400 Life June 2021

400 LIFE JUNE 2021

Atlanta Hobby delivers the fun Find the perfect Father’s Day gift

How one man turned his passion for art into a thriving business Inside: Fountain’s Food Adventures finds best burger spots | Recently retired fire marshal talks about 40-year career

Battle of the Burgers

David Fountain, a local food enthusiast and our community’s Best of Forsyth Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, continues his monthly mission to uncover and support FoCo’s local favorites.

As spring closes and summer approaches, the season for burgers is only beginning. This month, David wanted to highlight some of our community’s best burger spots in hopes to provide you, our readers, with a new favorite spot while also helping these restaurants regain some of the business they may have lost during the pandemic.

LUCA BRASI’S Bethelview Rd TAM’S BACKSTAGE/ TAM’S TUPELO Ingram Ave/ Buford Rd CHERRY STREET BREWPUB Halcyon HOBNOB Halcyon BUFFALO’S CAFÉ Buford Hwy VICKY LOU’S BURGERS Browns Bridge Rd

HONORABLE BURGERS

WORTH THE DRIVE

Summits Wayside Tavern The Rising Sun Burger

THE VORTEX Atlanta OLDE BLIND DOG IRISH PUB Milton FIGHTINGTOWN TAVERN Blue Ridge THE MONTHLY FOOD ADVENTURE CONTINUES WITH LAKE ACCESS LOCATIONS: As the hot summer sun is here to stay for the season, Lake Lanier becomes a popular destination for summertime fun! We hope to share the best restaurants that can be reached by boat, so let us know your favorite restaurants on Lake Lanier.

The burger adventure continues with The Gainesville Times - read the article and browse the pictures at www.fountainsfoodadventures.com, or follow the “food adventure” on Facebook and Instagram.

Village Burger The Village Burger Rooster’s Café Bacon Cheeseburger Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Breakwater Burger The Burger Stop Bacon Cheeseburger SoFo Modern Cuisine & Cocktails SoFo Burger

Tastings made possible and Sponsored by

contents from the editor

Father’s Day is right around the corner. If you’re struggling to find that perfect gift for dad, take a trip to Atlanta Hobby.

You will be amazed at all the remote-controlled vehicles, airplanes, telescopes, cars, trucks and drones. Cliff Whitney and his team of professionals will help you get over any fear of operating one of their products. And they have toys for kids, too!

You may remember our story last December about how students at Sawnee Elementary got a new place to play with beautifully painted activity courses. We caught up with the artists who helped make their dream come true .... The Wall Nut. His work is amazing. It makes us smile as much as the kids.

In April, Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Siggelkow retired after 40 years with the Forsyth County Fire Department.

We got a glimpse into what that career was like and how retirement is going. He helped make the department what it is today.

The American Legion Post 307 in Cumming has an amazing OTO-Melara Mod 56 105 mm howitzer cannon, affectionately known as Howie. Inside, find the story of how the cannon got restored. And be on the lookout for Howie at local events.

Don’t miss Fountain’s Food Adventures’ picks for places to find the best burger!

Happy Father’s Day! — Tracie Pike

4 The team at Atlanta Hobby ready to help you play Atlanta Hobby’s Cliff Whitney has trained his team to provide in-depth, experienced knowledge to customers who are veteran flyers or novice hobbyists. From flight training to community connections, the goal is the same: they want people to know how much fun this stuff is. If you haven’t visited the store, now is the time.

10 The Wall Nut: Man rediscovers his passion as an artist Andy Burt has renewed his passion for art through his business, The Wall Nut. Whether it’s walls or pavement or the side of a barn, he’s leaving his mark and creating smiles along the way.

contributors Publisher Stephanie Woody

Director of Revenue Leah Nelson

Managing Editor Tracie Pike

Advertising Tim Anderson Stacy Clark

Staff writers Sabrina Kerns Special contributors Jennifer Colosimo Jim Dean Photographer Ben Hendren

18 Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Siggelkow,

This magazine is a product of the www.ForsythNews.com Sign up for daily newsletters at ForsythNews.com

20 Howie is a 105-milliliter Italian-

second from left, retired on Tuesday, April 27, after 40 years. He talks about his long career with the Forsyth County Fire Department.

made Mod 56 Pack Howitzer that has been restored. Check out Howie’s 16 Fountain’s Food Adventures tries story in this month’s 400 Life. burger joints this month.

