My Forsyth 2020_II

CONTENTS 

VOLUME X • ISSUE 2 

14 

48 34 

COVER STORY 

34 MIDWIFERY: 

MODERN CARE THE OLD 

FASHIONED WAY 

FEATURES 

14 THE TEACHING ROOM 

28 FAMILY 

IDEAS FOR A BETTER WORLD 

HOME AND LIFE 

12 The Many Upsides of Downsizing 

15 How to Unspouse Your House 

16 When Your Emotions Fail You 

18 Timeless Principles 

20 Meet Autumn Bailey 

22 Women Don’t Do Stuff Like This: 

Wrong 

24 Relentless* 

42 Explore Georgia’s Amazing 

Staycation Destinations 

44 A Shift in Business As Usual 

51 Life is What You Make It 

FORSYTH FOODIE 

28 BBs Bagels 

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

30 How to Social Distance Ourselves 

from “Maskne” 

32 Nearsightedness 

38 Social Distancing and Biometrics 

40 Georgia Highlands Steps-Up to 

COVID-19 

ARTIST SHOWCASE 

46 Music: Let It Play! 

BUSINESS 

48 Cumming Cigar Co. 

56 The 5 Key Elements 

of a Marketing Plan that Works 

FAITH 

52 Tea and Cake 

53 Excuse Maker or Risk Taker? 

42 

EDUCATION 

58 My Toastmaster Transformation 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

10 Forsyth County Government News 

11 News Around Forsyth 

22 Book Review: The Twelve Week Year 

by Brian P. Morgan 

54 The Country Preacher 

“DON’T MISS A THING” 

WE’RE MOBILE... 

myforsythmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS 

VOLUME X • ISSUE 2 

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, a long-time 

Cumming resident, may 

be reached at davidkhill@ 

comcast.net. A retired 

preacher, Hill lives in North 

Carolina where he is enjoying 

spending time with his 

beloved grandchildren. 

matt@marketcomplete.com 

STAFF WRITER 

Katielee Kaner 

katielee.myforsyth@gmail.com 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

Samantha Angeli 

samantha.angeli74@gmail.com 

770.310.4486 

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. 

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. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Adam Pendleton 

678.208.7077 • www.adampendleton.com 

PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES 

Power Marketing & Printing 

678.990.3618 • smccaffrey@powermp 

Narendra Singh, MD, 

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA is the 

Director of Clinical Research, 

Atlanta Heart Specialists LLC, 

Atlanta, GA. 

He may be reached at 

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. 

Hannah Testa is 17 years old 

and a student at West Forsyth 

High School. She may 

be reached at 

hannah4change@gmail.com. 

www.hannah4change.org. 

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 

My Forsyth | www.myforsythmag.com 

5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 

Cumming GA 30040 

(p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

Our Lives 

To say that our lives have changed over the past few months would be 

an understatement. And they continue to change, likely more than we 

ever thought possible. 

No matter your type of work, you likely have been called to do something 

that you never thought you would have to do. 

How are we to balance life in times of anxiousness and discontent? Our 

common sense and behavior are being challenged. Possibly it is our own 

frail, human capacities that keep us from moving forward, collectively, to 

eliminate this complicated epidemic we are faced with at all levels of life. 

I am often reminded of words written by someone who has passed on to 

a gentler, heavenly life where there is presumably no daily battle with a 

pandemic and the behavior of others. 

History was particularly important to him. 

In 1998 he wrote, “There is no sense of self without history. History is not 

just some stuff that happened to dimly-remembered and unimportant 

people. It is a part of who we are, and we a part of it. It is natural 

and all too human to feel that nothing important happened before the 

day of one’s birth. But the fact is, that we are but a link in the chain of 

human events, and the study of history gives us not only some idea 

of whence we come, but also allows us to gain a perspective on the 

trajectory of the future. Arthur Conan Doyle advanced the idea that 

a man’s intellectual and moral make-up were just as much a sum of his 

family tree as his physiology. In a similar manner, any culture is nothing 

more or less than the totality of its morals and ideas put into action 

across decades or centuries.” 

Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past but forge ahead with history 

as our guide, rather than a stumbling block. 

In 2001 he wrote, “Throughout man’s history, his finest moments, and 

the proof of his spark of divinity, are those that push back the gloom of 

oppression. To be prepared to risk everything, often with no hope of 

personal survival for the benefit of a principle or goal, for personal honor, 

or to spare others unknown, is the mark of a true hero.” 

We have seen countless acts of kindness and heroic deeds over the past 

few months, with many individuals recognized for courageous acts, for 

the nobility of their character, or simply for doing the right thing because 

it matters. 

I believe there is a hero in all of us. We can validate so in what we say, 

in what we do, and how we treat one another. The greatest values 

of heroic deeds are the incalculable inspiration and kindness one’s acts 

give to others. 

Family, friends, faith, government — every aspect of our lives is 

interdependent. Divisiveness gets us nothing but despair. Failure 

should not be an option. 

With so many unknowns, I hope we can all live our lives in a generous 

and heroic manner by supporting each other. This is a fight for our lives 

– let us win it, together. 

JULIE BRENNAN 

Publisher 

julie@marketcomplete.com 

“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you 

truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is 

the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” -John Lewis, 1940-2020

A PANDEMIC DID NOT 

STOP CHILD ABUSE. 

COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES ® (CASA) 

ARE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, JUST LIKE YOU, WHO 

STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT TO HELP ABUSED AND 

NEGLECTED CHILDREN. Our CASAs advocate for child 

victims of abuse and neglect right here in our Forsyth 

County community. 

99 

Court Hearings 

Held/Attended 

CPRS reported 

hours/contacts made 

by our advocates in 

gathering information 

from collateral contacts: 

884 

hours speaking to 

781 

collateral contacts 

(phone/virtual 

environments) 

CPRS reported 

training hours 

by our advocates: 

76 

hours of volunteer 

training 

CPRS 

reported 

child 

contacts/hours: 

210 

CASA of Forsyth County 

belongs to a network of 951 

community-based programs 

around the United States 

that recruit, train and support 

citizen-volunteers to advocate 

for the best interests of 

abused and neglected 

children in courtrooms 

and communities. 

CASA OF FORSYTH 

COUNTY, INC. 

3250 Keith Bridge Road | Cumming, GA 30041 

678-679-3838 | www.forsythcountycasa.org 

CASA activity March 16- June 16, 2020 

VOLUME X | ISSUE 2 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM Data source: Odyssey System 9 

CPRS - Court Process Reporting System

FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT 

WHAT'S NEW 

NEW PLAYGROUND BEING BUILT AT POOLE’S MILL PARK 

Out with the old and in with the new! A new playground is currently being installed 

at Poole’s Mill Park to replace the current structure. The replacement playground 

is designed for ages 5-12 and will include slides, swings (one handicapped 

accessible), an IKO ball climber, synthetic turf surfacing and more. The replacement 

of the current playground began on June 8, and the playground will complement 

other Poole’s Mill Park features like the covered bridge, creek, picnic pavilions and 

the Cumming Garden Club’s Memorial Garden. 

Please visit parks.forsythco.com to learn more about Poole’s Mill Park. 

WATER SAFETY INFORMATION FOR 

FORSYTH COUNTY 

Whether you are heading to the lake, the 

pool or any body of water, there are some 

things that you need to keep in mind to 

keep you, your family and those around you 

safe. Members of the Forsyth County Fire 

Department as well as other local and state 

agencies talk summer safety on the water, and 

on the land, in a recent feature of Your Forsyth. 

You can find the Water Safety Feature on the 

County’s YouTube Channel: tvforsyth.com. 

FORSYTH COUNTY UTILIZING 

APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR 

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

The Forsyth County Administration 

Building (110 E. Main Street) 

now helps residents through 

appointments and digital waitlists. 

To enhance the customer service 

experience with residents while 

promoting social distancing, 

Forsyth County will be utilizing 

WaitWhile, a free appointment 

and waitlist system. This system 

will allow residents to make an 

appointment or join a waitlist for 

those activities that require faceto-face 

interaction. If the waitlist is 

selected, residents will be able to 

view their location on the waitlist 

and be informed via text message 

and/or email when it is their turn to 

enter the building to complete their 

interaction with County staff. 

The following departments 

will be utilizing the appointment 

and waitlist system: Tax Assessor, 

Water Department, Engineering, 

Planning and Community 

Development, Business 

License and Building and 

Economic Development. 

Residents can access the system at 

forsythco.com/appointments. 

FORSYTH COUNTY DEPARTMENT 

OF COMMUNICATIONS 

110 East Main Street 

Cumming, Georgia 30040 

(678) 513-5856 

forsythco.com 

Your Community. Your Future. 

10 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME X | ISSUE 2

NEWS 

AROUND FORSYTH 

SWEET PEA BOUTIQUE IS OPEN 

Abbey Goodson, a senior at the University of Georgia and a self-described fashion 

lover, founded of Sweet Pea Boutique, LLC, in 2019. Today, the family boutique 

is located at The Collection Forsyth. 

“Sweet Pea Boutique hopes to provide that same joy and inspiration to you, with 

fresh picks that will stand out without breaking the bank,” Goodson explained. 

From a young age, Goodson found immense joy from trying out new styles, 

patterns, and colors, and has always loved how clothing allows you to express 

yourself and let your personality shine. 

Sweet Pea Boutique features clothing and accessories. 

shop-sweet-pea.com | 404-987-6432 

NORTH GEORGIA SMILES WELCOMES NEW DENTIST 

Dr. Jennifer Bisig is pleased to welcome Harini Jindal, DMD to 

North Georgia Smiles. The dentistry office is located in Cumming. 

"It is my goal to ensure that my patients are completely comfortable 

while I provide outstanding dental care in a calm, professional 

setting. I enjoy establishing collaborative, trusting relationships 

with my patients so we can effectively work together to help them 

achieve their best state of oral health,” Dr. Jindal stated. 

Dr. Jindal’s areas of interest include cosmetic dentistry, tooth 

replacement, endodontic therapy, Invisalign, and interceptive 

orthodontics. She attended the Medical College of Georgia, 

Augusta for a Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 2000. Dr. Jindal is 

currently accepting new patients. 

North Georgia Smiles | 770-888-8282 | Northgeorgiasmiles.com 

TAKING ON THE PLASTICS CRISIS 

Our contributing writer Hannah Testa 

has written a book, scheduled for 

release in October 2020. In the book, 

titled Taking on The Plastics Crisis, 

Testa shares her story and the science 

around plastic pollution in her fight 

to save our planet. Starting with the 

history of plastic and how it’s produced, 

Testa acknowledges the benefits of 

plastics for humanity but also the many 

ways it harms our planet. Instead of 

relying on recycling—which is both 

insufficient and ineffective—she urges 

readers to follow two additional R’s: 

“refuse” and “raise awareness.” 

The book is being released by Pocket 

Change Collective. The collective publishes 

small and mighty books that ask big 

questions and propose bigger solutions. 

In the book, Testa chronicles both her 

personal and political mission to save 

the Earth’s oceans by limiting 

single-use products. 

“My passion is protecting people, 

animals, and the environment through 

education, awareness, and policy work. 

With knowledge, we can influence 

positive change in this world. Together, 

let's change the world,” Testa stated. 

To pre-order Taking on 

The Plastics Crisis and learn more 

about Hannah4Change visit 

www.hannah4change.org. 

VOLUME X | ISSUE 2 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 11

The Many Upsides of 

Downsizing for Empty-Nesters 

By Pam Evans 

Interest Rates are truly at an all-time low right now, and economists project that to be the case for the near future. 

This is a win-win for both Buyers and Sellers. Buyers of course because home purchasing is far more affordable, and for 

Sellers because there are more Buyers who can afford your home. Plus, your next home will be more affordable. If you 

are ready, now is the perfect time to put your downsizing plan into action. 

While the thought of downsizing can be 

daunting, as you have a lifetime of memories 

and accumulation in your home, the experience 

can actually be quite liberating. Here are a few 

suggestions about how to get the ball rolling and 

make the transition go smoothly. 

TALK WITH A LENDER TO 

UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS 

Many Homeowners with a lot of equity in 

their home do not realize they could make the 

transition less stressful by purchasing their next 

home first, moving into it, and then putting 

their current home on the market. Once their 

current home sells, they can take their proceeds 

and put towards their new mortgage and 

“recast” their loan – meaning the whole loan 

recalculates and your monthly payment will 

reduce as your down payment just got much 

higher. It is one of several options out there, and 

a great Lender can help you determine what 

plan is best for your situation. 

ASSESS WHAT STAYS AND 

WHAT GOES 

This is the perfect opportunity to start 

a possession cleansing. Evaluate what is 

genuinely important to you, or your grown 

children, and what is perfect for donation to a 

worthy cause. Moving can be expensive, so why 

pay to move items that you don’t really love, or 

may end up in a storage unit? Ideally, this is 

the opportunity to pare down your possessions 

and simplify life. 

My best suggestion may seem obvious: 

• Begin in one room, and work left to right. 

Touch and assess items on every shelf and 

in every closet, as well as the furniture. 

• Create three piles: Pile one, you will keep 

and ideally pack and label now. Pile two, 

you will donate, and pile three is trash. 

• Once the first room is done, then move to 

the next. You will get a rhythm going if your 

heart and mind agree that this is good. 

There are professional organizers who can help 

you with this process if you need. Message 

me and I can send you a couple of excellent 

resources. 

DECIDE WHERE TO NEXT 

Your life is infused with something fresh and 

new! You have the option to decide where and 

how you want to live. If you have dreamed of 

living closer to the city, in the city, in the country, 

or in a live-work-play setting, now is the time. 

Some people opt for a small spot intown, 

and another at the beach. Some opt for 

something simple and turn-key so they can 

travel frequently and not have to worry about 

things when they leave. The choices are many, 

which is a good thing. This is a new chapter. Fill 

it with what makes you happy. 

EVALUATE YOUR HOUSING 

OPTIONS 

Townhomes and Condos 

I have two words for you: low maintenance. 

