moments april 2012

May-June 2012

A Mission To ServeFamily, Faith Lead The Way

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4 Moments Magazine | May-June 2012

John HallPublisher

Kevin AtwillEditor

Adlen RobinsonDirector of Content

Ryan GarmonAdvertising Director

Autumn VetterPhotographer

Jeff BucchinoGraphic Design

Contributing WritersAlyssa LaRenzieCrystal LedfordJennifer Sami

Autumn Vetter

Forsyth Mom - Page 8

The Amateur Wine Enthusiast � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

Moms at Work � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

Home Matters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 20

Smart Snacking � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 24

For the Health of It � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26

Community � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 28

School Spotlight � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 30

Contents8 Moments Mom

Meet Stephanie Powell, a mother of three who helps with the family

business and is also an active volunteer.

10 Dinner MattersWe bust the myth that delicious fajitas

are available only in restaurants. They can be made easily at home.

18 Book ClubsLively book clubs can be found in

many Forsyth County neighborhoods. A relaxed approach has served

Olde Atlanta Club well.

22 Mothers DayClassic gift ideas remain

the most popular, according to Forsyth County retailers.

Moments Magazine is published bimonthly by the

Forsyth County News Co�,302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard,

Cumming, GA 30040� Advertising rates and deadlines

available upon request� Contact Ryan Garmon at

(770) 205-8960 or [email protected]�

Follow us online atforsythnews.com, as well as:

Facebook.com/ForsythMomentsand

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

Moments Magazine | Mar - Apr 2012Moments Magazine | Mar - Apr 2012

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Welcome to

Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10

years, Adlen is author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at [email protected].

We are thrilled to bring you the second issue of Moments and hope you will enjoy our exciting and informative content. Our Moments Mom of the Month is Stephanie Powell. Stephanie has three young children, works part time and still

manages to serve on the board of Jesse’s House, plus does a myriad of other volunteer activities at her church and children’s school. Don’t forget to check out our book club column to see some of the selections your neighbors are reading. I have received a lot of feedback about my Amateur Wine Enthusiast column, and I can’t wait for you to try the selections in this issue.Finally, thank you again to Northside Hospital-Forsyth for taking me on a tour of the beautiful Women’s Center. We are lucky to have such an amazing, modern facility.Again, we welcome your feedback and suggestions! E-mail us at [email protected].

Best,Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Mom

See Powell pg. 16

By Adlen W. Robinson

Looking out onto her and her husband’s beautiful farm in south

Forsyth, Stephanie Powell is the first person to tell you how blessed she feels. A Georgia native, Powell said family and faith are the main pillars in her life.

“I have actually known my husband Chad since kindergarten,” she said. “We dated some in high school and then reconnected in college.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Powell worked as a traveling leadership consultant for her beloved sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, traveling all over the country in an advisory capacity.

Still active with the organization, Powell has received several awards over the years, including the ZTA Outstanding Advisor Award for the State of Georgia in 2006.

While she enjoyed her work with ZTA, Powell soon decided to go back to school and pursue her master’s degree in gifted education and enter the teaching profession.

After teaching for seven years, she was tapped to be assistant principal of Riverside Elementary School in Suwanee. It was during this time that the Powell’s decided to start a family.

After giving birth to twin girls, Kate and Georgia, Powell decided it was time to retire from education. Just 19 months after the twins’ birth, the Powell’s welcomed son Bo to the family. Now the twins are 7 and Bo is 5.

“We are very busy, but in a good

way. We are a very close-knit family,” she said.

So close, in fact, that they live right next door to Chad’s parents. “It is wonderful to have family so close by,” she said.

‘I wear many hats at the company’

Besides living next door to her in-laws, she is also a big part of the family’s business. Chad is CEO of Joe Powell and Associates, where Stephanie works part time. “I wear many hats at the company,” she said. Powell’s father-in-law Joe, the founder of the company, still works there.

The Powells are also extremely active with their church, Johns Creek Baptist.

Stephanie’s list of volunteer activities is lengthy, but there’s one area that is particularly meaningful. A few years ago, she heard about Jesse’s House and sprang into action to see how she could help.

A mission to serveMom keeps family, faith close in life

Photos: Autumn Vetter

Stephanie Powell and husband Chad

9Moments Magazine | May-June 2012

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Now that even warmer weather has arrived, we all tend to be spending

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gardening, attending our children’s sporting events, and just sitting outside on the deck enjoying these months before the true heat of summer sets in.

This is also my favorite time of year to have friends over for a casual cookout or to enjoy a glass of wine with some cheese and fruit.

