My Forsyth 2020_1

©2020 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is a department of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital.

WHERE YOU TAKE HER

KNEE INJURY MATTERS

Carson Nolan, Meniscus Tear

She might stick the landing like an

Olympian, but she’s still growing.

Growing bodies require special care, that’s why Children’s Healthcare of

Atlanta specializes in treating teen athletes. Our team of doctors provides

the coordinated care teens need throughout their recovery process to get

them back out on the mat. It’s why where you take them matters. It’s why

you take them to Children’s.

Visit choa.org/sportsmed to learn more.

Three Locations in Alpharetta and Forsyth

CONTENTS

VOLUME X • ISSUE 1

28

14

COVER STORY

33 READY TO SLEEP?

WE CAN HELP!

FEATURES

26 FOCUS:

MASTERING FULFILLMENT

44 IN THE BUSINESS OF

BREAKING GROUND!

51 A MOTHER’S HEART

60 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

AMBER LEIGH

HOME AND LIFE

9 9 Steps to Make Sure Your

Marketing Always Works

10 DAR Good Citizen Awards

12 Selling Your Home in Metro Atlanta

14 Time to Spring into Spring Cleaning

16 7 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Tax Bill

18 Earth Day is Every Day

20 The Call for a Hollywood Revolution

33

21 Accountability Courts:

Making a Difference

24 Which Wolf are you Feeding?

30 Modern Heroes:

Revitalizing Shenandoah Valley

32 The Comfort of Not Knowing

49 Love Hurts: Divorce Survival Tips

64 New Construction or Resale?

FORSYTH FOODIE

28 Ocean and Acre

HEALTH & WELLNESS

36 Omega-3: A Heart Healthy Fish Tale

40 Turn Off the News

38 Pregnancy Diet

41 Ways to Help With Chronic Pain

42 Eating Healthy on a Budget

EDUCATION

48 The Little Things Make You Feel Big

58 Mentors Honored at Celebration

Breakfast

42

FAITH

55 Out of Control

IN EVERY ISSUE

22 Book Review:

Pretty Bird by Philip Jeffress

46 Burgess Blog: To Buy of Not to Buy?

52 The Country Preacher

“DON’T MISS A THING”

WE’RE MOBILE...

myforsythmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

VOLUME X • ISSUE 1

MY FORSYTH

PUBLISHER

Market Complete LLC

Larry Brown is a retired

journalist. Larry is a member

of the Sawnee-Cumming

Optimist Club and a mentor

with Mentor Me North

Georgia. A community

volunteer and sought-out

writer, he may be reached at

browntrust@bellsouth.net.

Tom Burgess is the owner

and operator of Christian

Brothers Automotive in

Cumming. Tom retired from

the United States Air Force

in 2009, after serving his

country for over 22 years.

He may be reached at

Tom.Burgess@cbauto.net.

Ava Clavijo is a student

at Forsyth Central. She

may be reached at

AvaClavijo@gmail.com.

julie@marketcomplete.com

678.614.8583

SPECIAL REPORTS/VIDEO

Rachel Bellett

703.888.6328

Michelle Hall

904.386.0417

WEB CONTENT STRATEGIST

Matt Coutu

Pam Evans is an

Associate Broker with

Century 21 Results. She

may be reached at

678-778-6551.

Jacqueline Thompson

Graves is a freelance

media developer, writer,

and the author of the book

review blog The Book

Buffet. She may be reached

at thegraves@yahoo.com.

Rev. David Hill is a

Cumming resident and

frequent guest preacher

at Antioch Baptist Church.

He may be reached

at davidkhillhpm@

comcast.net.

matt@marketcomplete.com

STAFF WRITER

Katielee Kaner

katielee.myforsyth@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Samantha Angeli

samantha.angeli74@gmail.com

770.310.4486

PHOTOGRAPHY

Deanna Hoke is a health

coach. She may be reached

at 770-880-0181, deanna@

inspiredtobewell.com.

Amy Lyle lives in Forsyth

with her husband, four

teenagers and a large dog.

Her first book, The Amy

Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book

of Failures is a top eBook on

Amazon.com.

Tracy Ann Moore-Grant

has been practicing family

law since 2002. She's a

partner at Patterson Moore

Butler. She may be reached

at 770-889-0846.

Adam Pendleton

678.208.7077 • www.adampendleton.com

PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES

Power Marketing & Printing

678.990.3618 • smccaffrey@powermp

Maria I. Morgan is an

inspirational writer and

speaker. She is the awardwinning

author of Louie’s BIG

day! She may be reached at

maria@mariaimorgan.com.

Narendra Singh, MD,

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA is the

Director of Clinical Research,

Atlanta Heart Specialists LLC,

Atlanta, GA.


DrSingh@ahsmed.com or

www.heartdrsingh.com.

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.

The mission of My Forsyth magazine, a publication of

Market Complete LLC, is to provide readers with stories and

information about their communities and its people. 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 2020

Rachael Walkup

is the owner of

CummingLocal.com, wife,

mom and blogger.

She may be reached at

info@cumminglocal.com.

Hannah Testa is a 15 year

old student at West

Forsyth High School.

She may be reached at

hannah4change@gmail.com.

www.hannah4change.org.

Perrie Tucker is on the board of

the Chestatee River DAR. She

writes Young Adult pop culture

romance style novels under pen

name Perrie Patterson.

www.perriepatterson.com

My Forsyth | www.myforsythmag.com

5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135

Cumming GA 30040

(p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

Summer 2015

PAGE 35

PAGE 15

myforsyth.com

www.myforsyth.com i

2010-2020

MY

I

Interns ITHE

MEET

MENTOR ME SALUTES

REACHVOLUNTEERS

2020. WHAT A YEAR!

STORIES WORTH READ

This year marks the 10th anniversary of My Forsyth magazine. The mattered was giving this young writer an opportunity to write the story

support of our advertisers, writers, interns, advisors and contributors that was important to her and bring about awareness of this problem.

has been amazing. Without them, there would be no magazine. Over

the past few months I’ve been asked about my favorite things about I remember to story of a young cancer survivor who wanted to write about

publishing a magazine. There are many reasons to keep on publishing a a variety of topics, but not about cancer. I remember meeting her and

COMMUNITY. magazine – from having the EDUCATION. opportunity to meet and tell the stories FAITH. of commenting FOOD. on her beautiful HEALTH short hair towards the & end WELLNESS.

of our conversation.

some remarkable folks, to providing an avenue for writers to home in on It was then that she told me she had just concluded her cancer treatments.

their skills.

When I asked her why she didn’t mention it before, her answer myforsythmag.

was

crisp – cancer doesn’t define me. And she is absolutely correct. Katielee

Kaner has been a part of our magazine, and my life, since that first meeting.

I guess what I should write about is my appreciation to everyone who has

been a part of My Forsyth magazine over the past 10 years. Supporters

near and far – including those who quietly send a message of two to

remind me of why I should continue doing what I love. And those who

allow me to sit with them to simply talk – about everything. Having ears

that listen without judging and are ready to lend a hand when needed.

Mentors, counselors, friends. Forever appreciated.

What is it about a community lifestyle magazine that makes it worth

doing? It’s the people – the ones we serve, the ones we know, and the

ones we will soon get to know. From the parents of a young man who

earned his Eagle Scout badge to the parents of a young man who lost

his life at a tender age, yet they’ve made it their mission to help others in

need for much needed care in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

From a proud daughter who enjoys a glass of wine with her 90 year old

dad every afternoon to the eager mom who encourages her daughter to

follow her dream of becoming a writer, or an activist, or a singer. I’ve had

the opportunity of interviewing some of Atlanta’s most beloved figures –

Dr. Charles Stanley being one of them. I look forward to the opportunity

to meet a few more.

TWELVE TABLES OF

INSPIRATION

MAGAZINE

My Celebration

Two key components of any publication are photography and graphic

design. Adam Pendleton and Samantha Angeli have been at the helm of

these two areas for the majority of the past 10 years. You know you have

the right people on your team when they figure out exactly what you’re

looking for in an image or a layout without telling them. We’ve become

close friends over the years and respect each other’s work. I’ve learned

to trust them implicitly – I stay in my lane and they ride in theirs.

To all who have shared their stories with us – thank you! We hope to

continue sharing many more stories, at least for a while longer.

I hope you’ll enjoy the stories and information in what I’ve been told

to refer to as our commemorative issue. As such, here’s to those who,

while no longer here next to me, played a significant role in My Forsyth

magazine. You are missed.

I recently read that “Success does not mean to

have a lot; it simply means to take a step ahead.”

There have been many stories written by numerous writers over the

past 10 years. The topics have varied, and some have even been

controversial. I recall when one young intern asked me if I would consider

publishing her article about human trafficking. Without hesitation I

said yes. We got a little push from some folks; but that was ok. What

So here we go… one step at a time.

JULIE BRENNAN

Publisher

julie@marketcomplete.com

9 Steps to Make Sure Your

Marketing Always Works

By Kyle Porter

YOUR CUSTOMERS AREN’T PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR MARKETING.

In fact, your customers aren’t paying attention to most marketing. Why would they? Your

customers, just like all of us, are subjected to as many as 10,000 marketing messages a day.

5

Develop your sales process

Decide how you’ll generate leads,

collect contact information, and

ultimately turn those leads into customers.

6

Create traffic

Whether you’re posting content to

social media, running ads, or being

involved in your local community, you need to

find a way to get eyeballs on your business.

7

Plan amazing customer

experiences

Build a plan to ensure that your

customers are thrilled to do business with you at

every opportunity.

SO, WHAT DO THEY DO?

THEY TUNE THEM OUT.

If you want to get your customers to pay attention

to you, you have to be clear and direct. The most

powerful tool at your disposal to do that is

storytelling.

As soon as a story starts, our brain locks in. It’s

how humans evolved to communicate - to share

information and explain how the world works.

We are literally wired to be captivated

by stories.

At GuidePost, we take businesses through a

9-step process to make sure their message is

presented in an effective story that will resonate

with their customers.

Apply this simple process to your own

marketing and watch how much more effective

your message becomes.

1

Identify your perfect customer

Who is this product or service actually

for? What are their goals? What are

their problems? What does their life look like?

2

Create a compelling offer

What does it look like for your

customers to do business with you?

How do you present the thing you sell to them?

3

Determine your Brand Voice

What is the specific tone, language,

and position of your brand in the

marketplace that allows you to stand out from

your competitors?

4

Build your platforms online

Create clear, compelling web pages

and social media profiles that will

actually allow business to take place.

8

Create a path to upgraded

services

Offer premium services reserved for

VIP customers. Offer a way for your customers

to opt into higher levels of service.

9

Make it easy for your customers

to spread the word

Build a community around the people

who use and love your business. Reward them

for sharing their experiences.

As you build this, remember that you’re never

done. This should be an ongoing process -

constantly refining, testing, and improving.

And if you need help, reach out and we’ll build it

together.

Kyle Porter is the Owner of

GuidePost Marketing and a

StoryBrand Certified Guide.


kyle@guideppostmarketing.com.

VOLUME X | ISSUE 1 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 9

Good Citizen Awards

CHESTATEE RIVER CHAPTER DAR

By Perrie Tucker

From left to right Dylan Brennan, SFHS, Vivian Munce, WFHS, Bailyn Otwell DHS, Harley McCullar, NFHS

The Cumming chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognizes

local Forsyth County high school seniors through their annual ‘Good Citizen Award’

and ceremony. Recently, the Chapter held an awards ceremony where six students

were honored, each representing one of the Forsyth County High Schools.

Choosing just one senior per school is

a difficult job since our county boasts

some of the most exemplary students

in the state. This year the Chestatee River

Chapter, DAR, worked with each school’s

guidance counseling department and teachers to

select a senior to receive the award. Wish some

of the high schools having over 600 students in

the 2020 graduating class, to receive this award

is quite the honor.

The DAR Good Citizen Award looks for

students that have characteristics of school

spirit, leadership, cooperation, responsibility,

trustworthiness, truthfulness, patriotism and

love of country, volunteerism in the community

as well as elsewhere. Once each school selected

its winner, the names are given to the chapter’s

award program chair and preparations for the

award ceremony were made.

This year, several local businesses were

included in providing donations for the six gift

baskets prepared for the winners.

• Walmart at Market Place - American flags

• Tam’s Tupelo $25.00 gift cards

• Office Depot $25.00 gift cards

• Party City at Market Place Latex balloon

bouquets for their senior grad parties

• Costco Cake for the event held at Polo Golf

and Country Club

• Love, Shine, Snap Photography

• DAR Chapter $100 for each honoree

A fully-decorated and festive atmosphere gave

way to presentations by each student. They

had the opportunity to speak about their

hobbies, interests, volunteerism, high school

accomplishments as well as their future plans

for college and career.

THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S

DAR ‘GOOD CITIZEN AWARD ARE:

Bailyn Otwell - Denmark High School

Otwell was the team captain for the DHS Varsity

competition cheerleading team that won first

place in state this year. Bailyn is also VP of Digital

Communications, VP of special events for

DECA, and on the Varsity track and field team.

Susie Thompson -

Forsyth Central High School

Thompson is part of the leadership team with

FCCLA, a member of the National Honor Society,

and a member of the National Technical Honor

Society. Susie is also on the servant ministry team

at First Baptist church, Cumming. She is also an

educational intern with North Forsyth Hospital

in Cumming. Susie also won the Food Science

Pathway Outstanding student award.

Odessa Stoelzel – Lambert High School

Stoelzel is a member of the National Honor

Scoiety, Beta Club officer, president of LHS,

FCA, and a member of LHS Varsity track and

field. She is a participant in the youth leadership

Forsyth program and is also a leader for middle

school girls for North Point Community church.

Odessa will be attending UGA in the fall.

Harley McCullar -

North Forsyth High School

McCullar is a member if Raider men’s chorus,

a Capella Club, NFHS chamber choir, National

10 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME X | ISSUE 1

English Honor Society, and the National Honor

Society. Harley has completed an editorial internship

with the Forsyth County News, won the male

literary soloist award for 2020, and GMEA-All-State

senior for mixed chorus. He has been a guest choral

instructor for LMMS and OMS. Harley will attend

UGA in the fall.

Dylan Brennan -

South Forsyth High School

Dylan is the founder and president for SFHS coding

club. He is the VP for Young Americans for Freedom,

VP for Leo Club, member of the National Honor

Society, National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club,

and Varsity Cross Country. Dylan is a First Priority

Leader for First Redeemer Church. He is also the web

design team leader for the Future Business Leaders

of America. He also enjoyed a mission trip to Haiti

with his church. Dylan has applied to the United

States Naval Academy. He plans to serve his country

as a US Navy officer and pilot. He has also received a

scholarship to the University of Auburn.

Laura Wilson, Principal of South Forsyth High School,l, Dylan Brennan, with parents

Vivian Munce - West Forsyth High School

Vivian is a member of the marching band, Key Club,

Tri-M club, Conditions Awareness club, National

Honor Society, Beta Club, Rho Kappa National Social

Studies Honor Society, Math Honor Society. She

has been a member of the Cumming Ballet Theater

for 15 years, and an assistant dance instructor for

two years. She is a member of the National Forsyth

County BB Gun team and has won many BB gun

competitions including top BB gun competitor for

North GA counties. She is the founder and leader for

Project Dance-Fit, a program which teaches dance to

elementary-aged children in after school programs to

encourage positive exercise habits. She also volunteers

with ‘Meals by Grace’ and Relay for Life. Vivian plans

to major in dance and has auditioned and interviewed

with the University of Alabama theater and dance

program as well as UGA’s dance program.

