Moments by Forsyth County News

September - October 2012

From Loss, Comes Strength Forging A Legacy

North Georgia Fall Festivals & Family Fun See inside

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012 Moments Magazine | July-August 2012

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John Hall Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Autumn Vetter Photographer Jeff Bucchino Graphic Design Contributing Writers Alyssa LaRenzie Crystal Ledford Jennifer Sami Autumn Vetter

Contents 8

Moments Mom

Meet Jinger Davison. The community helps educator and family forge son’s legacy.

10 For the Health of It

Preserving produce can be fun, addictive. Learn how with us.

12 Home Matters

Communicating with a child’s teacher helps parents stay involved.

22 Outdoors

Fall is full of festivals that offer family fun in North Georgia.

Forsyth Mom - Page 8

Moments Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040. Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com. Follow us online at forsythnews.com, as well as:

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments and

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

       

Book Clubs �� 14 Fashion �� 18 Smart Snacking �� 19 Travel �� 20 From the Cellar �� 24 Dinner Matters �� 26 School Spotlight �� 27 Moms at Work �� 28

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Welcome to

fter a long hot summer, it’s nice that the nights are growing cooler. Before we know it, the leaves will be turning.

Speaking of fall, make sure to read Autumn’s article in this issue of Moments about where to find the most colorful fall foliage. And with school in full swing, you’ll also want to check out my piece on how best to communicate with your child’s teacher. It was such a pleasure getting to know this edition’s Moments Mom, Jinger Davison, and Mom at Work, Lisa Selke. I love meeting people who are as passionate about their families as they are their careers. We hope you continue to enjoy Moments! As always, thank you for your positive feedback and feel free to send suggestions. Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. An award-winning contributing writer to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Moments Mom

From Loss, Comes Strength Community helps educator, family forge son’s legacy

ven as a little girl, Jinger Davison knew she wanted to be a teacher. “When we played school, I was always the teacher,” she laughed. “I have always loved kids. I just identify with them.” Davison said she particularly identifies with children who are trying to overcome obstacles in their lives. Her own father had cancer and her parents later divorced. “We moved around a lot,” she recalled. “My three brothers and I were always close and we are still a very tight-knit group.” Although when she was young she saw school mainly as a social event, Davison said she got serious about academics in high school and remained that way as she pursued bachelor and master degrees. “Once I graduated from high school, I was completely on my own,” she said, adding that she worked to put herself through

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

school. The determined Davison went on to graduate with honors. Her first teaching job after getting her master’s in learning disabilities was at Peachtree Junior High in Dunwoody. During that time, Davison met future husband Gary, who is now principal of Lambert High. The couple married in 2001 and that year he took the assistant principal’s position at Settles Bridge Elementary. A year later, he became principal there. Meanwhile Davison took a job as a “team teacher” at South Forsyth High. During this time, she learned she was pregnant with the couples’ daughter Grace. After a normal pregnancy, the Davison’s welcomed their more than 10 pound daughter into the world in 2005. Within hours Grace began having seizures and the couple’s joy turned to anxiety and fear.

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Moments Mom “We just prayed over her body and begged God to heal her,” Davison said. While the MRI showed Grace did not have any brain damage, the doctors expected her to be deaf or, at the very least, hard of hearing. Defying the odds and every bit her mother’s daughter, the now 7-year old Grace never developed hearing problems and is the picture of health. “She really is a miracle,” said her mother.

While she was in the NICU at Northside Hospital, one nurse became attached to Grace. “Devon Mercedes was there for Grace’s delivery and then she was her nurse in the NICU,” Davison said. “We remained close and recently Grace was in her wedding.” Born with a beautiful head of red hair, the nurse affectionately called her Strawberry Shortcake.

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Come for the Value, Stay for the Care Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

For the Health of It

You CAN do it!

