h magazine - november/december 2009

THE MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HENRY COUNTY TM

• SWEET ASHLEY’S GOES TO THE CIRCUS.• MARY FRANCIS THOMPSON HOWELL TURNS 100.• IT’S TIME FOR THE ATLANTA BOW TIE SOCIETY ANNUAL GALA.

FEATURES:

Under

Henry County’s Best & Brightest2009

5 Under 40: (l to r)Jason Harper, Jessica Abbate,Trea Pipkin, Michael Hall and Latavius Powell

Paul McCluskey M.D.

3 november/december 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

contentstable of

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THE MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HENRY COUNTY TM

Under

Henry County’s Best & Brightest2009

Jason Harper, Jessica Abbate,Trea Pipkin, Michael Hall and Latavius Powell

ON THE COVER5 Under 40: (l to r)Jason Harper, Jessica Abbate,Trea Pipkin, Michael Hall andLatavius Powell

77

november/december 2009

FIVE UNDER 40H Magazine presents the 5 under 40 - featuring the best and the brightest of our business and community leaders. ......................................... 14

THE ATLANTA BOW TIE SOCIETYH Magazine spotlights one non-profi t organiza-tion making a difference in metro teenagers lives this holiday season...... .......................... 29

IN THE KITCHENH Magazine introduces Ashley Vicos of Sweet Ashley’s, a nationally known and prize winning cake designer.................................................... 77

contributors.........................................................9letters to the editor ......................................... 10fi ve under 40/publisher’s letter .................... 14jessica abbate .................................................. 15michael hall ...................................................... 17jason harper ..................................................... 21trea pipkin ......................................................... 23latavius powell ................................................. 25bow tie society ................................................. 29operation overseas ......................................... 31steve duncan .................................................... 33mary frances thompson howell turns100 ... 37threads of love ................................................. 41santa visits golden crest ............................... 45business profi le ............................................... 49emanuel jones ................................................. 51tumble bus article ........................................... 53strong rock angel tree.................................... 55fabulist ............................................................... 63charities that care ........................................... 65‘huffi n for the stuffi n’ race form .................. 67physicians profi le ............................................ 69southern heart cardiologist .......................... 73a day in the life: denese swanson ............... 75in the kitchen.................................................... 77community calendar ...................................... 80

features

departments

november/december 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

6november/december 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

8march/april 2009 • www.hmag.biz

contributorsour


Lisa Rayner Tush is a PR pro and styleconsultant who specializes in writing,planning, marketing, branding andproducing major events. She is a true lover of design whether for home or fasion, and practices the art of shopping on a daily basis.

Beverly Van Gorder has lived in HenryCounty for 14 years. She and her husband,Jim, have five children, two of which are U.S. Marines. She is Marketing Director for Golden Crest Assisted Living Community at Eagle’s Landing.

Howard Howell, a graduate of Emory School of Dentistry, is the A. Lee Loomis Professor of Periodontology and Dean for Dental Education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He also maintains a clinical practice in the Harvard Den-tal Center, the faculty practice at the School.

Amy Wolf Rollins has been a resident of Henry County since 2001. Amy runs her own consulting firm, Kenan Environmental Limited, is a Henry Soil & Water District Su-pervisor and is an adjunct biology instructor at Clayton State University. Amy, Mark, and their son Kenan live in McDonough.

Denese Rodgers is the Director of Social Ser-vices for Connecting Henry, Inc, the local branch of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. It serves to network social, service, faith, busi-ness, and government to improve the welfare of families and children in Henry County.

Sandi Hutcheson grew up in the South Metro area and moved to Henry Country when the hospital was the only thing on Hudson Bridge Road. She has a degree in creative writing from Georgia State University and spends most of her time either reading or writing.

Jackie Brittain is a sophomore at Georgia State University. She is major-ing in Journalism with a concentration in telecommunications. She is the daughter of Mark and Connie Brittain. She enjoys sports and spending time with her family.

Rebecca McClain, President of Life Treasures, LLC, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, life and business coach. Rebecca McClain inspires people all across the nation and internationally. She balances her life with social and cultural activities, travel and reading.

Kimberly Scott is a self proclaimedSouthern Belle, being raised in the south and living in Henry County most of her life. She is a marketing professional for lo-cal businesses and lives with her husband Michael and their four children.

John and Rosa Hitchcock are the own-ers of Signature Pressworks and Interpret Inc, companies that serve the printing and interpreting needs of Henry County and the Metro area. John and Rosa have 4 beautiful daughters: Danielle, Emma, Isabelle, and Caroline.

contributorsnovember/december 2009


to the editorletters

Dear Editor,

I want to thank you for the wonder-ful representation that “H” Magazine showed of Th e Fuller Center and the work that is being done here in Henry County and around the world. I know you work very hard putting together a quality magazine every issue and we feel honored and privilaged to be a part of your hard work. May Blessings continue to fl ow your way as you continue to serve our great county and keep us informed of the Good Th ings in Life!! Sincerely, Mark Galey

Dear Editor,

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Don’tmissan

issue.

YOU might

be in it!

Subscribe todaywww.hmagazine.biz

publisherfrom the

The 5 Under 40 issue of H Magazine has been one of the most exciting issues we have had the pleasure of putting to-gether. In the past year we reached out to many of our community leaders in search of their recommendations.

We interviewed over 100 worthy candidates and were amazed at how many strong and well-rounded young leaders we have here in Henry County.

Many of the candidates had similar traits: a strong moral compass, a passion for their chosen profession, a sense of obligation to give back to the commu-nity, a positive attitude, an ability to see the outcome of their leadership, the need to face challenges head-on, and most im-portantly, each candidate showed us that they have fi gured out the secret to creat-ing their life’s course for the betterment of themselves and the world in which they live.

Th ey are fulfi lling their heart’s desire and using their inner-strengths for the greater good. Th ey are on course to provide amazing advancements, promote good will, and change lives; all while experienc-ing personal and professional challenges just like everyone else. Th ey do not give up; they do not allow a stumbling block to cause them to stop. Th ey know that every experience gives them an opportunity to learn, grow, adapt and advance. Th ey per-severe and do so with the knowledge that nothing worth having comes easily.

We invite you to read about these young and accomplished leaders, and encourage you to follow them as they continue their journey.

Lisa KinchenPublisher/Editorial [email protected]

H Magazine has an updated look! We have a

few new features we hope you enjoy on which

will need your input. Your feedback is extremely

important to us, so, in this issue of H Magazine

we are posting “Letters to the Editor”. Interested

in sharing your thoughts? Please visit our updated

website at www.hmagazine.biz.

PHOTO: PICTURE THIS STUDIO

When we align our

thoughts, emotions,

and actions with the

highest part of our-

selves, we are filled

with enthusiasm,

purpose, & meaning

– Gary ZukavTHE SEAT OF THE SOUL

Henry County’s

( under )


BESTBRIGHTEST

&

starts next page.

Jessica Abbate

In Jessica Abbate’s first

competition, she took

home the Junior

Championship!

PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIOfi ve under 40


By Kimberly Scott

needed to be to fi t into high school, she was able to open her eyes to the world of shooting.

After her fi rst day shooting on the range, she quickly developed an addic-tion to the sport and her natural abilities allowed her to progress in a very rapid manner. She began a practice regimen that culminated in a Single Action Shoot-ing Society Georgia State Champion-ship—in her fi rst real match. A star was born! It was Abbate’s fi rst competition and she took home the Junior Cham-pionship! Abbate’s impressive shooting career began with a win!

Self-empowered by the win, Abbate was driven to be the best! She became a regu-lar participant in Cowboy Action Shooting events. After winning several champion-ships in Cowboy Action Shooting, she moved into diff erent shooting disciplines. Eventually, she developed an attraction to Practical Shooting. In 2006, she joined Team Glock and became a representative and professional shooter for this major fi rearms manufacturer. Her website (www.jessieabbate.com) boasts that she has won 17 national and 13 world champion shooting titles, as well as a host of regional and state championship titles.

With all of these accomplishments under her belt at the age of 24, her future

is certainly bright! Jessie feels it’s her responsibility, and her honor, to give back to Henry County, as well as to the indus-try that has made her a success. Trainers that possess the practical shooting skills of Jessie, and other top professional shooters, are in high demand by the law enforcement and military community. Jessie, along with her husband Billy, him-self a former professional shooter and one of the country’s fi rst competitive shoot-ers to attain the coveted rank of Grand Master, is committed to law enforcement fi rearms training and is working with Henry, Clayton and Butts counties to develop continuing fi re arms training and education at the highest level. When not competing and touring, Abbate teaches private lessons and is especially interested in instructing women in fi rearms safety and the proper use of fi rearms.

Abbate is a part-time college student working towards a bachelor’s degree in general business, as well as an aspiring pilot who is currently studying for her pilot’s license. She and her husband Billy spend their spare time hunting and training and spreading their shared passion for the world of shooting. But no matter what area of the country or the world Abbate fi nds herself in, she is always happy and proud to come home to her Henry County!

won 17 national and 13 world ch

n the movie “A Christmas Story”, mom’s response to Ralphie’s Christmas request for a Red Ryder Air Rifl e BB gun is, “NO, YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!” Th ankfully, Jessica Ab-bate’s mom didn’t share this opinion. At the tender age of nine, Jessie, her preferred name, received her fi rst air rifl e. She couldn’t have known at the time that her Christmas present would lead to a very successful career in the world of professional shooting!