June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 3

Cliff Whitney and his team at Atlanta Hobby.

Things that Go

How Atlanta Hobby reignites a passion for playing outside — just in time for Father’s Day Story by Jennifer Colosimo | Photos by Ben Hendren

C

liff Whitney, founder and owner at Cumming’s worldfamous Atlanta Hobby, is living out his dream.

He is a flying fanatic and crazy about remote-controlled toys, intricate telescopes, and the like, and he gets to play with them every single day — and make a living doing it.

It’s more than that, too, as he has curated a close-knit team of associates who share his passion, and are

4 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

keen on his wish to expand the hobby community, grow interest in the industry and help people discover what lies beyond their tablets and smartphones. Simply, he reminds us how much fun playtime can be.

For Whitney, it began with his grandfather’s love of flying, which was passed down to his dad and

Continued page 6

realized again in him. Unfortunately, a lack of funds for flying lessons meant exploring that interest in other ways.

Instead, he built and flew model planes, started hang gliding, and picked up photography in his free time. His hobby evolved into a business to further feed his passion, but eventually, corporate came calling and he shelved that shop to spend 23 years at Wolf Camera.

There, he learned the ins and outs of running a business, so when the company went under it was time for Whitney to take his career — and his passion — back into his own hands. He reopened Atlanta Hobby a few years later, and it has been growing ever since.

That may be hard to believe, knowing that the number of hobby shops has decreased from more than 20,000 to less than 1,000 nationwide in the last 20 years, but Whitney has leveraged the experience and knowledge he’s gained since first starting his own business to keep Atlanta Hobby a growing success …and one of the best.

“I was taught to always change and help others,” said Whitney. “I have changed our business many times. We were the first in the U.S. to have an all-electric shop. We were the first in the drone business. We embraced moving from internet-only to retail and internet. As 6 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

Atlanta Hobby has become a staple in the surrounding area for all things remote control.

I feel very rewarded to know that we are and have been building products and enabling technology that can actually move society forward in a positive way.

-Atlanta Hobby owner Cliff Whitney on his team

an entrepreneur, we gamble all we have every day, and every decision we make impacts the lives of my family and the families of the associates that run my business.

You have to be all in.”

It’s paid off.

Under his Atlanta Hobby umbrella, he’s established UAV Experts, UAVExpertnews. com, and an FAA Drone pilot test certification program called UAV Ground School.

This conglomerate has enabled them to reach professional pilots, and as a result they’ve worked with National Geographic, The Weather Channel, CNN, ABC, and CBS. Their clients span many industries including real estate, roofing, The United States Defense Department, Homeland Security, FEMA, as well as many state and public entities including Georgia Emergency Management and the Georgia State Patrol.

It’s also fun to mention they’ve even taught media moguls like Tyler Perry and Phillip Grossman how to fly drones.

However, Whitney will tell you, his favorite clients are the various schools, kids and families he gets to work with.

“Our front door says, enter and be prepared to be amazed!” Whitney said. “I like seeing the excitement in kids’ and parents’ faces when they walk into our shop and see all of the aircraft hanging, and the wall of hundreds of RC cars and trucks, and the big telescopes. And then again when they take the controls for the first time and realize that they can do it. Lights go off in their heads and I smile because I know their life has been inspired for the better.”

For summertime play prep, kids of all appropriate ages can fly aircrafts, sailplanes, kites, rockets, and more; or drive race cars, monster trucks, military tanks, and the like; they can race power boats, challenge each other with unique puzzles, or create something new through an array of creative outlets.

The shop has everything a family or a business might need to build, repair or revamp models, all of the accessories to power up any kind of toy, and an on-site

Continued page 8

June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 7

support system, repair shop, and customer service team to help along every step of the process.

In addition, the shop houses a robotics department, the aforementioned drones, telescopes, cameras and microscopes, model kits, and even weather stations. It won’t surprise you to hear this, but that’s still not everything. What is surprising, is that it’s not overwhelming — what they don’t want people to think is that you’re on your own when you walk though these doors.