Preserving produce can be fun, addictive

y small garden produced a record crop this summer, and I found myself with a table full of cucumbers and no way to preserve them for any length of time. Canning had always intimidated me, so I was at a loss for what to do. I called a friend, Lenore Buice, betting she would know how to can. A gracious Southern woman, Lenore told me to come on over. Lenore said she first canned as a little girl, but learned the most from husband Donnie’s late mother, Irene. “Every time I needed to know something, I just called her,” Lenore said. And Irene was apparently quite the canning machine, some years putting up as many as 150 quarts of green beans. When canning got to be too much for her, Irene gave all of her equipment to Lenore to continue the tradition of canning delicious fresh produce. 10

Despite my fears of giving friends botulism, Lenore assured me canning is not at all complicated. In fact, the part that takes the longest is Lenore Buice learned to can as a child, but honed the the preparation work before craft with the aid of her late mother-in-law. the actual processing. The first thing Lenore This is just so your jars are hot when taught me how to make was her you add the brined cucumbers and famous bread and butter pickles. onions. After that, you heat the lids in a Having tasted them, I felt honored to little pan on the stove so they are also learn any of her secrets for making hot, which helps them seal. them. Mix up your vinegar and sugar The first thing we did was to mixture, along with mustard seeds or make saltwater brine for the cut-up whatever else the recipe calls for. That cucumbers and sliced onions. The mixture should also be boiled. brine needs to cover everything before When you are ready, remove the you add ice. empty hot jars and fill them with They brine for three hours, but I the brined cucumbers and onions. A have read it can be longer if that helps special canning funnel is helpful here with your schedule. and worth the money. Wash the canning jars with hot Then, ladle the hot vinegar mixture soapy water and then place them in a into the jar over the cucumbers, few inches of water simmering on the leaving a little space at the top. Wipe stove. the lid with a cloth if it’s messy.

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Using tongs, top the jar with the lid, then screw on the ring. But don’t put it on too tight. Using a jar gripper tool for canning — again, worth the money and it costs just a few dollars — pick up the jars and put them back in the simmering water. Repeat until jars are in the pot, but aren’t touching each other. Add more hot water until up to the lid, or covering the jars. Process the pickles according to the recipe direction, usually 10 minutes once the water starts boiling. After that, use the jar gripper to carefully remove the jars from the boiling water and place them on a kitchen towel. Soon you will hear a little “pop” as the jar lids seal. Lenore said it is best to leave the jars undisturbed for a period of time, preferably 24 hours. And that’s it! After leaving Lenore’s, I went directly to a farmer’s market and to the canning department of my favorite super store. Then it was home to begin my canning adventure.

Despite my fears of giving friends botulism, Lenore assured me canning is not at all complicated. Simply put, canning is really fun. After making blueberry jam, blueberry chutney, peach preserves, chow chow, dill and sour pickles, lemon bay green beans, and a myriad of other things, I want to be considered for the amateur canning hall of fame. Although I thanked Lenore for the canning lesson, I also told her she had created a canning monster! Now that summer is over, why not preserve some of the bounty and learn how to can. Just remember one important tip — we canners want our jars back! -- Adlen W. Robinson

v Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Home Matters

Communicating with your child’s teacher

hen I first thought of writing about communicating with teachers and who I should speak with, one name immediately came to my mind: Elayne Warman. Warman taught all four of our children and also looped with two of them so she had them for two years. After having her over six years with four children — and loving her every year — I knew she was the perfect source. Retired after 32 years, teaching 14 of those in Forsyth County, Warman told me she misses the classroom, but enjoys having more time for her three grandchildren. I recently sat down with her for a wonderful reunion and asked her what advice she could offer parents about this all-important topic. “Certainly, parents

should get involved with their children’s school,” she said. “Most teachers love having help from parents in their classroom. Your involvement says to your children that you care about them.” Warman went on to note that even if parents can’t be in the classroom, there are many things they can do outside of class to help. “Think about what you like to do and ask the teacher if you can do it,” she said. What about when there is a problem? “So many times a child may tell you about something that happened and the teacher may not have even known about it,” she said. “The best thing to do is to e-mail her. “And remember to give her time to reply. Teachers are busy teaching, and then after school they may have meetings, or have to go to a class.” Warman stressed that if a problem can’t be worked out, then approach the principal. Another important element is to keep up with assignments and deadlines.

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

“Most teachers have newsletters available on the computer, so you can see exactly what your child is learning,” she said. “Then you are equipped to ask your child very specific questions about what they do every day.”

