Newcomersjuly2013

Inside: Take our challenge, Seen it in Forsyth?

Life in Forsyth Your guide to the state’s top county for natives and newcomers July 28, 2013

Guide explores ‘Life in Forsyth’ Welcome to our 2013 issue of Life in Forsyth, where you will find the most current information about Forsyth County’s many features.

We live in a wonderful county that continues to add amenities that enhance our residents’ quality of life.

Forsyth boasts a positive business climate, supported by our Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. Many agree that such business growth is desirable, while managed in a way to maintain and enhance our quality of lifestyle.

Life in Forsyth is a “must read” and “must use” publication for all residents, whether new to our community or not. Our commitment is to bring you a guide that is useful, providing answers and serving as an information source for living here.

If you’re new to the county, this section will help guide you as you set up utilities and put you in contact with local schools, services and churches. You’ll also find information on local recreation and sports, as well as law enforcement agencies and medical care.

The governments of Cumming and Forsyth

County are both active entities. Life in Forsyth helps you get to know your local representatives on the county commission, city council, school board and state legislature.

The Forsyth County News is your local news source. We Hall invest resources in reporters who bring you the news and stories of the community. Our commitment is to keep you informed and to help make sense of the issues. We also hope to entertain you with coverage of local high school sports, arts and activities in our ever-changing area.

If you don’t currently subscribe to Forsyth County News, I would like to extend an offer to receive our newspaper free of charge for 60 days. No one covers this county, which we’ve called home since 1908, like we do. We are your local news source in print and online at forsythnews.com.

Give us a call at (770) 205-8951 and ask for your free 60-day trial subscription.

John Hall Publisher

Inside this section School system Library

34

16 Courts

36

County govt.

16 Driver services

40

Commission

20 Water and sewer

40

State legislature

22 Fairgrounds

42

City council

24 Humane Society

44

Elections

26 United Way

47

30 Electricity

48

31 Parks

52

Chamber

7 Hospitals

Public safety

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWCOMERS AND WOMEN’S CLUB “One of the best ways to make new friends in Forsyth County, and where new acquaintances become lifelong friends.”

The Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club offers numerous social activities and events to help you get involved and make new friends. There are daytime and evening activities, community service activities, and activities that include spouses/significant others.

The Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club is open to women who are new to the area as well as those who have lived here forever and finally have the time to enjoy social activities. We are a wonderful mix of women from various backgrounds ready to meet, greet, and welcome you.

VISIT US FOR A PREVIEW LUNCHEON As a prospective new member we encourage you to join us at a luncheon for a no-obligation preview visit.

Our luncheons are held on the third Thursday of each month.

For more information visit our website at www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org Or contact us at P.O. Box 545, Cumming, GA 30041 Member of the Cumming - Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce

PAGE 2 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

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NGPG Cumming consists of two offices with three physicians. David Moore, MD, and Grant Hsing, MD, see patients at NGPG Cumming, Suite 100. Jan Smith, MD, sees patients at NGPG Cumming, Suite 200.

NGPG is one of the largest multi-specialty groups in North Georgia. NGPG is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), which serves more than 700,000 people in more than 13 counties across the region.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 3

Forsyth among nation’s best for young people Honor second in three years

By Jennifer Sami

jsami@forsythnews.com

As the school system’s principals gathered, little did they know Forsyth County was about to again be named as one of the 100 best communities for young people.

“We just knew there was a secret. We didn’t know what it was,” said Lambert High School Principal Gary Davison. “It’s a great honor for us to be recognized in such a way.

“It’s a great way to get credit and receive a pat on the back for the things that we do every day.”

Cheering erupted in the school board building as the principals watched America’s Promise Alliance announce Forsyth, which was one of just three communities in Georgia honored. The others were Houston and Troupe counties.

But perhaps few people were more excited than Judi Jenkins and Ruth Goode, the two women who handled the county’s application.

“It’s the community, it’s not just us,” said Jenkins, the community relations facilitator for the local school system. “There are so many people and programs that help contribute to this.”

It was the second time in three years Forsyth has won the honor, which is presented by ING. The county was first honored in 2010.

John Gomperts, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO, noted the timing of the announce-

ment.

“As young people across the country go back to school, it is especially timely to recognize communities like Cumming/Forsyth County that have come together to make supporting young people a top priority and that are committed to helping young Americans reach their full potential,” Gomperts said in a statement.

“The 100 Best winners are doing outstanding work delivering the Five Promises that create the conditions for all young people to have the best chance for success. We hope the example set by these communities provides inspiration for others to take action.”

Goode, executive director of United Way of Forsyth County, said the honor was due to several factors the county has in its favor.

She said Forsyth’s highperforming school system, businesses that are partners in education, nonprofit organizations and community leaders all have “a hand in making this the best community for young people.”

“Forsyth County can win this every year. We just have to highlight best what we do here every day,” Goode said.

In the application, she and Jenkins highlighted the county school system’s partners in education program, the various child advocacy groups, nonprofits and safe houses for both boys and girls.

Also touted were the suc-

PAGE 4 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

cess of the SAT 2400 Challenge, which has already helped lift SAT scores, and the Pathways for Reaching Opportunities in Preparing for Excellence in Life program.

PROPEL is a joint initiative between the school system and the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce to raise Forsyth’s high school graduation rate.

Davison said he was excited the award honored not just the school district, but the local leaders and businesses who make the community a place for youth to thrive.

“It’s the one thing we’re able to achieve where we all work together for the same thing, so it’s nice to be recognized for that,” he said.

“Many of us moved here from other places and this is confirmation of why we moved here.”

The “best communities” distinction is based on five promises to provide a community’s youth with caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others.

Forsyth first earned the ranking in 2010. While it did not make the list last year, Jenkins said officials have a better understanding of what it takes.

“You want to strive to keep getting better. You have over 350 communities applying for it and they pick 100, so you’re playing against the best and I think you have to keep striving to improve,” she said. “It shows that you’re succeeding if you can keep winning each year.”

BK Productions is holding AUDITIONS for WHITE CHRISTMAS and THE GEORGIA SENIOR FOLLIES

Nov. 21st - Dec. 15th, 2013 The Cumming Playhouse

May 2nd - 18th, 2014 The Cumming Playhouse

Looking for Actors, Singers, Dancers, Impressionists, and Specialty Acts who are 55+ years for the premier of the Golden Age of Television. Especially looking for actors who can play TV celebrities such as Ed Sullivan, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, etc. Please be prepared with a one minute monologue.

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How it works: The Forsyth County News’ annual Life in Forsyth edition features 22 photographs of various local curiosities and familiar sights from every corner of the county. Using this worksheet, test your local knowledge by telling us what and where they are. No purchase necessary to play. Worksheet copies available at front counter of Forsyth County News.

The person who correctly identifies the most photographs will win the challenge. One entry per person. Gift cards to local restaurants will be awarded for first ($100), second ($75) and third place ($50). In the event of a tie, the entries that correctly identified the most photos will be put into a random drawing. See example below for how to play.

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Example: Seen it in Forsyth?

Answer: This is a photograph of the stairwell at Cumming City Hall.

Photos taken by staff writers Alyssa LaRenzie, Crystal Ledford, Jennifer Sami and Hilary Butschek

Deadline: Entries must be received at the Forsyth County News by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. E-mail to editor@forsythnews.com or mail to P.O. Box 210, Cumming, GA 30028 (must be postmarked by Aug. 5). They can also be dropped off at the newspaper, 302 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Cumming, GA. Winners will be announced in the Sunday, Aug. 11 edition.

Please note: Employees, contractors and family members of Forsyth County News and affiliated companies are not eligible to participate.

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 5

County among state’s healthiest Moves up a spot from ’12

By Jennifer Sami

jsami@forsythnews.com

Completing a steady uphill climb, a new report ranks Forsyth as the healthiest county in Georgia.

In County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, listed Forsyth as the third healthiest in 2011 and the second in 2012.

To James McCoy, president and CEO of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the increase is “reflective of a great health care community.”

“That is our largest and fastest growing industry in Forsyth County

Thursday, October 3rd : Friday, October 4th : Saturday, October 5th: Sunday, October 6th: Monday, October 7th: Tuesday, October 8th Wednesday, October 9th Thursday, October 10th: Friday, October 11th: Saturday, October 12th: Sunday, October 13th:

and they’re very progressive and thoughtful in their work,” he said.

“It’s also reflective of the very high quality of life in this community.

“We have amazing infrastructure of parks and recreation facilities … and a whole culture of folks who are using those amenities.”

The rankings system uses a range of measures to determine health levels. Among them are factors such as obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption rates.

Other measures include socioeconomic factors, such as high school graduation rates, number of residents with health insurance and access to healthy foods and clean air.

Some of Forsyth’s neighbors also fared well in the study, including Gwinnett County, which ranked fourth in the state, and Cherokee, which came in fifth. Hall County

ranked 11th healthiest in Georgia.

Compared to the state, Forsyth’s child poverty rate is 10 percent, much lower than Georgia’s average of 27 percent and single-parent homes in Forsyth number 13 percent, compared to the state’s 36 percent.

Forsyth also has fewer motor vehicle accidents, higher activity levels and a lower birth rate among teenagers.

While the county fares better in most areas, particularly its violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 people versus the state’s 437, the county does have a higher rate of excessive drinking of 18 percent, compared to the state’s 14 percent.

Forsyth has the lowest adult obesity rate in the state, though nearly a quarter of the county’s population is considered clinically obese at 23 percent.

October 3rd - 13th

Lynn Jackson, Northside Hospital-Forsyth administrator, said there is clearly room for improvement.

“Obesity, smoking cessation , activity level — one in five are still not physically active — so we still have opportunities to improve,” she said.

“Just being at that No. 1 spot is a little bit daunting because it hopefully will inspire us instead of causing us to step back from it and say we’ve done the best we could possibly do. We want to keep getting better.”

The county has shown improvements over the years. In 2010, the obesity rate was 25 percent.

Smoking, now at 14 percent, was at 16 percent three years ago.

And premature death, ranked by years of potential life lost for those dying before age 75 per 100,000

people, has dropped from 5,077 in 2010 to 4,052 in 2013.

“Obviously, we’re heading down the right path,” McCoy said.

“All of the trends are positive, so we need to continue making thoughtful investments in our quality of life and infrastructure that help continue to improve our lifestyle and our levels of health.”

Buster Evans, school system superintendent, said the ranking is another “great accomplishment for our community.”

“Forsyth County Schools is proud to be part of a community that is recognized for good health because it goes hand-in-hand with education.

Jackson said the school system is doing its part, as are the city, county and private industries.

“There’s a unique collaboration that exists,” she said.

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PAGE 6 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

District remains on ‘path to greatness’ Seen it in Forsyth?

By L.C. “Buster” Evans

For the Forsyth County News

Forsyth County Schools is proud to be one of the top districts in Georgia and the United States.

We are graduating more students and posting higher test scores than ever before.

School districts throughout North America are visiting our schools to learn how to use technology to increase student achievement and improve operational efficiency.

And we are expanding our partnerships with local businesses to approach education differently and prepare the future work force.

Our success has been accomplished through dedication to our mission and a commitment to continuous improvement through the cooperative efforts of all stakeholders.

After completing three successful strategic plans, the district is launching a new Strategic Plan this

school year to guide us to 2016.

T h i s plan was developed with stuEvans dent, staff and community input. It describes our priorities and provides a strong “path to greatness.”

As the third fastest growing school district in the United States, Forsyth County Schools has added more than 8,000 new students in five years.

In addition, during this period six new schools have opened to total 34 brick and mortar schools and one virtual school for sixththrough 12th grades.

As the ninth largest school district in Georgia, Forsyth County Schools continues to maintain the lowest tax rate in metroAtlanta and the lowest expenditures per child.

For 15 years, the local

school system annually opened new schools or modified existing ones.

However, 2013-14 will be the second consecutive school year that there are no funds available for capital improvements to support the student growth, such as renovations, additions and new school construction. Sixteen schools are over capacity, including four of the five county’s high schools.

Across the district, class sizes are at their max and the number of trailers has doubled since last year.

Our growth is projected to continue, with an estimated 8,000 new students being added in the next five years.

To relieve overcrowding and provide room for growth, the school system is working on two projects.

The first is redistricting, which will occur this fall for implementation the 2014-15 school year.

Registering for school From staff reports

School registration is available at the Hill Educational Center, 136 Elm St. in Cumming. The registration and records office can be reached at (678) 947-0863, Ext. 0 to schedule an appointment to register. Registration center hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Register early, walk-ins are taken between or after appointments.

Entering kindergarten and first grade: According to Georgia law, children must be 5 by Sept. 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten and 6 by Sept. 1 to enroll in first grade. The only exceptions are students who were legal residents in another state for a period of two years

immediately prior to moving to Georgia, or are age five by Dec. 31 and who attended an accredited kindergarten in another state may enroll in public kindergarten. Students who are 6 by Dec. 31 and who attended an accredited school in another state may enroll in first grade.

The biological, foster or adoptive parent should enroll the student. If the student is not living with the biological, foster or adoptive parent, a temporary guardianship form must be obtained from the Probate Court, 112 West Maple St. in Cumming. The court can be reached at (770) 781-2140. The guardian must have a court order to allow the

More information on this process, as well as opportunities for input, will be communicated in early August.

The second is the 201419 facilities plan to address instructional (such as curriculum programs, Career, Technical and Agricultural Education, special education, and technology support), facilities, safety and security improvements, and financing needs for the next five years.

Forsyth County Schools looks forward to working with you to continue moving the bar higher for every child. The district appreciates your continued support and involvement as we continue our “path to greatness.”

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 7

Board of education District 1 — Ann Crow Ann Crow, an Atlanta native and graduate of Auburn University, began her third term on the board in January 2011.

She, husband Roger and their Crow three daughters became Forsyth County residents in 1984.

Crow is executive vice president of Crow Financial Services Inc., a business services firm.

She has served the Forsyth County community as a director, officer and campaign chairwoman of the United Way; member and past president of Sawnee Woman’s Club; and officer and director of the Cumming/ Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce where she led establishment of the chamber’s education committee.

In addition, Crow was the co-chairwoman of the 1996 school system Strategic Plan Initiative, which is the system’s operating guide today; member of the Board of Education’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, Standard Bearer Evaluation Committee and 2001 SPLOST Referendum Committee.

District 2 — Kristin Morrissey Kristin Morrissey has a computer science degree from the State University of New York and Monroe Community College.

She also studied microelectronic engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Morrissey retired after 16 years as an automation specialist for the Monroe County Library System.

Morrissey and husband Joe have two children, Mackenzie and Sydney.

She also graduated from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and Leadership Forsyth.

FROM 1

School student to register. A photo ID will be required for parents and guardians.

To enroll in Forsyth County Schools, the student’s parents or legal guardian and the student must be a full time resident of Forsyth County.

Forsyth County Schools must have all required information upon registration for students to be enrolled and to receive PAGE 8 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Seen it in Forsyth?

She’s a member of the Forsyth County Library Board of Trustees, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life Council and is secretary for the Forsyth County Com­ munity Connec­ tion.

Morris­ sey was elected to the Morrissey school board in Novem­ber 2010.

District 3 — Tom Cleveland Raised in DeKalb County, Tom Cleveland moved his family to Forsyth County in 1995, where his two sons attended Forsyth County schools.

He began his third term on the board in January.

Cleveland is employed by Sage Software as the leader of HR operations and has spent his career implementing information technology solutions, with the past 10

At a glance For a list of schools, attendance zones and items needed to register, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us.

a schedule for the upcoming year. After the school year begins, provisional enrollment for 30 days may be extended in areas of proof of residence or proof of age. If those proofs are not received within 30 days, the student will be withdrawn.

years specializing in the human resources area.

Cleve­­land served as the co-chair of the Vision 2010 steering committee, member of the teacher of the year selection commitCleveland tee, sex education committee and other various roles in the school system.

He currently serves as a worship team member at First Baptist Cumming, a disaster assistance team member with the American

See BOE | 12

2 Got the answer? See page 5.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 9

private schools Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Road Cumming, GA 30041 www.cornerstonesch.com Pre School: Cheri Davis, director, (770) 205-6860 Elementary & Jr. High: Angela Martin, head mistress (770) 205-8202 Enrollment: 200 Students Head Mistress: Angela Martin

Horizon Christian Academy 2160 Freedom Parkway Cumming (678) 947-3583 www.horizonchristian.org Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 192 Headmaster: Gary Bennett

Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 674-2990 www.covenantrams.org Grades: K4-12 Enrollment: 230 Headmaster: Johnathan Arnold

McGinnis Woods Country Day School 5368 McGinnis Ferry Road Alpharetta (770) 664-7764 www.mcginniswoods.org Grades: Infants-eighth grade Enrollment: 450 Principal: Mary Johnson

Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 845-0418 www.fcsga.org Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 120 Principal: Rick Johnson

Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway Cumming (770) 888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org Grades: PreK3-12 Enrollment: 780 Head of School: Robert Presutti

area colleges Brenau University 500 Washington St., S.E. Gainesville, GA 30501 (800) 252-5119 www.brenau.edu Devry Institute of Technology 2555 Northwinds Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 619-3600 www.devry.edu Georgia Perimeter College Alpharetta Campus 3705 Brookside Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30022 (404) 413-7878 www.gpc.edu Georgia State University Alpharetta Campus 3775 Brookside Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30022 (404) 413-2200 www.gsu.edu Lanier Technical College www.laniertech.edu PAGE 10 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

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District 5 — Nancy Roche, vice chair

FROM 8

BOE Red Cross and a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services group within the county.