Bailyn Otwell from Denmark High school

Bailyn Otwell, Denmark High School, with parents

The Chestatee River chapter DAR congratulates

these Forsyth County high school seniors and wishes

them the best in their pursuit of further education

and their future careers. General scholarships are

available for high school seniors through the national

DAR website www.dar.org.

About DAR

If you have an ancestor that fought for

freedom for our country or gave aide during

the Revolutionary War, contact us about

becoming a member today. Our local DAR

chapter meets the 2nd Sunday each month

from September-May. In June we will be

meeting for our first chapter book club. The

first book we will discuss will be ‘American’s

First Daughter,’ a wonderful historical fiction

book that dives into the life of Thomas

Jefferson’s oldest daughter. Our chapter has

something for everyone. For more information

chestateeriverchapter@yahoo.com.

Lambert High School, Odessa Stoezel

Harley McCullar, North Fulton High School

receives Good Citizen Award from DAR Board

Member Perrie Tucker and DAR chapter Regent:

Kaytie Mashburn, Swofford.

Forsyth Central High School, Susie Thompson

Phots by Love, Shine, Snap photography Teyi Aponte


Selling Your Home in Metro

Atlanta Offers Many Choices

By Pam Evans

You may have noticed that metro Atlanta has a plethora of selling options when it comes to Real Estate. From the

barrage of TV and radio ads, Facebook and Instagram ads, online ads, even street billboards, every week someone

asks me, “So, which is the best option?”

Honestly, choice is good. Our Real Estate

market is healthy, especially here in Forsyth

County. A strong economic base is ripe for

opportunity and that is why metro Atlanta is one

of the few cities in the nation with this staggering

number of options that does not exist elsewhere.

With the myriad of choices, and their competing

messages, it may be tricky to determine which

may be best for your situation. Also important

is understanding what the risks and rewards are

associated with each option.

GUARANTEED OFFER ON YOUR

HOME/CASH OFFER

This sounds wonderful and reassuring and

certainly can be. This option, available directly

to the consumer and through some reputable

Real Estate Brokerages including mine, utilizes

internet cash buyers that the industry refers to as

iBuyers. iBuyers are cash buyers backed by large

hedge-fund type operations. They create an easy

path to selling your home with the least amount

of hassle and stress. Using their pre-determined

criteria, they will make a cash offer and close

using the timetable most convenient for the

Homeowner. My Brokerage works with several

iBuyer organizations, and this can be a viable

option for some people.

A question people ask is why do these groups

exist? The reason is two-fold. Some organizations

use the Buy and Hold strategy, meaning they

purchase properties, fix them up, and use them

as Rental investments, as the rental market is very

strong. They have determined that Real Estate is

a great long-term investment strategy, and it is.

The other organizations Buy, Fix, then Resell the

property. Their profit is derived sometimes by the

new sales price, the Convenience fee, or the other

services that they offer to Sellers (mortgages, title

insurance, etc.).

This Cash Offer solution works in probably

25% of the transactions in our area. They tend to

work best for people who have lots of equity in

their home, who are willing to forgo some profit

in exchange for convenience. They can simply

sell their home as-is and be done and moved in as

little as two weeks, or several months, whatever

works best for them.

The consideration with this option is the

Convenience fee charged by the iBuyer. These

range anywhere from 7% to 13%, and in most

cases does not include the cost of repairs that the

Homeowner will be charged at Closing, again, by

the iBuyer.

What really matters for the homeowner

is how the math works out – does the cost and

expense make sense, particularly when this may

be a very convenient and speedy option.

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME – WE’LL BUY

IT FOR YOU AND YOU MOVE INTO IT –

THEN SELL YOUR OLD HOME

Talk about a dream come true for a hectic

household whose current home is too small! This

can certainly reduce some stressors and make

things more manageable. What is imperative

to understand is that there are few guarantees

that your first home will actually sell in a timely

manner and for the suggested list price. If it does,

you are golden. If it doesn’t, the Homeowner

needs to understand that they are continuing to

make their mortgage payments on their original

home after they have moved out. Once it sells,

they may net far less than originally anticipated.

Once this transaction is complete, they need to

then purchase the new home from the company

that managed this process for them – and make

payments for the time they have already been

living there. Do you see how the math could be

very uncertain in this situation, and elevate the

risk for some homeowners?

If you know all of that going in, and plan

for it, this can be a very viable option. If you are

averse to risk and uncertainty and may not have

a financial slush fund to help hedge any loss, this

may be a bit uncomfortable.

MY ADVICE

Evaluate all the options, as all the options truly

have merit, including selling your home more

conventionally – getting your home in marketready

condition, clean and spruced up to appeal

to Buyers. Photos, Open Houses, Showings.

Nothing terrible if you are working with the

right Realtor, but definitely more effort required

on the part of the homeowner. The benefit to a

traditional listing and sale, if done effectively, is

then netting the highest price for your home that

the market will support. If your home is move-in

ready and to today’s standards, Buyers will flock

to you and be willing to pay top dollar.

Important to note is that not all the options are

right for everyone. Best is to discuss potential

choices with a trusted and experienced Realtor

who embraces the options and is confident in

helping you evaluate what is best for you. Our job

is to help you navigate the process, net you the

most money possible, and protect you from risk.

Accurately evaluating each option, including

contract language and clauses is better served

with the input of a real estate professional,

which you can still have while exploring iBuyer

options. You don’t need to go it alone. Evaluating

Conventional Sale versus multiple Guaranteed

Cash Offers leaves no stone unturned, and

gives the homeowner choices to consider, with

some professional protection and guidance.

If your Realtor is not willing to help you assess

everything, or not comfortable doing so, talking

with someone else may be in your best interest.

After all, this is your financial next step.

Pam Evans is an Associate Broker with Century 21 Results, and can be reached at HelloPamEvans@gmail.com and at 678-778-6551.



TIME TO SPRING INTO

CLEANING

Interior Wipe Down – One way to see an instant difference inside

your home is to wipe down baseboards, walls, door frames, posts and

ceiling fans. You’ll be amazed at the amount of finger smudges, dust and

germs collect there and on items like kitchen cabinets and appliances. A

good wipe down with soapy water will make them disappear in a jiffy,

and instantly have the inside of your home looking brighter.

Organize a System – You know what they say, “a place for everything

and everything in its place.” There’s no better time than now to create an

organizational system for things like medical records, school papers, car

and maintenance receipts. And after making a few drop-offs of unused

and unwanted dishes, clothes and home accessories to the nearest

Goodwill, your closets and drawers will have more space.

With your attention on the right tasks, there’s no worry about leaving

areas of your home undone. And once your list is all checked off, you

will feel more accomplished and satisfied, and your home will look and

feel cleaner.

By Lanada Chanel Duncan

IT’S TIME TO SPRING INTO ACTION AND TACKLE PROJECTS

TO GET YOUR HOME IN TIP-TOP SHAPE FOR SPRING.

The best approach to a Spring cleaning marathon is to pace yourself,

planning projects in stages so that you don’t get overwhelmed.

Creating a checklist will save you time and energy, and help you see

the big picture – a thoroughly cleaned home you can take comfort in

and enjoy.

But don’t feel pressured to get everything finished in one weekend.

Depending on the size of your home, you may have to devote several

days to getting it all done. Having a few team members to help will

come in hand.

HERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT TASKS TO ADD TO

YOUR SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST.

Exterior Cleaning – Your home’s exterior needs as much attention as

the interior now that the season is changing. It usually takes a beating from

harsh winter conditions so a good pressure wash will get rid of the wintery

grime on walls and windows and improve your home’s curb appeal.

Lanada Chanel is the Principal Stylist with b.e. decors, an

interior decorating, staging and procuring company. b.e.

decors styles sophisticated, peaceful living and work spaces

for busy professionals to enjoy.

Lanada Chanel Duncan, b.e. decors

678.951.9210

info@bedecors.com

www.bedecors.com



reporting. If there are a few hundred dollars or

more left that you could earn and still pay zero

tax, it makes sense to take those dollars from

IRA and either roll them into a Roth IRA, or

simply re-categorize those assets, expose them

to the possibility of taxation, avoid paying the

tax (0% tax bracket), and restore them in any

non-IRA.

5 EASY WAYS

to Reduce Your Tax Bill:

SMALL LIFE CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

By Kurt Arseneau, Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Financial Consultant

The first tip to reduce your income tax

bill is this: realize that the IRS changes

the tax code often and has rules that

“phase in” or “phase out”. Often, the IRS

has specials, almost like the special of the day at

your favorite diner, which are temporary and have

an expiration date. They also, as needed, amend the

tax code and change it mid-year, depending on the

economic circumstances that are driving the need.

The tax code is a moving, changing document.

Many people think, “Well, I've never had enough

expenses to itemize, so I'll just take the standard

deduction again this year.” Because of that mind

set, they may forget some of the components that

go into the calculation and not realize that they

could get extra tax savings because of a single

event, or a number of small events.

TAX TIP #1

Remember, the tax code constantly changes, so you

can't compare one year to the next. Always look at

the coming tax year as a new episode, or a new

chapter in a book, and greet it with an open mind.

Those changes may represent an opportunity to

reduce your tax bill. It is imperative to work with a

financial advisor who takes a proactive approach

to tax planning, rather than allowing the tax piece

of the financial plan to be prepared elsewhere.

Indeed, your tax preparation should be a part

of your overall financial plan. A good financial

advisor, aware of all the year-to-year changes to

the tax code, can be your best resource, especially

if that advisor offers professional tax preparation.

TAX TIP #2

CD interest penalties are deductible. That's

right. If you have been working with a financial

advisor and have decided on employment of

a tax-advantaged investment strategy, such

as tax-free municipal bonds or tax deferrals

in annuities or life insurance products, you

may be contemplating moving money from a

certificate of deposit or other savings accounts.

Often, people delay changing the way their

dollars are invested or stored because there

would be a penalty for early withdrawal. They

don’t realize that part of that penalty would

actually lower their income tax bill on the

adjusted gross income, line 30, penalty for

early withdrawal.

TAX TIP #3

It is not uncommon for some taxpayers to not be

in a tax bracket at all, because they have money

in tax-free or tax-deferred vehicles, collect Social

Security, and have low fixed expenses. Yet, those

people often still have some IRA monies. People

who under the age of 70 and not required to take

their RMDs are allowed to leave money in IRAs

and simply enjoy being at the zero bracket.

Those people, however, often could have

taken hundreds, even thousands of dollars out of

their IRAs or deferred accounts and continued to

pay zero tax. If you're working with a proactive

financial advisor, they may suggest a “what if ”

tax return in the month of December to estimate

how much actual income you are going to be

TAX TIP #4

Many people with capital gains from sales of

stock or from mutual fund distributions know

that they can offset those gains with a loss, but

few actually sit down and do the annual exercise.

It is a good idea to meet with a financial advisor

or broker to look at your losses. By selling those

losing assets you can offset your other investment

gains and end up with an equivalent of no capital

gains. Many people would rather not sell their

underperforming assets because they believe

they’re about to "come back" and wouldn’t dare

wait the 31-day waiting period to repurchase the

same asset as an allowable purchase.

However, many people don’t realize that an

ETF (Exchanged Traded Fund) is in a different

asset class than a mutual fund, and many ETFs

are comprised of many of the same assets as

their mutual fund counterparts. For instance,

someone invested in the Vanguard S&P 500

mutual fund could sell that fund at a loss and buy

the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF the next day without

violating the 31-day rule. There are other

nuances to changing asset classes that must be

considered, but the point is clear. In December,

compare your investment winners and losers

and plan accordingly.

TAX TIP #5

Another special tax deduction that has been

extended for the lower brackets is the Capital

Gains Tax. Many people believe that the Capital

Gains Tax Rate is 15% because that’s what they

paid the last time they sold an investment at a

gain. For instance, if Mary sold stock in 1998, she

may have paid 15% capital gains on the federal

level and then an additional tax on the state level

making it unattractive to sell other stocks with

large gains. However, the Capital Gains Tax Rate

is not 15% for everyone. It is on a sliding scale

based on what your actual personal tax rate is.

Don’t forget that if you sell a stock at a gain

there is NO 30-DAY RULE! You could repurchase

the same stock the next day. The 30-day rule is if

you take tax losses, NOT profits! Selling at a profit

but still paying no tax means a free step up in cost

basis. After 2018, it’s not likely there will be a 0%

capital gains rate again. Carpe Diem!

Investment Advisory Services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC(AEWM). AEWM and Arseneau Advisory Group are not affiliated companies.



Earth Day is Every Day

By Hannah Testa

The first Earth Day commemoration was held 50 years ago. The first event

mobilized 20 million Americans (about 10% of the U.S. population at the time)

to the streets to demand a better future for the only planet we have. The first

Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.

Despite five decades of progress, we

find ourselves facing a dire set of global

environmental challenges hitting us

simultaneously, from loss of biodiversity

to climate change to plastic pollution. We

all need to really to take bold action to help our

planet, and what better way to start your journey

than on Earth Day?

Plastic pollution is one of our top

environmental issues, and despite some positive

efforts by governments, businesses, and citizens,

we are losing the battle. Plastic products such

as plastic bottles, bags, cups, utensils, straws,

etc., are everywhere - you’ll find them in stores,

restaurants, homes, schools, and offices - but

also in landfills and littered on our streets, across

our parks, and in our lakes and oceans. We are

blessed to live in a region close to Lake Lanier, the

Chattahoochee River, and several beautiful parks

and trails, and with that comes the responsibility

to protect what God created.

Scientists predict that at our current pace,

by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean

than fish, by weight. If we want to reverse that

trend, it’s up to us to demand reusable, recyclable,

or biodegradable products and make strides to

reduce our plastic consumption in our own lives.

With concerted effort by citizens, businesses,

and governments, we can solve our plastic

pollution problem. There are some simple things

you can do to reduce your plastic footprint. And

many of these ideas come with discount codes of

5% to 50% on my website (www.hannah4change.

org) so you can save money too.

Plastic bags are lightweight and easily escape

trash bins and get caught in the wind. Plastic bags

are commonly not recycled in curbside recycling

programs because they clog the machinery. In

the ocean, plastic bags are easily mistaken as a

jellyfish and eaten by sea turtles, causing their

death. Instead of using plastic bags, take reusable

bags to the store. My favorite reusable bags come

from ChicoBag, a California-based company. If

you take reusable bags to the store, businesses

such as Target and Sprouts will give you money

back for each bag you use.

Plastic straws are a widely used product -

approximately 500 million straws are used daily

in the US alone - and they cannot be recycled.

At restaurants, tell the server you don’t want a

straw, or use alternatives such as paper, glass, or

steel straws. The paper straw company, Aardvark

Straws, is a leading provider of alternative straws.

Simply Straws sells great glass straws, and the

company FinalStraw sells collapsible metal straws

that make it easy to carry anywhere.

Plastic bottles and cups are major polluters

plus the plastic can leach chemicals into the

drinks you are using them with. As a solution,

why don’t you take your own reusable bottle or

cup for when you are on the go? At restaurants,

you can ask them to fill up your bottle or cup

instead. You can also take stainless steel drinking

containers and thermoses in your backpack or

purse from a company called Klean Kanteen.

