400 Life May 2024

400 LIFE

Visit the new City Center location of the Veterans Memorial for Memorial Day

Adventure into summer reading

Get the lowdown on Sugar and find ways to cut down for your health

CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher

Stephanie Woody

Group Editor

Nate McCullough

Managing Editor

Michelle Hall

Advertising Director

Jessica Shirley

Advertising

Stacy Clark

Meghan Hernandez

Adam Schurlknight

This magazine is a product of the

Special Contributors

Sudie Crouch

Leslie Marinelli

Quill Sanders

Sabrina Kerns

Creative Services

April Seymour, Prepress Coordinator

Chelsea Sunshine, Lead

Graphic Designer

Courtney Smith, Graphic Designer

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400 places: New location for the Veterans War Memorial

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400 arts: Adventure begins at your library

400 tastes: Biscuit Barn under new owners, but still serving southern favorites

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400 wellness: The lowdown on sugar

Cumming Forsyth County Veterans

By Quill Sanders

The Cumming Forsyth County Veterans War Memorial celebrates the lives of the men and women of Forsyth County who have served in the military. Historically, the memorial has been located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, however, it is moving to the Cumming City Center behind the Lou Sobh Amphitheater.

The City of Cumming commissioned artist Gregory Johnson to design the memorial in 1991, following the Persian Gulf War. The memorial features pedestals bearing the names of Forsyth County community members who have died in conflict since the Civil War. A bronze ladder-back chair with a soldier’s uniform containing a dog tag that once belonged to a Forsyth County native representing the Vietnam War is also featured.

project is a true collaboration.

“The veterans actually supplied all the logos, all of the verbiage, we were just the mediators between the sign company and them, so they actually did all of that,” Archer said when discussing the plaques and monuments that will now be at City Center. Since 1995, the City of Cumming has been hoisting flags in memory of those who have served both at times of war and peace during an event that takes place the Friday before Memorial Day weekend dubbed the Avenue of Flags. Previously, the 300 flags have been put into the ground, but as the memorial moves, Crystal Ledford, the Forsyth County Public Information Assistant, said they hope to mount the flags along the handrails of the boardwalk at the City Center.

City Center Property Manager Jennifer Archer said the

“Originally, when we started City Center, it was an

War Memorial moved to City Center

option and it was just kind of shot down by the community… and over time again the grounds were settling, there’s cracks, all sorts of things, so it just made sense to move it here, elevate it, make it nice and something that will last,” said Archer.

Rather than spend time and money refurbishing the original granite pedestals, the city decided to move the memorial to the City Center and refresh the plaques and benches dedicated to those involved in the military.

City leaders and local veterans’ organizations said they are happy to move the memorial to be appreciated year-round by those who frequent the Cumming City Center.

“We spent about three or four months with a committee that included representatives from all the different veterans’ organizations,” said Ledford “… going over everything talking about designs talking about what they wanted to see here and just making sure we had the stamp of approval from the three different veterans’ organizations because it’s really all about them at the end of the day.”

The chair from the original memorial is featured at the new site. New plaques made to commemorate the local veterans’ organizations for the memorial.

Plaques commemorating wars from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan list those who lost their lives in battle.

Memorial Day is May 27, 2024.

Look for the Memorial Day flag page in your May 24-25 weekend edition of the Forsyth County News. Hang the flag as a way to honor and remember those who have served.

Reach out to local veteran’s organizations as a way to help our local service members and our community.

Photos by Quill Sanders LEFT TO RIGHT: Flags representing the various military branches fly above a large reflection pool.

400 arts

with Summer Reading Fun!

By Leslie Marinelli

We may be in the home stretch of the school year, but your public library is gearing up for our annual “busy season,” Summer Reading Fun!

The Library’s summer reading program is for all ages and everything is free. Here’s how you can make the most of your summer with events, resources, and services at FCPL.

MAKE READING PART OF YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES!

Say goodbye to the dreaded “summer slide” and keep reading this summer with FCPL’s reading incentive program. This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” will keep everyone in the family engaged through fun, free activities, and the chance to earn incremental incentives all summer long.

Fewer kids than ever are reading for pleasure today according to a Pew Research study. Reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it feel more like fun and less like a chore. Rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate students to keep reading.

What better way is there to see (and show off) your reading progress than by sporting a spiffy summer reading library lanyard filled with custom-designed, themed buttons earned for each reading milestone?!

So sign up! This program is for all ages, including adults. Track your summer reading and participate in fun activities to earn buttons, badges, and points toward awesome grand prize entries. Early registration for Summer Reading Fun begins on May 1, and the program runs May 23 through July 31, 2024.