If you are looking to continue reaping the 

financial benefits of homeownership but are 

hoping to slash the time you spend maintaining 

your property, downsizing into a townhome or 

condominium is a great option. Aside from the 

fact that many townhome communities take 

care of things like lawn maintenance and trash 

pickup, you also have less space to worry about 

inside. When dealing with detached singlefamily 

homes it’s often difficult to find places 

with less than three bedrooms, but townhomes 

frequently come with only two bedrooms and 

perhaps an office or den space that is perfect for 

childless adults. 

55+ Communities 

To many, the thought of moving into a 

“retirement” community seems like one step 

away from moving into a nursing home, but 

this could not be further from the truth! Today’s 

55+ communities are filled with nice homes and 

include a wide range of surprisingly awesome 

activities. From trips throughout Europe to 

investing clubs, libraries, community gardens, 

and exercise classes, homeowners in these 

communities are given a never-ending ticket to 

a host of social activities and events. 

Single Family Home 

If you have not warmed up to the idea of 

sharing walls again, there are plenty of smaller 

home options available. Ranch floorplans have 

regained popularity as have smaller homes with 

Master-on-Main. 

First and foremost is to determine your 

desired geography. Then, desired home 

options can follow. 

THIS IS NOT AN ENDING. IT’S A 

NEW BEGINNING! 

Living in less space can be liberating. Be excited 

about what possibilities are out there if you have 

less stuff and less space to manage. More travel, 

more going out, more saving. Whatever works 

for you is what it’s about. 

If you need any suggestions or recommendations, 

please send me a note. I have helped many 

people downsize or actually “right-size” 

including myself. I am happy to assist you with 

this 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. 


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THE TEACHING ROOM 

GETTING YOUR 

HOME READY FOR 

VIRTUAL LEARNING 

By Lanada Chanel Duncan 

For many parents, home has become a classroom as they 

prepare to provide virtual learning for their children. 

Carving out space to transform a home into a full-time learning 

environment for students may be difficult. So along with providing tips 

for this, I consulted with my good friend and homeschool consultant 

Latisha J. Lee on important things parents should remember when 

preparing for virtual home-school learning. 

• Space, age, and grade-level play a factor when setting 

up a learning environment. For preschool and elementary 

grade-level activities, you should consider setting up on the floor 

and conduct story-telling, flash cards lessons, math, and grammar 

song activities from there. If your home has hardwood flooring, try 

putting down a few area rugs or an activity mat that can be rolled up 

and stored away in a closet on weekends. 

• Middle and high schoolers tend to have more 

hands-on projects. For those, you may have to transform your 

kitchen into a science lab during the day so chemistry or biology 

projects can be completed. If you do not want specimen dissecting 

done where your evening dinner is prepared and served, better 

stock-up on used/unwanted table clothes and place mats so your 

dinner table is protected. Or you may want to move projects like 

these into a garage or front yard, depending on the project. 

• Many high school assignments require online research 

and writing. For those, a desk setup — even if it is in your child’s 

bedroom — is important. If cost or space is an issue, start with a 

sturdy sofa side table that they can set up next to a chair or bed. 

• Books, weather posters, world maps and calendars will 

accumulate if this way of learning becomes the new 

norm. Storage will become a factor, so now may be a great time to 

frame your fireplace and turn empty walls into built-in bookcases. Of 

course, with cabinet doors to hide any overflow of materials. 

The most important information shared by Latisha was for parents to 

remember the entire home offers an environment for kids to 

learn as it becomes a continuous class on home economics. 

By hanging a large chalkboard in the kitchen or dining area, parents can 

keep students engaged with lessons that can be reviewed or studied over 

dinner. Additionally, painting a child’s bedroom wall with chalkboard 

paint, brings fun into your home decor while inspiring kids to creatively 

learn, even after the virtual school bell rings. 

Latisha Lee is a homeschool educator, consultant and tutor. Find out more 

at www.leelati00.wixsite.com/leehomeschoolacademy 

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

interior design company that offers design, decor, and details 

to evoke peaceful living & wellbeing. 

Lanada Chanel Duncan, b.e. decors 

678.951.9210 

info@bedecors.com 

www.bedecors.com 


How to Unspouse Your House 

By Tracy Ann Moore-Grant, Jennifer Brown, CDLP and Wendy Gravlin-Chambers 

When a divorce occurs, typically one of the biggest issues is what to do with the house. Often it 

makes more sense for one person to keep the home and find a way to “Unspouse their House.” 

The concept of unspousing the house can mean how to get the spouse not staying in the home 

off of the mortgage or how to reclaim this space as your own. 

UNSPOUSING YOUR 

MORTGAGE 

Divorcing couples have many options when it 

comes to the disposition of the marital home. 

Those options include: selling the home and 

distributing the net proceeds accordingly, an 

equity buyout of ownership interest, a transfer 

of ownership with no monetary requirement and 

last but not least, the War of the Roses method, 

dangling from a chandelier until it gives way. 

Hopefully, this article will provide insight on 

how to unspouse the house without harming the 

chandelier or anyone else! 

When one spouse retains the marital home 

and the departing spouse is entitled to a portion 

of the equity, an equity buyout refinance is a great 

option. Not only would this relieve one spouse 

of obligation in the event of an existing joint 

mortgage, it would also provide access to the 

necessary funds in lieu of liquidating other assets. 

An equity buyout refinance is not considered 

“cash-out”. Cash-out refinance guidelines limits 

the maximum loan to value to 80%, results in a 

higher interest rate due to pricing adjustments 

and, thanks to COVID-19, now requires a higher 

credit score. For a refinance to meet the equity 

buyout guidelines the property must be jointly 

owned for at least 12 months preceding the 

disbursement date of the new mortgage loan. In 

addition, all parties must sign a written agreement, 

i.e. Divorce Decree, Settlement Agreement, etc. 

that specifically states the terms of the property 

transfer and the proposed disposition of the 

proceeds from the refinance transaction. The 

spouse who acquires sole ownership of the 

property may not receive any of the proceeds 

from the refinance. 

UNSPOUSING YOUR 

SPACE 

When one person stays in the home that was 

once their “marital home” it can become difficult 

to make the home feel like your own and move 

forward for a fresh start. When this is the case, 

the spouse that is staying in the home is left with 

the reality that they now live in a home which 

comes with all the good and bad memories from 

the marriage. If this happens, there are a few small 

things that can be done in order to turn what was 

once “marital” space into “fresh start” space. 

• Buy new furniture 

• Repaint 

• Change personal pictures 

• Buy new dishes 

• Change the landscaping 

While these things may feel like simple things, 

you would be very surprised how quickly 

the space starts to change and it becomes 

something more individualized and personal 

so that it is suddenly “your” space and not 

“our” space. 

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 


WHEN YOUR EMOTIONS 

FAIL YOU 

By Kurt Arseneau, Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Financial Consultant 

"The greatest enemies of the equity investor 

are expenses and emotions" – Warren Buffet. 

In a perfect world, logic would always 

guide our financial decisions. Emotions 

would not come into play. But we do not live in 

a perfect world. Far from it. Fear, anxiety, and 

greed can make us impulsive. These emotions can 

blind us to logic and make us vulnerable to all sorts 

of biases. That is never truer than when we feel 

threatened or stressed. 

When we are faced with uncertainty, fear and 

instinct can take over and push logic right out of 

the window. Your brain will make you want to 

react quickly to protect yourself and avoid the pain 

you anticipate from potential losses. Ironically, 

these instincts often make things worse. Emotional 

reactions can lead to poor choices and the losses 

you were trying to avoid in the first place. 

That means our emotions impact our 

financial choices more than we realize. 

Shockingly as much as 95% of our purchase 

choices are made subconsciously, driven by our 

emotions – as little as 5% are based on logic (and 

that is when we are in a good headspace and 

feeling comfortable and secure). 

No matter how much investing experience 

you have, uncertainty can get in the way of making 

good financial decisions. In fact, when market 

turbulence lets fear creep in, you can become 

vulnerable to herd behavior, panic, and irrational 

choices. And that can mean acting against your 

interests and opening yourself up to more losses. 

There is an easy way around that, though. It involves 

changing some of your thinking and reactions in 

the face of financial stress and uncertainty. 

When emotions run high and impulse takes 

over, we are usually focused on reacting quickly to 

protect ourselves. This can lead to short-sighted, 

riskier decisions. It can also result in more losses. 

That is the essence of what Warren Buffet is saying 

above. But that is not all he is saying. He is also 

telling us that the emotion, like any perceived 

enemy, can be fought – that you have power to set 

emotion aside and make better financial choices, 

no matter how uncertain the outlook may be. 

The truth is that emotions are essential to the 

human experience. When they take the driver’s 

seat in financial decision making, however, they 

can skew your perspective and undermine logic. 

Counteract this by recognizing intensive 

emotions and giving them some time to cool down 

before you make a choice. This can give you a space 

to see the facts more clearly – and potentially lead 

to better, more logical financial decision-making. 

If you are like most investors, you think 

you are ahead of the curve. In fact, research 

shows that nearly two in every three investors 

say they know more about finances than at least 

70% of the population. Yet, 56% cannot pass a 

financial literacy test. They get at least six out of 

10 questions wrong. This disconnect between 

what we think versus what we actually know can 

lead to overconfidence. Even for us pros. That is 

why we research, process and evaluate systems to 

make decisions, and to protect us from our own 

overconfidence. As easy as it can be to fall into the 

overconfidence trap, there are things you can do 

to avoid it. If you can stay realistic and keep an 

eye on your longer-term objectives, you can keep 

your confidence in check and empower yourself to 

make better financial decisions. 

How many of your financial choices are based 

on cold, hard facts? Probably just one in five, but 

why? Experts say it is because our emotions, biases, 

and perceptions play a major role in about 80% 

of our investment decisions. That can mean logic 

takes a backseat to our feelings when it is time to 

make financial choices. When that is the case, we 

are far more likely to go against common sense and 

make investment mistakes. But there is good news! 

Just as the markets can correct themselves, you can 

also correct yourself. You can change your mindset 

and behaviors with the right strategies. When you 

do, you will have the power to make better financial 

choices. As a professional investment advisor, I 

have seen how uncertainty, emotions, and personal 

biases can lead to poor financial decisions. 

Markets and economies are never predictable 

or under our control. We cannot foresee or control 

downturns or upswings. We can only control our 

mindset, our emotions, and our financial choices. 

It is easy to lose sight of these during periods of 

economic uncertainty and financial stress. If you 

can focus on the long game and improve your 

mental game, you will come out stronger and 

more prepared. This can make you less vulnerable 

to hardwired human biases and help you make 

better financial decisions, no matter what the 

markets are doing. As a financial advisor, one of 

my most important jobs is to help you become a 

smarter, more capable investor. That involves using 

psychology and behavioral finance to help you learn 

more about how your brain works and improve 

your financial behaviors. I am also here to be an 

objective accountability partner. I talk my clients 

through the emotional decisions, and I can be an 

important voice of reason and calm when markets 

are turbulent, and it feels like the sky is falling. 

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and try 

to keep your emotions in check when it comes 

to investing. 

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



Timeless Principles 

By Bernie Leonard 

Throughout my life, I have learned a great deal from my mentors, workplace, elders, family, and friends. I have 

never stopped learning from those around me - nor do I ever want to. From youth to adulthood, I have seen 

a common thread of experiences and learnings that apply to anyone and everyone, that are not constrained 

by the aspect of time. 

These are my five timeless principles. They are meant to be a 

compass for difficult times, to help you focus on the present and to add value 

to daily living. So, if you are 20, these are for you; If you are 60, these are for 

you too; if you’re single, these are for you. If you’re married, these are for you. 

My hope is that they serve as a reminder for you to have a positive mindset, 

to be committed to personal growth and to add value to others' lives. After all, 

the person you should invest the most in is yourself. 

CRISIS DEFINES US. 

“Life is ten percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to 

it.” - Charles Swindoll 

It is not about how you act, but rather how you react. In life, it is guaranteed 

we will go through times of uncertainty. There will be challenging situations 

that will call us to either sink or swim. Crisis and times of uncertainty have a 

way of bringing the true light of our foundations and beliefs to surface. Who 

are you at your core? Do you show hope in times of stress or become helpless 

in times of struggle? Perseverance, courage, and faith are the strongest pillars 

of foundation for one’s self. If (and when) crisis comes along, reflect and 

recharge. Think of one thing daily that brought you success and security. 

Celebrate the small wins and watch how they start to add up. 

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. 

“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your 

attitude when you have everything.” - George Bernard Shaw 

Good things come to those who wait and earn trust along the way. One of my 

favorite quotes that I say constantly to my employees is “never be in a hurry to 

go anywhere.” Pay your dues, set goals, and keep a positive outlook along your 

journey. Practicing patience will lead to a better mindset and a heart of gratitude. 

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREAT 

MENTORS. 

“It's better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose 

behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.” - Warren Buffet 

Whether you want to be a teacher, hairdresser, accountant, or lawyer, there is 

always someone that came before you that has mastered the craft. Shadowing 

or having monthly appointments with mentors and people of inspiration 

will spark your energy to sustain intentional direction, especially when in 

doubt about which path is the one for you. Generally, mentors are busy. Go 

prepared, be on time and write a thank you note. A letter can go a long way. 

NOT PROMISED TOMORROW: 

MAKE TODAY COUNT. 

“Make each day your masterpiece.” - John Wooden 

Our daily agenda says a lot about our lifestyle. The daily deposits we put into 

family, career, health, and spirituality can have a negative or positive effect at 

the end of the day. In order to create your masterpiece, put forth your best 

effort and undivided attention into things that are important to you. Be in 

the now. Stop saying “tomorrow” and start telling yourself "today." Have a 

vision, set goals, embrace mistakes, and understand the process will lead to 

fulfillment and ever lasting relationships. 

ALWAYS REMAIN A STUDENT. 

“Live to learn, and you will really learn to live.” - John Maxwell 

Personal development requires continuous learning. It boosts confidence, 

creates ideas, and develops a mindset of growth. Expanding your knowledge 

stimulates your brain and creates opportunity. Set yourself up for constant 

learning with daily habits of listening to just one podcast, reading one 

inspirational passage, taking one online education course, or watching just 

one instructional video. One action can lead to many opportunities and 

continuous growth. See how your passion will reignite by learning from the 

experience and wisdom of others. 