If you really need a disposable water bottle,

consider another favorite of mine, Boxed Water,

a company which sells water in box cartons.

Paper coffee cups have a plastic lining on the

inside to make them heat and leak-proof, but

this mixed material makes it nearly impossible to

recycle. A better idea is to bring your own coffee

cup or Klean Kanteen thermos to cafes (many

places also give you money back for bringing in

your own cup).

Plastic utensils easily puncture trash bags

and end up in the ocean. More than 100 million

plastic utensils are used by Americans every day

and unfortunately, they can take up to 1,000 years

to decompose. As a solution, keep metal utensils

in your car or backpack or you can buy a pack

of reusable bamboo utensils to carry around with

you. A leading provider of sustainable utensils is

from the company Life Without Plastic.

Polystyrene foam, also called Styrofoam, is a

type of plastic, and is so lightweight that it easily

makes its way to our rivers, lakes and oceans.

Styrofoam bits are also a challenge to clean

up because of their small size. Did you know

Styrofoam is one of the most toxic plastics known

to humans and we are using it directly with the

food we eat!? You can leave a set of reusable

containers in your car for when needed to refuse

Styrofoam or ask restaurants for aluminum foil or

other alternatives.

Plastic food wrap and sandwich bags are

very common for packaging food and storing

leftovers. For a family of four, these single-use

plastics can add up quickly, especially if you use

them every day when packing a lunch for work or

school. Use butcher, waxed, or parchment paper

wherever possible instead of plastic wrap. There

are also reusable containers, bees-wax wraps

and reusable pouches to store food in which

can be cleaned to use again and again. Consider

using alternative products from the companies

ECOlunchbox and Bee’s Wrap.

Toothbrushes are made of plastic and are a

common item found on beach cleanups. Refuse

plastic toothbrushes and instead, consider buying

from companies such as Wowe Lifestyle that sell

bamboo toothbrushes that are better for the Earth.

Laundry detergents typically use a lot of

plastic packaging. One suggestion is to try to buy

concentrated detergent to reduce the quantity of

packaging you use. My favorite detergent is sold by

a company called Happi Earth, which makes 100%

organic, natural laundry cleaner with a simple

pouch that contains almost no plastic material. One

purchase should last about a year (400 washes) and

each because the detergent is highly concentrated,

each load will only cost about 25 cents, so you can

save money while saving the earth.

Cigarettes are considered the most littered

item on earth. Trillions of cigarette butts (which

contain plastic) are tossed into the environment

annually, where they leach toxins into the earth.

You’ll see them all over the side of the road and

they are a challenge to pick up. The practical

solutions here are obvious - refuse to use cigarettes

or properly dispose of them. Terrracycle also will

take your butts and turn them into new products.

As you can see, there are plenty of eco-friendly

ideas you can implement in your daily lives. These

ideas don’t cost much, protect animals and the

environment, preserve the beauty of our local

communities, and are much better for our own

health. So, for Earth Day, why don’t you introduce

some of these products into your life and see how

easy it can be to make an impact? To reduce our

over-reliance on plastic, the best way to effect and

inspire change is to be the change!

Hannah Testa is a 17 year old student, author, and international speaker focused

on plastic pollution, animal rights, organic and sustainable living, and climate

change. You can learn more at www.hannah4change.org.



the industry who are currently participating in

upholding that system of exclusion but could

behave differently, and, most importantly, for

the women (and other “othered” creatives)

who are struggling to succeed in the current

system as we speak and may feel alone and

disempowered in their struggle (you are not).

Shock us with some statistics about women

in film.

If you have watched primarily US mainstream

movies in your lifetime: around 95% of all of

the films you have ever seen were directed by

men (mostly white); 80-90% of all the leading

characters you’ve ever seen were male (mostly white); and 55% of the time

you’ve seen a female character on screen she was naked or scantily clad.

Science has demonstrated that the films we watch influence everything

from our hobbies to our career choices to our sense of identity to our

opinions of others to our relationship status...even, quite literally, our

brain chemistry. A 2018 Nielsen study indicates that the average adult now

consumes an average of 10.5 hours of media per day. Sit for a minute and

try to understand the impact that series of facts has had – and continues to

have – on society. Imagine how different the world would be if our media

contained a diversity of perspective.

THE CALL FOR A

Hollywood Revolution

An interview by Amy Lyle

AWARD-WINNING ACTOR, WRITER, AND

PRODUCER, NAOMI MCDOUGALL JONES, IS

SCREAMING FOR A REVOLUTION IN HOLLYWOOD.

You have been in film for over a decade and it’s exciting to hear your

voice getting louder and louder about how Hollywood is designed to

keep women out. Your new book, “The Wrong Kind of Women: Inside

Our Revolution to Dismantle the Gods of Hollywood,” gives an insider

look at a system does not work for women. What do you want people

to take away from the book?

I hope this book is the end of the conversations about whether or not there

has been and/or continues to be systemic exclusion of women (and POCs

and everyone other than white, straight, cis-, able-bodied men) from the

film, television, and entertainment industries. There is. That’s not an

opinion. As I’ve laid it out of the book, every corner of that fact is backed

up by data, research, and over 100 hours of interviews that I conducted

with men and women up and down the industry. Furthermore, I hope

the book serves as a beginning road map in thinking about how we get

ourselves out of nearly a century of supremacy of the white, male gaze

and into a media industry that reflects the full, rich, brilliant diversity

of the world we live in. I hope those messages reach the audiences who

consume the content Hollywood creates, for the men and women inside

Women films make money, is this catching the attention of big

studios?

Sort of. The stats are that per dollar spent, films by and about women make

more money than those by and about men. Hollywood is slowly beginning

to get on board with making more films about women, but those stories are

still being almost exclusively created and told by white men. When I talk

about the importance of a diversity of perspective in media, I’m speaking

primarily about giving women (and all other historically underrepresented

creatives) the chance to tell stories from their own perspective. I am less

interested in white men filtering the narratives of everyone else through

their own gaze. The most common push-back against the idea of getting

more women into film that I hear is some version of, “Well, young lady.

Hollywood is a business. If there was money in making films by and about

women, they would make them.” What the book lays out unequivocally, is

that films by women are more profitable and yet Hollywood isn’t making

them, because the people who have all the power, prestige, fame, and

money are actually not that interested in sharing them.

Congratulations on becoming the first recipient of the artist-inresidency

program at Ernest Hemingway House, when can we see

your next film?

Thanks! My third feature film, Hammond Castle, is a magical realism

piece about a 7-month pregnant woman’s unexpected interaction with the

brilliant, eccentric, and deceased inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. I have

a script and directing team ready to go and you will be able to see it as soon

as I find investors and a cast to make it!

Naomi’s website: www.naomimcdougalljones.com

(find her films, book, TEDTalk, other work, further resources,

newsletter sign-up, everything!)

Twitter: @NaomiMcDougallJ

Instagram: @naomimj

Facebook:www.facebook.com/naomi.mcdougalljones.5?fref=ts


Accountability Courts:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Penny A. Penn

“DRUG COURT HAS GIVEN ME THE TOOLS THAT I NEED…TO LIVE A LIFE

OF SOBRIETY. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I AM LIVING MY BEST LIFE,” said a

participant on the eve of graduation in an exit interview with the judge. This is the desired outcome for

all the participants in the program, an accountability court operational in Forsyth County since 2004.

Accountability courts were created to

reduce incarceration and recidivism.

They provide judicial oversight incorporated with

specialized treatment services. The Drug Court

program serves individuals arrested on drug and

drug-related charges or who are on probation

and have tested positive for or admitted to drug

use. All involve felony crimes. All participants

have a moderate to severe substance use disorder

and are considered at high risk to reoffend.

The program consists of five phases and

lasts a minimum of twenty-four months.

Court is conducted weekly and presided over

by a Superior Court judge, who leads a team

consisting of a prosecutor, defense attorney,

probation officer, case manager, clinician,

treatment provider and law enforcement.

Participants are required to comply with all

program rules that include maintaining steady

employment, obtaining GED’s, attending

counseling and appearing in court. They

are also subject to daily drug screens. If they

successfully complete the program, additional

incarceration is avoided or charges may be

dismissed. Some graduates are eligible to have

their criminal histories restricted.

Given the tools to remain sober, graduates

can maintain steady employment, reunite with

their children and restore relationships with

their families. Their success has a positive

impact on the community, as well. A report

released by the Council of Accountability

Court Judges of Georgia in 2018, Processes and

Outcomes, revealed that only 27% of Georgia’s

Drug Court graduates reoffended, compared to

74% of those who were terminated. The study

showed that even those who were terminated

had lower recidivism rates than offenders who

never entered a drug court program. Drug

Court programs promote public safety and

advance community protection.

They also reap a significant financial

benefit to the larger community. The

operational expenses associated with running

an accountability court are approximately

$5,000 less per participant compared to the

costs of incarceration, according to the same

report. It also found in FY 2017, that each

graduate from every state-wide accountability

court, 1,729 total, created a little over $22,000

in economic benefits to Georgia for a total

of more than $38 million. These benefits are

accrued by payment of income taxes and

performance of community service work.

There are also savings because health care

costs are reduced, including more babies born

drug-free, and fewer children are placed into

foster care.

Locally, I point to the 368 graduates

and their loved ones who spoke at the 52

graduation ceremonies, overjoyed to have

parents, spouses and children back in their

lives. As a recent graduate said, “It is because

of Drug Court that I can look in the mirror

and smile at the [person] I have become today.”

That is reason enough.

Penny A. Penn is the District Attorney for

the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit. She may be

reached at papenn@forsythco.com.


B

ook Review

Pretty Bird

By Philip Jeffress

Review by Jacqueline Thompson Graves

“Writing books, scholarly articles and

economic impact studies was his profession.

Writing Pretty Bird was his passion.” So the bio

about Philip Jeffress goes. Pretty Bird – the book

gets its name from a game children played with

a handkerchief “bird” – takes its readers back in

time - way back, when mules and draw horses

plowed fields, not John Deeres, back to a time

when dishwashers were people, when doctors

made house calls.

At times Pretty Bird feels a bit like the Little

House books penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder - a

farm family battling nature, surviving weather’s

seasonal onslaughts, scrapping with wild

animals for their home. Pretty Bird introduces

us to Joshua, an 11-year old boy already doing a

grownup’s farm work, yet still a child who misses

his mother buried too young.

Jeffress takes us to Kentucky, a place he grew

up, and shows us around. “Only a few of the

cypress knees were visible, their tips sticking out

of the water like giant sharpened pencils without

any lead.”

Anyone who grew up in a small town

recognizes his characters. “Sheriff Benny Ridley

was five feet, six inches tall with a stocky build.

The trousers of his khaki sheriff ’s uniform were

pulled up well above his waistline. Behind his

back, people called him Sheriff Highpockets.

When he walked, he leaned forward at the waist

like a man who was trying to walk against a fortymile-an-hour

headwind.”

When I read Jeffress’ description of starting

a hand-cranked automobile, I was thankful the

next time I hopped in mine and just turned the

key. I realized it made perfect sense for Joshua’s

dad to tell him to finish up the milking while he

got the car started for their trip to town. It took

a while to go through the procedure to get and

keep the car running! These and other vintage

details weave through the novel, adding another

layer of entertainment.

Philip Jeffress is a local writer, retired from

a life’s work as professor of economics at the

University of New Orleans.

I called and talked to him about Pretty Bird.

Q

How was your life growing up on a small

farm similar to Joshua’s in the novel?

A Joshua’s life was more akin to my father’s

than mine. My experience made me familiar, not

only with the place, but also with the vernacular

of the place.

Q

You said writing this book has been your

passion. Why did you feel driven to tell this

story?

A I grew up in western Kentucky. That’s the

Old Home. When my father retired he sat

down with a tape recorder and talked about

his life growing up, but it sounded like the Old

Testament, you know “So-and-So had two

children”. But he told stories, too. So the book is

fiction, loosely based on his boyhood. Some of

the characters are real, some are made up. It was

my dad’s point of view that made it my passion –

retelling his memories.

Q

Your writing bears that authentic

Southern sound like Mark Twain or Clyde

Edgerton. How hard is it to write in an

authentic vernacular?

A It wasn’t difficult for me. I would write and

then go back and read and ask myself, “Where

did that come from?” The characters just

naturally spoke. I was listening to them tell their

story, not forcing it.

Q

Joshua keeps missing his deceased

mother. It is one of the themes in the book -

his mother hovering over him. How did you

know what this would be like? How did you

get in Joshua’s head?

A My father lost his mother when he was eight

years old. He talked about it. He told us things

his mother said and did. He felt loved by his

mother. After his father remarried he missed his

mother terribly, but he grew strength from what

his mother gave him. He was never shy about

talking about her and his feelings for her.

Q

It is a rare person who doesn’t have

at least one incident in their young life

involving being bullied. Many of us were

repeatedly and continuously bullied. Joshua

is bullied in his own home, the place that

should be a safe haven. What were you

trying to say through the Lonnie character?

A From what my dad told me, he wasn’t bullied

like Joshua is by Lonnie in the book, but I felt

the book needed an anti-hero, so I amped it

up. My dad always had a bit of insecurity, and I

wondered where that came from. In those days,

even in my life, people didn’t talk about being

bullied.

Q

Your descriptions of both hitching a

mule to a wagon and starting a car with a

crank motor are detailed and realistic. Have

you done those things?

A No, I haven’t. Part of what my father

described in his memoirs was cranking their

model T, and then I had to research old cars

of that era – what existed, how to crank them.

Hitching a team to a wagon was researched.

I did drive a tractor and know how hard it is

to back up a four wheel drive tractor. Much of

the book’s detail comes from my father’s taped

memories, for example, how to hold the crank so

it won’t break your arm if it backlashes on you.

I rode in some of his old cars and can still smell

them to this day in my mind.

WIN A COPY OF PRETTY BIRD!

You can enter your name in a drawing

to WIN a paperback copy of Pretty Bird

by emailing your name to

JacquelineinAtlanta@gmail.com.

US residents only please.

Contest closes April 16th, 2020.

You can purchase Pretty Bird

at the following places:

www.amazon.com/s?k=pretty+bird+philip+jeffress&ref=nb_sb_noss

(Amazon offers Pretty Bird in ebook,

paper, and hardback formats.)

www.barnesandnoble.com/s/pretty+bird+philip+jeffress?_requestid=1479844

(Barnes and Noble offers Pretty Bird in ebook

and paperback formats.)

Visit the book’s Facebook page here:

m.facebook.com/joshua1921/

For more book reviews visit

www.thebookbuffet.wordpress.com



Which Wolf are you Feeding?

By Andrew Bell

Six months ago, I decided that I needed to start reading. I work diligently on my health,

my faith, my relationships, and my job; I just don’t work on my brain. Growing up the son

of an English teacher, reading was just something that happened all the time around my

home. I think this is why I haven’t proactively picked up a book since…I can’t remember!

So I began asking for book recommendations which has led me to

where I am now – a stack of books at home and four books, read, under

my belt. I’d like to tell you about the best book I’ve read lately.

I Declare War by Levi Lusko

In a world where at any given moment

we can find something tragic on the

news or heartache online, this faithbased

book restored the positives in my

world and armed me with some great

tools that help me in the daily fight

against negativity.