District 4 — Darla Light, chair Raised in Forsyth County, Darla Light graduated from Forsyth County High School and attended the University of Georgia, where she majored in special education.

She began her term in January 2009.

She and husband, David, a former educator, live in Forsyth County with their three children — Christopher and Payton, both of whom are graduates of Forsyth County schools and are enrolled in college, and Carlin, a Light 2013 graduate of North Forsyth High School.

Light has served as a PTSO officer at elementary and middle schools and coached middle school basketball. She is a member of FCSÕ 2400 Challenge Committee, is active in the North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club and is a small business owner.

Nancy Roche, who began her fourth term on the board in January, has a B.S. in computer science and mathematics. She has previously worked as a systems analyst for IBM. A member of the Forsyth County Board of Education since 2001, Roche served as chairwoman in 2003 and from 2005-2008. She was appointed to the Georgia School Board Associations Board of Directors in June 2007. She has served GSBA on the strategic planning committee, governmental operations committee, Roche nominating committee and serves as a presenter and mentor for new board members.

Roche is a member of the Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church where she sings in the choir, teaches Sunday school and serves on the Christian Education Committee, the Preschool Board of Directors and the Presbyterian Women.

She is also member of the Forsyth County Republican Party and the Republican Women.

Roche’s husband, Chris, is retired from IBM. They have three children: Christopher, Andrea and Terry.

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(Located 2 miles north of downtown Cumming) PAGE 12 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Seen it in Forsyth?

3 Got the answer? See page 5.

UNG brings higher education to Forsyth For the Forsyth County News

The University of North Georgia’s Cumming Campus, which opened in 2012 just off Ga. 400 at Exit 16, offers a range of educational opportunities for everyone from high school students in dual enrollment programs to graduate students.

The facility, located at 300 Aquatic Center Way, is bustling from early morning until late at night with students of all ages taking classes, said Jason Pruitt, executive director.

“The great thing about the Cumming campus is that we have such a broad range of course offerings,” he said. “We start early in the day with our dual-enrollment high school students, then throughout the day we have students who are working on multiple degree programs.

“In the evening, we have adult learners who are taking certification courses or classes like photography just for fun. And we end the day with our master’s degree students, who are class until 10 p.m.”

The Accel Dual Enrollment Program, offered in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education, draws some 100 students from public and private high schools in Forsyth, Dawson and Cherokee counties, Pruitt said.

Accel accounts for about one-fifth of the enrollment at the Cumming campus.

Though not all students have enrolled for fall yet, Pruitt said he expects the total enrollment in college courses to exceed 500 at the site.

Most of the undergraduate courses offered in Cumming are the general education, or core curriculum courses, required of all students, regardless of their chosen field of study.

Two UNG graduate programs are based in Cumming.

The Cottrell MBA program, previously located inside Cumming City Hall, moved to the new facility when it opened last summer.

The Master of Arts in Teaching, or MAT, also has relocated to the Cumming campus.

In addition to the hundreds of students taking college courses, continuing education and certification courses have also been popular with the Forsyth community.

‘A big thing for us is the involvement with the community and the partnerships that we are developing... .’

Jason Pruitt

Executive director, UNG Cumming campus Pruitt said that he’s been pleased with the lasting relationships the faculty and administrators have forged as the facility has been welcomed into the community.

“A big thing for us is the involvement with the community and the partnerships that we are developing and have developed in the community, and not only the high schools,” Pruitt said.

“The chamber of commerce has been a great partner with us and we’re currently working with Lanier Technical College on workplace development initiatives. We have many community engagement initiatives that we’re focusing on as well.”

The Cumming campus was developed as an outgrowth of a long-term partnership between North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College, which consolidated in January to form the University of North Georgia.

In addition to the two schools, the local campus represents the culmination of many years of effort with the city of Cumming and various Forsyth County civic leaders to bring a university presence to the area.

“Our Cumming campus is a tremendous example of collaboration between the University System of Georgia, government officials and community leaders to expand opportunities for higher education in this region,” said Bonita C. Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia.

“The combination of price, functionality, attractiveness and partner collaboration has established a new template for how to provide higher education in areas that are underserved.”

See UNG | 14 Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 13

New programs added at Lanier Tech For the Forsyth County News

Lanier Technical College has had an exciting year so far in 2013.

Several new programs of study have been added to support the growing community and business needs, including a physical therapist assistant program, which is offered at the Forsyth Campus.

The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.

SACS COC accreditation opens more opportunities for current and future Lanier Tech students to continue their high-

FROM 13

UNG Ultimately, the project involved a gift of real estate from the city of Cumming, a loan from the Cumming Development Authority, the involvement of both North G e o rg i a ’s Philanthropic Foundation and Real Estate Foundation, as well as an appropriation from the state of Georgia.

With some 15,000 students, UNG is the state’s seventh-largest public university.

The regional, multi-campus university offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional doctoral programs.

er education and broadens their career opportunities.

The SACS COC accreditation means that credits earned

by Lanier Tech college students will be easier to transfer to other institutions of higher learning, making the students’ higher education pursuits easier to attain.

The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education also accredits Lanier Tech.

The council’s accreditation process is conducted on behalf of more than 360,000 students nationwide who are pursuing careers in a variety of technical fields.

During the 2013 summer semester, the college has a total enrollment of nearly 1,700 students, with about

400 of those at the Forsyth campus.

Lanier Tech, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, serves as the foremost work force development resource for Forsyth, D aw s o n , H a l l , L u m p k i n , Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties.

The college offers associate degrees, technical certificate of credit and technical diplomas in a variety of programs, including business and computer, technical and industrial, personal and public services and health care.

The college’s programs are designed to meet the needs of area students, employers and economic developers.

Lanier Tech’s technical education is offered using

up-to-date instruction, industry-standard equipment and work-based learning delivered through traditional and distance methods and media.

The college also provides adult education in each county it serves.

The Forsyth Campus continues to be an educational provider hub of in-demand programs of study. In addition, Lanier Tech provides customized industry training and continuing education programs to the community.

Located on the local campus, the Forsyth Conference Center is designed for conferences, seminars, corporate meetings, receptions, trade shows, weddings, proms and many other public and school events.

The main facility has 14,000 square feet that can be divided into eight rooms for smaller meetings, an exe c u t ive b o a r d r o o m a n d training classroom, which is available for additional meeting space.

The conference center assisted the college in bringing more than 48,000 people to the campus.

For weddings and social events, the center offers flexible options to meet community needs in an elegant, affordable setting.

The center offers a range of services, including audiovisual, wireless Internet, video conferencing and laptop rentals, among others.

Contact For information about courses offered at UNG’s Cumming Campus, visit www.ung.edu or call (470) 239-3102.

UNG is one of six senior military colleges in the United States and is designated as a University

System of Georgia leadership institution and as The M i l i t a r y C o l l eg e o f Georgia.

Seen it in Forsyth?

4

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Got the answer? See page 5.

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PAGE 14 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 15

Forsyth County government Forsyth County government employs about 1,365 people that help ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. The following information is a general list of some of the county departments and offices new residents should be familiar with, along with a brief description and contact information.

Unless otherwise noted, normal business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The county government Internet address is www.forsythco.com.

Administration

Clerk of Court Greg Allen Chief Deputy Clerk James Parks Phone: (770) 781-2120

County Manager Doug Derrer Deputy County Manager Tim Merritt Phone: (770) 781-2101 The Forsyth County manager’s office manages the day-to-day operations of the county on behalf of the chairman and the Board of Commissioners.

Derrer Duties include ensuring tax dollars are spent and accounted for in a responsible manner and responding to the needs and concerns of county citizens.

The Clerk of the Superior Court is an elected Constitutional officer. As an impartial county officer, the clerk provides important checksAllen and-balances in local county government and the state’s judicial system. The clerk is responsible for protecting the integrity of public records and public funds, establishing an index of Real Estate and issuing documents under the court seal.

The office manages court proceedings for Superior and State courts.

This includes civil, criminal, misdemeanor and traffic. The clerk also maintains the jury management program, which includes summons and preparations for jury trials.

In addition to court, the following are filed and kept in this office: all real estate records (deeds, liens, plats), UCCs (finance statements), notary public commissions, trade names, military discharge records and practicing attorney certificates.

Contacts and extensions: • Lola Cook, Real Estate Recording 2686 • Fran Gravitt, UCCs - 2690 • Shelia Heard, Superior Court Criminal – 2664 • Emily Caldwell, State Court Criminal - 2676 • Pam Burns,Traffic - 2666 • Barbara Phillips, Superior Court Civil - 2680 • Ernestine Barrett, State Court Civil 2665 • Anna Coker, Real Estate Liens and Bonds - 2683 • Ann Day,Trade Names - 2854 Code Enforcement Department Phone: (678) 513-5893 The mission of the Forsyth County Code Enforcement Department is to develop partnerships with citizens

and those who conduct business in Forsyth County, to preserve and improve quality of life issues by providing Forsyth County with a safe, healthy and quality environment.

Six code enforcement officers patrol geographically assigned zones assisting citizens with code enforcement related issues.

The department’s goal is compliance before citation, by encouraging citizens to participate in keeping the community a safe and clean place to live, work and play by obeying codes and reporting possible violations.

Communications Director of Communications Jodi Gardner Phone: (770) 781-2101 The Forsyth County Department of Communications serves as a county information resource for the community, elected officials, employees and the media by providing professional assistance with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.The department operates TV Forsyth, the county government’s cable channel on Comcast channel 23, creates and distributes publications, including “The Current” monthly electronic newsletter, and works with the media to provide information to residents.

See COUNTY | 18

Fourth library branch opening next month From staff reports

The Forsyth County Public Library strives to meet the varied informational and recreational needs and interests of patrons while also providing cutting edge technology, services and facilities.

The system has four library branches, including: the C u m m i n g l i b r a r y, 5 8 5 Dahlonega Road; Sharon Forks library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road; Hampton Park library, 5345 Settingdown Road; and the new Post Road library, which is set to open Aug. 24 at 5010 Post Road.

The 23,500-square-foot, fullservice Post Road facility will

serve all ages of the county through programs, materials, technology and online resources.

Library cards are free to county residents as well as to property or business owners in Forsyth; employees of the public school system in Forsyth; employees of county government; and students who are enrolled at the local campuses of Lanier Technical College and the University of North Georgia.

The Forsyth County Public Library has more than 300,000 materials including books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs and eBooks.

It also offers library comput-

PAGE 16 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

ers and business services, such as printing, faxing and document scanning. Free Wifi is available at all library branches as well.

With the launch of its eLibrary several years ago, the local public library has amassed a vast collection of materials formatted for electronic readers, including eAudiobooks, eBooks, eMusic, eResources and eVideos. These materials are for children, teens and adults and cover a wide range of subjects.

Other online resources include a foreign language learning program, an investment research tool and online

audio books for children.

The library also offers a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Ageappropriate programs for children are offered at each library branch that help develop literacy skills like vocabulary, comprehension and fluency as well as help develop listening abilities, imagination and a love for reading.

The library offers teen book clubs in addition to special teen events throughout the year.

Each branch also provides programming for adults, featuring a combination of lifelong learning programs and literacy programs, including book clubs, programs

More

For a complete listing of Forsyth County Public Library operating hours, call (770) 781-9840 or visit www. forsythpl.org.

on topics of general public interest and various cultural performances.

All of the library branches open at 10 a.m. every weekday and Saturday. Each branch closes at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with a rotating schedule for branches closing at 8:30 p.m.

All locations are open 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

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Abba House currently accepts interns that want to pursue ministry skills, on the job training and a deeper relationship with God.

New Super GA-400 North Thrift Store opens in August (in the old Outdoor Traditions building)

243 Stowers Rd. E, Dawsonville, GA 30534

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www.abbahouse.com • 678.208.2000 Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 17

County government FROM 16

County Emergency Management Agency EMA Director Danny Bowman Phone: (770) 205-5674 Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency is the local lead agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities for Forsyth County and the city of Cumming.

FCEMA’s mission is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive mitigation and emergency preBowman paredness, response and recovery program for the citizens of Forsyth County in order to save lives, protect property and reduce the effects of disasters.

Engineering Director John Cunard Assistant Director Tim Allen Phone: (770) 781-2165 The Department of Engineering represents a functional grouping of divisions meeting a common goal to provide for the county’s infrastructure needs through proper placement and maintenance of roadways, drainage structures, pedestrian walks and traffic control devices. Our mission is to put citi- Cunard zens first as we promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Forsyth County.

Extension Service Forsyth County Extension Coordinator Dr. Stephen Garton Phone: (770) 887-2418 The Forsyth County Extension Service is part of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

It is also an educational division Garton of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and the Forsyth PAGE 18 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Seen it in Forsyth?

County Board of Education.

Its purpose is to bring current research and information to the people of Forsyth County in the areas of agriculture/environment, family and consumer sciences and 4-H/youth development.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap status.

Information can be accessed by way of phone calls, e-mail, classes, newsletters, Web site and by an extensive pamphlet library located at the Extension Office.

Finance Department Finance Director/CFO David Gruen Assistant Director Jamie Payne Phone: (770) 781-3088 Located in the Forsyth County Administration Building, the Forsyth County Finance Department’s mission is to be the centralized focal point for overseeing financial programs/activities, providing financial leadership and expertise to county Gruen managers, and interpreting county goals/policies.

The finance department administers the county budget, treasury, accounting and internal audit, assuring compliance with all federal, state and local laws.

The department provides financial support to all county departments in the implementation of goals/objectives established by the Board of Commissioners; advises county officials on debt matters, accounting issues and other financial matters; analyzes financial data; and makes recommendations to assist county management in making financial decisions.

Several responsibilities fall under the administration of the Finance Department: accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget, financial reporting and treasury.

Fire Department Chief Danny Bowman Phone: (770) 781-2180 The Forsyth County Fire Department protects life, property and the environment from the ravages of fire and all other emergencies,

5 Got the answer? See page 5. both natural and man-made, and provides citizens and visitors with emergency medical prehospital care in a highly effective manner with the best trained personnel possible.

Established in 1972 as a volunteer force, the department became a career, full-time department in 1998. At present, it consists of 129 full-time field suppression firefighters responding out of twelve fire stations.

Also, there are 29 personnel in Fire Administration and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Office hours for fire headquarters are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Our goals are as follows: • Prevent incidents from occurring through code enforcement, public education and fire prevention activities.

• Mitigate hazards by handling all service requests in a professional manner.

• Provide the highest quality of service in a professional and caring manner.

• Encourage and support employee development, enhancing proficiency and professionalism.

• Promote the health and safety of our employees.

See COUNTY | 19

Forsyth County government thetically pleasing to the entire community.

FROM 18

County Parks and Recreation Department Director Jerry Kinsey Assistant Director Tommy Bruce Phone: (770) 7812215 The mission of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Forsyth County by providing passive and Kinsey active recreational, educational and cultural programming services and to provide parks and recreational facilities that are safe, accessible and aes-

Planning and Community Development Director Tom Brown Phone: (770) 781-2115 The Planning and Community Development Department’s mission is to develop partnerships with all members of the community in an effort to provide valuable planning and development services that promote quality development and help create communities that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

The divisions include: planning, business licenses, building permits and inspections.

Senior Services Director Michael Bohn Phone: (770) 781-2178

Forsyth County Senior Services’ mission is to be the focal point where older adults gather for services and activities that respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement in their community.

Senior Services operates three locations: Center at Charles Place, Hearthstone Lodge Community Center and Sexton Hall Enrichment Center. While operating hours vary by facility, Senior Services’ office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Duane Piper Phone: (770) 781-3056 The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving and protecting the Piper community through

dedication, professionalism, active cooperation with the community and respect for human dignity.

Tax Assessor’s Office Chief Appraiser Mary Kirkpatrick Phone: (770) 781-2106 The Board of Tax Assessors is responsible for determining what real and personal property is subject to taxation in Forsyth County and estimating the market value. Staff compile the tax digest and administer the various types of homestead and property tax exemptions.

Tax Commissioner’s Office Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner David D. Hicks Phone: (770) 781-2110

See COUNTY | 20

Crestview Animal Hospital Come see us at our new facility!

A full service veterinary hospital specializing in dogs & cats.

Same location, same exceptional veterinary service, new state of the art facility to provide the finest care for you and your loved ones.