Bernie Leonard is passionate about adding value 

to the lives around me, continuous growth and 

personal relationships.


AUTUMN’S 

FAVORITE FILM 

AND TV PICKS 

Dream Girls 

Maynard 

Mine9 

Everwood (TV) 

Insecure (TV) 

PEPPERMINT 

Cooley High 

MEET 

Autumn Bailey 

An interview by Amy Lyle 

AUTUMN BAILEY HAS PRODUCED SEVERAL AWARD- 

WINNING FILMS INCLUDING THE DOCUMENTARY 

MAYNARD ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS ICON MAYNARD 

JACKSON, JR., MINE 9, AND TRADING PAINT, STARRING 

JOHN TRAVOLTA AND SHANIA TWAIN. SHE FOUNDED 

AUTUMN BAILEY ENTERTAINMENT (ABE), ONE OF THE 

FEW WOMEN-OWNED PRODUCTION COMPANIES IN 

THE SOUTHEAST. 

Amy: You have been involved with over thirty films and have a slew of 

projects happening as we speak on both coasts. Is your life as exciting and 

crazy as it sounds? 

Autumn: Yes, but my husband and I have made a commitment to balance 

our work schedule with travel that renews us. We have enjoyed traveling 

all over the world, including Dubai, Morocco, and South Africa. I love to 

explore new places and did a film in Tanzania. 

Amy: You are from York, Pennsylvania, but made an award-winning 

documentary about the first black mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson Jr. 

(Maynard, 2017). What inspired you the most about his story? 

Autumn: When Wendy Jackson (the filmmaker, and friend), told 

me about the project, I did not know a lot of his history. Once I began 

researching Maynard’s background, education, the law, as well as his family 

dynamics, I realized the depth of the challenges he faced to become the first 

African American Mayor of Atlanta and I wanted to help document that 

journey. I’m most interested in stories that bring about positive change. 

Amy: Congratulations on your most recent film, Mine 9, (available on 

Netflix), which was written and directed by Eddie Mensore. It is a drama 

about West Virginia coal miners. What attracted you to that project? 

Autumn: Eddie had moved to Atlanta for the project and he shared that 

my name kept popping up as a producer. When he pitched the project, I 

was immediately drawn to the story because one of my favorite films is 

October Sky, with Jake Gyllenhaal. 

Amy: That is the story of a coal miner that wants his sons to follow in his 

footsteps. 

Autumn: I also wanted to understand the industry and the culture around 

coal mining. I learned that the work is done in dangerous environments 

and the miners sometimes do not have the resources they need, including 

good health insurance. I donated half of my producer fees to various coal 

miner’s causes because I feel so passionate about helping them. 

Amy: I was on the edge of my seat, within minutes of the film. Ninety 

percent of the cast and crew were from Georgia! 

Autumn: Yes. The casting director, Jordan Blair Mangold Brown, made our 

vision come to life. She did an outstanding job of assembling a cast that, like 

miners, really became a family. One of the stars of Mine 9, Kevin Sizemore 

actually grew up in West Virginia and gave great insight into the industry 

and the culture of mining. Having the right people is critical to a project and 

I have made a real effort to create “an industry family” in Georgia. 

“ 

Work hard, lift others and show 

people that if they believe they can 

achieve anything they set their minds to.” 

Amy:What is your go to book about filmmaking? 

Autumn: Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success Without Losing Your 

True Self, a book by DeVon Franklin. It is about building a career without 

compromising your faith. It opened my eyes to recognizing that I need to 

only do projects that I really feel passionate about. I encourage all producers 

to read it, as it sheds light on what to look out for. I have read it 100 times and 

it is always a source of wisdom and encouragement. 

Amy: What are you working on for 2020? 

Autumn: Film has been my first love, but I am heavily focused on television 

space right now. I have several projects that I will be able to announce soon. I 

only pick stories that I am deeply passionate about. I will work on any genre 

of film, but my first love is faith-based films. I do one or two a year. 

Contact: IG: autumnebaileyford 

FB: Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford 

Linkedin Autumn Bailey 

Website: www.abentertainment05.com 


Women Don’t Do Stuff Like This: WRONG 

Jenna Libman is the 

founder of Driven to 

Style. Libman started 

her business in high 

school at the age of 

16. Driven to Style is 

an online secondhand 

clothing boutique. 

MEET JENNA LIBMAN AND HOLLY REEVES, WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS. The two 

dynamic business owners are students at the University of North Georgia’s Entrepreneurship 

and Innovation program. Libman and Reeves interviewed other women entrepreneurs to 

get their thoughts on a new program at the University of North Georgia. 

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department 

at the University of North Georgia is considering 

implementing an innovation accelerator, but the 

kicker is that it will be specifically for women. We were able 

to interview a handful of women entrepreneurs on their 

opinions about the program and to see if they had any advice 

as to what the program should focus on and what they felt 

was important for young women entrepreneurs to know. 

According to entrepreneur Jessyca Holland, “women 

historically became entrepreneurs by fault.” Holland is 

the co-founder and Executive Director of C4 Atlanta, a 

nonprofit art service organization for artist entrepreneurs. 

Most of the women we interviewed agreed with this 

statement but added that confidence needs to be instilled 

at an early age for women. Young girls’ confidence overall 

seems to decline as they get older into their teens and 

young adulthood. If we are able to help women realize 

these entrepreneurial qualities at an early age and give them 

the confidence to want to use them, they will likely feel 

comfortable using them in adulthood. 

Another quality that our interviewees thought to be 

important was leveling out the playing field for men and 

women. Women are often not taken as seriously as men, 

especially when they are within male-dominated fields such 

as entrepreneurship. It is difficult for women to earn respect 

in the business world; people assume that they inherited the 

business from their father or grandfathers, never that they 

created the business themselves. 

Fortunately, according to Laine Hoke, founder of The 

Tortoise + Hare Marketing Group, there have been major 

increases in women studying business in the last few years alone. 

When she graduated in 2013, she was one of the few women 

of the business college in her graduating class. Hoke believes 

this increase helps, but women also need to embrace reasons 

why they are different. The growth of her own confidence and 

believe in herself has helped her grow her business. 

Women need to find a way to stand out to those around 

them and utilize what skills and experiences they bring to 

the table and be recognized for them. As the saying goes, 

don’t try to fit in when you were born to stand out! Selfconfidence, 

plus the acknowledgment and acquisition of 

various soft skills, can boot up a woman’s perception of 

herself and help her to overcome any obstacles that the 

world of business may throw her way. 

Once our university is able to locate these confident and 

innovative young women, we want to put them through the 

women-only accelerator. Through this, they will hopefully 

be able to find inspiration to grow their businesses as well as 

find mentorship and funding. The women’s accelerator will 

hopefully not only promote entrepreneurship on the campus 

and among women but will also spark in them a passion for 

business and entrepreneurship. 

Another issue that women face in the world of 

entrepreneurship is struggling to build connections. It 

can be difficult to trail-blaze alone without connections 

and mentors. Hopefully, the accelerator will provide these 

women with the connections and mentors that they need 

to successfully grow their businesses. The accelerator 

will also provide women with a network of helpful 

voices that will guide them in the fine arts of business, 

such as listening, handling rejection, and negotiation. 

Through the program, women entrepreneurs will gain 

the skills they need to succeed and will also build up 

their confidence in areas that are recognized as being 

important in a business setting. 

The University of North Georgia is committed to 

helping young women find their voice in the competitive 

world of business and entrepreneurship. With the right help 

and guidance, these young professionals can feel confident 

not only in their businesses, but in themselves as well. 

Do you consider yourself innovative? Even if you are 

not risk-averse enough to start your own business, you 

haveprobably incorporated an innovative idea or two in 

your workplace, project, or educational setting. Many do 

not even realize how innovative they are until they’re put 

in a situation where they have to be. Women are not as 

well represented in the world of business. Many do not feel 

confident enough in themselves to run their own business, 

let alone manage an entire workforce. They may not feel 

comfortable in their skill set, or they may not feel as 

though they have enough credibility to create lasting and 

meaningful business connections. 

Holly Reeves owns 

and co-manages 

her own real estate 

company with her 

sister Mary Reeves. 

RoseHolly Homes in 

Atlanta. Reeves began 

managing her business 

during her freshman 

year of college. 

THE CENTER FOR 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

& INNOVATION IN 

THE MIKE COTTRELL 

COLLEGE OF 

BUSINESS AT UNG 

Is a collaborative initiative 

that engages students, 

faculty and staff across 

the University, as well 

as communities within 

the region who imagine, 

innovate, start and 

grow new and existing 

ventures. 

FOR MORE 

INFORMATION 

E-mail Ruben Boling at 

cei@ung.edu 

or visit 

www.ung.edu/ 

centerentrepreneurshipinnovation. 


B 

ook Review 

The 12 Week Year 

by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington 

Review by Jacqueline Thompson Graves 

COVID-19 has changed everything, hasn’t it? There are so 

many versions of the “new normal” that we could sit, drinking and list 

them for hours. 

You know things have changed when a book published seven years ago 

has a waiting list at the library. The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and 

Michael Lennington is suddenly as new again as making pot roast in your 

crockpot and growing tomatoes. 

Perhaps it is driven by people working from home. When you work 

from home, you feel as if you are your own boss. No one sees whether 

or not you are working or Netflixing or lying in your hammock in the 

sunshine. If you don not plan your day well, it gets away from you and your 

output is kaput. 

Perhaps the book’s resurgence is also driven by people whose jobs 

disappeared, so they are reinventing themselves as business owners or 

commission-only salespeople. When you start a new business, no one but 

you (and your hungry dog) cares if it succeeds or not. 

The 12 Week Year is just what it sounds like – planning 12 week portions 

at a time rather than in annual chunks. The book takes you through a 

mindset and then a process that can transform your entire approach to 

your daily work, whether for your personal to-dos (“got to get this weight 

off ”) or your business life (“how can I make the cold calls I need?”). As 

I read, I found myself nodding along in agreement to much of what the 

authors posited. “Makes sense,” I said to the dog. They insist planning on 

an annual basis is ineffective. “In January, December looks a long way off.” 

Creating shorter timelines for yourself or your team creates an urgency to 

help you reach your objectives. 

“In 12 weeks each day counts toward reaching your goals,” Moran and 

Lennington tell us. During COVID-19’s quarantine when days run into 

each other and months morph together, this advice totally resonated with 

me. When the crisis began I had a list of things the hubster and I could 

do: painting several rooms, reorganizing my study and my studio, serious 

landscaping, cleaning out closets, you know, probably much of the same 

stuff on your list. I started with a bang, but then the monotony of the Crisis 

got to me and I fell under the COVID-19 Spell, weaving through the days 

trying to remember what life looked like before 2020 attacked us. 

I read The 12 Week Year and pounced on my study. I Marie Kondoed 

that room, pulling out every last thing searching for joy. (How much joy 

can one find in Pendaflex folders?) We painted. I yanked down the 90s 

era shades I inherited with the house. I flip-flopped the furniture and 

unblocked the windows. I donated. I threw away. I clapped my hands in 

glee as I stood in the doorway surveying my work. One week – that’s all 

it took. My original plan allowed for one month, but my new 12 Week 

mindset gave me one week to drop everything, get my rear in gear and get 

‘er done. Now I work in a beautiful setting - uncluttered, clean, organized, 

decorated. I’m even thinking of inviting Miss Kondo over for tea. 

The authors teach readers about the “emotional cycle of change” we go 

through when thinking about or planning something new. The first phase 

– uninformed optimism – is the euphoric phase and the most emotionally 

high you will ever be. Because of that, as we get into the hard work of actually 

doing, we tend to find excuses to quit. Just knowing and being prepared for 

this cycle helped me push through to complete my study project. 

One thing the authors address is being people who keep our 

promises, people of commitment. I needed to hear this: “It is OK to say 

no. People would rather you say no than break a promise.” We say yes 

in the moment because we don’t want to disappoint the asker, but we 

eventually disappoint that asker far, far more when they count on us and 

we do not make yes a reality. 

I believe this book is one of those that will become a classic for time 

management and business methods. Even just for handling your personal 

productivity, it is a game changer. I completely recommend it. And now, 

I’m off to tackle that studio! 

The 12 Week Year 

by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, 

ISBN: 978-1-118-50923-4 

The 12 Week Year can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes 

and Noble. It is available in hardback, paperback and e-book 

versions. Published by John Wiley & Sons. 

You may visit www.12weekyear.com and sign up for a weekly 

inspirational email. Also at the site are three short introductory 

videos that explain the book’s tenets. 

Jacqueline Thompson Graves lives and writes in Cumming, GA where 

she is currently growing tomatoes on the deck and has a nice pot roast 

in the slow cooker. She invites you to engage at her book review blog: 

www.thebookbuffet.wordpress.com 



By Andrew Bell 

Relentless* 

“You can’t commit to excellence until your mind 

is ready to take you there.” – Tim Grover 

I purchased Relentless by Tim S. Grover back in August 

of 2019 as one of the first six books on my list and earmarked 

it my book for February. So when I picked it up on 

February 1st and saw a quote from Kobe Bryant on the cover, I knew 

that this book would mean more than originally intended. Kobe, during 

his playing career, is known for his relentless work ethic and athletic 

performance but his life has taken new meaning posthumously – he is 

being remembered today as Relentless*. 

Tim Grover’s book revolves around the difference between being a 

Cooler, a Closer, and a Cleaner. 

“A Cooler thinks about what he’s supposed to think about. A Closer 

thinks, analyzes, and eventually acts. A Cleaner doesn’t think at all, he 

just knows.” Grover writes. 

He fills the pages with stories detailing his journey to becoming 

one of the most elite performance coaches in the world of sports. He 

discusses his mental and physical training philosophies and illustrates 

them with intense examples of players he worked with such as Michael 

Jordan and Kobe Bryant. 

I was reminded after finishing this read that Jordan and Bryant are “out of 

this world” people that I really can’t relate to. I read this book understanding 

that a “keep my foot on the throat of the competition” mindset does not 

apply to my world where it would to a professional athlete’s. 