Levi covers how to fight negative thoughts,

how to control the harmful words we may

speak, how focusing on daily habits and

actions can lead to a great place, and why

fighting for positivity is the only way to a better life.

Even for the person who always finds the glass “half full”, this read

will help to clarify why thinking, speaking, acting, and demanding

positive uplifting things is the light in a sometimes dark and

cloudy world.

He shares the story of an old man and a young boy talking about the

two wolves that live inside of each of us. One wolf feeds on happiness,

joy, laughter, and kindness. The other wolf thrives on pain, anger, envy,

and venom. The boy asks, “Which one wins grandpa?” The old man

responds, “The Wolf you feed.”

Which wolf are you feeding?

Andrew Bell is a Forsyth County resident with a passion for

personal growth and making the world a better place. He

is the Vice President of Commercial Business Development

for Affinity Bank.



FOCUS:

MASTERING

FULFILLMENT

By Bernie Leonard

”

We should all be concerned for the future, because we will

have to spend the rest of our lives there.”

- Charles Kettering

HOW OFTEN DO YOU THINK THAT WHAT YOU DO TODAY WILL SHAPE YOUR FUTURE? Keep in mind

that the daily deposits you make today will either have a lasting negative or positive effect on your future. Your

now decisions set the tone for how and why others will follow you. Whether it be with your children, spouse,

employees, family or friends – do you lead with integrity, trust, and loyalty or with fear, control and arrogance?

Before you can look further at the strategy and structure of getting your life in

order, you have to look within. You have to put your own personal house in

order. Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the honor of owning my own business

and studying and interviewing leaders in both the aspects of business and life.

Setting up clear barometers and staying consistent in habits are two way to

enable yourself to focus on things that bring fulfillment and joy to your life.

The following is a list of habits that I have seen from those who continue to

live a life of purpose and fulfillment, not only in business but in everyday life.

12 HABITS OF MASTERING FULFILLMENT

1. Know your why behind everything you do.

2. The three P’s: Passion, Purpose, Persistence.

3. Wake up early.

4. Treat failure like gold.

5. Reflect daily.

6. The three C’s: Commitment, Consistency, Clarity.

7. Read.

8. Serve others.

9. Set goals in health, finance, spirituality and career.

10. Have faith.

11. Avoid the comparison of others.

12. Grateful heart.

The one thing that all of these habits have in common is that they all start

from within, from you and your own heart and mind. No one else can decide

these for you; you must choose and execute them yourself.

My recommendation is to start small – take daily quiet time, just 15

minutes a day to plan and prioritize your agenda for the week, finding ways to

incorporate these habits into your routine. Then grow into planning goals for

your month, then your next year, and before you know it, you’ll be mastering

fulfillment of these habits for your future. Once you define your personal

purpose, make positive daily deposits and created solid habits, you are able to

focus on for your future.

Living a life of purpose gives you true direction and clarity of values.

Once you reach the point of clear purpose, you will develop a sense of

fulfillment and feel like you are making a difference. Often, we find ourselves

searching for the right book, the right coach, or the perfect seminar; but these

are temporary and fleeting fixes. If we take the time to discipline ourselves,

being silent and listening to God’s voice, our minds and hearts will be full.

Learn from your past and commit to your present for a better tomorrow.

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF FOCUS.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

The opposite of focus is distraction. What is keeping you from focusing on

things that are important to you? For me, if can just be the business of life and

focusing on only the urgent things.

Remember, your mind is what you put in – give yourself a second to

breathe and think. To lead for the future, you must have a full understanding

of the why behind your purpose. My challenge for you is to consciously and

purposefully add value to your everyday life by making those small daily

deposits in yourself. It’s not what you have but what you become. Start with

the end in mind and know that every day doesn’t always run smoothly. If

your day reflects joy and focus, you are already on the stepping stores toward

fulfilling your future.

Bernie Leonard is passionate about adding

value to the lives around me, continuous growth

and personal relationships.



F

ORSYTH FOODIE

Ocean and Acre:

WHERE THE LAND MEETS THE SEA

By David Fountain

The new destination, on the south-end of Forsyth County, now has a freshness from

the ocean and flavors from the local communities.

Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH)

delivers another exciting eatery, Ocean

and Acre. This surf & turf, absolutely beautiful

restaurant, is housed in a leading-edge modern

barn-like building, located in the mix-use village

at Halcyon off McFarland Parkway.

They offer a high-end dining experience,

along with a more casual feel with their open-floor

plan and spacious outdoor patio with fireplace

and infinity water feature. The ingredient-driven

menu brings fine cuisine from the sea and local

farm-raised organic meats and produce.

Recently, over 30 fans of the Fountain’s Food

Adventure group had a tasting of some of the

favorites on the menu. The Striped Bass with

Mushroom Fregola Risotto was a crowd favorite

along with the chopped salad (more than just

the traditional chopped you’d expect). The Clam

Chowder Croquettes were a pleasant surprise.

Not to discount their amazing Raw Bar menu,

especially the O&A Seafood Tower, with oysters,

jumbo prawns, king crab legs, striped bass

ceviche and clams. While their seafood is fresh

and flavorful, the same can be said for their

Smoked Half Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower or

their Grilled Bone-In Ribeye.

For lunch we found the Local Grass Fed

Burger, Crab Louie and the butter poached

Lobster Roll, a mouthwatering favorite.

We believe Alejandro Ferrer, general

manager, and his team, will create a warm

inviting environment and elevate the experience

of each of their guest. SPH southern hospitality

can be experienced in 23 restaurants across the

South East, so take this as your special invitation

to experience Ocean and Acre.

Reservations are welcomed for the dining

room, patio or their private room for those

special occasions. Enjoy!

6290 Halcyon Way #620, Alpharetta, GA

678-823-8887

www.oceanandacre.com

David Fountain is a self-proclaimed foodie whose culinary adventures began while searching for the best pizza in town.

He is a Certified Financial Planner with Financial Consultants Group. www.ForYourFuture.net



Modern Heroes:

How these small business owners have revitalized the Shenandoah Valley.

By Malika Bowling

Taking over abandoned buildings and transforming them, putting life into a defunct entertainment venue, and turning a

fledgling farm into a booming business for tourism, these people are the heroes of their small towns in the Shenandoah Valley.

By putting their efforts into improving their communities, they are keeping people in their towns rather than leaving. Check out

these four model residents and their stories.

FORREST PRITCHARD AT SMITH

MEADOWS IN BERRYVILLE, VIRGINIA

It’s not everyday you visit a working farm owned by

a best-selling author. Smith Meadow,a family run

operation, has been in business for over 200 years.

But it hasn’t been an easy life for the family. The

farm has reinvented itself many times to stay afloat.

The farm has transitioned from horse breeding

to cows and sheep, to fruit orchards, grains and

now is back to agriculture. Catching Pritchard

for morning coffee, he was very open about the

struggles with owning a farm in the 80s and 90s.

He was candid about his family hitting rock bottom

with their farm being faced with selling out to the

devil (GMO crops, etc) or sell local and direct to

consumer. Taking a chance to operate their farm

on their own terms, they returned to their roots,

raising livestock, but with natural ingredients.

They began visiting farmers markets to sell

their goods and eventually opened up a farm

store, where anyone can come and buy meats,

pastas, eggs and other fresh organic foods.

Between selling direct to consumer and

turning their beautiful farm house into a B&B,

the family was able to turn things around and

become profitable once again. During this time,

Forrest Pritchard traveled to visit other farms and

wrote several books on farming and sustainable

living, making him a best-selling author. Smith

Meadows has a several tiny homes on site, several

bedrooms as well as the entire basement in their

B&B for rent. smithmeadows.com

TINA BOWMAN AT SHENANDOAH

BOWLING LANES, MOUNT JACKSON, VA

Have you heard of Duckpin bowling? Hailing

from the northeast in Maryland, around 1900,

the pins are smaller and so are the balls. The

balls have no holes in the them for grasping

as they are small enough to hold in one hand,

and each player gets three turns instead of two.

Sadly, there aren’t many duckpin bowling alleys

left in the United States but we found one in the

Shenandoah Valley.

Owner Tina Bowman purchased the bowling

alley several years ago from the prior owner.

Bowman hustles around the alley wearing many

hats from cashier, to cook to mechanical wizard,

fiddling with equipment in the back.

She says she bought the alley to revitalize the

community. Now it isn’t uncommon to see kids

of all ages and families enjoying games every

day of the week. Bowman encourages a no cell

phone zone where people can spend time with

family and friends without the distractions of cell

phones. Games are just $5 per person per game.

Bowling wouldn’t be complete without hot dogs

and pizza, all made in an air fryer.

DANIEL LEFTOWITZ OF SAUFFERSTADT

ARTS IN STRASBURG, VIRGINIA

What can you do to liven up your city? If you are

an artistic type in the city of Strasburg you invite

artists from all over the world to come paint

murals in your city. It is the brainchild of Daniel

Leftowitz, who aims to have a total of 20 murals

throughout Strasburg.

They select mural artists they think will be

able to capture Strasburg's culture. Artists from

countries such as Spain and South Africa have

painted murals in Strasburg. Not only are the

artists talented with the scene they choose to

paint, but also the medium they use: some have

used charcoal and another spray paint! While

each artist has their own message in their work,

no one can deny how eye catching and vibrant

each mural is.

TOM PRICE OF BOX OFFICE BREWERY,

STRASBURG, VIRGINIA

Craft beer lover or not, you have to appreciate the

time and love that went in to renovating this old

theatre. The Strand Theatre dates back to around

1800 and is a Registered National Historic

Structure. Tom along with his wife, had no idea

what they were getting into when they purchased

the abandoned theatre.

The dilapidated theatre needed a lot of

renovation. With such a historic monument they

were fantastic about keeping the ceilings intact

and incorporating the treasures they found in

storage including old movie posters. Today, the

juxtaposition of modern stained concrete floors

with the antique stamped ceiling, encompassing

the huge tanks for brews is a masterful way to

marry old an new.

Choose from High ABV IPAs and Stouts

or keep it mellow with an easy sipping

Kolsch. Find a bestie to share a beer reel with

(a carousel beer flight expertly served in a

movie reel). Hungry? Make sure to get the

cauliflower bites and chorizo nachos to snack on.

boxofficebrewva.wixsite.com/brewery

These four heroes may not be saving lives,

but they are making a difference in their

communities and breathing life into their

small Virginia towns. And that’s quite heroic!

Malika Bowling is a food, travel

and lifestyle blogger. Visit her

website at Roamilicious.com.

30 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME X X | ISSUE | 1 1


The Comfort of Not Knowing

By Sabrina Skiles

I live in one of Forsyth County’s sprawling

neighborhoods where it is impossible to

know all of my six hundred plus neighbors.

Many I can only identify by their daily routines.

The slightly overweight bearded man walking

his chubby, over-furry dog. The preacher on

his morning jog who always tells me to have a

blessed day as he passes me on the sidewalk.

And then there is the guy who drives a small

brown pick-up with a kayak attached overhead.

Along the side of the pick-up are the words

Geese Police. Where in my neighborhood he

lives I have no idea. But every time he drives

by, I ponder what in the world are Geese Police.

Fun and slightly outrageous images come to

mind involving a badge, the kayak and large,

awkward, honking birds. The last time I spied

him I thought, this is ridiculous. In the age of

Google, nothing needs remain unknown! As

I vowed to look it up as soon as I got home,

I stopped myself. I kind of like not knowing,

I thought. There was something comforting

about that. I didn’t know, and I didn’t have to

know. It was alright that there was a mystery

in my life. Now that we literally have all the

information in the world at our fingertips it

seemed more fun, and even a little decadent, to

not have a definitive answer, to keep guessing.

I am old enough to have lived for a decade

(OK, maybe two) of my adult life without Google

or Wikipedia. Certainly, technology has made

our lives more convenient, easier and arguably

better in many ways. But I remember when I

would leave the house without a cellphone in the

car and never worried that I couldn’t be reached

while going to the grocery store. I drove to new

destinations without Siri at my side dictating my

every turn and somehow managed to not get

lost. I even booked travel without three hundred

hotel reviews to guide my decision. And when

I got to the hotel it wasn’t a Deja vu of all the

photos I had seen online. I actually didn’t know

exactly what it would look like, and it was fun to

find out. There were unknowns in life. Sure, not

all surprises were pleasant ones, but that was to

be expected. We didn’t know any other way.

One could argue why live that way when

you can always have the information you

desire. Perhaps my affinity for being in a state of

ignorant bliss is due to my age and the nostalgia

of a time before there was no reason to not

know. It seems that typing a few key words into

our phones or computers eliminates not only

the need to guess but the luxury of imagining.

I rarely take the time these days to wonder what

a location or an experience may be like. I only

have to pick up a device to search for the answer

to my question.

But just as experts warn parents that children

need free time that is not structured around

planned activities, perhaps we adults also need

some unstructured, unanswered time where

we can dream, imagine, and be a little creative.

Maybe technology has taken away the leisure

of spending some time contemplating things

we don’t know, considering the possibilities

and fantasizing about the improbabilities; time

where we can ruminate on subjects as vast as

the universe and as whimsical as Geese Police.

I thought I would wind up this short piece by

sharing with you that in the end I relented and

looked up what Geese Police are. But I haven’t

yet. I am still picturing that man in his kayak

paddling after slightly agitated waterfowl. It

makes me smile and appreciate the fact that I

don’t know everything, and I really don’t want to.

Sabrina Skiles has lived in

Forsyth County for over 20

years (almost a native!). She is

now retired and exploring the

world outside the confines

of an office. She may be

reached at sabrina.skiles@gmail.com.


C OVER STORY

Ready to

WE CAN HELP!

by Julie Brennan

Sleep apnea is prevalent in as many as an estimated 18 million Americans alone. This statistic denotes that approximately

one in every 15 Americans, or 6.62% of the total American population have a case of sleep apnea. People that are afflicted

with sleep apnea face a steep increase in chances of being part of a traffic accident. Due to the sleeplessness and lack of

ability to concentrate that are associated with apnea, sufferers are six times more likely to die in a car accident. As a matter

of fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that drowsy driving is responsible for, at the very

least, 100,000 car accidents, 40,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths per year.

Doesn’t sound good does it? Is there help? Absolutely!

Continued on next page

C

OVER

STORY

Dr. Sanjay Athavale

TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA

“I have treated patients for sleep apnea for nearly a

decade,” stated Dr. Sanjay Athavale, a board-certified

otolaryngologist at ENT of North Georgia in Dawsonville.

With extensive training in endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal surgery, ear

surgery, sleep surgery, head and neck surgery, and thyroid surgery, Dr.

Athavale manages all aspects of ENT care.

“I have noticed an increase in the number of patients, of all ages, that come

to my office seeking help because they are unable to sleep,” he added. “The

causes of sleep apnea are varied but ultimately lead to the same challenges.”

The most common form of sleep apnea if Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

This form of sleep apnea [OSA] involves the tissues of the throat and tongue

falling in on the airway while a person sleeps at night. Most cases have been

treated by using the CPAP- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure- machine.

The machine is rather bulky, and many find it cumbersome.

“An alternative to a CPAP machine is a procedure called Inspire,” Athavale

explained. “Inspire works inside your body while you sleep. It’s a small device

placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure. When you’re ready for bed,

simply click the remote to turn Inspire on. While you sleep, Inspire opens

your airway, allowing you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully.”