“Most teachers love

having help from parents in their classroom. Your

involvement says to your children that you care about them.”

Warman also emphasized the importance of knowing the objectives of each grade level to monitor a child’s progress. What about the dreaded homework and issues which go along with that? Warman said teachers should be able to tell parents how many minutes per night their children should be spending on homework. This is an important gauge, so parents can see if their child is struggling in a particular area or overall.

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“Some children do better to come home and immediately do their homework, and others need to run around for a while before doing it,” she said. According to Warman, working parents should not feel guilty about not doing as much as their child’s school as a stay-at-home mother. “There are just so many ways you can be involved and help,” she said. “Just talk to the teacher to find out how best to stay plugged in. Dads and grandparents can also volunteer. All of it makes the child feel more connected.” Lastly, Warman said the child-teacher relationship is a special one; teachers play an important role in a child’s life. “Personal things that are going on in a child’s life can have a huge impact on what is going on at school,” she said. “That is why it is so important that parents communicate with the teacher about things that might have an impact on the child.” Whether parents stay at home or work full time, they can find ways to help their child’s teacher have a successful year. -- Adlen W. Robinson

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Book Clubs

No name, but this group has purpose Reading brings women together

hen Kristin McAfee and her family relocated to Forsyth County from California two years ago, she was not sure what to expect. Moving into the Windermere community, Kristin said the Southern hospitality they have experienced has been off the charts. “We love it here,” she said enthusiastically. “If we had to go back now, they would have to take me kicking and screaming.” Soon after moving in, Kristin joined a book club. The group does not have a “name,” and is not the official Windermere book club, but all of the members live in the neighborhood. “We have moms with babies all the way up to high school,” Kristin said. “There are about 18 members, but with all of our crazy schedules, we probably have eight to 15 at each book club meeting.” The group just finished reading “Before I go to Sleep” by SJ Watson. Unlike many clubs, Kristin said their meeting day and time is decided by the host. “We have everything from light refreshments to full, sit-down lunches,” she added. The host of the meeting comes up with discussion questions, and it’s always fun to see where the conversation goes. “Once we discussed how we had all gotten engaged and it made for some hilarious conversation,” Kristin said.

“There are about 18 members, but with all of our crazy schedules, we probably have eight to 15 at each book club meeting.” One memorable read was Colleen McCullough’s “The Thorn Birds.” “So many of us remember back in the day when the mini-series aired — nobody had DVR back then, so we all remember being on that couch from 7 to 11 [p.m.],” she said. 14

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

According to Kristin, when the club members looked at the length of the novel, they wondered if they would ever make it through. “It turned out we all loved it.” Another hit was “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. “Even if you did read it back in high school, at the time most of us didn’t have a true understanding of the significance of the race issues, gender inequality, or the rape of innocence,” she said. After reading it, the book club

went to see the play at The Cumming Playhouse. “It was really great,” Kristin said. “The Gypsy Theater Company always does such a wonderful job.” She added that the club is just one more thing that makes her love and appreciate living here. “I have made so many wonderful friends that I cannot imagine not having them in my life,” she said. -- Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Mom Continued from Page 8

Davison: “I felt God say that I would one day have a son”

hile the couple did not plan on having any more children after Grace, Davison gave birth to the couple’s son Will in 2007. Davison said she knew she would have a son, and baby Will seemed perfect in every way. “When I was younger and was holding my nephew as a baby, I felt God say that I would one day have a son,” she recalled. Sadly, baby Will passed away at just 5 months old from SIDS. Davison reflected that while she felt God meant for her to have their son, He didn’t tell her how long she would have him. “It was a surreal experience — how do you bury your baby?” Davison said. Almost immediately, her husband said they had to do something in their son’s name so his life and legacy would have meaning and a purpose. The result was the Will Davison Memorial Scholarship Fund. Just days after his passing, a family friend had a Web site up and running. “It was Gary’s idea,” Davison said. “I was in no shape to think of it or do much of anything.” She went on to explain that they wanted to award scholarships to high school students pursuing a profession that helps others. Every year they have a fund raiser called “Ride for Will,” a motorcycle ride from Lambert to Paul’s Deck in Helen. There are wonderful prizes and lots of camaraderie. Quick to credit others, Davison said Grace and Will’s babysitter, Cathy Bentley, was the brainchild of the fundraiser and coordinates the event. Last year, it drew 100 riders and they hope to have more this Nov. 10. While Davison is clearly most 16

