My Forsyth Magazine

CONTENTS 

VOLUME XI • ISSUE 2 

12 

30 

26 

COVER STORY 

30 JESSE’S HOUSE A SAFE 

HOME FOR GIRLS 

12 WHAT IN THE WORLD IS 

HAPPENING WITH REAL 

ESTATE? 

44 SAWNEE ELEMENTARY 

READING WARRIORS 

FEATURES 

52 TEACHER REUSE EXCHANGE 

53 BRECHT STABLES & DUSTIN’S 

PLACE 

HOME AND LIFE 

14 $50 Burgers: Should We Worry 

About Inflation? 

16 Preparing for a Dog Fight in 

Georgia Divorce Cases 

18 Lead Today for Tomorrow 

22 Meet Becky Robinson 

48 Tips to Overcome Emotional 

Overwhelm 

FORSYTH FOODIE 

26 Fountain’s Food Adventures: 

Rendezvous Café 

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

34 Benefits of Minimally Invasive 

Surgery 

36 Aesthetic Treatments 

38 Changing Behavior and Weight 

One Shot at a Time 

40 Keeping Your Eyes Healthy While 

Facing Diabetes 

42 Mindfulness for Self-Care 

EDUCATION 

46 Mountain Education Charter 

High School 

50 Academies of Creative Education 

FAITH 

57 John Fischer, Life Tribute 

Celebrant 

58 Blessings Outside Your Comfort 

Zone 

BURGESS MUSINGS 

54 What to do when the Check Engine 

Light is On 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

10 Forsyth County Government 

11 News Around Forsyth 

20 Book Reviews: Squeaky Chain Girl | 

My Blood Runs Crimson 

56 The Country Preacher 

“DON’T MISS 

A THING” 

WE’RE MOBILE... 

myforsythmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS 

VOLUME XI • 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. 

Pam Evans is an 

Associate Broker with 

Century 21 Results. She 

may be reached at 

678-778-6551. 

julie@marketcomplete.com 

678.614.8583 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

Samantha Angeli 

samantha.angeli74@gmail.com 

770.310.4486 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Adam Pendleton 

David Fountain is a 

local food enthusiast and 

our community’s Best of 

Forsyth Financial Planner 

and Investment Advisor. You 

can reach him at foodie@ 

fountainsfoodadventures.com 

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. 

678.208.7077 • www.adampendleton.com 

SPECIAL REPORTS/VIDEO 

Michelle Hall 

904.386.0417 

WEB CONTENT STRATEGIST 

Matt Coutu 

matt@marketcomplete.com 

STAFF WRITER 

Bernadette Leonard 

is a beauty salon owner 

and coach. She may 

be reached at 

berni@berniinc.com. 

Amy Lyle lives in Forsyth 

with her husband, four 

teenagers and a large dog. 

Her first book, The Amy 

Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book 

of Failures is a top eBook on 

Amazon.com. 

Tracy Ann Moore-Grant 

has been practicing family 

law since 2002. She's a 

partner at Patterson Moore 

Butler. She may be reached 

at 770-889-0846. 

Katielee Kaner 

katielee.myforsyth@gmail.com 

PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES 

Power Marketing & Printing 

678.990.3618 • smccaffrey@powermp 

Maria I. Morgan is an 

inspirational writer and 

speaker. She is the awardwinning 

author of Louie’s BIG 

day! She may be reached at 

maria@mariaimorgan.com. 

Narendra Singh, MD, 

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA is the 

Director of Clinical Research, 

Atlanta Heart Specialists LLC, 

Atlanta, GA. 

He may be reached at 

info@heartdrsingh.com or 

www.heartdrsingh.com. 

Mira Sivan is a family 

practice optometrist with an 

emphasis on ocular disease, 

contact lenses fitting and 

pediatrics. She may be 

reached at 678-648-5185. 

The mission of My Forsyth magazine, a publication of 

Market Complete LLC, is to provide readers with stories and 

information about their communities and its people. 22,000 

copies of your community magazine are distributed via 

direct mail and throughout local businesses as part of our 

rack distribution. We welcome your comments, stories and 

advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. 

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions 

are not necessarily those of the MarketComplete LLC. The 

Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable 

organizations mentioned. My Forsyth is not responsible 

for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be 

reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the 

Publisher. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2021 

Samantha Angeli is the 

graphic designer for My 

Forsyth She may be reached 

at samantha.angeli74 

@gmail.com 

My Forsyth | www.myforsythmag.com 

5485 Bethelview Road, Suite 360-135 

Cumming GA 30040 

(p) 678.614.8583 | (f) 770.888.1511

My Canvas 

“Changing the world happens once step at a time, through acts of leadership and courage. It is the work of 

generations, with progress made possible by those who pass on the lessons learned from both successes and 

setbacks, and most importantly, the necessary knowledge that change is indeed possible.” - Andrew J. Young 

I have been a part of some amazing groups, initiatives, and 

adventures – personal and professional. Each has provided me with 

the opportunity to meet remarkable people who have shared their 

passions, knowledge, and guidance with me. For that I am grateful 

and lucky. 

A couple of years ago I had the honor of attending an event in 

Downtown Atlanta where my step-father’s friend and boss, Retired 

Admiral Paul Rosser, introduced me to his best friend, former 

Ambassador Andrew Young. That moment will forever be etched in 

my memory bank as a Top 10 of the folks I have met over the years. 

What I remember most about this first meeting was the significance of 

friendship. Of everlasting, honest friendship. 

In a world where differences seem to be highlighted, often for 

the worse, sitting down among folks of varied races, ethnicities, 

background, and abilities was joyous. 

I was honored to spend time with Rosser and Young once again 

earlier this summer, during the One Forsyth launch event. The Forsyth 

Conference Center was filled with a myriad of folks, all spending a little 

time together to learn about the initiative and one another. My heart 

was (and still is) filled with gratitude for all who dedicate their time and 

talents for the best in their communities. 

Publishing this magazine allows me to spend time with great 

people – executives who lead some of our greatest companies, 

leaders who guide and teach our youth, and folks who set forth their 

absolute best, every day, to do the job at hand. If I had a canvas 

where I could write those names, I am certain I could easily weave the 

sails for thousands of boats. 

Faith. Family. Friends. Those three provide me with the strength and guidance 

I need to paint my canvas. Time continues to move on, sometimes in a 

direction that I may not have seen coming – yet I know I can move my canvas 

ever so slightly and adjust my sales to deal with those unexpected changes. 

I guess it is time to set sail, once again, adjusting the sails as necessary 

to reach the next destination. The adventure continues. 

JULIE BRENNAN 

Publisher 

julie@marketcomplete.com

VOLUME XI | ISSUE 2 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 9

FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT 

WHAT'S NEW 

EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR 25, 

30 AND 35 YEARS OF SERVICE 

During their Aug. 5 meeting, the Forsyth County Board 

of Commissioners recognized employees that reached 

25, 30 and 35 year work anniversaries during 2020. The 

following employees were recognized for their service: 

35 Year Milestone: 

Assistant to the County Manager Cindy Henderson 

(Administration) 


Athletic and Natural Resources Program Manager James 

Brennan (Parks & Recreation) 

Fire Chief Barry Head (Fire Department) 

Deputy First Class James Rush (Sheriff’s Office) 

Deputy Clerk, Senior Anna Coker (Clerk of Courts) 


Arson Investigator, Senior Steven Anderson 

(Fire Department) 

Planning Manager Lori Kyle 

(Planning & Community Development) 

Deputy Fire Marshall Steve Baker (Fire Department) 

Assistant Director of Engineering Tim Allen (Engineering) 

Deputy Chief Appraiser Kevin Ream (Board of Assessors) 

Sergeant Kenneth Yarbrough (Sheriff’s Office) 

Special Enforcement Division Corporal Phillip Alexander 

(Sheriff’s Office) 

Maintenance Worker Troy Massey (Parks & Recreation) 

Investigations Manager Renee Shelton (State Court Solicitor) 

Equipment Operator III Freddy Flannigan 

(Roads & Bridges) 

Thank you to all county employees for their 

commitment and dedication to our communities. 

DUNN APPOINTED AS JUVENILE COURT JUDGE 

HEATHER N. DUNN has been appointed by the judges of 

the Forsyth County Superior Court as Juvenile Court Judge, 

replacing Judge J. Russell Jackson who retired at the end of July. 

Judge Dunn began her career in 2009 and has been an assistant 

district attorney in Forsyth County since March of 2010. 

Dunn graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with 

a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology and 

earned her juris doctorate from Georgia State University 

College of Law. 

The Juvenile Court is dedicated to serving the residents of 

Forsyth County by hearing all cases involving allegations 

of deprivation or unruly conduct of children under the age 

of eighteen, or delinquency or traffic violations concerning 

children under the age of 17 found within its jurisdiction. It is 

to ensure that children whose well-being is threatened shall 

be assisted, protected, and restored, and each child shall 

receive the care, guidance and control conducive to the 

child’s welfare and best interest. 

FORSYTH COUNTY PARKS 

AND RECREATION FALL GUIDE 

The Forsyth County Parks & Recreation’s 

Fall Activity Guide is now available. 

The guide includes information on a 

wide variety of events, activities and 

programs offered. Residents can view 

the guide and register online at 

www.parks.forysthco.com or in 

person at any of the county’s three 

recreation centers, located at Central 

Park, Fowler Park and Old Atlanta 

Park. www.parks.forsythco.com 

10 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME XI | ISSUE 2

2021 Optimist Golf Tournament 

Benefits Children's 

Healthcare 

by Larry Brown 

The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club contributed $9,000 to 

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Forsyth County. The donation was 

made possible by the club's 2021 charity golf tournament held at 

Chestatee Golf Club. Tournament proceeds also benefit the club's 

community programs for children. The check was presented to Laurie 

Cole, community development officer at Children's Healthcare. 

Laurie Cole (right), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, accepts 

a check for $9,000 from Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club 

golf tournament chairperson Brenda Basey (left) and other 

club members. 

Cole said, “Thank you to our friends at the Sawnee- 

Cumming Optimist Club for making the 9th annual 

golf tournament benefiting our Aflac Cancer and 

Blood Disorder Center the best one yet! Each year this 

tournament becomes a little more special than the one 

before, and this year our young patient ambassador was 

definitely a highlight. Thank you so much to all the 

golfers, sponsors, and businesses for their continued 

support. We look forward to seeing everyone next year 

as the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club celebrates their 

10th golf tournament!” 

Brenda Basey, club president, added, “Each year I am 

honored to chair this event, and each year I am amazed at 

the continued support we receive from our community. 