Like many Henry County citizens, Abbate grew up in Clayton County and moved to Henry as a child. Her immedi-ate impression of our county was, “Th ere is nothing here, nothing but trees and cows!” Th is was a common feeling shared by many residents at the time. She began attending Eagle’s Landing High School and continued with her life as a cheer-leader and a self-proclaimed “girlie” girl. Although she spent countless hours at the shooting range with her father and his friends, becoming a competitive shooter was the furthest thing from her mind! Girlie girls don’t shoot!

After many years of feeling as if she never really related to kids her age, Jessie convinced her parents to allow her to be homeschooled her senior year. No longer conformed to what she thought she

JESSIEABBATE

“NO, YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!”

MARKS

(WO)MA

Nw w w. j e s s i e a b b a t e . c o m

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

Michael Hall

Like so many before have realized, life is what happens

when we’re busy making plans. After leaving Byron, Il-

linois, miles west of Chicago, and heading off to col-

lege at Charleston Southern University with his focus

on a degree in marketing and economics, Michael Hall’s

career and life took an unexpected turn for the better.

november/december 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz17



by John Hitchcock

Moving to Henry

County was the

best thing we

could have done

for our family.

with the diff erence going to the YMCA. With the matching program at JC Penney, and donations from other YMCA board members, they have been able to raise over $65,000.00 over the past three years.

With their eff orts being so successful for the YMCA, Hall and his team began looking for other ways to give back to the community. Th ey ultimately decided on the Adopt a Senior program, run by Henry County Senior Services. Th is pro-gram helps seniors with limited resources meet some of the day-to-day needs by putting together care packages containing towels, toiletries, handmade crafts and other necessities. Th e JC Penney team would then hand-deliver the packages to the seniors. With a goal of delivering 20 packages per day, Hall and his team quickly realized that was not possible. What the senior citizens needed, as much or more than the care packages, was the company. “My family and I went out to deliver the packages. We were only able to deliver fi ve in over 10 hours our fi rst day. It was such a tremendous experi-ence for me and my family. Th e time we spend with each senior citizen meant so much to them and to us,” Hall said.

Th e fi rst year the JC Penney team adopted 100 seniors, in 2008 they adopted 250 and they hope to adopt 450 this year. “We’re doing it a bit diff erently this year.” Hall said. “We are hosting Th e Huffi n’ for Stuffi n’ 5K race and one mile walk on Th anksgiving Day to raise money for the Adopt a Senior program. Since we see some of the same people each year, we decided to make the gifts more personal. Selected seniors in the program will be brought to JCPenney for ‘Shop with a Senior Day’. Seniors will be given gift cards and personal shoppers so they can get what they need the most. Th e JCPenney salon stylist will also be on hand to give haircuts and do nails. It will be a very fun event,” he said.

Michael Hall, and the team at JC Penney, has recently been awarded the JC Penny 2008 Chairman’s Award, recogniz-ing their national placement as one of the top stores in sales, while providing excel-lent customer service. Th ey have also been awarded the Business in Aging Part-nership award by the Atlanta Regional Commission, and most recently have been given a proclamation by Chairman Mathis recognizing the work they have done in the community.

During college, and imme-diately following gradu-ation, Hall had been working for a local shoe store. Having graduated

in 1999 with his degree in marketing and economics, he accepted a marketing posi-tion in the Atlanta area. After receiving Hall’s resignation, the district manager of the shoe store approached Hall and asked if he would be interested in accepting a management position at an Athlete’s Foot location in Albany, Georgia. Th is off er, along with a substantial pay raise, was the start of Hall’s career in retail management.

Hall quickly gained experience in re-tail management and realized he enjoyed working with people more than he did working in marketing and economics. He eventually left Athlete’s Foot for a po-sition at Lowe’s, where he quickly earned a store manager position in Kissimmee, Fla. When his regional vice president and mentor left Lowe’s to work at Kohl’s De-partment Store, Hall decided to follow. Th is is when Hall and his family relocated to Henry County. He took a position as store manager of the Stockbridge Kohl’s store. “Moving to Henry County was the best thing we could have done for our family,” Hall stated. “We have met so many great people and we have a great home here.”

His next, and possibly fi nal, step in retail management came when Hall was off ered a job with JC Penney to open the McDonough store. Having accepted his position with JC Penney’s in 2006, Hall has worked to build a team of 140 associates. “I’m proud of the people I have worked with in the past, but my team at JC Penney is re-ally second to none,” Hall stated proudly.

With corporate JC Penney’s fostering an atmosphere of community service, Hall and his team have been able to reach out into the community and touch lives in a way that makes a diff erence. “When JC Penney moves into a community, we look for ways to give back. We usually focus on after-school programs,” Hall said. Having learned that the Henry County YMCA had specifi c needs, Hall joined the YMCA board. He and his team decided to partner with the YMCA by establish-ing the Y as the JC Penney After School Round Up Partner, a program in which the customers have an option to round up their purchase to the next whole dollar

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“You make a living by what you get...but you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill

Henry County Fire Department ($10,000.00 towards the Awards Banquet and Fire Chief’s award)

Henry County Shades of Gray Fashion Show($2,500.00 Benefiting Art In History Charitable Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research & Shining Light Ministry)

Henry County Police Department($10,000.00 to purchase in-car cameras & tasers for their officers)

Atlanta Bow Tie Society ($25,000.00 Benefiting Metro Atlanta Indigent Teenagers)

The Jeff Foxworthy Show ( $1,000.00 Benefiting the Henry County Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Henry County Rodeo($10,000.00 Benefiting A Helping Hand For Children and A Friend’s House)

Sounds of the Sixties Concert at Heritage Park ($3,500.00 Benefiting Henry County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard - Officers and Family Fund)

Clayton County Fire Department ($5,000.00 Sponsor of NationalFireman’s Challenge)

Southern Crescent Very Special Arts Festival ($1,200.00 Benefiting Clayton County Students with Disabilities)

Henry County Teacher of the Year Award ($18,300.00 car donated to the teacher of the year)

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Jason Harper


Courtroom Th ree in Henry County’s new state court building is where the county’s newest state court judge, the Honorable Ja-

son Harper, presides. He runs his court with a mixture of effi ciency balanced by courtesy and an intolerance for excuses tempered with kindness.

On a typical weekday morning, his courtroom is fi lled with attorneys, bailiff s wearing the uniform of the Henry Coun-ty Sheriff ’s Offi ce, language interpreters, law clerks, and those accused of minor off enses—traffi c violations, domestic disturbances, and writing bad checks.

A resident of McDonough since childhood, Judge Harper graduated from Henry County High School, where he met his wife, Emily. He earned an under-graduate degree from Mercer University and then received his law degree from Georgia State University. He served Henry County as both vice-chairman and chairman of the Board of Commission-ers, from 2003-2008. During that time, he was in private law practice, ultimately becoming a partner at Crumbley and Harper, in McDonough. In 2008, Gov-ernor Sonny Perdue appointed Harper as the fourth state court judge in Henry

County, a position created due to the growth of the county.

Completely happy in his new position, Harper concedes that one downside of his job is that he misses meeting Henry Coun-ty citizens on a regular basis, like he did when he was a commissioner. Th ese days, meeting him while he’s on the job might mean a person has failed to pay a parking ticket or been charged with a DUI.

He also admits to having been nervous during his fi rst few days on the job. “At fi rst, it was overwhelming, because I’d never sentenced anyone before,” he said. “But before I go into the courtroom, I say a quick prayer to ask for wisdom in giving the right sentence. I don’t want to be overly harsh; but, neither do I want to give an inappropriately light sentence.”

One off ense he has very little tolerance for is drunk driving. In court, he often tells the story of a former client, a young McDonough fi reman, to drive home his point. Harper helped the man win a cus-tody battle for his two young daughters, ages six and four, in one of his fi nal cases as an attorney in private practice. Th e young father came to see him in the days before Harper was sworn in as judge, happily revealing that he was engaged. Plans were for his fi ancée to adopt his daughters after the wedding. Sadly, the man was killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver the

same day, leaving his daughters without a father and his fi ancée with no way to legally adopt the children.

A typical admonishment to a DUI off ender goes something like this: “I understand this is your fi rst off ense; but, it only takes one DUI to kill someone, to leave your children without a parent, or to kill me, my wife, and my kids. And that doesn’t sit well with me.”

Any harm to a child does not sit well with this former special assistant prosecutor for the Department of Fam-ily and Children’s Services and father of fi ve. Judge Harper and his wife are the parents of three sons—Landon, 12, Hayden, 10, and Jordan, 6— and Ellie, a three-year-old girl from China whom they adopted this fall. In addition, the family joyously welcomed an infant daughter in recent weeks.

His family is a big reason that he is thrilled with his new position. He said that the set schedule gives him the op-portunity to be home with his family for dinner every evening and to take his sons to scouts.

In addition, this homegrown judge, who has been so completely invested in Henry County, sees this job as a way to serve his fellow citizens by protecting the public and helping to ensure that Henry County remains a fi ne place to grow up.

By Sandi Hutcheson

Th e H o n o r a b l e J u d g e



before I go into the courtroom, I say a

quick prayer to ask for wisdom in giving

the right sentence.

fi ve under 40Trea Pipkin


fulfi lling one of his childhood dreams. “Education is absolutely the silver bullet for your life,” he says. “In fact, growing up, I realized that there were two types of families: those who need a dictionary to get through dinner conversation, and those who don’t. My parents made sure that we needed ours.”