Our veterinary services include: Digital Radiographs, Digital Dental Radiographs and Oral Surgery, Ultrasound, Cold Laser Therapy, Endoscopy, Chemotherapy, In-house Lab Equipment, Routine Surgery, Specialized Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Surgery We are a full service boarding and grooming facility We are also here Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays for emergencies!

Our Doctors: Dr. John P. McGruder Dr. David A. Sewell

Associate Veterinarians: Sridevi Vavilapalli Brennen Haezebrouck Andrew Quesada

770-889-2521 307 Pilgrim Mill Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 www.crestviewah.com Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 19

County Commission The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners conducts the vested interests of county government including approving zoning requests and ordinance changes. It is made up of five members, each living in and elected by a district to serve staggered four-year terms.

The five members annually elect one of their own to serve as chairman, vice chairman and secretary for the year. The board meets in regular session twice a month, on the first and third Thursday.

The meetings begin at 5 p.m. in the commissioners’ meeting room on the second floor of the County Administration Building in downtown Cumming. Public hearings before the commissioners are conducted once each month on the first Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. at the same location.

Public hearings on rezoning requests are before the planning commission monthly on the fourth Tuesday and begin at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.

District 1

Board, has been a member of the Forsyth Rotary Club for more than 20 years and has served as treasurer and sergeant at arms for the Forsyth Rotary Club.

His community involvement also includes serving for two years as president of Forsyth Central High School Football and Basketball Booster Club and coaching youth football, baseball and basketball.

Amos and his wife, Catherine, have one grown son, Slate.

Pete Amos Phone: (678) 5135881 Commissioner R.J. “Pete” Amos was elected in 2010 to serve as the District 1 representative.

Amos Amos was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the chairman of the board for 2013.

He is a former member of the Forsyth County Planning Commission and served as the chairman for six years.

He has completed the Commissioners Training Program through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

The Forsyth County native is also a small business owner whose family has lived in north Georgia for generations.

Amos is a state licensed master plumber, state licensed building contractor, state licensed class IV water operator and state licensed GSWCC Level 1A. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration.

Amos has served on the Cumming United Methodist Finance

FROM 19

County The mission of the Tax Commissioner’s Office is to collect and disburse all taxes and fees due the state, county and schools in a timely manner, and to provide residents quality customer service by Ledbetter applying Georgia laws with integrity and fairness.

PAGE 20 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

District 2 Brian Tam Phone: (678) 5135882 Commissioner Brian Tam was elected in

Voter Registrations and Elections Office Chairman, Board of Voter Registrations and Elections Donald Glover Phone: (770) 781-2118 The office is committed to the enhancement of democracy through the promotion of voter education and the maintenance of a legitimate, impartial and valid electoral process. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2004 to serve on the commission as the representative from south Tam Forsyth.

He ran successfully for re-election in 2008 and 2012.

Tam serves as the commission’s secretary for 2013.

Tam has been a resident of Forsyth County for more than 18 years and is a local restaurateur with more than 25 years’ experience in the service industry.

He manages the restaurant Tam’s Backstage in the lower level of the Cumming Playhouse and Blue Grass Lakes

Seen it in Forsyth?

6 Got the answer? See page 5.

Café off McFarland Parkway.

Tam graduated from Purdue University with a degree in management. He has completed the Commissioners Training Program through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

Prior to being elected commissioner, Tam served on the board of the Forsyth Restaurant Group and made the presentation to spearhead the adult beverage sales initiative. He also served as co-chair-

man of the 2003 1-cent sales tax campaign.

His community service dates back many years and includes work with the Forsyth County Public School System, receiving both the Don Hendricks Memorial Award and the Apple Award for his participation in the Partners in Education program.

Tam has served on the board of directors of the CummingForsyth County

See BOARD | 21

Water and Sewer Department

County Coroner’s Office

Director Tim Perkins Deputy Director Barry Lucas Phone: (770) 781-2160 The mission of the Water and Sewer Department is to provide Forsyth County with the highest quality of water and sewer service through progressive lead- Perkins ership and environmental stewardship.

Coroner Mary Beth Pais Phone: (770) 205-3011 The function of the Coroner’s Office is to determine cause, manner, and circumstance of death under the Georgia Death Investigation Act.

Pais

County Commission FROM 20

Board Chamber of Commerce and was recognized in 2003 with the Chamber Small Business of the Year award.

A 2004 graduate of Leadership Forsyth, Tam is aware of the importance of giving back to the community. Since his graduation from Leadership Forsyth he has sponsored several individuals in the program, including his wife, Kelly.

The couple has three children and attend Browns Bridge Community Church.

District 3 Todd Levent Phone: (678) 513-5883 Commissioner Todd Levent was elected in 2010 to serve as the District 3 representative.

The district covers the southwestern corner of Forsyth County.

Levent chose to run for county commissioner to do his part to help make Forsyth County the best place in Georgia to raise a family.

Levent Levent said his family instilled in him a “family and community first” value from a very young age.

As a young man, he joined the Fulton County Sheriff’s Reserve Unit and performed various charitable work. From 1989 to 1994, he served as a deputy marshal in Fulton County and was also a member of the S.W.A.T. team before starting his own business.

He serves as the commission representative on the Forsyth County Animal Control & Shelter Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Forsyth County Mental Health Criminal Justice Task Force.

Levent was voted by the commission to serve on the SPLOST VII Jail/ Courthouse Project Team. He has completed the Commissioners

Training Program through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

A native of north Georgia, Levent is a custom home builder and remodeler.

He and his wife, Dana, are the parents of Jared and Alexandria.

District 4 Cindy Jones Mills Phone: (678) 513-5884 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills was elected in 2012 to serve as the north Forsyth district representative.

A lifelong resident of Forsyth County, Mills graduated from Forsyth County High School and attended North Georgia College.

Mills has been a member of the business community for many years. She served as the general Mills manager of Lanierland Music Park for 10 years and is president of CMC Trucking Company, a local agricultural transportation agency. She is also a real estate agent with Bryan Properties.

She also served on the county’s parks and recreation board for 11 years and received a State Volunteer Award from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association in 2011.

She coached recreational teams for more than 20 years and is a member of the Forsyth County Parks Foundation.

Mills is a charter member of the North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club, where she has served as president and is an organizer of the Community Business Bank.

Mills’ involvement in the education community includes participation in the local school council programs at Coal Mountain Elementary, North Forsyth Middle and North Forsyth High schools.

She is the mother of two children, Megan Mills Bottoms and Courtney Mills, and the proud grandmother of Brooklyn Leigh Bottoms.

She is an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday school and youth bible study and serves as the director of the Oak Grove Opry.

District 5 Jim Boff Phone: (678) 513-5885 Jim Boff was re-elected to a second term on the Forsyth County commission in 2012.

He represents District 5, which includes much of eastern Forsyth.

At the start of this year, he was elected vice chairman of the Boff panel by his peers.

Boff is retired from a career in technical sales support of voice, data and optical fiber switches. Prior to taking office, he served as the chairman of Forsyth County’s SPLOST VI Citizens

Transportation Projects Selection Committee, which helped prioritize road projects completed with the use of 1-cent sales tax funds.

Boff said he believes that the county government is overall doing better than it ever has before, but that there is still much work to be done to continue enhancing quality of life in Forsyth County.

He has completed the Commissioners Training Program through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

Boff and wife Cindy have two daughters, Emily and Lillian. They have lived in Forsyth County for nearly 20 years and attend Cumming First United Methodist Church.

He and his family are active in the community, and Boff volunteers at The Place of Forsyth, occasionally as driver of the bread and produce truck.

He enjoys tennis and stereo equipment and is a member of the Cumming Kiwanis Club.

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 21

State legislators Senate State Sen. Jack Murphy R, District 27 Sen. Jack Murphy was elected to the state Senate in 2006. He previously served two terms in the state House of Representatives. He serves Senate District 27, which covers all of Forsyth County with the Murphy exception of a small northeastern corner.

Murphy serves on the Senate Appropriations, Public Safety and Rules committees. He is chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.

Murphy worked in the pest control industry for many years before embarking on his political endeavors.

He worked for the Rollins/Orkin division for 19 years and later established his own company, Radar, which was based in Forsyth County and operated in four states. He sold Radar in 1997.

Since then, Murphy has been involved with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce for a number of years and served as its chairman in 2001.

He was also the owner of Lanier Athletic Center, which closed in 2009.

Murphy has six adult children: Matt, Steve, Julie Ellington, David Potter, Brian Potter and Brian Murphy. He and his wife, Linda, live in Cumming.

Murphy’s Capitol address is Coverdell Legislative Office Building Room 325-A, 18 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334.

He can be reached by calling his office at the Capitol (404) 6567127 or home number (770) 781-9319.

State Sen. Steve Gooch R, District 51 Steve Gooch was first elected to serve District 51, which includes a small portion Gooch of northeastern Forsyth County in November 2010. He and wife Shannon live in Dahlonega with their three sons.

Gooch serves on the Senate Appropriations, Economic Development, Natural Resources and the Environment and Rules committees and is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Gooch earned his master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from North Georgia College & State University. He is in commercial real

PAGE 22 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Seen it in Forsyth? estate.

Gooch is a member of Dahlonega Baptist Church and is the former Lumpkin County commissioner. He is a member of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and previously served as the 9th District Georgia Department of Transportation board member.

Gooch’s capitol address is 421-C Coverdell Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334. His capitol phone number is (404) 656-9221.

House State Rep. Kevin Tanner R, District 9 Rep. Kevin Tanner represents the 9th House district, which includes a small portion of northwestern Forsyth.

Tanner Tanner, who lives in Dawsonville with his wife, Stacie, and three children, Kaitlyn, Abbie and Chloe, was sworn in to the office in January.

Prior to that, he was a small businessman and served as Dawson County manager. He was also a deputy with the Dawson County’s Sheriff’s office for nearly two decades.

He’s a member of the Education, Intragovernmental

Coordination and Natural Resources & Environment committees. He and his family are members of the Bethel Baptist Church, where Hill serves as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon.

His Capitol address is Room 401-E State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334. His Capitol telephone number is (404) 656-0152.

State Rep. Calvin Hill R, District 22 Rep. Calvin Hill has served in the House since 2003. Prior to being elected, Hill was the mayor of Ball Ground for two terms.

Hill His newly created district includes a southwestern portion of Forsyth County, as well as a portion of Cherokee County.

Hill lives in Canton with his wife, Cheryl.

The two have five sons and a daughter, as well as three grandchildren.

Hill serves as chairman of the House Code Revision Committee.

He is also a member of the House Appropriations, Banks & Banking, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Special Rules, State Planning & Community Affairs and State Properties committees. Hill is an entrepreneur, having started several domestic and international business-

7 Got the answer? See page 5. es, including a resort hotel in Belize.

The California native attended Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, majoring in business.

He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

His civil service includes work with the United Way, Canton Rotary Club, March of Dimes, Cherokee Outdoor YMCA and sits on the board of trustees at Reinhardt University. He’s also a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Hill’s Capitol address is 401-B State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334. He can be reached at the Capitol at (404) 6567855. His district number is (678) 493-7257.

State Rep. Mark Hamilton R, District 24 Mark Hamilton, who serves District 24, was sworn into office in January 2007. His district covers central Forsyth Hamilton County, including the city of Cumming.

Hamilton is the founder, president and CEO of H&H Staffing Services Inc., a staffing firm, and AppliedWisdom LLC, an executive coaching and consulting firm.

Hamilton spent 20 years in corporate America in a wide

See STATE | 24

Cumming, Georgia, My Home Town...

The City of Cumming, led by a group of seasoned elected officials and a long term Mayor is actively establishing a legacy which posterity will recall as visionary. Ever seeking programs and projects that will better the community and searching out frugal means of funding, it is quite possible that records have been set here with regard to innovative leadership. Most especially in the midst of the country’s adverse economical situation, it is remarkable that the City of Cumming continues to

purposefully march forward and bring good things to the people of Cumming, Forsyth and surrounding communities, while maintaining a balanced budget.

Cumming, Georgia continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, play, and succeed and while it is true that our town is referred to as “The Gateway to Leisure Living”, that privilege has come about as a result of extensive planning by dedicated people and concerted effort on the part of elected officials and the citizens of the town.

“I feel very fortunate and blessed that I was able to purchase an office property in Cumming in 1997 and start H&H Staffing Services, Inc. From the very first day I spoke with the City of Cumming, it’s courteous and helpful staff welcomed us and did everything possible to assist our opening. Since then I opened another business in Cumming, AppliedWisdom LLC in 2003, and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2006. I still maintain both companies as well as my House District 24 office in Cumming and enjoy working with them, the residents and other business owners and hope to continue for many more years.”

Mark Hamilton Georgia State Representative, District 24 "Forsyth County Schools values our strong relationship with the City of Cumming. They are supportive of public education, and work in partnership with us always putting the best interest of our students and staff first. They have done a fine job preserving the history of our community, and also presenting new opportunities in the areas of arts and recreation."

Darla Light Chair, Forsyth County Board of Education “We have had the pleasure to work with the City of Cumming in developing our hospital campus and fulfilling our Healthcare mission. We have found city leaders and staff to be service oriented, business friendly and committed to achieving mutual success in providing for the best interests of our community. Strong, consistent leadership with a vision for the future is a trademark of the City of Cumming and we are proud to be a part of that rich tradition.”

Lynn Jackson Administrator, Northside Hospital-Forsyth

City of Cumming H. Ford Gravitt Mayor

Lewis Ledbetter Councilman

Quincy Holton Councilman

Ralph Perry Councilman

John D. Pugh Councilman

Rupert Sexton Councilman

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 23

FROM 22

State range of sales, management and senior management positions around the country before founding H&H Staffing in 1998 and AppliedWisdom in 2003.

He is chairman of the Industry and Labor Committee and also serves on the Appropriations,Transportation, Governmental Affairs, Rules and Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications committees.

Hamilton is a member and pastchairman of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, and a member and past-president of the South Forsyth Rotary Club. Hamilton is a graduate and active alumnus of Leadership Forsyth.

An engineering business graduate of Texas A&I University, Hamilton has three daughters and two grandchildren.

He and wife Sandy live in Forsyth County.The Hamiltons are active members of Cumming First Baptist Church.

Hamilton’s Capitol address is 218 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334. He can be reached at the Capitol at (404) 6565132. His district number is (770) 8446768.

State Rep. Mike Dudgeon R, District 25 Mike Dudgeon, who serves District 25, took office in 2011. His district includes south Forsyth and Johns Creek.

Prior to being elected to the state House, Dudgeon served a term on the Forsyth County Board of Education. As a legislator, Dudgeon now serves on the House Education, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Dudgeon Science andTechnology and Small Business Development committees.

Dudgeon has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from GeorgiaTech, holds four U.S. patents and has been in the technology business his entire career. He helped build the Alpharetta-based startup Radiant Systems in the 1990s and was part of the group that took the company public.

PAGE 24 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

In 2001, he foundedTier One, an engineering consulting business in Forsyth County. After selling his interest inTier One, Dudgeon and partners founded Qualia Labs in 2007, which is performing research into new computer architectures and artificial intelligence.

In addition to being the CTO of Qualia, he serves as director of research for Alpharetta-based video game company Hi-Rez Studios.

Dudgeon is an usher, youth Sunday school teacher and past chair of the church council at Johns Creek United Methodist. He is active in leadership of the Boy Scouts, and has served as chairman of Cub Scout Pack 3143, currently serving as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 143.

Dudgeon and his wife, Lori, have three boys and live in southern Forsyth County.

Dudgeon’s Capitol address is 608-C Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334.

He can be reached at the Capitol at (404) 656-0298. His district number is (770) 490-7983.

State Rep. Geoff Duncan R, District 26 Geoff Duncan began his term in January. Duncan, who lives in Cumming with his wife Brooke and three sons, Parker, Bayler and Ryder, serves on the House Banks & Banking, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.

Duncan was a scholarship pitcher at Georgia Tech, where he played in the 1994 College World Series. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins after several seasons in Duncan the minor league system.

An injury cut his career short in 2001, when he and his wife started a small marketing company, which he sold four years later.

Duncan then began a residential construction company based in Forsyth County, which he continues to run.

He is a coach for his sons’ youth sports teams and attends Browns Bridge Community Church.

Duncan’s Capitol address is 512-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334. He can be reached at the Capitol at (404) 656-7859.

City council Mayor H. Ford Gravitt First elected mayor in 1970 H. Ford Gravitt is a native of Cumming and Forsyth County. He has served more than four decades as mayor of Cumming. Before being elected mayor, Gravitt served as a city councilman from 1969 to 1970. Gravitt has three children, Keith, Fonda and Hank, and five grandchildren.

Gravitt

City Council Quincy Holton First elected in 1969 Native of Cumming and Forsyth County, Holton has served more than 40 continuous years as a city councilman. Holton is retired from Sawnee Electric Membership Corp. with 40 years of service to the company. Holton and his wife, Shirley, have two children, Gary and Nina.