Both of these wines are perfect for such an occasion. And while they may taste expensive, each is surprisingly affordable.

The Robin K. Chardonnay hails from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, Calif. This particular area is known for rich soil that’s ideal for both chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.

You can definitely taste vanilla, citrus and, of course, oak. For dinner, pair this with chicken, scallops or a flaky white fish. It is wonderful when served with brie and grapes.

At about $15 a bottle, this is the perfect wine for a special occasion.

I love the charming label on the Cable Car Merlot, almost as much as I loved the wine itself.

There are flavors of plum and cassis and just a hint of spice.

While this is a terrific wine to sip

on its own, it also pairs well with hamburgers or steak. It’s also delicious with Gouda cheese and fresh pears.

At less than $10 a bottle, this is a wonderful value for your money.

-- Adlen Robinson

From the Cellar

The frugal amateur wine enthusiast

FeedbackIf you have a favorite (affordable)

wine, please let me know at [email protected].

While they may taste expensive, each is

surprisingly affordable.



Dinner Matters

Some people think the only way to have delicious fajitas is to order

them at a Mexican restaurant. Think of me as the myth-buster!

When it comes to steak fajitas, the secret is to buy skirt steak and then not overcook it.

If you are using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the secret is to lightly pound the chicken until it is of an even thickness. Again, don’t overcook it.

While there are plenty of marinades and fajita seasonings on the market, all you really need is some salt, pepper, cumin, fresh lime and garlic, and you are set to sizzle.

I like to cook both the meat and vegetables on the grill. But if you would rather, you can cook these on a stovetop in a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron.

Rub the skirt steak with a little canola oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cumin on both sides.

In a shallow bowl, mix together freshly squeezed lime juice with minced garlic. Place onion rings and

pepper slices in a pouch made from aluminum foil (or use a grill basket), and toss with a little oil, salt and pepper.

Place the foil pouch on medium hot grill and cook until vegetables are crisp tender. Keep warm while cooking the meat.

Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and heat on grill or in the oven. When everything is ready, grill steaks two to three minutes per side. If the steak is a little thick, it may need another minute or two. Do not overcook.

Remove steak from grill and dip in the lime/garlic mixture. After five minutes or so, slice the meat thinly against the grain.

Let everybody make their own fajitas with the meat, vegetables, sour cream, mashed avocados and cheese.

Fajitas with peppers and onions

• 1 skirt steak (about 1 1/2 pounds), halved • Canola oil• Salt and pepper• 3 teaspoons ground cumin• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice• 1 red onion, cut into rings• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and sliced• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced• 8 to 12 flour tortillas• 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema• 2 avocados, mashed with salt, pepper, and some lime juice• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

When it comes to

steak fajitas, the

secret is to buy skirt

steak and then not

overcook it.

Fajitas set to sizzle! Ingredients, preparation easy


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Ingredient SpotlightGone are the days

when you had to seek out a specialty market to find authentic Mexican ingredients.

Most grocery stores carry a respectable array of quality ingredients that can elevate your cooking and make you look like a kitchen genius.

Next time you have a fiesta food for dinner, try serving crema instead of sour cream. Crema is not as thick as sour cream and has a bit of pleasant tang to it.

When it’s plain, crema is delicious. Mix in a little grated lime zest and lime juice, and get ready to eat it by the spoonful.

-- Adlen W. Robinson v



There are more detox diets out there today than shoes in most women’s

closets. With all the pill-popping, soup-

eating, juice-drinking cleanses on the market, I set a goal: Cut through the confusion, try one out, and report the results.

As I researched the options, I chose to go by the age-old adage: “If it comes from the ground, it’s probably OK.”

With that in mind, Meghan Telpner’s “Making Love in the Kitchen: Green Smoothie Cleanse” caught my attention.

Yep, smoothies. Chocked full of green vegetables to turn them the color of the Loch Ness monster. But don’t worry. They’re delicious. And it’s only for three days.

Many authors have published books about raw eating/cleansing for the long term, but this one — which comes in the form of an $18 e-book — gives a structured, short-term plan accessible to anyone.

Telpner, a nutritionist with Chrone’s Disease, developed it as a jumpstart to a healthier lifestyle.

As a long-time vegetarian, I admit this probably sounded more appetizing to me than the average carnivore. Ready to hit the blender, I grabbed my Kindle and headed to the store.

My kitchen was soon overflowing with fresh fruits and veggies, and I set to work on breakfast.

My general regimen included a warm lemon/cayenne pepper drink upon waking, five smoothie “meals”

throughout the day, and a glass of psyillium powder (i.e., fiber drink of death) before bed.