This has become a “favorite tournament” of so many 

golfers and sponsors. I am humbled to be able to continue 

Children’s Healthcare ambassador Asher Rock gives the 

thumbs up to golfers at the 2021 Sawnee-Cumming Optimist 

Club golf tournament. Joining him are (from left) his father 

Marcus; club president Janna Shacklett; tournament chairperson 

Brenda Basey; Laurie Cole, Children’s Healthcare; and 

Asher’s mother, Josie. 

to put this together and know that next year, our 10th, will 

be more amazing and give even more for the fight against 

childhood cancer. A huge thank you to all the sponsors 

and participants who supported the tournament!" 

“For the past few years, we have had a Children’s 

Healthcare child ambassador represent our club at the 

tournament,” Basey said. “This year it was seven year old 

Asher Rock. He was such an inspiration for our event 

and our golfers! In a few words that morning before 

the golfers went out, he touched everyone there and had 

such an impact on the entire day.” 

Basey said that at four months old, Asher was 

diagnosed with retinoblastoma in his right eye. It is a 

life-threating childhood cancer. He has had more than 

60 eye exams under anesthesia and several surgeries. He 

now has vision in only one eye. 

The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club meets the first and third Thursday evenings of each month. 

For information about Optimists, contact club president Janna Shacklett, janna9810@gmail.com. 

VOLUME XI XI | | ISSUE 2 | | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 11 11

What in the World is 

Happening with Real Estate? 

By Pam Evans 

The questions I have been asked numerous times over the past several months are: What is going on with 

the market? When are things going to crash? Why would I buy a house now when prices are so inflated? 

THE FACTS 

The market today is being driven by a number of economic factors, NONE 

of which reflect the crash of 10+ years ago. That Real Estate downturn 

was driven by poor lending practices. Those practices no longer exist, and 

lending requirements are quite sound now. 

Today’s conditions are driven by Supply & Demand conditions. 

Simply put, there is far greater demand than there is supply. Covid did 

not slow the Atlanta Real Estate market down in 2020. In fact, it was 

incredibly robust. While many unfortunately experienced economic 

hurt, many did not, and metro Atlanta was and is a vibrant business 

community attracting businesses, their employees, and their need 

for housing. 

The demand for housing is incredibly strong, and while many 

Sellers want to sell, they are fearful that they will not be able to find 

their next home, whether they are upsizing, downsizing or right-sizing. 

They recognize competition is fierce and thereby driving prices up, 

with the majority percentage of homes selling for significantly higher 

than List price. 


So, without market fluidity – a steady stream 

of Sellers and Buyers to create a more 

balanced market, we have this – an extreme 

Sellers’ Market. 

INTEREST RATES 

Further driving the number of Buyers wanting 

to purchase a home is the record low Interest 

Rates. We’ve seen historically low rates over 

the past few years, and now they are truly at 

record lows – meaning, Homeownership has 

never been more affordable than it is now. 

You can get more home for your money as a 

significantly lower portion of your monthly 

payment goes towards Interest. 

The rub here is – yes, Sales prices are 

being driven higher by market demand – but 

choosing to wait it out and see if prices settle 

down by next year may mean higher interest 

rates. Even a quarter or half percent increase 

can mean a significant change to your monthly 

mortgage payment. And “waiting it out” for 

prices to stabilize may have erased significant 

savings through a lower interest rate. 

For those assuming that as government 

stimulus programs end will mean an increase 

in Short Sales and Foreclosures, and are 

choosing to wait as prices will drop – most 

Economists don’t see that as likely at all. Why? 

People have record equity in their homes right 

now. There is no reason to short sale, and you 

can sell if needed in order to avoid foreclosure, 

and protect your credit. 

BEST STRATEGIC MOVE 

For Buyers, if you are currently renting, you are 

continuing to toss money out the window each 

month instead of paying into your own asset. 

Even if you pay more for your home right now, 

you are purchasing with record low interest 

rates amortized over 30 years. And there are 

several strategies you can implement from 

the get-go, enabling you to accumulate equity 

faster and erase the negative effects of a higher 

purchase price. 

For Sellers who are nervous to Sell for 

fear of being homeless – there are numerous 

strategies out there that can make you a very 

competitive Buyer, enabling you to secure 

your next home, and getting your current 

home sold for record profits. Ask a good 

Realtor who adapts to the ever-changing 

market. There are always ways to capitalize, 

accomplish your housing goals, and come out 

ahead in the long run. 

MARKET FLUIDITY 

No, I don’t love this market. Yes, I’ve helped 

numerous Clients on both the Selling and 

Buying side over the past year, but no, 

this market is not ideal in any way, and is 

perpetuating unnecessary fear. What I can 

assure you is Real Estate is still an incredible 

long-term wealth builder. It is far better to pay 

into your own asset, increase your home’s value 

through improvements, and enjoy market 

appreciation, than is sitting on the sidelines. 

Making a change now, with these rates, will 

more than likely be an enormous benefit to you 

in the long run. And if you are strategic in your 

planning, whether Selling or Buying, you will 

fare very well. 

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


$50 

Burgers 

SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT INFLATION? 

Seems like everywhere we turn these days the media continues to talk about this word “Inflation.” 

What does this really mean and how much inflation can the country afford before we are in trouble? 

By Kurt Arseneau, Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Financial Consultant 

First, let us get on the same page about some of the 

basics. If you have noticed the price of something increasing over 

time (say, your favorite soda or the cost of college tuition), that’s 

inflation in action. Economists use the broad increase (or decrease) 

in prices of goods and services across the country as a measure of 

economic health. When inflation is stable and predictable, it is a 

sign of a basically healthy, and growing economy. 

But high inflation can quickly eat away at the purchasing power 

of your dollars, indicating that the economy might be overheated. 

Deflation, or a decline in prices, can be a warning sign of a 

shrinking economy. Recent data highlighted a surprise spike in 

inflation, indicating that prices increased faster than economists 

expected in the last few months. (1) 

Could this be a worrisome sign that the economy is overheated? 

Could $50 burgers be in our future? Maybe. 

On the other hand, could it be a temporary blip caused by 

the economy emerging from the pandemic-driven slowdown, 

complicated by supply chain issues? Very possible. 

Are the headlines catastrophizing? They usually are, but let us 

look at the data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), one of the major 

indices’ economists use to track inflation, showed a surprising spike 

in April, igniting fears of runaway inflation. 

Core CPI (which excludes the highly volatile categories of energy 

and food) showed a 0.9% increase in April month over month and 

3.0% year-over-year. That is much higher than the expected 0.3% 

and 2.3% respectively. (2) 

However, digging a bit deeper, we see that just two categories of 

goods (used cars and transportation services) accounted for the vast 

majority of the surge. (3) That suggests things like flights and train 

travel suddenly became more expensive after a year of rock-bottom 

prices. Is that runaway or the normalization of prices as the world 

reopens? We cannot tell from a single data point, but it is unusual 

to see prices increase in sectors that experienced a sever slowdown 

last year. 

What about the jump in car prices? Well, many folks are 

turning to the second-hand market right now, in part because new 

cars are caught up in global supply chain bottlenecks for things like 

semiconductors and raw materials. (4) 

Inflation is something to keep an eye on, especially in a year 

when so many of the usual variables have been thrown into flux. 

An ongoing surge in prices could hurt our wallets as our dollars 

buy less over time. However, a single monthly spike following 

a very weird period for the economy is not cause for alarm yet; 

we should prepare ourselves for more odd numbers coming out 

of different parts of the economy in the weeks and months to 

come. Shortages of everything from ketchup to gasoline could 

lead to price increases and fluctuations as supply chains attempt to 

disentangle from pandemic disruptions. (5) 

Should we expect markets to react to inflation (and other) 

headlines? A negative market reaction is not surprising after weeks 

of strong performance. We should expect volatility ahead as we 

(and the economy) adjust to a post-pandemic world. 

BOTTOM LINE: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN 2021! 

If you are retired or close to retirement and have concerns about 

how inflation may impact your standard of living, reach out to us 

for a second opinion. Contact us at (470) 839-9001 or visit our 

website at www.arseneauadvisory.com 

Until next time, stay healthy and safe! 

Kurt Arseneau 

(1) https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/12/consumer-price-index-april-2021.html 

(2) https://www.chase.com/personal/investments/learning-and-insights/article/top-market-takeaway-05142021 

(3) https://www.chase.com/personal/investments/learning-and-insights/article/top-market-takeaway-05142021 

(4) https://www.npr.org/2021/04/09/985860442/auto-industry-continues-to-struggle-with-supply-chain-issues 

(5) https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/08/business/supply-chain-shortages-pandemic/index.html 

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



Preparing for a Dog Fight 

in Georgia Divorce Cases 

By Tracy Ann Moore-Grant 

As a mediator and attorney, some of 

the most difficult cases to navigate 

and resolve are those involving who 

will receive the family pet. Typically, after 

hearing all of the other issues to be determined 

in a case, an attorney will sheepishly look at 

their client before uttering those dreaded words, 

“and oh yeah, we want the dog.” And I say “dog” 

because I have never seen people argue over a cat. 

Sorry cat lovers. Unlike child custody disputes, 

which provide defined laws and code sections to 

guide the parties on realistic outcomes, Georgia 

law provides a harsh reality when it comes to the 

family pet. No matter how beloved the family pet 

may be, it is considered a piece of property in the 

same way as a sofa or big screen TV. In Georgia, 

the standard is to divide property “equitably” 

which means fairly. So this means one party is 

leaving with Fido. 

Many parties who are seeking possession 

of a pet believe that the court should apply the 

same standards to an animal that they apply to 

children, which is the “best interests standard.” 

They argue about who loves the pet more, who 

the pet chooses to spend time with, and who can 

care for the pet better between the two parties. 

Unfortunately, Georgia does not recognize the 

best interests of the dog standard. Some states 

have actually moved towards considering the best 

interests of the dog like California, Alaska, and 

Illinois. But in Georgia, the court simply treats 

the animal like property. Having litigated these 

types of cases, I have seen parties bring to court 

the following evidence to persuade the judge 

in their favor: records indicating they adopted 

or purchased the animal, records showing they 

are the one who took the animal to the vet, 

photographs showing them and the animal in 

matching outfits for special occasions, proof that 

they attended the training classes with the dog 

without the other party, holiday cards featuring 

the animal, affidavits about how bonded they 

are to the dog over the other party and custom 

artwork they had made depicting the animal. 

Any judge will be deciding the issue will be using 

any information they can get to determine who 

should awarded the dog. 

Often the party losing the animal will 

expect compensation for the loss. In Georgia, 

it is a long established rule that an animal value 

is established based on fair market value. So a 

rescue animal may have little identifiable value. 

And while you may have paid $1,200.00 for your 

mini schnauzer as a puppy, what is an 8 year old 

mini schnauzer worth? (Priceless in my opinion). 

In Georgia, the sentimental value of a pet is not a 

consideration. This is often a hard dog bone for 

the other party to swallow to learn they have lost 

the dog and they are not entitled to anything for 

the loss. 