I did realize, however, that Grover reminds his readers that working 

hard, surrounding oneself with a great support group, and “craving the 

end result so intensely that the work to get there is irrelevant” DOES 

translate to us all! 

In the weeks following Kobe’s death, I have heard just as many stories 

of his compassion for others and how he poured into people personally 

to stories of his “Mamba Mentality.” 

This book reminded me that I need to focus more on being 

intentional and diligent. It also reminded me that too much intensity 

for something can hurt relationships and detract from the ultimate goal. 

But more importantly, I was reminded that being Relentless is only one 

half of the goal – being Relentless with an asterisk is much better! 

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. 



FORSYTH FOODIE 

BBs Bagels 

There are places that, over the years, 

have served up their absolute best to 

their customers. The past few months have 

hit everyone pretty hard, including some of our 

go-to favorites. Joining that list of favorites is 

BBs Bagels. 

The menu has been reduced, along with 

the hours of operation, to accommodate for the 

health and wellness of their patrons. 

Anna and Eddie Slino, owners of BBs Bagels, 

opened their bagel shop in 2007. Customers 

quickly found their way to the unique dinerstyle 

building. 

“We’ve adapted to the circumstances that 

we are facing,” explained Anna. “Despite the 

changes we’ve had to make, we continue to bake 

authentic, New York-style, hand-rolled and 

kettle-boiled bagels.” 

BBs Bagels has seen many staff members grow 

from teenagers to adults. High school students 

have graduated and are now in college. And they 

still find their way back to BBs. 

BBs Bagels offerings include cinnamon rolls, 

croissants, muffins, and lunch items. 

“Things are different for everyone,” Anna 

added. “We hope our customers – old and new – 

remember that we are still here, serving up some 

great bagels. Our passion has not diminished at 

all. We are here, every day, doing what we love to 

do – for our customers!” 

Open Daily 7am - 1pm | Curbside and pick-up only (for now!) 

770 McFarland Parkway (Off GA 400, Exit 12) | Alpharetta, GA 30004 

Why Water-Boiled? 

While steaming might be easier 

and cheaper, there is simply 

no substitute for bathing the 

raw bagels in a boiling kettle 

of water before baking. This 

contributes to the shiny, golden, 

chewy crust that make New 

York-style bagels famous. 



Family 

IDEAS FOR A BETTER WORLD 

Imagine for a moment that you are 

an elderly member of our community 

who has been taken to the hospital 

in distress and you have received 

a diagnosis of Coronavirus. You are 

uncertain of what lies ahead, and you are suddenly 

thrust into the hands of strangers who cannot 

touch you with ungloved hands and cannot speak 

to you with unmasked lips. 

Your family is very frightened, not only for your 

safety but for their own safety. They do not know 

exactly how this virus spreads or how it harms 

people, but they do their best to comfort you in 

your final hours by phone or by video chat. Your 

final breath is taken, not alone, but in isolation from 

your loved ones. Unfortunately, such is the moral 

distress that has manifested itself over and over in 

light of the current pandemic. 

In the healthcare industry we have 

been strongly affected over these last 

few months by the term isolation. In the 

hospital business we have always used the term 

isolation to denote patients who are ill and have 

a potentially contagious disease that we need to 

prevent from spreading. Some of you may be more 

familiar with the idea of quarantine, which is the 

process in which people who have been exposed to 

an infectious disease, but are not yet known to be 

ill, are kept separate from others and monitored. 

The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 

pandemic has brought to our attention an 

interesting aspect of isolation that may not have 

entered our care planning consciousness in such 

a unique way as it has today. 

Older adults and those that are in communal 

living arrangements are being isolated from 

their families and we see in many cases they are 

experiencing physical and mental decline. In 

the hospital environment it seems that we may 

have grossly underestimated the positive impact 

of the physical presence of family or a care 

partner at the patient bedside. Over the years 

of construction and interior design evolution, 

we have prioritized family connections and 

even created unique physical space within our 

patient care areas that facilitate family being in 

close, comfortable spaces immediately available 

as a support to the patient. 

As the COVID-19 virus has caused us to 

revise our visitation policies to a more 

conservative and restrictive visitation platform 

we see those empty family areas as an 

amplification of the isolation that our patients 

are feeling. We have tried to be more creative and 

resourceful in utilizing alternate communication 

platforms (like ZOOM, Facetime, and scheduled 

phone conferences) to fill in for the gaps, but 

we continue to find that nothing is a substitute 

for family and their vital, and often reassuring, 

presence during a very stressful time. 

It does not matter what kind of family one 

belongs to. I have noticed over the span of nearly 

four decades in hospitals that even in the most 

strained of family relationships, with years of 

conflict and bitterness, the patient still prefers to 

have their family beside them when the end of 

life may be imminent. 

And if we think about that and think 

about our own families, we know that we all 

have unique relations with each of our family 

members and our family is usually the strongest 

influence in our lives. It sets up our sense of 

belonging and how we identify ourselves, our 

names, our backgrounds. We are a compilation 

of generations of familial DNA. 


“ When society is facing 

a tremendous challenge 

or there is a big uptick in 

suffering, people tend to 

orient themselves in a less 

self-centered way and in a 

more family-centric way." 

But if we think about how a family is 

made strong, there are many factors that form 

that foundation. The most important one is, 

of course, love. You may instantly think of 

unconditional love when you think of family. 

It is the first source of love you receive in your 

life. Unconditional love is when we do not 

give up at the first site of imperfection. We 

work through the hard times; we endure in the 

face of unfavorable conditions. When we give 

unconditional love to someone, we care about 

the happiness of the other person and will do 

anything to help that person feel happiness and 

we do it without expecting anything in return. 

We also see that loyalty strengthens a family. 

When you have a family, you are devoted to 

them. You stick by them through the hard times 

and you genuinely celebrate in their happy times. 

A family supports and backs each other. They 

stand up for each other in front of a third party 

trying to harm them. We often hear teenagers 

say in defense of their younger siblings, “I can 

do something to them, but I won’t let you harm 

them”. That is loyalty! 

With our family, we share the 

same values. Values link us 

together with ideals such as: 

• Being honest and trustworthy. 

• Never giving up. 

• Adding worth to the world or 

making the world a better place. 

• Being patient. 

• Taking personal responsibility. 

Families also teach us patience. It gets 

tough sometimes to be patient with our family 

members, doesn’t it? Yet we remain so out of 

love and respect. Thus, it teaches us patience to 

deal better with the world. This leads to thinking 

about discipline, not discipline as a punishment, 

rather a way that families help us in learning how 

to meet our needs without hurting or offending 

others. For instance, when we may be angry, we 

learn how to keep calm and handle situations in 

a constructive and non-violent way. 

All of these values can be learned as they 

are observed, discussed, and practiced in our 

families. Of course, all of this requires that we 

spend time together as a family. When we spend 

time with our families and love each other and 

communicate openly, we are creating a better 

future for all of us as we learn to connect better 

with the world. 

In the face of this current pandemic, many 

families are finding themselves with reordered 

priorities and unexpected time to be together. 

A throw back if you will, to the nuclear 

family which, prior to the pandemic, had been 

somewhat replaced by the extended family 

(sports, activities, friends, school). 

What a wonderful silver lining it is, that 

in the midst of crisis we cling to those most 

familiar and create ways to reconnect. 

The new term social distancing is perhaps 

a misnomer; the better term might be physical 

distancing because social is what we really need 

most in the midst of crisis. Using social media, text 

messaging, and video platforms to connect and 

stay connected is essential now more than ever. 

Society will survive the coronavirus 

pandemic, not just because of improved 

preparedness but because we will live with a 

greater sense of perspective and appreciation 

of life’s small pleasures: from that first bite of a 

home-cooked meal to the beauty of your loved 

ones to more present conversations with friends 

and family. 

When society is facing a tremendous 

challenge or there is a big uptick in suffering, 

people tend to orient themselves in a less selfcentered 

way and in a more family-centric way. 

That is my hope for all of you! May you and your 

families be safe and healthy and emerge from this 

crisis more generous, empathetic, and optimistic. 

This article is part of the talks presented during a community event hosted by the Jewish Community of Forsyth County, 

titled 7 Ideas for a Better World. 

Lynn Jackson is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Northside Hospital Forsyth and an 

advocate for various Forsyth County community organizations. 


By Nathan Cleaver, D.O., FAOCD, FAAD 

Let's face it, masks are here to stay, at least for a while. By wearing the protective gear for hours 

at a time, it can cause unfortunate side effects including skin irritation, skin discoloration, and acne 

breakouts. This is the reason that the term for acne breakouts from wearing masks has been referred 

to as maskne. Our new normal does not mean we have to accept the skin breakouts we had as a 

teenager. Instead, prepare yourself to social yourselves from maskne. 

So why does it occur? Maskne is caused by occlusion 

of the hair follicles due to pressure from the mask. 

This can trap the oils and bacteria secreted by 

apocrine glands within the follicle, creating an 

inflammatory reaction which can lead to painful 

acne cysts. A similar process occurs in a condition 

called acne mechanica. This appears on the skin 

as acne breakouts in areas with prolonged contact, 

such as a chin strap of a teenage football player. 

So how do we prevent this condition 

(besides seeing your local board certified 

dermatologist at Cleaver Medical Group 

of course!)? 

1. CLEANSE - By using a gentle cleanser, it can 

help reduce the oils on the skin. By using 

an acne cleaner, such as Epionce’s lytic gel 

cleanser, the cleanser can bind the oils and 

reduce the stickiness of the skin cells that 

block the follicles. Other ingredients that can 

be helpful in these cleansers are salicylic acid 

and benzoyl peroxide. 

2. EXFOLIATE - Gentle exfoliation can be 

helpful. Cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or 

alpha hydroxy acids can achieve exfoliation 

and will help open up your pores from a 

chemical perspective. Scrubbing your face 

raw with a washcloth or scrub is only going 

to cause more irritation, and not help you 

achieve your desired outcome. 

3. HYDRATE - Maintaining a healthy skin 

barrier with a hydrating lotion can help 

reduce inflammation that can attribute 

to the acne pimples from forming. Most 

acne studies demonstrate that the vehicle 

(i.e. topical lotion or cream that has no 

effective medication in it) will still achieve 

approximately a 40-50% improvement 

in acne. A barrier cream can reduce the 

frictional component of the mask, while also 

maintaining the barrier function of the skin. 

4. USE A RETINOL - A retinol is a vitamin A 

derivative that has three important functions. 

It increases the cell turnover, thus allowing 

for exfoliation of the cells blocking the hair 

follicle. It reduces oil production by the 

apocrine gland, thus limiting the amount 

of oil that is getting backed up within the 

follicle. It also helps reduce fine lines and 

wrinkles with continued use, an effect that 

has made this medicine comparable to 

toothpaste for the face. 

Let us also use the mask to our advantage - pass on 

the makeup! Even the non-comedogenic makeups 

can attribute to the development of acne lesions 

with prolonged pressure of the makeup between the 

mask and the skin. By incorporating a few of these 

tips, you will be able to achieve some relief from 

this dreaded condition. Be sure to establish care 

and consult with a board certified dermatologist 

to receive product recommendations for your skin 

type to achieve optimal results. 

Nathan Cleaver DO, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship 

trained Mohs micrographic surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical 

management of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, in addition to routine 

full body skin exams. His office locations are in Cumming, Dawsonville, and 

Dahlonega. He may be reached at 770-800-3455. 



Nearsightedness: 

It is not going anywhere on its own 

By Mira Sivan OD, AAOMC 

The upward incidence of myopia (nearsightedness) 

in today’s children can be attributed to different 

factors, and is occasionally the result of a 

combination of these factors: 

GENETICS 

Family eyesight history plays a role in a child’s 

risk of myopia. If neither parent is myopic, the 

chance the child will develop myopia is low. But, 

if one parent is myopic, it increases the child’s 

chance of developing myopia by 3x – doubling to 

6x if both parents are myopic. 

ENVIRONMENT 

Exposure to sunlight, Vitamin D intake, 

dopamine levels and the amount of time 

someone spends outdoors have an impact on an 

individual’s likelihood of being myopic. Research 

shows spending more time outdoors lowers the 

risk of childhood myopia. 

In short, more myopic parents means more 

myopic children – and the more they stay inside 

and utilize digital devices, the more likely we are 

to see new nearsighted kids. 

Absence of urgency around myopia can create 

future risks. Myopia, left untreated, increases the 

risk of irreversible vision loss later in life. Even 

children with fairly mild prescriptions have a 

higher risk of glaucoma and retinal detachment 

compared to non-myopic children, and that risk 

multiplies as their prescriptions get stronger. 

Myopic progression has been linked to 

sight-threatening conditions later in life 

such as: 

• Glaucoma 

• Retinal detachment 

• Myopic maculopathy 

But let us not get nearsighted about myopia. There 

are some things that can be done to slow down the 

progression of myopia other than the environmental 

changes we need to instill in our kids. 

For more information about Orthokeratology, 

specially-designed contact lenses that slow down 

the elongation of the eyeball and in turn help control 

the myopic shift, contact us at 678-648-5185. 

Mira Sivan OD, AAOMC 

Optometrist and Orthokeratologist 

5851 S. Vickery St. | Cumming GA 30040 

678-648-5185 | www.fyeo-eyecare.com 


©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

COVER STORY 

Midwifery: 

MODERN CARE 

THE OLD FASHIONED WAY 

by Julie Brennan 

Personal and compassionate care have 

been the guiding principles that lead 

Modern Obstetrics & Gynecology of 

North Atlanta, P.C., (Modern OB/GYN) 

to provide the highest level of service to 

their patients. Since October 2010, the 

obstetrics and gynecology healthcare 

professionals ensembled by founders Dr. 

John and Dr. Ingrid Reyes have delivered 

outstanding care to their patients. 

“Our goal has always been to bring the 

best care to women of all ages, in an 

environment that is comfortable and open, 

where candid conversations can take 

place, and everyone feels appreciated, 

listened to, and cared for, as an individual,” 

Dr. Ingrid explained. 

The practice has grown to meet and 

exceed the expectations of a growing 

community. 

