Moments July/August 2014

one mother’s journey to motherhoodKristen Lekberg one mother’s journey to motherhood

July | August 2014

©20

14 Ch

ildren

’s He

althc

are of

Atlan

ta, In

c. All

rights

rese

rved.

KIDS NEED SPECIAL CARE.LIKE LESS RADIATION.

CHILDREN’S RADIOLOGY AT WEBB BRIDGE3155 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta

At Children’s, we have advanced technology and precise protocols that allow us to reduce the amount of CT and X-ray radiation your child is exposed to by up to 50%. Taking the safest approach possible to imaging — it’s just another way we’re dedicated to all better. Learn more at choa.org/radiology.

When looking for a doctor to help treat your vein condition, experience matters. You need a physician who understands that vein disease can be very complex and each patient is unique. Offering state of the art treatment techniques, our clinical team is headed by a local physician, Dr. Peter Wrobel. He is extensively trained in phlebology (vein medicine) and has performed thousands of procedures. He is assisted by a registered ultrasound technician with vascular expertise. A licensed nurse practitioner is also part of our vein services team. In addition, licensed nurses and certified medical assistants lend support and complete our team.

Peter Wrobel, M.D.www.NorthGeorgiaVein.com

“Renewing the wayyou look and feel”

Do you have Varicose Veins or Spider Veins?Having leg cramps, burning, itching, pain, throbbing, swelling or fatigue?

Let us restore your leg health and youthfulness!Our mission is to provide comprehensive vein disease evaluation and treatment in a uniquely comforatble spa environment with state of the art medical technology and expertise.

Now 2 LocationsCumming

4415 Front Nine Dr. Ste. 600Dawsonville

6002 Hwy 53, Ste. 100

678-513-1600

Schedule a Complimentary Vein Screening & Consultation

Procedures are covered by most medical insurance plans and Medicare. And you can

resume your daily activities almost immediately.

678-513-1600

Vince JohnsonPublisher

Kevin AtwillEditor

Adlen RobinsonDirector of Content

Ryan GarmonAdvertising Director

Micah GreenMegan ReedPhotographers

Chris CampbellGraphic Design

Megan ReedJennifer Sami

Contributing Writers

4

dinner matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

frugal focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

from the cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

14 moms at workWendy Hood, a mother of three, hasn’t looked back after trading a corporate career for one helping people live healthy and active lives.

23 fashionLoose-fi tting clothing is in style for women this summer, as are bright ac-cessories. Popular items include longer skirts and “palazzo pants.”

16 healthHydration and nutrition are keys to maximizing the health of skin while also achieving that ultimate glow dur-ing summertime and year round.

30 school spotlightBrookwood Elementary School, which opened in 2009, is named for the community it serves and was recently recognized for achievement on the CRCT.

.

Moments Magazineis 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].

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

contents14 1630

23

Moments Magazine | July - August 20144

8 moments momSince 2011, Kristen Lekberg and husband Cory of Forsyth County have adopted three children from China.

Our programs treat..• Low back pain• Neck pain• Headaches/ Migraines • Herniated disc• Bulging disc• Degenerated joint disease • Sciatica and Carpal Tunnel

4914 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta, Ga 30004770-667-0099

www.catalystphysicalmedicine.com

Tired of living in pain?Do you want to feel your best and live life to

the fullest without back, neck, or leg pain? We can help!!

Call today to schedule yourCOMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION!

770-667-0099

Millions of Americans have discovered this

breakthrough treatment- let us help you!

Welcome to.....Hope everybody is enjoying their summer. Yes, it’s hot, but I for one am glad it’s not

as rainy as it was at this time last year. Our Moments Mom this issue is

truly someone special. I can’t wait for you to read all about Kristen Lekberg and her precious family.Kristen and husband Cody adopted

three beautiful babies from China. I loved meeting the whole family and seeing those three sweet little faces. I’m also excited for you to meet Wendy Hood and hear

about the exciting things she’s doing with her company, My Health Kick. I’ve known Wendy for years and can say � rst hand that

her workout style is as motivational as it is e� ective. Wendy is a beautiful person, both inside and out, and I know you’ll love her. � ere are several topics this issue pertaining to summer

Ð local farmers markets; taking care of your skin; and eating organically on a budget. Oh, and don’t forget that while we may be in the middle

of summer, the school year is just around the corner. � ere’s even an article to help give you a head start on the upcoming year. As always, we love to hear from you. Please email me

Best,

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 the author of “Home Matters: � e Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at

[email protected].

What do you do on a What do you do on a Friday or Saturday night Friday or Saturday night in Cumming?in Cumming?in Cumming?Show Up.Show Up.Show Up.

Leave the rest to us. Leave the rest to us. Leave the rest to us. Enjoy a luscious five course Chef’s Table featuring Enjoy a luscious five course Chef’s Table featuring

amazing food and optional wine parings.amazing food and optional wine parings.amazing food and optional wine parings.Friday & Saturday: 6:30 or 8:30pm: $30

Of course, you can enjoy our tapas and wine every other day of the week too.wine every other day of the week too.

We’re open daily for lunch and dinner plus We’re open daily for lunch and dinner plus We’re open daily for lunch and dinner plus Brunch on Sunday. Visit our website for the Brunch on Sunday. Visit our website for the Brunch on Sunday. Visit our website for the

current menu.current menu.current menu.

www.siprestaurants.com

Chef GregDeMichielCelebrity Chef. Food Network. VH1. Bravo

The Collection at Forsyth 678-513-0791

Welcome to.....