The biggest issue I see with resolving pet 

issues is that attorneys have not had a discussion 

with their client prior to a mediation or settlement 

discussions to inform them about the realities of 

Georgia law on this issue. Often parties who hear 

this for the first time during an already stressful 

mediation have difficulty accepting or processing 

the information causing a breakdown emotionally 

and in the settlement process. Secondly, the 

client is not prepared to settle the issue with any 

evidentiary documents or information that may 

be persuasive in negotiations resulting in back 

and forth of competing statements regarding who 

in fact does love the dog more. If one party comes 

to the table with a stack of photos and documents, 

it is far more likely the other will concede the 

issue in the grand scheme of settlement. 

I advise attorneys in advance of mediation 

to take seriously the issue of “pet custody” and 

prepare for the issue with the same seriousness 

they take with other matters. Another alternative 

is to seek arbitration on the issue. In arbitration, 

the parties may feel more “heard” than they 

would in court. Often the animal issue is one 

given little regard or prep time by counsel but the 

one most likely the cause a lack in settlement. A 

little preparation can go a long way in a dogfight. 

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 



LEAD 

Today for 

Tomorrow 

By Bernadette Leonard 

“The test of leadership is: 

is anything or anyone better 

because of you?” - Mark Sanborn 

Why do we lead? To lead is not to be on a pedestal, placed 

above all others. To lead is to inspire; to enrich lives; to 

make heroes; to leave each day better than you found it; 

to build lifelong relationships; to make a difference; to bring 

joy. Leading is guidance. A good leader walks with those 

around them - always beside them, constantly building them 

up and helping them grow. Now think to yourself: Are your 

footsteps worth following? Leadership is about building 

relationships and investing in your future. In order to create 

a legacy of leadership, it all starts with you. 

To be a good leader is to be your best self! What habits are you 

incorporating daily that are making a positive and lasting significance? 

Here are some key habits and characteristics to 

implement: 

• Preparation: time management is process that is learned 

and mastered. 

• Setting Goals: Put your biggest task first thing in the 

morning. 

• Focus: Have clarity on what is important. Will it matter just 

for the next 5 minutes? Or will it matter for the next 5 years? 

Being able to say no to what isn’t important leaves more time 

and focus towards what is. 

• Accountability Partner: Seek a mentor, friend or 

companion to hold you accountable in all areas of 

life - finance, health, career and spirituality. 

All four of these factors encourage discipline and will set you up for 

success. When you invest in yourself today, you lead yourself into a 

better tomorrow. We only have one mind and body, so we must nurture 

it. Even I have to remind myself to take time for my health, both 

mentally and physically, when the craze of life takes over. 

Once you ground yourself in these core values, natural positive 

behavior will take root. Behaviors start with leaders; it is how you earn 

respect. Values set the standard for behavior. If you embody humility, 

trust, servanthood, and forgiveness, your environment and those 

around you will be affected. Being a role model is absolutely vital to 

creating a positive work/life environment. Be the kind of person you 

want to be around. 

In a world that at times has uncertainty and is constantly changing, 

it is more important now than ever before to invest in ourselves and 

be the best leaders we can be so that we may leave the world and each 

day a little better than we found it. Continuously learning prepares 

you for opportunities that will keep your passion alive. Passion 

brings preparation, which grows to purpose and leads to prosperity. 

Accomplishment and happiness are feelings that will forever live in 

your heart and fill you up to be your best self. When you are at your 

best, you build future leaders for a better tomorrow. 

Bernadette Leonard is a beauty salon owner and coach. 

She is passionate about adding value to the lives around 

her, continuous growth and personal relationships. 



BOOK REVIEW 

Buy 

Local, 

Read 

Local 

By Jacqueline 

Thompson Graves 

Perrie Patterson is another local writer. When I saw the title “My 

Blood Runs Crimson” I wasn’t sure whether I would be reading a murder 

mystery or maybe something about native Americans or just what. Turns 

out her Crimson is the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the story revolves 

around the fraternity and sorority relationships on campus. 

It reminded me of something I dealt with years ago when I sold life 

insurance. I had a customer who was contacted by a fraternity brother. 

The ‘frat bro’ quoted a ridiculous price for a policy this guy didn’t need and 

could barely afford. I showed him what he could purchase with a fraction 

of the money and still provide for his family. “The policy your frat brother 

is selling would make him (or me) a lot of commissions,” I told him. He 

just could not believe his old pal would do that to him. “He would do right 

by me. He wouldn’t use me!” he kept insisting. He wanted so badly to give 

his business to his old buddy. It took a lot of research on his part to decide 

his frat brother was not doing him any favors. 

How far would most people go to help their fraternity/sorority 

brothers and sisters? The book explores this thought and does remind us 

that sometimes in life it really isn’t what you know, but who. I could say 

more, but I don’t want to give away your reading surprises. 

We also have this review copy to give away, so see how to enter for that 

at the end of the article. 

We would like to support our local writers and encourage you to share 

your books with our readers. I don’t know about you, but I believe some of 

the best writers ever came from the South. 

Local. It’s everywhere you go these days We are urged to eat 

local, shop local, buy local. I like local. Our local famers’ markets call 

to me. Each Wednesday and Saturday morning there are vendors at the 

fairgrounds parking lot. Last week was Tomato Wednesday! The grassy 

gathering spot at Vickery Village hosts farmers and more on Thursdays. 

I found fresh figs and cucumbers without wax. Of course, right there at 

Vickery is Rick Tanner’s restaurant – a favorite local spot to eat and drink. 

While we’re supporting our neighbors’ business adventures, it only 

makes sense to read local, too. “I’m not sure we have many local writers,” 

you say. I would say you need to look around. There are three writers on my 

street! One writes children’s books; one specializes in women’s devotionals; 

I do my thing. 

SO PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE YOU TO A COUPLE 

OF LOCAL WRITERS. 

Local author, “Bobin”, aka Robert Zee, writes for fun after work and on 

weekends. I read one of his books titled “Squeaky Chain Girl”. That’s an 

intriguing title for a book, isn’t it? 

Squeaky Chain Girl gives us a glimpse of what it means to really love 

someone, through the good and the bad, over the long haul, no matter how 

the other person treats us, even when there is no hope for the love to be 

returned. Although the writing is, at times, repetitive, the message comes 

through loud and clear. 

It’s a short, easy read, and I am giving away the review copy. To be 

entered in the drawing for the book, just leave any comment on my book 

review blog. (See the address at the end of the article.) 

Squeaky Chain Girl ISBN#: 9798643642190 

My Blood Runs Crimson ISBN#: 9798710265291 

Books can be purchased at Amazon (free with Kindle Unlimited subscription) 

and at Barnes & Noble 

To enter to win a book, visit 

http://www.thebookbuffet.wordpress.com 

and leave a comment stating which book you would like 

to win. There is no cost to enter. If you win you will be 

contacted for your snail mail address and the book will 

be sent to you at no charge. Please enter by 10-01-21. 

Jacqueline Thompson Graves lives and writes in Cumming, GA where she is currently reading a new book 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 



INTERVIEW 

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CLIENTS. 

I love working with Eddie Gonzalez, tournament director for the Truist 

Atlanta Open tennis tournament. He trusts me and gives me a lot of 

freedom. As a big tennis lover, I think it would be awesome to work a grand 

slam or Davis Cup. 

HOW DO YOU MEASURE THE RESULTS OF A PR CAMPAIGN? 

It is important to set realistic goals at the beginning, specific to the client. 

Success could mean placement within a targeted news outlet, social media 

metrics of significance, or a percentage of sales growth. Ultimately the goal 

is client satisfaction. 

MEET PUBLIC RELATIONS GURU, 

BECKY 

ROBINSON 

An interview by Amy Lyle 

BECKY DENT ROBINSON IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING 

PARTNER OF CHATTERHOUSE COMMUNICATIONS, A 

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FIRM BASED IN ATLANTA. 

BECKY HAS WORKED IN THE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND 

MARKETING WORLD FOR 20+ YEARS AND NOW MANAGES 

THE DIGITAL MARKETING ARM OF THE TRUIST ATLANTA 

OPEN, PROFESSIONAL MEN'S TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND 

LEADING ATP TOUR EVENT IN THE U.S. 

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PUBLIC RELATIONS? 

Honestly, one of my friends in college said that I would be good at it. 

So, I looked into it after realizing I needed more of a specialized degree 

than my political science major. The idea of working in promotions and 

media relations was interesting. This decision led the way to working as a 

press secretary in political campaigns, which later turned into corporate 

marketing, and ultimately launching my own business. 

THERE ARE SO MANY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. WHAT 

IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS IN REGARD TO 

UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA? 

Not all social media platforms make sense for every business. You need 

to clearly outline your business objectives and your audience and then 

Don’t forget: 

“Everything you 

do or say is public 

relations.” – Unknown 

determine which space you should be in. You can exhaust yourself trying 

to be everywhere at once. Instead, you should focus on the platforms that 

will drive the best business results and allow you the best opportunity to be 

strategic. Social media requires a different approach for different businesses, 

and content is king. It is also trial and error and needs adaptation and fresh 

thinking to keep up with industry changes and at times, trends. 

WOULD YOU EVER WORK IN POLITICS AGAIN? 

Wow, now more than ever that is a tricky field. I loved my days on the 

campaign trails and do miss it. I have felt a longing for it lately with the 

current state of things. If I could help improve messaging or somehow 

contribute to a more positive outlook, I would love to. My father is an elected 

official back home and I really admire his dedication and sincere interest in 

helping his county. He is why I first became interested in politics and ended 

up working on for a presidential hopeful and congressman. 

WHAT IS A PART OF YOUR JOB THAT YOU LOVE? 

I love being around my clients during their most satisfying moments. When 

I witness the hard work on both of our parts come to fruition, that is very 

fulfilling. I work in the professional tennis industry, and I pinch myself when 

I am watching my favorite players as part of “work.” 

www.facebook.com/ChatterhouseCommunications 

www.linkedin.com/company/chatterhouse-communications/ 

twitter.com/chattRhouse 





FORSYTH FOODIE 

FOUNTAIN’S FOOD ADVENTURES 

Rendezvous Café 

By David Fountain 

Ho Eun Kim, owner of Rendezvous Café, bought her quaint café in 2019, and operates it 

with her daughters, Eunice, and Kimberly. After previously owning another café, Ho Eun 

decided that Lakeland Plaza was the perfect spot to move. This was clearly the right choice 

as they now have a well-deserved, vast number of loyal patrons. 


This café operates as a family unit. While Ho 

Eun is the head of the operation, her daughter 

Eunice is their head baker, and Kimberly is their 

main barista. Together, they produce high quality 

food and drinks in an extremely timely manner. 

On the baked goods menu, you are going 

to find everything homemade. Their White 

Chocolate Lavender Scone, Gluten Free Banana 

Chocolate Nut Loaf, and Chocolate Chip 

Cookie are great options to try. Made with 

care everyday by Eunice, the quality is evident 

as soon as you take the first bite. Rendezvous 

also features gluten-free, and nut-free optionsperfect 

for dietary needs. 