“To date, we are honored to have a team 

of seven physicians and six midwives to 

serve our patients,” added Dr. John. “We 

have three offices where we see patients 

of all ages. Our services range from 

routine check-ups to comprehensive 

gynecological services, including minimallyinvasive 

surgery and complete prenatal care.” 

Continued on page 36 


CALL THE 

MIDWIFE 

Midwifery, the care of women in pregnancy, childbirth, and the 

postpartum period that often also includes care of the newborn, is 

not new. The resurgence of midwifery can be traced back to the start 

of the 21st century. A collaborative relationship between doctors 

and midwives has led the way to a broader approach to the care of 

women before, during and after childbirth. 

“Our practice is dedicated to providing well-rounded, patientcentered 

and personal obstetric care,” stated Dr. John. “It’s nice to 

be able to give our patients the opportunity to choose between a 

midwife or an obstetrician. The best part – we all work together to 

ensure the best care for our patients.” 

“Expectant mothers can rest assured that with our intimate, teambased 

approach to obstetrics, they will be cared for by physicians 

and midwives familiar with their personal story, and treated with 

confidence and comfort at the time of delivery,” Dr. Ingrid added. 

The team of midwives at Modern Obstetrics & Gynecology 

of North Atlanta, P.C., (Modern OB/GYN) are Certified Nurse 

Midwives (CNM). Each midwife is a highly-trained provider who 

works in partnership with physician care to provide patients with 

the best combination of education, empathy, low-intervention, and 

high-touch care along with the technology of intervention when 

necessary or desired. 

This model of care highly values the role of education, partnership 

in care, personal autonomy, and shared decision-making, all of which 

are paramount at Modern OB/GYN. 

MIDWIFERY 

EXPLAINED 

The care and passion for their work is instantly noticeable when one 

meets the Modern OBGYN midwives. They are caring, professional 

and dedicated to their patients. 

"The experience of my own pregnancy and the care I received at 

that pivotal time in my life made me fall in love with care of pregnancy, 

labor, and postpartum. It made me realize being a nurse-midwife was 

my ideal career role,” stated Nuria Nelkin, CNM, when asked why she 

chose to become a midwife. 

“The knowledge that we are playing a big part in the growth and 

transition of families is a huge motivation. Being in a position to 

educate and aid mothers and families to have the healthiest start is 

truly a privilege,” Nelkin added. 

“For as long as babies have been born midwives have been 

there delivering them," Emily Dixon, MSN, CNM, FNP explained. 

“Pregnancy and birth are often treated as a pathological process 

through the medical model but in the midwifery model we treat it as a 

normal, physiological process. This means we use evidence-based practices 

and advocate for non-interventions in the absence of complications. We 

are trained and are able to recognize complications or problems and work 

directly with our physicians to respond to those situations. The presence 

and use of midwives help reduce rates of C-sections and maternal mortality 

and increase rates of breastfeeding.” 

The passion for their profession is evident. 

“Midwifery is extremely rewarding. We are in such a unique position 

to make a significant impact on a woman’s experience during one of life’s 

biggest transitions,” stated Cecelia Brown, CNM, WHNP. “Knowing that 

we can provide a safe, but also empowering environment for people is a 

great feeling. It is very satisfying to see a mother-baby bond starting off on 

the right foot, and to be a part of that is a wonderful gift.” 

Mimi Song, CNM, agreed. “I always wanted my career to use the 

knowledge I gained to help other people. When I finally found nursing, I 

knew that it was the field for me.” 

“I have always been fascinated by the woman’s body and the changes 

that happen during pregnancy. As a labor and delivery nurse, I got to work 

with amazing midwives who were patient, kind, caring, and knowledgeable. 

They set an example for me and guided me to follow in their footsteps. As a 

midwife, I feel honored and blessed to work alongside women in every life 

stage from puberty and childbirth to menopause," Song added. 

Midwives are often not known for the work they do. 

“On my first date with my now husband, I told him I was a nurse 

midwife. We talked about my job and he seemed to understand the whole 

time. All the smiles and nods. The next day, he asked his grandmother 

what a midwife was,” recalled Liz Coleman, CNM, FNP-C. 

“Being a nurse midwife is an emotional, fast-paced, stressful job. It 

brings the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,” Coleman added. 

“Obstetrics and childbirth is not always happy, but the pure joy I see on 

a mother’s face when she sees her newborn child for the first time or the 

tear I see stream down a father’s face as he kisses his partner’s forehead 

just after she gives that last push keeps me moving forward. I honestly 

believe that pregnancy and childbirth are the greatest miracle in the world. 

It absolutely never gets old.” 

“I am often asked at a patient’s very first pregnancy visit, “what’s the 

difference between a midwife and a doctor, and what does that mean 

for our care here?” Melanie Steen, CNM, FNP-C recalled. “I take this 

opportunity to do a little educating on the profession and assure them 

they will get wonderful, very thorough care from all their providers at 

Modern OB/GYN.” 

Education is valuable. “I explain to them that certified nurse 

midwives are masters prepared nurses who specialize in women’s health, 

pregnancy, birth, and initial newborn care. Most people are more familiar 

with nurse practitioners, so I describe us as “the nurse practitioners of 

the OBGYN world.” 

Midwives focus on normal and and low-risk pregnancies, taking pride 

in their low-intervention approach to care. 

Steen added, “We are educated in a way to recognize abnormal/higher 

risk situations and the need to elevate care to the next level; therefore, 

we are independent providers who collaborate with physicians on an 

as-needed basis. At Modern OBGYN, the care midwives provide for 

women include annual visits, contraception management, preconception 

counseling, all prenatal care, labor, and birth management in the hospital, 

as well as postpartum care.”

GROWING TO SERVE 

“Our team 

specializes in taking 

care of patients with 

utmost respect and 

attention,” stated 

Dr. Ingrid. “From 

birth to treatment 

for unforeseen 

ailments, we are 

here to help. 

Healthcare is a team 

effort, and we are 

proud to share ours 

with our patients.” 

Cecelia Brown, CNM, WHNP 

Elizabeth Coleman, CNM, FNP 

Emily Dixon, CNM, FNP 

Modern OBGYN is pleased to welcome Dr. 

Nada Megally to their team. Dr. Megally 

is accepting new patients. Dr. Megally is a 

graduate of the Mercer University Medical 

School. She has a special interest in minimally 

invasive surgery. 

Originally from Egypt, Dr. Megally moved to 

Georgia at the age of 11. Dr. Megally is a member 

of the American Congress of Obstetricians 

and Gynecologists and the American Board of 

Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Modern OBGYN’s new Cumming office, 

located on the Northside Hospital Forsyth 

campus, is now open at 2000 Howard Farm 

Road, Suite 330. 

“We are blessed to live and work in this 

amazing community,” explained Dr. John. 

“Having grown in a family of physicians, I 

am extremely honored to be able to provide 

the best services to our patients, delivered 

by an outstanding group of obstetricians, 

gynecologists, midwives, and a remarkable 

team of women’s healthcare providers. Having 

my wife, Ingrid, as part of our team, makes 

this endeavor extraordinary.” 

Nuria Nelkin, CNM 

404-446-2496 | www.reyesobgyn.com 

NEW LOCATION! 

CUMMING 

2000 Howard Farm Road | Suite 330 

Cumming, GA 30041 

JOHNS CREEK 

10692 Medlock Bridge Rd. | Suite 100-A 

Johns Creek, GA 30097 

ALPHARETTA (AT AVALON) 

2710 Old Milton Parkway | Suite 100 

Alpharetta, GA 30009 

Mimi Song, CNM 

Melanie Steen, CNM, FNP

Social Distancing and Biometrics 

BRIDGING THE GAP 

By Narendra Singh, MD 

We are living in unprecedented times with a pandemic that has put the entire world in temporary social 

isolation. While social distancing (6 feet rule, masks) and shelter in place orders have become the norm they 

make it difficult for individuals with heart conditions to get the care that they need. Technology, however, 

is helping bridge this gap. Here is a checklist of useful devices to have in place if you are a cardiac patient. 

Most individuals already have a weight scale and 

tape measure. Monitoring your weight allows 

you to check the impact of dietary modifications 

and exercise programs. For patients with heart 

failure daily weights can assess the amount of 

fluid retention and allow for adjustments to your 

diuretic dosage. The tape measure provides your 

height and waist circumference. This allows us to 

calculate your BMI (body mass index). A BMI 

over 30 is considered obesity and less than 18.5 

is underweight. 

Next, and most useful, is a blood pressure 

cuff. Arm cuffs tend to be more accurate than 

the wrist cuffs. Digital devices are easy to use but 

do require proper application and sometimes 

more than one reading. Normal blood pressure 

is a systolic (top number) reading of less than 130 

and a diastolic (bottom number) reading of less 

than 80. Most devices also give a third number 

which is your heart rate. Bradycardia (slow) heart 

rate is less than 60 and tachycardia (fast) heart 

rate is greater than 100. 

Exercise is vital to improving your 

cardiovascular health. Having a pedometer either 

as a stand alone device such as a Fitbit or through 

your smartphone apps allows one to assess heart 

rate, sleep time and the number of steps taken. The 

goal is to achieve at least 10,000 steps a day but, if 

this is not feasible, setting a reasonable target and 

incrementing over time is beneficial . 

Blood oxygen monitors (oximeters) are 

relatively inexpensive and by applying to your 

fingertip can give a good indication of how well 

your heart is oxygenating. An oxygen saturation 

of greater than 95% is good, while anything less 

that 90% is concerning and usually will require an 

urgent evaluation as well as supplemental oxygen. 

Oximeters will also let you know your heart rate. 

Finally, if you have any palpitations (heart 

fluttering or racing), dizziness or fainting, a 

portable ECG monitor will be of tremendous 

value. By far the best (but also the most expensive) 

is the Apple Watch Series 4 or 5. This watch can 

be worn continuosly and through the EKG app 

record a 30 second strip of your heart rhythm 

that can then be printed out or emailed to your 

doctor. The device has been validated in the large 

Apple Heart Study to be able to detect a serious 

rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation. Less 

well-studied but more affordable portable ECG 

monitors now also exist for non-Apple users. 

All of the technologies listed can be ordered 

from the comfort and safety of your home 

through delivery companies such as Amazon. 

Most cardiology offices are now set-up for 

telemedicine virtual visits. These visits can 

never replace the value of a hands-on, in-person 

evaluation but in these extraordinary times can 

provide much needed care and advice to those in 

need. Stay strong, stay home! 

NARENDRA SINGH, MD, 

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA 

Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical College 

of Georgia at Augusta University, 

Director, Clinical Research 

(770) 887-3255 

1400 Northside Forsyth Dr. | Suite 340/380 

Cumming GA 30041 

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. | Suite 1401 

Johns Creek GA 30024. 

info@heartdrsingh.com 

heartdrsingh.com 


Georgia Highlands 

FORSYTH’S COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER - STEPS UP TO COVID-19 

By Julie Brennan 

For over forty years, Georgia Highlands Medical Services 

(GHMS) has been on the front lines of providing health care to 

the uninsured and low-income in Forsyth County and across 

North Georgia. From the very early days serving agricultural workers 

in a donated trailer beside a pond off Highway 9 to stepping up to serve 

poultry industry employees to catching those suffering in the aftermath of 

the Great Recession, the organization has weathered the storms and served 

as safe harbor for those most in need in the community. 

In these critical times, the center has again been front and center. 

GHMS was one of the first providers in the state to come face to face with 

COVID-19. Early in March, one of its Bartow Family Health Center patients 

tested positive - causing the organization to shut down the office for a day 

for CDC recommended deep cleaning and to quarantine two clinical staff 

(including physicians) for 14 days. This was before testing was readily available. 

Since then, the organization has been in a full, no holds barred, battle with 

the pandemic. Georgia Highlands has quickly, and completely, reconfigured 

everything from office structure to processes in order to prioritize care for 

the sick while also ensuring those who are not but need care receive it and 

coordinating its response with Forsyth County Emergency Management, 

the Georgia Department of Community Health and other partners. 

DRIVE-THRU CARE/TESTING SERVICES 

Beginning March 25th, GHMS began operating drive-thru care/testing 

for potential Coronavirus patients at its Cumming Family Health Center 

located on Elm Street as well as its sites in Canton and Cartersville. It began 

providing pediatric drive-thru care/testing at its Highlands Medical Plaza 

location in Cumming on April 7th. 

“We went through the process of self-quarantining staff, reconfiguring 

every location to focus on taking care of those who needed Coronavirus 

care and testing, as well as ensuring that we kept our well patients safe and 

maintain social distancing,” said Dr. Swapna Madhavan, GHMS’ Chief 

Medical Officer. 

“All sites now have completely different suites for the provision of care, 

and anyone who is sick or has respiratory issues is provided care and testing 

in the drive-thru setting,” Madhavan added. 

This reconfiguration has allowed for two things: 1) it gives providers 

the ability to see patients who cannot or should not delay care and 2) this 

provides Georgia Highlands medical staff the ability to care for and test for 

Coronavirus in a safe environment outside of its facilities. 

FREE MASS TESTING 

In coordination with the Georgia Department of Community Health and 

in partnership with Forsyth County Emergency Management, Georgia 

Highlands has also begun free mass testing. The organization hosted 

three events at Central Park and tested over 350 in May. In addition, 

GHMS partnered with The Place of Forsyth County to provide free 

drive-through testing that coincided with The Place’s free drive-through 

food distribution. 

The organization is reaching out to other non-profits with whom it can 

partner to provide free testing for clients and also plans to do another free 

public testing event at its Highlands Medical Plaza location on Tribble Gap 

Road in the near future. 

“My hope is to reach the folks in the community who are not being 

reached now but really need it,” said Todd Shifflet, CEO, GHMS. 

Georgia Highlands has provided drive-thru testing for over 3,000 

individuals, thus far. 


TELEHEALTH 

A few days before GHMS began its drive thru 

testing, they implemented telehealth services so that 

their patients could have their medical questions 

answered from the comfort of their home. 

“We are currently seeing more and more 

patients take advantage of the telehealth 

availability. Through this service all of our patients 

can freely initiate a request for a telehealth visit 

with his or her provider at any GHMS location,” 

said Dr. Madhavan. 