Jinger, Gary and Grace Davison. After the death of their infant son in 2007, the couple started a memorial scholarship fund to award scholarships to high school students pursuing a profession that helps others.

passionate about family, teaching and her career come a close second. Wearing many hats, Davison started teaching at Forsyth Academy in 2006 as the special education teacher. Over the years, she has held several positions. Besides teaching, she is the hospital/homebound coordinator for Forsyth County. Forsyth Academy has been a perfect fit for Davison’s skills because she can relate so well to the students. “First of all, students have to really want to be there,” she said. “That is the single biggest indicator of success.” Many people may have a misguided notion of the academy and not realize the opportunities it presents. “We want the kids to take personal responsibility for their education,”

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Davison said. “We want to help the kids prepare for college and learn to work independently, as well as learn how and when to ask for help.” So just what type of student attends Forsyth Academy if they are in fact accepted? “We want self-motivated kids who are eager to achieve and finish high school,” Davison said. “Some are bored with their current school or are not interested in certain subjects, but are strong in others. We help identify their strengths and weaknesses and go from there.”

After talking about every teacher as well as the leadership team at the academy, it’s obvious how much Davison admires her co-workers and the students. “We have amazing kids and an awesome team,” she said. “We all work together so well.” Davison and her husband have much praise for the community and the overwhelming support they have received over the years.

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“I kept every note and card we received during the trying times we have had and I am still touched when I read them,” Davison said. “I highly recommend grief counseling for couples going through the loss of a child. I went through all of the stages and it was extremely helpful to have a counselor.” And with that help, Davison said she and her husband are closer than before. “I don’t know why we lost Will, but we try to keep our lives in perspective and thank God for all of the blessings we do have,” she said. -- Adlen W. Robinson

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Colors Change with the Season

Fashion

Break out the sweaters, long skirts … and boots!

ooler temperatures and the colorful leaves of fall soon will be here. And with them, fashion trends will reflect seasonal colors and textures, said Leslie Andert, sales team manager at Belk in Cumming’s Lakeland Plaza. She said in both women’s and children’s fashions, hues of orange, red and gold will be big. “All the colors you think of when you think of fall will be popular,” she said. “That includes rust, burgundy, brown and metallic.” Sweaters and tops with dolman, or boxy and full, sleeves will be popular this year, as will long, flowing skirts. As for children’s wear, Andert said, plaids are in, as well as classic denim paired with T-shirts featuring big, bold prints. Casual footwear will be all about cowboy boots and “shooties,” or shorttopped boots, while formal shoes will focus on metallic hues and sparkles. -- Crystal Ledford

Photos: Autumn Vetter 18

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Smart Snacking

Apples keep more than doctors away Lesser-known health benefits include boron, fiber, vitamin C

here is a reason why the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has been around so long: Apples are incredibly good for you. Did you know apples are modest in calories, the average one having about 80? They are low in fat and sodium and are, of course, cholesterol free. They also contain lots of insoluble fiber, which helps protect against colon cancer. In addition, apples are a good source of vitamin C and contain plenty of boron, a mineral that has been shown to --Adlen W. Robinson boost alertness.

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Travel

Head for the Mountains October Brings Colorful Foliage to North Georgia

s the late summer days continue to heat up, a longing for fall hovers in

the air. The good news is that this temperate time for apple cider, pumpkin patches and corn mazes is just around the corner. And that means it’s also time to plan those leaf-watching adventures. Kim Hatcher with Georgia State Parks said the peak time of color-changing season is usually mid- to late October. “This year has been an unusual year because we’ve had kind of extreme weather,” Hatcher said. “A lot of flowers bloomed early, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some leaves peaked early.” Hatcher went on to say that moderate rain and fall temperatures can make for the most vibrant color years. And if you’re off to see the foliage, she suggests several paths to take. Right up Ga. 400 and Highway 52 travelers will find perhaps Georgia’s most popular state park, Amicalola Falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park / Photo courtesy Georgia State Parks