Unfortunately, you cannot let yourself get 

too distracted with their scrumptious sweets, 

because you need to leave room for their meal 

options. Ho Eun Kim makes everything in 

house from their croissants to their hot-pressed 

sandwiches. The Chicken Pesto Panini, served 

on a perfectly pressed French roll, is a delicious 

lunch option. However, if you are looking for 

something more nutritional, their Micro Greens 

& Nuts Avocado Toast makes for a great meal. 

While the food alone creates a lot of excitement 

for Rendezvous Café, their drink options take 

this restaurant up a notch. While they offer your 

standard coffee and espresso drinks, they also 

offer “specialty drinks.” Among these drinks 

are the Coconut Lavender Matcha, Nutella 

Latte, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and more. 

Kimberly has become an expert at her craft and 

is immensely helpful if you are struggling to 

choose between the large variety of options. If 

you are concerned about milk options, do not 

worry. They also craft their drinks with oat milk 

upon request. 

Rendezvous Café has done a wonderful 

job of remaining resilient after being hit with 

COVID-19 less than a year into operation. 

Their efforts are well appreciated by their many 

customers and will continue to do so in the 

coming years. 

David Fountain is a local food enthusiast and our community’s Best of Forsyth Financial Planner 

and Investment Advisor. You can reach him at foodie@fountainsfoodadventures.com 

543 Lakeland Plaza, 

Cumming, GA 30040 

HOURS: 

Monday-Saturday: 

8:30 AM - 5:30 PM 

Sunday: Closed 




A SAFE 

HOME 

FOR GIRLS 


“Since 1998, adolescent girls in need of a temporary home have found shelter at Jesse’s House, 

Forsyth County’s shelter for girls. For 23 years, the shelter has served over 1,000 girls from all 

over the state of Georgia. The average length of stay ranges from eight months to two years.” 

Safe shelter is coupled with the provision of 

immediate needs – from medical to personal 

care. Residents receive academic support 

and tutoring, mentoring and enrichment 

activities. Counseling is also provided. 

Jesse’s House was named after Jesse 

Morris. The Larry Morris family answered 

the call in 1998 when, as a result of a 1996 

needs assessment survey for the north 

Georgia region conducted by Kennesaw State 

University, the need for an emergency shelter 

in Forsyth County for adolescent girls who 

were experiencing abuse and neglect was 

identified. The family donated a two bedroom 

home in honor of their father, Jesse. 

Roughly 80% of our residents have been 

removed from their living environment due to 

abuse and neglect and placed at Jesse’s House 

through the DFCS. The other 20% are placed 

with us through the Forsyth County Juvenile 

court. We have the capacity for 12 girls at any 

one time. 

Upon arrival at Jesse’s House, every 

girl receives a comprehensive intake by a 

multidisciplinary team to assess their physical, 

psychological, and educational needs. A 

treatment plan is then developed to address 

these needs and ensure every girl’s safety. 

“All of our girls have experienced Complex 

Trauma. Some have been trafficked, some have 

been abandoned, some have been beaten, 80% 

have been sexually abused, and, in no surprising 

coincidence, 80% have been hospitalized for 

suicidal ideation and self-harm before being 

placed with us. They have gone through so much 

in their short lives, so we are pretty protective 

of them. All of our employees are trained in 

Trauma-Informed Care, and to the outside 

person, with a well-meaning heart to give and 

support the girls without training, it can be 

more than they bargained for” stated Elizabeth 

Johnson, Jesse’s House Executive Director. 

“Our location is undisclosed to help protect 

our girls from those on the outside that would 

like to know where they are but shouldn’t have 

any access to them - think men who get out of 

jail after they serve time for raping one of our 

residents, or girls who have been involved with 

gangs, or girls who have been trafficked. For 

those reasons and more, all volunteers have 

to undergo background checks. Beyond those 

reasons, for the time the girls are here, this is 

their home, and they do not want strangers in 

their home, so we make it clear, in a gentle way, 

that we are asking for a commitment of regular 

volunteering from those who are looking to 

have any direct contact with the girls,” Johnson 

added. “By the time they get to us they have 

had too many adults in and out of their lives, so 

we try to keep that to a minimum. As you also 

might imagine, we have limited opportunities 

for males to volunteer outside of maintaining 

the facility.” 

“Monetary funding is one of the best ways 

to support our work. We have somewhere 

around a 25-30% deficit to make up for every 

day between our daily operational costs and the 

amount we receive in per-diem from the state,” 

Johnson affirmed. 

Each girl is given a $415 allowance from the 

state for clothing for the entire year. 

“Imagine clothing a teenage girl who may 

come to you wearing the only clothes and pair of 

shoes she owns for $415 a year. Get her a coat and 

shoes, basics like underwear and socks, and see 

how much you have leftover for clothing through 

all seasons. If they are 13 and hit a growth spurt 

and need new clothes, they have to wait until 

they get their allowance for the following year. 

With a budget like that, even committing to 

give as little as $10, $20, $25 a month to Jesse’s 

House can make a big difference in what we 

can rely on to budget for clothing these girls, so 

they feel like they fit in with their peers when 

they walk through the door to school every 

morning,” Johnson asserted. ““We also give each 

new resident a hygiene bag with essentials like 

shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste.” 

Johnson shared an example of an interaction 

with a young lady who was placed in their care. 

“One evening, I handed a hygiene bag to a girl 

who had been living in a van in Hall County. 

JESSE’S HOUSE INC., originally 

known as the Forsyth County Youth 

Shelter, was founded in 1998 as a 

result of a 1996 needs assessment 

survey for the north Georgia region 

conducted by Kennesaw State 

University. In the beginning, we were 

able to serve seven residents. Now 

we have the capacity to serve 12. 


“Is this for me to keep?” she asked. I answered “Of course. It’s just some 

essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste.” She looked up at me and said 

“Well, when you’ve been washing your hair in the lake, this is a pretty 

big deal.” 

The young lady had been living in a van with her father and sister for 

some time, parking in different lots around Lake Lanier every night so 

they would not get caught. 

“She went to school every day, in fact most of her classes were advanced 

or AP classes, earning A’s and B’s,” Johnson added. “Imagine the courage, 

strength and determination it would take just to walk into school every 

morning. Now imagine choosing to go into the most competitive classes, 

filled with kids that have every advantage that you do not have. She did 

not have a laptop to complete an assignment. She did not even have heat, 

electricity, running water.” 

Johnson added, “In the years that I have been at Jesse’s House, 80% of 

our girls have reported they have been sexually abuse. Some have never 

talked about it before coming to Jesse’s House, and some do not even 

realize they were victims. They just know that sometimes they cannot fight 

the persistent urge to cut themselves. And sometimes out of nowhere their 

heart starts racing and they feel like they cannot breathe. It should come 

as no surprise that most of our girls are battling any number of mental 

illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, or PTSD. Some 

don’t want to go home, but most, even in the face of abuse and neglect, 

worry they will never go home, and when they find out they won’t, they 

worry about what is going to happen to them.” 

LEADERSHIP 

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Jesse’s House in led by a volunteer 

Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Bruce Kidwell. Bruce is the Vice 

President of Global Customs Brokerage and Trade Advisory Services at 

UPS Supply Chain Solutions. 

“I first started as a volunteer at Jesse’s House back in 2006. Having five 

children of my own of which four of them are girls, I was drawn to Jesse’s 

House to give back. Little did I know after that first visit and hearing 

firsthand how Jesse’s House is there to provide the healing that is so 

needed for young ladies that have been through so much, I was completely 

‘all in’ in supporting Jesse’s House from a monetary support standpoint 

and giving of my time. As the years went by, I was asked to be on the 

Board of Directors and eventually asked to take the President of the Board 

role. What I have learned through all of this is that you have to take that 

first step, get involved, understand what and how Jesse’s House is changing 

lives. It has dramatically affected me positively both professionally and 

personally in being part of something that truly makes a difference when 

a difference is needed most.” 

Joining Kidwell are Beth Hebert, PhD, Jose Cherres, Alesia Ackerman, 

Micaela Brady, Michael Barlow, Nicole Bini, Molly Bradley, Sonja Bullard, 

Shawn LaFave, Claire McDonald, Peggie Morrow, Precilla Saint-Jean, and 

Lynn Shivers. 

Along with Johnson, the agency’s Executive Director, 13 Direct Care 

Staff, one Direct Care Supervisor, two Human Services Professional, and 

a shelter manager, provide the day-to-day services and operational staffing 

needed to efficiently run Jesse’s House. 

MILESTONES 

Jesse’s House celebrated the Class of 2021 as two of its residents completed 

their high school studies and graduated. For the 5th year in a row, Jesse’s 

House has a 100% on-time graduation rate among its residents. In the 

state of Georgia, only 6-8% of children in foster care graduate on time. 

A recent graduate said it best. “I mean, what are the odds of me 

actually finishing. No one in my family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, no 

one has ever graduated from high school. It felt like it would never happen 

for me. I’m proud that I just kept pushing forward and never gave in.” 

There is no giving up at Jesse’s House. There’s hard work, assistance, 

and collaboration among all who can help provide a safe place for girls to 

thrive and fulfill their goals. 

P.O. Box 3318 | Cumming, GA 30028 | 678-947-6217 


Benefits of Minimally 

Invasive Surgery 

By Dr. Natu Mmbaga 

MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN WOMEN’S HEALTH 

HAVE PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE 

MANAGEMENT OF A MYRIAD OF CONDITIONS. With 

minimally invasive procedures readily available, women now 

have several treatment options for a variety of gynecologic issues, 

including abnormal bleeding or periods, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, 

uterine fibroids, amongst other conditions. These minimally invasive 

procedures offer countless benefits over traditional surgery. 

As a gynecologist, women frequently present to our office 

complaining of heavy or prolonged periods. In the past, management 

was limited to birth control pills and IUDs or surgical interventions as 

drastic as a hysterectomy. Current options are far less risky and allow 

for very little down time. One such option is an Endometrial ablation, 

a common procedure utilized to decrease the volume and length of 

a woman’s menses. Performed in our state-of-the-art office with no 

incisions, a woman can drastically improve the quality of her life with 

minimal risks via ablation. All of which is done in approximately 5 

minutes with minimal pain and downtime. With its utilization, women 

can avoid the sometimes-undesired prolonged hormone exposure of 

birth control pills and the surgical risks involved with a hysterectomy. 

In the event findings or symptoms require something more 

significant be done, robotic surgery has revolutionized gynecologic 

surgery. With a decreased risk of bleeding, infection, hospital stay, 

and post-operative pain, robotic surgery can be utilized to complete 

a hysterectomy, ovarian cyst removal, treatment of endometriosis and 

removal of uterine fibroids. Patients are ambulating and resuming 

normal activities soon after procedures that would have otherwise 

required extensive recovery. At Modern OB/GYN of North Atlanta, our 

physicians are advanced robotic surgeons capable of treating complex 

gynecologic conditions with skill and compassion. These minimally 

invasive techniques enable us to take excellent care of our patients with 

the most current technologies in the safest way possible. 