"Telehealth is a service that allows patients to 

speak remotely to their doctors via secure video 

appointments from their phone or computer. This 

service is especially helpful for those patients who 

are stable and who the provider believes can be 

provided quality care remotely as well as for some 

seniors and others with underlying conditions 

who really should not be out," Shifflet explained. 

PHARMACY CURBSIDE & 

ACCELERATED MAIL SERVICES 

We have established curbside service for all 

prescriptions in order to free the lobby of crowds/ 

lack of social distancing and to provide the best 

possible service. GHMS has also increased its 

mailing processes to ensure all patients in need 

receive their medications. 

ISOLATION SUITES 

In early June, GHMS rolled out “isolation suites” 

with separate entrances for at least two of its 

office locations for those sick with respiratory 

illness. It is requiring some facility modifications 

(isolating the HVAC air flow; sealing off 

hallways; IT enhancements/modifications; 

addition of PPE Ante-Room: etc.). In Forsyth 

County, the suite will be in what was once the 

OB/GYN suite at its Cumming Family Health 

Center location on Elm Street. 

“Truth is, we have had staff outside seeing 

patients eight hours a day in full PPE since March 

25th. It is simply getting too hot and unsafe 

to continue to so for much longer. It is not a 

long-term solution, and we think this isolation 

suite concept will provide us at least a bridge to 

something long-term if not be how we provide 

care for the foreseeable future,” said Shifflet. 

A CARING COMMUNITY 

A difficulty that healthcare organizations all 

over the world are currently experiencing is the 

shortage of personal protective equipment, PPE, 

needed to protect both healthcare professionals 

and patients from spreading and/or contracting 

the virus. GHMS is no stranger to the difficulty of 

obtaining necessary supplies in order to continue 

its day-to-day operations. 

“Although, we have struggled to get PPE 

through our regular suppliers or through the 

National Stockpile, the local community has been 

tremendous. James McCoy at the Chamber, the 

United Way, GANT Medical and so many others 

who have really stepped up. I’ve literally picked 

up scattered PPE from several people’s front 

porches, local businesses, loading docks, etc. over 

the past several weeks.” 

"Not only that," Shifflet said. "We have 

received several donations of lunch and 

community acclamation over the past several 

months. This is a terrific, caring community." 

HEROIC STAFF 

“And that’s what I very much want communicated 

the most,” said Shifflet. “Through all of this - and 

I can’t believe it is nearly June now - the staff 

have been nothing short of amazing. From those 

working in the tents eight hours a day to those 

who are taking care of those without COVID-19 

but are struggling with diabetes, they have not 

backed down from the challenge.” 

Several Georgia Highlands staff members 

were unable to see their kids for months. 

“I’ve said it several times over the past several 

weeks, but I can’t say it enough. They deserve 

as much recognition and accolades that are 

available. Their focus is always on the patient. 

During some very long and difficult days, they 

have always remained compassionate and poised. 

It’s being thrown around a lot right now, but to 

me it is not hyperbole – they are heroes in the 

truest sense of the word.” 

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS 

Lastly, Shifflet emphasized that Georgia 

Highlands is one of 34 community health centers 

in Georgia. In all, they serve around 600,000 

residents in 129 counties. Nationally, over 1,300 

health centers serve 28 million patients – more 

than 90% of whom are low-income. Every health 

center is community based and has its own 

private, non-profit status, but they are also part 

of a network of centers across the state and the 

nation with the same purpose of serving those in 

need. Nationally, health centers had tested over 

650,000 for COVID-19 – most in drive-through 

settings and most facing the greatest difficulty 

accessing or affording care – especially now. 

“I personally don’t think we, nationally, 

receive the recognition we deserve. I think 

that becomes especially stark in times like 

these when we, as a whole, are playing such a 

tremendous part. We are part of the health care 

solution – during this pandemic - and beyond.” 

said Shifflet. 

“That said, the staff at Georgia Highlands 

are truly appreciative of the local recognition 

and tremendous support we are receiving here 

in Forsyth County. We are ever grateful.” 

Georgia Highlands Medical Services is a 

private, non-profit community health center 

that was founded in Forsyth County in 1979 by 

Sisters Kathyrn Cliatt & June Racicot and some 

dedicated community members to provide 

health care to the poor, rural community of 

Forsyth County at the foothills of the North 

Georgia mountains. The organization now 

operates five medical centers and provides 

primary and preventive health care to residents 

of Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth and 

surrounding communities in North Georgia. 


Explore Georgia’s 

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G 

“Staycation” Destinations 

By Coleen Gowen 

Georgia offers many fun 

and amazing vacation 

destinations. All staycation 

options are following the 

Georgia governor’s orders 

to take precautions to keep 

people safe by practicing 

physical distancing, limiting 

the numbers of people, 

cleaning facilities regularly, 

and encouraging people 

to wear face masks. 


OTHER 

EXCITING 

TRIPS 

Thomasville, GA 

Cloudland Canyon 

GEORGIA STATE PARKS 

FAVORITE PARK GETAWAYS: 

• Cloudland Canyon – Located in the 

upper western part of Georgia, it is on the 

west edge of Lookout Mountain. Cloudland 

Canyon is one of the largest and scenic parks 

in Georgia. Features include the Rock City 

Gardens, deep canyons, caves, waterfalls, 

dense woodlands, lots of wildlife, horseback 

riding, and disc golf. The park is a short drive 

to Chattanooga, TN, where many people 

come to enjoy Ruby Falls. 

• Sweetwater Creek State Park – Visit 

this park as a day trip or stay overnight in 

one of the new Yurts (tiny houses). The park 

is named after Sweetwater Creek, which runs 

through the park. 

• FDR State Park – This park is popular 

for its horseback riding. FDR State Park also 

is close to Callaway Gardens, a 2,500-acre 

garden, and resort tucked into the foothills of 

the Appalachian Mountains on Pine Mountain. 

• Hard Labor Creek State Park – 

Located near Rutledge, the park has cabins 

with rocking chair front porches, a golf 

course, and woodland trails. It is named after 

Hard Labor Creek that runs through the park. 

Sweetwater Creek 

State Park Yurt 

Providence Canyon 

• Amicalola Falls State Park – This park 

is northwest of Dawsonville. Popular 

attractions are the 729-foot waterfall (the 

highest in Georgia), hiking trails (620 steps 

to the summit), and camping options. 

• Stephen C. Foster State Park – 

Located in southeast Georgia, Foster is a 120- 

acre state park located in the Okefenokee 

Swamp. It offers many activities focusing 

on helping visitors enjoy the swamp’s birds, 

reptiles, and mammals. There also are 

kayaks, canoes, and boats to rent to explore 

the numerous waterways. 

• Providence Canyon – You can also 

find this gem of a park in southwest Georgia. 

It is considered one of the state’s seven 

natural wonders, and often is called Georgia’s 

“Little Grand Canyon.” 

Three other parks to check out: Panola 

Mountain State Park, Reed Bingham 

State Park, Veterans Memorial Park. 

• Visit a true southern town – 

Thomasville, GA, is called the Rose City, 

and it is 3 ½ hours south of Atlanta. It is 

described as having all the charm of a small 

Southern town, but with the sophistication of 

a big city. It is known for its dairy and cheese. 

shop, vineyard, fabulous restaurants, 

shopping, golfing, and the Metta Day Spa. 

• Fun in the mountains – Take a drive 

to Dahlonega to enjoy the Gold Tour or 

tube the Chestatee. You might also enjoy 

riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad in Blue 

Ridge. 

• Durhamtown Plantation – This vacation 

spot near Greensboro is known for its trails 

for ATV-ing and motorcycle riding. The 

Plantation has cabins to rent and many other 

special events. 

• Rock Ranch – Make a reservation for the 

family to spend a night (or two) at the 

Ranch, developed by the founder of Chickfil-A. 

It is located about 70 minutes south of 

Atlanta. Everyone will enjoy the inflatable 

water slides, slip-n-slides, and many other 

fun events. 

• North Georgia Canopy Tours – Enjoy 

zip-lining during the day and get a peaceful 

night’s sleep in a teepee. Trained guides help 

visitors explore activities designed for people 

of all experience levels, from novices to pros. 

Durhamtown 

Plantation 

Read more tips and ideas on Georgia getaways from Atlanta Traveler 

(365atlantatraveler.com/weekend-getaways-in-ga/). 

Coleen Gowen 

To learn more about COVID-19 policies at Georgia’s state parks and beaches visit: 

gastateparks.org/Alerts. 


Photo: Jack Jeffrey Photography 

A Shift in Business as Usual 

HOW VICKERY VILLAGE BUSINESSES SURVIVED THE VIRUS 

Much has been accomplished by the business community as the COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by 

storm. As the epidemic wreaked havoc in our communities, volunteers and leaders alike emerged to take 

care of the matters at hand. Efforts to remain viable and relevant led the way to boost morale among all. 

Personal changes were many; schools shut-down, healthcare services shifted, and daily updates became the 

guidelines by which our lives were to be lived. We waited for the next executive orders and the daily updates. 

As more information was gathered, reactions 

varied. Orders such as shelter-in-place meant 

businesses could not open their doors and 

serve their guests. 

“When I first heard the news, I didn’t think 

it could be happening,” said Nancy Datlof, coowner 

of Village Italian. “We had no idea how 

our business could survive.” 

Yet businesses have, somehow. 

Using acronyms such as COVID-19, 

PPP, CDC, and DOH became commonplace. 

Words like pandemic, fluid, unprecedented, 

heroes, and shortage are now part of our 

everyday lexicon. 

Yet we still expected our businesses to 

deliver their goods. 

WELCOME CURBSIDE PICK-UP 

“There’s nothing like serving your customers 

face-to-face,” said Jac Crawford, co-owner of 

Nido Café. “Our staff, mostly young college 

students, had to adapt to not being able to 

Nido Café 

serve their customers. And that was hard for 

everyone in the (service) industry.” 

As shelter-in-place orders were loosened, 

businesses had to regroup and figure out how 

to pivot their story – while not being able to 

serve customers face-to-face, the demand for 

delivery of services became necessary. 

“Restaurants have typically provided pickup 

services, but now we had to make pick-up 

a bit different – not allowing folks to pop-in to 

the restaurant gave way to curbside delivery. 

Yet we still had to make sure our staff was 

protected,” explained Rick Tanner, owner of 

Tanner’s Restaurant. 

“Masked staff walked orders to cars, where 

customers would grab their orders,” he added. 

What became more noticeable were the 

smiles – or lack thereof. 

“I had to look at my customers’ eyes to see 

their smiles, as masks covered their mouths. 

I had to make sure they could see mine, 

so eye contact became ever so important,” 

said Rachael Ballet, a server at two Vickery 

restaurants. 

Dawn Hall, owner of Happy Belly Kitchen 

and Truck, has seen the support from her 

customers increase, as the restaurants Grab & 

Go orders continue to rise. 


The Flower 

Post 

NEW BUSINESS AT THE TIME 

OF AN EPIDEMIC 

“We had just started to get our space ready for our 

grand opening when COVID-19 took over our 

lives,” reflected Bryan White. Along with his wife, 

White was planning the details of the opening of his 

studio. After working from their studio at home, 

the Whites decided it was time to move elsewhere. 

White’s paintings are part of the décor of 

various Forsyth County buildings, including the 

Post Road Library. 

“After taking a deep breath and a lot of prayer, 

we shifted our plans just a bit,” said White. “In 

order to let folks know that we now had a studio in 

Vickery, we decided to do the Porch Portraits.” 

Families posed from the comfort of their 

porch as White took their pictures from the road – 

keeping a safe distance between them. 

The Chill Hill 

"The pictures took a few minutes to shoot; they 

were worth all the smiles and fun we captured. We 

heard stories of celebrations – from graduations to 

birthdays. The time gave us all a little break from 

the challenging and sometimes overwhelming news 

of the day. We connected, even if from a distance – 

from both sides of the camera," White added. 

Wheezy’s, Toy Boutique owners, Danielle 

and Charles Hoffman opened their store as the 

pandemic continued to grow. Their store offers 

busy parents, families, and individuals a convenient 

and personal toy and gift buying experience. 

Hoffman dreams of opening a small, specialty 

toy store with a family-owned touch became a reality 

when the family found the perfect location. The 

dream of owning her own toy boutique store is one 

that Hoffman has carried since high school, and no 

pandemic was stopping it from becoming a reality. 

“Last year, we found Vickery Village. We 

bought frozen yogurt at The Chill Hill and 

watched kids playing and families mingling and 

were convinced it was the right place for a toy 

store,” Hoffman explained. 

“I said, this is it,” she said. “This is where we’re 

supposed to be.” And then COVID-19 hit. 

“We kept on getting our store ready for its 

opening date through the early stages of the 

pandemic,” Hoffman added. “Some folks thought 

we were crazy.” 

Wheezy’s Toy Store opened in May. To date, the 

store continues to bring in new shoppers. 

“We wear masks and ask our guests to do the same.” 

Village Yoga, owned by Sarah Cothran 

and Ashely Baer, had to move their classes to 

online only. 

“The stress that people experience during 

these times of greater uncertainty make the need 

for mindful relaxing times, and yoga plays a key 

role,” explained Cothran, co-owner of Village Yoga. 

“Ashely and I have seen an increase in the number 

of folks looking for a way to relax their minds.” 

Classes are back in their studio, with online 

options still available. 

A SENSE OF GRATITUDE 

While working diligently on adapting to the new 

normal, satisfying all the guidelines set-forth 

by federal, state, and local agencies, and doing 

all they can to stay in business, one collective 

message can be heard throughout the Vickery 

Village business community: Thank You! 

Upon notifying customers that The Chill 

Hill would open again, owner Paul Stewart was 

overwhelmed by the support of his customers. 

Branchwater 

The Dojo 

Village Italian 

“Thank you for all the kind words and 

encouragement the last few weeks. Your passion 

for this little business is amazing to me,” Stewart 

stated. He added, “Inspiring. Let us continue to 

use common sense and get through this period. 

Stay safe. Peace be with you.” 

