400 The Life-February 2018

February 2018

Forty years of love Local couple still ‘comfortably compatible’ after all these years

INSIDE: Tips for keeping love alive • Romantic gift ideas • What’s coming up in entertainment

from the

Publisher

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to February.

It’s hard to believe that we are already into the second month of 2018 — it’s February and with that comes Valentine’s Day. So, we took this edition of 400-The Life and focused on that.

Inside, you will find gift-giving ideas for him and her, fun recipes and good music and movies as well as upcoming television shows.

Most interesting, I would say, is our cover story.

Learn about a local couple who has been married 40 years and has devoted themselves to giving to others. Whether it be those less fortunate or the many years they spent educating our youth in the local school system.

I had never heard compatibility described the way that it is described in that story — comfortably.

As I thought about it though, is there really a better way?

Don’t we all just want to be around those who “get us,” who make us comfortable, who we can be around without any awkwardness?

With that, my wish to each of you is that you spend time this month with those you are “comfortably compatible” with.

Stephanie Woody Publisher, Forsyth County News

COVER: Couple celebrates 40 years

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tips for keeping love alive

7

STEPHANIE WOODY, Publisher

Romantic gifts for Valentine’s Day

8

Artistic duo guests of honor at gala

10

Entertainment guide

15

FRANK REDDY, Editor TRACIE PIKE, Production Manager BRADLEY WISEMAN,

Director of Video Production, Photographer

KERRI IVIE, Creative Services Manager ADLEN ROBINSON, Contributing Writer KELLY WHITMIRE, Staff Writer CARMELA BARHANY, Advertising Director CONNOR KELLY, Advertising LOUANN BROWNLEE , Advertising

CHRISTOPHER KNOWLES, Advertising

This magazine is a product of the www.ForsythNews.com

Advertising rates available upon request.

Call (770) 887-3126 or email marketing@forsythnews.com

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THE LIFE | February 2018

‘We had the same values and shared the same mission’ - Dennis Whittle,

husband of Linda Whittle

Photos Bradley Wiseman

Linda and Dennis Whittle have been married 40 years, and during that time have made a name for themselves as educators and volunteers in the community.

By Adlen Robinson Those who have lived in Forsyth County any period of time may have likely heard of, or met, Linda and Dennis Whittle.

Married for 40 years, the couple has been a fixture in the county ever since — serving as educators, volunteers in the community and role models for all who know them.

Before they met, the two joined VISTA, Volunteers in Service to America, and traveled to Atlanta to attend training before being sent on their first assignment.

VISTA was created by the federal government in 1964 with the goal of overcoming poverty in America. Volunteers work in communities and try to find lasting solutions for residents struggling with poverty.

Even though the two were not physically together during the turbulent 1960s, both processed what was happening in similar ways.

“We both came to realize separately that we had to do more than just march or protest — we had to work for change,” Dennis said.

They decided to join VISTA to serve the nation and try to help as many people as they could.

They met in 1970 in Atlanta.

“I grew up on a farm in rural, upstate New York,” Linda said. “I

arrived at the Atlanta airport, out of my element, and a handsome young man who was also there for VISTA training came up to me and asked if I wanted to share a cab. That sounded like a great idea to me.”

Dennis chimed in: “That is a great pick up line.”

After a week of training, along with 10 other volunteers, Linda and Dennis traveled to Wilcox County, Ala. — an impoverished community.

It was one of the poorest counties in the country.

“It was such a shock to see the poverty we witnessed,” Linda said. “The homes were more like shanties. Many had dirt floors and inadequate plumbing.”

Dennis said the schools were completely different than the ones he’d been used to seeing.

“Many of the high school students couldn’t even read,” Dennis said.

While in Wilcox County, Linda and Dennis immersed themselves in the community, doing whatever they could to improve the conditions of the people.

Among other things, the couple opened a kindergarten in their home.

“We would go to people’s homes and say, ‘Do you have any 5 year olds?” remembered Linda. “Kids just showed up and we

Continued on 6 January 2018 |

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Keeping open communication is key to staying together as a couple, according to the Whittles.

taught them. We have always felt the only way to have lasting social change is through education, so we wanted to start there.”