Lewis Ledbetter First elected in 1970 A native of Cumming, Ledbetter has more than 40 years of continuous service as a city councilman. Ledbetter is self-employed in the printing business and is the owner of Cumming Printing.

Ledbetter and his wife, Barbara, have two children, Lori and Matthew, and four grandsons.

Ralph Perry First elected in 1979 Perry is a native of Cumming and Forsyth County. He is retired from Sawnee Electric Membership Corp. He has served the city of Cumming as councilman for more than three decades. Perry and his wife, Joyce, have two children, Tim and Cindy.

Holton

Ledbetter

Perry

John D. Pugh First elected in 1993 A native of Cumming and Forsyth County, Pugh is a local businessman. He worked for 14 years with Wilson and Co. and currently is a partner in Pugh Brothers Garage. Pugh has been a city councilman for about 20 years. Pugh has one daughter, Marsha, and two grandchildren.

Rupert Sexton First elected 1970 A fifth generation native of Cumming and Forsyth County, Sexton is a U.S. Army veteran, 1961-63. Sexton is an agent with Cotton States Insurance. Prior to his insurance sales career, he was in auto sales in the North Georgia area.

Sexton has four children, Pam, Angie, Kim and Jason, and five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. His wife is Dana.

Pugh

Sexton

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How to recycle in the county From staff reports

Recycling efforts continue to grow in Forsyth County.

In 2012, more than 4 million pounds were recycled at the three county-operated recycling convenience centers.

All curbside collection outside the Cumming city limits is privatized, so those numbers are not available.

Based on other information, though, it appears that curbside recycling also is contributing to this growing trend.

Residents are encouraged to seek a waste hauler that offers recycling.

There are several to choose from with varying prices and levels of service.

Another alternative is to use one of the three public recycling convenience centers the county operates.

The centers accept: corrugated cardboard; paperboard; newspaper; mixed paper; phonebooks; magazines; Nos. 1 and 2 plastics; alumi-

num; metal cans; glass; motor oil; and ink jet and laser toner cartridges.

Other recyclable materials include scrap metal, cooking oil, used books, used clothing and shoes, all types of batteries and, at the Tolbert Street Center only, electronics. Also, tires are accepted at the Coal Mountain Center only.

The centers are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except for county holidays. There is no charge for most recycling.

As an added convenience, the centers also accept household garbage in bags no larger than 32 gallons. The price for trash is 50 cents per bag for customers who recycle and $1 a bag for customers who bring trash only.

There is a five bag per day limit on garbage, but no limit on recyclables.

Customers who bring more than five bags of trash will be charged

Seen it in Forsyth?

Recycling centers • Tolbert Street Recycling Center - 351 Tolbert Street, (770) 781-2176 (behind Tyson’s and the Cumming Fairgrounds) • Old Atlanta Recycling Center - 3678 Old Atlanta Road, (770) 205-3010 (next to Fire Station No. 10 at the Old Atlanta Road and James Burgess Road intersection) Coal Mountain Recycling Center - 3560 Settingdown Road, (770) 781-2071 (Building E, inside Coal Mountain Park)

8

All centers are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except for county holidays.

$2 for each additional bag.

For more information about the Forsyth County Recycling Convenience Centers, call Keep Forsyth County Beautiful at (770) 2054573 or visit www.forsythco.com.

Got the answer? See page 5.

Elections and voting information Elections Supervisor Barbara Luth and her team of employees are responsible for conducting elections in Forsyth County and registering voters in the area.They also ensure that candidates are properly registered and meet correct legal requirements for elected office.

Registration Voters must be registered with the county’s elections office 30 days prior to an election date in order to participate.

Forsyth County residents have many outlets for registering to vote that include registering when they get their driver’s license or picking up an application in a county library.

Residents who renew their

licenses are asked at the time of renewal if they want to register to vote.

But if applicants don’t receive a voter registration card, applicants should contact the Department of Voter Registration and Elections.The application must be filled out completely and include the applicant’s full name, a residential address (not a post office box), date of birth and Social Security number.

Residents also can apply by printing off an application from the Forsyth County Web site, www.forsythco.com.

Applicants must click on the link for departments at the top of the county’s home page.

On the department page, applicants must select the Department of Voter

PAGE 26 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Registration and Elections and the page will automatically redirect you to the voter registration page.

On the left side of the page there will be a link for “voter registration application.”

This form must be printed, completed and mailed to the registrar’s office.

The quickest application process is to apply at the elections office in the county administration building.

Polling hours for all county and municipal elections are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during early voting and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 7

p.m. Tuesday and Thursday during advanced voting.

Voter qualifications To register to vote in the state of Georgia, you must be: • A citizen of the United States • A legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you wish to vote • At least 18 years of age by election day Also, you may not register to vote if you are currently: • Serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony.

• Judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

Note:You do not have to register by political party to vote in the state’s regular pri-

maries or general elections.

All registered voters must present a valid photo identification in order to vote.

Advance voting Georgia municipalities conduct advance voting procedures in an effort to shorten lines at the polls on election dates.

The week prior to an election, registered voters in Forsyth County can visit five specific locations to vote ahead of time on candidates and other issues that are on the ballot.There is also one day to vote on a Saturday prior to an election.

Voters should bring a verifiable form of photo identification with them.

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A Family Tradition for

65 YeArs

Pictured from left to right: Jacob, John, James, Janet, Jim, and Joseph Otwell

2014 Spark

2013 Volt

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PAGE 28 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Drive a little, save a lot

2013 Silverado

2014 Impala

ck to S iN Now at Ng Starti

36 Month Lease. seLLing Price $37,595. $2,589 due at Lease incePtion*

Monday - Saturday 9am-8pm Closed Sunday

James Otwell Jr. opened Andean Chevrolet 65 years ago, naming the business after daughters Patricia Anne and Sara Dean – coining the well known Andean name.

Today it is still owned and operated by the founder’s son, daughter, daughter-inlaw and four grandsons.

Thank you Forsyth for making Andean your favorite Chevy Dealership.

Low-mileage lease for very-well qualified lessees. 12K per year, 20¢ due thereafter. First month’s payment due at Signing. Plus tax, tags, title, and dealer fees. With approved credit. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Must bring this ad in for sale pricing.

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2013 Avalanche

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2013 Tahoe

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2013 Equinox

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36 Month Lease. seLLing Price $20,175. $2,869 due at Lease incePtion*

39 Month Lease. seLLing Price $36,221. $3,029 due at Lease incePtion* Low-mileage lease for very-well qualified lessees. 12K per year, 20¢ due thereafter.

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Per Month 199 Lease + tax

Low-mileage lease for very-well qualified lessees. 12K per year, 20¢ due thereafter.

First month’s payment due at Signing.

All prices include dealer fees. Plus tax, tags, title. With WAC credit.

Low-mileage lease for very-well qualified lessees. 12K per year, 20¢ due thereafter.

First month’s payment due at Signing.

All prices include dealer fees. Plus tax, tags, title. With WAC credit.

Low-mileage lease for very-well qualified lessees. 12K per year, 20¢ due thereafter.

First month’s payment due at Signing.

All prices include dealer fees. Plus tax, tags, title. With WAC credit.

2013 Malibu

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 29

Chamber active for community

By James McCoy

For the Forsyth County News

The Chamber of Commerce has been a partner for many years in a joint initiative with Forsyth County govern­ ment, the Forsyth County Development Authority and the city of Cumming to maximize the econom­ ic development opportu­ nities for our community.

This is a strong partner­ ship that yields signifi­ cant results. In 2012, the Chamber’s Economic Development team assist­ ed 18 new and existing companies in creating 762 new jobs and invest­ ing $71.1 million in new capital.

This year alone we have worked on 10 eco­ nomic development proj­ ects that are projected to bring 407 new jobs to our community and $22 mil­ lion in new capital invest­ ment.

The chamber has also

fostered the devel­ opment of the Health­ c a r e Associ­ ation of McCoy Forsyth C o u n t y.

This business unit of the chamber will hold five workshops this year for practice administrators.

The HCA also spear­ headed the fourth annual Boulder Dash 5K, which involved 1,550 partici­ pants and raised support for the Forsyth County Parks Foundation.

The organization recently played host to its annual Jazz in June event.

Health care professionals enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and jazz while network­ ing within their field.

The year 2013 still holds quite a bit in store for the HCA. The organi­ zation’s health care sum­ mit is scheduled for

October, focusing on health care reform and how it will affect the business community.

Finally, HCA plans to end the year offering the much anticipated Mingle Jingle event in December.

The Small Business Services Center of the chamber works with hun­ dreds of business owners to assist them in the areas of start-up, expansion, retention and recruitment.

So far this year, the SBSC has worked on 14 projects within these areas of attention. The SBSC holds ongoing small business roundta­ bles with SCORE designed to be a monthly, facilitated discussion group for small business owners to work through the day-to-day challenges of owning a business.

Since the beginning of 2013, the SBSC has served more than 214 cli­ ents. This year’s Small B u s i n e s s Aw a r d s

Luncheon was held in February and garnered more than 70 nomina­ tions.

The chamber’s annual Small Business Expo is set for Aug. 8, at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center and is anticipated to surpass previous years with new and exciting elements.

Wi t h a n i n c r e a s e d focus on tourism devel­ opment, the chamber has made great strides in 2013. More than 20,000 maps were distributed to hotels, community cen­ ters and tournament organizers. These maps highlight schools, parks, dining and shopping opportunities in the county for area visitors.

The chamber was rep­ resented at three national tradeshows, marketing the community’s facili­ ties, hotels, parks and recreation centers.

Emphasizing the

importance of “staying where you play,” the chamber continues to excel in the sports mar­ ket, moving teams into local hotels and increas­ ing the economic impact of these guests to our community.

The chamber continues to be a liaison between county businesses and sports entities to identify future partnership oppor­ tunities.

The chamber’s success in bidding for national events and tournaments is due in large part to the great venues available in Forsyth County.

In 2012, more than 30 leads were secured through these trade­ shows, including several

sports tournaments.

These events brought more than 6,000 booked hotel room nights to the area.

The chamber’s gener­ ated leads for 2013 are estimated to have an eco­ nomic impact of about $425,000 in the commu­ nity.

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is focused on the core initiatives that create wealth and pro­ mote better community life. That has been our focus since our inception in 1954. Come build your business and our commu­ nity with us.

Seen it in Forsyth?

Sheriff’s Office keeps watch over county From staff reports

The Forsyth County Sheriff ’s Office is charged with the responsi­ bility of serving and protecting the county’s citizens and visitors.

Led by Duane K. Piper, the 390 sheriff’s office employees — 300 of them sworn peace officers — strive to set standard of excellence to others to follow.

Every member of the sheriff’s office is committed to professional­ ism, integrity and honor.

In keeping with these worthy objectives, the employees operate according to the sheriff’s office

mission statement: “To serve and protect through dedication, profes­ sionalism, active cooperation with the community, respect to human dignity.”

The office is made up of a variety of divisions and units, focusing on different areas of public safety.

Uniform Patrol actively patrols neighborhoods and businesses, responding quickly to calls for ser­ vice and proactively preventing crime.

Operations Division supplements uniform patrol with the HEAT/DUI unit, school resource deputies, marine patrol, bike patrol and

PAGE 30 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

motor units.

Criminal Investigations has investigators trained in property crimes, special victims, a victim advocate specialist unit and an award-winning crime scene spe­ cialist unit. The county’s animal control is also handled by the sher­ iff’s office.

The Services Division include deputies and other employees who facilitate the safety of the detention center, transport inmates, serve civil papers and provide a safe, secure environment for those visiting and See OFFICE | 31

9 Got the answer? See page 5.

FROM 30

Office working in the county courthouse and other judicial facilities.

In November 2012, voters approved SPLOST VII, an extension of the special purpose local option sales tax that will fund construction of a new courthouse and detention center.

Work is under way, with the completion of the facilities set for the end of 2014.

All of the office’s units and divisions and their employees understand the importance of community policing. Working with the community has proven to reduce crime and improve quality of life in Forsyth.

The sheriff’s office does this through several programs: Neighborhood Watch; Business Wa t c h ; C i t i z e n s ’ L a w Enforcement Academy; Seniors and Lawmen Together; Safe

Contact For more information about the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office or to learn more about the community programs offered: contact (770) 7812222; go online at www.forsythsheriff.org; “like” them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ForsythCountySO); or follow them on Twitter (@ ForsythCountySO).

If you need to report a suspicious activity or a criminal incident, call 911 or our nonemergency dispatch at (770) 781-3087.

To anonymously report a crime, call CrimeStoppers at (770) 888-7308.

Kids Forsyth; P.R.I.D.E., or Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error, courses; Explorers’ Program and more.

Deputies also teach crime prevention topics at various community meetings, civic groups, children’s organizations and church groups.

Fire department ready to respond From staff reports

The Forsyth County Public Safety Complex houses the county’s fire department headquarters, 911 center and e m e rg e n cy m a n a g e m e n t agency.

The facility, completed in July 2006, also allows the county to hold regional training programs for fire and law enforcement personnel. It is located at 3520 Settingdown Road in northern Forsyth County.

The complex includes several facilities for fire administration offices, emergency operations, emergency communications and law enforcement training. The facility also houses Fire Station 12, a fire motor maintenance area and training grounds for fire and law enforcement.

The administration portion

of the complex has an upper and lower level totaling 36,680 square feet.

The upper level of that facility, at 20,720 square feet, houses the fire department headquarters and offices for law enforcement training, while the lower level, at 15,960 square feet, includes emergency communications and the emergency operations center.

A centerpiece greeting employees and visitors to the lobby of the main building is a sacred portion of I-beam from the World Trade Center ruins in New York City.

It was erected as a memorial to Sept. 11, 2001 during the complex’s grand opening and is available for anyone to visit during regular business hours or by appointment.

In addition to Station 12, the fire department includes

11 other stations throughout the county.

The department works to maintain a professional relationship with all residents of the county.

It participates in several partnerships to better the lives of residents and help prevent fires or injuries. These include: • Vial of Life program in partnership with Forsyth County Kroger grocery stores. In this program, geared primarily to senior citizens but available for anyone, a large medicine bottle with an information sheet and sticker inside can be picked up at any county Kroger store or fire station.

Participants fill out the sheet, place it in back in the bottle, stick the sticker on See FIRE | 32

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 31

Police department patrols Cumming For the Forsyth County News

Casey Tatum has served the Cumming Police Department for more than 16 years, beginning as a patrol officer in 1997.

He worked his way up the ranks to chief, a position to which he was appointed in early 2012.

Tatum manages a sworn police force of 14 officers, who patrol the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Although there is not a large residential population within the city limits, many people work, shop and dine there on a daily basis.

The city’s jurisdiction encompasses the downtown area, where the new courthouse and jail are under construction, as well as Northside Hospital-Forsyth and the Market Place Boulevard retail corridor.

Also in the city’s jurisdiction are the University of North Georgia’s Cumming campus, the Department of Driver Services, the Cumming Aquatic Center and the National Guard Armory, all located off Pilgrim Mill Road near Ga. 400.

These areas draw a large number of people and traffic to the city

each day and it is Tatum’s priority to keep its residents and visitors as safe as possible.

Cumming Municipal Court, which handles traffic citations, city ordinance violations and other misdemeanor charges issued by police, is located in the same building as the police department. Court is held once a month at 6 p.m. to accommodate those who work during the day.

The police department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its own dispatch center and jail staff.

In addition, Tatum oversees an administrative staff that supports daily operations, as well as provides public services such as processing alcohol and taxi permits, background checks for employment and licensing and accident and incident reports.

Since taking helm, Tatum has made significant strides to make the department as efficient as possible and aims to achieve the standards necessary to obtain state certification in the near future.

It’s Tatum’s goal to make everybody’s experience with Cumming police a positive one.

Seen it in Forsyth?

10 Got the answer? See page 5.

PAGE 32 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Emory Johns Creek celebrates six years For the Forsyth County News

Celebrating its sixth anniversary this year, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, which opened in 2007, is a 110-bed, acute-care facility serving Johns Creek and surrounding communities.

The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, from advanced diagnostics to innovative surgical techniques, providing health care for a variety of conditions affecting people of all ages. Patients will find: • 24-hour emergency department, staffed with board-certified emergency physicians • Minimally invasive and robotic surgical services, using the da Vinci Surgical System • Advanced cardiac care with Cardiac Catheterization Lab • Advanced all-digital diagnostic imaging • Comprehensive outpatient and rehabilitation services • Center for Sleep Medicine

Patient- and family-centered care

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to working with patients and their families early on in the hospital process, placing a strong focus on individualized care.

The hospital’s large, all-private rooms also help make the patient experience more personal.

FROM 31

Fire

their door and place the vial inside their refrigerator.

If firefighters or other emergency workers are dispatched to their home in an emergency, they go to the refrigerator and look at the information sheet if the patient is unconscious or unable to communicate.