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

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

visit www.reyesobgyn.com. 

Dr. Natu Mmbaga is a board-certified Diplomate of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and 

a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Mmbaga is also a member of the 

American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. She attended OB/GYN Residency training at Yale, completing 

four years training at Yale New Haven Hospital. 


By Nathan Cleaver 

AESTHETIC TREATMENTS 

One of the most commonly asked questions I receive is what the best esthetic treatment for 

the summer months. While certain patient preferences and precautions can help guide this 

answer, there are two treatments, besides cosmetic injectables (Botox® and fillers), that are 

my preferred maintenance treatments for most skin types. 

Our traditional laser systems include the IPL laser 

(intense pulsed light), vascular pulsed dye laser, 

CO2 fractionated laser and a picosecond tattoo 

and pigment laser. These treatments selectively 

target one of three common components in 

the skin: hemoglobin (contents of a red blood 

cell), melanin (pigment that is produced by a 

melanocyte), and water. During the peak of 

summer, most of our clients will spend enough 

time outside that they will naturally be slightly 

darker than their normal skin tone. By having 

an artificially darker background skin tone, this 

obscures the target of the laser. For this reason, I 

prefer to avoid the above laser treatments during 

the peak of summer, and instead, scheduling them 

for late fall. Having this treatment performed in 

mid-summer can cause an adverse reaction for 

hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) 

HYDRAFACIAL 

This unique device creates a customized facial 

experience based on the client’s skin type. This 

facial has a proprietary facial tip that allows 

concurrent extraction of pores with infusion of 

a customized peel. This peel can be customized 

to target acne and rosacea prone skin types, 

background of hyperpigmentation, anti-aging 

effects, and for hydration effects. This leaves the 

skin with a rejuvenated texture and tone and 

has no down-time without any risk for postinflammatory 

pigmentation. 

RADIOFREQUENCY 

(SUBLATIVE AND MICRONEEDLING) 

Radiofrequency when applied to the skin provides 

heat and controlled thermal injury at certain 

depths within the skin. Depending on what 

depth in the skin and what your overall goal for 

improvement is, will depend on which modality 

to incorporate. The microneedling device allows 

targeted heating of the deeper dermis (the layer of 

skin below the epidermis), to allow for remodeling 

of collagen to create a tightening and toning 

effect of the skin. The subative tip provides more 

superficial heat application, which can also address 

textural inconsistencies within the skin while also 

allowing for a mid-dermal toning effect of the skin. 

The down time for these treatments is 

minimal, with two to three days of aggressive 

sun protection with sunscreen and barrier 

precautions, without the increased risk of 

hyperpigmentation. These treatments achieve 

best results with a series of treatments separated 

at 4 to 6 week intervals. 

As always, it is best to create a customized 

plan with your board certified dermatologist and 

an experienced esthetician to achieve the optimal 

results for your skin concerns. Lastly, make sure 

you lather that sunscreen on early and reapply 

often! Sunscreen will not only keep your skin 

youthful but will also help keep away ultraviolet 

damage that can lead to skin cancers. 

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, cosmetic 

procedural dermatology, in addition to routine medical dermatology. His office locations are in Cumming, 

Dawsonville, and Dahlonega. He may be reached at 770-800-3455. 



Changing Behavior 

and Weight One 

Shot at a Time 

By Narendra Singh, MD 

The pandemic has brought out the best and worst in us with respect 

to weight management. During the shelter in place stage many of us 

found solace through treks to the fridge and the TV. That decadent 

duo led to unprecedented weight gain for many. Others found that a 

less hectic lifestyle and more outdoor activities allowed for weight loss 

and overall improved cardiovascular fitness. 

discontinuation rate was under 5% in this trial. 

The main side effects of the medication also 

contributes to its success. Semaglutide causes 

delayed gastric emptying and slows down transit 

time through the gut. It also reduces glucagon 

(normally raises sugar) and increases insulin 

(normally lowers sugar) as well as working on the 

brain to curb appetite. The net effect of all this is 

to give a feeling of fullness in the stomach which 

reduces the desire to eat. Should you choose to 

overindulge the side effects kick in (nausea, 

vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating). 

As a result, you are less likely to overeat the next 

time! This negative feedback loop is an important 

behavioral change that will contribute to your 

weight loss success. 

Semaglutide first started as a medication 

for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. An oral 

formulation (Rybelsus) and an injectable 

formulation (Ozempic) improve the A1c level in 

diabetics while causing weight loss. Importantly 

in the diabetic population semagutide has 

been shown to be safe and help reduce serious 

cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, 

stroke, and death. Our research team at NSC 

Cardiology is involved in a worldwide trial called 

SELECT to see if semaglutide in overweight 

individuals without diabetes can show the same 

cardiovascular benefit! 

Mechanical options to lose weight such as 

the gastric balloon, bariatric surgery and lapband 

procedures also exist but are reserved for 

conventional treatment failures. Drugs should 

never be first line therapy. Our current strategies 

however are not effective enough to curb this 

other pandemic called obesity. We need to use all 

our resources to help reverse projected trends. If 

diet and exercise are not getting you to goal, then 

see your health care provider about some of these 

promising new options! 

We are not, however, winning the battle over 

obesity. A staggering 42.4% of the USA population 

is deemed obese defined as a BMI (body mass 

index) of greater than 30. BMI tables can easily 

be found on the web and require only your height 

and weight to calculate. A BMI between 23-27 is 

healthy, 27-30 is overweight, 30-40 is obese and 

greater than 40 is morbidly obese. 

My previous articles have focused on the key 

steps to losing weight. They are not complicated 

but a challenge to sustain over time. Key 

strategies include avoiding refined sugars and 

sugar-sweetened drinks, eating more protein, 

eating less carbohydrates, eating more fiber-rich 

foods, exercising regularly, reducing portion size, 

tracking your food intake, eating slowly, and 

getting good quality sleep. 

Unfortunately for many, dietary changes and 

exercise are not enough. Some supplements such 

as caffeine and green tea extract have provided 

modest benefit. Weight loss pills in the past have 

had limited success and a poor safety profile 

with many being pulled from the market. A new 

class of medications called GLP-1 RA (glucagon 

like peptide receptor agonist) hope to change 

that trend. The first to be approved was a daily 

injection called liraglutide (Saxenda). More 

recently a weekly injection semaglutide (Wegovy) 

has become the leader in this class. In a pivotal 

trial of about 2000 overweight individuals there 

was a 15% weight loss (average of 33 lb.) over 68 

weeks. The top dose was 2.4 mg per week and the 

NARENDRA SINGH, MD, 

FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA 

Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical College 

of Georgia at Augusta University, 

Director, Clinical Research 

Director, Clinical Research, NSC Research, 

Atlanta, GA 

Director, Canadian Collaborative Research 

Network 

Affiliated with North Atlanta Heart and 

Vascular Center 

1400 Northside Forsyth Dr. | Suite 340 

Cumming GA 30041 

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. | Suite 1401 

Johns Creek GA 30024. 

(770) 887-3255 

DrSingh@nsccardiology.com 

heartdrsingh.com 


Keeping Your Eyes Healthy 

While Facing Diabetes 

By Mira Sivan OD, AAOMC 

IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, YOU ARE 

MOST LIKELY AWARE THAT YOU ARE 

AT RISK FOR VISION PROBLEMS. High 

blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry 

vision, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. 

As a matter of fact, diabetes is the primary 

cause of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74. This is 

why it’s critical to have an optometrist examine 

your eyes regularly to evaluate your eyes before 

you notice any side effects of vision problems. 

Cataracts, which can cause blindness, 

develop at a younger age, and progress faster 

in adults with diabetes over people without 

diabetes. People with diabetes are twice as likely 

to develop cataracts. High blood sugar levels 

cause a build-up of cells and proteins in the eye’s 

lens which makes it cloudy. 

Believe it or not, most major eye diseases 

caused by diabetes only take five to ten years to 

develop. Damage to your eyes from uncontrolled 

blood sugar develops over time but can cause 

major issues. 

Did you know with diabetes you may be 

more likely to get eye infections like pink eye 

too? If your diabetes is not controlled properly, 

it can lower your immune system which lowers 

the ability for your body to fight off any type of 

infection. You can keep eye infections at bay, 

keep your blood sugar levels under good control, 

wash your hands, and do not touch your eyes as 

often as possible. 

Needless to say, when you have diabetes, it 

is important to control your blood sugar levels 

as much as possible. Many optometrists will not 

prescribe contact lenses or glasses to diabetics 

who do not have their sugar levels under control, 

because sugar spikes can affect your vision and 

the prescription they would prescribe would not 

be accurate. 

You should reach out to your 

optometrist if you suffer from any 

of these symptoms as they can 

signal an emergency: 

• Flashes of light 

• Any holes in your vision 

• Black spots in your vision 

• Blurred vision 

Mira Sivan OD, AAOMC Optometrist and Orthokeratologist | FOR YOUR EYES ONLY EYECARE | 678-648-5185 | www.fyeo-eyecare.com 


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20FORSYTH 

Maddy 

WE R 1 EXCLUSIVES 

www.wer1exclusives.com • 678.929.2992 

Owned and Operated in Marietta, GA 


MINDFULNESS 

FOR SELF-CARE 

By Ashley Baer 

Mindfulness is a buzz word that is popping up all over, but what is it, and how can it help 

you? Mindfulness is moment to moment purposeful awareness without judging what 

is happening in that specific moment. In laymen’s terms, it is being aware of what you 

are doing when you are doing it while staying out of the past or future, truly showing 

up for your life. A study by Harvard University, showed we lose almost 47% of our life 

lost in thought. I don’t know about you but I do not want to miss a minute of this life! 

So how do you practice Mindfulness? Think of mindfulness as an umbrella, 

and under it are many ways to become mindful such as meditation, 

mindful movement, mindful eating, or simply asking yourself, “Where is 

my mind right now?” Even as you read this, the mind may drift into the 

past, future or simply daydreaming. 

A few simple Mindful practices to add into your day are: 

• Start your day with gratitude. The mind cannot be both negative 

and grateful at once. 

• Take five minutes to meditate. 

• Throughout the day, notice where your mind is, bring it to what is 

happening right now. 

• Pause throughout your day to take five deep breaths. 

• Take movement breaks-take a walk or stretch. 

• Get outside in nature. 

Mindfulness benefits us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Studies 

show practicing mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, increases focus, 

improves sleep, decreases blood pressure, boosts the immune system, 

and improves overall happiness. Why aren’t we all doing it? 