In addition to prosecuting, Pipkin is one of the youngest college professors for the University System of Georgia where he teaches Criminal Justice courses at Gordon College as an adjunct faculty member. In 2005, when he was hired, he was the youngest college professor in Georgia at the time. Pipkin feels that teaching young minds about the world around them has added as much to his professional growth as anything else he has ever done. Pipkin recalls, “Th ere is nothing more satisfying to me than watching former students of mine apply to law school’s all over the country.”

In 2008, Pipkin ran for the State House of Representatives and lost by the smallest margin in the state (less than 1% of the total vote), making it the closest race of the night for the Georgia General Assembly and one of the closest races in state history, prompting Th e Atlanta Jour-nal Constitution to call Pipkin “a political giant in a 28-year old’s body.”

Pipkin comments, “Th e most diffi cult political lesson I have had to learn is that not everyone is good at heart. For all the wonderful people in your life there will

always be those that are envious of what you might accomplish. Th at has given me a whole new view on life and the prover-bial long-run. Our job is to live as well and as long as we can, and to help others to do the same; what happens after that and how we are viewed by those around us is beyond our control. All we have is the moment. Whether I have made the most of mine is for others to judge.”

Pipkin is also a local Rotarian; he serves as the Vice President of the Young Professionals of Henry County, and has recently been elected Vice President for the Board of Directors of the Haven House. He is a member of Eagle’s Land-ing First Baptist Church, and serves as President of the Alumni Association for Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. He has also begun working with Speedway Children’s Charity at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. According to Pipkin, “Vol-unteering off ers an opportunity to give back to the community that has been so supportive of me over the years.”

When asked what his one wish for the future might be, without hesita-tion Pipkin responded, “more of the same.” “Unlike so many people, I get to spend everyday working for the things I’ve believed in since I was a little boy growing up in Henry County. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of some pretty amazing things, and all before my 30th birthday.” Trea Pipkin is one of this county’s true rising stars.

If you ever see a turtle on a fence post then you know it didn’t get there by itself,” re-marks the somewhat serious but plain talking Assistant District Attorney Trea Pip-kin as we begin his interview for the 5 under 40 edition.

Pipkin’s roots run deep in Henry County. He grew up working and living on the same farm that his mother had grown up on years before and her mother before her, dating itself to the late 1800’s. On his father’s side of the family public service is not something the Pipkin’s just talk about, it is something they do. For the last 6 decades a Pipkin has served Henry County as either an appointed or elected offi cial.

After graduating from high school at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Pipkin attended Reinhardt College where he graduated with honors, receiving an Associates of Science degree in Business Administration; then attending the Uni-versity of Georgia, once again graduating with honors, this time with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. Pipkin was then accepted to the prestigious law school at Georgia State University in Atlanta where he obtained his Juris Doc-torate degree before moving back home to Henry County where he was sworn in as one of the youngest Assistant District Attorney’s in Georgia at the age of 25,

PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIO

pipkin

Henry

County’s

very own...

...Rising Star:

by Jackie Brittain


I get to spend everyday working

for the things I’ve believed in

since I was a little boy growing

up in Henry County.

Latavius Powell


He takes his fi-

nancial literacy

presentation

everywhere he

is allowed to go.

fi ve under 40 PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIO


In the autumn of 2005, Powell was hired by Edward Jones, an investment fi rm, while working to complete his masters degree. At that time he was living in Statesboro, home of Georgia Southern, and was uncertain about a good location to resettle to. After doing extensive mar-ket research, Powell decided to establish roots in Henry County which, at that time, was the third-fastest growing county in the nation. He continued making weekly trips to Georgia Southern until he completed his masters degree, in 2006.

“While working to establish my client base with Edward Jones, I borrowed of-fi ce space from my mentor to meet with clients, but ended up working primarily out of my car. It was during this time that I landed my fi rst one million dollar account,” Powell said.

With a focus on education, Powell continued to rapidly grow his client base. “One of my clients asked me to help a family member whose husband had recently passed away. She had a substan-tial investment portfolio, yet her agent at the time was encouraging her to sell her family property. I was able to sit with her and show her the diff erent options avail-able to her. Th e meeting wasn’t supposed to be a sales call; but, she was so pleased

(with the results) that, about a week later, she called and asked me to manage her investments,” Powell said.

At the beginning of 2008, Powell made the decision to join the Merrill Lynch team after realizing that the move would off er him more opportunities to grow his base of investors and continue his passion for teaching others the power of investing. With the development of his “Faith, Fam-ily and Finances” program, a scripturally-based investment seminar, Powell has been able to share the unlimited opportunities for investing with others.

His passion for educating others doesn’t stop there. He travels to col-lege campuses, exposing the dangers of credit card debt to new college students. “I’m amazed at how easy it is for college students to qualify for a credit card. And the enticement used is a free t-shirt! It’s amazing!” Powell exclaimed.

He takes his fi nancial literacy presen-tation everywhere he is allowed to go. Powell currently presents his training to the local high school and college students, teaching about budgeting, the pitfalls of debt and the power of investing. “I teach them that it’s one thing to own a pair of Nike’s; it’s a completely diff erent thing to own stock in Nike,” Powell stated.

Blakely, Georgia is known to most as the “Peanut Capital of the World”, but Latavius Powell knows it as home. Growing up in

Blakely, Powell graduated from Early County High School after spending time on the math team, the football team and being voted class favorite by his classmates.

Upon graduating high school, Powell attended Georgia Southern University for his undergrad and masters. During his time at Georgia Southern, Powell joined the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. Delta Sigma Pi focuses on all aspects of business, including how to dress smartly for business, how to maximize network-ing potential and how to present a professional business attitude. During his sophomore year, Powell was elected president of Delta Sigma Pi and began his leadership training.

While at Georgia Southern, Powell started his own company, “Child Smile”, creating personalized children’s books. “It was this company that taught me a lot about running a business. I was earning between $500 and $600 on the week-ends. Th at defi nitely helped me pay for college,” Powell said.

A passion for educating others

ataviuspowellBy John Hitchcock

27 september/october 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

atlanta bow tie society


feature PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIO

AtlantaThe Lawman and His Family

BOW TIE SOCIETY

Dawn Worthy Merry Carlos Kelly Willett Sasha Taylor Connie Williams Lisa Tush


THE ATLANTA BOW TIE SOCIETY ABTS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2007, AFTER SCOTT AND KELLY WILLETT REC

OGNIZED THAT NEEDY METRO ATLANTA TEENAGERS WERE BEING OVERLOOKED DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. WITH ORGANIZATIONS LIKE TOYS FOR TOTS FOCUSING ON GIVING TO YOUNGER CHILDREN, AND SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS TAKING CARE OF THE NEEDS OF OUR SENIORS, THE TEENAGERS WERE SIMPLY BEING PASSED BY.

Together, with Lisa and Bill Tush and Merry and Chris Carlos, the Willetts hosted their fi rst Atlanta Bow Tie Society event, along with 70 attendees, and was able to raise over $12,000 worth of gifts for local Atlanta teenagers. Th ey also added 25 new members to the Society. Riding the wave of success from their fi rst year, ABTS decided to start a member-ship drive for the following year. With a membership fee of $500, each member receives 20 invitations to the annual holiday event. Th e only requirement for attendance is the invitation and an unwrapped, high quality gift appropriate for a teenage boy or girl.

“We had over 550 people in attendance at our 2008 event and were able to give over 600 gifts to 10 local charities,” Kelly Willett said. “Usher Raymond IV, the Atlanta-based R&B star and ABTS member, helped distribute the gifts to the local charities. Each charity had the opportunity to bring three teenagers to meet Usher and receive the gifts. We received let-ters from the teenagers who were able to come telling us how much it meant that someone cared enough to give, and that Usher would come and help.”

Th e Atlanta Bow Tie Society will be holding its annual “Vintage Vegas” themed Bow Tie Event, on November 15th, at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, in midtown. For more informa-tion on the event, and how to become a member, please visit their website at www.atlantabowtiesociety.com.

We make a living by what

we get. We make a life by

what we give.

—Sir Winston Churchill

by John Hitchcock

overseasoperation


ecky Fowl’s fi fth grade teacher at

Strong Rock Christian School, in Locust

Grove, is the waiting fi ancée of McDonough

resident Clay Konas–a.k.a. Senior Airman

James Clayton Konas of the United States

Air Force. She has been waiting for three

and a half years as he has gone from Basic

Military Training at Lackland Air Force

Base in San Antonio, Texas, to Keesler Air

Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Beale

Air Force Base in northern California, to his

present duties in the Middle East. According to Becky, “the separation is

hard; I really miss him and can’t wait for him to get home so we can fi nally be married.” Her faith in God and her constant prayers for him along with the ability to communicate via e-mail have helped to bridge the gap created by half a world.

Clay describes Becky as the “woman of his dreams” whom he saw for the fi rst time singing on stage at church, “sounding like an angel.” He met her just weeks before joining the Air Force where the specifi cs of his job working with spy planes are considered classi-fi ed. He too prays nightly for safety and quick passage of time in order to get home to family and friends, but especially to Becky.