It was during this time in Alabama, Linda and Dennis discovered how well they worked together and how much they enjoyed being together.

“We had the same values and shared the same mission. We wanted to make a difference,” Dennis said.

After a long year in Wilcox County, the two went their separate ways pursuing travel and other professional opportunities. They saw each other every now and then, before re-uniting as a couple in 1976. The couple married the summer of 1977 and never looked back.

By that time Dennis had pursued his master’s degree in special education, something that wasn’t all that common during that time.

Partially because of his advanced degree, the couple ended up pursuing educational opportunities here in Forsyth County that same year.

“I started as a special needs teacher at Chestatee Elementary,” Dennis said.

He began as a special needs teacher and went on to become principal of Midway Elementary and then of Chestatee Elementary.

“At that time, there was Ducktown Kindergarten so that is where I started,” Linda said. She went on to become director of early childhood, worked with curriculum for the county and taught preschool to children with special needs.

The couple officially retired in 2010, but never slowed their efforts

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to help others.

Besides being passionate about educating others, Linda and Dennis are major advocates for being involved and helping improve the community.

Upon arrival in Forsyth County some 40 years ago, the Whittles have been active in numerous organizations.

“I love the Cumming Civitan Club. They do such incredible things for the community,” Linda said.

Dennis is one of the founding members of South Forsyth Rotary Club and also enjoys his work as a master gardener.

“We love doing things together — we don’t argue — we are just comfortably compatible,” Dennis said.

When asked what advice they have for other couples, they both stressed communication.

“When an issue comes up, of course we address it, but then it’s done,” Dennis said.

Linda said their common interests are many: “We both have the same sense of adventure. We love visiting other countries and learning about other cultures.”

Avid travelers, the couple has been to all seven continents.

In addition, they both enjoy gardening in a massive garden on their 10-acre spread — named “Whittlehill.”

“Since I grew up on an active and working farm, canning and gardening have always been a big part of my life,” Linda said. “It is just natural to us and we love working on so many projects together.”

Keep love alive Whether you have been married five months, five years or 50 years, successful relationships have one common denominator: commitment to making it work.

While there are, natural, highs and lows when it comes to love, there are many things couples can do to keep their relationship fresh, fun and full of zest.

• Keep dating: Even if married for years, be intentional about dating. Remember how exciting it was back in the day when you knew you had a date coming up with your special person? Maybe you bought a new outfit, a new perfume or got your car detailed? Make it a habit to make regular dates.

• Plan overnight trips quarterly or at least once a year: Getting away from work and everyday routine is crucial. Even if it is an inexpensive camping trip, getting away from home, work and routines goes a long way toward rekindling that sense of you as a couple.

• Talk about yesteryear. Remind yourselves of why and how you fell in love to begin with. Even if you have told and heard the stories over and over again, there is something endearing about hearing your special person recount what it was about you that made them fall in love. If possible, revisit some of the places where you first met, places you went when you were first dating.

• Listen to music: There is a reason why music is often referred to as “the language of love.” Turn off the television and shut down your screens and put on a playlist of the music you both love.

• Write to each other: Whether you place a love note in his or her car or write a lengthy love letter, there is something about the written word that is always powerful. Even if you think you aren’t a writer, that special person is sure to appreciate seeing words that express how you feel about them.

• Cook together: Chopping vegetables together may not sound romantic, but add some soft music and a good bottle of wine, and you have a completely different formula. What you cook doesn’t have to be fancy or difficult. If you are cooking challenged, try one of those new home delivery services — they send you all of the ingredients, plus easy to follow recipes. You really can’t fail and at the end of the process, you and your special person get to enjoy a delicious, homecooked meal.

• Watch romantic movies: Especially old movies you watched when you were dating. Try old, classic movies — even ones that seem sappy. Films are sure to make you smile and snuggle even closer.

• Be unpredictable: Don’t wait for a holiday to buy flowers, purchase concert tickets or make reservations at that new and trendy restaurant — spontaneity is romantic and says you are thinking about him/her always and not just when the calendar says you should.