• Flag drop off box in partnership with the American Legion. An American flag drop off box is located outside of Fire Station 1 in

“When patients visit our hospital, they receive exceptional personal attention from our medical staff and the highest quality care available,” said Craig McCoy, hospital CEO. “Our patient- and family-centered mission ensures the patient’s family participates in all aspects of their relative’s care.”

Women’s services

From obstetrics to gynecology, breast health to surgical care, Emory Johns Creek is dedicated to providing women of all stages of life with exceptional health care.

With a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, and in-house, 24-hour neonatology and anesthesia services, the hospital offers specialized care for the unique needs of all women.

Next month, it will open its new Center for Breast Care, which will provide comprehensive breast imaging services, including screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as other breast care services and bone densitometery.

It will be equipped with the latest technology, including all-digital imaging and 3-D See EMORY | 34

downtown Cumming, near the Cumming Fairgrounds. Old, worn out flags can be dropped off in the box at any time. American Legion members then pick up the flags and retire them properly.

• Smoke detector inspections are available free of charge for any home or business. Smoke detectors are available for senior citizens and those in financial need.

• C.A.R.S, or Children Are Riding Safely, program offers free child safety seat checks to parents or guardians.

Those wanting an inspection need to call and schedule an appointment at (770) 205-5699. Expectant parents should call as early as possible.

Forsyth County Fire Department • Emergency: 911 • Nonemergency: (770) 781-2180

• Free blood pressure checks are available at all fire stations.

“The men and women of the Forsyth County Fire Department are committed to protecting our citizens’ lives and property — a mindset which will never change,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “It is our honor and privilege to provide the top-of-the-line professional fire and emergency services expected by our residents and visitors.”

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Information/Highlights: • Region 6 AAAAAA • 23 GHSA sponsored sports • 21 of 23 sports have made state playoff appearances • Georgia Musical Theater Awards “Shuler Award for Best Overall Performance”

2013 Advanced Placement Recognition: • AP STEM Access School Class of 2013 Data • AP STEM Achievement School • 82% of graduates accepted into • Advanced Placement Merit School post secondary education • 230 Advanced Placement Scholars recipients • Accepted into 99 different • 36 Advanced Placement International Diploma colleges/universities/technical recipients institutions • 74% scored a 3,4,5 on Advanced Placement Exams • 208 Honor Graduates • 47% scored a 4 or 5 • $4 million in non-HOPE • 1,456 Advanced Placement Exams taken Scholarships Awarded • 704 participated in Advanced Placement Testing • 27 athletic scholarships awarded • Average AP score (3.19)

Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 33

FROM 32

Emory mammography, and will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of breast care specialists and a full-time nurse navigator.

Bariatric surgery

Emory Johns Creek is ho m e t o t h e At l a n ta Bariatric Center, a designated Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation a n d Q u a l i t y Improvement Program, or MBSAQIP. Our skilled surgeons have performed more than 4,700 weight-loss procedures with complication rates well below the national average.

Other program highlights include: • State-of-the-art equipment designed to accommodate weightloss surgery patients in our operating rooms • Specially designed 12-bed unit • Specially trained nursing and support staff

Community Involvement

Emory Johns Creek Hospital places value in serving the community outside the walls of its facility.

“The opening of Emory Johns Creek Hospital came three months after Johns Creek became its own city,” McCoy said. “The formation of a new hospital, let alone a new city, is a double rarity in the United States.”

In turn, services at the hospital have grown to meet the growing needs of fellow citizens.

“Being in the health care business, we want to continue to educate the community on the benefits of preventive medicine,” McCoy said.

“We don’t want to solely be a hospital that takes care of sick people, so we are constantly seeking unique ways to partner with the community to emphasize the importance of staying healthy.”

Excellence in cardiac and vascular care

The cardiologists at Emory Johns Creek Hospital are committed to providing comprehensive heart and vascular treatment options, including preventive cardiology and the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected heart disease and/or peripheral vascular disease.

The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, equipped with the latest technology, provides a variety of investigative and interventional cardiac procedures including angioplasty and stent placement, providing 64-minute door-to-balloon times, far below the national goal of 90 minutes.

In May, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, along with three other Emory hospitals, received the American Heart A s s o c i a t i o n ’s 2 0 1 2 Mission Lifeline Bronze Recognition award for excellence in the treatment of STEMI. That

PAGE 34 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Online More information on Emory Johns Creek Hospital can be found online at emoryjohnscreek.com. stands for ST-elevation myocardial infarction heart attacks, the most severe type.

Achievements and recognition

In February, Emory Johns Creek was named to the 2012 Georgia Hospital Association’s Chairman’s Circle for patient safety. The circle is the second highest category in the GHA’s Hospital Engagement Network, or HEN, recognition program. The hospital has achieved this recognition for the past four years.

“We are delighted by this honor, which confirms the splendid work of our doctors and staff members, who every day make patient care and safety their top priority,” McCoy said.

In May, GHA honored the hospital again by naming it to the hospital t o t h e C h a i r m a n ’s Category of its Partnership for Health and Accountability Honor Roll.

Emory Johns Creek is one of just 17 Georgia hospitals to make the Chairman’s category, the highest category on the organization’s patient safety honor roll.

In addition, the hospital’s cancer program was awarded its three-year cancer accreditation with commendation this summer by the Commission on Cancer of the American College

Seen it in Forsyth?

of Surgeons.

The accreditation signifies the “Hallmark of Excellence” in cancer care programs.

What’s next for EJCH

“We want to continue to meet the needs of our community and grow our services so local residents will not have to seek care elsewhere,” McCoy said. “Our goal is to always provide extraordinary care and unparalleled compassion for every patient, every day.”

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Northside Hospital expanding with county For the Forsyth County News

As Forsyth County and the surrounding areas continue to thrive, so too does Northside Hospital-Forsyth.

As Forsyth County’s only hospital, Northside continues to expand and enhance its services to meet the community’s health care needs.

Today, the 217-bed hospital has more than 2,200 physicians and 2,000 employees, in more than 60 medical specialties, who served more than 216,000 patient encounters in 2012.

Whether you live in Cumming, Johns Creek, Dawsonville, Alpharetta or Sugar Hill, Northside offers access to an extensive network of state-of-the-art facilities, staffed with skilled, caring professionals, who consistently pioneer leading-edge procedures and are dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities they serve.

Award-winning patient care

Northside is committed to balancing clinical excellence with high-quality, compassionate care.

In 2013, Northside Hospital-Forsyth was named to the Chairman’s category (the highest on the list) of the Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability Core Measures Honor Roll.

The hospital also was recognized by The Joint Commission for health care quality in treating pneumonia, hip/knee replacement and stroke patients, and achieved the American H e a r t A s s o c i a t i o n ’s

Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center Silver Performance Achievement Award for heart attack care.

Booming maternity care

This year, Northside Hospital-Forsyth celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Women’s Center.

In that time, the Center’s growth has been exceptional, far surpassing all projections. More than 10,200 babies have been born in the Women’s Center since it opened Aug. 6, 2008.

Adjacent to the south side of the Women’s Center, a new four-story, 100,000-square-foot medical office building is under construction. It will house a variety of physician specialties and practices to support the growing Women’s Services volume.

Excellence in cardiac care

The Northside Hospital H e a r t a n d Va s c u l a r Institute’s board-certified

cardiologists and vascular surgeons have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and circulatory system.

In Forsyth, the hospital is an accredited Chest Pain Center and is designated a UnitedHealth Premium Cardiac Specialty Center for outstanding quality cardiac care services.

Northside recently expanded its award-winning program to offer the latest in vascular surgery services.

Available at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, N o r t h s i d e Va s c u l a r Surgery is one of the most skilled vascular programs in the Southeast and the only one in the nation equipped to treat high-risk patients with custommodified endografts for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

State-of-the-art breast care

More cases of breast cancer are diagnosed and

Seen it in Forsyth?

treated at Northside than at any other hospital in the Southeast.

The hospital offers women the latest in technology and specialized expertise, while emphasizing compassionate care and support.

More than 100,000 breast imaging procedures are performed each year at locations in Cumming, Dawsonville, Alpharetta, Sugar Hill and across north Atlanta.

All mammograms, screening and diagnostic, are performed with Computer Aided Detection technology.

In Cumming, Alpharetta and Atlanta, patients also have access to digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, one

On the Net For more information, visit www.northside.com.

of the latest advances in the fight against breast cancer.

Through generous grants from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and It’s the Journey, Northside currently has funding for mammograms and breast diagnostic services for qualified applicants, who otherwise cannot afford services.

Comprehensive weight-loss surgery

For 30 years, Northside has successfully guided patients through life-changing weight-loss surgery, from initial consultation to

long-term follow-up.

Northside HospitalForsyth offers the latest in minimally invasive techniques for bariatric surgery.

Northside was the first hospital in Georgia to introduce single-incision laparoscopic weight-loss surgery, and recently added robot-assisted laparoscopy to its long list of advanced bariatric services.

A team of dedicated, experienced physicians and staff ensures that Northside is poised to continue leading the charge against obesity for many more years to come.

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Children’s to offer chance for early autism detection For the Forsyth County News

Join a study

Since Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta moved to Forsyth in 2011, the staff has seen more than 50,000 patient visits, treating everything from the flu to shin splints.

Soon, Children’s will offer another important, life-changing pediatric service in Forsyth — the early detection of developmental delays in infants.

With a new eye-tracking screening device, clinicians will be able to see the world through the eyes of a child.

The screening will detect how infants perceive their environment.

The eye-tracking device works by using cameras that focus on a child’s eyes. Short videos and images are shown to the child, and when his eyes move, the cameras can tell what part of the scene he is watching.

Most children focus on people’s eyes and faces, but infants at risk for autism tend to focus on objects and movements more than their typically developing peers.

By detecting these risk factors earlier, the hope is to catch conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, at the earliest possible stages.

Currently the average age of diagnosis of ASD is when a child is about 5 years old. If discovered early, this screening can lead to a life-changing early intervention.

“We can now make a difference,” said Ami Klin, director of the Marcus Autism Center and professor and chief of the division of autism and related disorders at Emory University. “Anything we do within this window of opportunity will have lifetime consequences for the patients.”

Warren Jones, director of research at Marcus Autism Center, said they “study how children with autism look at, and learn from, the world.”

“Literally, we measure every movement of a child’s eyes while he

• Marcus Autism Center is seeking pregnant mothers, or mothers who have a baby younger than 3 months old, and an older biological child who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or typically developing with no family history of ASDs. Visit marcus.org/research or call (404) 785-7600 to participate in a study.

• Note: Collaborators in research include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Translational Social Neuroscience at Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and not employees.

looks at other people, quantifying how much time a child spends watching other people’s eyes or watching other important social gestures,” Jones said.

Studies show that the earlier a child is diagnosed with autism and starts treatment, the better the outcome.

Klin and a team of researchers came to Atlanta from Yale University to launch the largest research effort for children with autism and related disorders in the country — a collaboration between Marcus Autism Center, a subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine.

In 2012, this collaboration led to the award of a National Institutes of Health Autism Center of Excellence, or ACE, grant — one of just three in the nation. With this grant, the team is poised to revolutionize the diagnosis of autism.

In order to offer the eye-tracking machine in Forsyth, Children’s will

need to raise $250,000.

“We are working hard to raise donations that will allow Children’s to offer this life-changing service,” said Steven Wagner, Children’s development officer. “The community is rallying behind this important initiative, and to date we have raised over 100,000 towards our $250,000 goal, which we aim to hit by the end of the year.

“With continued community enthusiasm, we hope to hit our goal and begin providing this service as soon as possible.”

Klin and Jones agreed that the most important partners in this new program will be pediatricians who screen patients in well-baby checkups and refer families with babies or young children at risk for autism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening children for ASD at 18 months and 24 months and asking about social and emotional developmental milestones at every well-child checkup.

Make a donation If you would like to make a donation towards the purchase and operation of the eye-tracking machine, contact Steven Wagner, development officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at (404) 785-7321. For general inquiries, contact Beth Buursema, community outreach manager for Children’s at (404) 785-7691 or go to https://giving.choa.org/forsythfund.

PAGE 36 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Court services Forsyth County’s court system handles tens of thousands of court cases annually, ranging from serious felonies to the filing of real estate instruments.

Judicial circuits in Georgia are based on population and Forsyth County’s is such that it has its own — the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit. All of Forsyth County’s courts are located within this circuit.

Superior and State Courts are inside the county’s main courthouse building on the square in downtown Cumming.

Due to the county’s rapid growth, the main courthouse can no longer hold all of the local courts, nor can it hold residents who are reporting for jury duty, who go to the Forsyth County Administration Building.

Currently, court is held in four different locations in the county seat of Cumming, but that’s about to change.

In November 2011, voters approved funding construction of a new courthouse and jail under the county’s one-cent sales tax.

The facilities are being built in downtown Cumming and are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014.

Superior Court Superior Court oversees felony cases, divorce, equity, and cases regarding title to lands.

Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley ran unopposed for the seat in 2010 and is currently serving his fourth fouryear term. The chief judge’s office can be reached by calling (770) 205-4660.

Bagley

Judge David L. Dickinson ran unopposed for the seat in 2008 and 2012. He is currently serving his third four-year term.

His office can be reached by calling (770) 781-2133.

Dickinson

Judge Philip C. Smith was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal in January to fill the new position created through the passage of a Senate Bill the 2012 Georgia General Assembly. He previously served as the chief judge of State Court. His office can be reached by calling (770) 205-4654

Smith

See COURT | 37

Court services FROM 36

Court State Court Chief State Court Judge T. Russell McClelland III and Judge Leslie Abernathy-Maddox have jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal violations and civil actions.

Civil actions in State Court can consist of cases such as personal injury, wrongful McClelland death, and contract disputes.

State Court judges also have the authoriAbernathyty to Maddox issue search and arrest warrants.

McClelland ran unopposed for another term in 2012, and Abernathy-Maddox was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to fill the vacancy created by Smith’s move to Superior Court.

Abernathy-Maddox formerly served as the solicitor general.

McClelland’s office may be reached by calling (770) 781-2130 and Abernathy-Maddox’s office may be reached at (770) 205-4670.

Magistrate Court The Magistrate Court is housed in the former Sawnee Cultural Arts Center at the corner of Tribble Gap Road Bramblett and Sawnee Drive. It is presided over by Chief Magistrate Walker Bramblett.

Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over all civil claims of $15,000 or less; distress warrants and dispossessory writs; county ordinance violations; bad checks; preliminary hearings;

summons, arrest warrants and search warrants and an expanded jurisdiction of certain misdemeanors.

Magistrate Court can be reached by calling (770) 781-2211.

Probate Court Forsyth County Probate Court, located on the south side of the square in downtown Cum­ ming Jordan across from the courthouse and adjacent

See COURT | 38

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Court services FROM 37

Court to Goodson’s Drug store on Maple Street, is presided over by Probate Court Judge Lynwood “Woody” Jordan.

Probate Court has jurisdiction in the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians or conservators. The court also issues marriage licenses, firearms applications, birth and death certificates and processes passport applications.

The court keeps various files such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates of county residents. Estates of the deceased, pistol permits, guardianship hearings and issuing passports also are handled by the probate court.

The Probate Court can be reached by calling (770) 781-2140.

District Attorney Felony offenses are prosecuted in Superior Court by the district attorney’s office, which is located in the courthouse.

The mission of the District Attorney is to represent the state of Georgia in the BellForsyth Judicial Circuit as Penn mandated by the Constitution of the State and numerous statutes of the Official Code of Georgia including both criminal and civil court appearances.

District Attorney Penny Penn was elected in 2004 to serve her first full fouryear term. She was re-elected in 2008 and ran unopposed in 2012. Penn is the county’s first female district attorney.

The district attorney’s office can be reached at (770) 781-2125.

Solicitor General The mission of the Forsyth County Solicitor General’s Office is to aggressively prosecute all misdemeanor cases while protecting victims of crime and keeping them informed about the crimiPAGE 38 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Marriage license nal justice process.

Forsyth County Solicitor General Donna Gopaul was appointed

by Gov. Nathan Deal in March to fill the vacancy of Leslie AbernathyMaddox, who now Gopaul serves as a State Court judge.

The solicitor’s office can be reached at (770) 781-2145.

Juvenile Court The Forsyth County Juvenile Court is in the former Lanier Lodge building off Bald Ridge Marina Road.

The Juvenile Court is committed to the care, safety and guidance of children; to respectful and just treatment of all involved; to the personal development and accountability of children Jackson and their families; to public safety, and to restoration of victims and communities.

Juvenile Court Judge Russell Jackson presides over cases involving children 16 or younger, which can include deprivation and family law.

Juvenile Court operations can be reached at (770) 781-3099.

Pre-trial services Pre-trial services is the court services department of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit.

The primary functions of this court service are to provide supervision for defendants who are placed on pretrial release by the courts and to supervise the State Court Diversion Program. This service also has the responsibility of supervising certain requirements of temporary protective orders.