As a mindfulness and meditation teacher, I often hear excuses on why 

it can’t be done such as, “Oh, I have too many thoughts,” or “I don’t 

have time.” Too many thoughts are the human condition as we all have 

between 60,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day. Science shows that it only 

takes five minutes to rewire the brain. Aren’t you worth five minutes? If 

your mind is not in this moment, you are missing this moment! 

ASHLEY BAER is a meditation and teacher on 

the app Insight Timer. To learn more, visit her 

page: http://insig.ht/ashleybaer


Sawnee Reading 

WARRiors: 

A Program Honoring Shannon Warr 

School personnel decided Shannon’s 

passion for reading and education would 

not end. “Our team spoke about different 

ways to remember Shannon and continue 

her legacy,” explained Derrick Hershey, 

Sawnee Elementary School Principal. 

And so was Sawnee’s Reading 

WARRior Program born. 

“Our goal is to have a book in the hands 

of every student that walks into our 

school,” stated Sharon Hamilton, Sawnee 

Elementary School’s Bookkeeper. 

Every kindergarten student upon 

entering Sawnee will receive a book; 

Every 5th grade student leaving Sawnee 

Elementary will receive a book – one they 

take home and it theirs to keep. 

Why a book? Because ownership of 

a book is just the start of opening a world 

of possibilities. The benefits of early 

reading are numerous, and include: 

Brain development: Reading is like 

exercise for the brain! The young mind 

is like a sponge that absorbs knowledge 

and the earlier a child reads the better. 

Early vocabulary development: A 

behavior instilled at an early age is 

a behavior learned for life. Exposing 

children to words at an earlier age 

introduces them to lots of new 

vocabulary and helps them understand 

how words are used in different contexts. 

Improved reading: The more words 

kids are exposed to by reading, the 

better their comprehension skills. 

When Sawnee Elementary School’s beloved 

Media Specialist Shannon Warr died after a 

long batter with cancer, the school personnel 

felt the loss of one of their greatest assets. 

A remarkable teacher, colleague and friend 

was no longer around the corridor or at the 

library. Her spirit, however, was still alive. 

Better writing: Writing is a skill. 

Whether it’s writing simple things like 

birthday cards or complex things like job 

applications in later life, knowing good 

words makes all the difference! 

Better communication: When children 

are exposed to a wide range of words, 

including those which carry different 

meanings depending on their context, 

they can communicate better and 

express themselves in more ways. 

Creating a hobby: Why do you think kids 

always want to be read bedtime stories? 

Because it’s fun for them and a soothing 

activity before drifting off to sleep. 

Professional skills: It’s no secret that 

high proficiency in English is needed in 

various types of jobs and listed as an 

acquired skill. 

A special note is attached 

to every book. 

“You have been selected as a Reading 

WARRior because you are brave and will 

fight to do what is right. The book was 

donated in memory of another WARRior, 

Mrs. Shannon Warr. She was a teacher/ 

media specialist at Sawnee Elementary 

from 2014-2020. She inspired others by 

her bravery, positive attitude, and love of 

reading. You are receiving this book as 

a legacy from one Reading WARRior to 

another. Be brave. Be a positive force in the 

world. Be a reader.” 

To donate to the Sawnee Reading 

Warrior Program visit 

https://tinyurl.com/ReadingWarrior 

Dream Big. Dare to 

Fail. Stay Strong. 

Be Positive. 

- Shannon Warr 

ABOUT SHANNON WARR 

Shannon was born in Atlanta and attended 

Pace Academy. She then received a B.A. in 

English from Sophie Newcomb College of 

Tulane University where she was a member 

of the Chi Omega fraternity. After getting 

married and the birth of her first child, she 

obtained a B.S. in Early Childhood Education 

from Thomas College and a master’s in 

education from Piedmont College. Shannon 

worked for over 20 years in Forsyth County 

elementary schools including Daves Creek, 

Sharon, Johns Creek, and Sawnee, working 

as a Gifted Teacher, Classroom Teacher, 

and Media Specialist. She also enjoyed 

travelling with her family and visited 

over 25 countries on 4 continents. When 

diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, she 

was disappointed at the lack of knowledge 

and support among those similarly situated. 

In response, she started a YouTube channel 

to chronicle her journey with treatment 

and to offer education and support to 

those themselves or with family members 

on the same path. Her video journals had 

hundreds of subscribers and encouraged 

viewers from all over the world. 



Mountain Education 

Charter High School: 

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR A SECOND CHANCE 

Often referred to as non-traditional schools, charter schools 

provide education at the same level as traditional schools while 

allowing for some flexibility in schedule and classes for students 

who are not able to meet the standards for time set by conventional 

school systems. 

Mountain Education Charter High School (MECS) a charter 

high school that provides students with top notch education in 

an environment where partnerships are built with local schools, 

teachers, and other partners to provide students with a wellrounded 

education. 

“By partnering with local school systems, families and community 

partners, we are able to nurture education excellence by engaging our 

students in a meaningful learning experience in a student-centered, 

self-paced, evening high school,” explained Site Administrator Kim 

Barnes. “We offer course credit recovery for students so that they can 

stay on track for graduation, dual enrollment opportunities to jumpstart 

the college experience, and a hands-on approach to finding out 

the best course of action for each student.” 

The school and its faculty, leadership and students are 

led by the following guiding principles: excellence, servant 

leadership, empowerment, integrity, community, and meaningful 

human relationships. 

Mountain Education Charter High School (MECS) has 

partnered with Pearson Education/GradPoint, Apex Learning®, 

Odysseyware®, and ©USA Test Prep to design and implement 

appropriate and individualized curriculum that focuses on state 

standards. 

COURSE OFFERINGS INCLUDE: 

• CTAE/Electives 

• Health/Personal Fitness 

• English 

• Math 

• Science 

• Social Studies 

• Foreign Language 

Anyone who attends a graduation ceremony for a senior class 

will leave with a heart full of hope for our future. Mothers, 

fathers, grandparents, siblings, teachers, administrators – a 

myriad of individuals with one common desire – to celebrate the 

accomplishments of every student who, despite challenges and 

turbulent circumstances, and against all odds, marched across the 

stage to receive their high school diploma. 


A young mother who, as a sophomore in high school 

found out she was pregnant, continued her education with the 

flexibility the MECS provided. With the help of her family, 

completed her courses. Along with her daughter, Micayla 

Puffer celebrated her graduation and the accolades that 

come from earning the highest G.P.A. for their year among 

her classmates. 

The support, mentorship, and guidance that each student 

receives is a welcomed relief to those who otherwise may have 

given up on school. 

Enrollment is open for both full-time students and credit 

recovery students. There is no charge for full-time students. 

Students who are jointly enrolled with a regular day school 

program will pay determined tuition costs. Tuition costs may 

vary based on the school district in which the student is enrolled 

full time. 

A board of directors oversees the charter school’s operations, 

budgets, and more. Charter schools are available in numerous 

counties, including Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Gilmer, Pickens, 

Stephens, and White counties, to name a few. 

Through the generous donations made by faculty, staff, parents, 

and friends in the communities we serve- MECHS is able to provide 

support for scholarships, student projects, faculty development, 

community engagement, and other student initiatives. 

For more information about Mountain Education Charter 

High School, visit www.mymec.org. 

1160 Dahlonega Highway | Cumming, GA 30040 

678.965.4971 


TIPS To Overcome Emotional Overwhelm 

For Peace, Productivity and Perspective 

By Christine Roberts 

DOES THIS EVER HAPPEN TO YOU? 

You wake up in a cold sweat thinking 

about a bunch of “stuff”... 

...and the more you lay there the worse 

it gets... 

Or you are sitting at your desk and the 

list of personal and work “to dos” stops 

you in your tracks and makes you feel 

stuck as you freeze up and worry. 

You cannot do anything because your 

mind and heart are racing. 

or punctuation...and if you throw in some cuss 

words, that’s ok. The point here is to get everything 

out of your head into tangible form. The benefits? 

It can counteract negative effects of stress and 

strengthen your immune system response! 

Second, now walk away. Once you have emptied 

your mind, change gears and change environments. 

When you get outside your perspective changes, 

which allows you to recalibrate your thinking so 

you can come back to your brain dump with a 

fresh outlook on the things that were causing the 

overwhelm, which allows you to approach it with 

intention and make adjustments. 

of us to stifle our emotions and are rewarded 

for keeping our feelings under wraps which 

contributes to the vicious cycle of emotional 

overwhelm. The antidote can be simple: slow 

down and notice your breathing. Check out a 

guided meditation. I personally enjoy Deepak 

Chopra and Oprah’s various meditations. You can 

also search for guided meditations that “walk” 

you through the process. Or simply, sit anywhere 

that you are comfortable, close your eyes, focus 

on your breath inhaling and exhaling deeply. Do 

this for at least 3-5 minutes, although longer is 

better. This habit will allow you to experience a 

tremendous difference in your level of peace. 

The crushing feeling of overwhelm is 

taking you down. 

Ugh...yes, I know the feeling...been there, done 

that...and still do that sometimes! However, there 

are 3 specific tips that will help you overcome 

this emotional overwhelm and provide you with 

the peace, productivity, and perspective that you 

need to get you unstuck and move forward. 

First, do a brain dump. That’s right, get it all 

out! All those voices swirling around need to 

get out of your head and transfer to a written 

document. You can write, journal, type, talk-totext—whichever 

allows the words to flow out 

stream of thought. Don’t worry about grammar 

Neuroscience studies show that getting outside 

improves your health because you’re breathing in 

phytoncides—airborne chemicals produced by 

plants—increases our levels of white blood cells, 

helping us fight off infections and diseases. 

Third, breathe. Your breathing becomes shallow 

when you feel stressed...and we often don’t realize 

it! This causes your blood pressure and heart rate 

to increase. Our culture has programmed many 

When we can get caught up in patterns of 

thought that don’t serve us, they can become 

well-worn paths. Reset your thinking and your 

mindset with these three tips: brain dump, walk 

outside, breathe—and you will be well on your 

way to peace, productivity, and perspective. 

For more ways to feel long-lasting peace and 

productivity, take my Mindset quiz to figure out 

what kind of reset is best for you. 

Would love to hear from you, leave a comment or connect on FB and Instagram 

@ ChristineMRoberts10 and/or LI @ Christine-M-Roberts with your thoughts, or 

visit ChristineMRoberts.com 



Academies of 

Creative Education 

A FRESH START. ANOTHER WAY. A HOME TEAM. 

These are, fundamentally, the reasons the Academies 

of Creative Education (ACE) exist. Comprised of Forsyth 

Academy, Gateway Academy, and Forsyth Virtual Academy, 

ACE houses non-traditional educational programs that support 

students and families who need something a little different from 

the traditional school experience. 

While the start of any school year is always exciting and filled with 

the promise of new adventures, this year in particular held special 

meaning for the faculty and staff of ACE, as well as the students and 

their families. This is because for the first time since the inception 

of these programs, all three were united under one beautifully 

constructed roof, thoughtfully designed to meet ACE’s unique needs 

while providing a state-of-the-art facility in which to learn, teach, and 

lead. Who could ask for a better way to start a new school year? 