6 Moments Magazine | July - August 2014

7Moments Magazine | Version 3 2013

“Show up. Give us 30 minutes. Then go love your life.”

JILLIAN MICHAELS

COACHING FOR EVERYONE, EVERY WORKOUTRESULTS AT ANY FITNESS LEVEL BURN FAT

LOSE WEIGHTINCREASE STRENGTHNEW WORKOUTS EVERY MONTH

© 2014 Curves International, Inc. (1405)

JOIN TODAY,WORKOUT WITH ME AND THE REST OF SUMMER IS

F R E E !*One time service fee charged at enrollment. Minimum 12-month recurring billing required. Monthly dues waived through August 31, 2014. All fees vary by location. Valid for new members only. Not valid with any other offer. Jillian Michaels

workouts scheduled by location and only offered at participating locations.

1795 Pilgrim Mill Rd #400, Cumming, GA 30041 678.947.3711

www.facebook.com/curves.pilgrimmill© 2014 Curves International, Inc. (1405)


Growing family� e journey to motherhood for Kristen Lekberg has been steeped in self-discov-

ery, passion, adventure and — most of all — love. � e Forsyth County mother of three adopted children is quick to say she certainly

never saw her life turning out the way it has. In fact, she wasn’t thinking about a fam-ily when she and husband Cory married in 2003.

“I had an incredibly busy and ful� lling career, and I just really didn’t want chil-dren,” Lekberg recalled. “We both worked, and I loved my job, and then we also owned a print shop on top of our careers. So we were always working.”

As a graphic designer, Lekberg said she loved the creative energy her job required and couldn’t have imagined doing anything else.

“We were not silent about not wanting kids either,” she said. “All of our friends knew and our parents did, too.”

Lekberg said her mother wanted her to have children, but it just wasn’t something she saw in her future.

� en, one day while shopping, Lekberg encountered a woman who began telling

“She told me about a book she had read called ‘Lost Daughters of China’ ... I went right to the bookstore that

day and bought the book.”

“She told me about a book she had read called ‘Lost Daughters of China’ read called ‘Lost Daughters of China’ ... I went right to the bookstore that ... I went right to the bookstore that

day and bought the book.”

Kristen Lekberg mom to three from China

9Moments Magazine | July - August 2014

her about her amazing experience of adopting two babies from China.

“She told me about a book she had read called ‘Lost Daughters of China’ and how much it had in-fl uenced her,” Lekberg said. “She gave me her phone number and I went right to the bookstore that day and bought the book.”

Aft er reading it, Lekberg said she felt diff erently about wanting a child, and began thinking about how to raise awareness of Chinese adoptions.

“Th ere is so much to the story and I was actu-ally mad at myself for not knowing more about it,” she said. “I ended up reading the book out loud to Cody. At the time I wasn’t really thinking about adopting a baby, but more about what I could do to make people aware of what is happening over there.”

Th roughout the next year, Lekberg said she began thinking more seriously about adopting a baby.

“I felt very confl icted and would have silent argu-ments with God,” she said.


Photos by Micah Green

Forsyth County residents Kristen and Cory Lekberg are the parents of, from left, Ian, Mae and Jovi, all of whom they adopted from China.

( bottom left ) At age 2, Ian Lekberg is the youngest of the children and has had some serious health concerns that required surgeries.

When her sister got married and returned from her honeymoon, Lekberg asked her to go for a walk.

“It was as if I had this secret that I needed to tell,” she said. “I knew she would ask me all of the ques-tions that Cody would ask — and she did.”

After speaking to her sister, Lekberg said she was more convinced this was what she was supposed to do.

“That night, I told Cody and he suggested we contact the woman I had met in the store that day and talk to her,” she said.

Though it had been a year, Lekberg found the woman’s phone number in an old purse in her closet. The couple then met up with her and her husband to learn how positive the experience of adopting their two daughters from China had been.

Although he had been apprehensive about the meeting, Cody Lekberg said he soon had an epiph-any in an unlikely place that changed his mind.

“I was in the cereal aisle at the grocery store and I suddenly saw my life with our daughter,” he said. “I thought about picking out cereal with her, sharing experiences. It was almost like a vision.”

Soon after, the couple told their parents the news — they were going to try to adopt a baby from China. After finding an adoption agency that specialized in Chinese adoptions, the couple began the process of applying and undergoing the strict screening process.

When they saw the profile of what would soon be their daugh-ter Mae, they fell in love.

“She was considered a special-needs case, which means the process can be speeded up consid-erably,” Kristen Lekberg said.

Baby Mae needed treatment for epilepsy. After letting their doctors here see the child’s medical file, the Lekbergs decided they wanted to move forward.

In March 2011, the couple trav-eled to Beijing and then on to Zhengzhou, the capital of Hunan Provence, where their baby lived in a massive orphanage. They were joined on the trip by her parents,

North Cumming Dentistry

FREE TEETH BLEACHING

With Adult Exam and Cleaning(Call Us for Details @ 470-253-7349)

• MostInsurancesAccepted• EmergenciesandDental

Anxiouspatientswelcomed• FullDentalServicesprovided

(Callfordetails)

• WeekendandEveningAppointments

• AcceptMedicaidKids&Adults

Dr. Farid Moghaddam, D.M.D.Check us out on @ Facebook.com/NorthCumming

1715 Friendship Circle | Suite 100 | Cumming, GA 30028Phone: (470) 253-7349 | Fax: (470) 253-7352

Welcoming Smiles and Compassionate Care

New Patients Welcome

7822_1_northCummingDentistry071314_Moments

Upward Flag Football/Cheerleading openAges: K-7th Grade

Registration ends on July 19thCost per participant: $110.00

www.cfumcga.com770-887-2900 ext. 300

CUMMING FIRSTUNITED METHODIST CHURCH

770 CANTON HWY., CUMMING, GA 30040770-887-2900 Ext. 300

[email protected]



Sherryl and Kerry Myrick.“It is hard for us to imagine, but the orphanages

are huge — think Northside Hospital,” Kristen Lek-berg said.