“Highway 52 is a pretty road, and Amicalola [State Park] is very beautiful,” Hatcher said. Along the way, Burt’s Farm offers pumpkin picking and hayrides for children. “And then there’s all the apple houses on that road,” Hatcher added. Amicalola offers a lodge for lunch and overnight accommodations, a campground or cabin rentals, as well as Georgia’s only “back country inn,” the Hike Inn. “You really get a lot of fellowship Georgiastateparks.org offers a and camaraderie there … Everyone number of tools for leaf watchers has a smile on their face [on the way to keep track of changing colors as down] and they all want to tell you fall draws closer, including a parkwhat a good time they had,” Hatcher specific online events calendar said. and a “leaf-o-meter” that will be According to Hatcher, “Kids will available the first of October. love the visitor’s

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

center because there’s snakes and turtles and owl shows that are really good.” With so much to offer, she said Amicalola is certainly the best for families, but advises visitors to make reservations in advance whenever possible. A route that off the beaten track travels up Highway 441 to Black Rock Mountain State Park. Along the way, Hatcher suggests stopping off at a store called “Goats on the Roof” near the town of Tiger for some lunch and family fun. “It’s pretty awesome,” said owner Tracy Allard. “We obviously have goats on our roof, which is the attraction that stops everybody.” The store offers several mechanisms for interacting with and feeding the goats, and they set up a huge fire pit in the fall to roast marshmallows. “It’s just a cool place,” Allard said. “We have homemade Amish fudge, ice

cream and a deli. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for families to come and make family memories.” From this popular stop, Hatcher said leaf watchers can travel on to several “really great wineries,” or to Talulah Gorge for some hiking and mountain biking. Talulah offers a nature center and several hiking tails of varying difficulty. During the first three weekends of November, Talulah attracts expert-level whitewater kayakers from all over the country, viewable via a rim trail. “It would be very easy to tour [a winery] or see the beautiful colors at Talulah and then go on to Black Rock,” Hatcher said. Black Rock offers mountain-top cabins and hiking trails. It is also the state’s highest park in elevation, so expect leaves to peak earlier here. Stefanie Paupeck, communications specialist for the state Department of Economic Development, advises leaf-goers to be mindful of weekends in October, which tend to draw the heaviest traffic, especially during Oktoberfest in Helen. Unicoi State Park, not far from Helen, is often also busy this time of year. Hatcher suggests continuing on to the lesser known Smithgall Woods State Park for a less crowded experience. “There is a waterfall in the area called Dukes Creek Falls, which is very popular,” she said. “If you stay at Smithgall in a cabin, there’s a little trail that goes from the cabins the falls, so you have a little private access.” If off the beaten trail is your style, a trip to North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula, may be the answer. Tour guide Marc Nicklien describes the experience as a “unique way to get outside and have an exciting adventure and be able to see beautiful scenery as well.” “Every time I ask, ‘What did you guys think?’ I cannot tell you the number of ‘awesomes’ or ‘amazings’ or just people that are blown away,” Nicklien said. This tree-based zip-lining tour offers a unique vantage point for visitors ages 10 and older as well as an 18-hole disc golf course, five-stage geocache, gift shop and camping in the form of tent sites or tipi rentals. Teepee camping, often called “glamping,” short for “glamorous camping,” consists of a stay in fully furnished teepees with all the comforts of home, including air conditioning and heat. “Because we are a tree-based tour,” Nicklien said, “it really is cool in October, last or second-to-last weekend, the

leaves are just absolutely incredible up here.” Paupeck notes that people will travel far and wide to see the change of season here in Georgia. “There’s just something about being in the mountains in the fall,” she said. “The air is crisp, the colors, people are up there for corn mazes and pumpkin patches, and apple picking … I think that people will drive from all over the place.” -- Autumn Vetter