Under the indigent defense program, pre-trial services provides attorneys for qualified indigent defendants.

Robert J. Tavenier is the pre-trial services director. Connie Brooker is administrator of indigent defense.

The pre-trial office can be reached at (770) 781-2158. Indigent defense can be reached at (678) 513-5959.

The Forsyth County Probate Court issues marriage licenses.

Located at 112 West Maple St., Suite 101, in downtown Cumming, the office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To obtain a license, both bride and groom must appear in person with a valid ID by 4 p.m.

If either the bride or the groom is a Georgia resident, the license may be bought in any county.

If neither is a state resident, the marriage license must be obtained in the county in which the marriage ceremony will be performed.

Requirements: • Both applicants must have one form of valid identification, which includes a driver’s license, state identification card, birth certificate, passport, military ID or resident alien ID card.

• The cost of a license in

Forsyth County is $56. The fee is $16 with a form attesting to pre-marital counseling. Cash or check or money order is accepted.

• If divorced, a copy of the divorce decree is required.

• To marry under age 18, applicants 16 and 17 years old must have both parents present, proper identification and a written statement consenting to the marriage.

If you obtained your marriage license in Forsyth County, a certified copy may be bought by written request to the probate court or in person for $10.

The request should include the date of marriage and full names of the bride and groom as they appear on the license.

For further information on marriage licenses, contact the court at (770) 7812140.

To complete a name change with the Social Security Administration, call (800) 772-1213.

Passports Passports can be obtained through the Cumming Post Office at 525 Tribble Gap Road or at the Forsyth County Probate Court, 112 West Maple St., Suite 101.

Those requesting a passport should bring the following with them when applying: Two recent identical photographs. Photos can be purchased at any photo lab that processes passport photos. The post office also takes photos on-site.

Certified copy of birth certificate with a raised or embossed seal and driver’s

license or government issued identification.

The cost of a passport book is $135. For those under 16 years old, the cost is $105.Passport card fees are $55, or $40 for children 15 and under. Cash, check or money order accepted.

The Cumming Post Office’s passport center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday by appointment only.

For more information, contact the Cumming Post Office at (770) 886-2388.

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County water and sewer From staff reports

The Forsyth County Wa t e r a n d S e w e r Department provides Forsyth County with the highest quality of water and sewer ser v i c e t h r o u g h p r o g r e s s iv e leadership and environmental stewardship. The department serves 49,392 water customers.

The residential water base rate is $12 for the first 1,000 gallons.

The senior citizen water base rate, available for customers age 62 and older, is $9 for the first 1,000 gallons.

In addition to the base rate, the county has a five-tier water billing structure, charging more to those who use more water.

Wa t e r c u s t o m e r s using 1,001-6,000 gallons of water pay $3.40 per 1,000 gallons; 6,001-12,000 gallons pay $4.53 per 1,000 gallons; 12,001-24,000 gallons pay $5.66 per 1,000 gallons; 24,00136,000 gallons pay

$7.93 per 1,000 gallons; and over 36,001 pay $10 per 1,000 gallons.

Irrigation only meters are billed on a higher tiered rate, 1,001-6,000 gallons pay $4.53 per 1,000 gallons; 6,00112,000 gallons pay $5.66 per 1,000; 12,001-24,000 pay $7.93 per 1,000 gallons; and over 24,001 gallons pay $10 per 1,000 gallons.

The base rate for commercial water customers depends on the meter size and includes the first 1,000 gallons used. The water rate is $3.72 per 1,000 gallons.

To activate water service, contact the Water and Sewer Department at (770) 781-2160.

Proof of ownership and ID will be required along with a security deposit. The deposit for a property owner is $75 and a renter is required to pay a $125 deposit.

There is a residential sewer base rate of $10 and a commercial sewer base rate of $20. The

Seen it in Forsyth?

15

Got the answer? See page 5.

PAGE 40 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

sewer charge is $4.84 per 1,000 gallons based on water usage.

T h e ra t e fo r re u s e water is $2.25 per 1,000 gallons. Reuse water is wastewater that has been highly treated and disinfected before being used, primarily for irrigation.

Bills can be paid online via the county Web site, www.forsythco.com.

From the Quick Links drop-down menu on the home page, select “pay water bill online.”

Customers should have their current mailed water and sewer bill handy when paying online as information from the bill, such as account number and service address number, will be needed.

In addition to paying online, the county Water and Sewer Department accepts payments via m a i l a t P. O . B o x 100003, Cumming, GA 30028-8303 or in person at 110 E. Main St., Suite 150, Cumming, GA.

Nonpayment within 20 days from the billing date is subject to a penalty of 10 percent of the delinquent amount.

All past due balances are subject to disconnect. Once water has been disconnected to a customer the full balance and a reconnection fee is required prior to reconnection. The fee for reconnection of service is $50 for each meter being reconnected. Additional charges will be added for broken locks or damage to meters.

For more information or to report water related issues, call (770) 781-2160 or visit 110 E. Main St., Suite 150, Cumming, GA 30040.

For water or sewer emergencies outside of normal business hours, please call (770) 7812160.

Residents can stay informed about outdoor water use rules, which are posted on the county’s Web site at www.forsythco.com.

Seen it in Forsyth?

14

Got the answer? See page 5.

City utilities From staff reports

Water and sewer services are available to all eligible residents of the city of Cumming and those residing within the city’s utility service area, which includes some areas outside the city limits.

Rates vary depending on the location of the home and whether a residence is connected to water and sewer lines or must tap on for service.

Residents and busi-

nesses served by the city are charged a $125 fee to establish service, regardless of whether or not they own or rent property.

A “three-tiered” water rate system is in effect across the state. City water rates under the system are: • All residential use customers who reside within the city limits are charged a base rate of $8.22. Under the first See CITY | 42

Driver services New residents should obtain a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residence.

A driver’s license must be obtained before getting a vehicle tag. A law took effect in July 2012 requiring licenses to be Secure ID compliant. The new licenses involve more documentation and prevent online license renewals for those who don’t currently hold a Secure ID. All individuals seeking a license must have one certified document proving primary identity, one proving Social Security and two proving residential address.

Primary identification can include a passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or SSA numident record or original military discharge papers for applicants born before 1940.

In addition to these requirements, residents from another country will need record of valid immigration.

For legal aliens not eligible for Social Security, a denial letter may be presented instead of a Social Security card.

A $20 fee is charged for new licenses for five years or $32 for eight years, and must be paid with

cash, money order, check or credit card.

Testing for commercial driver’s licenses is also conducted at the facility.

The center is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. To update the department with name or address changes, visit the customer service center or go online at www. dds.ga.gov.

The Cumming Customer Service Center is on Pilgrim Mill Road, off Ga. 400 at Exit 16 in Cumming.

For more information, call (770) 205-5402 or visit www.dds.ga.gov.

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Post office delivers From staff reports

The Cumming Post Office on Tribble Gap Road is the main office serving the entire Forsyth County area.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The post office is open six days a week, with 24-hour access to post office boxes and an automated postal center in the lobby, where customers can purchase stamps and mail packages.

Post office box rentals are available at the Cumming location and vary in size and price.

During the April 15 tax return deadline day, t h e p o s t o ffi c e o ff e r s patrons extra help and services to make the process as painless as possible for those who h ave wa i t e d u n t i l t h e last hour or minute to mail their return.

The Cumming location offers the full line of U.S. Postal Service products and services,

including purchase of new commemorative stamps. The location also offers passport services.

Th e p o s t o ffice c u rrently has two locations in the county: at 525 Tribble Gap Road, near Forsyth Central High School just north of the downtown area, and at 2530 Ivy St. East.

The main office delivers mail to patrons in the 30040 and 30028 zip code areas, while the location on Ivy Street is a d e l ive r y - o n l y o ffi c e that serves those in the 30041 zip code.

Undeliverable mail is sometimes held at the I v y S t r e e t o f f i c e f or those in that zip code. The customer service number for the Ivy Street office is (770) 888-5325.

Postal carriers can provide residents with stamps if the resident notifies the post office in advance.

Call the post office at (800) 275-8777, locally at (770) 886-2388 or fax (770) 887-1828 for more information.

Seen it in Forsyth?

16

Got the answer? See page 5.

PAGE 42 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Cumming Fairgrounds a year-round attraction From staff reports

The Cumming Fairgrounds helps keep local traditions alive.

From its signature event, the C u m m i n g C o u n t r y Fa i r & Festival, to the early-1900s mock village maintained year round, Fairgrounds Administrator Dave Horton says the venue offers family-oriented fun.

The annual fair, which takes place in October, was the first event at the fairgrounds, starting in 1995 as a six-day event.

The festival has since expanded to 11 days, featuring well-known musical acts, a variety of performance groups and the traditional rides and games galore.

“It’s just a great gathering place for the community,” Horton said.

“It’s like a homecoming. You see people you haven’t seen in a year or several years, and you meet a lot of new folks.”

The 18th annual fair in 2012 saw record-breaking numbers.

Horton said the event, which drew more than 141,000 people, “smashed” the previous attendance record, set in 2006. That

FROM 40

City

tier, customers using up to 6,000 gallons of water a month are charged $1.97 per each 1,000 gallons.

• Under the second tier, customers using between 6,001 and 16,600 gallons are charged an additional $2.97 per each 1,000 gallons.

• Customers using more than 16,600 gallons of water each month will pay $4.72 per each

File photo

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival comes to the fairgrounds each October.

number was about 127,500.

The 2013 fair is slate for Oct. 3-13.

Besides the Cumming Country Fair & Festival, the fairgrounds also provide a wide range of other activities and events throughout the year.

The schedule each year stays about the same, from the fire-

1,000 gallons above the 16,600 mark.

• Customers living outside the city limits will pay a base rate of $10.72 plus $2.32 per each 1,000 gallons up to 6,000; $3.47 per 1,000 gallons from 6,001 to 16,600; and $5.22 per 1,000 gallons over 16,600. Sewer rates of the city of Cumming are: • Residential base charge for residents both inside and outside the city limits (0 to 3,000 gallons of usage): $8.22 • Residential sewer rate for residents both inside and outside city limits (above 3,000 gallons of usage): $2.84 per every 1,000

works display and steam engine parade in July to the Christmas celebration in December.

The city also puts on a rodeo over Labor Day weekend.

The city of Cumming also adopted Taste of Forsyth, which is held in March at the fairgrounds.

See FAIRGROUNDS | 43 gallons Residents must fill out an application form to secure water and sewer services.

Between an advanced water reclamation facility, a raw water intake facility, increasing capacity of the water production facility and dozens of water and sewer line expansion projects, the city has spent tens of millions of dollars from its reserves on water projects.

More information about the city’s utilities is available online at www.cummingutilities.com or by calling (770) 781-2020.

FROM 42

Fairgrounds The event offers patrons the chance to sample a wide range of food at a low cost.

The popular event, renamed Taste of Forsyth Along the Hospitality Highway, invites restaurants from across the county to share samples of their dishes.

Outside groups also use the fairgrounds venue for charity events, such as Relay for Life and Light the Night, or other community gatherings, such as church-sponsored car shows.

Each November, the fairgrounds is the site of what is fast becoming one of the largest professional barbecue competitions in the nation.

The National BBQ Cup: Que’n in Cumming was first presented in 2011. In 2012, the event grew in size and popularity, with more than 100 professional and amateur teams from across the country competing and about 15,000 spectators attending to sample world-class ’cue.

The National BBQ Cup is always held the Friday and Saturday prior to Thanksgiving.

The North Georgia Quarter Midget Association plays host to several races for competitors ages 5 to 16 on many weekends when the fairgrounds isn’t otherwise being used, Horton said.

‘It’s like a homecoming.

You see people you haven’t seen in a year or several years, and you meet a lot of new folks.’

Seen it in Forsyth?

17

Dave Horton

Fairgrounds administrator

Earlier this month, the site hosted the association’s Eastern Grands championship, drawing thousands of people.

The Bill Thomas Raceway at the fairgrounds has held a national tournament in the past, with some former competitors growing up to become NASCAR drivers. The races, like most of the events, Horton said, bring in local revenue.

Fairgrounds staff members work year round to keep the area well maintained and continue to planning for big events.

The annual fair involves a full year of preparation to bring in a variety of acts.

Got the answer? See page 5.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 43

Society staying true to mission

By Lance White

For the Forsyth County News

Thirty-seven years ago, there was not a county animal shelter, so a group of concerned residents came together to form the Humane Society of Forsyth County, a no-kill shelter.

These volunteers saw a need to care for stray animals in the county.

They placed cats and dogs in foster homes and eventually into “forever” homes, and encouraged humane treatment of animals throughout the county.

While there has been a county-operated shelter for some 25 years, the humane society continues to be the only no-kill shelter providing services to local residents.

As a nonprofit organization, the humane society is not funded by local, state or federal governments. It relies

entirely on donations, fundraisers, sponsorships and grants from corporations.

Here are a few of the society’s accomplishments in 2012: • A total of 1,028 animals — 568 dogs and 460 cats — were adopted into permanent homes.

• The society paid for the spay or neuter of more than 500 feral cats.

This is one of the first steps toward our goal of becoming a no-kill community.

• The thrift store at 168 Tri-County Plaza in Cumming, which offers a wide selection of previously-owned items at great prices, has been a huge success.

It provides a constant flow of funds, with 100 percent of proceeds going toward shelter operations, veterinary care and pet food.

The thrift store was

able to profit and donate to the shelter $86,000 last year.

• The economy has rendered many families unable to care for their pets due to job losses or home foreclosures.

T h e s o c i e t y o ff e r s assistance through the pet pantry so that those people in need can keep and feed their animals.

• The society also has a spay and neuter assistance program known as SNAP. Through this program we offer low cost or no cost spay and neuters to the public for their owned pets.

• The humane society has grown an outreach program called Humane Hearts, which allows certified and tested therapy dogs to build relationships with community members through classroom and nursing home visits.

This group of dedicate d vo l u n t e e r s e n d e d

2012 with 34 members and 36 dogs visiting 19 locations throughout Forsyth and surrounding counties.

• The creation of our education and outreach program, Humane SMARTS, occurred in 2012 as well.

Through it we hope to lower the number of dog bites that occur in our area by educating children about animal safety.

We also hope to help students learn leadership skills by creating animal advocates through our clubs, projects and other outreach programs.

• The humane society orchestrates many community events such as the ninth annual Bark And Boogie Ball, a formal dinner and dancing with live music, set for Sept. 14 and the Mutts and More Festival, which will be held on May 19, 2014, at Fowler

Seen it in Forsyth?

18 Got the answer? See page 5.

Contact For more information about the programs and events at the Humane Society of Forsyth County’s shelter, 4440 Keith Bridge Road, visit www.forsythpets.org or call (770) 887-6480.

Park.

• Adoption events are held each weekend at Petco and PetSmart on Market Place Boulevard, Rucker Pet on Bethelview Road and P e t S m a r t i n J o h n ’s Creek. Check the Web site for dates and times.

You can help the soci-

ety provide these needed services for the animals and the community. Join, volunteer, attend fundraisers, donate and support the thrift store.

Lance White is president of the Humane Society of Forsyth County.

Organization helps keep the county beautiful From staff reports

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful was started in 1993 by a group of concerned residents who wanted to make the environment and natural history of Forsyth County a top priority.

They felt that with the anticipated growth of the county, resources such as parks, wildlife and waterways should be preserved and cherished.

One year later, on June 21, 1994, the group was certified as an affiliate of Keep America

Beautiful Inc. Today the local affiliate is made up of two county-maintained positions.

A volunteer group of 15 board members administers the organization as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with support from several corporate sponsors and members.

The mission of Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is to cooperate with government, businesses, schools, civic organizations and citizens in a joint effort to improve beautification, litter reduction and recycling.

The group has several oppor-

PAGE 44 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

tunities for volunteering in the community, either on a longterm, committed basis or as a one-time service.

Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-AStream are two long-term volunteer programs in which the group offers training and support. These programs enable individuals, nonprofit organizations, clubs, businesses, scout groups, schools, homeowner associations and families to demonstrate their community pride by taking part in litter removal from county roadways or monitoring water quality in a

local stream.

For residents who just want to help out occasionally, the organization has many special events and programs throughout the year. Volunteers help to recycle Christmas trees, place storm drain stickers, plant trees and with school recycling programs.

The organization also has opportunities for residents to use their leadership skills, individual talents and expertise as a board member or by serving on one of many community committees.

Some of the issues KFCB is currently working on are beauti-

fication, recycling, water conservation and water quality.

The group continues to work toward providing information and education. Staff is available to answer questions and provide helpful information on a variety of topics and issues.

Contact KFCB to have a staff member make a presentation or teach a class to your group.