Compiled by Adlen Robinson

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Romantic gifts for guys and girls Are you a good gift giver? Some people are, while others are more challenged. Before picking up roses for Valentine’s Day, check out the following suggestions and up your gift-giving game. Ladies, why not surprise your guy with something special? Whether it is Valentine’s Day or just a special date night, your sweetheart is certain to appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Gifts for Her

COFFEE LOVER

Put together a basket with various fancy coffees, a stove top or portable espresso maker, a new to-go coffee mug and some Biscotti or other treat to go along with the coffee.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Give your sweetheart a coupon for a weekend getaway and watch her smile. If you really want to wow her, arrange for a babysitter (if needed), make dinner reservations at a restaurant where you are going, and plan for some things to do while there. She is sure to appreciate your efforts.

WINE LOVER

Include wines from different countries, along with a new set of stemless wine glasses, a few stylish wine stoppers.

SPA DAY

Give her the gift of a relaxing spa day, filled with a massage, manicure, pedicure and facial. If you want to really up the ante, give her the gift card along with a basket of spa toiletries.

BOOK LOVER

If she loves to read, put together a basket with books by her favorite authors, a cozy blanket, fuzzy socks, candle and a personalized coffee mug.

HEALTH NUT

Purchase a diffuser and various essential oils. Pair with a variety of healthy juices, a power greens product and a water bottle.

GARDEN LOVER

Fill a new watering can with various gardening tools, gloves, seed packets and a few indoor plants.

CHOCOLATE LOVER

Include various types of high-end chocolates, a personalized mug and a gourmet hot cocoa mix, some peppermint sticks and a teddy bear to round out the gift.

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410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 104 Cumming 30041 • 470-839-2985 www.nothingbundtcakes.com cumming@nothingbuntcakes.com Hours Mon.-Sat. 10-8 Sunday Closed.

Gifts for Him SPORTS TICKETS

A sports-loving man is sure to appreciate a few tickets to an upcoming game. It would also be sweet to give him a jersey representing his favorite team.

CRAFT BEER

Fill a cooler with various craft beers and add some of his favorite snacks to go along with his favorite beverage — perhaps add a few glass beer mugs too.

NEW ACCESSORIES

Put together a basket of new gloves, a hat, a scarf, cozy house shoes and a nice umbrella.

Compiled by Adlen Robinson

PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE TO THE FORSYTH COUNTY VOTERS S.R. 400

CITY OF CHESTATEE

GRILL MASTER

S.R. 20

CITY OF MATT

Propose Forsyth County be divided into: City of Cumming (County Seat) (Existing Boundries)

If your sweetheart likes to grill, get him some grill tools, an injector along with sauce, fancy wood chips or wood chunks, a few gourmet rubs and sauces, a basting brush and a digital thermometer.

City of Sharon Springs (East of Hwy 400, South of Hwy 20) City of Bethelview (West of Hwy 400, South of Hwy 20)

CITY OF BETHELVIEW

City of Matt (West of Hwy 400, North of Hwy 20) City of Chestatee (East of Hwy 400, North of Hwy 20)

MOVIE NIGHT

Get some tickets to a movie you might not normally want to see, but you know he would love: Think “Star Wars” or the latest action thriller.

COUPON BOOK

20 R.

S.

If he loves to tinker with projects, put together some various tools, new work gloves and safety glasses.

.

CITY OF SHARON SPRINGS 0

40

-Paid for by Hank Hanson

Cut Out & Mail In

PLEASE TELL OUR FORSYTH COUNTY STATE LEGISLATORS TO ADD TO THE NOVEMBER 6, 2018 BALLOT A VOTE BY FUTURE CITY RESIDENTS FOR:

1. Creation Of The New City Of Bethelview 2. Creation Of The New City Of Chestatee 3. Creation Of The New City Of Matt 4. Creation Of The New City Of Sharon Springs

Be creative and make various coupons for things you know he would love. Some ideas include, breakfast in bed, making his favorite meal and dessert, or having his car detailed.