Summer Reading Fun at the Library is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Forsyth County and the Forsyth County Public Library Friends and Advocates.

Visit ForsythPL.org/summer-reading-fun to learn more and get started.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

The Library also provides a fantastic array of free summer events for all ages. From magic shows, professional storytellers, and “explosive” STEAM programs for school-aged kids, to pop culture fandom series, art workshops, and escape rooms for teens and adults, there is something for everyone at FCPL this summer. Best of all, every program is free and open to the public.

Sign up for our Weekly Program Planner newsletter at www.bit.ly/FCPL-wpp and we’ll deliver a list of our highlighted programs for the weekend and week ahead to your inbox every Thursday.

KICK OFF YOUR SUMMER WITH A BANG!

Library summer reading kickoff events are the perfect way to set the tone that this summer is going to be a blast!

Don’t miss these amazing kickoff events this month at Forsyth County Public Libraries:

CAMERON’S ONE MAN CIRCUS

All ages welcome!

Comedy and amazing stunts performed by Cameron Tomele of Barely Balanced.

Tuesday, May 28, Hampton Park Library

 10:30–11:15 a.m.

 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

LEW-E’S COMEDY CIRCUS

All ages welcome! High-energy comedy, magic, and juggling.

Wednesday, May 29, Sharon Forks Library

 11:00–11:45 a.m.

 3:00–3:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 30, Cumming Library

 3:00–3:30 p.m.

 6:30–7:00 p.m.

SUMMER READING FUN KICKOFF AT CUMMING LIBRARY

All ages welcome! Drop in to kick off Summer

Reading Fun with crafts, games, and activities.

Thursday, May 30, 3:30–6:30 p.m. Cumming Library

SUMMER READING FUN KICKOFF AT POST ROAD LIBRARY

All ages welcome! Drop in for crafts, games, activities, and more!

Friday, May 31, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Post Road Library

MAGIC WITH KEN SCOTT!

All ages welcome! Friday, May 31, Post Road Library

 11:00–11:45 a.m.

 2:00–2:45 p.m.

For more information about Forsyth County Public Library or any of our resources or upcoming events, please visit ForsythPL.org or connect with the Library on social media @FoCoLibrary.

Leslie Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 21 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

FAGAN’S BISCUIT BARN TO UNDERGO CHANGES AS NEW OWNERS TAKE OVER

By Sabrina Kerns

A beloved Forsyth County restaurant that has served the community for 18 years will be going through some changes soon as a new owner takes over.

Fagan’s Biscuit Barn announced on Friday, March 15, that the Fagan family “struggled with the decision” to sell the restaurant that sisters-in-law Martha Quintana and Deana Fagan first opened in 2006.

“We would love to continue to own and operate it, but time marches on and changes

It states that Quintana plans to retire and spend more time with family and friends, and Fagan hopes to pursue another path in life and take time to heal after suffering through a tragic

The two decided to sell the restaurant to Feed the Well BBQ, a catering business in Cumming that also serves as an extension of The Well, a local nonprofit and Christian ministry.

“This is not a decision we have made lightly and cannot begin to tell you how much each and every one of you has meant to us and our success,” the announcement continues. “We have truly been blessed in our business in every way. Our customers, employees, and vendors have truly made these last 18 years wonderful years for us, and we will always appreciate your loyalty and support for us.”

Even though it will be under new ownership, customers will still be able to enjoy Fagan’s Biscuit Barn as it remains open on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming under a new name — Feed the Well BBQ and Biscuit Barn.

In a later announcement on Sunday, the new owners promised that the biscuits and southern breakfast foods that community members have come to know and love at the restaurant will remain on the

“The transition is marked by mutual respect and admiration between the new owners and the Fagan family,

The Fagan family announced they have sold Fagan’s Biscuit Barn, which had been serving up southern breakfast food since 2006. File photo.

ensuring that the essence of Fagan’s Biscuit Barn will be preserved and its legacy honored,” the statement reads.

But there will be some changes as the new owners plan to donate 100% of the restaurant’s profits back to The Well and its mission of providing a space for healing and community through Jesus Christ.

By investing profits back into the ministry, Feed the Well stated that it hopes to “enrich our community spiritually and materially, aligning with a mission of service and love.”

Customers will also see more direct changes in the restaurant as Feed the Well plans to add an exclusive BBQ menu filled with favorites that it has served in the community for the last five years. The owners plan to extend the restaurant’s hours for dinner service and will offer catering services with pickup, delivery and full-service options.