Tallulah Falls State Park / Photo courtesy Georgia State Parks

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Outdoors

Festivals full of family fun

s summer cools down and the days get shorter, fall festivals heat up in north Georgia. The appealing milder temperatures and changing leaves create a great atmosphere for an outdoor gathering, said Stefanie Paupeck, spokeswoman for the state Department of Economic Development. “Especially in Georgia, we’ve made a name for ourselves in terms of excellent festivals and activities for the entire family,” Paupeck said. Some events celebrate the season, including the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawasee, Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest and Mule Camp Market in Gainesville. Other festivals take a look at history and heritage, like Cumming Country Festival & Fair, Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Oktoberfest in Helen and the Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville. “Those are all great festivals and represent a lot of different things that the north Georgia mountains have going on,” Paupeck said. Here’s a brief sampling, listed in chronological order, of some of the major upcoming fall festivals:

Oktoberfest

Thousands visit Helen’s annual German festival, which is now in its 42nd year. The festival boasts beer, brats and bands in a celebration that is centered at the Festhalle. Outside the festival’s headquarters, the Alpine village has several shops, restaurants and activities for visitors to explore. Helen’s Oktoberfest, the longest-running in the United States, offers activities for adults or families. When: Sept. 13-16 and Sept. 20-Oct. 28 Where: Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, Ga., 30545 Cost: Festhalle admission is $8 on weekdays, $9 on Saturdays and free on Sundays Online: www.helenchamber.com/Helen/Oktoberfest.html

Cumming Country Fair & Festival

The 18th annual event at the Cumming Fairgrounds brings concerts, rides and entertainment to town. Visitors can also enjoy local history in Heritage Village, which includes the cotton gin, steam engines and the Indian Village. The schedule includes a concert or special price for admission or rides each night. This year, the Charlie Daniels Band will return and the fair will conclude with the American BullRiders Tour. When: Oct. 4-14 Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming Cost: Regular admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 4 and younger Online: www.cummingfair.net

Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest

Scarecrows lining the Alpharetta streets are a sure sign that fall is coming. Students and others in the community create interesting designs for the scarecrows to decorate the town for October. The 7th annual festival is a oneday community celebration that includes games, hayrides, music and awards for the creations. At night, adults can return for the second annual Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest, featuring beer, wine and food at a town street party starting at 6:30 p.m. When: Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Alpharetta Cost: Free admission Online: www.awesomealpharetta.com

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

The nine-day event at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds features musical performances, educational demonstrations, arts and crafts shows and more. The state fiddlers’ convention, which takes place Oct. 20, also draws a crowd to the Hiawasee festival. Changing leaves, mild temperatures and mountain backdrop set the mood for the annual event. When: Oct. 12-21, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. most days Where: 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee, Ga., 30546 Cost: Admission is $5 and children 10 and younger are free; music shows are an additional $10 Online: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/fallfestival.php 22

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Mule Camp Market

This Gainesville fall festival showcases mule rides, arts and crafts vendors, live music and carnival activities for kids. Visitors can enjoy bluegrass music and mountain charm at the annual event. Named after Mule Camp Springs, which became Gainesville, the event began decades ago as a farmer’s market near the downtown square. In the early 1990s, the Gainesville Jaycees took over the event and grew it into the regional fall festival with crowds of up to 75,000 over three days. When: Oct. 12-14; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday Where: Downtown Gainesville Square Cost: Free admission Online: www.gainesvillejaycees.org

Gold Rush Days

The weekend festival commemorating the 1828 discovery of gold in Dahlonega is timed so visitors can enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Activities include a parade, live entertainment, 300 arts and crafts vendors, crowning of a king and queen and, of course, a gold panning contest. Voted as one of the top 20 regional events by the Southeast Tourism Society, Gold Rush Days is expected to draw more than 200,000 to the Dahlonega historic district. When: Oct. 20 and 21, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Downtown Dahlonega Square Cost: Free admission Online: www.dahlonegajaycees.com

Mountain Moonshine Festival

There’s no moonshine at this annual weekend event, but the family festival explores Dawsonville’s history in the times of prohibition. Now, thousands of visitors come to explore the birthplace of NASCAR racing and hear about local legends such as Lloyd Seay, Roy Hall, Raymond Parks and Gober Sosebee, who once sped through the north Georgia mountains. A unique car show, parade, historical tours and many activities for children are included in the 45th annual celebration. When: Oct. 27 and 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Downtown Dawsonville Cost: Free admission Online: www.dawson.org