To learn more about Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and find ways you can be involved, visit www.forsythco.com, e-mail kfcb@forsythco.com or call (770) 205-4573.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 45

Playhouse posts most productive year For the Forsyth County News

The Cumming Playhouse is located inside the 1923 Cumming schoolhouse at 101 School St. The facility was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 through the efforts of the Historical Society of Forsyth County. This school was the first high school in Forsyth County, issuing the diplomas to graduates.

The facility, which is owned by the city of Cumming, was restored through local 1-cent sales tax revenue in 2004.

As a center of history, the facility also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County and the Col. Hiram Parks Bell Center for Southern History and Genealogical Research.

As a performing arts venue, the Cumming

Playhouse opened its doors in 2004, providing quality entertainment throughout the season, including plays, musicals and concerts.

In 2012, the Cumming Playhouse enjoyed its most productive year since its doors opened, serving more than 25,000 patrons.

A capital improvement at the Playhouse in 2012 was a new red velvet stage curtain, made possible by a grant from the Forsyth County Arts Alliance and Citizens Bank of Forsyth County.

“The playhouse is most appreciative for this support and the very fine addition to the playhouse stage,” said Linda Heard, executive director.

The playhouse began 2013 in great form, enjoying a sell-out audience for “Elvis” by Mark Pitt.

In late January, Linda

At a glance • To purchase tickets to shows and learn more about the Cumming Playhouse, visit www.playhousecumming.com or call (770)781-9178.

• Guests can also visit the playhouse and other facilities housed in the historic schoolhouse in person at 101 School St. Ledbetter presented “Mardi-Gras/Masque­ rade,” a well-attended and fun show.

In time for Valentine’s Day, the multi-awardwinning Gypsy Theatre’s “Steel Magnolias” hit the stage at full speed.

The show ran through March 24, with “Footloose” by MelloDrama Productions presented in April.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Pie-In-The Sky Productions, which was new to the playhouse

this year, presented “The Marvelous Wonderettes” from May 2-19. The show is a female version of “Forever Plaid,” which features music of the 1950s and ’60s.

The “Sound of Music” hit the state by way of Mello-Drama Productions in June, while Gypsy Theatre has returned with “Treasure Island” from July 18-Aug. 11.

Proceeds from that show go in part to benefit the Bald Ridge Boys Lodge, a nonprofit facili-

ty for boys ages 11-17.

The fall will bring various concerts, including “ T h e C h u c k Wa g o n Gang,” “Johnny Cash” by Gray Sartin, and “A m e r i c a n S w i n g Canteen” with the Showtime Singers of Atlanta and Buzz Alford’s Swing Band.

“Talley’s Folley” will be presented by the Company Players, another new production company, from Oct. 24-Nov. 3. The holiday season follows with a feature presentation of “White Christmas” by BK Productions.

Through December, the playhouse will welcome locals in various concerts with some new kids on the block, the “Forsyth Youth Orchestra.”

For the grand finale, “The Return,” a Beatles revival band will be the New Year’s Eve entertainment with two shows.

In 2014, classical guitarists, harpists and violinists Peppino ’D Agostino and Carlos Reyes will perform Jan. 11; and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing will take the stage Jan. 18-19.

Heard said she and her staff are appreciative of the support the community shows for the playhouse and its performers every year.

“The playhouse sincerely thanks each of you for your support as shown by your attendance and for your help in making the Cumming Playhouse a center for performing arts in Cumming,” she said.

“A very special thanks is also extended to the volunteer ushers, who make such a difference in everyone’s experience at the playhouse by their kindness and willingness to help.”

Extension service teaches community

From staff reports

Where do you go to get soil or water tested? Who do you call to get advice on a vegetable garden?

How can school-age children learn about managing money?

These and other questions on virtually any topic that relates to healthy families, 4-H, wise use of natural resources and solving plant problems can be answered by contacting the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Office.

Extension is part of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College PAGE 46 — ­ Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

of Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as an educational division of the Forsyth County commission and the Forsyth County school board.

As the largest youth organization in the world, 4-H is open to anyone ages 9-19. Meetings are typically held monthly during school hours.

Topics addressed include educational programs on leadership, citizenship, public speaking and life skills, with events and activities offered throughout the year.

The agriculture and natural resources staff offer programs on, among other topics, water-wise landscaping,

ornamental plant problems, growing vegetables and integrated pest management.

Residents can have pest insects, plant problems and snakes identified by e-mailing photos or bringing samples to the office.

Many informational bulletins are available online and in the office.

Local gardeners with an interest in vo l u n t e e r i n g c a n c o m p l e t e t h e 12-week Master Gardeners training course to become involved with demonstration gardens and leading garden talks at local libraries and civic group meetings.

The family and consumer sciences program addresses a variety of issues including nutrition, financial literacy, human relations, food safety and radon education, with the aim of helping people live healthier and happier lives.

The Extension Office is at 875 Lanier 400 Parkway, Suite 158. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. For information, call (770) 887-2418 or go online at www.ugaextension.com/forsyth/.

United Way is grateful for such strong support For the Forsyth County News

In 2012, about 5,770 donors came together to support more than 60 nonprofit organizations and programs that provided direct services to residents throughout the Forsyth and Dawson County communities.

Their investment of more than $1.27 million created more opportunities in the areas of education, income, health and basic needs. All of these areas play a key role in building a good life.

Food, one of the most basic needs, was the focus of the 20th annual letter carriers’ food drive.

A partnership between the United Way of Forsyth County and the Cumming Post Office, this two-day event collected an estimated 36,000 pounds of food that was distributed to 10 different food pantries in

the county that served those families most in need. The amount of food c o l l e c t e d wa s a b o u t 12,000 more pounds than in 2011.

The FamilyWize Prescription card, offered

by United Way, saved county residents $78,977 on prescriptions in 2012.

This discount card is free for anyone who needs assistance with their prescription costs.

Data from the 211 information and referral hotline charted 847 calls for utility assistance, mortgage and rent payment, and food assistance in 2012.

Programs such as The Place and St. Vincent DePaul were there to help.

Through the annual Give Kids A Smile Day, nearly 100 children received dental services from six dental practices volunteering to help the children and youth who

At a glance The following is a breakdown of 2012 United Way of Forsyth County funding by impact area: • Substance abuse/mental health/domestic violence services: $125,982 • Promoting self-sufficiency/strengthening families and seniors: $299,668 • Therapeutic services for at-risk children and youth: $221,500 • Promoting community health, safety, leadership, information and referral and nonprofit education: $192,160 • Strength-based support services for children and youth: $289,735 • Services for citizens with special needs: $86,485 • Donor designations made outside Forsyth County: $61,836 • Total investment: about $1,277,366

Source: United Way of Forsyth County

Seen it in Forsyth?

On the Net To find out more about United Way of Forsyth County, go online at www.UnitedWayForsyth. com. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ UnitedWayForsythCountyGA and Twitter @UnitedWayFCGA

needed services the most.

The initiative is a collaboration between Forsyth County Schools, United Way of Forsyth County and local dentists.

The Holiday Giving Tree for Kids, another program that made in impact in 2012, brought together United Way of Forsyth C o u n t y, t h e Fo r s y t h County Family YMCA, donors and countless volunteers to provide holiday gifts to about 2,100 local children.

This number has remained steady over the past few years as more parents have lost their jobs and are unable to provide gifts for their children.

United Way’s mission is to improve lives in our community by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of residents.

They do this by bringing together donors, volunteers, community leaders, large and small businesses and many others to assess needs and find the best way to meet those needs.

By coming together, they were able to make a significant impact on the lives of more than 74,000 Forsyth and Dawson County residents in 2012 and continue their work in 2013.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give back to this great community we call Cumming and Forsyth County through United Way. Your time, financial resources and sheer dedication make it the best place in Georgia to raise families, work, relax, stay healthy and retire.

19 Got the answer? See page 5.

August 24 6:30PM Reserved Seating

Phone: 770-878-4000 Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 47

Sawnee lights the way For the Forsyth County News

Sawnee EMC, a not-for-profit electric cooperative, now provides electricity to more than 155,000 accounts through its seven-county service territory.

Sawnee is the ninth-largest cooperative in the nation and maintains more than 10,000 miles of distribution line. Each day, Sawnee EMC staff members field about 1,500 phone calls and Sawnee’s control center is staffed and in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sawnee EMC has now fully deployed its new Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, system.

This modern, two-way meterreading system, uses a series of towers and collectors to monitor and read Sawnee’s electric meters.

The 150,000 AMI meters give Sawnee members the ability to view their detailed energy usage to better assist them in managing and evaluating their monthly electric use.

This innovative system also pro-

Contact Sawnee EMC at (770) 887-2363 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondayFriday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The e-mail address for general inquiries is customerservice@sawnee.com and the corporate Web site is www.sawnee.com. The mailing address is P.O. Box 266, Cumming, GA 30028.

Directions Sawnee EMC’s corporate campus is located at 543 Atlanta Highway in Cumming. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. From Ga. 400, take Exit 14 (Hwy. 20).

Go west 1/2 mile to Hwy. 9 and turn right. The office is on the left at 543 Atlanta Hwy.

vides many other cost-saving benefits to the members.

As outlined by the Georgia Legislature in 1973 by the Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act, Sawnee EMC serves parts of seven c o u n t i e s i n c l u d i n g Fo r s y t h ,

C h e r o k e e , D aw s o n , F u l t o n , Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin.

Members can take advantage of many Sawnee EMC services at its corporate Web site, www.sawnee. com.

Tasks such as paying bills online, starting and stopping service, free energy evaluations, and much more, can be done on the Web site.

Members can also learn about free services and rebates offered by Sawnee, as well as education programs for youth, Operation Round Up, and Green Power EMC. There is also an app for your smart device.

Sawnee EMC also offers natural gas.

Department watches health From staff reports

As back-to-school season nears, parents and children will be visiting the Forsyth County Health Department for vaccinations.

Certain immunizations are required before enrolling children in public schools or day care centers. In addition, health department staff will be visiting schools early this fall for annual scoliosis screenings. Throughout the year, they are on hand to investigate any infectious disease outbreak, such as influenza.

Seen it in Forsyth?

On a daily basis, the health department offers screenings for a number of diseases, including HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

The health department offers care for county residents beginning in infancy. The prenatal case management program is open to women without a case management organization and ensures that lowincome women have healthy pregnancies through monthly meetings with our public health nurses.

The health department also administers the WIC

PAGE 48 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

Contact 428 Canton Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-6900 or visit www.forsythco.com

program, which provides nutritional resources for women, infants and children.

The family planning program is available to women and they can receive pap smears, breast checks, nutritional advice and physical assessments.

Children with Medicaid and Peach Care insurance are eligible to receive certain dental services at the health department.

Uninsured children can be seen on a fee-for-services basis.

Each winter, the health department is a provider of flu shots. The annual flu campaign to fight widespread illness is just one of many educational programs the staff provides to the community.

The Environmental Health Section of the county health department regulates on-site sewage disposal (septic systems); subdivision plan analysis and development; and reviews plans for and inspects all food service establishments.

20 Got the answer? See page 5.

Georgia Power serves many in the county For the Forsyth County News

Georgia Power Co. provided electricity to at least 8,000 Forsyth County homes and businesses last year.

According to customer service representatives, commercial or industrial rates vary depending on the business. There are also a few options for residential customers.

A bill payment office at 114 N. Main St., near the downtown Cumming square, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. for lunch.

General customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (888) 660-5890.

For emergency information, outages can be reported at (888) 891-0938.

Utility locating services can be found at (800) 2827411 and more information about the Energy Star Program can be found at www.energystar.gov, or by calling (888) 782-7937.

Georgia Power offers a green energy program, in which customers can save money if they use energyefficient items. Called Earth Cents, more information about the program can be found at www.georgiapower.com/earthcents.

For more information about bill payment options, Energy Star, how the most residential energy is consumed and ways to conserve energy, visit www.georgiapower.com.

Get connected Television Comcast is the nation’s largest video provider and offers interactive services that feature XFINITY digital cable, video on demand and high-definition television.

Comcast cable provides over 200 channels of commercialfree music, sports and entertainment, highdefinition television and more.

With On Demand, customers can choose from more than 9,000 programs each month, start their selections at whatever time is convenient, and pause,

rewind or fast-forward the programs using their digital cable settop boxes and remote controls.

For more information or to subscribe, call (404) 266-2278 or visit www.comcast. com.

Internet Comcast offers high-speed cable modems through XFINITY. High-speed Internet customers will now receive PowerBoost, a service that allows for download speeds up to 15 Mbps.

Seen it in Forsyth?

Constant Guard to protect users’ computers is also included, as well as SmartZone Communications Center with seven e-mail accounts, each with 10 GB of storage.

For more information or to subscribe, call (404) 266-2278 or visit www.comcast. com.

AT&T also offers high-speed internet through its U-verse system.

Television services are also available through AT&T’s U-verse in some areas of Forsyth.

For information, call

(888) 321-2375 or go online at www.att. com.

Telephone AT&T is the phone service utility for Forsyth County and the metro Atlanta area.

To be connected to phone service, call (888) 757-6500.

Residents can receive the numerous features the company has to offer, including call-waiting, call-tracing and more.

For more information about AT&T’s service plans and calling features, call (888) 757-6500.

21 Got the answer? See page 5.

Also available is Comcast’s IP-enabled Digital Voice service, a digital telephone service, offering consumers interactive features.

Customers receive unlimited local and

long-distance calling, voice mail, 12 calling features and the Comcast Digital Voice Center that allows customers to manage their voice mail online from anywhere.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 49

Register a vehicle Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and utility trailers must be registered with the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s Office within 30 days of moving to Georgia. To register a new vehicle at the Forsyth County Tag Office, a vehicle owner must present the following information in person: • A valid Georgia driver’s license or Georgia identification card.

• MV-1 tag and title application.

• Valid out-of-state title, manufacturer’s statement of origin or registration from a non-

title state.

• Current emissions inspection (for model years 1989-2010). The state requires insurance companies to submit policy information on each vehicle to the Georgia Department of Revenue. An insurance card is no longer valid as proof of insurance.

For a new purchase, a binder will be accepted for up to 30 days from the effective date of the insurance coverage in Georgia.

Current residents renew tags on the birthday of the owner whose name is shown on the registration. The tag office will mail resi-

Seen it in Forsyth? dents a bill 60 days prior to the owner’s birthday. Presitige, college, and other specialinterest plates are available for an additional charge. The regular tag fee is $20 for a car, $20 for a motorcycle and $12 for a trailer. The fee for titles is $18.

Drive-through service is offered at the Tribble Gap Road location for tag renewals/ transfers, property tax payments, and the issuance of parking placards/tags for disabled persons.

Boats and watercraft are registered with the Department of Natural Resources Division. For

more information, call the Boating Registration Office at (800) 366-2661.

Locations: • Forsyth County Tax Commissioners Office 1092 Tribble Gap Road Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 781-2112 • Sharon Springs Park Branch 1950 Sharon Road Cumming, GA 30041 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (excl. holidays) Payment options: Cash, check, money order, debit cards ($1 convenience fee), credit cards (2.5 percent convenience fee).

22 Got the answer? See page 5.

Online tag renewals If eligible, you may renew your tag(s) online via the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Web site at https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/index.aspx (the RIN number listed on your renewal notice will be required).

Abba House seeks more volunteers From staff reports

A local nonprofit program that helps women in need continues to grow.

Abba House offers assistance not only to women trying to overcome addictions, eating disorders or depression but also to those who are victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Abba House is one of just a few ministries in Georgia that will allow a woman getting help to have her children live with her.

Jim Sharp and his wife, Chris, moved their ministry in 1999 from Florida and founded the organization near the Silver City community on the Dawson-Forsyth county line.

Abba House last year also opened a ministry in Perry, about 35 miles of Macon in central Georgia.

The Forsyth facility has space to accommodate up to about 25 women and their children, while the Perry facility can serve about 36.

Abba House provides a variety of services to the community, including a PAGE 50 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

food bank that feeds about 100 families per month.

Through its Families-in-Need program, Abba House provides social workers in local schools with free clothing for children.

The organization also features two thrift stores that provide much of the resources needed to help the women and children.

One opened in 2002 in the Silver City community, while the other debuted seven years later at Hammond’s Crossing on Keith Bridge Road.

Sharp said the Hammond’s Crossing store has grown over the years and has been expanded to 10,600 square feet.

In early August, Abba House will open a third thrift store in Dawson County, which will be the ministry’s largest.

“That site will be located at the intersection of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 136 and will be about 20,000 square feet in size,” Sharp said.

He added that Abba House has

‘Over the past year, we’ve been able to raise about $150,000 for scholarships and we’re very grateful to the local community for that.’

Jim Sharp

Founder, Abba House

begun a new program to raise funding for scholarships.

“With the economy being down, we’ve found that many of the families of the women who need our help aren’t able to provide any assistance for them to take part in our program,” he said.

Learn more For more information about Abba House and its programing, call (678) 208-2000 or go to www.abbahouse.com.

“Over the past year, we’ve been able to raise about $150,000 for scholarships and we’re very grateful to the local community for that.”