“When they brought Mae in, it was just so surreal. I had longed for her, and spent so much time getting ready for her, and then all of sudden, there she was in my arms. It was very emotional.”

Despite warnings to expect a lot of crying, Mae was surprisingly quiet.

“She has always been so sweet and smart. Adjust-ing to our new family was actually quite easy,” she said.

So easy in fact, the Lekbergs began thinking about adopting a sibling for their daughter.

“When we saw Ian’s profi le, despite some pretty serious health concerns which would require sur-geries, we just knew he was the one,” Kristen Lek-berg said of their future son, who was 20 months old at the time. “We knew he didn’t have a chance without serious medical attention.”

While planning a second trip to China, the couple decided perhaps they should think about adopting another baby as well. When they saw the profi le of a sweet baby girl, they again knew she was perfect for their growing family.



Three-year-old Jovi Lekberg, above, and her siblings Mae, 4, and Ian, 2, below, were adopted from China by Kristen and Cory Lekberg of Forsyth County.

Take Your Wedding

Center Stage

Catering available on-site at Tam’s Backstage or on-location at your destination choice.

On-Site Private Dining Room and Reception Area.Contact Lisa Head, Banquet Manager at

678-455-8310Located in downtown Cumming on Ingram Ave.

in the historic Cumming School building.

www.tamsbackstage.com

We offer private dining and

reception areas! Visit our website

for more information and sample menus.

XXX_X_tamsBackstage071314Moments

~ Acne & Rosacea Treatment

~ Anti-Aging Regimen

~ Therapeutic Massage~ Body Treatments ~ Waxing, Tinting &

Mineral Makeup

Skin Solutions at the Otwell Manor

416 Dahlonega StCumming, GA 30040

770.886.6978

Relaxing, Effective and All Natural Solutions for the Skin.

www.AllNaturalSkinSolutions.com

Our services include:

XXX_X_skinSolutions071314_Moments

“When we saw Jovi, we just knew she belonged with us, even though she had a heart defect,” Kristen said.

In January of this year, the couple journeyed back to China to get not one, but two babies. Flash forward to June and the children are now ages 2, 3, and 4. All are doing well.

“They truly love each other and get along so well,” their mother said.

Asked if the family is com-plete, Lekberg smiled. “I am not so sure about that,” she said.

The Lekbergs credit family and friends for their incredible support. In addition, Kristen Lekberg said her husband has been a rock throughout the entire journey.

“I’m gushy, over-the-moon in love with my husband, but shar-ing in parenting these children has blown my mind,” she said. “And even though it has not always been easy, our marriage is even stronger today.

“Every day when ‘Daddy’ pulls into the driveway, our house ex-plodes into full-volume squeals and dancing, times three. He’s actually much more fun than I am. These kids know that what they have is something special.”

Kristen Lekberg said there is nothing better than being a mother, and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“There are really no words to describe what it is like to be a mother, especially to these three,” she said. “We’ve seen them as orphans, and now they know what unconditional love looks like. They have been transformed, and so have we.”

— Adlen W. Robinson


Trainer develops‘winning formula’When Forsyth County resident Wendy Hood le�

the corporate world nearly a decade ago, she did so with a noble goal — to help people take charge of their health and live active lives.

In 2005, Hood launched My H.E.A.L.T.H. Kick. � e acronym in the business name stands for Help-ing Everyone Achieve Life � rough Healthy Habits.

“I have always had a passion for helping oth-ers, and doing so by incorporating nutrition with

exercise and a healthy lifestyle is just a winning formula,” she explained.

Hood teaches kickboxing classes and also works with individual clients as a personal trainer. In ad-dition, she coaches clients on their eating habits and overall dietary needs.

“� ere is so much information out there,” she said. “I love to help people sort through all of it to � nd a program that works for them.”

Hood stresses that people at all levels of � tness can take her classes.

“I work with clients of all kinds,” she said. “My classes allow you to work at your own pace. Most importantly, we have fun. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring.”

Hood not only teaches adults, but teenagers. She also works with a group of children who are home schooled.

Getting a kick out of health



Wendy Hood of Forsyth County launched her business, My H.E.A.L.T.H. Kick, about 10 years ago. The mother of three uses nutrition and exercise to help her clients sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Growing together and depending

on each other.

Growing together and depending

on each other.

XXXX_X_AmericanProteins071314 Moments

Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth...Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth...Any day and every day... never any exceptionsAny day and every day... never any exceptions

Delivering ComprehensiveOB and GYN ServicesExclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth...Any day and every day... never any exceptions

1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041

(770) 886-3555 | www.npobgyn.com

Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open:91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534

- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser -


1800 Northside Forsyth Dr.,Suite 350 | Cumming, GA 30041

Our 2nd Location81 Northside Dawson Dr., Suite 305

Dawsonville, Ga 30534

WelcomesNaomi

C. Akita, MDDelivering ComprehensiveOB and GYN ServicesExclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth...Any day and every day... never any exceptions

1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041


Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open:91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534

- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser -

6262_1_northPointeOBGYN051114_Moments

As a mother of three, Hood understands how di� cult it is for today’s mother to ensure her fam-ily eats healthily.