-- Alyssa LaRenzie Photos: File/FCN regional staff

Where... Polo Golf and Country Club Cost... $175 per Player / $600 per 4 Player Team (Entry fee includes cart and green fees, lunch, participant gift and award festivities)

Space is limited, call 770.887.6461 to register or visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org. Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

From the Cellar

The frugal amateur wine enthusiast

love finding wines that are as affordable as they are tasty. It is even better when the winery seems to produce that combination with a wide variety of wines. If you share my enthusiasm in that department, check out the Snoqualmie label. Founded in 1983, Snoqualmie was one of Washington state’s first premium wineries.

Some of Snoqualmie’s “Naked” wines are reasonably priced at less than $15 a bottle, and some for $10 a bottle. I loved the 2007 Merlot. It goes great with grilled fish or really anything grilled. Both Reislings were a little on the sweet side for me, but when paired with a spicy Asian meal, they were perfect. If you like Reisling, you

I love that the winemaker is a woman, Joy Anderson, who has been their winemaker since 1991. Photo: Autumn Vetter

The vineyards are across the beautiful Columbia Valley and produce the most amazing grapes, which are turned into fabulous wines. I love that the winemaker is a woman, Joy Anderson, who has been their winemaker since 1991. I also appreciate that this winery is a leader in sustainable and organic winemaking. Most of the organic wines out there are similar to the organic foods on the market — expensive. 24

are sure to enjoy the fruity notes. I enjoyed the 2010 Gewurztraminer, with its subtle spicy clove and cinnamon hints. I looked at Snoqualmie’s Web site and was in awe of the beautiful vineyards and surrounding area. If I were traveling out there, I would definitely make a stop at Snoqualmie Winery, which is in Prosser, Wash., at the base of the Horse Heaven Hills. -- Adlen W. Robinson

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

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Feedback If you have a favorite (affordable) wine, please let me know at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Dinner Matters

Take it tried & true with stew Old-fashioned beef

Tips to Help Top Mom’s Recipe

hat could be more comforting than a steaming bowl of beef stew? Nothing, perhaps, except coming home after a long day at work only to have that bowl of comfort simmering and on the ready in your slow cooker. My friends always say nobody makes a beef stew like mom. But there are a few secrets, such as browning the meat first and adding dry red wine for depth of flavor. Here is a tried and true recipe that promises to help your beef stew live up to and perhaps even surpass mom’s — just don’t tell her that! -- Adlen W. Robinson

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 pound chuck roast ¼ cup olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 5 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 3 cloves garlic, chopped ½ cup flour 3 cups dry red wine 4 cups beef or chicken stock 3 bay leaves 5 sprigs fresh thyme tied in a bundle 10 small red or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cups frozen peas, slightly thawed ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Cut the chuck roast into small chunks, discarding much of the fat. Heat a few tablespoons of the oil over medium high heat in a large pot. Add just enough beef chunks to cover the bottom of the pot, but do not let the meat chunks touch each other. Brown the meat and then with a slotted spoon transfer meat to a plate. Add more beef chunks, being careful not to crowd the meat or it will steam instead of brown. Add more oil as necessary. Remove browned meat. Add onion and carrot and cook until vegetables have softened and are beginning to brown, about five to eight minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Return meat to pot and sprinkle on the flour, stirring to combine. Cook a few minutes to cook off the raw flour. Raise heat and carefully add red wine, stirring to combine any brown bits from the browning. Add beef or chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme bundle and potatoes. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat. Pour stew into slow cooker and cook on low for eight hours. Alternatively, cook covered in a 325-degree oven for two hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in peas. Garnish with parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

Photos: Autumn Vetter

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

School Spotlight

Get to know your schools

Midway Elementary 

before- and after-school program designed to Principal: Todd Smith encourage creativity, Address: 4805 Atlanta Highway social relationships Alpharetta, GA 30004 and positive self-image. Principal Todd Smith said the school staff, students, parents and community all share a stake in the school’s success. “The joy and pride of students, parents and family members are evidenced by their countenance, one of happiness and satisfaction that they are in a place suited to nurture and prepare them for the world and the life that awaits.”