“Sometimes dads are afraid or cautious that they might not know how to operate our products,” Whitney said. “We go out of the way to give them the confidence to experience new things with their children. We know our products, we play with our products, and always treat folks how we would like to be treated if we were in their position. We thrive on asking our clients and guests a lot of questions, and then deliver the fun and stand behind it via the right solutions for their play or businesses.”

Whitney has trained his team to provide in-depth, experienced knowledge to customers who are veteran flyers or novice hobbyists.

From flight training to community connections, the goal is the same: they want people to know how much fun this stuff is.

“Kids, teens and adults need to get hands-on and there is no better time spent than time with your family,” Whitney said. “The benefit of the retail store is that it enables clients to come see, touch and feel the equipment. Everything is on display and can be flown or driven right here at the shop. It really caters to families looking for fun.”

Albeit leading the hobby pack, one thing to note is that this is an industry constantly changing, whether COVID-19 is affecting how people can shop and learn and experience toys, to working through local flying regulations, or learning the new, advanced electronics, and autopilot technology.

The silver lining was that COVID showed many families how much they needed to get outside and spend time doing things together, and that resulted in one of the best years for the Atlanta Hobby 8 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

MORE INFORMATION Atlantahobby.com, UAVExperts.aero and UAVExpertnews.com; 1220 Oak Industrial Lane Cumming GA. books (and the last 5 months was even better than that).

In addition, the more than 40,000 active clients from all over the globe who subscribe to the store’s weekly digital newsletters and videos will tell you, this industry is not going anywhere.

Whitney’s other passion? He’s invested in his team and treats them well. So much so, that his staff will tell you his business is his real hobby.

“My associates are the business, and for a business to succeed like we have, you have to respect each other’s skills and work together toward the common goal,” he said. “I have the most talented associates! I share all of my books with them so they can learn how the business operates. We have staff meetings and discuss what is happening with our clients and how the business is operating. We take in an intern each summer and let them work in each department one day to learn all about business.”

In fact, he calls this his biggest success, having the chance to work with and grow talented groups of associates that will, in turn, grow themselves and change the world.

“The hobby industry as well as photography and the now rapidly growing UAV/Drone industries are such emotional spaces; they touch lives and change the world at all stages. I feel very rewarded to know that we are and have been building products and enabling technology that can actually move society forward in a positive way.”

Now he’s really flying.

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Andy Burt has renewed his passion for art through his business The Wall Nut. Whether it’s walls or pavement or the side of a barn, he’s leaving his mark and creating smiles along the way.

‘This is what I should be doing’ Artists rediscovers his passion through faith, inspiration Story by Sabrina Kerns

A

ndy Burt grew up painting, creating small works of art for his friends and even taking art classes in high school despite never seeing his art as a career path.

He attributes his love for the craft to his mom, who he said was his first and greatest inspiration.

“I thought everybody grew up with an easel in their house,” Burt said. “I thought that was a normal thing to walk down the hallway and there be an easel there because my mom always had one out, painting.”

She was, he remembers, an incredibly gifted artist, and he recognized he had that same gift. But as he grew, graduated from high school and began looking forward to his career, he slowly started to use his gift less and less.

At the time, he did not see being an artist as a true career path. Much like many of his peers, he felt his path had to be a traditional one. He pictured himself in a 9-5 job, getting married, having kids and driving a station wagon. He did not have 10 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

Once God lit a fire under me, I realized this is what I should be doing. I had less worry about it knowing that I really felt like I was doing what I was supposed to.

-Andy Burt, The Wall Nut a plan to continue with his passions, and as a result, they got away from him.

One day as he redorated his kid’s room, however, he decided to paint a mural on the wall. He painted for the first time in years, and suddenly remembered just how much he loved it. That planted a seed in his mind that eventually grew into much more.

After nearly 30 years of working and raising kids, Burt found the inspiration and strength through his faith and loved ones to switch careers and follow his passion. Now, he works full time as the owner of The Wall Nut, his solo business where he has the chance to hand paint wall murals for businesses and schools throughout metro Atlanta.

Burt created The Wall Nut in 2014 just a few years after rediscovering his passion for painting. He said he was not looking to start a new career. He had been working in insurance for nearly 30 years at the time, and while he felt something was missing, he was happy with his job and company.