HANDYMAN

S.R

NAME: ADDRESS:

Mail To: 4 New Cities, P.O. Box 422, Cumming GA 30028-0422

January 2018 |

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Artistic duo named guests of honor for Quinlan annual gala The 40th annual Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gala is just around the corner but the guests of honor already have been named. Long-time Quinlan members Jill and Patrick McGannon have been selected to represent the center at this year’s auction.

Amanda McClure, executive director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, said the McGannons are two of the most collected artists in the auction’s history. They will attend at the popular event on Saturday, March 3, and the Collector’s Preview Night on Thursday, March 1. Original pieces will be for auction during the gala at the Quinlan on Green Street in Gainesville.

For more information, contact the Quinlan at 770-536-2575 or www.QuinlanArtsCenter.org.

Drop in Tasting: Monday -Wednesday 7:00-9:00 $10.00 per person.

Themed Tasting: Thursday 7:00, Friday 7:00 and Saturday 2:00-9:00 $18.00 Per Person

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THE LIFE | February 2018

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PROUDLY PRESENTS

Chocolate recipes kids will love February is the month for chocolate lovers, but these treats are good any time of year. Each is simple to make and especially fun to make with the kids.

Crispy chocolate marshmallow bars 6 tablespoons butter, softened (plus more for the pan) 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted 1 bag (10 ½ ounces) mini marshmallows 6 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) Butter an 8-inch square pan. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides. In a saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons butter, marshmallows and cocoa over medium heat. Stir frequently until melted. Add cereal and stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan, pressing to fill pan. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Cool to room temperature and cut into bars.

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THE LIFE | February 2018

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Chocolate chip skillet cookies 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/3 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together baking soda, flour and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and combine. Stir in chocolate chips and pour into a buttered cast iron skillet. Bake until set, 18-20 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Chocolate covered bananas 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 2 bananas, cut into thirds 6 popsicle sticks 1/3 cup dry roasted, salted peanuts, coarsely chopped In microwave, melt chocolate, stirring every 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn. Press popsicle sticks into bananas and dip into chocolate, using a spoon to cover the bananas with chocolate. Place peanuts onto wax or parchment paper and roll chocolate covered bananas in peanuts and place on clean wax or parchment paper. Refrigerate 30 minutes and enjoy.

Compiled by Adlen Robinson

www.BullseyeMarksman.com VALENTINE SPECIAL Couples shoot for 50% off on Valentine’s Day. RANGE FEES AND GUN RENTALS ARE 50% OFF for Couples on Feb 14th.

LADY’S CLUB • Ladies Day every Thursday - Ladies shoot for 50% off range fees.

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January 2018 |

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Movies

Black Panther — Feb. 16: The latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes place after Captain America: Civil War and follows Black Panther as he tries to prevent a war starting in his kingdom.

Game Night — Feb. 23: Starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, “Game Night” features a group of friends whose game night turns into a real murder mystery.

Peter Rabbit — Feb. 9: The beloved children’s character Peter Rabbit will make his big screen debut in a 3D movie starring James Corden, Daisy Ridley, Margot Robbie and more.

Mu

Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods — Feb. 2: In his latest album, Justin Timberlake gets back to his Tennessee roots.

Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You — Feb. 16: “By the Way, I Forgive You” is Carlile’s first album since 2015.

The album’s first single, The Joke, was released in November and has been streamed nearly 800,000 times on Spotify.

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THE LIFE | February 2018

put on races for our community benefiting many local charities. Using what we have to help as many people as we can is what we’re all about. Can’t wait to see you at the store.

usic

Television Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. — USA, Feb. 27: This 10-part series will look at the unsolved murders of two of rap’s biggest icons.

Belle & Sebastian - How to Solve Our Human Problems (Part 3) - Feb. 16: The Scottish band will release its third mini-album in the “How to Solve our Human Problems” series in three months on Feb. 16.

A.P. Bio — NBC, Feb. 1: Glen Howerton (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) stars in this new series about a former philosophy professor who takes a job teaching AP biology in his hometown and clashing with the school’s principal (Patton Oswalt.)

Good Girls — NBC, Feb. 26: Three suburban moms — played by Christina Hendricks, Mae Whittman and Retta — attempt to solve their money problems by robbing a grocery store with toy guns.

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January 2018 |

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