The first day was a cold one. Covered in

83 blankets (and two cats), I was still shivering, but surprisingly not hungry.

In an attempt to have something warm for dinner, I made a savory “smoothie soup.” It was as awful as it sounds and went down the sink as soon as my gag reflex kicked in. (One good thing about liquid meals: easy cleanup).

I then decided to save my creativity for the writing portion of this experiment and stick to Telpner’s 25

provided recipes.With day one nearly over, I sucked

down a glass of psyllium powder. I would rather eat my own toenails than drink that again.

By day two, my caffeine withdrawal was in overdrive. I didn’t assault any of my co-workers for their steaming cups of joy, but my head was pounding.

By day three, I started having bouts of enlightenment, thinking I could do this forever. Then, I’d smell coffee and dream of lying down under the pot with my mouth open.

First failures aside, the smoothies themselves were delicious, though I didn’t care for feeling like a balloon. But, just as Telpner said it would, everything “loosened up” on day 3.

The day after my epic journey, the scale said I’d lost 2.5 pounds. More importantly, my digestive system was in tip-top shape, and my salt and sugar threshold had dropped dramatically.

And my teeth looked fabulous! Not sure why, but it was like I’d been swishing whitener for three days.

Then I promptly cranked up my coffee pot and did a happy caffeine dance.

All in all, this was a great experience. Cleansing pressed my body’s reset button, spurring me to live healthier all around.

Of course, it’s much easier to see all the positives when I’m not clawing everyone’s eyes out to reach the coffee maker. -- Autumn Vetter v

For the Health of It

“As a long-time vegetarian, I admit this probably sounded more appetizing to me than

the average carnivore.”


Cleansing a great way to reset bodyCoffee cravings heightened challenge


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Choosing the right camps Factors include parent needs, child’s interests

Most children can’t wait to hear the final school bell of the year ring so

they can start summer vacation.But weeks later, the boredom and

summertime blues can set in.Summer camps are a popular choice

to keep children active and learning, but picking the right one and making it positive experience requires some planning.

Selecting a camp that will be fun is the top priority for the child, said Laura Pate, recreation program supervisor of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department.

“Parents have different needs,” Pate said. “They may have to work or need child care. Convenience is also a factor, but they also want their child to have fun.”

Specialty camps are great for a child who enjoys a certain activity, such as art or athletics, while general camps offer a variety.

Camps focused on a certain activity tend to be shorter, Pate said, while general camps typically accommodate for child care.

More traditional summer camps often fall in the general category. For example, Boy Scouts’ camps feature various activities the boys learned about in the organization, said Daniel Victorio, executive director for the Etowah District.

“You want a wide range of activities that gives a camper an opportunity to learn something new every day,” said Victorio, adding that getting to take something home to show off keeps kids excited.

He recommended that parents contact organizations or use local resources to learn about the activities of a camp and determine if it’s a good fit for their children. -- Alyssa LaRenzie vPhoto: Metro Creative


Moms at Work

Some women you meet leave you wondering how they pack so much

into their day and still find time to be so good at everything. Forsyth County resident Maggie Muschara seems to have perfected this art.

A mother of two young children, Muschara helps others as a physical therapist with the Dawson County school system.

Muschara said she has always had a passion for assisting children and people in general. After speaking to her for just a few moments, it’s clear she enjoys what she does.

“What I love about the school setting is collaborating with the teachers and other therapists to increase the child’s function within the school environment,” she said.

“This week, I had a significantly involved child in a gait trainer

to assist her with walking and an entire kindergarten class stood in the hall and cheered her on. One child said, ‘Look, you are standing like me.’

“To see the look on that child’s face and to see that the other student looked past the

equipment to see her standing … was truly rewarding.”

Muschara also works part time at Northside Hospital-Forsyth in many areas, including the orthopedic, neurological, medical/surgical floors, as well as the intensive care unit.

As a physical therapist, she said her goal is to help restore “the functional limitations of people with an injury or disability using rehabilitation techniques.”

While she finds her jobs incredibly rewarding, Muschara’s true love is for her

husband and children, 2½-year-old Marley and 4-year-old Colt.

“There are plenty of days when I am stressed out and am running on little sleep, but it is on those days when I take a deep breath, get outside and play ball with my son and baby dolls with my daughter and remember what matters,” Muschara said.

“At the end of the day, I want our children to know that I care more about their heart than all of the stuff that occupied our day.”

In addition, Muschara has had to play both “mommy” and “daddy” during the week since husband Wes travels extensively for his job.