Peggy Sanchez knows first-hand the advantages of Inspire.

“I’ve suffered from sleep apnea for many years. When I spoke to Dr.

Athavale he explained the option available to me to treat my apnea,”

“

Inspire therapy is a fully implanted

system that delivers mild stimulation to

keep a patient’s airway open. The device

that is implanted in the body helps in

maintaining good sleeping habits without

the occurrence of interruptions and does

not require a mask.

Sanchez explained. “My CPAP worked fine but it simply becoming

cumbersome and I despised the unit.”

Sanchez found herself being “emotionally controlled” by the CPAP, as

other issues started to appear, including gastric challenges. The machine

was simply taking its toll on Sanchez.

Dr. Athavale presented Inspire as an alternative to the CPAP machine.

In August of 2019, Sanchez outpatient procedure took place.

“I am able to actually sleep and rest. There’s no obtrusive machine to

carry around; I travel a lot. I find myself sleeping longer. This truly is the

best decision I’ve ever made,” Sanchez asserted.

WHAT IS INSPIRE?

“Inspire is placed under the skin of the neck and chest during a short,

outpatient procedure. Shortly after the procedure, Inspire is turned on

and you’ll be ready to get the sleep you’ve been dreaming of,” Dr. Athavale

explained. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved Inspire in

2014 as an obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside the body

with just the click of a button.

Inspire therapy is a fully implanted system that delivers mild stimulation

to keep a patient’s airway open. The device that is implanted in the body

helps in maintaining good sleeping habits without the occurrence of

interruptions and does not require a mask.


George Musson has enjoyed the benefits of Inspire for almost two years.

“Having dealt with sleep apnea for many years, I was tired of the discomfort of a

bulky machine,” Musson explained. “When Dr. Athavale explained that I could be a

candidate for the Inspire therapy I was excited. He [Dr. Athavale} just needed to make

sure that I didn’t have a collapsed windpipe and if not, I would be a good to go!”

Since the day of his surgery, Musson has not missed a day of using Inspire. “Even

my wife has noticed the difference in my sleep patterns and attitude. I am 100%

satisfied with the results,” Musson added.

The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central

sleep apneas include:

• Loud snoring

• Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep —

which would be reported by another person

• Gasping for air during sleep

• Awakening with a dry mouth

• Morning headache

• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)

• Difficulty paying attention while awake

• Irritability

To learn more about sleep apnea, treatment options and the Inspire

Therapy, contact Dr. Athavale at 770-217-6224. Better health requires

better sleeping. Don’t waste any more time and find out how to get a

good night’s sleep.

Are you a candidate

for Inspire?

• You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

• You are unable to use or get consistent

benefit from CPAP.

• You are not significantly obese.

• You are over the age of 22.

Inspire Patient Outcomes

90%

94%

96%

79%

of bed partners report no

snoring or soft snoring

of people are satisfied

with Inspire

of Inspire patients say Inspire

is better than CPAP & would

recommend Inspire to others

reduction in sleep apnea events

Sources: Woodson et al., OTO-HNS 2018. Heiser et al., ERJ 2019.

ABOUT DR. ATHAVALE

Dr. Athavale received his undergraduate

degree in Biomedical Engineering from

Vanderbilt University in Nashville,

Tennessee. After completing his

undergraduate studies, he attended

the University of South Florida Morsani

College of Medicine in Tampa, FL for his

medical degree. He then completed his

residency training at Vanderbilt University

Medical Center and Vanderbilt Children’s

Hospital in Nashville, TN. Dr. Athavale

and his wife Kimberly Athavale have two

daughters, Eva and Lily, and two dogs

Sammy and Jerry. When not at work

or with his family, Dr. Athavale loves

spending time on the golf course.

DrAthavale.com

TWO LOCATIONS!

100 Dawson Commons Cir #140

Dawsonville, GA 30534

573 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 150

Atlanta GA 30342


OMEGA-3:

A Heart Healthy

Fish Tale

By Narendra Singh, MD

Observational studies in the 1970s first identified a relationship between fish consumption and

reduced cardiovascular disease in the Eskimo population. Subsequent broader population-based

studies confirmed these findings and since then fish oil supplements have been the most commonly

used non-vitamin supplement in the United States.

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids

that you get from your diet. There

are three main types ALA (alpha-linoleic

acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA

(eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega-3s are antiinflammatory

and essential for the health of your

brain and eyes. From a heart perspective they

help to lower triglycerides in the body as much

as 15-30% and raise the good cholesterol HDL by

about 2-5% they may lower blood pressure, thin

the blood to prevent clots and shrink plaques by

decreasing inflammation.

Omega-3 supplements are well-tolerated with

minimal side effects. They can cause a fishy taste,

burping, nausea and diarrhea. They can increase

bleeding risk and should be used with caution

in individuals already on a blood thinner. They

can increase the risk for rhythm disorders such

as atrial fibrillation or flutter. Like all products,

an allergic reaction is possible and more likely in

someone with a seafood allergy.

In 2002 the American Heart Association

recommended a diet rich in Omega-3 foods

which mainly include oily fish such as salmon

herring cod tuna or mackerel or foods such as

flaxseed, chia, walnuts and soybeans. They went

on to state that if such a diet was not possible

then 1-2 gm of fish oil supplement/day should

be consumed. The challenge with supplements is

that they are not regulated for dose and are at risk

of carrying contaminants.

In the late 1990s the first prescription

grade Omega-3 drugs were tested in studies

initially done in Italy that found 1 gm/day could

significantly reduce cardiovascular death in

patients with known heart disease. However,

multiple subsequent trials failed to show this

association especially in the setting of background

statin use or dietary fish consumption.

Last year our practice participated in an

8,000 patient study called REDUCE-IT. This

study changed our entire outlook on Omega-3

use. Up until now the prescription products

were only approved to lower triglycerides. In

this study, patients with diabetes or established

heart disease were given 4gm/day of Vascepa

(icosapent ethyl) a pure EPA Omega-3 drug.

Over a five year follow up period there was a

20% reduction in cardiovascular death, 31%

reduction in heart attacks and a 28% reduction

in strokes. Patient outcomes improved regardless

of the triglyceride lowering effect suggesting

that this may not be the main mechanism of

benefit. Pure EPA products may have more of

a beneficial effect compared to combined EPA/

DHA products as was seen recently with a 13000

patient study called STRENGTH that failed

to show a benefit in patients at high risk for

cardiovascular disease.

For most of us, dietary supplementation of

Omega-3s will be sufficient, but it’s nice to know

that pure EPA Omega-3’s is now available for

those that need more heart protection.

NARENDRA SINGH, MD,

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA

Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical

College of Georgia at Augusta University,

Director,Clinical Research-Atlanta Heart

Specialists,

1400 Northside Forsyth Dr, Suite 200, Cumming,

GA, USA, 30041

Phone (678) 679-6800

4375 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 350,

Johns Creek, GA, 30024 | (770) 622-1622

DrSingh@ahsmed.com | heartdrsingh.com



Pregnancy Diet

By Kortney Rogers, CNM

A healthy diet is a vital part of your pregnancy journey. It is important to

make sure baby receives adequate vitamins and minerals through your diet, even

while taking a prenatal vitamin. Some key nutrients you need are calcium, iron,

Vitamins A, C, B6, and B12, and Folate. To make sure baby and mom are getting

proper nutrients, an easy rule of thumb is to have a plate full of colorful foods.

For example, for breakfast have two hard-boiled eggs with a half-cup

of blueberries. For lunch, have a colorful spinach salad filled with a

variety of vegetables. A good dinner suggestion is a protein with colorful

vegetables and long-grain rice. Shopping the outside perimeter of the

grocery store is a good strategy to get the most nutritious ingredients

needed to maintain a healthy diet in pregnancy. Sticking to water and

avoiding sugary beverages and caffeine is also very important. Everyone

needs a different amount of water according to their activity level and

what they’re used to drinking. On average, you need about 60-100 ounces

of water per day while pregnant.

Eat foods high in protein that are long-acting, such as cheese, yogurt,

peanut butter, and nuts to help with nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Eating

foods with potassium in it, such as bananas and drinking coconut water,

can help relieve the discomfort of leg cramps. You can also try consuming

calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, grains, and low-fat milk to

help with leg cramps and muscle spasms. A cup of almonds throughout

the day is an excellent way to incorporate more protein into your diet,

which not only helps with day-to-day pregnancy symptoms, but it also

helps with recovery after delivery.

For more suggestions on specific nutrients and amounts that you need and that

can help with pregnancy symptoms, please ask your Modern ObGyn provider.

Modern OBGYN has three convenient office locations. Visit our newest office at Avalon in Alpharetta located

at 2710 Old Milton Parkway Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009. For more information on our practice and

providers, visit www.reyesobgyn.com.

Kortney Rogers, CNM, brings a passion for holistic, family-centered care for her patients, while delivering

the highest level of evidence-based care in partnership between the patients, midwives, and physicians. She

values building relationships with patients and focuses on education and compassionate care.


Turn Off the News,

BUILD A GARDEN

By Jennessa Sabella

It’s a new song for any generation, and a healthy

reminder to makeover the way we view the world.

We live amidst constant political disharmony, outbreaks of violence and

potential health crisis. New from Lukas Nelson, the son of country music’s

legendary Willie Nelson, ‘Turn off the News, build a garden’ beckons listeners

to take a mental break and start focusing on simpler things.

I have always loved designing, planting and working on a garden. For

me, the roots come from childhood. Memories of sunshine filled afternoons

helping my mom till the earth, harvest vegetables and dry herbs flood my mind.

There is something incredibly fulfilling about growing and producing food.

Mentally, watching the news these days only brings about stress, fear and

despair. Conversely, getting out into the garden invites a breath of fresh air.

In the garden, thoughts fade, and I am simply living fully in the moment,

smelling the fresh dirt and planting seeds with hope and excitement. I feel

connected to something bigger. I feel pulled to release worries and concerns

and find a deep sense of gratitude for what is good. I find magic in the miracle

of watching a tiny seed grow to a beautiful plant, yielding nourishing food.

Humanity has a collective habit of focusing on the bad things that are

happening. We repeat it, tell stories about it, and listen to the regurgitated

terror. Why do we do this? If we are ready to turn the tide to a brighter time,

it needs to begin with every individual becoming more aware and intentional

about what we think about and say on a daily basis.

If we all spend a little less time saturated in the negativity and gossip that

comes from the news, and a little more time planting beauty in this world, we

can make life better in our families, neighborhoods, communities and the world.

Goodness is contagious. Kindness is contagious. Whether you are planting

flowers or planting seeds of hope and joy in the people around you, this spring

choose to be intentional and make a positive impact.

Need some inspiration? Take a trip to Gibbs Gardens. With millions

of blooms, a walk at Gibbs is sure to clear your mind and bring an

appreciation for the abundant beauty of our world

For more information, visit GibbsGardens.com

Jennessa Sabella, Outdoor adventurer

Owner of Bliss Mama Wellness

www.BlissMamaWellness.com

(770) 722-2711


Ways to Help With Chronic Pain

By Colin Kress, D.O.

According to a recent article published in the US National Library of Medicine, over 80 percent

of the United States population will experience an episode of lower back pain (LBP) at some time

during their lives. If you are one of the 80%, you may want to try some of the techniques below, as

they may help to improve the acute and chronic pain in your life.

FIND WAYS TO INCORPORATE

ACTIVITY INTO YOUR LIFE

Research is demonstrating that physical activity

can be one of the most valuable tools to help

diminish and ease chronic pain. Medscape

recently published an article that discussed how a

tailored exercise program that involves three types

of exercise (range of motion, strengthening, and

endurance) can relieve the symptoms of arthritis

and protect joints from further damage. Harvard

Medical School published recommendations that a

regular exercise not only helps maintain function,

but also relieves stiffness and reduces pain and

fatigue. The practice of Yoga, Thai Chi, and Pilates

have also demonstrated the same benefit in easing

chronic back pain and improve function.

LIMIT NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND

NEGATIVE SELF-THOUGHTS

Chronic pain involves physical and psychological

manifestations. It has been shown that if the

immediate people in your life are not supportive

it can negatively affect your health. The same can

be said for negative self-talk and pessimism. This

type of behavior, if re-enforced over and over, can

become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Make it a point

to surround yourself with people who understand

you and support you. This can be immediate

friends and family to other support groups either

in person or online. Make a commitment to stop

the negative talk such as “My pain does not let

me do the things that make me happy.” This is

catastrophizing. Focus on the now and on the

positive things that are occurring in your life.

TIME TO CHANGE UP YOUR DIET

You are what you eat, this is especially true

when it comes to chronic pain. A lot of chronic

pain involves chronic inflammation, and what

you consume plays a large role in systemic

inflammation. Cleveland Clinic, Harvard and

WebMD have all posted articles discussing

the role between diet and pain reduction.

Importantly, this approach to pain management

is without any negative side effects and the right

combination can have remarkable results.

So, what is an anti-inflammatory diet? Fish,

lean meat, skinless chicken, Omega-3 rich foods,

vegetables, sweet potatoes, dark chocolate (75%

or more cocoa), ginger, turmeric, garlic, olive

oil, coconut oil, and vitamins, including niacin,

B vitamins, magnesium, Vitamin D. In essence,

a Mediterranean diet. This commitment to a

healthier diet will not only help ease your pain

but also decrease the risk of many other health

conditions including heart disease, diabetes and

high blood pressure.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK

FOR HELP

Chronic pain becomes limiting not only

physically but also emotionally; the frustration

and stress can lead to depression and anxiety

which inevitably exacerbate the pain. This cycle

is not helpful. Knowing that you are doing

everything you can do to help with the pain is

helpful.

You need to be you own self-advocate. Make it

you goal to get answers and hopefully some relief.

There are new and emerging treatment options

for many painful conditions – the first step begins

with talking to your doctor about your pain and

its management.

Dr. Colin Kress completed his medical degree at Lincoln Memorial

University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014 and

subsequently completed his Anesthesia Residency and Pan

Management Fellowship at Michigan State University McLaren

Oakland Hospital. He may be reached at 770-800-3455.


Eat Healthy on a Budget

TIPS TO PRIORITIZE NUTRITION WITHOUT DRAINING YOUR WALLET.

By Deanna Hoke, Nutrition Health Coach

Organic produce, free-range poultry,

grass-fed meat can be expensive.

The good news is you can find foods

that are both nutrient-rich while

minding your budget.

"...by being prepared,

thinking ahead, and

prioritizing we can

accomplish our health

and wellness goals."

Eating healthy can present some

challenges such as:

• Zero time to cook or do meal prep.

• Deeply ingrained food habits that provide a

sense of comfort and routine.

• A strong preference for french fries over

steamed broccoli.

There is another barrier that many people

struggle with: Money. Considering all the

pressures and expenses folks are dealing with,

it’s understandable that eating healthy can feel

financially daunting.

Raising two children with severe food

sensitivities has prepared me to provide real-life

strategies to help put nutritious, delicious food on

the table regularly, sometimes for just a few extra

pennies per meal. The best part is that some of

the changes to your routine may be surprisingly

small – yet lead to really big benefits.