“Feed the Well extends a warm invitation to the community: to continue relishing the dishes that have become a part of local tradition, to explore new BBQ flavors as they are unveiled, and simply, to come and say hello,” the announcement reads.

For more information or to keep up with any changes as the restaurant transitions over to the new owners, follow Feed the Well on Facebook at www.facebook.com/feedthewellcatering.

Sisters-in-law Martha Quintana, left, and Deana Fagan, right, have operated Fagan’s Biscuit Barn, one of south Forsyth’s most popular breakfast and lunch spots, since 2006. Photo by Kelly Whitmire.

WTHE LOWDOWN ON

by Sudie Crouch NBC-HWC Health & Wellness columnist

hen we find ourselves wanting something sweet, we may not always stop and think about what we’re eating, especially when it’s one of our favorite treats. The truth is, we have far more sugar than we need in a day, and it’s because sugar is in a lot more foods than just those we normally think of when we think of sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends men should only have no more than 36 grams or 150 calories of added sugar per day and women six teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day. Considering that one can of soda has eight teaspoons of sugar, that can be a whole day’s serving in one drink.

WHY DOES SUGAR GET A BAD RAP?

Sugar tastes sweet and it’s typically in those foods we enjoy and use for rewards (cake, ice cream) as well as to comfort and soothe. So why does it get such a bad rap? Sugar can trigger cravings. If you’ve ever noticed that once you have something sweet, you want something else later, that’s part of the sugar cycle. The greater health impacts

from having too much sugar include tooth decay, diabetes, and heart disease.

HIDDEN SUGARS

Since sugar is also a naturally occurring substance, it can be found in many different foods. While some of our whole foods, like fruit, may contain sugars, it’s the processed foods we need to be cautious of that can have a lot of hidden sugar.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the leading sources of added sugars are sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts and sweet snacks. Remember when the fat-free products hit the market in the 90s? The fat was replaced with sugar, but we thought fat was the bad guy in terms of our health. Following that trend, we started to see an increase in obesity and diabetes. It wasn’t so much the fat that was impacting us but the sugar.

HOW TO CUT YOUR SUGAR

Reducing your sugar intake can feel like a daunting challenge – especially if you have a sweet tooth – but there

are some simple measures to help you reduce it. It doesn’t have to be completely eliminated all at once but can be a matter of reducing your intake slightly. If you have three sodas a day, start with eliminating one. Switch to unsweetened tea if you normally drink sweet tea. Fruits have natural sugars, which is why if you have a sweet tooth, it may be suggested to try fruit to quell that craving. Switching to water flavored with added fruit and cucumber slices can also be a great way to make a shift away from sugary beverages as well. Since one of the main places sugar can sneak in is in processed foods so being mindful of them is a great starting place. Opting for whole foods versus

processed can be a big step towards reducing your sugar intake.

WHAT’S A GOOD ALTERNATIVE?

As you start to reduce your sugar, you may be wondering which sugar substitute is the best one to use and this can be a tricky landscape to navigate as there is conflicting information about the potential side effects of use. Many of the various substitutes (aspartame, Ace-K, etc.) can alter our health biome in our intestines and have also created stronger sugar cravings. Our bodies aren’t able to recognize it as a substitute and may also have the same insulin response as if it was sugar too. Depending on your own personal preference

and dietary needs, you may decide that sometimes, just having real sugar is best as long as you’re within your recommended daily amount.

Additionally, a word of caution. Many people opt for sugar-free versions of candy or treats, hoping to reduce their sugar intake but those can be made with sugar alcohols that can cause extreme intestinal distress. If that is something you choose, be mindful of the serving size. As with most things, moderation is important, as well as learning how to read the labels. Making sure to reduce your sugar intake can help you reduce your risk for other diseases and help you have a healthier, longer life as well.

FROM THE CDC: OTHER NAMES FOR ADDED SUGAR

According to the Food and Drug Administration, added sugars include sugars that are added during the processing of foods (such as sucrose or dextrose), foods packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. Added sugars do not include naturally occurring sugars that are found in milk, fruits, and vegetables. If these appear in the ingredients list of your favorite beverage, you are drinking a sugarsweetened beverage.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/drinks.html

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/added-sugars.html

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/ sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much#:~:text=Men%20should%20consume%20no%20more,day’s%20allotment%20in%20one%20slurp

k Cane juice

k Corn syrup

k Dextrose

k Fructose

k Fruit juice concentrates

k Fruit nectars (such as agave nectar)

k Glucose

k High fructose corn syrup

k Honey

k Malt syrup

k Maple syrup and syrup

k Molasses

k Raw sugar

k Sugar

k Sucrose

k Sugar cane