“I have such a respect for single

Physical therapist has passion for helping

Maggie Muschara works as a physical therapist (at left) while raising children Colt and Marley (above).


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“I have such a respect for single moms because it is

tough when you do not have another set of hands”

moms because it is tough when you do not have another set of hands, someone to bounce ideas off of or someone to pass the baton when you reach your limit,” Muschara said. “I am so incredibly thankful for an encouraging husband that leads our family. We cherish our time with him when he is home.”

Muschara said finding balance when it comes to working and managing a busy household is always a challenge.

“I have had to realize that I don’t have to do it all,” she said. “It’s OK to ask for help and it’s also OK to leave laundry on the floor and have frozen pizza for dinner.”

Another positive element in her life is the excellent care she has for her children, and Muschara said her mother and mother-in-law are extremely helpful.

“They say it takes a village to raise children, and I am so

thankful for my village,” she said.Muschara’s strong faith is also a powerful tool in her

life. “God gives me grace every day, but I have to receive it and realize He will never give me more than I can handle.”




Moments Mom Continued from Page 8

Powell: ‘We believe in second chances’

“We are very busy, but in a

good way. We are a very close-knit

family”

Jesse’s House is an emergency and long-term shelter for adolescent girls, ages 7 to 17, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, neglect or delinquency.

“These are not ‘bad’ kids,” stressed Powell. “These are girls who come from challenged homes and circumstances and need immediate assistance from people who truly care what happens to them.”

While staying at Jesse’s House, the girls receive counseling, medical attention, tutoring and

more. “The staff

at the shelter works tirelessly to empower these girls and help them move forward with their lives,” Powell explained.

Jesse’s House also strives to provide its residents with life

skills which they can take with them when they leave the shelter.

Powell said she first got involved when her family decided to hold a huge Easter egg hunt on their farm.

“One of my favorite movies is ‘Steel Magnolias’ and at the end of it there is this giant Easter egg hunt and that is what inspired me.”

Admission to the egg hunt is simple: bring one or more pantry items off of Jesse’s House wish list. This year marked the fourth egg hunt and attendance has grown to more than 350 guests.

“We have so many friends who tell us they got their entire family involved and went shopping together for many things on the wish list. It is a wonderful way to teach your children about the importance of being a blessing to others.”

A few years after being involved with the shelter, Powell was asked to come onto its board of directors, where she has served since 2010.


“I feel blessed to have done so many things in my life, and Chad and I want our children to see the joy you receive when you give back in your community and beyond,” Powell said. “Our family’s mission statement is truly how we try to live our lives.” v

The Powell FamilyMission Statement

We believe in second chances.We pray.

We never give up.We try to do better.We say I’m sorry.We show respect.

We think of others first.We trust in God.We tell the truth.We say I love you.

We are Family.


Stephanie Powell’s family holds an annual Easter egg hunt on their farm.


Book Clubs

When Cathy Bergreen and her family moved to Forsyth County

in 1997, she signed up to attend a book club that had just formed in her neighborhood, Olde Atlanta Club.

Fifteen years later, the club is still going strong, with anywhere from 12 to 20 attendees at its monthly meetings.

While it may seem that a group with such longevity owes its history to lots of rules and organization, Bergreen said nothing could be further from the truth.

“We are a very relaxed and casual group,” she said. “We try to pick books that are already out in paperback, unless it is something really popular and we just cannot wait.”

Asked how the group decides what to read, Bergreen said there’s no set system.

“People just make suggestions and we might pick three books for the next three months or so,” she explained. “I like to have a list, so that we can share books if possible.”

Bergreen said when the book club formed, members had themed dinners. Now that the group is so large, they keep it simple. The

hostess provides beverages and two other members bring desserts.

“We are not a homogenous group,” Bergreen said. “We have women with young children, people with teenagers, and even grandmothers.”

The broad age range certainly adds to the lively discussions and varying points of view.

“If we all don’t particularly like a book, the meeting turns into one big social hour,” she laughed.

Non Fiction

ZeitounThe club recently read “Zeitoun”

by Dave Eggers. This nonfiction work chronicles Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a

Syrian-American immigrant during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Zeitoun stayed behind in New Orleans to protect his property, while his wife and children evacuated. After the hurricane and subsequent flooding, he paddled his canoe around the city helping others, even feeding animals that had been left behind.

The true story takes a major turn

when Zeitoun is arrested. Bergreen said club members enjoyed the book

Relaxed approach serves Olde Atlanta Club


and were shocked at how so many people were treated during the crisis.