While the structure itself is beyond comparison, what has been 

truly extraordinary to watch is how the space has come to life, 

changing each day as it morphs from just an incredible building 

into a home. In preparing for the year, Mr. Drew Hayes, the 

principal of ACE, decided the theme for the year would focus on 

being a HOME TEAM for kids and 

families, especially those who struggle 

to find a sense of belonging. Acknowledging how a true sense of 

home does not just happen, Mr. Hayes spoke about how people, 

particularly this team of dynamic educators, create, cultivate, and 

nurture a sense of home. The goal: for every student to know the 

feeling of belonging, safety, and comfort of home. 

For the ACE team, home is a place where everyone gets a fresh start, 

every day. How many times have you or someone close to you, needed 

another chance, just one more? And then, after getting that chance, 

maybe needed another one, and probably one more along the way. One 

of ACE’s teachers aptly compared what ACE does to the concept of a 

video game—you mess up, you click the button and go again. The idea 

of infinite opportunities. One more chance is why ACE exists. 

Home is also about finding another way, a better way. Our 

world is changing so fast, and in the ACE home, everyone knows 

there is not just one way to learn, to solve a problem, or to best 

work with children. Often, we all have to, and get to, figure out 

another, alternative way to help our kids be successful. 

ACE is grateful to Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden, the Forsyth 

County Board of Education, and the community for having the 

vision to provide the new ACE building and support alternative 

learning opportunities for all children and families of Forsyth. 

Drew Hayes is the principal of ACE. He can be reached at dhayes@forsyth.k12.ga. us. 

Bethany Blumenshine is one of the assistant principals with ACE. She can be reached at 

bblumenshine@forsyth.k12.ga.us. 


The ACE Gaming Lab is open to all students and 

encourages creative play, resiliency, and teamwork. 

The media center was designed to not only encourage 

a love of reading, but also to provide a variety of 

collaboration spaces for staff and students alike. 

Principal Drew Hayes and Assistant Principals Bethany Blumenshine, 

Gail Freund, and Phil Lyerly gather at the Grand Opening in July to 

celebrate the new building with the community. 

One of two cafes, the main ACE cafeteria creates an inviting atmosphere with all the 

natural light and delicious smells from the kitchen. Not only does the cafe serve ACE 

students, but other district employees are also welcome for breakfast and lunch. 

Tucked in a favorite corner in the media 

center, Harry Potter has also found his 

home with ACE. 

ACADEMIES OF CREATIVE Education School 

1160 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040 | 770.781.3141 | www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/forsythacademy 


Mighty and 

Focused. 

Dedicated and 

inspirational. 

WHEN DENISE CARLETON RIDES INTO A ROOM, 

PAY ATTENTION. NOTHING GOES TO WASTE. 

Carleton is the founder and at the impetus 

behind Teacher Reuse Exchange (TRE), a 

non-profit organization that enables teacher 

in Forsyth County public, private, pre-K or 

home schools (not virtual learning), as well as 

other Forsyth County nonprofits who serve 

children, to have access to new and gently 

used materials for classroom and educational 

use. Nothing stops this dynamic force, not 

even a tragic accident that left Carleton with a 

T4 spinal injury. Carleton is paralyzed from 

the waist down. 

“The TRE opened on July 22, 2020. It 

provides an innovative approach to the 

recovery and reuse of teacher, school, 

business and community discards and 

donations,” Carleton explained. “We want to 

keep items out of the landfill and put them in 

the hands of teachers and children. Let's fill 

classrooms - Not the landfill!” 

The TRE is dedicated to and operated 

exclusively for non-profit purposes and 

promotes an ethic of conservation and reuse 

of valuable reusable resources. The program's 

mission is to enable local educators to have 

access to free materials for classroom use 

and to divert reusable resources from the 

landfill. Organizers provide free instructional 

materials to educators, donated by businesses, 

individuals, and manufacturers. 

If you would like to partner or sponsor the TRE or have 

any questions, please call, or text Denise Carleton at 

770-490-1083 or email carleton.denise@gmail.com. 

www.reapingnature.org 

763 Peachtree Parkway, Unit 4 

Brannon Office Park, Cumming, GA 30041 

Open Tuesdays & Thursdays - 4pm to 6pm 

Donations by Appointment Only 

TRE STEERING COMMITTEE 

Denise Carleton 

Executive Director 

Lindsey Adams 

Forsyth County Schools Board of Education 

and Former Teacher 

Marilene Cunningham 

Sawnee Women’s Club and Retired Teacher 

Sue Javors 

Sawnee Women’s Club and Retired Teacher 

Denise Webb 

Forsyth County Schools Teacher and Keep 

Forsyth County Beautiful board member 

Christine Murphy 

Sawnee Women’s Club and Former Teacher 

Hadley Bates 

Anshul Chandwadkar 

High School Representatives 


Brecht Stables & Dustin’s Place 

THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING 

“Being raised with 

horses, I grew to 

understand their 

love and behavior. 

Most of all, I 

learned what a 

horse can bring 

to a child’s 

small world.” 

- Lynn Brecht 

An equine therapy and experiential adventure 

camp for individuals with physical and mental 

disabilities, Brecht Stables & Dustin’s Place was 

founded in 2009 and is located in Cumming, 

GA. Sleep away camps, Western riding, and 

horse boarding are offered at Brecht Stables. 

Owner Lynn Brecht decided to quit her 

desk job and follow her dream of running a 

therapeutic riding center. A single mother of 

two boys, the program also offers EAP and EAL. 

“I am a big believer in changing your path 

if you are not happy with your life, and the fact 

that you are never too old to follow your dream,” 

Lynn stated. 

At age 20, Lynn had a son who she named 

Dustin. Dustin has Down Syndrome. 

“My son has fought through many challenges 

in his short life. He stopped breathing at home, had 

open heart surgery, medication to keep his heart 

pumping, multiple ear tubes, RSV, phenomena, 

and bronchitis every year, and genetic counseling. 

But Dustin has been my greatest teacher. He is an 

amazing boy who faces everything in life with a 

smile and knows no stranger,” Lynn added. 

Therapeutic horseback riding, 

also known as Equine Assisted Activity or Adaptive 

Riding is for individuals with a broad range of 

physical, emotional, cognitive, and social disabilities, 

including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, 

Tremors, Seizures, Spina Bifida, Multiple Sclerosis, 

and Developmental and speech delays. 

The benefits of therapeutic riding are numerous, 

and include improving motor planning, core 

strength, attention span and bilateral skills, 

stimulate muscle memory, and improve fine and 

large motor skills. 

“Dustin’s Place functions smoothly because of 

the generous donations of time and money from our 

volunteers. You do not need to have any experience 

with horses to volunteer, but you must not be afraid 

of horses to assist in the barn. If you would rather 

stay out of the barn, we could also use your office or 

fund raising talents,” Lynn added. 

For more information about Brecht Stables & Dustin’s Place or to schedule a tour 

visit www.brechtstables.org or e-mail Lynn at lynn@brechtstables.org. Volunteers 

and donations are always welcomed. 

ABOUT LYNN BRECHT 

Lynn is certified through 

EAGALA, the global standard 

for psychotherapy and 

personal development 

incorporating horses, 

for Equine Assisted 

Psychotherapy Learning. 

She is also certified as an 

Equine Special Olympics 

Coach for the state of 

Georgia and has a certificate 

in HorseWork through Strides 

to Success. She is the lead 

therapeutic horseback riding 

instructor at Brecht Place, 

with over a decade of hands 

on special needs experience, 

lifelong horse experience 

and also owns and runs the 

facility. Lynn also has her 

wilderness first aid through 

NOLS and certification of 

Camp Director through 

American Camp Association. 

Lynn Brecht, ES 

Brecht Stables & Dustin's Place 

www.brechtstables.org 

678-644-5243 


WHAT TO DO WHEN THE 

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON 

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

A CUSTOMER CAME INTO 

THE SHOP AND TOLD US 

“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 

IS ON, AND THE AUTO 

PARTS PLACE TOLD ME 

IT WAS FOR A CATALYTIC 

EFFICIENCY CODE – WHAT 

DOES THAT MEAN, AND 

CAN I IGNORE IT IF I DON’T 

NEED MY EMISSIONS 

STICKER FOR ANOTHER 

8 MONTHS?” 

We hear this often and it means a very expensive part of your exhaust, 

the catalytic converter, may need to be replaced. Any shop with the 

right scan tool can then diagnose if the problem is indeed the catalytic 

converter (or ‘Cat’ as it is often called) or some other malfunction. If 

the ‘cat’ has failed, the next question often is “could I have prevented 

this?”. The answer is a definitive ‘perhaps.’But let’s back up – what 

does a catalytic converter actually do? It simply uses precious metals 

to superheat and convert air-polluting oxides of nitrogen, unburned 

fuel and carbon monoxide into plain old nitrogen, carbon dioxide 

and water. It should last at least 100,000 miles or more, so what causes 

them to fail? Well time is certainly a factor. The precious metals 

are slowly degrading as the car runs, and once they are used up and 

have hit end-of-life the converter simply cannot function effectively 

anymore. But their life can be significantly reduced if the engine is 

not operating correctly, and that’s 

where damage prevention is critical. 

Let’s get back to our customer. When 

we asked him if the check engine light 

had been on in the past, he told us 

“Yes, they told me it was a misfire but 

the engine seemed to be running OK, 

so I didn’t get it fixed right away.” Ah 

hah! Mystery solved. When a vehicle 

is experiencing a misfire, that means significantly more unburned fuel 

is being dumped into the exhaust and when that occurs the converter 

gets superheated and will often destroys itself. It can actually melt the 

ceramic honeycomb inside it if enough fuel enters. 

So, provided you do not have any misfires you should be OK then – 

right? Well unfortunately it’s not quite that simple. The problem is 

the catalytic converter must first heat up in order to start the burnoff 

process, and it uses the heat of exhaust to warm up. But on cold 

starts the car adds extra fuel (remember the chokes on carburetors?) 

and there is not enough oxygen to burn off the extra fuel. To fix 

this problem, most modern cars add 

supplemental air provided by a pump. 