In addition, Sharp said he and other leaders of the ministry are grateful to the many volunteers who help with the program. There is always a need for more.

“We are especially in need of volunteers for the hours during the week,” he said. “We have a ton of volunteers for the weekends, but are in need of people who can help during the day Monday through Friday.”

Sharp said he would like to have more retirees or others who don’t work who could help out during the week.

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 51

County parks The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department strives to enhance the quality of life for residents, all while overseeing and operating the county’s numerous parks, recreational facilities, programs and activities.

The county has 22 parks and about 2,400 acres. Some of the many offerings include: • Four green space parks — Caney Creek Preserve, Chattahoochee Pointe, Haw Creek and Old Atlanta — in south Forsyth and have features such as natural playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas and more.

• Three recreation centers at Central, Old Atlanta and Fowler parks. Each facility includes two gymnasiums for basketball and other sports, an indoor walking track, fitness studio and cardio and weight room.The centers also

feature a multipurpose room, dance classroom and community room with a kitchen. Old Atlanta also has the county’s lone spray pad, which likely will stay open through Sept.

2.

• The Big Creek Greenway, which provides nearly seven miles of trails for people to walk, bike or inline skate in south Forsyth. The county plans to extend it to Sawnee Mountain Preserve.

• County parks with baseball/softball fields, turf football/multi-purpose fields, community buildings, picnic pavilions, walking, jogging and biking paths, tennis courts, a disc golf course, mountain bike trails, playgrounds, a skate park and dog parks.

• • • The youth baseball and softball season begins in

City parks Keeping up with the tremendous growth of Cumming and Forsyth County is a challenge for the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department, which has seen its program participation skyrocket as the demand for leisure activities has increased the past few years.

The department offers a variety of programming, including youth basketball leagues and clinics, gymnastics, dance and ballet, self-defense, aerobics, art, horseback riding and guitar lessons.

In the summer months, programming expands to include day camps, special needs camps, gymnastics camps, dance camps, as well as athletic camps for basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball and baseball.

Demand for the department’s programs is tremendous, as most of the year-round gymnastics and dance classes maintain waiting lists for children to enroll, and the summertime camps quickly fill to capacity.

In 2011, the department received a huge boost as it opened the Cumming Aquatic Center on Pilgrim Mill Road.

The center, which features two indoor

March and runs through late July with games and tournaments.

Soccer programs that use the county facilities have more than 3,000 participants, while the lacrosse program, which started in spring 2005, has more than 500 participants.

The adult softball program has more than 100 teams that are playing in various leagues at Central Park.

Central, which is one of the busiest facilities, holds more than 20 tournaments.These tournaments include various youth baseball, fast-pitch softball and adult softball tournaments.

The athletic staff is planning for the fall season, which includes baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, soccer and lacrosse.

• • •

pools and an outdoor leisure pool, opened much to the delight of families and competitive swimmers alike.

The indoor facilities, which include a competitive pool for meets and lap swimming and an instructional pool for classes and medical purposes such as physical therapy, are open year-round.

The outdoor leisure pool is open from daily from Memorial Day through the first of August, and is open weekends during the months of May and August.

In addition to the department’s main location of Cumming City Park at 410 Pilgrim Mill Road and the Cumming Aquatic Center at 201 Aquatic Circle, the city has baseball/softball fields at Dobbs Creek Park, 875 Dahlonega Hwy. Cumming City Park is slated to undergo a major renovation over the next two years. The redesign will include a new office and programming building for the department, as well as other community-oriented features which have yet to be determined.

The Dobbs Creek Recreation Center, 1115 Dahlonega Hwy., houses six basketball courts and a 14,000-square-foot gymnastics area.

For more information, please call (770) 781-2030 or visit www.crpd.org.

The recreation/program section of the department consists of various programs, including recreation day camps, tennis programs, fitness classes, gymnastics, martial arts, dance classes, art classes, special interest classes and special events.

These classes and events are held at different locations throughout the park system, as well as some school locations.

• • • The county assumed operations of Shady Grove Campground after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed it due to budgetary restraints.

The county signed a 25-year lease with the corps, with the county operating and maintaining the campground for the duration of the lease.

There are more than 110

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PAGE 52 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

campsites at the park, which is at 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road.

The campground features a beach and swim area, boat ramp with courtesy dock, group campsites with picnic shelters, tent camping areas and campsites with water and 30- and 50-amp power hookups.

Campsites can be reserved up to 30 days in advance with full payment made in person at the campground.

The campground remains open until Nov. 3.

• • • In addition to the campground, the county has three boat launch sites at Charleston, Six Mile Creek andYoung Deer parks.

Annual permits may be purchased for $35 each or users may pay the $4 per visit fee to launch a boat.

Welcom in All g Newcom ers!

Churches serving the community Assembly of God Christ Community Church 5455 Campground Road (770) 442-8600

Cumming Baptist Church 115 Church St. (770) 205-6699 www.cummingbaptist.net

Brookwood Baptist Church 2775 Brookwood Road (770) 889-0239

Baptist Abundant Life Baptist Church 2660 Dahlonega Hwy. Pastor: Lamar Day

Calvary Baptist Church Hwy. 20 and Hwy. 369 Pastor: Jeff Hill (770) 887-6982 or (770) 887-6442

Alpha Reformed Baptist Church 101 Meadows Drive Pastor: Charles Thompson (770) 887-6732

Canaan Baptist Church 635 McFarland Road Pastor: Dave Holbrook (770) 539-0523

Daves Creek Baptist Church 1597 Old Atlanta Road Pastor: Rev. Michael Cantrell (770) 889-3226

Antioch Baptist Church Antioch Road (770) 887-6900

Castleberry Road Baptist Church 7225 Castleberry Road (770) 889-2422

Faith Baptist Church 831 James Burgess Road

Beaver Ruin Baptist Pilgrim Mill Road (770) 887-9448

Cumming Second Baptist Church 215 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

(770) 781-5967

Coal Mountain Baptist Church Hwy. 9 North (770) 887-4196

Bethel Baptist Church Bethel Road (678) 455-0412 Bethlehem Baptist Church 5538 Post Road (770) 889-9435

Johns Creek Baptist Church 7500 McGinnis Ferry Road (770) 623-8203

New Harmony Baptist Church 4952 Heardsville Road (770) 889-4616

Friendship Baptist Church Friendship Circle (770) 887-8844

Lakeland Baptist Church 2110 Sharon Road (770) 844-5993

God’s House Baptist Church 2035 Grassland Parkway Pastor: Jeremy Waters (678) 449-5546

Light House Baptist Church 260 Grant Road (770) 205-5214

New Light Baptist Church 6946 Wills Road Pastor: Ricky Waters (770) 772-0862

Longstreet Baptist Church 6868 Campground Road

North Lanier Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Hwy. (770) 887-5581 Oak Grove Baptist Church 5640 Oak Grove Circle (770) 887-7559

We’re open all year long.

We know questions can pop up at any time.

Christian Hope Baptist Church 2150 Antioch Road Pastor: David McGee (678) 464-0958

Berean Baptist Church 7721 Majors Road (770) 889-1302

Freedom Baptist Church 1495 Buford Hwy. (770) 889-5790

Concord Baptist Church 6905 Concord Road (770) 887-9482

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 11954 Cumming Hwy. (770) 781-5158 www.blessedhopeoffreehome. com

Corinth Baptist Church Mary Alice Park Road (770) 844-5731

Fellowship Baptist Church 3155 Bethelview Road (770) 886-1177 Pastor: Keith Lee

First Baptist Church of Cumming 1597 Sawnee Drive (770) 887-2428 Pastor: Dr. Bob Jolly www.firstbaptistcumming.org First Baptist Church of Lake Lanier (Chestatee Elementary) (678) 513-4195 First Redeemer Church 2100 Peachtree Pkwy.

(678) 513-9400

Grace Baptist Church 3775 Spot Road (770) 844-8896

Grace Fellowship Church 1390 Weber Industrial Drive (770) 888-6461 www.forgodsfame.org Greater Heights Baptist Church 3790 Post Road Pastor: Chris Grinstead (770) 887-4802

Mayfield Baptist Church Old Keith Bridge Road (770) 889-9572

Lower Shady Grove Baptist 1029 Boyd Road Pastor: Rev. Richard Brown (770) 887-7613

Midway Community Church 3365 Francis Road (770) 754-1555

Harmony Baptist Church Harmony Church Road Pastor: Joey Gilbert (770) 887-9716

Mount Calvary Baptist Church Hwy. 141 in Big Creek community (770) 889-0361

Harmony Grove Baptist Church 5470 Keith Bridge Road (770) 887-8282

Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 4775 Sewell Road

Pine Crest Baptist Church 126 14th St. (770) 887-1540 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 9730 Waldrip Road (770) 887-9361 Pleasant View Baptist Church 817 Peachtree Pkwy.

Pastor: Shad Faulkner (770) 781-2989 www.pvbccumming.com Refuge Baptist Church 3525 Pilgrim Mill Road (678) 807-7746 www.refugebaptistchurch.org

We’re open all year long.

We know questions can pop up at HAS any time.

OUR CALENDAR 12 MONTHS. Forsyth Primitive Baptist Church 6010 Shiloh Road Pastor: Bobby Loudermilk

Mount Tabor Baptist Church 7900 Mount Tabor Road (770) 887-1558 www.MtTaborChurch.org

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Cross Plains Baptist Church 6500 McGinnis Ferry Road (770) 475-1210

Haw Creek Baptist Church 1098 Hawcreek Circle (770) 889-0323

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 53

Churches serving the community FROM 53

Churches Ridgeview Baptist Church 9030 Bethel Road (770) 889-1281 River’s Edge Baptist Church 211 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Pastor: Stephen Wood (770) 887-3721 www.riversedgebaptist.org Roanoke Baptist Church Buford Dam Road (770) 887-5904 Salem Baptist Church Keith Bridge Road (770) 887-9011 Settendown Baptist Church Settendown Road (770) 844-9040 Shady Grove Baptist Church Shady Grove Road (770) 887-3141 Shiloh Baptist Church Mount Tabor Road Pastor: Jimmy Wehunt Silver City Baptist Church 6170 Jewell Bennett Road (770) 889-9123 Silver Shoals Baptist Church Browns Bridge Road Spirit Baptist Church 6910 Nix Road Pastor: Barry Payne (770) 633-8684 True Way Baptist Church 5504 Old Atlanta Road (770) 623-0886 Union Hill Baptist Church Union Hill at McGinnis Ferry (770) 475-5077 Emmaus Fellowship 2150 Antioch Road Pastor: Tim Samples Whispering Hope Baptist 4131 Castleberry Road (770) 887-1799 Pastor: George (Bill) Easter Vision Baptist Church 1125 Alpha Drive (770) 456-5881 Zion Hill Baptist Church 5825 Matt Road (770) 889-9429 Baha’i Faith Baha’is of Forsyth County www.forsythbahais.org Bible Church Community Bible Church (770) 889-9854 Congregational Holiness Tolbert Street

Living Faith Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 103 Buford Dam Road Pastor: Rev. Tim Droegemueller (770) 887-0184 www.livingfaithlutheran.com

(770) 889-6058 God’s House of Prayer 4625 Canton Hwy. Pastor: Rev. G. Allen Boyd Catholic Good Shepherd Catholic Church 3740 Holtzclaw Road (770) 887-9861

Methodist Bethelview United Methodist Church 4525 Bethelview Road (770) 887-4888

St. Brendan’s Catholic Church 4633 Shiloh Road (770) 205-7969

Creekside United Methodist Church 673 Peachtree Pkwy.

(770) 888-8449

Christian Castle Christian Church 417 Pilgrim Mill Road castlechristian.com

Cumming First United Methodist Church 770 Canton Hwy. (770) 889-4580

Lifepoint Christian Church 3140 Old Atlanta Road (678) 366-2797 www.lifepoint.org Church of Christ Church of Christ in Alpharetta 160 Martin Drive Minister: David Norfleet (404) 394-8812 Cumming Church of Christ 5022 Pilgrim Road, Cumming William White, Minister (770) 887-7353 Etowah River Church of Christ 494 Etowah River Road (770) 893-4315 wwwetowahriverchurchofchrist.org Grace Chapel Church of Christ 6755 Majors Road (678) 455-6845 www.gracechapelchurch.com Mountain View Church of Christ 615 Canton Hwy. (770) 889-7186 www.justchristians.net Church of God River of Life Church of God 610 Canton Hwy. (770) 889-9287 Trinity Worship Center 315 Kelly Mill Road (770) 889-7851 www.cummingtwc.org Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints 510 Brannon Road (678) 455-5290 Church of The Nazarene Crossroads Church of the Nazarene 6160 Southard Trace (678) 977-0328 www.mycrossroadschurch.net Episcopal Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 724 Pilgrim Mill Road

PAGE 54 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013

(770) 887-8190 www.ecohs.net St. Columba’s Episcopal Church 939 James Burgess Road Rector: Tripp Norris (770) 888-4464 www.saintcolumba.net Full Gospel Cumming New Life Church 1645 Dahlonega Hwy. (770) 889-6919 www.cnlc.org Greek Orthodox Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Priest: Rev. Barnabas Powell 3074 Bethelview Road (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org Holiness Mercy Fellowship Congregational Holiness Church 280 Tolbert St., Cumming, Ga. 678-231-3642 Jehovah’s Witness Jehovah’s Witnesses Cumming 1505 Dr. Bramblett Road (770) 889-0401 Jewish Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Road (770) 410-9000 www.chabadnf.org Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Road (770) 777-4009 www.gltorah.org Lutheran Christ the King Lutheran Church 1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road Pastor: Rev. Dr. James A. Clark (770) 889-5328 www.ctklutheran.com Lord of Life Lutheran Church 5390 McGinnis Ferry Road (770) 740-1279 www.lord-life.org

Pentecostal First Pentecostal Church of Cumming 212 Canton Road www.cummingfpc.org Presbyterian Alpharetta Presbyterian Church 180 Academy St. (770) 751-0033 www.alpharettapres.com Chalcedon Presbyterian Church 302 Pilgrim Mill Road (770) 205-9390 www.chalcedon.org

Hopewell United Methodist 5405 Hopewell Road

Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church 7620 Lanier Drive (770) 887-6801 www.deercreekshores.org

Lanier United Methodist Church 1979 Buford Hwy. (770) 887-0615

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church 10950 Bell Road (770) 813-9009

Macedonia United Methodist 2415 Holbrook Campground Road (770) 887-7887

Northminster Reformed Presbyterian Church Meets at 3160 Old Atlanta Road (770) 241-3946 www.northminster-church.com

Ebenezer United Methodist 4860 Browns Bridge Road

First Christian Church 1270 Sawnee Drive (770) 887-0957

Pastor: Joe Martinez (770) 205-1559

Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Hwy. 9 North (770) 475-5230 www.midwayumc.org New Hope Methodist Church 7850 Old Keith Bridge Road (770) 889-7440 North Forsyth UMC 6150 Highway 400 Cumming Pastor: David Coombs (770)888-9898 www.northforsythumc.org Piedmont UMC 1170 Dahlonega Hwy. (770) 887-0770 Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church 3150 Pleasant Grove Road Pastor: Rev. Ted Miller (770) 844-7095 www.pgchurch.org Shiloh United Methodist Church 4946 Shiloh Road (770) 887-8075 Non-Denominational Abundant Life Church 1205 Samples Industrial Drive (770) 844-5762 www.alccumming.org Freedom Tabernacle 2160 Freedom Pkwy.

Pastor: Robbie Mathis (770) 887-4679

NewSong Community Church 433 Canton Road, Suite 306 (770) 888-5212 www.newsongweb.org The Church of the Apostles 32 Grant Road West Pastor: Rev. J.P. Morris (706) 216-4912 www.cotachurch.com Spanish Non-Denominational La Roca 1495 Buford Hwy.

Parkway Presbyterian Church 5830 Bethelview Road (770) 889-8694 www.parkway-church.org Trinity Presbyterian Church 1136 Trinity Church Road (678) 493-6955 Presbyterian PCA The Vine Community Church 4655 Bethelview Road (678) 990-9395 www.thevinecommunitychurch.com Grace Pointe Community Church Meets at North Forsyth High (770) 530-2714 www.gracepointeforsyth.org Russian Orthodox Church Abroad Our Lady of the Joy of All Who Sorrow 6728 Campground Road (770) 613-2270 www.orthodoxinfo.biz Seventh-Day Adventist Church Alpharetta Seventh-Day Adventist Church Meets at the Community of Christ Church Pastor: Rusty Williams 3315 Francis Road (678) 778-1778 www.alpharettasda.com Chestatee Seventh-Day Adventist Church 1635 Black’s Mill Road Pastor: JT Pinilla (912) 289-4656 pastor@chestatee.org Ukrainian Orthodox Church St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Church 4818 Smith Drive Priest: Rev. Ivan Lymar (770) 888-3373

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Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013 — PAGE 55

PAGE 56 ­— Life in Forsyth — JULY 2013