Here are some great ways to provide

nutritious food on a budget – while

making your taste buds happy too:

Think about nutrients over calories: We need

calories to meet immediate energy needs – but

it’s the nutrients that keep us healthy long-term.

Nutrient poor food such as french fries, chicken

nuggets and soft drinks may be cheap and filling,

but they can lead to deficiencies and health

problems. Nutrient rich foods like organic greens,

avocado, free range chicken may cost a little

more, but they keep us satisfied and help protect

our health. Aim for a balance of nutrients at each

meal by understanding proper portions for your

goals – whether you are looking to lose, maintain

or gain weight. Here are examples of what portion

sizes look like:

• Lean protein- ¾ cup or 6 oz

• Vegetables- 1 cup or 8 oz

• Complex carbohydrates- ½ cup or 4 oz

• Healthy fats- 1/3 cup or 2.5 oz

The number of portions will be as individual

as you are and increase depending upon

activity level.

Prepare most of your meals at home: Buying ready

to eat prepared foods is generally much more

expensive than buying whole ingredients which

you can prepare yourself. For example, a 16oz

smoothie at your local juice bar can run you about

$8.99, whereas making a healthier, lower sugar

option at home would cost you one fourth of that!

Pre-prep your meals: A little more time

in the kitchen can yield big moneysaving

results

• Enlist family members to help (studies show

that kids who help prep meals are more apt

to try new things!)

• Cook more food than you need so you have

leftovers

• Cook larger batches of more time intensive

foods like stews, casseroles, granola, grains,

beans, meats, etc.

Learn money saving tips: by including

these tips, you can cut costs:

• Shop at cost effective places like

neighborhood fruit and vegetable stands, bulk

food stores, farmers/community supported

agriculture (CSA), your own garden

• Buy more cost-effective foods like dried

beans/grains, seasonal produce, frozen fruit/

vegetables, etc.

• Base your weekly menu on the sale items at

your local grocery store

Avoid wasting food: when food goes

bad, it’s like throwing money away

• Plan before you shop by looking at the week

ahead to see how many meals you will need

and how much time you will have for food

prep. Make a list and stick to it and avoid

overbuying or impulse buying.

Most of us know how to eat healthy but find

the process challenging, so we tend to gravitate

towards convenience. But by being prepared,

thinking ahead, and prioritizing we can

accomplish our health and wellness goals.

Deanna Hoke

770.880.0181

deanna@inspiredtobewell.com

inspiredtobewell.com



In the Business of Breaking Ground!

By Laura Stewart

Since its inception, the Chamber’s mission has centralized around the same idea: to advance

positive business growth and community partnerships to promote a superior quality of life in

Forsyth County. The delivery methods of that mission have changed over time and often increased

in scope. To continue to serve the growing community in this way, the Chamber has grown and will

continue to do so. Along with this growth, the organization needed the physical space to expand.

In December, the Chamber began construction of a custom

facility to help serve its membership better and reflect the

growing needs of Forsyth County. Construction kicked-off with

a groundbreaking ceremony at the Chamber’s new site (212 Webb Street

in Cumming) on Thursday, December 19, 2019. All of the Chamber’s

membership and the community were invited to celebrate along with

many former Chamber Board Chairs.

Chamber President and CEO, James McCoy, led the festivities by

first sharing a bit about the Chamber’s history. This history is rooted in

economic development. In 1954, community leaders organized efforts to

attract a chicken plant to the community to create local jobs.

“Sixty-five years ago, a group of business leaders decided they wanted

more for their community. They got together at Sawnee EMC, and they

talked about creating a Chamber of Commerce, and those folks wanted

then what we still want today, greater prosperity, they wanted greater

economic opportunity, they wanted their kids to have a better life than

they did. They wanted a community where building a better life wasn’t

just a dream, but it was a daily reality. It was the intentional plan of those

business leaders to plant an acorn and we are all enjoying the shade of the

giant oak tree that grew as a result,” commented McCoy. “I often wonder

about what those business leaders 65 years ago would say if they could see

that Forsyth County is in the very top tier of the most affluent communities

in the nation-that our public schools are internationally recognized for

high graduation rates and test scores, that we’re home to 75 international

companies, that we are continually ranked among the healthiest counties

in the country and the healthiest in Georgia and remarkably that the

central challenge that we face as a community is what we can do with all

of this growth we are blessed with, how we can maintain that growth and

prosperity for generations to come,” he added.

McCoy remarked that the Chamber’s new building will embody the

new brand elements that the organization recently adopted as part of its

2019 rebranding initiative and serve as the planting of a new acorn for the

future. He then asked the 15 past, current and future Chamber Board Chairs

in attendance to join him with Chamber hardhats and shovels in-hand.

Then the entire audience donned hard hats and shovels for a ceremonial

groundbreaking and several photos. Chamber staff and stakeholders are

excited about the possibilities this opportunity will provide to align the

organization’s visual surroundings with the Chamber’s new brand.

While the community awaits this new home, members and

residents can continue to connect with the organization at

P.O. Box 1799 Cumming, GA 30028770-887-6461

www.focochamber.org

Laura Stewart is the Vice President of Community Engagement of the Forsyth County Chamber. She may be reached at

770.887.6461, Ext. 120, or lstewart@focochamber.org



B URGESS BLOG

To Buy or Not to Buy?

By Tom Burgess, Owner, Christian Brothers Automotive, Cumming GA

“We would not recommend

purchasing this vehicle.”

That line was the advice we delivered to a

potential buyer after a pre-purchase inspection

on a beautiful looking Jeep Liberty. That line

was from a previous article I wrote concerning

– Pre-Purchase inspections.

The reason the technician made that

recommendation was he found a cooling

system full of stop-leak. At some point the

vehicle probably had a small leak and the owner

figured the easiest and most cost-effective way

to end the problem would be to put stop-leak

into the cooling system.

The problem with this solution is that it

will certainly stop the leak in the radiator,

but it can also reduce the effective flow of

coolant through the smaller passageways of

the radiator and even the engine. A clogged

radiator will lead to overall high temperatures,

restricted passageways in the engine can result

in localized hot spots that will not detected by

your temperature gauge and overheat issues for

the life of the engine.

We had a customer’s car that came to us with

overheating problems and when we pulled the

cylinder heads, we found many of the coolant

passageways nearly or completely blocked by

the stop-leak product. In order to ensure there

would not be long-term overheating problems,

we had to manually ream out each of the

passageways. Whatever the issues were with that

vehicle, it would have been far better to repair

the actual problem than trying to fix it with

what was likely an off-brand Stop-Leak product.

The same is true for engine oil stop-leak.

These are designed to swell worn seals or

gaskets that might be leaking – but in the long

run they can cause more damage to seals that

were working effectively. Again, the correct

solution is to properly fix whatever seal or

gasket is leaking – don’t rely on a chemical for

a simple fix. There are stop-leak products for

every fluid in your automobile or truck. And I

don’t know of any mechanic that would advise

them as the first course of action to take.

If the dust boot on your rack and pinion

rips, fix that before dirt gets into the system.

Pouring in stop-leak may not cause additional

problems in this system, but if dirt has

scratched the piston, stop-leak will not cure the

problem. The same is true with your differential

if it is leaking – seals are not that expensive –

get them fixed rather than using the proverbial

‘mechanic in a can’ as many people refer to

stop-leak products.

Can they work? Yes. But in my opinion, if

you are planning to keep your vehicle for any

length of time it is far better to correct the

problem than adding one of these products. If

you do choose to try one, a word of caution –

follow the directions exactly!



The Little Things

Make You Feel

BIG

By Edward J. Spurka, Ed.D.

Recently, I volunteered to drive my

daughter to West Long Branch, NJ, for her

second semester at Monmouth University.

On our trip, I decided to do something that I

had only considered doing on my past trips up

north. While walking my puppy at a rest-stop

in Virginia, I called Mr. Watson to see if he was

available one morning for breakfast or lunch to

catch up. He shared that he was available Saturday

morning at 10:00 and then he was attending the

Penn basketball game at the old Palestra.

Mr. Watson was my 7th grade Algebra

teacher at Clearview Regional Junior High

School in Mullica Hill, NJ. Back in “1980

something,” I was a typical 13 year old who

loved sports and my friends, but Junior

High was just ok. I was a quiet kid with a lot

of confidence on the football and baseball

fields, but very little in the classroom. One fall

Friday, we were anxiously waiting to get our

unit test scores back and nervous to see how

our scores would impact our weekend. As Mr.

Watson shuffled into class, his typically jovial

personality that poked out of his maroon

turtle-neck sweater, appeared to be very

serious. After an awkward moment of silence,

he announced, “I spent all night grading your

tests, and there was only one perfect score.”

I immediately asked my buddy Eric, “Why

is he so serious and why was this such a big

announcement; it was probably Thom, Erin,

or Chucky.” While most of my friends were

congratulating one of the brainy kids in the

class, Mr. Watson was walking very slowly in

my direction. I was in complete shock when

he looked at me and said, “Great job Eddie!”

When I finally got over the initial shock

that I had the highest grade, I was a little

embarrassed that Mr. Watson called me out in

front of the class. Some students had a shocked

look on their face, but my friends were quick to

tell me, “great job!”

I had always been good in Math but the

lesson I learned that day went way beyond

academics. I learned that “people don’t

always remember what you did, but they will

remember how you made them feel.” That

day, Mr. Watson made me feel very special.

He could have just passed the graded tests

back and not said anything, but he chose to do

something special that this middle aged man

still remembers more than 30 years later.

When I sat with him on that cold Saturday

morning at the diner, I thanked him for

the confidence he instilled in me and we

reminisced about his teaching career (and my

student career) for the next hour. I will admit,

he stole some of my childhood when he let me

know the reason he wore turtleneck sweaters.

Every day he wore a turtleneck sweater to play

along with the student rumors that his head

was cut off in the Army and that the turtleneck

did hide the scars where his head was sewn

back on. He related to his students better than

any of my other teachers in 7th grade and was

totally invested in his students’ success.

I share this story because, like you, my

life is very busy, and I rarely take the time to

thank my teachers and coaches for the impact

they have made in my life. I have been so

fortunate to have some of the kindest and

loving teachers at Clearview and they played a

big role in my decision to become an educator.

My hope for you is that you take advantage

of any opportunity to thank a former teacher

or coach by sending a hand-written note,

making a phone call, or taking them to lunch.

In addition, if your child has a teacher that is

having a positive impact on him or her, send

the teacher a note of gratitude.

When I said good-bye to my friend Mr.

Watson, he smiled and told me how fortunate

he was to have such a wonderful teaching

career and he was lucky to have made so many

friends in his years at Clearview. That day, I was

the fortunate one! I can’t remember the grade

I received in his class and forgot most of the

Algebra he taught me, but I will always cherish

the relationship I had and still have with Mr.

Watson. Plus, I have a deeper appreciation for

turtle-necks.

Edward Spurka is a professional educator with over 20 years as a Principal and other

leadership positions. He may be reached at educatedparenttoday@gmail.com.

Spurka is the author of The 15 "Principals" of Parenting. The book is available on Amazon.


WRITE IN A GRATITUDE

JOURNAL OR SEND

PERSONAL NOTES

Focusing on the things that you are thankful

for can lift your spirits. Various research

studies show having gratitude can change

negative emotions into positive ones. Maybe

take a moment to focus on your friends and

family and send them a personal note to show

how you feel.

GO TO BED EARLY

Sleep is so important, and you may have had

many sleepless nights stressing about your

divorce or other stressors related to it. Sleep is

healing, and when you wake up the next day,

you will feel refreshed to take on a new day.

Love Hurts,

DIVORCE SURVIVAL TIPS

By Stephanie Robins, LCSW and Tracy Ann Moore-Grant, Attorney/Mediator

If you are divorced or going through the divorce process, some

holidays can be very difficult to bear. Here Are Some Survival

Tips to Help You Get Through the Day:

HAVING PERSPECTIVE

It is tough to ignore holidays and events that are

all about love – date night, happy couples, and

family outings. Take them as they come – they

are, for the most part, just one day. You can handle

one day.

FOCUS ON YOURSELF

Going through a Divorce is one of the most

stressful things one can go through. You may

have lost focus on yourself in the process. Make

a new tradition to celebrate holiday and events.

You could treat yourself to a massage, go for

a Mani/Pedi, get a haircut, or buy yourself

your favorite kind of fresh flowers. Other ideas

are taking yourself to the movies, ordering

takeout, or binge-watching a Netflix series that

you had wanted to see.

FOCUS ON OTHERS

If you have minor children, use the day

as an opportunity to express the love you

have for them. Remember that everyone is

facing some kind of challenge in life. Use

your energies to volunteer with your favorite

organization.

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT

YOUR LEGAL PROCESS

If you are having a difficult day due to a

significant event or holiday, or a very difficult

day or week for you, reach out to your

attorney and make sure you do not have any

legal deadlines, court dates or mediation

scheduled during this time that may add

extra pressure.

BE ACTIVE

Focusing on your health is a positive way

to handle your stress. Strength training is

excellent in making you stronger physically

and mentally. If the gym isn’t your thing,

take the day to hike and enjoy the outdoors

or perhaps try a new yoga class. When

you feel healthy, you will be able to take

on the world.

GET ORGANIZED

Decluttering and organizing your home will

help you feel a sense of accomplishment. Tackle

your to do list. What better time to seize the

moment? Put on some upbeat music and finally

get things done you have been putting off.

SNUGGLE WITH A FUR BABY

Pets need love too. Nothing feels better than

cozying up to your dog or cat. They can sense

your feelings and know just how to lift your

spirits. If you do not have a pet, think about

volunteering at an animal shelter or consider

fostering an animal in need.

Take each day as a new opportunity to cherish

yourself and to be grateful for how far you

have come.

TRACY ANN MOORE-GRANT

has been practicing family law

in North Georgia since 2002.

She is a partner at Patterson

Moore Butler in Cumming,

Georgia and is also a mediator, arbitrator

and guardian ad litem. You can get more

information on her firm’s website at

www.PattersonMooreButler.com

or directly at the Amicable Divorce

Network website at

www.AmicableDivorceNetwork.com

STEPHANIE ROBINS,

LCSW has over 20 years

of experience in working

with individuals, couples,

and families with a therapy

private practice in Alpharetta, GA. For

more information visit

www.alpharettafamilytherapy.com.