When he first started, he just wanted to get out and paint again.

During a difficult time in his life, he said his therapist had asked him what he felt passionate about and what he enjoyed doing outside of spending time with his family. In the moment, he had no idea how to answer the question. He enjoyed painting, but he also had not painted in a long time.

“I knew I had a God-given gift to paint and be creative, and I really wasn’t using it,” he said.

After that, he started going to an oil painting class taught by Rick Rennick, an art instructor with the Cumming Parks and Recreation Department. Once he started painting again, he didn’t stop. It encouraged him to start painting more and more, and he realized through his faith that he could use this gift to help his community.

“Once God lit a fire under me, I realized this is what I should be doing,” Burt said. “I had less worry about it knowing that I really felt like I was doing what I was supposed to.”

That is why when Tracey Smith, the principal at Mashburn Elementary School at the time, approached him about painting a mural at the school, he didn’t hesitate to say yes. He loved the opportunity to come to the school and paint for kids in the community.

He donated that mural, and then once word got out about his work, principals from other schools started reaching out to him.

He even started getting requests from schools outside of Forsyth County.

One day, he painted a mural in DeKalb County, and then once

Continued page 12

June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 11

that principal moved to a school in Atlanta, he began painting there. Through word-of-mouth and sharing his work on social media, the requests from both schools and businesses began to snowball, and eventually, they also began to pay him for the hours he was spending on ladders, painting works of art on their walls when he could.

He started spending less and less time working in insurance before leaving that career entirely. Burt was surprised to find at some point he could support him and his family on his art alone, which is how he was able to eventually start The Wall Nut. “It’s been a real blessing,” Burt said. “I’m finding this second career — this new joy through my passion. And it has been amazing.”

Burt described these days as the happiest of his life. He not only loves painting, but he loves painting for kids who usually also love seeing him work. While he usually doesn’t like painting in front of others, he said elementary students are the best audience.

He always tries to work during the day when he knows kids will be passing by so he can hear them as they walk by. They always shout, ‘You’re the greatest painter!’ and ‘This is so amazing!’ And he hopes that at least one of the kids walking by in the crowd will be inspired to find their own creativity, whether that is 12 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

painting or some other outlet like writing or design.

While beginning this new career, Burt also sought to inspire others with his art through volunteer work. He continues to donate murals and paintings to the community and nonprofits when he can, and one of his favorite organizations to work with is Sunshine on a Ranney Day, which helps to give dream room makeovers to children with long-term illnesses or injuries.

Continued page 14

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He remembers one painting he worked on for more than 80 hours for a girl in Gainesville who was born with a rare physical disorder. The nonprofit was working to build a therapy room for her above the garage in her family’s home, and she asked for the room to have a jungle theme.

Burt spent many weeks at the home, painting trees, monkeys and birds, creating the perfect jungle for the little girl to enjoy.

Now, he said he still keeps in touch with her and her family.

“Given this gift, I need to share it with others …. To help them

14 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

bring joy to a kid’s face, whether they’re in school or, in this case, they have an illness or an accident has happened, [I want to] be able to give it back to them and hopefully bring some joy and happiness to their lives through my gift of painting,” Burt said.

Through this work with different nonprofits and his new career doing what he loves in his community, Burt said he feels blessed and overwhelmingly happy to have taken the leap of faith he needed to get to this point in his life.

Now, he realizes the biggest lesson he can leave with others is

“it is never too late to follow your dreams or follow your passion.”

He said nothing else has ever been more satisfying or rewarding for him.

“I don’t think I could have done it without listening to my faith,” Burt said. “People may call it different things. For me, it’s my Christian faith, but for some people, it might be a pull or that gut instinct …. That voice inside my head, I finally listened to it, and I’m so glad I did.

Because life is short. I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in my life.”

You find The Wall Nut on Facebook and on Instagram @wallnutart Visit www.thewallnut.org for more information

June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 15

BATTLE OF THE BURGERS David Fountain, a local food enthusiast and our community’s Best of Forsyth Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, continues his monthly mission to uncover and support FoCo’s local favorites.

As spring closes and summer approaches, the season for burgers is only beginning. This month, David wanted to highlight some of our community’s best burger spots in hopes to provide you, our readers, with a new favorite spot while also helping these restaurants regain some of the business they may have lost during the pandemic.