Ms. Fowls, as her students call her, has found one very constructive way to help pass the days and diminish the vast expanse divid-ing them. As a school teacher her love for this airman and the country he serves acts as a springboard for loads of teachable moments. Several months back, Becky requested Clay write his story from growing up to going to college to now serving with the United States Air Force. She shared his life with her class not only that they might know the man their teacher is planning to marry next spring, but so they could see how an ordinary kid can grow up to dream big dreams, apply his or her talents and contribute much to the value of the society in which he or she lives. Th e opportunity of introducing them to Clay has also served as a means to breed a deeper sense of patriotism into the hearts of each student.

Th ey learned how he played baseball and football from the time he was just starting grade school. Th ey found he nurtured these sports talents, developing such a level of skill that he received a dual baseball and academic scholar-ship to Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, graduating in 2005. Th en they discovered that the skills of teamwork and leadership gleaned from so many years of

playing sports paved the way for him, on the very night he arrived at Lackland, to be named Dorm Chief for his Flight in Air Force Basic Training (second only to his Technical Instruc-tor). And when he gave his reason for joining the Air Force, they learned SrA Konas, having experienced so much privilege and opportunity in life, wanted “to fi ght for a cause that most of the world does not enjoy–Freedom.”

Ms. Fowls explained the signifi cance of our armed forces to her students; particularly their mandate to protect our nation’s freedom. With eagerness these youngsters accepted her as-signment to write letters to SrA Konas and his buddies now serving in the Middle East. Th ey are just as eagerly awaiting any response back.

When one considers the great number of men and women serving our nation around the globe, the eff orts of one teacher on behalf of one airman may seem somewhat insig-nifi cant. Yet quite the contrary; it is oh so profound. One simple letter may very well serve to change the course of history through the life of a child who has been brought to appreciate FREEDOM, purchased with the price of time, distance and more often than not at least two lonely hearts.

article and photos by Beverly Van Gorder

A LONELY HEART...…CAN SOMETIMES BE THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

32september/october 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

our storiesThe Duncan Family



On any given day, the afternoon lunch crowd is a mixture of Henry County business

people in suits, doctors in scrubs, lawyers and judges who drive over from the court-

house, farmers wearing overalls, and travelers.


Ashley often works as a hostess, and Trent, they say, is their best employee. According to their parents, both children can do just about anything needed in the restaurant, and customers seem to appreciate seeing the family working together.

And speaking of families, that’s how the Duncans feel about their employees, some of whom have been with them since they bought the place.

So have many of their customers. Steve and Tammi both quickly said that their favor-ite part of the business is consistently seeing the friends they’ve made over the years and making new ones. “I love that we know our customers by name,” Tammi added.

Th e main ingredient attracting their dedicated customer base, the Duncans believe, is their refusal to cut corners and sell an inferior product. Th ey smoke their pork every morning in the fi re pit behind the restaurant and never cover the taste of their meat in a sauce. “Sauce is on the table for customers to add themselves,” Tam-mi said, “because our meat is hickory-smoked fresh every day.” Steve added, “Our Brunswick stew, slaw, beans, and sauces are made from scratch by a guy who’s been with us from the beginning.”

On any given day, the afternoon lunch crowd is a mixture of Henry County busi-ness people in suits, doctors in scrubs, lawyers and judges who drive over from the courthouse, farm-

B’s Barbeque, in McDonough, “the Best of Henry” winner for three years straight, in the categories “Best Ribs” and “Best Barbeque,” is easily recog-nized as the landmark restaurant you can see and smell from the Interstate near Exit 218.

In fact, the place is so visible that it boasts regular customers from Chicago, New York, and other far-off spots; people who say they “always stop at OB’s” on their way to Florida.

Steve and Tammi Duncan have been the hands-on owners and operators of the restau-rant since 1997. And they would argue that their high visibility is not due so much to the restaurant’s location as it is to their involve-ment in the community.

For example, OB’s regularly provides free meals to several charitable organizations. “A Friend’s House never goes hungry,” Steve said. “If they need something to eat, they call, and I take food down there.” In addition, OB’s prepares 30-40 weekly meals for a recovery group and a homeless group. Quite often, their food is the only hot meal those groups eat all week. Steve and Tammi also provide free food for Shop with a Cop, Hands-On Henry, and for many local breast cancer and leukemia fundraisers.

Twelve years ago, the couple lived in North Carolina, where Steve was a successful execu-tive at Sysco Foods. Tired of leaving Tammi and their little girl, Ashley, while he traveled for business, he was immediately interested when family members living in Henry County told him about a successful restaurant in the area that was for sale. He and Tammi drove to McDonough to investigate the opportunity and quickly decided to purchase the place.

“I wanted to have a job where I could be at the ball games and the dance recitals,” Steve said, proudly adding, “I haven’t missed a ball game, or a dance recital, or a meeting at school.”

Th eir children, Ashley, 15, and Trent, 10, also enjoy being part of the family business. “Th ey’re proud of what we do,” Tammi said.

meet the Duncan’s......

By Sandi Hutcheson

ers wearing overalls, and travelers.A few weeks ago, Tammi noticed a group

whose accent she couldn’t quite place. As they paid their ticket, she asked where they were from. “Denmark,” was the reply. Th e group had fl own into the Atlanta airport from Denmark to begin a road trip across America. OB’s Barbeque was their fi rst stop.

Odds are, they’ll be back for another slice of hickory-pit smoked Black Angus prime rib followed by a generous helping of homemade blackberry cobbler.

OB’s also specializes in catering, espe-cially during the holiday season. To book a holiday event or simply order your holiday turkey or ham along with any of the tradi-tional accompaniments, call 770.954.1234.


Don’tmissan

issue.

YOU might

be in it!


dr. sheryl simpson jones


Dr. Sheryl Simpson-Jones recognized the need for a facility in Henry County that addresses women’s healthcare issues in a comprehensive manner. It began as her vision of an ideal medical practice—to offer complete healthcare services for women in

one facility. This mission led her, along with her partner, Dr. Cheryl Cockrell, to open Women’s Health Specialists at Eagle’s Landing, in 1997. Their trademark, “Healthcare Exclusively By and For Women™”, represents the all-female team, including Dr. Kimberly McIntosh and Dr. Temitope Olubuyide, as well as a certifi ed nurse midwife, and a support staff of 15 who all strive to provide the ultimate experience in women’s healthcare to the Henry County community and the entire Southern Crescent.

In 2010, Women’s Health Specialists is encouraging women to take a “New Year - New You” approach to their healthcare. “It is natural for a woman to slip into a caregiver role as a wife, mother or daughter, and put herself last on the priority list,” Dr. Simpson-Jones said. It is her desire for women to become partners in their own healthcare in order to empower themselves and assure their own well-being. This approach allows them to better care for those around them. In keeping with this philosophy, Women’s Health Specialists offers a variety of healthcare services, along with yearly gynecological exams.

During the same appointment, women can receive a mammo-gram and bone density scan, if indicated. Patients can obtain tools to help them maintain a healthy weight, have their metabolic rate tested to assist in successful weight loss, and have all laboratory testing performed in the offi ce. Women’s Health Specialists also offers state-of-the-artOB/GYN services, including a urinary incon-tinence center and in-offi ce gynecologic procedures for patient convenience—colposcopy, LEEP procedures, D&C, endometrial ablation, full-service urodynamic testing, and sterilization proce-dures, such as Essure and Adiana. Cosmetic laser services are also available, including laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, varicose vein treatment and much more.

So often, women put off routine healthcare due to other priori-ties, or because of the anxiety associated with visiting a doctor’s offi ce. Women’s Health Specialists, the only exclusively female practice in Henry County, provides healthcare by female physicians and providers for their female patients in a comfortable nonthreat-ening environment. Women’s Health Specialists provides a peace-ful, spa-like atmosphere, where women can feel at ease receiving healthcare. Because of this environment, the practice has patients who drive from as far away as Florida and Alabama to receive care at their facility.

It has always been, and continues to be, their goal and desire to provide quality, compassionate healthcare for the women of Henry and surrounding counties. Women’s Health Specialists, Dr. Sheryl Simpson-Jones and her team, fulfi ll a need that is often overlooked, that is, caring for women, so that they can care for others. “We pro-vide a place where women can come and feel comfortable talking about their problems with their physician. Women’s Health Spe-cialists … providing comprehensive OB/GYN services to the Southern Crescent … the team women know they can trust.

by Rosa Gilbert Hitchcock

Exclusively By and For Women™”HEALTHCARE healthcare


Mary Frances Th ompson Howell, the youngest of three children of Walter Greer Th ompson and

Annie Lucy Rape Th ompson, was born in McDonough, Georgia, on December 1, 1909. Th e Th ompson and Rape families have a long history of residence in Henry County. Both of her parents wrote for the Henry County Weekly Advertiser; he as the author of the weekly “Observer” column and she as the “Social” editor. In addition, her father served as tax commis-sioner of the county for several years and as a minister, blacksmith and policeman. During her childhood, the family lived just off McDonough square on Atlanta Street, and later, at houses on Griffi n Street and Hampton Street. Summers were spent at either the Th ompson or Rape farms, located in the Bethany Com-munity and at Single Roof Campground, where fa so la singing was a prime activity along with the busy social schedule kept by followers of this storied, spiritual gathering spot.

She attended grammar school and high school in McDonough and was particularly fond of dramatic recita-tion. In her senior year, she represented McDonough at the state competition and was awarded fi rst place in dramatic speak-ing. Mary Frances was frequently asked to speak at various community and church events. Th is talent served her well in her later roles as a leader in business, educa-tion and church circles.