At times things looked bleak, perhaps leading 

the path to the end of many hopes and dreams. 

“When you are in business for yourself, it’s 

more than just business as usual; it’s a family 

thing. We live and work here. We get to know 

our neighbors and colleagues – we hope that 

everyone can survive,” stated Datlof. 

And it seems that with the help of a generous 

community, businesses will. 

Wheezy's 

Toy Boutique 

“It is because of the support of our staff, families, 

guests and the community that we have been able 

to keep moving forward,” stated Todd Hogan, 

Branchwater owner and Executive Chef. “I was 

completely humbled by the outpour of support." 

Vickery Village shops and restaurants 

are open, outside concerts are held on most 

Saturdays, and the farmers and artisan market 

is back. Folks are walking; kids are playing. 

Business may not be “same as usual” but it 

reinvents itself as needed. 

VickeryVillageShops.com 

@VickeryVillageForsyth 


MUSIC 

“Music gives a soul to the 

universe, wings to the mind, 

flight to the imagination 

and life to everything.”- Plato 

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE 

PERFORMED AT THE VICKERY VILLAGE 

COURTYARD FOR SHARING A BIT OF JOY! 

ACOUSTICAL LEFT 

Mike Estabrook - Lead vocals and Guitar 

Mike Auger - Harmonies and Percussion 

Al Robinson - Harmonica 

Aaron Clark - Bass and Harmonies 

Chris Padgett - Lead Guitar 

facebook.com/AcousticalLeft 

BRIAN WILTSEY 

www.brianwiltsey.com 

facebook.com/ 

bwiltsey 

DESPERATE MEASURES 

Jillian McWilliams - Vocals 

Peter Daigle - Lead Guitar 

Stan White - Guitar, Bass, Vocals, and Keyboards 

Grib Murphy - Bass, Keyboards, and Vocals 

Chris Bagnato – Drums 

facebook.com/DesperateMeasuresAtlanta/ 

NORTH MAIN BAND 

Devon Hirsch - Drums 

Noah Pappo - Guitar 

Emily Marx - Vocals 

Joy Best - Bass 

facebook.com/NorthMainBand 

RTW 

Matt Bradshaw - 

Bass and Vocals 

Mark Carbonara- 

Drums and Vocals 

Stephen Martin- 

Guitar 

facebook.com/ 

RTWrocks/ 

SUBURBAN ANGST 

Randy Agnew - Guitar 

Hector Chaviano - Bass and Vocals 

Kerry Finn - Drums 

Kurt Waldner - Guitars and Vocals 

facebook.com/suburbanangst 

THE FUZE 

Jay Ode - Vocals 

Tony G - 

Guitars, Vocals 

Tucker Scofield - 

Guitars, Vocals 

Mick Pinneke - 

Drums, Vocals 

David Etheridge - 

Bass, Vocals 

facebook.com/TheFuzeFanPage 



Cumming 

Yesterday’s Hangout is 

today’s gathering place. 

Downtown Cumming's 

cigar shop may seem, 

at first glance, a beer 

and wine spot where a 

wide range of cigars are 

available for sale. Yet 

one visit to this iconic 

Forsyth County building 

is more than that. 

The place is a peaceful 

site where everyone 

can enjoy a conversation 

with a friend – old or 

new – or sit quietly 

to read a book. 

Cigar Co. 

YESTERDAY’S HANGOUT IS TODAY’S RETREAT 


An ample outdoor space gives guests the 

opportunity to sit down and enjoy their favorite 

cigar, while looking at those passing by – in 

cars or on foot – with a hand wave and a smile 

connecting them, even if just for a short while. 

Eric Bennett, Carter Patterson, and Brian 

Richey are partners in this business venture. 

Patterson and Richey have known each other 

since their childhood in Kansas City, MO. 

Bennett was born and raised in Forsyth County. 

His cigar knowledge and love for his community, 

coupled with Patterson’s and Richey’s enthusiasm 

for new adventures and business savviness, were 

a perfect combination for Cumming Cigar 

Company (Cumming Cigar Co.) to become 

a reality. 

Cumming Cigar Co. offers a quaint place 

to enjoy a little time of peace and quiet – where 

time seems to slow down as much as our minds 

will allow. 

Yesterday’s Hangout 

The history of the City of Cumming, Georgia, 

evokes a wide-range of feelings – from cultural 

divisiveness to enchanting southern flair. 

Buildings have stood still over time, lending 

their structures as witnesses to history. 

According to historical records, the town 

of Cumming was formed from two forty-acre 

lots purchased by a pair of Forsyth county court 

justices that felt the need to build a county 

seat. Once they had the land, they divided it 

into smaller lots to sell to other people looking 

to live there. The final lot they saved to be the 

courthouse of the county, and in 1834 the 

Georgia State Legislature officially named 

Cumming a town and gave it the title of county 

seat. It was named after William Cumming, an 

army colonel from the War of 1812. 

The city’s courthouse burned down, twice. 

There seemed to be no rush for Forsyth County 

to grow, yet more folks were finding out about 

this small north Georgia town. 

The Sinclair gas station has been an iconic 

Forsyth County landmark since the 1920s. 

The gas station was forgotten for some time, 

becoming a car wash, mechanic shop, and a 

welcome center over the years. 

“Stories abound about the things that took 

place in the station,” explained Eric Bennett, 

one of the three partners responsible for the 

resurgence of the gas station as Forsyth’s favorite 

cigar shop. 

“When we first walked in the building, we 

found some old signs and old bottles, along 

with a jar of moonshine,” Bennett said. “There 

A Pictorial History of Forsyth County, Georgia, Volume II 

As one of Cumming’s oldest remaining 

buildings there is limited opportunity for 

continued preservation. It is important 

to bring our community’s remaining 

historic spaces up to today’s standards 

but maintain the charm and character 

of Yesterday’s hangout. It is important 

for our children to be proud of their 

hometown and for all of the community 

to experience a little piece of the past. 

The new construction and extensive 

building that has taken place since 

the building was a functioning service 

station, speaks to our progress and we 

hope to continue that tradition while 

also preserving our history. 


are several stories about this place, from 

underground card games to the sale of 

moonshine during prohibition.” 

Other stories include one where a farmer 

lost his property in a bet, and when a poker 

game turned into a robbery where players were 

forced to strip down to their birthday suit so 

they could not escape. 

Today’s Atmosphere 

The Cumming Cigar Company is the first 

business to use the gas station since it was 

restored to its 1930s look in 2011. 

“Since we opened, people tell us stories 

about this place. When we started remodeling 

the building, we actually found a jar of 

moonshine,” Patterson added. “We kept the jar 

and proudly display it in our shop,” 

Of the three partners, Richey is admittedly 

the one with the least knowledge about cigars. 

“I am always willing to learn something 

new and being in business with these two 

guys was really not a hard decision to make,” 

Richey explained.“You can’t beat a good cigar, a 

wonderful glass of wine, and conservation with 

friends – old and new.” 

The camaraderie among the three partners 

is easy to see. Sitting down with them to enjoy 

the atmosphere they have created is rewarding. 

And peaceful, in a generous sort of way. 

It is not uncommon to find couples – 

from married to dating – at Cumming Cigar 

Co. Some visit for a while, others stop by for 

a glass of wine before heading over to nearby 

restaurants or the theater. 

“We often have couples who stop in before 

going to dinner at Tam’s Backstage or, before 

COVID-19, to catch a live theater play at the 

Cumming Playhouse,” Richey stated. 

My Father 

Ashton 

Altadis 

Perdomo 

CIGARS 

Diamond Crown 

7-20-4 

Island Jim 

AJ Fernandez 

Carter Patterson, Eric Bennett, Brian Richey 

John Rife has enjoyed the ambiance of 

Cumming Cigar Co. since it opened in August 2019. 

“The place is comfortable. I have met so 

many folks. It’s a friendly place where I can 

enjoy a great cigar, a glass of wine, and talking 

to people,” Rife said. “It’s a hodgepodge of 

awesome folks.” 

Tomorrow’s Forecast 

Cumming Cigar Co. offers guests a place to 

sit and relax, while enjoying a cigar and a 

glass of wine, or a cold beer. Passersby often 

remark on how nice it is to see folks sitting 

down, relaxing. 

“As long as the City of Cumming allows us, 

we plan to stay right here,” Richey stated. 

“The citizens of Cumming are our 

landlords,” added Patterson. “We take great 

care of this location as it is one of the city’s 

most beloved landmarks.” 

The building evokes everything about 

relationships, hard work, and hours of 

laughter. The Cumming Cigar Co. owners are 

proud to preserve the history and character of 

the building. 

“It makes a great laidback cigar shop that 

will serve our community well,” Bennett stated. 

“We are adding live music to our offerings. The 

schedule of performers and dates are updated 

on our Facebook page.” 

The Sinclair station has been a part of 

the fabric of downtown Cumming for over 

80 years. The Sinclair logo, a brontosaurus, 

is a quaint reminder of a time gone by. The 

checkered floors, laid back leather chairs, and 

unassuming interior sitting room is definitely a 

thoughtful, fitting space for a cigar room. 

“Cumming Cigar Co. provides a great 

atmosphere. Most of my friends gather here. 

The experience is great, the atmosphere 

welcoming, and the staff is friendly,” stated 

Andre Blais, a shop customer since it’s 

opening. “The wine selection is great too.” 

Blais is proud to assist with the wine selection 

offered at the shop. 

Cumming Cigar Co., without a doubt, has 

added a bit of flair to the fabric of Cumming’s 

colorful history. In a good way. 

cummingcigars.com 

203 East Main St., Cumming, GA 30040 

678-771-8827 


Life Is What We Make It – 

NO EXCUSES! 

By Christine Roberts 

It feels like yesterday that I found myself in a place where life was not going my way. Have you ever felt that 

way? Or are you there now? 

On paper, it seemed like good stuff. I 

had taken a promotion and moved to 

another state, but quickly discovered 

the job was a nightmare. My boss was a 

lunatic and the job required me to travel 90% of 

the time. I was single at the time and, because 

of the travel, had no time to make friends. My 

quality of life was terrible! 

It dawned on me one day that I had been 

having the same gripes and conversations for 

months; every time I spoke with someone, it was 

the same story and complaints. Frankly, I was sick 

of listening to myself, let alone anyone else having 

to listen to me. So, I made the decision to change 

my situation. 

I acted and found a new job that I loved 

making great money, moved back to Atlanta, met 

my husband and, before I knew it, my life was 

back on track. 

I know I am making that sound really simple, 

but it was not. It was a process, but the key was 

realizing that only I can control my destiny. 

Have you heard the definition of insanity is 

doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting 

different results? Yes, I was insane for a while; 

longer than I would like to admit. 

Do you know anyone who is insane? Someone 

who complains about the same things every time 

you speak with them. Their marriage stinks, the 

kids do not listen, they hate their job, they don’t 

have any friends, there’s nothing to do, they’re 

stressed out with all the activities every weekend, 

and on and on. 

Or is this you? (If it is, sorry to be a Debbie 

Downer.) 

Well, why not change your situation? 

Find ways to enhance your marriage, attend 

parenting classes, participate in networking 

groups, get involved with your church, make an 

effort to meet people with your same interest, do 

an internet search for things to do in your town, 

and finally, STOP filling your weekend with so 

many events. 

While most of us know solutions to our 

problems, doing something about them is 

another thing entirely. All too often we would 

rather complain about things before we put in the 

effort to make changes. 

So many times, we feel like we are stuck in 

a situation, but we are not. The only two things 

for certain are death and taxes. Other than that, 

we are so blessed to live in the United States of 

America where we have the freedom to create our 

best life. 

If life is not what you want it to be, assess 

the situation, and then empower yourself and 

make changes. 

Life is what we choose to make it! 

When you take charge of your life and embrace 

positive changes, you are a role model to your 

children and others on how to live life to its fullest. 

Now get busy. It is worth trying! 

Christine Roberts is a Success Coach, author and speaker. She provides 

webinar training, online coaching and 1:1 coaching. You can reach her at 

Christine@ChristineMRoberts.com 


Addiction. Recovery. Sobriety. 

Relapse. Treatment. 

By Amy Durham 

A vicious and unpredictable cycle that seems to be uncontrollable. Many 

addicts go into treatment, finish the program, and believe they are cured – 

their addiction under control. Unfortunately, that is often the furthest thing 

from the truth. They have just taken back control of their life - for the moment. 

My son Alec was an addict. He 

experienced that cycle of addiction. He lost his 

life after one last bout with recovery. Families 

too experience the struggle, in a different way. 

Upon leaving a treatment facility, addicts 

may find themselves looking for some form 

of after care. A place that keeps them focused 

on their recovery while helping them deal with 

the unanswered questions on how to survive 

without drugs and alcohol. 

Mark and Kay Lewington saw the need for 

an aftercare program. They opened their home 

to a new kind of small group, one specifically for 

the alumni of No Longer Bound, a men’s yearlong 

regeneration program in Cumming, GA. 

Tea & Cake was born of their desire to help. 

What started as an invitation to talk through 

their challenges after completing their program 

became an organization. 

“We invited some of the guys over to the 

house for tea. Kay made a cake that everyone 

enjoyed. Conversations began and a brotherhood 

of help was formed,”’ explained Mark. 

Today, Tea & Cake is a registered 501(c)3, 

non-for-profit organization. Regular small 

group meetings are held for men in recovery. 

My son Alec was a regular at Tea & Cake. 

They were his family, just like I was his family. 

I miss my son, as many other moms and 

dads miss their loved ones who died due to their 

addiction. Our loss is painful, yet that pain makes 

us want to do more. It makes us want to help. 

With the help of Tea & Cake, The Alec 

Davis Foundation was born. Our goal is to 

assist men who need a little extra help when 

dealing with addiction. 

Tea & Cake became a refuge for my son. It 

was there that, I believe, he found the peace he 

was looking for before his death. 

A friend recently mentioned “We do what 

is necessary to mend our hearts and thoughts.” 

Indeed, we do. 

For more information on Tea & Cake visit www.TeaandCake.org. 


Excuse-Maker or 

Risk-Taker? 