Cherry Street Brewpub (Halcyon) Luca Brasi’s Traditionally known for their stellar pizza selections, this familyowned restaurant surprised David with their ability to also make a delicious burger. Owner Richard Stanley has turned his restaurant into his passion and dedicates all his energy into providing his customers with a wonderful meal. Out of their many appetizing burger options, David opted for the Cadillac Charlie. This half pound burger is their special blend of angus chuck, brisket, and short rib. Then topped with smoked gouda, applewood smoked bacon, house fries, lettuce, tomato, onion, and ranch. Yes, you read that right, the fries are on top of the burger. The fries add a unique texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other toppings, providing an overall exciting burger. The patty itself was cooked to medium, and every bite was tender and flavorful.

Luca Brasi’s menu is fun to explore and offers six other unique burgers for your tasting pleasure.

Richard and wife Bridget’s dedication to their restaurant is evident through their fresh ingredients and carefully crafted dishes, which are sure to leave you wanting more.

16 | 400 LIFE

| August 2020

Tam’s Backstage/ Tam’s Tupelo Owned by Brian and Kelly Tam, this pair of sister restaurants complement each other wonderfully.

Tam’s Backstage provides a more upscale feel that “offers a flavorful blend of American cuisines punctuated with a northern Italian flare.”

On the other hand, Tam’s Tupelo offers a “Cajun meets Memphis,” cuisine and provides a “warm and breezy, slow and easy” atmosphere.

David’s first stop was Tam’s backstage. He decided to try their traditional Backstage Burger, which includes a half pound of ground beef served on a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion.

Cooked to medium, this seemingly simple burger did not disappoint, and left David wanting more. Tam’s Backstage’s scratch kitchen uses fresh and high-quality ingredients to produce high-quality meals, and their Backstage Burger is no exception.

Across town at Tam’s Tupelo, David opted for the Tupelo Brisket Burger. This burger is a combination of chuck, fresh brisket, and short rib.

This was a flavorful twist from the Backstage Burger and provided a more dynamic flavor profile due to the blend of different cuts of meat.

Topped with bacon, cheese, pickles, tomato and lettuce, this juicy burger sure hit the spot. The Tupelo Brisket Burger was cooked equally well and provided a grill cooked taste.

Depending on if you are in the mood for upscale or casual, these sister restaurants are sure to satisfy your burger needs.

Located at the Halcyon, this upscale tavern and brewery sure does know how to craft a burger. Upon arrival, David and fellow foodie, Caroline Howell, were informed by their server that the Brewers PB&J Burger is a fan favorite, so David knew he had to try it.

This burger is made up of two, fourounce chuck patties, topped with American cheese, bacon, creamy peanut butter, and house habanero peach jam. While this burger may sound a little crazy, the smooth rich flavor of the peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy twang of the habanero peach jam. David was extremely pleased with the flavor profile and said he would have to come back soon for another. David also ordered the Ultimate Cheat Day Burger- two, fourounce chuck patties, topped with chorizo mac-n-cheese, chives, and beer-nbacon jam. If you have not already experienced the Brewer’s PB&J, this may be an exciting new flavor to try out. David recommends getting extra of the yummy beer-n-bacon jam.

Caroline decided to order the Turkey Burger and was also pleased with her meal. This turkey burger consists of a 6-ounce ground patty, formed with jalapeno, scallions, and cilantro, and topped with arugula, and pepper jack cheese. Sometimes turkey can come out a little bland, but Cherry Street Brewpub clearly knows how to spice it up. The turkey burger patty itself was packed with flavor and paired great with the arugula and pepper jack cheese. Each bite was flavorful and exciting as Caroline made sure to finish the entire meal.

HOBNOB Just a few strides away from Cherry Street Brewpub, HOBNOB at the Halcyon continues to impress with their uniquely crafted food. Described as “refined tavern fare with southern flare,” this location offers burgers that David made sure not to miss. David opted for their American Burger, which includes American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, bread & butter pickles, and not so secret sauce. This seemingly simple burger exceeded David’s expectations. Crafted by Chef Quiana, the American Burger arrived with perfectly buttered buns that are sure to make your mouth water.