“It was just so terrible to read about how in America, people’s civil rights were violated,” Bergreen said. “Of course, we all knew about the mismanagement of the crisis. But hearing the character’s story about what he experienced was powerful.”

Bergreen said the group usually doesn’t meet during the summer months, but instead may read a trilogy or a longer book. Some members opt for lighter, beach type reads as well.

Fiction

The Hunger Games

Bergreen said her recommendation for this summer is “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins.


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Keep kitchento the essentialsGadgets, fancy items not needed for success

When I was a new mom years ago, I had a friend with the

most amazing kitchen I had ever seen. Every time I walked into her home, I had to fight off “kitchen envy.”

My friend also had the most beautiful set of pots and pans and a big wooden knife block with a dozen knives sticking out. How funny when I learned that she despised cooking and rarely did much more than heat things up in her microwave.

While having a lot of cooking equipment and gadgets is often fun for us “cooking junkies,” you really don’t need tons of tools to turn out delicious food on a regular basis.

Over the years, I’ve bought my share of tools and equipment that, after initial use, did little more than collect dust and take up valuable space in my kitchen and pantry.

That said, there are some kitchen tools that in my mind are absolutely essential. Sure, they make your life easier, but they also help you improve your cooking and ensure that you turn out delicious food for family and friends.

The most important tool in the

kitchen is probably a few good knives. Notice I said “a few” and didn’t recommend you rush out and plunk down several hundred dollars on a knife block.

Every cook needs an 8- or 10-inch chef’s knife. A heavy knife is best, although for the money, I absolutely

love my 10-inch Swiss Army Victorinox chef’s knife that I got for about $50.

I have one knife that cost more than $100, but before you balk at the expense, know that I have had it for 15 years and it’s still a wonderful piece of equipment I use on a regular basis.

A few other knives to have on hand include a good paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and a carving knife.

There are many easy-to-use sharpening devices out there, and you can always learn to use a whetstone. A honing rod makes sure the blade is perfect.

Of course, you need some pots and pans. And again, the heavier, the better. I still have the same set I got after we got married, which was more than 20 years ago.

You can’t beat a nonstick skillet for cooking eggs. I don’t spend too much on these since you should replace them as soon as you see wear and tear.

Again, do not get ones that are too light in weight, since that means they don’t conduct heat well and will burn your food. I prefer my cast iron skillet for searing meat.

I also can’t imagine living without my rice cooker. The rice is perfect every time, and it keeps the

perfect temperature until I am ready for it.

Home Matters


I love whisks, tongs and wooden spoons and use those daily. I also can’t imagine living without my rice cooker. The rice is perfect every time, and it keeps the perfect temperature until I am ready for it.

I don’t know any mom who would not benefit from using her slow cooker. To know that dinner is cooking itself all day is a huge stress reliever for busy mothers, regardless of whether they work outside the home.

I keep my food processor out on the countertop so it’s handy. An immersion blender is not as essential as a blender. However, if you make a lot of soup, you’ll like the ease of pureeing it in the stockpot instead of the mess of transferring it to the blender in batches. My bread machine makes the best pizza dough and roll dough; I use it more for that than baking bread.

There are, of course, certain kitchen tools and equipment that you only use once or twice a year, but are essential in a well stocked kitchen.

A heavy-bottomed roasting pan, for example, gets used at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Ditto with a turkey baster, a spool of twine, and an extra large stock pot for brining the turkey or making boiled peanuts.

A waffle maker and an ice cream maker likely fall into this category as well. Think about your storage space before you purchase these items.

Ultimately, no matter how well stocked you are with kitchen equipment, the main thing is to use what you have. If months go by and you aren’t using items in your kitchen, it may be time to think about donating them to a charity that can find them a good home. --Adlen Robinson vPhotos: Autumn Vetter


Fashion

C lassic gift ideas remain the most popular for Mother’s Day, according to Forsyth County retailers.

Items such as candles, pottery and beauty aids are big at Market 334, north of downtown Cumming, said owner Kim Maley.

She said the small boutique specializes in a range of handmade items.

“Soaps are always nice and beauty products are good,” she said.

Kris Willis, owner of Parsons in Lakeland Plaza, said jewelry and handbags remain big sellers for Mother’s Day, which is May 13. But other tops sellers this year also include cabana dresses, decorative flip flops and kitchen gadgets

such as collapsible strainers and measuring cups.

“And of course, our candy counter is always popular too,” Willis said.

Leslie Andert, a store team member at Belk, also in Lakeland Plaza, said swimwear and scents will make good gifts for mom this year, along with traditional fashion and handbags.