Following graduation from Henry County High School as valedictorian of her class, she attended Creighton Busi-ness College, in Atlanta, and worked as accounting department head for Retail Credit Company for 19 years. While at-tending Creighton, she boarded the train each morning on Depot Street headed for Terminal Station, in Atlanta. Th e return

our storiesMary Frances Thompson Howell

mary turnsMary Frances Thompson Howell DECEMBER 1, 1909

cont’d. next page

trip was at the end of her school day. During her working years, which

began in the late ‘20s, she commuted to Atlanta in an automobile which she purchased from her cousins, the Stansell Brothers, who owned one of the fi rst automobile dealerships in Henry County, located just off the square in McDonough on Macon Street. Each day, Mary Fran-ces drove to and from work in Atlanta on then-unpaved Highway 42, with three paying passengers. Because it was un-usual in those days for anyone, much less a single woman, to have a car, her father insisted that one of those riders be male, just in case of car troubles. During that time, she only experienced one fl at tire through good luck and because Stansell Motors maintained the car weekly to avoid mishaps.

Mary Frances was always interested in fashion, and she was fortunate to have a mother who was an expert seam-stress. Frequently, she would shop at Regenstein’s or JP Allen, in Atlanta, for the latest fashion. When she brought

those clothes home to McDonough, her mother would copy the design and make additional dresses with unique fabrics bought in the Five Points area of Atlanta. To this day, she continues to dress each day in a skirt, blouse, jacket/sweater and pearls following a pattern that began dur-ing her professional years in Atlanta.

She married Th omas Howard Howell, on August 26, 1934. He was employed by Colonial Stores Incorporated, one of the largest grocery store chains in the Southeast. He began as produce manager of the East Point store and rose to be-come southeastern district manager with oversight of the operations of 250 stores in fi ve states.

Th e couple resided in Hapeville and College Park, Ga., after World War II, where she served as president of the PTA of both College Street School and Hape-ville High School. She was also a member of the parent’s advisory council for Fulton County Schools, serving as a lay advisor to the Fulton County Board of Education. Additionally, she was chosen by WSB-TV

for a weekly feature called “Best Cook in Atlanta.” She was then featured on a local morning television program cooking one of her specialties, Spanish peas.

In addition to supporting her hus-band’s busy career in the grocery business, she was also actively involved in his sec-ond career as a pastor to three churches over the span of 50 years. Th ey included Philadelphia Baptist, in Klondike, Ga.; Mableton First Baptist, in Mableton, Ga.; and Liberty Hill Baptist, in Hamp-ton, Ga. Working side by side, they served churches that previously did not have full-time ministers. Working with the congregations, they built full-time educational and social programs for men, women and children, and developed a business plan to provide buildings for future growth.

Following retirement, they resided at 50 Hampton Street, McDonough. Th e couple has one son, T. Howard Howell, Jr., D.D.S., currently dean for dental edu-cation at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, in Boston.


by Howard Howell

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featurethreads of love


I’m having hot fl ashes,” Cathy Brooks (I don’t think Cathy would want her name in the same sentence with a Hot Flash ;) laugh-ingly called out to Susan Bowers, who obliges her before the two lean back over their sewing.Someone wandering into the warm, noisy basement room might remark that it resembles a sweatshop: women working endlessly over 15 sewing machines, an ironing board, and a cutting table. Others sit around tables carefully packaging the fi nished items.

Add the fact that these women work for no pay, and it might actually resemble a sweatshop.

But that’s where the similarities end. This operation is, in every sense of the expression, a labor of love. Threads of Love is a volunteer

group of approximately 30 Henry County women who make blankets and caps and other comfort-ing items for the babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Henry Medical Center—babies so tiny that, quite often, nothing small enough for them can be found in stores.

Several years ago, Sybil McCullers of McDonough happened to see a television program that mentioned Threads of Love, an organization that was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1993, by a woman named Clinel (Sissy) Davis. Realizing immediately that she needed to be involved in a ministry that used her talent for sewing in such a sweet manner, McCullers contacted the national organization. In 2001, she organized the local group out of

her church, McDonough Christian. McCullers says they’ve lost count of how

many items they’ve made for the littlest ones since their beginning, in 2001. But, in 2008 alone, this local chapter of Threads of Love made and donated 1,725 items to Henry Medical Center.

A typical packet for a Henry Medical Center NICU infant contains three items—a tiny blanket to lay the baby upon, a “snugli,” which wraps around the infant to mimic the confi nes of the mother’s womb, and a “frog,” which feels like a lightweight beanbag. Its purpose is to restrict the infant’s movements so that the tubes attached to the baby are not pulled loose.

PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIOBy Sandi Hutcheson

T U R N T H A T F A N O N H I G H E R . . .


Another special item the group makes is “Lovie Dolls,” a pair of tiny socks stuffed and decorated to look like dolls. One of the dolls is placed next to the baby; its mate is for the mother to keep next to her skin so that it picks up her scent. Then, when the mom is released from the hospital, the dolls are switched so that both the mother and her baby keep with them the scent of one another.

Sadly, not all of the babies survive. For those who do not, Threads of Love creates a beautiful hand-made burial gown, blanket, bonnet, and booties. And for the extremely premature, Cathy Brooks hand-embroiders a keepsake wrapper.

(Every Threads of Love item) comes with a printed prayer so that the families of the tiny infants understand that someone is thinking about them and praying for them.

Susan Bowers joined the organization sev-eral years ago, back when they still met at the church. Two years ago, just after her mother died, Bowers decided to renovate her basement and turn it into the offi cial headquarters for Threads of Love. Her mother, Evelyn Bohan-non, who taught Bowers to sew when she was just a little girl, would have been thrilled to see the “factory” that was built in her memory.

And the part about the Threads of Love volunteers working for nothing is not exactly true. Ask any of the ladies who gather in Susan Bowers’ basement twice each month, and she will claim as her compensation the quote on the front of the organization’s brochure, the Scripture in which Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”


Seated on the left: Beth Barlow Seated on the right: Bridget Dunken Standing Left: John Wadsworth Standing Middle: Sue Harden Standing Right: Charles Woodroof


BEING THE OBSERVANCEOF JESUS’ BIRTH, CHRISTMAS IS, FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, A VERY MAJESTIC TIME OF YEAR

Clausi s coming to. . . . . . . . . . .

featureSanta Claus visits Golden Crest


Ask ten people what their favorite holiday is and I’m betting nine will say Christmas. Being the observance of Jesus’ birth, Christmas is, for obvious reasons, a very majestic time of year. The pomp, the circumstance, the glitz, the glamour–however you choose to celebrate, it is sure to include some level of grandeur far above the norm for any other time of year. HOW CAN ONE NOT LOVE THE SEASON?

GoldenCrest at Eagle’s Landing, an assisted living community for seniors 55 and older, lo-cated at 425 Country Club Drive in Stockbridge, is gearing up to put on the Ritz for Christmas 2009. As soon as Thanksgiving has come and gone, the front gates, the building façade, the main foyer and all halls and rooms through-out will undergo a breathtaking transformation which will immediately transport all who enter into the true spirit of Christmas.

Since opening its doors for business on May 1, 2006, GoldenCrest has developed a tradition of kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas Open House for its residents, their families and friends, as well as the community. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, De-cember 5th from one until four o’clock in the afternoon. The GoldenCrest staff is extending a cordial invitation for you to join them for a time of festive good cheer.

Santa Claus will be ready and waiting to take note of each boy and girl’s wish list. Ann Bertschin Photography will be capturing the memories for purchase. Like the Dickens, a cappella quartet, will fi ll the air with the me-lodious sound of old familiar carols. And of course a party wouldn’t be a party without a scrumptious array of delicious fi nger foods for all to enjoy. The highlight will no doubt be the ever-popular chocolate fountain with a menag-erie of choice items for dipping.

As you begin planning your Christmas agenda, include a stop by GoldenCrest at Eagle’s Landing on the fi rst Saturday in De-cember. Immediately next door to the Eagle’s Landing Country Club and directly across from the side exit of the Publix shopping center, Gol-denCrest can be reached for more information by calling 770.389.3118.

The experience is sure to be memorable for you and your family. The staff guarantees you will fi nd yourself making note to attend year after year as it is no doubt one of the warmest ways to initi-ate your Merry Christmas celebration with style.

.

By Beverly Van Gorder

his children, who live out of state. The idea blossomed to providing the service to college students, grand-parents who live far away, and anyone who needed thoughtful, quality gifts sent on a regular basis. The program works like this: A customer brings in as much informa-tion about the person receiving the gift as possible, such as their favorite color, hobbies, favorite college team, etc. The team at Raspberry Rain will build a cus-tom gift package for the recipient. They can be sent on any kind of schedule—major events such as birthdays, anniver-saries, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s’ Day or even monthly, with a special theme for each month. The customer includes a personal note in the package and the recipient receives something cre-ated especially for them.

Raspberry Rain has special, personal-ized items for Christmas, as well. Kasie can create a variety of monogrammed acrylic ware, including beautiful, person-alized Christmas ornaments. The acrylic ware is very versatile. Raspberry Rain can also create many different items in larger quantities for groups, or even other retail facilities.

Raspberry Rain is one of only two locations in Henry County chosen to carry the exclusive Vera Bradley line, and Kasie has a large selection of Vera Bradley products.

Visit Raspberry Rain, in the Ingles Shopping Center, at 4942 Bill Gardner Parkway, in Locust Grove, or online at www.raspberryrain.com.