“People are so busy and think they don’t have time to cook, so they o� en eat out, which makes it di� cult to make good choices,” she said.

With the quest of encouraging people to get back into the kitchen, Hood published her cook-book in 2012. In “Yummy Food � at’s Good for You!” Hood o� ers easy recipes that are healthy and delicious.

None of the recipes use processed foods, white sugar or � our, corn syrup and arti� cial sweeten-ers, among other “unhealthy” foods.

Hood emphasizes the pros of using grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, advising people to eat organically whenever they can. All of her reci-pes are easy to follow.

Besides My H.E.A.L.T.H. Kick, Hood � nds time to do food demonstrations and grocery store tours, with her favorite stop being � e Fresh Market in nearby Suwanee. Hood said she enjoys it there because the sta� is committed to being an active part of the communities where they do business. Also, the employees enthusiastically support local organizations that are important to the communities and their customers.

Hood will hold a book-signing event for her cookbook in early September and her website will share all the speci� cs. Hood also authors a blog for � e Fresh Market, sharing tips and strategies for healthy living.

Clearly passionate about helping others learn how to be healthy and happy, Hood feels blessed to do for a living what she loves.

“� ere is nothing better than being able to do what I love and share with others how they can get healthy and maintain that for life,” she said. “It is never too late to strive for good health.”


Getting a kick out of health


Since our biggest organ is our skin, we had better take care of it.

Too o� en we tend to focus on our faces, and neglect the rest of our bodies when it comes to skin care.

Here are some tips for maximizing the health of skin and at the same time achieving an ultimate glow.

* Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water during the day is important for many reasons, but we especially want to stay hydrated during summertime.

Skin that is well-hydrated has a plumpness to it. Try adding freshly squeezed lemon into water for a shot of cleansing to the system.

* Load up on fruits and vegetables. � ere are so many vitamins and nutrients in fruits and veggies, the entire body

Tips to leaveskin glowing


770•781•4922419 Tribble Gap Rd. • Cumming

www.cummingdanceacademy.comwww.facebook.com/cummingdanceacademy

Owner/Artistic DirectorNiki Jernigan-Watkins

Graceful in Dance - Strong in Character

Ages 18 Months - Adult

Over 10 Years Instructional Excellence!

VISIT OURDANCE BOUTIQUE

‘TUTUS & TAPS’

Summer Camp Schedule and

Fall 14-15 Season Schedules Available Online

Now!!

Insta

Private Lessons Available!

Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Pointe • Lyrical •Contemporary • Kinder-Gym • 2 Yr. Classes

BOYS Hip Hop • Adult Classes • Performing Companies& Miss Niki’s Elite Performance Class

Home of CDA II Performance AcademyVoted Best

Dance Studio 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

& 2014

4678_3_cummingDance071314Moments

Find Our Current Class Schedule Online

bene� ts. If getting six to eight servings seems di� cult, try mak-

ing smoothies or juicing fruits and veggies. For added nutrients, make a green smoothie with

cucumbers, kale, parsley, lime juice and a green apple. * Exfoliate. Use a scrub on your face and body. Look

for a scrub that is natural without harsh chemicals, or make your own.

* Snack on nuts. Nuts are high in the good fats, many of which are excellent for the skin.

For example, Brazil nuts are high in selenium which increases the elasticity of your skin.

* Use sunscreen. We all know we are supposed to do this, but sometimes we forget to lather up even if outdoors for a little while.

Look for makeup and facial mois-turizer that contains sunscreen so you will always have it on your face.

* Clean makeup brushes and sponges. � ese can be a harbor for bacteria, so try to clean them with warm soapy water every few weeks and a sponge every week.

* Use a serum. � ere are so many out there nowadays, and some are not too expensive.

� ey go on lighter than heavy creams and studies say they really do work to reduce � ne lines.

* Retinol. Of course, check with a dermatologist, but most highly rec-ommend using retinol on the face. If it irritates the skin, you can use it every few days.

* Always take makeup o� at night. Also be sure to moisturize immedi-ately, while skin is still damp.

Use warm water instead of hot when washing your face or shower-ing. Warm water is much gentler on the skin.

* Wear sunglasses. Experts say this can be more e� ective than sunscreen in preventing wrinkles around the eyes.

* Clean that cell phone regularly. Studies are showing that most of us have cell phones loaded with bacte-ria. Gross, right?

You wouldn’t smear bacteria all over your cheeks would you? Use special wipes to clean the phone and keep some in your purse and car for on-the-go cleaning.

* Stay away from fried foods and re� ned carbohy-drates. Of course, that helps the whole body, not just the skin.

But for optimal glowing skin, stick to lean proteins such as � sh, chicken, lentils, beans and tofu.

* Sleep. Guess when our cells rejuvenate? � at’s cor-rect, when we’re sleeping. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.



@

We have a garden, but I still love visiting local farmers’ mar-kets and seeing what others are growing.

� ere are so many things we love to eat. Some we don’t have room to grow, while others we can’t grow as much of as we would like.

Luckily for us, there are plenty of people who seem to grow just about everything.

Many of our farmers’ markets have much more than just veg-etables. I’m always surprised by the things I � nd, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, raw milk and homemade jams and

jellies.I’ve also come across local

honey, fresh bread made from organic and freshly ground wheat, homemade pasta, all-nat-ural soaps and beauty products.