These pumps are regulated by solenoids 

and valves which can burn out and 

corrode. That will cause the Check 

Engine light to come on, which is often 

ignored because the engine seems to be 


unning fine. What the owner doesn’t know is that on cold start the 

converter is being loaded up with fuel and when it finally reaches a 

high enough temperature it has to burn off all that excess fuel. The 

result will often be permanent damage as temperatures inside the cat 

can exceed 2,000 degrees. But wait – there’s more! We often have folks 

that will ignore a Check Engine light when they find out it’s just an 

oxygen sensor code. The problem here is that sensor may in fact be 

accurately reporting too much oxygen due to a vacuum or exhaust 

leak, which will cause the computer to add more fuel, and we have the 

same problem. Ignoring a very simple inexpensive fix to a vacuum line 

could end up costing thousands as converters contain gold, palladium 

or rhodium and are not cheap. Or the O2 sensor might be reporting 

an out of limits condition due to worn piston rings or valve seals that 

are dumping oil into the exhaust, or an internal coolant leak that is 

allowing coolant into the exhaust. If any of these problems continues 

long enough, they will destroy the catalytic converter. Also, in any of 

these cases, replacing the converter is a waste of money if the other 

issue(s) are not addressed. We have also seen cases where a sharp blow 

to the converter, due to bottoming out the vehicle or hitting an object 

in the road, has damaged the catalyst material or the metal housing of 

the unit, blocking the flow of exhaust gases out the back (and hurting 

engine performance). In addition, certain fuel additives can (and do) 

counteract and prematurely age the catalysts. And the latest issue you 

may have noticed here in Forsyth County is the theft of converters. 

Trucks and SUVs that sit up high are especially vulnerable. So what’s 

the bottom line? When your CEL comes on, before you choose to 

ignore it, become knowledgeable about what it really means or could 

be indicating. Don’t believe the first thing you read on the internet 

that says you can ignore it, speak to a qualified technician. Because 

avoiding a simple fix now could cost you a whole lot later when it comes 

to a catalytic converter replacement. And one more thing, there are 

companies making cheap replacement converters. Will they allow 

you to pass emissions if you install one? Yes. Will they last past their 

one-year warranty? Probably. Will they last anywhere near as long as 

the original one? Definitely not… The reason they are inexpensive 

compared to original equipment units is they use far less precious 

metals. The extremely thin layer of metals applied will be used up 

VERY quickly and you will be buying another one sooner than you ever 

wished. You get what you pay for when it comes to catalytic converters. 

Happy motoring, and stay safe out there on the road!! 


The Country Preacher 

By Rev. David Hill 

How blessed we are to live in this 

wonderful country. Our forefathers sailed 

seas that were uncharted and unknown to 

anyone they were acquainted with. These 

were the brave people we read about in our 

geography class. It was a period of time 

when it was believed that sea monsters 

would swallow their ships like attacking a 

minnow. Some thought they would reach the 

end of the world, fall off and sail right into 

the abyss. Why would we not honor them 

for their bravery? Why would they not be 

a hero? President Reagan once said, “Those 

who say that we’re in a time when there are 

no heroes, they just don’t know where to 

look”. Today, we envision people stepping on 

to the surface of planets that can be seen only 

through a telescope. 

The definition of a hero is “someone 

admired for bravery, greats deeds, or noble 

qualities”. In a Greek play, it was a man of 

more than human strength, courage, or 

ability. John 15:13 says “Greater love hath 

no man than this, that a man lay down his 

life for his friends”. Heroes aren’t people 

who are faultless! God chooses leaders 

that are “blameless” because of repentance 

(II Corinthians 7:9-10) but not sinless. 

His biblical leaders chose character over 

personality with a willingness to repent if 

going the wrong direction. Only Jesus Christ 

could challenge us by saying “Which of you 

convinceth me of sin” (John 8:46)? Abraham 

didn’t wait for God to give him the promised 

son, Isaac, and had an illegitimate child by his 

wife’s maid. Noah was faithful for 120 years 

with one night of uncharacteristic behavior. 

Two of his three children became pagans. 

Moses had a problem with anger when he 

joined in a fight. Later he struck the rock 

twice picturing the Messiah dying twice for 

sins. Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely he hath borne 

our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we 

did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and 

afflicted”. King David saw a woman taking a 

bath and conspired to murder her husband. 

God lets us see the humanity of His heroes 

so we could see that He is a forgiving Father 

who still loves us when we fail. “Come now, 

and let us reason together, saith the LORD: 

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be 

as white as snow; though they be red like 

crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18). 

In Luke 15:11-32, God shares a story of a 

father whose patience, love, and kindness to a 

wayward son makes him a hero. The son had 

taken a portion of his inheritance and used it 

for immoral purposes. When he was broke, he 

had nowhere to turn except to go home to the 

father in shame. Instead of rebuke, the father is 

waiting. He sees him a great way off. The hero 

of this story is the father. Sin separates families, 

ruins lives, and takes away any opportunities 

left behind. The son does not recover his 

losses. Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in 

heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” 


John A. Fischer 

CHAPLAIN/NACM 

The Forsyth community has seen significant 

population growth, bringing new “Friends & 

Neighbors” to the area who are “un-churched” 

but hold to Christian beliefs. With the millennial 

generation also growing significantly and 

becoming more secular in their religious beliefs, 

the need for a Certified Celebrant to assist these 

families and individuals in preparing for and 

officiating “Life Tribute Services” for departed 

loved ones is very apparent. 

John Fischer, a former Radio announcer, 

News Director, and Disc Jockey, prior to 

his successful business career, has become a 

Certified Life Tribute Celebrant, graduating 

from the Insight Institute, and a Community 

Chaplain, certified and ordained by the National 

Association of Christian Ministers. 

Chaplain Fischer meets with bereaved 

family’s to learn about their loved ones life 

influence and assists with developing the actual 

service format, including special readings, 

music selections and the eulogy, to make 

each service exclusive and personal for each 

Family. Chaplin Fischer encourages family’s 

not to forego this vital element of the grieving 

process, which has a real emotional impact and 

can last for a considerable time. He said that 

“even a brief graveside service helps to begin 

the process of “Closure” and accepting the 

passing of a loved one.” 

In addition to the Celebrant Ministry, 

Chaplain Fischer conducts Bible Studies at 

local Assisted Living Facilities and is available 

for preparing special invocations for family 

gatherings and reunions and also community 

and civic events. 

He can be contacted at 

johnafischer7605@gmail.com and 

(770) 866-5875. 

JOHN A. FISCHER, Chaplain/NACM, Certified Celebrant/Insight Institute 

7605 Abbey Glen Drive | Cumming, GA. 30028-8959 | (770) 866-5875 


By Maria I. Morgan 

My pace quickened as I walked across the cul-de-sac. I rang my 

neighbor’s doorbell and waited for her to answer. What followed was 

a beautiful reminder of what happens when we leave our comfort 

zone and step out in faith – God provides. 

The neighbor was happy to meet me, and her son was excited about 

the book and candies I gave him. We chatted for a few minutes and 

exchanged phone numbers with plans to get together soon. Although 

a small thing, I did what the Lord wanted me to do and He provided 

perfectly. 

I was reminded of a woman who stepped out of her comfort 

zone several centuries ago and witnessed the power of Jesus in a 

miraculous way. 

Jesus was dead and had been buried in the tomb of a rich man. The 

disciples were in hiding, afraid they may be killed next. In spite of the 

risk, after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and other women bravely 

went to anoint Jesus’ body with perfume. When they got to the tomb, 

the stone was already rolled away and the grave was empty. Two men 

in shining clothes assured the frightened women that Jesus had risen 

from the dead. 

BLESSINGS 

Outside Your Comfort Zone 

Mary and the others wasted no time sharing the unbelievable news 

with the rest of the disciples. Peter and John ran to the tomb and 

found things as the women had said: the stone was moved and Jesus’ 

body was gone. While the disciples went back home, Mary stayed at 

the grave crying. 

A man spoke to her. Thinking he was the gardener, she asked where 

the body of Jesus was. Instead of answering her question, the man 

only had to say one word: 

“…Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to 

say, Master.” John 20:16; KJV 

By Maria I. Morgan 

Awkwardness can be, well, awkward. The 

silence that drags on after you stop talking. 

The embarrassment that lingers when you 

make a mistake. The self-conscious feeling 

when you’re not sure how to respond. 

The other day I was determined to introduce myself to the neighbor 

across the street. Although I was looking forward to getting to know her 

and her young son, I have to admit it’s more comfortable for me to focus 

on a project or to encourage my core group of friends. 

Because Mary was willing to step out of her comfort zone, she was the 

first to witness the resurrected Savior. 

How much more encouragement do we need? Let’s take a step of 

faith today. 

Can I pray for you? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and constant 

encouragement to walk by faith. Forgive us for doubting You. Help 

us actively look for the opportunities You give us today to step out 

of our comfort zone and experience Your perfect provision. You’re 

worthy of our praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 



ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 

AUTOMOTIVE/CAR REPAIR 

SERVICES 

Christian Brothers Automotive – pg. 55 

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

BREW PUB/TAPROOM 

Cherry Street Brewing Taproom – 19 

770-205-5512 | www.cherrystreetvickery.com 

CYBER SECURITY/ 

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 

Critical Path Security – Inside Back Cover 

770-224-6482 | www.criticalpathsscurity.com 

CRISIS INTERVENTION 

Corner Farms– pg. 33 

770-355-2755 | www.cornerfarmsforsyth.com 

DANCE ACADEMY/ 

INSTRUCTION 

Cumming Dance Academy – pg. 3 

770-781-4922 | www.CummingDanceAcademy.com 

EMBROIDERY 

Amigo Embroidery – pg.59 

404-216-5740 | www.amigoembroidery.com 

FINANCIAL PLANNING 

Arseneau Advisory Group – pg. 15 

470-839-9001 | www.arseneauadvisory.com 

HEATING/VENTILATION/ 

AIR CONDITIONING 

Shelnutt HVAC – pg. 61 

706-265-5854 | www.shelnutthvac.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 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Adam Pendleton Photography – pg. 17 

678-208-7077 | www.adampendleton.com 

Bryan White Photography + Art – pg. 628 

770-889-3202 | www,braynwhitephotography.art 

MEDIATION 

Fairway Mediator.com – pg. 61 

678-769-6729 | www.fairwaymediator.com 

PHYSICIANS/MEDICAL 

SERVICES 

Apollo Spine and Pain Center – pg. 43 

678- 771-8266 | www.apollospineandpain.com 

Dermani MedSpa – pg. 41 

www.dermanimedspa.com | 404-942-2100 

Cleaver Medical Group – pg. 62 

770-800-3455 | www.cleavermedicalgroup.com 

Modern OBGYN – pg. 35 

404-446-2496 | www.reyesobgyn.com 

Narendra Singh, MD – pg. 39 

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

The Southern Skin and Beauty Bar – pg. 37 

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. 43 

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. 27 

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

Palapa’s Bar and Grill – pg. 21 

770-889-1002 | www.palapasbargrill.com 

Tam’s Backstage – pg. 29 

678-455-8310 | www.tamsbackstage.com 

Tam’s Tupelo– pg. 29 

470-839-2024 | www.tamstupelo.com 

TOY STORE 

Wheezy’s Toy Boutique – pg.5 

713-516-3985 | @WheezysToys 

TRANSPORTATION/ 

NON-EMERGENCY 

ABW MedTrans Solutions – pg. 61 

678-567-6644

My Forsyth Magazine

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