Raspberry Rain has moved to a new lo-cation, in the Ingles Shopping Center, on Bill Gardner Parkway. Store owner Kasie Moore happily tells that now more people have discovered that Raspberry Rain has wonderful, customized gifting programs and a large selection of gourmet foods, jewelry and monogrammed gifts.

Kasie loved the character of downtown Locust Grove, and she originally opened a storefront on Main Street. But there were parking issues, and time revealed that the location wasn’t great for walk-in visitors. She knew that the products and services they offered were great; but, people just didn’t know where they were, so she set out to fi nd another home for Raspberry Rain. Kasie found the perfect location, and the response has been beyond their expectations. Traffi c has tripled.

Their new customers are also discover-ing the Gifting Program Kasie has

developed. The idea was born when she and her husband

were sending gifts to


ASPBERRYRAIN


WE’RE HELP-ING FORM GOOD STUDENTS, GOOD FRIENDS AND GOOD CITIZENS.


TOWNE SQUARE ACADEMY: LAYING FOUNDATIONSby Rosa Gilbert Hitchcock

We hear regularly of people who are passionate about what they do, but quite often they have

simply chosen to do things they enjoy. Occasionally, they might be passion-ate about their service to others, and then rarely, do you fi nd one who creates more responsibility than is required and is passionate about that. Lynette Mitcham is passionate about her work.

I was taken aback by my conversa-tion with Lynette, her passion and her philosophy for teaching and caring for young children. She is the owner of two locations of Towne Square Acad-emy. Lynette’s background is in banking and mortgages. Her life was going in a completely different direction than early

childcare and education. After having her fi rst child, she began the process of looking for a quality child-care center that would

provide a warm and caring environment. It was during

this search that she realized, “I may want to do this.”

Lynette spoke with the owner of a childcare center, in

Jonesboro, about her desire to own her own facility. The retired

school counselor offered to mentor Ly-nette, so she quit her well-paying job and went to work at the Jonesboro

center. Lynette worked in every possible position to learn how a quality center was run, and in the

process, developed her own philosophy that guides her

centers today. Lynette opened the

fi rst location of Towne Square Academy in July

of 2001, and the second, in April of 2006. She credits the day-to-day success of the

facilities to directors Jill Warner and Mi-chelle Kay. Like many childcare centers, Towne Square Academy provides a loving environment where children feel safe and nurtured. But, Lynette feels the responsi-bility for caring for young children goes far beyond clean bottoms and smiling faces. The time Lynette and the Towne Square Academy family spend with the children lays the foundation for each child’s future learning experience. Stress-ing the magnitude of their responsibility, Lynette shares, “We lay the groundwork for their educational careers. For these children, how they feel and will feel about learning begins with us.”

While this is serious work, it certainly is serious fun for the children. The center instills individuality, creativity and self-expression. It’s this environment that helps the children develop social skills, gives them a strong sense of self and the confi dence to “share the world” with those around them—or at least share a toy. The children learn self-help skills, they eat family style, fi x their own plates and clean up after themselves so on their fi rst day of kindergarten, taking a tray in the lunch room won’t be quite as daunt-ing a task. Lynette says they’re giving children the beginning skills and confi -dence to just be in the world.

The children are very busy with the work of learning while their parents are away at work, and learning is always fun at Towne Square Academy. Lynette knows that all children do not have the same learning styles, so activities are tailored to meet the learning styles and educational needs of each child. Just as children know that all apples are not red, all grass is not green and staying in the lines is not always the way to go, Lynette knows that all children are not the same.

The confi dence children feel from suc-

cessful learning experiences helps them with another skill Lynette feels is critical at this age—the ability to make decisions. “Children need to learn to make decisions now, so when big decisions come when they’re older, it won’t be the fi rst decision they’ve made,” Lynette explained. “We’re helping form good students, good friends and good citizens.”

Towne Square Academy has been given the “Center of Distinction” award by the state of Georgia. To be considered for this honor, Lynette voluntarily opened her facility to the state to regularly come in and observe and grade every detail of the facility, including all interactions with the children, supplies, classroom environ-ment, and even educational and moti-vational materials on the walls. This is the highest honor a childcare center can receive. Most recently, Lynette has been invited by the state of Georgia to be a member of a mentorship committee. Be-cause of the reputation of Towne Square Academy, the state has asked Lynette to go into centers that are struggling and help mentor those directors and owners.

I mentioned to Lynette the addi-tional responsibilities she had taken on, everything from her philosophy on early childhood development to assisting other facilities. She explained that what she did every day was more than a job. She asked me, “Where can someone go to work and without fail receive uncondi-tional love from the people around them? I feel blessed to do this everyday. I go to work and I get to play, paint and run on the playground. I spend time with children and they look at me like I’ve done something for them; but, they’ve done so much more for me. It’s a blessing to be able to do this.”

Yes, a blessing indeed.

town square academybusiness profi le



“Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.”— Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

Emanuel Jones


feature

rom the inner city of Atlanta to the Ivy

League, from the board room to the legis-

lature, there is no denying that Emanuel

Jones is a man on a mission. He speaks soft-

ly, which belies the temperament one would

ascribe to a politician or an accomplished

businessman. He attributes his upbringing,

core values of family and commitment to

public service as the cornerstones that keep

everything in perspective.

Since an early age, he has been on a fast track to success. Losing both father and moth-er at the age of nine and 11, respectively, the only legacy he and his siblings had was their parents’ last name. Not wanting to be a burden to the state, but to contribute to society, Jones knew that his only way out of the inner city was through education. “I used to dream impossible dreams. I read a lot; I studied some of the great men of the day,” he said.

His fi rst major business venture was the purchase of a Ford dealership in McDonough that had previously entered bankruptcy in 1991. He renamed it Legacy Ford in honor of his parents’ memory. He started with 12 employees and grew into what he considers “a little power house” that enabled him to branch out and do a lot of other things.

Notwithstanding, the economic downturn has impacted Legacy. Prior to the downturn in McDonough, he employed roughly 75 people. When the economy shifted, his only chance of survival was to downsize (or “right size”) the

dealership in this particular market. “Henry County has been hit pretty hard. It has been quite disheartening, but I know better days are ahead,” he said.

He credits the survival of his business to the fact that Henry County is still a very vibrant community. Even though the economic activity slowed, it’s still a place where people want to be.

Ever the opportunist, he recently acquired one of the state’s largest Chevrolet dealerships in Columbus, Georgia. He strongly believes that anyone in business who is in a position to take advantage of opportunities at this moment in time is going to see continued and sustained growth in the next decade to come.

His path to becoming a state senator in the 10th district was not so much a dream fulfi lled, but a call to action. His motivation to seek public offi ce came from seeing decisions that were made by elected offi cials; seeing the community, particularly where he grew up in Atlanta, not progressing; seeing how develop-ment skipped over certain areas. It was hearing the cries and pleas of people in the community that caused him to take the leap of faith. See-ing the many needs, Jones was limited as to what he could do as a business person in reach-ing out and resolving these issues. He cites examples that, when someone has a problem with their child and DFACS, as a business per-son, the state isn’t going to listen to you. When someone’s ten year old child is arrested for fi ght-ing with their sibling, being a business person,

government offi cials and law enforcement are not going to listen to you. When a minor has been locked away for ten years, without even the possibility of parole, being a business person, those within the judicial system aren’t going to listen to you—real cases that he has worked on through the years. “But being an elected offi cial and having a platform—when you speak, they will listen.” He said.

One of the shining moments of his politi-cal career came last year when he was elected chairman of the 52-member Georgia Legisla-tive Black Caucus (GLBC). In September, the GLBC worked with Michael Hall and JC Penney to give away 100 book bags to kids in Savannah. Th e event was well attended from across the state. Mr. Jones’s vision for the GLBC is to continue to get out of the gold dome and into the public where it can be di-rectly responsive to the issues and desires from the community, rather than being fi ltered through the Capital network.

Christmas, the season of giving! For a man who has been so blessed as to own six automo-tive franchises in Georgia, a national parts distributorship and serving in his third term as a state senator, Emanuel Jones’s core values have never changed: family, church and com-munity. Asked about his various charitable involvements, he responded, “Th roughout the whole time I’ve been in business in the county, I’ve felt blessed many, many times over, and public service is just my way of giving back.”


emanuelJONES

M A N O N A M I S S I O N .

By Rebecca McClain


Legacy Ford413 Industrial Blvd.McDonough, GA 30252 770.914.2800

Henry County has been

hit pretty hard. It has

been quite dishearten-

ing, but I know better

days are ahead.


our storiesTumblebus

ward rolls become dinosaur-egg rolls, or maybe a trip on the zip line is actually fl ying on the wings of an eagle. “There’s no time for sitting,” Coach Dave said. “Once the adventure begins and the kids get into it, there’s no turning back.” Best of all, the parents get to sit back and relax and leave the rest up to Coach Dave and his staff.

“We’ve been blessed with a great opportunity,” Coach Dave said. “We reach out to kids of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds, and share the benefi ts of exercise and physical fi tness with them. In return, we get to see smiling faces and hear lots of laughter.” Tumblebus visits schools and daycares across the county every week with weekends reserved for birthday parties and fes-tivals. Programs for special needs and physically challenged children are also available. Any way you look at it, the big yellow Tumblebus brings a little magic to the kids of Henry County, and that’s good for everyone.

Check out their awesome website at www.mykidztumblebus.com.