“We have a ton of swimwear this year for every shape, size and style,” she said. “Our flip flop dresses that you can just throw on a pair of flip flops with, and our range of handbags are also really popular.” -- Crystal Ledford v

Popular Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

From pottery to candy, merchants got it covered

Ideas from Parsons:

Pandora Mother’s Day bracelet sets, $140 or $200Brighton key chain, $23Cabana dress, $19.99Scarves, $5.99 each or three for $10Kitchen gadgets, $5.99 and upOkab flip flops, $40Chocolates, $2.75 and upVera Bradley picnic tote, $72Vera Bradley camera bag, $65Vera Bradley Mother’s Day story book, $15

Ideas from Market 334:Honey Suckle Soap anti-aging Glow serum, $16.95Indigo Bath and Body all-organic soaps, $5Pottery by Nancy Horton, $5 and upClassy Glass Totems, $45-$52Candle Realm 100-percent soy candles, $3-$10



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Smart Snacking

I f you think tortillas are just for rolling up a burrito or making quesadillas,

you may want to expand your thinking. Tortillas are wonderful for making

delicious and healthy roll-ups for a light lunch or a snack.

You can fill them with all sorts of “stuffings,” and you can try all of the new flavored tortillas for variety.

Here are some of my favorite combinations that are sure to please snackers of all ages. Spread some garden

vegetable-flavored cream cheese on a tomato basil tortilla. Sprinkle on some finely diced cucumber, red or green pepper, and some grated carrots.

Add a layer of fresh baby spinach leaves and carefully roll the tortilla up. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, and then with a sharp knife, slice into pinwheels.

Serve with some ranch dressing for dipping. Spread some chive and

onion-flavored cream cheese onto a spinach tortilla. Sprinkle on some finely diced cucumber, red or green bell pepper, and some grated broccoli slaw that has been coarsely chopped.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, and then with a sharp knife, slice into pinwheels.

Serve with some ranch dressing for dipping. Mash up half of a banana and

mix with a teaspoon or so of honey. On a whole wheat tortilla, spread

a thin layer of creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter (or other nut butter) and then top with a layer of the mashed banana. Roll up and slice into pinwheels.

On a whole wheat tortilla, spread a thin layer of creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter or other nut butter.

Peel and grate a Granny Smith apple and sprinkle it on the peanut butter. Roll up and slice into pinwheels.

-- Adlen W. Robinson

discover Tortillas!Healthy roll-ups await

Tortillas are wonderful for

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Upon entry of the Cornerstone gates you are greeted by a serene

campus of rolling hills and beautiful trees. As you approach the school buildings you hear children laughing and playing on the natural, lush playgrounds shaded by trees decades

old. Once inside, you will be struck by a sense of calm and order as children focus on the mastery of core elements and creative expression via music, art, technology and foreign languages. The combination of core curriculum, great teachers, and a focus on individual student success facilitates a student's ability to soar into the college of their choice and the career path of their dreams.

At Cornerstone Schools, our mission is to provide students with an ideal environment, where they will establish the roots to grow

and the wings to fly!

Accreditation through the Georgia Accrediting CommissionRecognized by the University System of Georgia and the Board of Regents.


CaFor the Health of It

L ike most of you, I watched for years as Northside Hospital- Forsyth

expanded. When the Women’s Center opened in 2008, I drove by it and marveled at its sleek modern exterior design.

Recently I had the privilege of touring the facility with Melissa Sugg, the manager of women’s services. Walking into the spacious atrium, I was immediately struck by its beauty. Tastefully decorated, the center is both inviting and warm — nothing like any hospital I’ve ever been in.

A walking encyclopedia of all things Northside,

Melissa took me on a tour through the hospital as if I were a woman being admitted.

I gave birth to our four children at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, so I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. All I can say is that things have sure come a long way in 20 years.

The Women’s Center is designed to provide women with the best possible experience while at the same time providing medical expertise for delivering healthy babies, as well as babies that need extra care.

In 2011, there were 2,200 babies delivered at the center. It continues to expand as the need is certainly there in our ever-growing county and surrounding area.

One feature that really struck me

about the Women’s Center is the abundance of natural lighting. Every post-partum room has large windows, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by fluorescent lights.

There were big windows even in the labor and delivery rooms.

Speaking of the LDRs, it would seem the hospital’s designers truly thought of everything when it comes to making patients feel “at home.” They even went so far as to “hide” emergency equipment behind the hospital bed inside the moveable panel walls.

A private bathroom in each LDR comes equipped with marble vanities, as well as a roomy whirlpool bathtub that uses oxygen instead of water to make the bubbles. The towels are folded like the ones in a five-star hotel.