MY FORSYTH | SCHOOL DIRECTORY

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Big Creek Elementary

1994 Peachtree Parkway

770.887.4584

Principal: Laura Webb

lwebb@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Brandywine Elementary

15 Martin Dr. Alpharetta

Principal: Todd Smith

tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Brookwood Elementary

2980 Vaughan Drive

678.965.5060

Principal: Tracey Smith

tsmith@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: Jordan Livermore

jlivermore@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: June Tribble

jtribble@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Johns Creek Elementary

6205 Old Atlanta Road

678.965.5041

Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto

adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Kelly Mill Elementary

1180 Chamblee Gap Road

678.965.4953

Principal: Ron McAlliste

rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mashburn Elementary

3777 Samples Road

770.889.1630

Principal: Carla Gravitt

cgravitt@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Matt Elementary

7455 Wallace Tatum Road

678.455.4500

Principal: Charlley Stalder

cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Midway Elementary

4805 Atlanta Highway

770.475.6670

Principal: Jan Munroe

jmunroe@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Poole’s Mill Elementary

(Opening 2020-2021)

Principal: Paige Andrews

pandews@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sawnee Elementary

1616 Canton Highway

770.887.6161

Principal: Derrick Hershey

dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Settles Bridge Elementary

600 James Burgess Road

770.887.1883

Principal: Saran VonEsh

svonesh@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sharon Elementary


770.888.7511

Principal: Amy Bartlett

abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Shiloh Point Elementary

8145 Majors Road

678.341.6481

Principal: Ben Jones

Bjones@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sliver City Elementary

6200 Dahlonega Highway

678.965.5020

Principal: Mike Sloop

msloop@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

DeSana Middle School

625 James Road, Alpharetta

Principal: Terri North

tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Lakeside Middle

2565 Echols Road

678.965.5080

Principal: Kim Head

khead@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Liberty Middle

7465 Wallace Tatum Road

770.781.4889

Principal: Cheryl Riddle

criddlel@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Little Mill Middle

6800 Little Mill Road

678.965.5000

Principal: Connie McCrary

cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us

North Forsyth Middle


770.889.0743

Principal: Todd McClelland

tmcclelland@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Otwell Middle

605 Tribble Gap Road

770.887.5248

Principal: Steve Miller

stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Piney Grove Middle

8135 Majors Road

678.965.5010

Principal: Pamela Pajerski

ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Riverwatch Middle

610 James Burgess Road

678.455.7311

Principal: Pam Bibik

pbibik@forsyth.k12.ga.us

South Forsyth Middle

4670 Windermere Parkway

Cumming, GA 30041

Principal: Sandy Tinsley

stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Vickery Creek Middle

6240 Post Road

770.667.2580

Principal: Scott Feldcamp

sfeldcamp@forsyth.k12.ga.us

HIGH SCHOOLS

Alliance Academy for Innovations

1100 Lanier 400 Parkway

470-695-7823

Principal: Brandi Cannizzaro

bcannizzro@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Denmark High

645 Mullinax Road, Alpharetta

470-533-2521

Principal: Heather Gordy

hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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


770.781.6637

jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us

South Forsyth High


770.781.2264

Principal: Laura Wilson

lwilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

West Forsyth High

4155 Drew Road

770.888.3470

Principal: Karl Mercer

kmercer@forsyth.k12.ga.us

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

Director: Carla Rutherford

www.fideleschristianschool.com

Ivy League Montessori School

1791 Kelly Mill Road

770.781.5586

School Director: Becky Carty

www.ilmsnet.com

Montessori at Vickery

6285 Post Road

770.777.9131

www.montessorivickery.com

Montessori Kids Academy


678.208.0774

School Admin., Maureen Danbury

www.montessoricumming.com

Pinecrest Academy


770.888.4477

Headmaster: Dr. Edward J. Lindekugel

www. pinecrestacademy.com

SCHOOL INFORMATION

www.forsyth.K12.GA.US

50 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM MYFORSYTH.COM VOLUME VOLUME VI | ISSUE X | ISSUE 10 1

A MOTHER’S

Heart

I’m crazy…I mean really crazy. As I

raised my first born, Alec, I seemed to

have “wish his life away”.

Not really but all of us mama’s do it… we say,

“I wish he could hold his own bottle.” Or “I will

be so glad when he can do his homework on his

own”. And, are you ready for the worst one? “I

cannot wait until he can drive his own self around,

I feel like a taxi service”. All of those milestones

came and went faster than I can tell you… and

then all of a sudden, he was a grown, 24-year-old,

self-sufficient adult in the blink of an eye.

I read something a few years ago that has

stuck with me. It asked, do you remember the

last time you washed your child’s hair? Truth be

told, no I do not remember the last time I washed

his hair or held his bottle or did his homework.

I honestly felt like I couldn’t get through those

times fast enough when they were happening.

But I can close my eyes right now and see my

fun loving, energetic toddler running the aisles

at Target looking for his next power ranger toy.

I also remember a sweet old lady saying, “Enjoy

him while you can, it goes so fast”. At the time,

I thought she was nuts! As a single parent, I felt

as if these were the longest days of my life. Days

that would never end… EVER…. But they did.

Those crazed toddler years transformed

into the school aged years where he loved for

me to come eat lunch with him and argue over

homework. He was obsessed with Star Wars,

Pokémon and Legos just like any boy his age. We

embraced our Friday night movies, snuggles on

the sofa and carefree weekends. Just the two of us!

As the middle school and high school years

came and went… so did many injuries from

skateboarding, emotions, phases and stages. Some

“

By Amy Durham

We saw all the Star Wars movies together- even when he was

grown and could have chosen to go with friends, he chose to

go with me. I am still amazed at how fast he could put together

the biggest Millennial Falcon and Death star Lego sets we could

find. He loved it. And I loved him and his obsession to finish them

into the wee hours of the mornings. I loved that I knew where

he was, and he was safe… at home with me. As they grow up,

we cannot always say this, even though we want to say we do.

I am thankful they are gone; others I remember

with a smile and wish I could have back again.

Although I cannot remember the last time

that I washed his hair, there are many “last” I

do remember.

I remember the last time I hugged him. I

remember our last dinner together and the last

text message we exchanged. I remember the

last place he lived and the last car he drove. I

remember the last day he was here on earth. I

remember the nine days he was missing, and

I remember everything about the moment I

heard he was found, dead. That was the last

moment I was whole.

I savor all of those “last”. I replay them all

in my head day in and day out… and I try to

remember of more. I try to remember anything

I can to keep him living.

So, now I am that crazy old lady in Target

admiring the young mom and her little one. Even

though I cannot bring myself to say to her “enjoy

it because it goes too fast” It takes me back to

some really great memories that bring me such

joy and sometimes tears. One day I will say it…

One day I will say it because those truly were

some of the longest days of my life, but by far the

shortest years. Would I go back? Absolutely! In a

heartbeat. And I would listen to those crazy old

ladies… especially now that I am one of them.

Remember, the days are long, but the

years are short.

A little about me… I am Amy Durham. Wife to

Jeff. Mother of three: son Alec, 24 and daughter

Layla, 8. Step-mom to Chase, 19. On May 4,

2019 my oldest son, Alec, went to live heaven. In

months to come I will share with you about my

sweet baby boy Alec and our life together. I will

share what it was like for me to be a single, teen

mom, a mom of addict and a recovering addict as

well as living without him. Even though it sounds

like a lot of sorrow… there are some wonderful

times I want to share as well. God has given me

this story for a reason… in hopes it can help

someone else along the way.


The Country Preacher

Moving to another home at my age

calls for thanksgiving. A lot of folks I

have known moved to a nursing home!

Generally, people refer to moving into

a smaller home as downsizing. Maybe we

should call it getting rid of things unused

for years so your car can come in out of the

rain and return home to the garage.

As a loving act of grace, God has blessed

me with two daughters who have taken

from their work and family to help me pack.

Sorting through 29 years of accumulation,

the conversation about what I thought was

important is “When was the last time you

used this?” and “When will you need a set

of eight dishes to feed our family if you’re

eating at our house?”. The Lord meant for the

spending of time with family to mirror His

relationship with us as our Father. Children

are often like the sheep the shepherd left the

ninety-nine to bring back to the fold (Luke

15:3-7).

Thankfully they don’t always wander far

from the flock. We must love them all and

hope that they will know they can count

on their parents when we are needed. The

By Rev. David Hill

prodigal didn’t have to hunt for his Father

when he was fed up with eating with hogs

and spending his money on prostitutes in

the far country (Luke 15:17-24). May God

help us to care enough to be more like Job

who prayed daily for his children that they

would not let temptation draw them away

from the Lord (Job 1:5). Job was a man who

confessed his sin daily so God could call

him blameless though he was not sinless

(Job 2:3)

Amazingly, God’s Word describes

the changes we experience with age in

interesting Biblical terms. See Ecclesiastes

12. Our hands and arms lose their strength

and tremble (“the keepers of the house…”)

and our legs and knees give us trouble (“…

strong men shall bow themselves…”) or as

my Dad would say, “Son, keep riding those

horses and you’ll not be able to corner a hog

in the trough”. Our eyes lose their ability

to focus (like looking out a window and

seeing darkness). Our driving may become

more difficult. Our voice becomes weaker

(“…the daughters of music…”). Little

things become big problems for us (“…the

grasshopper shall be a burden…”) and our

goals change (“…desire shall fail: because

we go to our long home…”). My daughters

said “Dad, we want to be a help when you

need us. What are you going to do with that

fence stretcher and that roll of barbed wire?

There is no pasture, there is no barn and

there are no horses.” It’s a wonderful thing

to have someone who loves you.

In John 14:1-3 Jesus said “Let not your

heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe

also in me. In my Father’s house are many

mansions: if it were not so, I would have

told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again, and receive you unto

myself; that where I am, there ye may be

also.” God is preparing for us to be under

His care continually but not because He is

weak but because we are weak, and He is

our Father. Jesus describes the family as

Christ being the Bridegroom, the Church

the Bride and Heaven our Father’s eternal

dwelling place. His Plan was to bring us to

Himself to share a place that is beyond our

ability to comprehend.


DIVORCE SURVIVAL TIPS

Teacher of the Year 2020

IN HER OWN WORDS

Excellence in Education was celebrated during the 2020 Forsyth County

Schools Keys to Success Celebration. Teachers from all Forsyth County Schools

were recognized for their outstanding work. The event included acknowledging

various volunteers and supporters the programs at various schools.

As seven finalists were recognized for their

outstanding work, one teacher was honored as the

2020 Teacher of the Year. Jessica Youngblood, an

English teacher at North Forsyth High School. Get

to know Mrs. Youngblood, in her own words. A

hard-working mother, wife, daughter and teacher,

her outlook on education is one worth sharing.

Below are excerpts from her acceptance speech.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT

TO ME IN EDUCATION

Five years ago, my husband and I bought an

old lake house, took it down to its studs, and

rebuilt it. While it offered us the lake access we

had dreamed of, the old house came with wood

paneling, bunt carpets, mold, and a scary 1984

UGA-themed bathroom that would give any

fan nightmares. Everyone we knew cautioned

us not to buy the house, claiming it was too big

of a project to take on, but we saw the potential

and welcomed the challenge; while most saw the

work, we saw the strong foundation. We worked

tirelessly after work and on weekends demoing

and remodeling the house; we were certainly

not professionals, but through research, trial and

error, and perseverance, we completed our home.

Like our home, academically I was a fixerupper.

I struggled in school—I couldn’t read

well and earthing math-related was confusing. I

had to go to readiness which is for students who

needed another year before attending first-grade.

Even though I was young, I recognized it was my

first failure in school. Sometime after that, I was

labeled with a learning disability.

Third-grade was a rough year and my first

experience with a bully; my teacher. I realized

I was a target and wondered why an adultspecifically

my teacher-would target a child who

needed extra support with her learning. There was

nothing more embarrassing than being pulled out

of class in middle school to receive tutoring. I felt

the condemning eyes of my classmates as I exited

the room; they knew why I was leaving, and I

knew why they were staying. My disability clung

until seventh grade when I decided to shed it. I

endured countless types of assistance, with tutors,

with learning centers, and with family members.

I tested out of the special education program and

realized that intelligence is not fixed; I adopted

a growth mindset and realized that with my

perseverance as well as help from my teachers, I

could accomplish any goal.

Since I struggled so much as I child in school,

I devoted a lot of time and energy into my careerand

I still do. With teaching, I was finally good

at something academic, but I felt I needed the

praise and recognition on my administrators and

colleagues to reflect my worth as a teacher.

The year TKES [Teacher Keys Effectiveness

System] was implemented, I became hyperfocused

on my annual review score; I ended up

one point away from a four, the highest category.

I, like my students with their standardized test

scores, became engrossed with the number and

momentarily lost sight of my purpose.

I immediately shifted my focus back to my

students; their engagement and needs. I sought

their feedback and created a more studentcentered

classroom. I began to implement more

strategies from PL [Performance Learning]

and workshops I attended. I also turned to my

colleagues for feedback and advice. At the end

of the year, I was thrilled with the community

feel of my classroom and the engagement level

of my students. While I did not earn a four on

my education, I was elated because I knew I had

met my students’ leaning needs. They are, after all,

the purpose. By focusing on them instead of the

number, I was able to teach to my potential and

before a distinguished teacher.

In my family, I was the first to attend a fouryear

college. My parents are still perplexed with

my career choice considering my educational

struggle. But that was exactly why I chose

education. I am a success story. I think all

teachers are. Somewhere during my formative

years, someone inspired or helped us through

trying times. We realized the significance of that

impact; by paying it forward, we are showing our

thanks and appreciation to those individuals. It is

imperative to consider the lasting impression we

leave in our students as they are the future.

Public education has undergone many

changes since I started my career 19 years ago;

it has been transformed, restructured, reshaped.

If fact, it seems like every new trend incited

necessary changes and updates to the curriculum

and pacing guide. All of these changes seem

intimidating and scary; just like our former

bathroom, but they are a part of the progress.

However, the educational system is not a

fixer-upper, it is a continuous on-going project.

Just as my husband and I saw the potential in our

old lake house, teachers need to see the potential

in ourselves and our students – even when others

cannot. We need to never lose sight of our

purpose in the classroom. We need to believe that

learning is possible for everyone. Our influence

can transcend barriers, walls, and can help cement

strong foundations to inspire posterity,

After all, educators are the

foundation for the next generation.


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

Browns Bridge Church


678.965.8000

Pastor - Andy Stanley

Services- 9am, 11am, 4:30pm

http://brownsbridge.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

Worship times:

Sunday School - 9:30am

Meet & Greet: 10:45am

Worship Service: 11:00 am

Sr. Pastor - Jamie Archer

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

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 Rd. | 770.888.4464

Sunday Service: 8:30 and 10:30 am

Rector: Father Tripp Norris

www.saintcolumba.net

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit

724 Pilgrim Mill Road | 770-887-8190

Services:Tuesday 12 noon Rosary

Wednesday 12 noon Holy Eucharist and

Healing Service Thursday 12 noon

Contemplative Prayer Service Sunday

8:30 am and 10:45 am Holy Eucharist

Interim Rector: Mandy Brady

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

JEWISH

The Chabad of Forsyth

795 Brannon Rd • Cumming Ga 30041

404-594-2092

Rabbi Levi Mentz

www.jewishforsyth.com

LUTHERAN

Living Faith Lutheran Church, LCMS

1171 Atlanta Highway | 770.887.0184

Sunday School: 9:00am (all ages)

Sun. Worship: 10:15am, 12:30pm (Korean)

Wednesday Evening Fellowship

Meal: 6:00pm | Bible Study: 7:00pm (all ages)

Bible Study: 7:00pm (all ages)

Pastor Tim Droegemueller

www.livingfaithlutheran.com

facebook/livingfaithlutheranchurch

Christ The King Lutheran Church

(Evangelical Lutheran Church In America)

1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road

O: 770.889.5328 | www.ctklutheran.com

Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 am

(Blended) 11:00 am (Traditional)

Discipleship Hour: 9:45 am

(Sunday School)

OTHER

Alpharetta Seventh-day

Adventist Church

375 Fowler Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004

678-778-1778

www.alpharettasda.com

Baha’is of Forsyth County

1-800-22-UNITE

www.forsythbahais.org

www.ghbcc.org

Canvas Christian Church


770-887-5542

Pastor Stan Percival

www.canvaschristian.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

678.230.4800 Midway

Elementary School, Nursery available)

Small Groups: 9:30am | Worship: 10:30am

Pastor: Randy Grimes

www.familybyfaith.com

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


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)


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


770.205.9390

www.chalcedon.org | www.rpcus.com

Sunday Worship: 11:00am

Pastor Tim Price

Parkway Presbyterian Church

5830 Bethelview Rd. 678.889.8694

Sunday: 8:45 am Traditional Worship

11:00 am Contemporary Worship

Pastor Mike Austin

www.parkwaychurch.org

Providence Presbyterian Church

(Meeting at) 410 Pilgrim Mill Rd.