By I. Morgan 

By Maria I. Morgan 

You are shy. Do not like to speak in front of others. Have never considered yourself 

a leader. Sound familiar? You are not alone. The Bible is full of people just like you. 

And the exciting truth: they were greatly used by God. 

Remember when the Lord commissioned Moses to return 

to Egypt, go before Pharaoh and demand the release of 

the children of Israel? Moses was convinced God had the wrong guy. 

Regardless of God’s promise to go with Moses, a myriad of excuses followed. 

Moses pointed out the fact that he was not special. He doubted the 

people would believe God had sent him. And his lack of eloquence made 

public speaking a nightmare (Exodus 4:10). 

In spite of all Moses’ excuses, God used him to deliver the Israelites 

from Egypt. 

Then there is the story of Gideon. The Israelites were oppressed 

by the Midianites. Things were so bad the people had nothing to eat. 

Gideon had to thresh wheat by the winepress to hide it from the enemy. 

When an angel appeared to Gideon, informing him that the Lord was 

going to use him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, we see a familiar 

pattern. Excuses tumbled from Gideon’s mouth. God could not use him 

because his family was poor. And if that was not reason enough, Gideon 

was from the smallest clan in his tribe, and considered himself the least 

in his family (Judges 6:15). 

But God knew what He was doing. With just 300 men led by Gideon, 

the Lord overthrew the entire army of the Midianites (Judges 7). 

So, what changed in the lives of Moses and Gideon? What moved 

them from excuse-makers to risk-takers? Their focus shifted. 

Initially, these men were focused on their shortcomings and all the 

reasons why the Lord could not use them. They were self-focused. 

Ultimately, they realized the God who called them to a task was also the 

One who would equip them to do it. God became their focus. (And He 

saw fit to include both men in the Hall of Faith chapter – Hebrews 11. 

What a good God!) 

What is God asking you to do? Shift your focus from self to God and 

step out in faith today. 

Can I pray for you? 

Heavenly Father, you are so good. When you ask me to do something, help 

me focus on you, trusting you to equip me with everything I need to move 

forward in obedience. You are such a gracious God to let me join in your 

work. Increase my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 


The Country Preacher 

A neighbor, who lived at the end 

of our unpaved lane, drove a newly 

designed car called a Studebaker. 

This early 50’s car had a unique appearance 

that was thought to have the look of the 

future. The sloping hood and similar, sloping 

trunk lid made it difficult to discern whether 

the car was coming or going. A few years 

later, Studebaker went out of business and 

people went back to driving their Chevys 

and Fords. 

Is our world going in the wrong direction? 

Each of us are born with a God given purpose. 

The Lord created both man and angels with 

a free will. He gave us the written Word, a 

conscience, and the guidance of God the 

Spirit to show us truth (John 16:7-15). Adam 

and his wife went their own way, not God’s. 

Their son, who killed his brother (Genesis 

4:8-14), was punished with exile from God, 

society, and his family. But he rebelled 

against his punishment and built cities. His 

posterity was destroyed in the flood. “Noah 

only remained alive, and they that were with 

him in the Ark”, Genesis 7:23. Noah’s three 

sons replenished the earth (Genesis 9:1,19). 

By Rev. David Hill 

Ham and Japheth became the Gentiles, and 

Shem was “chosen” to share the Word of God 

(Romans 3:2), the birth of the Savior (Isaiah 

9:6) and the way of salvation (John 4:22). 

Our decisions are important. 

Noah’s grandson, Cush, is where we get 

the word confusion or chaos. Cush and his 

son, Nimrod, built the Tower of Babel to 

honor “Ba” or Baal, and “Bel” the pagan god 

of confusion (Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 50:2). 

Our “God is not the author of confusion” 

(I Corinthians 14:33). Nimrod’s name in 

Hebrew means “the rebel”. He was known as 

a “mighty hunter” or warrior. The chaos and 

the killing we are experiencing in America 

and worldwide cannot be explained with 

logic. Jesus, in John 8:44, tells us the source of 

murder is the Devil. “He was a murderer from 

the beginning”. 

In Genesis 11:6, the Scriptures show 

us that the dream of Babel was a society 

where “nothing will be restrained from 

them, which they have imagined to do”. God 

stopped the building of the Tower of Babel 

by confounding the languages and scattering 

the builders. Often today we hear those who 

speak of a society where you can do anything 

you want to do without restraint. “...Let us 

break their bands asunder, and cast away 

their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-4). There are 

those who dream of one world government 

and the union of nations. God did not unite 

the nations. God wants us to live in harmony 

with one another. “Thy kingdom come. Thy 

will be done on earth as it is in heaven” 

(Matthew 6:10). God loves all nations and 

there will be nations in heaven. “The nations 

of them which are saved shall walk in the 

light. . . the leaves of the tree were for the 

healings of the nations. And there shall be no 

more curse . . .” (Revelation 21:24, 22:2-3). 

A picture of the unfinished Tower of Babel 

can be seen on the internet. The European 

Parliament building in Strasbourg, France 

was modeled after an artist rendering of 

the unfinished tower. The Devil’s attempt to 

unite the world against God’s Christ is called 

the “mystery of iniquity” or lawlessness. “He 

that heareth my word and believeth on him 

that sent me hath everlasting life. . .” (John 

5:24). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and 

thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). 



Creating an effective marketing plan for your 

business should not have to mean diving into 

hours of YouTube videos, hiring an expensive 

agency that uses all kinds of buzzwords you do 

not understand, and pumping cash into a system 

that never seems to send it back your way. 

Your marketing plan should be simple, 

clear, and effective. 

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED: 

The 5 Key 

Elements 

OF A MARKETING 

PLAN THAT WORKS 

Lots of people start businesses because they are 

really good at what they do, but when it comes to 

building out their marketing plan, they get stuck. 

They are frustrated, they are confused, and so they 

do not do anything. And their business does not grow. 

1A clear message 

Without clearly articulating who your 

business is for, what you do to solve their 

problems, and exactly what kinds of success 

you help them build in their life, they are not 

paying attention. Your customers are flooded 

with thousands of marketing messages every 

day, and you need a clear, compelling story that 

captures their attention and compels them to 

action. This messaging will be used in every 

single piece of marketing that you create, from 

your website to your email campaigns to your 

social media posts. 

2 

A website that converts 

Your website’s job is to do two 

simple things: explain to your 

customers how you make their lives better and 

give them a simple way to do business with you. 

No one cares that your grandfather founded the 

company 77 years ago or that you like to ride 

4-wheelers on the weekend. Those things are 

not relevant to the problems your customers 

are facing right now, the problems you can help 

them solve. Within five seconds, your website 

should answer these 3 questions: (1) What do 

you do? (2) How does it make my life better? 

(3) What do I do to get it? 

3 

A way to generate new leads 

Most people who visit your site 

just will not be ready to buy. They 

do not know you, like you, or trust you yet. By 

offering them some valuable content - a PDF, 

a checklist, a video series, a toolkit - you are 

establishing your authority in their eyes. You are 

also collecting their contact information. When 

you have permission to continue to reach out to 

someone, you can start to build a relationship. 

You can nurture that relationship, and for the 

right people, that can lead to new business if you 

effectively position yourself as the guide, they 

need to lead them through their problems. 

4 

A follow-up campaign 

Once you have someone’s contact info, 

you should consistently reach out. If 

you disappear, they forget about you. This does 

not mean selling all the time - it should mean 

bringing them valuable information, advice, 

entertainment, or inspiration. Whatever you can 

do to establish trust and authority so that when 

they are ready to buy, you are their first choice. 

5 

A traffic source 

This is where most people start, and 

I have listed it last for a reason. Most 

people start businesses and think they need to 

start posting on social media and generating 

all kinds of attention. That could not be 

further from the truth. Until you have built 

out the systems that allow you to actually do 

something with the attention, you’re just a dog 

chasing a car - you could not do anything with 

it, even if you caught it. But once you have got 

all the other pieces in place, you need to decide 

whether you will generate eyeballs from social 

media, from search engines like Google, or 

from paid ads. 

By working your way through these steps and 

getting these boxes checked off, you will end up 

with a simple, clear, effective marketing plan that 

will create strong, healthy relationships between 

you and your customers and will help you grow 

your business. 

Kyle Porter 

Chief Guide 

GuidePost Marketing 

kyle@guidepostmarketing.com 

770-286-2783 



My Toastmasters 

Transformation 

By Rachita Iyer 

I grew from a shy girl in the corner to a self-assured 

student in the center of the crowd. 

Imagine a girl who shuffled her feet every time 

she stood in front of a crowd and stared at the 

floor as she presented to a room. That was me a 

few years ago when I was just entering my teenage 

years. I struggled to confidently speak to a room 

full of people, and when I did, it would look like I 

was ready to cry—or so I have been told! 

But Toastmasters has definitely changed 

my life for the better. My initial exposure to the 

organization came when I was in the fifth grade. 

My dad had recently joined the Kennesaw North 

Metro Toastmasters club near Atlanta, in hopes 

of improving his presentation skills. He asked me 

to tag along for a meeting since I was so curious 

about where he went every weekend. 

It didn’t take me long at my dad’s club meeting 

to realize I was the only person under the age of 

30, and when I asked him where all the kids were, 

he said, “This club is only for adults, it’s not for 

kids.” “But why not?” I quickly asked. 

That question prompted the beginning of 

my journey with Toastmasters youth programs 

in the Atlanta area. It led to my earning awards 

in many speech contests as a member of a youth 

Gavel Club, which was supervised by Victoria 

Noethling, DTM, a member of three Toastmasters 

clubs in the Atlanta area. It led to my election as 

the Gavel Club’s Vice President Education (VPE). 

It eventually led to me assisting Ms. Noethling in 

a YLP at my high school so my fellow students 

could benefit from Toastmasters practice. 

Toastmasters has taught me invaluable life 

lessons that have shaped who I am as a person. 

Through theseyouth programs, I learned 

the importance of perseverance, planning, 

and confidence 

The skills I developed in Toastmasters 

have also impacted my experience in other 

organizations. I have become a more confident 

presenter in the Distributive Education Clubs 

of America (DECA), a youth organization 

centered around presentation and marketing 

skills. I have excelled in various public speaking 

contests, winning multiple awards at the regional 

levels of the National Optimist Club Oratorical 

Competition (Optimist International is a service 

organization), and the National High School 

Mock Trial Competition. In mock trial, which I 

have competed in for three years, students split 

into plaintiff and defendant teams and prepare 

for months to argue a case in a real courtroom. 

As a competitive attorney in mock trial, I have 

been able to present concise and powerful legal 

arguments. I could not have succeeded in this 

without my Toastmasters experience. 

As VPE of my Gavel Club, I have also greatly 

improved my organizational skills. Planning 

meetings and coordinating speakers have given 

me organizational and communication abilities 

that will help me in many other areas. I have been 

able to engrave the basic Toastmasters ideals of 

communication, leadership, and confidence 

through public speaking into my everyday life. 

I can proudly say that I am no longer the shy 

girl shuffling her feet in the corner of the room. 

Instead, I am the girl in the center of a crowd 

speaking her voice with confidence. 

Rachita Iyer is a senior at South Forsyth High 

School. 



THE MOON 

Let’s Play Among the Stars 

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 

DRONES 

TELESCOPES 

CARS 

TRUCKS 

AIRPLANES 

BOATS 

SCIENCE KITS 

PAINT KITS 

OBBY.COM AUTOMOTIVE/CAR | 678-513-4450 

REPAIR HEATING/VENTILATION/ 

SERVICES 

AIR CONDITIONING 

Christian Brothers Automotive -pg. 55 

Shelnutt HVAC – pg. 61 

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

706-265-5854 | www.shelnutthvac.com 

BREW PUB/TAPROOM 

Cherry Street Brewing Taproom – pg. 25 

770-205-5512 | www.cherrystreetvickery.com 

CONCERT VENUE/ 

OUTDOOR 

Matilda’s Under the Pines – Inside Back Cover 

678-480-6932 | www.matildasmusicvenue.com 

CYBER SECURITY/ 

TECHNOLOGY 

SOLUTIONS 

Critical Path Security – pg. 57 

770-224-6482 | www.criticalpathsscurity.com 

DANCE ACADEMY/ 

INSTRUCTION 

Cumming Dance Academy – pg. 5 

770-781-4922 | www.CummingDanceAcademy.com 

EMBROIDERY 

Amigo Embroidery – pg. 61 

404-216-5740 | www.amioembroidery.com 

FINANCIAL 

PLANNING 

Arseneau Advisory Group – pg. 17 

470-839-9001 | www.arseneauadvisory.com 

FITNESS 

Fit4Mom – pg. 55 

207776-8939 | www.cumming-milton-fit4mom.com 

HOBBY STORE 

Atlanta Hobby – pg. 13 

678-513-4450 | www.atlantahobby.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. 32 

770-722-2711 | www.blissmammawellness.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Adam Pendleton Photography – pg. 39 

678-208-7077 | www.adampendleton.com 

PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL 

SERVICES 

Children’s at Forsyth – pg. 33 

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

Modern OBGYN – pg. 3 

404-446-2496 | www.reyesobgyn.com 

Morrow Family Medicine – pg. 7 

77-781-8004 | www.morrowfammed.com 

Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 37 

Atlanta Heart Specialists 

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

The Southern Skin and Beauty Bar – pg. 31 

770-284-8763 | www.southernskinandbeauty.com 

REAL ESTATE 

Hello Pam Evans Real Estate – pg. 13 

678-778-6551 | www.hellopamevans.com 

The Dinsmore Team – pg. 59 

770-712-7789 | www.dinsmoreteam.com 

RESTAURANTS /FOOD 

SERVICES/CATERING 

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant – pg. 25 

770-475-9100 | www.casanuovarestaurant.com 

Cork & Glass – pg. 25 

678-694-8812 | www.corkandglass.com 

CSB Home of Rick Tanner’s – pg. 19 

770-205-5512 | www.cherrystreetvickery.com 

Lenny’s Subs – pg. 59 

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 

TRANSPORTATION/ 

NON-EMERGENCY 

ABW MedTrans Solutions – pg. 62 

678-567-6644

My Forsyth 2020_II

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