Besides being of the highest quality, most of what you will � nd is also organic. � e meat and chicken providers I have met raise their animals without antibiotics, hormones or other drugs.

� e cows eat grass that has not been sprayed with pesticides. � e pigs forage and eat fruits and vegetables. � e chickens are free range, and their eggs are the

best ever. And who knew you can get

fresh seafood at a farmers’ mar-ket?

I love that you get to meet the people who grow the food, bake the bread and produce the items.

� e atmosphere is always ca-sual and friendly. Just remember to bring some grocery bags, a cooler if you’re not going right home, some water to stay hy-drated, and some cash — not all vendors are set up to take debit cards. Happy hunting!


@FRESHNESS ABOUNDS

FARMERS’ MARKETS


7866_1_millfordTeam071314Moments

Corey & Gail Milford

Free Seller Home Warranty

If You’ve Been Waiting ForHousing Prices To Rebound

So You Can Sell,

GREAT NEWS...

It’s A Seller’s Market!

Contact me to fi nd out the value of your home. There is a shortage of

homes on the market, it’s HOT! This is a great time to be a seller right now!

Find out how much your home is worth at milfordteam.net/sell

• List with us for100% Satisfaction

• Communication Guaranteed

Cell: 678.648.5500 • Offi ce 678.341.7961www.milfordteam.net • [email protected]

Keller Williams Realty Community Partners540 Lake Center Pkwy #201 Cumming, GA 30040

FRESHNESS ABOUNDS

FARMERS’ MARKETS

AT A GLANCE� e following are among the farmers’ markets in

Forsyth County:

• Cumming Farmers Mar-ket, 235 Castleberry Road, in the parking lot across from the Cumming Fairgrounds; Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 to noon, or until everything sells out. Runs through September

• Brookwood Farmers Mar-ket at Caney Creek Preserve, 2755 Caney Road; 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through October

• Vickery Village Farm-ers Market, Vickery Village, parking lot in front of Forsyth Family YMCA; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday through Nov. 7.


Tavis Cole, left, scoops some NaturAlmond for sampling at Brookwood Farmers’ Market. A variety of fresh produce awaits visitors to the Vickery Village Farmers Market, center, which like Brookwood is in south Forsyth. And Jacqueline Chambliss, right, spreads gourmet wine gelee on a cracker at the Brookwood market.

Pho

tos

by M

icah

Gre

en

If you love fresh produce as much as I do, you’re in heaven for the next few months. Noth-ing beats the � avor of a summer tomato or cucumber.

Our garden is over� owing with tomatoes, cucumbers, pep-pers, squash and eggplant. And my herb garden is abundant with a dozen or so herbs.

I love walking down to the garden before cooking dinner and picking what looks appeal-ing.

Even if you’re not a gardener, there are plenty of farmers’ markets around where you can take advantage of fresh summer produce.

Here are some simple, yet delicious recipes that highlight these spectacular vegetables and herbs.

� is is a simple yet beautiful dish, with the colors of the Ital-ian � ag. It is imperative you use fresh tomatoes and it’s worth it to seek out some excellent qual-ity artisanal mozzarella.

� is is the kind of salad where the ingredients are the true stars of the dish, so quality is every-thing.

CAPRESE SALAD

2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into thick slices

1 round of fresh mozzarella, cut into slices (one for each tomato slice)

Fresh basil leaves2 tablespoons good quality

balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon good quality

extra-virgin olive oilSea salt and freshly ground

black pepper

Place tomato slices on a serv-ing platter.

Top with a slice of mozzarella. To slice basil, stack basil leaves

on top of each other and then roll up the leaves. Slice the roll into thin strips.

Sprinkle basil over the moz-zarella.

Whisk together balsamic vin-egar and olive oil.

Drizzle dressing over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Garnish with whole basil leaves.

A tian is a French word, origi-nating in Provence. It describes

a � at, earthenware dish, as well as the food inside the dish. Basically, it is layered vegetables, cooked with olive oil, in this case, � avored with fresh basil.

You can vary this to include your favorite vegetables, includ-ing fresh tomatoes and eggplant.

ZUCCHINI AND YELLOW SQUASH TIAN

4 medium zucchini, ends trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices

4 medium yellow squash, ends trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pep-

per 1/4 teaspoon ground black

pepper 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons chopped fresh

basil

Ahhh, summer’s bountysummer’s bountyplentiful produce star of the season


Great CareersBegin Here!Low Tuition Rate

Education Guarantee100% Placement Rate

www.laniertech.edu

EOI

A Unit of theTechnical College System of Georgia

Fall Semester startsAug. 19th. ACT NOW!

1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon all-purpose � our 1 roasted red bell pepper,

peeled, stems and seeds removed, cut into 1/8-inch strips

1/4 cup bread crumbs 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons

grated Parmesan

Lay the zucchini and squash slices in a � at layer on kitchen towels.

Lightly salt on both sides and let sit until most of the liquid has been released, about two hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, heat the olive

oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, thyme, salt,

crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper, and saute until the onions are so� ened and slightly caramelized, about 15-20 min-utes.

In a small bowl combine the extra virgin olive oil, basil, and garlic, and set aside for 15 min-utes.

In a large bowl, toss the zuc-chini and squash with the � our to lightly coat.

Rub 1 tablespoon of the basil oil on the bottom of a baking sheet.

Spread the onions in a layer on the bottom of the baking sheet.

Arrange a row of zucchini lengthwise on top of the onions, overlapping the edges slightly.

Lay a thin row of red peppers next to the zucchini, then a row of squash. Repeat with the remain-ing ingredients.