The Special Care Nursery is especially noteworthy. Every baby is in a private room, which allows parents to be right there with their child who may have been premature or have health issues.

In addition, there is a large, cozy family lounge exclusively for family members to use. Complete with a flat screen television, a full kitchen, and

Care and comfortWomen’s Center makes patients feel at home


Fees: $280.00 Per Two Week Session $150.00 Per One Week Session $1300.00 -11 Weeks

(Must be paid in full prior to camp.)Registration Fee (non-refundable)-$75.00 Camper will receive two T-shirts to

be worn on all field trips, and a swim bag. Lunch-Campers must bring their lunch daily.

Cornerstone Schools Summer Camp 20124888 Browns Bridge Rd. Cumming GA 30041 (770) 205-6860

www.cornerstonesch.com

Camp Hours-Mon. to Fri. -9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.(Extended Day 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Group 1 - (7 & under) Field Trips) Session 1 - May 29 to June 8 Wed. - 5/30- Park (Coal Mtn.) Thurs. - 5/31- Skating Wed. - 6/6- Catch Air Thurs. - 6/7- Scavenger Hunt/Ice

Cream Party Session 2 - June 11 to June 22 Wed. - 6/13- Ink Thurs. - 6/14- Skating Wed. - 6/20- Forsyth City Races Thurs. - 6/21- Movie Session 3 - June 25 July 6 Wed. - 6/27- The Trout Place Thurs. - 6/28- Skating Tues. - 7/3- Movie Thurs. - 7/5- Park Session 4 - July 09 to July 20 Wed. - 7/11- Sawnee Mt. Preserve

(Insects) Thurs. - 7/12- Skating Wed. - 7/18- Monkey Joe’s Thurs. - 7/19- Scavenger Hunt Session 5 - July 23 to August 3 Wed. - 7/25- Ranch Alegro –Pony

Rides ($10.00) Thurs. - 7/26- Skating Wed. - 8/1- Elachee Nature Ctr. Thurs. - 8/2- Park Session 6 - August 6 to 8 Wed. - 8/8- Pool Races/Party

Group 2 - (8 & Up Field Trips) Session 1 - May 29 to June 8 Tues. - 5/29- Park (Coal Mtn.) Thurs. - 5/31- Skating Tues. - 6/5- Laser Tag/Go Carts Thurs. - 6/7- Scavenger Hunt/Ice

Cream Party Session 2 - June 11 to June 22 Tues. - 6/12- Tubing Thurs. - 6/14- Skating Wed. - 6/20- Forsyth City Races Thurs. - 6/21- Movie Session 3 - June 25 July 6 Tues. - 6/26- Big Splash Water Park Thurs. - 6/28- Skating Tues. - 7/3- Movie Thurs. - 7/5- Park Session 4 - July 9 to July 20 Tues. - 7/10- Lanier Aquatic Thurs. - 7/12- Skating Tues. - 7/17- Rock Climbing ($12.00) Thurs. - 7/19- Scavenger Hunt Session 5 - July 23 to August 3 Tues. - 7/24- Tubing Thurs. - 7/26- Skating Tues. - 7/31- Horseback Riding

($10.00) Thurs. - 8/2- Park Session 6 - August 6 to 8 Wed. - 8/8- Pool Races/Party

Daily Activities: Swimming, Archery, Sports, Zip Line, Indoor Sports in new gym, Arts & Crafts, Hiking, Nature Walks (30 acres), Indoor/Outdoor Sports and more.

Swim Team, Swimming Lessons & Specialty

Camps Available

SummerCAmp

For more information about the Women’s Center and the current classes being offered, go to www.northside.com.

computers, this is a wonderful way that families can visit with each other while still being close to the new baby who is in care.

Training is considered of the utmost importance at the center and staff often conduct emergency drills to ensure they are ready for anything.

Education, whether it is staff training or classes for new parents, the Women’s Center is continuously adding to its program.

The list of classes offered for new and soon-to-be new parents is as extensive as it is comprehensive. Classes such as the popular “Daddy Boot Camp” and those that help parents introducing the new baby to siblings are among the dozen offered.

How interesting to learn that more babies are born at Northside Hospital every year than any other hospital in the country.

“We really try to be very family centered in all that we do,” Sugg explained. “Many of our staff lives in the community, so it is wonderful that they are extending their compassion and care in many cases to their neighbors.”

The modern facility along, with its highly trained medical staff, are truly an incredible resource for our community.




In 2002, Beth Daffin was looking for some way to give back.