David described the burger as “juicy and flavorful” and said that it left him wanting to try more of their options. David’s fellow foodie friend decided to try out the turkey burger. Topped with provolone, tomato, arugula, pickled onions, and mayo, this burger was a pleasant surprise. Their Turkey Burger serves as a healthier alternative to their traditional burgers, but don’t worry, it still tastes great.

Buffalo’s Café Arriving at Buffalo’s café, David was promptly greeted and seated.

Looking over the many burger options David decided to order the Hangover Burger- a half pound burger topped with crispy bacon, fried egg, fried onion straws, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and pickles.

Although David did not test the hangover-killing properties of the burger, it sure satisfied his hunger. The crispy bacon and fried egg make this burger feel like breakfast, but better. With special attention from General Manager Erik Ehlers, David’s meal and service were both wonderful.

Vicky Lou’s Burgers Vicky Lou’s Burgers is what pops into mind when thinking of a delicious local burger joint. The burger menu is small and simple, but do not let this fool you.

According to David, their cheeseburger with bacon, tomato, and lettuce with a side of fries sure hit the spot. The burger was cooked to perfection and gave David a reason to return. Given their wonderful burgers and friendly service, this burger joint is definitely a place to try!

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Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

The Vortex

After spending the day exploring the quaint and charming downtown Milton, the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub is the perfect location to take a break and enjoy some remarkable food. As David first walked in, he was pleasantly surprised with the fun Irish décor. From Celtic signs to the life size mannequin of Scottish icon William Wallace, this Irish Pub sure knows how to keep the interior exciting.

Olde Blind Dog offers a “build your own” burger, allowing for complete customization for your perfect patty. David built his burger with cheddar cheese, fresh jalapenos, crispy onion strings, sauteed mushrooms, and bacon. The burger was cooked to medium and tasted wonderful. Between the crunch of the onion strings, the spice of the jalapeno, and the juicy flavor of the patty, this burger provided the perfect tasting experience for David. Their beef is locally grown from Stone Mountain Cattle Company, and their quality is evident as soon as you take the first bite.

The Vortex is a special place if you are looking for unique burgers and a challenge. Upon arrival, David noticed the framed picture of their different Coronary Bypass Burger selections.

They offer a single, double, triple, and quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger. David knew he wanted to try it, and decided the double was the perfect size. This burger is by no means simple, but the volume of this meal far surpassed David’s expectations. The top and bottom bun of this burger are replaced with two griddled patty melt sandwiches, and that is only the beginning. Inside the two patty melts, there is an 8-ounce flame-grilled sirloin patty, many slices of American cheese, 2 fried eggs, 12 strips of bacon, grilled onions, dinner relish, and mayonnaise — making one epic burger. As if this burger was not enough of a challenge, it comes with 10-ounces of fries and tots topped with cheese and bacon bits.

David described the burger as “too good to put down,” and was able to eat the entire Double Coronary Bypass Burger. Cooked to medium, David said the burger was extremely flavorful and juicy, and continued to taste great the whole way through. He may not have completed the challenge due to avoiding the fries and tots, but the cheese smothered, bacon covered, multilayered burger sure satisfied his appetite.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES WITH LAKE ACCESS LOCATIONS As the hot summer sun emerges, Lake Lanier becomes a popular destination for fun! We hope to share the best restaurants you can visit by boat, so let us know your favorite restaurants on Lake Lanier.

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June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 17

400 faces

Ed Siggelkow, retired Forsyth County Deputy Fire Marshal Forsyth County Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Siggelkow, was sworn in on April 27,1981 by then Chief Jake C. Moore as a volunteer. He retired on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, “forty years to the day” from when he started.

E

d Siggelkow lived in Roswell as a young boy until his family moved to Cumming in 1972 where he finished elementary school. Siggelkow went to the Navy before returning home to Forsyth County.

“I raised two children in Forsyth County … I couldn’t have asked for a better place, between the school system, the park and rec system, the churches and the different programs they had … a great place to raise kids.”

What was your drive to get into the fire department?

Siggelkow started as a volunteer firefighter at Station No. 9 on Browns Bridge Road in 1981. A few things in his young life helped guide him to his career in the fire department.