Evenly drizzle the remaining basil oil over the vegetables. Top with an even coating of bread-crumbs, then cheese.

Bake until light golden brown on top, about 40 minutes.



Loose-� tting clothing is in style for women this summer, as are bright accessories.

“A lot of � owy tops are coming in,” said Jo-Ann Diamond, a sportswear specialist with Belk at Lakeland Plaza in Cumming.

Peasant tops, longer skirts and wide-leg pants known as “palazzo pants” have been some of the top sellers this summer, Diamond said.

� ese looks can be worn for both a day at the o� ce and an evening out, she said.

“You could wear it to work and then you could put on a big, chunky necklace and go out,” Diamond said. “If I go out, I’d just dress it up with some accessories.”

For a more casual look, linen shorts have also been popular, continuing the pattern of the season’s clothes coming in lighter materials.

� e biggest color currently, Diamond said, is navy blue, which can be paired with a variety of other colors, giving women � exibility in choos-ing an out� t.

For footwear this summer, wedges are in fashion, continuing a trend of past years.

� e newest trend for accessories — the

Always on Targetwith Prices!

BUY • SELL • TRADE770.889.6564

211 ATLANTA ROADJUST OFF THE SQUARE IN CUMMING

Let it fl owbright, loose-fi tting clothing in style


Sterling silver charms from $25

INTRODUCING PANDORA'S NEW SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION.

WITH $100 PURCHASE OF PANDORA JEWELRY.*

July 10 - 21

*Free single-strand leather bracelet ($40 US retail value) or multi-strand color cord ($35 US retail

value). While supplies last, limit one per customer. Bracelet upgrades available. See store for details.

F R E E PA N D O R A B R AC E L E T

CUMMINGGA 400-Exit 14W • Lakeland Plaza770.887.9991

NORTH POINTGA 400-Exit 8 • North Point Village678.879.1050

www.parsonsgifts.com




July 10 - 21










July 10 - 21










July 10 - 21










July 10 - 21







July 10 - 21

FREEPANDORA BRACELET

WITH $100 PURCHASE

OF PANDORA JEWELRY.*

Sterling silver charms from $25INTRODUCING PANDORA’S NEW SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION.

XXXX_X_parsons071314Moments

brighter and bolder, the better.Women have been gravitating towards

purses in brighter colors such as pink or yellow this summer, said Kerri McKewen, special events coordinator at Belk.

And they haven’t been shying away from wearing heavier jewelry, McKewen said.

“If you are wearing a more basic out� t, you can rely on working your brights into it,” she said.

— Megan Reed


If you asked women how best to feed their fami-lies, most likely would choose organic foods.

Unfortunately, all of that well-meaning enthusi-asm o� en dissipates when consumers see the prices of organic produce and other products.

In addition, many grocery stores don’t have good turnover with their organic produce. As a result, fruits and vegetables appear “tired” and not at the peak of freshness.

So how is it possible to eat more organically on a budget?

First and foremost, know what fruits and vegeta-bles are treated with the most pesticides and try to buy those organically grown whenever possible.

� e 21 to avoid unless organic include the follow-ing: Apples, celery, bell peppers (sweet), blueberries, cherries, collard greens, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, hot peppers, kale, lettuce, nectarines, papa-yas, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet corn (white/yellow), yellow squash and zucchini.

� e fantastic 14, which are safer to eat even when not grown organically: asparagus, avocado, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, grapefruit, kiwi, mangoes, mushrooms, onions, pineapples, sweet peas, sweet potatoes and watermelon.

At � rst glance, that list of what not to buy may seem daunting. However, my next tip will give you some relief: Shop locally and buy produce grown from local farmers who grow organically.

We’re lucky to live in an area that has numerous farmers’ markets. And most of the farmers grow their food with no pesticides, though always be sure to ask.

Another idea is to join a Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA. � ere are several in our area.

You can not only learn much about how food is grown, but also get involved by taking classes or, in some cases, helping the farmer.

� e way a CSA usually works is that you invest in shares of the farmers’ crops and then pick up yours every week or two. Now that’s the de� nition

of fresh. � is is a great way to get to know who’s growing

your food and to experiment with produce you may otherwise not try. It’s perhaps the best way to enjoy local, seasonal food that is incredibly fresh.

Share the cost with another family. Perhaps your family couldn’t eat an entire bunch of kale, but half of the bunch would work perfectly. Same for a bag of potatoes.

One thing to remember, because organic produce is not treated with preservatives, you may want to consume it as soon as possible.

� e freezer is your friend. If you have too much produce, especially when it comes to berries, simply freeze them.

Frozen fruit makes great smoothies and can also be used in most desserts that call for berries. You can also blanch most green veggies and freeze them. Just make sure to label everything.

Freeze tired-looking vegetables for stock-making later. I always keep a bag in my freezer for carrots, onions, parsley, potatoes, celery and herbs that may be a day or two away from becoming inedible, but would be perfect for when I have enough to make a vegetable or chicken stock. Just remember to label.

Plan your menu seasonally. We’re currently going into the best growing season of the year. But when it’s cold outside, try to use winter squash, potatoes, cabbage, etc.

So now that you know the most important pro-duce to buy organically, what about everything else?

Again, the best tip I can give is to � nd local sources. � ere are several farms and markets in our area that carry grass-fed beef, pastured pork and free-range chickens.

� ere are also artisanal bakers, soap makers, bee-keepers, etc. I love supporting local business people and hope our readers will seek out these talented people and their products.


If you asked women how best to feed their fami- of fresh.