“I was the mom of two children, who at that time, were small and it seemed like my whole world revolved around them,” Daffin said. “I was looking for more as far as giving back to the community.”

She found what she was looking for in the Sawnee Woman’s Club, which has been helping women serve their Forsyth neighbors since 1985.

“A couple of my girlfriends were members, so I wanted to learn more about it,” Daffin said. “I liked that it was just for women and they met in the mornings while my kids were in school.”

Daffin quickly became an active member. Since June 2011, she has been the organization’s president.

She said the club, which has about 50 members and will add another 20 in September, works in six different service departments: arts, public affairs, home life, education, conservation and international.

Since its founding, the Sawnee Woman’s Club has given more than $420,000 and 90,000 service hours to support a range of charitable organizations and projects.

Some of the biggest current programs include a countywide art contest for elementary school students

and senior scholarships, Daffin said.The group is also leading Sacks of

Love, in which members on Fridays

pack nonperishable food items into backpacks for needy children so they can have meals over the weekends.

“A lot of families fall between the cracks because they make a little too much money to qualify for assistance, but are able to get free and reduced meals at school,” Daffin said. “But on weekends, there are no options for them.”

Nearly 30 families are being helped each week by the program, which she said the club hopes to expand through a recent grant from the United Way.

Some of the club’s other ongoing service projects include providing toiletries, clothing,

Community

Sawnee Woman’s Club‘Great group of women’ helping community

June 4 – 8 Llego el Verano! Summer is here, lets get wet!! June 11 – 15 Amigos del Mar! Explore the ocean, with lots of music,

dance, outdoor activities and many surprises. June 18 – 22 Fiesta Latina!! Let’s go on a trip to Latin America!!

Have a lot of fun with our culture, food, and music.June 25 – 29 Wonders of the World. Take a tour around the world

looking for amazing monuments, places, and having lots of adventures!!

Also Enrolling for 2012-2013!!

SpAniSh SuMMEr cAMpS!! Enrolling now!!

Photo by Autumn Vetter


Learn moreFor more information about the

Sawnee Woman’s Club, visit www.SawneeWomansClub.org.

backpacks and supplies to children in need, as well as cleaning an adopted road in Cumming. Members also prepare suitcases for children removed their homes and placed with the Department of Family and Children Services.

The club also supports Forsyth County Special Olympics, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Operation Christmas Child and Heifer International, which provides sustainable livestock for families in need.

All the club’s projects and programs are funded completely through donations.

Members recently held their primary fundraiser of the year, Nite in Olde Cumming.

“That is really our only fundraiser of the year,” Daffin said. “It enables us to provide the

necessary goods, supplies and funds for our projects.”

Held each spring, Nite in Olde Cumming is a gala with dancing, entertainment, food, raffle drawings and live and silent auctions.

The Sawnee Woman’s Club is a part of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs, the oldest nondenominational, nonpartisan international service organization of women in the world.

There are more than 6,000 clubs in the United States with more than 10 million members.

Locally, Daffin said the Sawnee Woman’s Club is always looking for new members.

“We like for anyone who’s interested in joining to attend a few of our meetings first to see what it’s all about,” she said. “It’s a lot more than just a social club. It’s a great group of woman and we have a lot of fun, but we also do a lot of work.” -- Crystal Ledford v

Photos: Submitted


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School Spotlight

Get to know your schoolsMashburn Elementary

Principal: Tracey Smith Address: 3777 Samples Road

Cumming, GA 30041

* Fun facts: The school’s motto is

“together we are better.” The staff follows a

relationships, engagement and rigor philosophy

and integrates that into the school through the

Bring Your Own Technology initiative. The school

also offers collaborative activities like 1950s Day,

parents night and grade-level projects, including

an operating room for broken sentences and

Friday Fun Fashion Show.

* Special Programs: The Parent Teacher

Organization has sponsored six teachers to attend

the Ron Clark Academy, holds the school play,

talent show, Blue Bear Festival and other family

events. The school has a jump rope club, TV crew

and robotics club. Mashburn also specializes in

music, art and physical education. There are also

four special needs classes with resource services.

-- Jennifer Sami

Mascot: Blue Bear Built: 1976

Enrollment: 597 Size: 69,448 sq. ft.

Awards: Governor’s Office of Student Achievement 2011

Bronze Award for CRCT

Samples R oad

Buford Dam Road

Contact: (770) 888-7511Fax: (770) 889-1630

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os: F

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Come on in this Mother’s Day...

We’ll make you Mom’s favorite

We’re honored to serve youIt’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care.

Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and

treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose

Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

moments april 2012

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