-- Jennifer Sami

Fun facts: The school has chess, fitness and math clubs, as well as a green team and the Midway News Crew. It also had the county’s first WatchDog Dads program. The school opened with just 310 students in 1961 as a consolidation of the former Bethelview and Brandywine schools. There have been six additions and renovations since Midway opened. The school was named after its community, which was called Midway because it’s halfway between Cumming and Alpharetta.

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

Moms at Work

Mom of four finds calling Death of husband inspired career path

hen Lisa Frady Selke married husband Howard Frady in 1990, she knew she had found true love. Howard was a deputy with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and by all accounts had a bright future ahead. Their son Joshua was born and before long, the couple was expecting their second child. Tragically, when she was just six months pregnant, Howard was killed in a car accident in 1994. Suddenly, her perfect world ceased and there was only darkness. Selke said it felt as if her life had stopped. “It was so hard. I felt lost,” she remembered. Instead of giving up, however, Lisa was determined to carry on for herself and her two children.

Working 12-hour shifts when you have two young children is challenging at best. “For Howard, I wanted to make something of my life. I knew he would want me to,” she said, adding that her late husband was her inspiration. “He really taught me the importance of community service and inspired me to want to live a life as a public servant.” Lisa decided to enroll in the Athens Police Academy and begin a new journey as a police officer. Though Selke did not have a sponsor, the director saw something special in the mother of two and accepted her into the academy. She completed her training and graduated Lisa Frady Selke, a mother of four, from the academy in 1995, is assistant division commander of just one year after her court services at the Forsyth County husband’s death. Sheriff’s Office. Photo by Autumn Vetter 28

Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

“I was grateful to Sheriff Padgett for giving me the opportunity,” she said. “At that time there were no women policing the streets, so I was particularly happy when I was promoted to that position.” According to Selke, her time as a patrol officer was amazing. “I loved it because I felt like I went to school and received so much training to do my job.” Working 12-hour shifts when you have two young children is challenging at best. “It was tough,” Selke conceded. “But I always made a point that if I was not working, I was with my children. I always knew how important it was for me to be at their games and activities.” At one point, Selke went to work as an investigator

for Forsyth County Solicitor General Leslie Abernathy. “It was a hard decision to leave the department, but having a more ‘normal’ schedule really helped with my life at the time,” Selke said. “And besides that, I learned so much which would go on to help me when I returned to the department.” While she loved the year she worked with Abernathy and considers her as a mentor, Selke was eager to return to a position as a deputy. “My heart has always been here,” she said. “It was one Lisa Frady Selke, center, can’t imagine life without her four children. of the best decisions I ever made to go work for Leslie that year, but I missed my role as an officer.” During these busy years, Selke managed to find time to remarry and have two boys. Perhaps more remarkable is that she has served since Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of 2006 as assistant division commander of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer court services at the local sheriff’s office. The division is responsible for the The Board Certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are experts court security and civil process sections. in evaluating and treating every type of digestive disorder, including: Selke has 39 deputies who report to her. • Crohn’s Disease • Acid Reflux | Ulcers • Diarrhea Though her second marriage ended • Ulcerative Colitis • Barrett’s Esophagus • Constipation in divorce, Selke said she is thankful • Intestinal Polyps • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Hepatitis every day for her family. “I cannot imagine my life without all four of my children. I truly feel incredibly blessed.” Clearly, Selke’s superiors and those she works with think the world of her. Col. D.T. Smith, who has been with the sheriff’s office since 1987, and was in law enforcement for 10 years before that, remembers when Lisa first joined the agency. “I was very impressed with her,” he said. “She was a widow with two young children. I have seen her overcome many obstacles in her life. “She is dependable and does an excellent job. We are lucky to have her.” Despite the challenges of being a working mother, Selke continues to persevere and maintain a positive attitude about her career as well as her personal life. “Everything happens for a reason and I am always looking for a way to see the blessing through the chaos,” she said. “I always try to make the best of every challenging situation.” -- Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012

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Moments Magazine | September-October 2012