“My drive came from my dad. I was in the Boy Scouts … I’m proud to say I obtained my Eagle Scout [rank]. I learned the motto ‘be prepared’ and ‘do a good turn daily,’ and that’s part of my fabric.

“My dad was a civilian volunteer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for inland waterways. I remember in the mid- to late70s, my dad had a 20-foot Sea Ray … and there was a group of them that would go out Sunday evenings — the Sundown Patrol — to make sure there was no visitor or resident that was broke down on the lake.

“Between that, dad setting that foundation to help others, and the foundations of scouting ... that’s part of my fabric.

“I remember chasing firetrucks as a teenager, that was a passion. I knew that was something I wanted to do. I wanted to help people.”

Photo Jim Dean 400 Life

Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Siggelkow, left, with wife Deena, holds a ceremonial axe presented to him during his retirement ceremony on Tuesday, April 27.

he had a fire inspection. He had a variety of violations … I always took the time to explain to people what the problem was, why it was a problem, what the code was.

I could point them in the direction of what they could do… when I came back it would be code compliant.”

When he went back for re-inspection the business owner had everything repaired and told Siggelkow: “I want to thank you.

You have that badge on your chest. You could have come in here and shut me down. You took the time to explain to me what the code says. Now my goal is to make sure that when you come back every year, that you won’t find anything. You’ve educated me and I appreciate that.”

What call stood out?

Was it hard to leave?

“I can’t say this call or that call was the one that stood out. We had a job to do.

“I wasn’t looking for accolades. I wasn’t looking for a pat on the back.

“What really stand outs in my mind as a fire inspector and the deputy fire marshal is the ability to reach out to so many people and teach them … fire safety, the fire codes. Whether its business owners, HOAs … citizens of the county.

There were inspections that stuck with him.

“Years ago I did an inspection [in a factory]. It had been a pretty good while since

“I’ve grown this to a certain point … [it’s time] to pass it on. I’m in a good place. We’re in a good place.

“I’ve always had the mindset that … I want to leave a project … I want to leave it in better shape than it was when I started it.”

When asked about the transition to the next person who will do the job, Siggelkow said that he left them in good shape and told them: “I’m just a phone call away.”

“What we’ve accomplished with the support of our citizens, the county com-

18 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

mission and the staff here at the fire department is nothing short of amazing.” he said. Sigglekow was sworn in as a member of the Forsyth County Fire Department on April 27,1981 by Chief Jake C. Moore, and retired on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, “40 years to the day” from when he started.

What is retirement like so far?

“It’s a funny feeling … In 15 years, I’m not attached to two phones and ... a portable radio. That’s a weird feeling.

“It’s a refreshing change … Not to say I don’t miss the work. I miss the work, I miss the people I worked with and the citizens I worked with.

“There’s friendships there, there’s comradery.”

Would you ever go back to work?

“When it’s late fall, dead of winter ... I don’t want to be a couch potato, so I may try do [a few] days at Lowes or I may try to do something with private companies where they do third-party fire inspections … at a local level.”

Siggelkow spends time with wife, Deena and his two dogs and two cats in Cleveland on the Chattahoochee River.

— Compiled by Jim Dean, Tracie Pike

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June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 19

American Legion Post 307 in Cumming shows off the restored OTO-Melara Mod 56 105 mm howitzer cannon, affectionately known to the group as Howie.

‘Howie’ restored to perfection The charitable hand of Bear Mountain Custom Painting to the rescue In early 2020, American Legion Post 307 in Cumming, came to the realization that its dilapidated 105 mm cannon mascot had the potential to help its resurgent new leadership fortunes. A cannon restoration committee was formed. At the time, it was thought that this cannon was a U.Smade M101 howitzer.

For expert confirmation, a photo of the cannon was sent to a Rock Island Arsenal artillery reconditioning firm. The surprising response was, “That’s no M101; it’s an Italian-made Mod 56 Pack Howitzer. How did that cannon get into the U.S.?”

Whereas Post officers had heretofore referred to their cannon simply as “the 105,” the commit20 | 400 LIFE

| June 2021

Photos courtesy of Terry Dodd

tee affectionately renamed the howitzer “Howie.”

But there was yet another matter. A critical part of his armor was missing.