How to eat organically on a budget


Great Family Fun& Entertainment

In Cumming Since 2005678.965.5707

www.StarsAndStrikes.com133 Merchants Square, Cumming, GA 30040

We’re Celebrating9 YEARS

All Summer Long!

Check out our newly renovated location

$2000 OFF Your Next Birthday Party

at Stars and Strikes!

Not valid with any other offers or promotions.

Not valid for alcohol. Offer valid for Pre-Packaged

Birthday Parties at all Stars and Strikes locations.

Subject to blackout dates. Must present coupon.

Limited to one offer per person per day. Offer expires

12/31/14. NO CASH VALUE - NO CASH BACK


Here we are smack-dab in the middle of summer, and prob-ably the last thing you or the kids want to think about is a new school year. Yet, it will be here before we know it.

� e 2014-15 school year begins Aug 7 in the Forsyth County school system. � at means it’s just a matter of weeks away.

Instead of letting it sneak up, why not do a little pre-planning and save some stress. Here are some strategies to get going.

First and foremost, begin by making a few lists. Friends know lists are what I credit for getting me through those crazy times when I had to get four young children ready for school and keep my sanity in check.

Before assessing what you need, you need to know what ev-erybody has. Summer is a great time to clean out a child’s closets and dressers to see what needs to be given away or handed down.

Once the inventory is com-

plete, begin listing what is need-ed for the upcoming school year. Besides basic school supplies, make a list for each child.

For example, maybe not every-body needs new shoes, but one child does. Another may need several new out� ts, but some-one else could be OK with some hand-me downs.

Don’t make the mistake of be-ing sucked in by all of the cute new fall fashions. It will be hot for months to come. And young

School year approaching

Don’t delay, start preparing today


D R. BRINKLEY F. GOODSON IS A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF CUMMING, GEORGIA. IN 2008, after more than 20 years of serving the community through his Private Practice, Dr. Goodson joined the Medical Sta� of Georgia

Highlands Medical Services, Inc. (GHMS) as a Family Practice Physician at GHMS’ Cumming Family Health Center. As a Family Practitioner, Dr. Goodson provides

Medical Care to persons of all ages, and treats a variety of illnesses and injuries.

Dr. Goodson is a Graduate of the University of Georgia and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He is an active member of the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association (GOMA), the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), among others. Dr. Goodson is Board-Certi� ed by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and is an Active Member of the Medical Sta� of Northside Hospital-Forsyth. He also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Campus.

In addition to being involved in his profession, Dr. Goodson is also very active in his home community. He has served as a Sunday School Teacher at his local church, a Cub Scout Master, a Trustee of his church, and sat on its Church and Pastoral Council. Related to his church-work, Dr. Goodson has participated in Medical Mission Trips to the countries of Guatemala, Honduras and Ghana.

With his roots in Forsyth County, Dr. Goodson knows the community and its needs well – especially its healthcare needs. He understands that a patient needs Quality Medical Care, supported by the latest in modern technology, while being delivered with Old-Fashioned Concern.

At GHMS, we want to be the Provider of Choice for your Family’s Medical Care. If you would like to request an appointment with Dr. Goodson or any of our other wonderful providers in the Cumming o� ce (Dr. Patni, Dr. Madhavan, Dr. Kalli, or our Nurse Practitioners Ashley, Danielle, or Deena) or would like more information on our Programs and Services, please call 770.887.1668 or send us an email at [email protected]. Serving Forsyth and surrounding Counties since 1979, GHMS is open to anyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or language spoken. New patients are always welcome to our practice.

Dr. Brinkley F. Goodson“Hometown Experience –

Hometown Care”

GHMS’ Services• Family Practice• Pediatrics• Obstetrics and Prenatal

Care• Laboratory Services• Clinical Pharmacy

Services• Extended Clinical Hours• On-site Certifi ed

Application Counselors for the Health Insurance Marketplace

GHMS-Cumming Family Health Center260 Elm Street, Cumming, GA 30040

770.887.1668Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm

� ursday: 8:00 am-7:30 pmFriday 8:00 am – 12 pm, Saturday: 9 am- 1 pm

GHMS-Canton Family Health Center220 Oakside Lane, Canton, GA 30114


� ursday: 10:00 am-7:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 12 pm

GHMS-Bartow Family Health Center475 West Avenue, Ste A, Cartersville, GA 30120


� ursday: 10:00 am-7:30 pmFriday 8:00 am – 12 pm

Website: www.ghms-inc.org

GHMS Sites

Awards and Achievements• National Committee for Quality Assurance

(NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home Practice –Level III (Highest Level)

• Champion for Coverage,U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Founding Member, Georgia Association forPrimary Healthcare (GAPHC)

• Member, National Association ofCommunity Health Centers (NACHC)

• 2014 “Top Small Business Campaign,”United Way of Forsyth County

XXXX_X_georgiaHighlands071314Moments

children will just outgrow those cute fall clothes. I speak from experience since I did that very thing when our oldest started kindergarten. An expensive

lesson to learn, for sure. � ink thri� stores. We have so many thri� and consignment stores in Forsyth County. For those with young children, they won’t care at all that you buy gently used clothing. If you have older kids who do balk at used clothing, try explaining how much more they can get if they

are willing to buy some items second hand. With older teenagers, you’re probably better o� giving them a strict budget and letting them do their

own shopping. Check summer reading lists. Some children do their assignments and don’t need to be badgered. Oth-

ers must be reminded — some even strongly encouraged — to do their work. Getting this out of the way makes the beginning of the school year so much easier. For young children, try having a mini-tutorial to brush up on some of the basics. Going over vocabu-

lary words, addition/subtraction/multiplication facts, and other basics goes a long way when the little one heads back to the class-room.

