blacks, whites, young, old,rich and poor. The walk ended at8am with a beautiful dove release.As of this writing, almost $6,000was raised and will stay here inGeorgia to help educate the public,provide events, and support friendsand families of those lost to suicide.For more information or to make adonation, visit: www.span-ga.org.Photo courtesy of Jane Gilbertson30CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net

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THE HARDEST PART OFGALLBLADDER SURGERY,CONVINCING PEOPLE YOU HAD IT.SINGLE-SITE TMROBOTIC SURGERY IS NOW BEING PERFORMED AT EMORY JOHNS CREEK HOSPITAL.Gallbladder surgery at Emory Johns Creek Hospital has come a long way in just a short period of time. Minimal to no scaring,minimal pain and minimal time spent in the hospital are just a few of the ways patients will experience a world of difference.Plus, with surgery being performed practically right in your backyard by our expert surgeons and state-of-the-art da Vinci ®robotic technology you can rest assured your surgery will go beautifully and your belly will stay beautiful.For more information, call 678-474-8200or visit emoryjohnscreek.com32CountyLine | June 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net