770-880-6985

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Childcare available

Pastor: Kevin L. Medcalf

www.toglorifygod.org

The Vine Community Church

4655 Bethelview Rd. | 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 the Navigator

Catholic Church

4633 Shiloh Road | 770.205.7969

Daily Mass: Mon. – Sat.: 8:30 am

Tuesday, Thurs. & Fri.: 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 7:00 pm (en Español)

Saturday Vigil Masses: 5:00 pm &

7:00 pm (en Español)

www.StBrendansATL.com

54 MYFORSYTH.COM MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME VOLUME VI | ISSUE X | ISSUE 10 1

Out of Control

By Maria I. Morgan

I’ve learned a lot about control the last few months. Or should I say, I’ve learned there

are very few circumstances I can control.

Some recent health concerns and the death of our faithful

Chesapeake Bay retriever served as good reminders. Too often

I take things for granted. When I’m not fighting sickness, it’s easy to think

my health will always be a non-issue. And although our dog was in his

senior years, I expected him to live several more months.

Do circumstances ever catch you off guard?

Although we may not be able to control our situations, we CAN control the

response we have to them.

I think of Mary, Jesus’ mother. It was an exciting time in her life. She

was engaged to be married and had to be thinking about her upcoming

wedding and life with her beloved Joseph. In just a few moments all her

dreams were rearranged:

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly

favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…And the

angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and

shalt call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:28, 30-31; KJV)

Wait a minute. No wedding had taken place, yet this angel was talking

about a baby. How was that possible?

The angel’s answer wasn’t exactly easy to understand:

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon

thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also

that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

(Luke 1:35)

What should she do? Mary’s response

came without hesitation:

And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according

to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

Despite all the difficulty and unknowns that lay ahead, Mary presented

herself to the Lord as a servant. She chose to believe God and trusted He

would provide in every circumstance. Instead of demanding things be done

her way, she willingly took her hands off her plans and allowed the Heavenly

Father to write the script.

Are you willing to present yourself as a servant to the Lord? The same

God that controlled circumstances in Mary’s day still controls them today.

You can trust Him.

Can I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are in control.

Help me respond like Mary when things don’t go the way I think they

should. I know I can trust You. Help me by Your faithful servant. In Jesus’

name, Amen.


MY FORSYTH | HOUSES OF WORSHIP // CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

UNITED METHODIST

Bethelview United Methodist

Church

4525 Bethelview Rd. | 770.887.4888

Sunday School: 9:15am


(child care available)

Check website for Bible study classes

Pastor: Rev. Mark LaRocca-Pitts

www.bethelview.net

Creekside United Methodist Church


770.888.8449

Sunday Worship:

8:30am (Traditions-in Chapel)

9:30 & 11am (Contemporary -

in Worship Center)

Kidz Church: 9:30 & 11am

Bible Studies: 9:30 & 11am

www.creekside.nett

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)

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: 8:30am – Historic Chapel

(Traditional)

Sunday: 9:45am – Sanctuary worship

Sunday: 9:45am – “BLAST”

Kids’ worship

Sunday: 11:00am – Sanctuary worship

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

BUSINESS NETWORKING

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

Forsyth Network for Business

Professionals

Meeting: Thur: 11:30am – 12:30pm

Location:

Jim’N Nick’s at The Collection

3180 Ronald Reagan Blvd

Contact: David Fountain

770-627-2121

www.fn4bp.org

The Inspiration Network of

Cumming

Meeting: 3rd Wed: 7 – 8:30pm

Location: The Nurturing Nook,


Contact: Leanne Temple

678.965.5969

Kiwanis Club of Cumming

Meeting: Wednesdays 12pm – 1pm

Location: Golden Coral

2025 Marketplace BLVD

Cumming GA 30041

www.cummingkiwanis.org

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.

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

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

The Place of Forsyth County

Location: 2550 The Place Circle

Contact: 770-887-1098

Info: Non-profit, serving the Forsyth

community with financial emergency

assistance, clothing, food and many

additional support services.

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

Frontotemporal Degeneration

(FTD) Caregiver Support Group

First Wednesday of each month

7:00pm

Northside Forsyth Hospital

1200 Northside Forsyth Dr

1400 Building, Bennett Classroom B

Contact: Sharonhall419@yahoo.com

Holistic Moms Network –

Forsyth County

Monthly meetings with

informational speakers,

yoga group, play groups

Meeting: 2nd Tues: 6:30pm

Location: Land of a Thousand

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: 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

ocation: 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. Courthouse Sq., Suite 274

www.smartrecovery.org



Mentors Honored at

Celebration Breakfast

One-On-One Mentor of the Year Jennifer

Jones (left) was introduced by Mentor Me

case manager Allison Gaines.

Jeshua Bernal, Leslie Gomez, Julie

Brennan (Youth Mentor of the Year 2020),

Alisa Tanner, Francisco Morales

South Forsyth High School Singers Alex

Winn, Kylyn Healy, Ally Murar

Mentoring was celebrated and mentors honored at the recent Mentor Me "Celebration Breakfast.”

The annual breakfast is sponsored by Mentor Me North Georgia, a non-profit organization that

provides one-on-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adults and children who need

role models in their lives. The celebration was held at the Forsyth Conference Center.

Jennifer Jones received the One-On-One

Mentor of the Year award. Julie Brennan

was honored as Youth Mentor. Receiving the

Reach Mentor award were Barbara Contreras,

Addy Ostrowski, and Akshita Kunala. Brown’s

Bridge Church was recognized as Community

Partner of the Year.

Jones was matched with her mentee, Ann,

when Ann was in sixth grade. She is now a

senior in high school. “Ann has become a

part of our family,” Jones said. “So much that

everybody in my family asks about her.” Ann

could not attend the breakfast, but in a video,

she said about Jennifer, “You have helped me

through some of the hardest patches of my life.

You’ve been there when I needed you most.”

Elaborating later, Jones said, “It has been so

rewarding to be a part of Ann’s life these past

seven years. She’s pushed past her obstacles

and made a future for herself. Her kindness

is infectious. I’ve seen how powerful making

time for a child who could use a loving role

model can help to create a better future, while

also blessing me in many ways.”

Peter Carpenter, 2020 Mentor Me board

chair, shared with the large audience this year’s

breakfast theme Vision in Focus, emphasizing

the goal of “serving more children while

creating more awareness in our community.”

He said that Mentor Me served almost 800

children in 2019. Forty-two mentor/mentee

matches were made, 20 more than the prior

year. “However,” he added, “21 children remain

on the waiting list, so there are still mentoring

opportunities, and a continuing need for

volunteers. Mentor Me has great programs

and inspiring stories of children’s lives changed

forever by caring mentors.”

In addition to one-on-one mentoring,

Mentor Me sponsors the Reach program where

high school volunteers provide homework

assistance to elementary school students

focusing on reading and language skills. Also,

the organization’s Kick it Up clubs in middle

and high schools invite business professionals

to speak to students encouraging academic and

graduation success.

Mentor Me references statistics that

verify when children are mentored, they are

52% less likely to skip school, more likely to

attend college, have better attitudes, as well as

have better behavior in and out of the school

setting. Most of the children in the mentoring

program live in single-parent homes or live

with grandparents or foster parents.

Mentor Me is a Forsyth County

United Way agency. However, the

organization depends on private

donations for 50 percent of its

funding. To volunteer or donate,

visit www.mentorga.org.



A

RTIST SPOTLIGHT: AMBER LEIGH

Local Voice,

INSPIRED

SONG WRITER

By David Fountain

A young woman from Texas, Amber Leigh calls Forsyth

County home as she brings words to life through her

songwriting, guitar and her naturally beautiful sounding voice.

Less than a month ago Amber Leigh

was invited to Nashville to audition

for NBC’s The Voice. Although she was

not chosen to compete at this time, she sang

“Home Sweet Home” by Carrie Underwood.

It just wasn’t what the judges were looking for,

but she won’t let this deter her from pursuing

what she loves most, music.

Twenty-some years ago as a child, Amber

Leigh wrote poetry about life and the grace

of God. She sang with her father at church.

When her mother gave her a guitar at the age

of 16 it all began to come together. Her songs

came from the heart, each one inspired by the

people and the events that touched her world.

In November 2019 her passion to share

and express her musical talent began to take

hold with the naturally beautiful sounding

song “Breaking”. A touching song about

the importance of seeing from the other’s

perspective in relationships - soothing for a

breaking heart. Her works were influenced

by country star Martina McBride’s, song

“Anyway”, inspiring her to love and to be

genuine no matter what.

This was key when she lost her brother

to cancer just over a year ago. Her song

“Chances Are” commemorates his life the

perspective of his little sister before the

cancer took him away. “My Baby Girl” is an

upbeat song written when Amber’s daughter

started kindergarten, a song reminding her

that she will always be her baby girl.

Today Amber Leigh continues with her

passion to write songs and loves being on

stage performing alone, with the Capital

City Crew band, or a band who features

her in their shows. For special parties and

corporate events, she enjoys performing

from many genre’s; Country, contemporary/

Christian, Folk, Pop and Rock.

Amber Leigh gives credit to mentor Ron Sewell, and is the new local artist that you

will definitely enjoy hearing, follow her @AmberLeighSings on Facebook and

www.AmberLeighSings.com



A

DVERTISER DIRECTORY

AUTOMOTIVE/CAR REPAIR

SERVICES

Christian Brothers Automotive -pg. 47

470-253-7376 | www.cbac.com/cumming

BREW PUB/TAPROOM

Cherry Street Brewing Co-op – pg. 19

770-205-5512 | www.cherrystreetvickery.com

CONCERT VENUE/

OUTDOOR

Matilda’s Under the Pines – pg. 43

678-480-6932 | www.matildasmusicvenue.com

CYBER SECURITY/

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Critical Path Security – pg. 29

770-224-6482 | www.criticalpathsscurity.com

DANCE ACADEMY/

INSTRUCTION

Cumming Dance Academy – pg. 5

770-781-4922 | www.CummingDanceAcademy.com

DENTIST

North Georgia Smiles – Inside Back Cover

678-648-7311 | www.northgeorgiasmiles.com

EMBROIDERY

Amigo Embroidery – pg. 66

404-216-5740 | www.amioembroidery.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Arseneau Advisory Group – pg. 17

470-839-9001 | www.arseneauadvisory.com

HEATING/VENTILATION/

AIR CONDITIONING

Shelnutt HVAC – pg. 66

706-265-5854 | www.shelnutthvac.com

HOME DECOR

The Art of Science – pg. 47

404-512-8112 | www.theartofscience.com

JEWELER/JEWELRY

STORE

Gems In Art – Inside Front Cover

770-844-8005 | www.gemsinart.com

Lance’s Jewelry –Back Cover

770-781-5500 | www.lancesjewelry.com

MASSAGE/YOGA/

WELLNESS

Bliss Mamma Wellness – pg. 40

770-722-2711 | www.blissmammawellness.com

PAINT & FLOORING

Gregory’s Paint & Flooring – pg. 15

770-887-1363 Cumming | 770-476-9651 Johns Creek

www.gregoryspaintandfloowing.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Adam Pendleton Photography – pg. 61

678-208-7077 | www.adampendleton.com

PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL

SERVICES

Children’s at Forsyth – pg. 3

404-785-3100 | www.choa.com/urgentcare

Cleaver Medical Group – pg. 31

770-800-3455 | www.cleavermedicalgroup.com

Modern OBGYN – pg. 37

404-446-2496 | www.reyesobgyn.com

Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 37

Atlanta Heart Specialists

678-679-6800; 770-622-1622 | www.heartdrsingh.com

REAL ESTATE

Hello Pam Evans Real Estate – pg. 13

678-778-6551 | www.hellopamevans.com

The Dinsmore Team – pg. 65

770-712-7789 | www.dinsmoreteam.com

RESTAURANTS /FOOD

SERVICES/CATERING

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant – pg. 25

770-475-9100 | www.casanuovarestaurant.com

CSB Home of Rick Tanner’s – pg. 25

770-205-5512 | www.cherrystreetvickery.com

Lenny’s Subs – pg. 63

678-947-0336 | Fax orders: 678-947-5343

Palapa’s Bar and Grill – pg. 27

770-889-1002 | www.palapasbargrill.com

Tam’s Backstage – pg. 23

678-455-8310 | www.tamsbackstage.com

Tam’s Tupelo– pg. 23

470-839-2024 | www.tamstupelo.com

Your Pie, Cumming – pg. 7

678-341-9023 | www.yourpiepizza.com/stores/cumming

TRANSPORTATION/

NON-EMERGENCY

ABW MedTrans Solutions – pg. 64

678-567-6644



So, You’ve Decided to

Buy a New Home:

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR RESALE?

By Leslie Hawkins and Tarran Craver

Congratulations on making the big decision to purchase a new home. The next

decision to make is: are you are interested in a new construction or a resale home?

Here are some items to consider before

making your decision.

PRICE

New construction in established areas tends to be

of limited supply, which often increases the selling

price. As a buyer, you will be given options for

customizing and upgrading a new home, which can

also significantly increase the selling price above an

already existing property. In general, new homes

cost as much as 20% more than a similar existing

home in the same area. Ultimately, however, this

depends on the type of home and location.

COSTS

Since new construction homes use more

energy efficient materials, utility bills are

generally lower than with an existing home.

Also, with appliances being new, small repairs

and maintenance may be covered under home

warranty and will be less likely to occur.

Homeowner's insurance will also tend to be

lower due to the newness factor.

The Hawkins and Craver Team may be reached at

678-318-7900.

www.remaxregencyatl.com/agents/name-Hawkins

There is a high likelihood that a new

construction home will be part of a neighborhood

that is covered by a Homeowner's Association,

which will require HOA fees.

STYLE

For tree lovers, resales are a big draw. Older

homes typically have mature trees and

plantings on larger lots, unlike what's found

in new neighborhoods. There is no guesswork

with older, established neighborhoods. What

you see is what you get.

New construction tends to have smaller

lot sizes, an element of the unknown, and you

could be living in a construction zone for the

next few years.

DESIGN

Design is really a matter of personal preference.

Many older, existing homes have desirable

architectural charm like crown moldings and

sand and stain hardwood floors that often

cannot be found in a new construction home.

A newly constructed neighborhood is

often built using only a few, select designs.

Homes can be customized to reflect design

elements that make life easy for today's busy

lifestyle. This includes elements like having

technology built right into the home, drop zones

with organizational nooks, and thoughtfully

designed laundry rooms.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Protect one of the biggest investments of

your life by working with a Realtor® who has

earned the Accredited Buyer Representative

designation. We can help you navigate the

home buying process by maximizing value and

minimizing stress!




My Forsyth 2020_1

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