Even spending just a few min-utes a day on these can equip a child with so much more con� -dence.

Go ahead and buy some items that will be needed. If you know you need backpacks, lunch bags, etc., go ahead and get them now. � at way, when the big back-to-school shopping trip rolls around, it won’t be quite as expensive.

Catch up on doctor appoint-ments. Everybody seems to do this in the fall, so get ahead of the crowd and make physical and dental appointments in what remains of the summer.

Same goes for haircuts. � ere will be much less of a wait if you take care of this ahead of time.

� ink about a routine. As sum-mer comes to an end, it’s impor-tant that we help children get back on schedule.

Move bedtimes up a little each night. If you have older children, try to get them up a little earlier every day. � is will make the � rst week of school much easier on everybody.


Don’t delay, start preparing today


While I love red wine, I prefer a crisp and light white wine in the heat of the summer.

I recently tried two that came not only at a fan-tastic price, but also were quite tasty.

At less than $8 a bottle, Primaterra’s pinot grigio is a real bargain.

Pinot grigio is the Italian name for the pinot gris grape variety. Th e wine is extremely popular in the United States.

I like it because it’s crisp and light, with notes of lemon and green apple.

It’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer night, and also goes well with fruit and cheese or a light dinner of grilled chicken or fi sh.

Another wine I discovered is Borsao’s rose. As a Spanish wine, I thought a rose would be

sweet. Turns out, it’s not at all. But it does have a delicate bright fl avor. I absolutely love the beauti-ful pink color.

Like the pinot grigio, this wine is perfect for sip-ping on its own, with fruit and cheese, or with a light dinner of chicken or fi sh.

And at less than $10 a bottle, this wine is special

Always on Targetwith Prices!

BUY • SELL • TRADE770.889.6564

211 ATLANTA ROADJUST OFF THE SQUARE IN CUMMING

Price, pleasure in pinot grigio


Services: MORE than just tanning; UV Tanning, Air Brush Tanning RED LIGHT THERAPY~Say Goodbye to Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dark Circles, Age Spots, Scars and CelluliteSkincare

doTerra essential oilsRossiter HealingDetox footbath pH Balance Body Wraps Intuitive Readings A full line of wellness products

2671 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041770.781.1011

www.facebook.com/wavesofindulgencePurchase a one month tanning package & receive 4 free Red Light sessions

Purchase a one month tanning package & receive 15% off a lotion of your choice

Waves of Indulgence Indulging your Mind and Body

XXXX_X_wavesOfIndulgence071314Moments

Visit us online for more information:

[email protected]

678-648-7033

United Futbol Academyis a Premier Soccer Club serving the areas ofForsyth * Norcross * Dawson * Lumpkin

We o�er the following programs:Recreational U4 - U19 * Adult

Academy U8 - U12 * Select U13 - U19

Fall Rec Registration Opens May 1st

Academy Tryouts U9-U13 - May 27, 28 & 29Select Tryouts U14-U19 - June 3, 4 & 5

Summer Camps Available:Summer Challenge Camps U6 - U14

Forsyth - june 9-13 and July 7-11Dawson/Lumpkin - June 9-13

Summer Elite Camps U9 and UpForsyth June 9-13 and July 21-24

Skills for Soccer. Skills for Life.

XXXX_X_unitedFutbol071314Moments

enough to serve to guests, but af-fordable enough for a weeknight on the patio or deck.


Price, pleasure in pinot grigio


Get to know your schoolsBrookwood Elementary

Principal: Kathie Braswell Address: 2980 Vaughan Drive

Cumming, GA 30041

Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 758

Size: 130,240 square feet Mascot: Bobcats

Awards: State of Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Gold

Award for CRCT performance. Special programs: The school offers Kid Chess, an instructional program

that teaches the game, along with other skills such as problem solving, critical

thinking and sportsmanship. The school has a fifth grade Morning News

Crew, which broadcasts schoolwide news. There is a science Olympiad

program, which incorporates standards-based science with a competition team

that participates in state and local competitions. The school also has a

fitness 5K club for fourth- and fifth-graders to measure their physical fitness levels and strive to make improvements

throughout the year

The school was named for the

early Brookwood com-munity, which reflected the wooded landscape and abundance of small, natural fresh water streams in the area. Bras-well has been principal since the school opened. It holds a mother-son event, a father-daughter dance, bingo, cultural and family science nights and a festival of arts.


The Cumming Playhouse101 School Street

Cumming, GA 30040playhousecumming.com

770.781.9178

July 10th thru August 3rd

Thurs., Fri., Sat., 8 pm, Sun. 3 pm Mat

THE CUMMING PLAYHOUSE

PROUDLY PRESENTS...

Direction Colleen QuigleyMusical Direction Leigh Ann Cannady

Music by RICHARD RODGERS - Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs

Original Dances by Agnes de Mille

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s

Benefi tting in partForsyth County

Lions Club

XXXX_X_cummingPlayhouse071314Moments

770-887-2316527 AtlAntA RoAd, Cumming

770-887-2316770-887-2316770-887-2316527 Atl527 Atl527 AtlA527 AtlA527 Atl ntntAAntAntntAnt Ro Ro RoA RoA Ad, Cummingd, Cummingd, Cummingd, Cumming

WE’REDRiving AmERicA.

Join Us in July During Our Star Spangled Sale A Bration!

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

Documents

Moments July/August 2014