Howie was manufactured in 1982 and was capable of being dismantled into 11 subassemblies for transport across rough Italian terrain. And while its 33-pound ammunition projectile is the same as for the heavier M101, Howie lacked the two massive ballistics shields designed to protect its seven-man crew from sniper fire. If Howie were to be presented to the public as authentic, what to do?

That, however, is getting ahead of our story.

How had Post 307 come into possession of such a fine artillery specimen? Howie was captured in 1991 by the U.S. 3rd Army Division in Iraq during operation Desert Storm. Sometime afterward he was “appropriated” by an Army unit at Ft. McPherson.

Following that, the orphaned howitzer found itself in a succession of ownerships, including a private school in Dunwoody before ultimately being adopted by Cumming’s American Legion Post 307.

The Rock Island Arsenal artillery firm graciously contributed to the restoration project by locating an Italian engineering contact, who in turn provided the Post’s committee with architectural drawings of the missing ballistics shields.

A metal fabricator in Cumming subsequently took the drawings and had two 5mm galvanized steel shields cut and welded onto the cannon. The fabricator’s heavy-duty crane was used to dramatically but temporarily remove Howie’s formidable 2,800pound bulk. This allowed the trailer to be cleaned, painted and fitted with six heavy-gauge steel sign frames for planned sponsorship opportunities. A few days later the cannon was repositioned onto the trailer.

Painting the cannon itself would be the biggest single challenge to Howie’s restoration. The committee chairman had called around to see who might be able to handle the job and at what price, coming up with zero interest.

A call to Bear Mountain Custom Painting in Cumming led to a surprise response.

“We appreciate veterans,” said owner Rob Kozuch. “We’ll paint your howitzer and trailer at no charge!”

What? Yes. Sadly, Rob’s late wife Sonja had passed away from a heart attack in 2016. Shortly thereafter Rob began a charitable foundation in her name in order to help a few worthwhile local organizations.

The couple had started the painting and remodeling firm in 2005 and she had been involved in many giving programs. Rob began contributing 10 percent of Bear Mountain’s net profits to Sonja’s Loving Heart Foundation. One of the bigger charitable projects of the foundation had been Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids’ Program.

So, after some months, Howie found himself redeployed; his ultimate fate finally begun. American Legion Post 307’s purpose is that of veterans serving veterans, the local community and even the nation through various civic programs. It is especially proud of its efforts for veterans-in-need and the local community and its

high schools through various patriotic programs.

The Post meets monthly at Ingram Funeral Home’s Chapel, and handsome Howie howitzer has become a highly visual and appealing flag bearer for the Post’s fundraising efforts with bucket drives, parades, and the annual Cumming Veterans Memorial Ceremony.

The Post is indebted to many people and organizations for their active contribution to Howie’s rebirth, including the following: Two former Post 307 Commanders, Lamar Sneed and Mac McKinny; Kris Jansen of Artillery Systems and Manufacturing; Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Hunger of Jacksonville, Fla.; Steve West of Flex-Fab; Rob Kozuch of Bear Mountain Custom Painting and Sonja’s Loving Heart Foundation; the late Jim Page of Wilco Printing; Gary Ely, current Commander of Post 307; Terry Dodd, Cannon Restoration Committee Chair.

The Post meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the chapel at Ingrams Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave in Cumming, for fellowship and refreshments, and 6:30 p.m. for the general membership meeting.

-Story courtesy American Legion Post 307

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June 2021 | 400 LIFE | 21

E N J O Y I N G T H E O U T D O O R S S A F E LY

K

elly Mill Elementary School held a small dedication ceremony after school on Tuesday, May 18, for a shade structure covering outside tables donated by the Georgia Dermatology Center and Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

Dr. Alexander Gross, of Georgia Dermatology Center, attended the dedication ceremony to speak to teachers about why the shade structure, donated through the American Academy of Dermatology Adapt-a-Shade program, is so important for kids’ health.

“Having a place where kids can be in the shade when they’re in school when they’re outside is very, very important, as are the other things like wearing sunscreen and staying covered up,” Gross said.

Before the end of the ceremony, teachers and administrators thanked Gross for his contribution toward the structure for the school, and a sign is now erected by the shade structure to remind the kids to protect their skin.

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22 | 400 LIFE

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