“Dave has always wanted to own a kids’ gym,” says his wife Priti, “but he didn’t feel the need to compete with the great gyms already in the area.” So he did something completely different. Dave took the gym to the kids. And that’s how “Coach Dave” and Tumblebus started. “Tumblebus gives kids an opportunity to jump, fl ip and roll in a safe and fun envi-ronment. Best of all, we come to them, their school, house or nearby park.” No matter the time of year, and never mind our unpredictable weather, Tumblebus will provide a memorable experience for every boy and girl.

Tumblebus works primarily with children, ages 2-8, offering a variety of party options and themes. “You let us know the number of kids coming, what type of party your child wants, be it anything from superhero to princess, and how elaborate you want to take it.” On party day, Tumblebus arrives com-pletely decorated and ready for an hour of fun and excitement. The birthday child is singled out to feel special. The children close their eyes and say, “I wish I was...” and the adventure begins. For-

PHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIOby Rosa Gilbert Hitchcock

Spa Luxury. Medical Expertise.

Each child

leaves with

unopened

presents so

the Christmas

celebration can

begin anew on

Christmas Day.


...It Leads to Lives Transformed by Christ.”

“It Starts With a

the angel tree David Mann



IIt’s that time of year, the time of year when anticipation and excitement builds in parents and children alike. It’s the Christmas

season and with it comes the opportu-nity to spend quality time celebrating with friends and family. For most of us this is true, but each year over 2.3 million children across the nation enter into the Christmas season with either their mom or their dad behind bars. Over 22 percent of these children are under the age of fi ve. Prison Fellowship Ministries took note and founded Th e Angel Tree Ministry, a ministry that reaches out to the chil-dren of inmates and their families.

Every child has a story. For 2.3 million

American children, that story is fi lled

with the abandonment, loneliness, and

shame that come from having a mom

or dad in prison. For many, it may also

include following their parents down the

same destructive road to incarceration.

– www.angeltree.orgAfter learning about Th e Angel Tree

from Lynn Adams, one of their found-ing members, Strong Rock Christian School has brought this ministry to Henry County. Now in their third year, Strong Rock reaches out to children in Henry County whose parents have been incarcerated and will not be able to spend Christmas with their families. Each grade level will bring in Christmas gifts for a child and on December 6th Strong Rock Christian School will host a Christmas party for the Angel Tree children and their immediate families.

Th e Angel Tree children are given Christmas gifts to open, refreshments to enjoy and music is provided by the elementary, academy and high school choirs. “It gives us the opportunity to

incl share the love of Christ and the Gospel message while having a fun, Christ-cen-tered celebration,” David Mann, presi-dent of Strong Rock Christian School, said. Each child leaves with unopened presents so the Christmas celebration can begin anew on Christmas Day.

When Mann hears what a blessing it must be to the Angel Tree children he is quick to correct, “Th e blessing has been ours. It’s a pretty remarkable thing to have our special guests come and to have our students serve them. It’s absolutely overwhelming.”

With countless churches, small groups and individuals reaching out across the nation there is still a shortage of spon-sors for the Angel Tree children. If you, your church, Sunday school class or small group is interested in helping fi ll this need, please go to www.angeltree.org for more information.

Justin Young, the much anticipated baby boy of Julie and John Young, was born on April 7, 2001. Th e excitement of having Justin in the family soon gave way to concern as the doctors determined that Justin was born with an incarcerated hernia. Th is condition required a delicate surgery to remove a portion of Justin’s intestine, leaving him with a condition commonly referred to as “short gut.”

Justin’s surgery went well, and his fam-ily was optimistic about his future. Justin was placed on a waiting list to receive a small bowel transplant, and, in the mean-time, he was given a nutritional supple-ment known as total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Justin’s TPN was administered at night, during Justin’s sleep, through a port directly into his digestive tract. Jus-tin’s TPN, which was intended to sustain life, ultimately robbed him of his life because of a series of medical errors.

On July 14, 2006, after another fun fi lled summer day, Julie put Justin to bed and, as she always did, administered the TPN drip as Justin drifted to sleep. Jus-tin slept quietly through the night, but early the following morning he began having seizure like symptoms with chest pains which prompted Julie to call 911. By the time the EMT’s arrived, Justin was non-responsive.

Th e EMT’s transported Justin to Spalding Regional Hospital where a series of tests revealed that Justin had over twice the normal level of potassium in his bloodstream. Justin was air-lifted to Scottish Rite’s Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the damage to Justin’s brain had already occurred before he arrived at the hospital. Justin suff ered from a severe loss of oxygen to his brain,

caused by the potassium induced heart attack. Little could be done medically to restore normalcy to Justin’s life at this point. Th e family began a long process of coping with this reality and the devastat-ing impact it had on Justin, the entire Young family, and their ability to provide for Justin’s medical care at the highest level possible.

Th e Youngs consulted with many lawyers and ultimately hired Andrew C. Ausband of Th e Ausband Firm, which specializes in catastrophic injury cases. Mr. Ausband had the TPN analyzed and the results confi rmed a potassium overdose. To prove who was responsible for the overdose, Mr. Ausband hired the best medical and pharmaceutical experts in the fi eld as consultants in Justin’s case. Th ese included a renowned nutritional pharmacist from Harvard University Medical School, the head of Emory University’s Nutritional Support Team, a highly qualifi ed pharmacologist from the University of Georgia Pharmacy School, a toxicologist at National Medi-cal Services Lab in Pennsylvania, and a toxicologist from ARUP labs in Utah, as well as Justin’s treating physicians at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Mr. Ausband fi led a lawsuit on behalf of Justin against the home health care pharmacy and others responsible for his overdose. Th e home health care phar-macy and the pharmacist denied they caused or contributed to Justin’s over-dose. Th e insurance companies for the pharmacy and the pharmacists refused to pay the available liability insurance ($6,000,000.00) to Justin, and so the lawsuit proceeded towards trial. Prior to trial, the pharmacy and pharmacists

agreed to pay $7,500,000 ($1,500,000 in excess of the insurance policies) to Justin and his family.

Unfortunately, Justin’s life expectancy is compromised due to the severity of his injuries. However, the settlement was structured so it does not aff ect Justin’s Medicaid benefi ts, and the proceeds from the settlement will provide for his life care needs for the next forty years.

Th e Youngs would have given any-thing to turn back the hands of time and prevent this unfortunate series of events from happening. Mr. Ausband explains that prevention of medical/pharmaceuti-cal errors is now more complex than ever, despite the availability of more infor-mation to the public and access to the in-ternet. What has made it more complex is the relative number and diff erent types of outlets that now deliver medical care to the public.

In the days of old, if you were sick, you went to the local doctor who thrived in the community only because of his reputation as a high quality physician. Your pharmacy needs were met by a lo-cal drug store and pharmacist similarly situated in the community. Demands for more convenient delivery of medicine spawned home health care pharmacies. According to Mr. Ausband, “Home health care pharmacies typically operate in a warehouse type environment and have little or no face to face interaction with the patient. Th ey receive e-mailed or faxed prescriptions from the doctor, fi ll them anonymously, package them up, and deliver them to the patient. Th ey are not simply dispensing pills in prescribed quantity and strength, but rather, they are working with potentially dangerous

raw ingredients, which must be com-pounded with the aid of what is known as an automated compounding device”.

Th ere are industry guidelines avail-able, but there is no widespread con-sensus among those in the home health care fi eld as to one set of industry guidelines. Likewise, there are no state or federal regulations which uniformly govern home health care pharmacies. Mr. Ausband explains, “Even though these home health care pharmacies are taking raw materials and combining them into a fi nal product for distribution, many courts have held that home health care pharmacies should not be held account-able as product manufacturers, and they therefore fall outside the laws governing product manufacturers.”

Today, it is more diffi cult to appreci-ate and understand the risk inherent in the delivery of medical services to you and your loved ones. However, now more than ever, you need to take charge of your medical treatment by inquiring about the particulars of any home health care pharmacy providing pharmaceutical services to you or your loved ones. Julie says, “Th e most important thing is to know who is preparing your child’s medi-cation, and establish a relationship with them.” Mr. Ausband also says you can go online and research the home health care pharmacy, but, “Unfortunately, many of these are mom and pop or upstart type operations, which may not have a web presence or even provide adequate liabil-ity insurance in the event of a medical er-ror”. Links to many informative websites and more can be found at Th e Ausband Firm’s website, www.ausbandlaw.com.

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Jameson takes “Buck” through the sensory trail at Calvin Center. Jameson has formed a bond with Buck , which has helped to improve his communication and social skills.


138 Peach Drive - McDonough(678) 583-0717www.sacredjourneyhospice.com

Whether in the comfort of your own home or in our in-patient facility, Sacred Journey Hospice provides skilled care to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones. Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. Call us to today to find out what Hospice can mean for you.

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HOSPICE

more holidays with the grandkids

Lake Spivey Community and Rainbow House have teamed up to sponsor a 15K road race, 5K run/walk, 1 mile run/walk and Tot-Trot fundraiser on Saturday, November 7, to benefit Rainbow House.

This will be the 2nd year for the Lake Spivey Road Race and the 11th year for the Run for the Rainbow. As a combined event we’ll be using the Lake Spivey Road Race venue and certified courses, and the Rainbow House organizational skills and volunteers. This will surely create an event that is greater than its parts and provide the most support for Rainbow House and the kids!

While you’re at the park on race day, please visit the Kid’s Outdoors Initiative Festival and Barbeque Competition. The festival activities include a Boy Scout Model Encampment, 4-H exhibits, Play in the Dirt, Reynolds Nature Preserve Catch a Fish, Follow a Trail guided hiking tour, hula hoop, human knot, soccer, flag football, and much more.

For more information & registration forms please visit our website at www.lakespiveyroadrace.org.

One of the fabulous truths about fashion

is the actual inspiration behind the design.

Each season, designers from New York to

Paris cite their inspiration for the collec-

tions when they hit the runway. St. John is

no exception and the Fall/Holiday/Resort

’09 proves this gloriously. And thanks to

the generosity of the St. John Boutique in

Lenox Square, the Atlanta BowTie Society

members were treated to a cocktail recep-

tion in the store where we were able to view

the luxury American brand’s new fall/holi-

day and resort collection fi rst hand.

Each group was inspired and named for fa-mous streets or places in London, Paris and New York. Here’s what to ask Santa for:

1. Late Fall Collection: Madison Avenue, one of St. John’s favorite streets in the MadMan city features colors in rich brown, including sable, mahogany, vanilla and a beautiful cinnabar for that perfect popof color.2. Holiday: Place Vendome-home ofthe Hotel Ritz, the perfect Paris party spot inspires with gorgeous “real red” and cosmo, the perfect pink. Just add SJK black for glamour.3. Resort: Monaco-cruise in the south of France in colors that match this beautiful city-cosmo, watercress, cornfl ower and St. John’s resort classic, navy.

Shopping the St. John Boutique

Lenox Square404.233.1955

I remember the fi rst time I heard the term, “St. John Knit.” I was in my early twenties, living in Milwaukee and working as the spe-cial events/fashion coordinator for Gimbels’ Midwest stores. Our department was staging a benefi t fashion show for the children’s

hospital and the director and I were meet-ing with the Milwaukee “ladies who lunch” crowd to discuss the details. As we watched the well-coiff ed women enter the board room, Gimbels’ VP of Marketing whispered in our ear: “Th ese women mean business; they’re all wearing their St. John knits.”

Ever since that day, I have equated the brand’s signature fabric with fashionably business-like attire. I acquired my fi rst St. John knit while living in New York City and have used the pieces wisely over the years. From the National Debutante Ball in DC to the Th anksgiving brunch at the Waldorf, you can never go wrong with a St. John knit.

Since 1962 when Marie Gray knitted her fi rst dress to impress her new beau, to to-day’s “Santana®”, a unique two-step process exclusive to the St. John fabric, the fashion house’s “constant strive for perfection” is executed, well, perfectly. Th at’s why well-heeled women wear St. John.

So when the Atlanta boutique off ered to host the Atlanta BowTie Society’s member-ship drive, we gladly accepted. Hosted by Merry Carlos, Kelly Willett and me, the party took place on October 15th in the Lenox Square store.

BowTie Members were treated to Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland’s Champagne Truffl es, made with Dom Perignon; incred-ible bites from A Legendary Event and bow-tying lessons courtesy of John Yauger of Bud’s Bows.


fabulistlisa rayner tush

A Style Expert’s Guide to Everything

FabuLous For Fashion, Gifts, Beauty,

Home, Entertaining, Life.....................

get itPHOTOS: PICTURE THIS STUDIO

But the main event of the evening was Shop-ping! St. John donated 10% of the night’s re-ceipts to the Atlanta BowTie Society’s annual BowTie Ball. Th is year’s ball will be held on Sunday, November 15 at the historic Geor-gian Terrace Hotel. Entitled, “Viva Vintage Las Vegas”, the ball will feature a Vegas-style casino, the Continental Dance Orchestra and Elvis! Vintage 70’s attire is encouraged. But I might wear my St. John Knit.

For more information on this year’s BowTie

Ball, visit www.atlantabowtiesociety.com.

Until we shop again…..Lisa


by Denese Rodgers

Every worthy cause or idea that gets advanced has a champion behind it. The champion is the one who rallies the troops, makes the phone calls, and keeps track of the mountains of details and paper that is required to prove worthiness. Chasity Watson is one of Henry County’s local champions. She and her husband, Michael, are members of the McDonough Lion’s Club, where she just organized the fi rst annual “Lion’s Run for the Cubs” to benefi t Connecting Henry’s Community Christmas, the Henry County Parks and Recreation “Youth Leadership League,” and the Henry High School Foundation scholar-ship program.

Thinking she must have time on her hands? Chasity is not one of the “ladies who lunch.” In the real world, she serves as the therapeutic services director for Living Water for Girls, where she helps to rescue and rehabilitate sexually exploited girls through refuge and holistic therapeutic services.

Additionally, our champion serves on the board of directors for Prevent Child Abuse Henry County, assists with Henry County’s crisis intervention training and she is the membership chair for a unique organization called the Georgia Critical Incident Stress Foundation (GCISF). In 1994, GCISF began forming as the notion of Chairman Jim Nelms and Keith Stell, “to provide support fi refi ghters and police offi cers who were suffering the ef-fects of job stress related to diffi cult calls. Within a year, the Henry County Critical Incident Stress Management Team was formed.”

Chasity has been working with Nelms and GCISF since 2006, and in 2007, the organization received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Accord-ing to CFO Dr. Jane Kellett Hayes, GCISF serves as a “limited membership foundation dedicated to the prevention and mitigation of disabling stress through the provision of education, training, crisis response support services, and coordination for all at-risk populations.”

As for Chasity, “Working with GCISF has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in my career,” she said. When asked why, she smiled in response, “Being able to serve those who so selfl essly give of themselves every day is a privilege. If even one fi rst responder is able to avoid serious symptoms and keep doing the work they love, I feel we’ve been successful.”

For more information on the services and opportunities available, visit the website at www.gcisf.org.

CONTRIBUTING CHAMPION

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE SUPPORTFOR POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL,PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

www.co.henry.ga.us/Police/trainingdivision.shtml

www.fop.net

www.icisf.org

GEORGIA CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS FOUNDATION 1587 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 5Atlanta, GA 30349404.419.6506www.gcisf.org

Working with GCISF has

been some of the most

rewarding work I’ve done

in my career.

– Chasity Watson


local charities thatcare for our community


Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 26, 2009

5K Run and Walk Benefiting the Henry County Adopt a Senior Program

Thanksgiving Day 5K Run

Official Entry Form

Send checks payable to:

Huffin for Stuffin 5K, C/O JCPenney

1380 Hwy 20 West

McDonough, GA 30253

Name age sex e-mail

Address city state zip

T-shirt (circle one): ym s m l xl xxl

Race participating in (circle one): 5k 1 mile Wheelchair Tot Trot

In consideration of the acceptance of this entry, the undersigned, and for his or her heirs, successors and assigns, (1) hereby waives any and all claims against the sponsors and officials of the huffin’ for stuffin’ run

for injuries, illness or damages which may result directly or indirectly from my participation; and (2) expressly releases said officials and sponsors from any and all such claims for injury, illness or damage resulting

therefrom. The undersigned affirms that he or she is in proper condition to participate in the event.

SIGNED GUARDIAN IF UNDER 18

Fruit & water provided to race participants.

5k Age Divisions, Male & Female:

T-Shirts for ALL participants

Awards to 1st - 3rd Place Male and Female

When & Where

JC Penney of McDonough, South Point Shopping Center

1380 Hwy 20 West McDonough, GA 30253

Turkey Bowling All Morning

S P O R T SPOINT TO POINT

Henry County

5K Run - $15 Pre-registration, $20 Race Day

1Mile Walk - $10 Pre-registration, $15 Race Day

“Tot Trot”- 6 years and under no charge

Turkey Bowling $5 - Race Day only

Teams of 10 or more pre-registered together,

$12.50 per person

Presented By

Course: Flat to slightly rolling, scenic views, convenient

parking. From JCPenney head west on Hwy 20,

Right on Nail rd, Right on Hwy 81,

Back to JCPenney South Point Shopping Center.

www.huffin4stuffin.com

www.huffin4stuffin.com


Imagine a surgeon not be-ing able to use the natural

movements of their arms, wrists and fi ngers during surgery and only having a two-dimensional view of the surgical area. This has been the challenge surgeons’ face when performing lapa-roscopic surgery. Now there is new technology available to surgeons that gives them the freedom of movement needed to do complex surgical procedures, while preserving the small incision sites and quicker recovery times afforded by laparo-scopic surgery.

Traditional laparoscopic surgery requires the use of “sticks”, controlled by the surgeon, used to open and grasp during surgery. The Da Vinci robotic sur-gical system gives the surgeon, through the use of robotic arms, full range of movement. These robotic arms mimic the movement of the surgeon’s arms, wrists and fi ngers, allowing greater control. To give an example of how intricate the robotic movements are, in the right hands, the Da Vinci robotic surgical system can be used to create an intricate origami bird smaller than the size of a penny.

Dr. Benjamin Lee, physician and partner at Urol-ogy of Greater Atlanta, has performed over 100 pro-cedures using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system. After completing college at Yale University and med-ical school at Columbia University, Dr. Lee served his residency in surgery and urology at Massachu-setts General, in Boston. It was during his residency

physician profi leDr. Lee

DR. BENJAMIN

cont’d on next pg.


that he was introduced to robotic laparoscopic surgery and had the opportunity to train with one of the robotic laparoscopic pioneers who trained in France. After his residency, Dr. Lee spent some time practicing in North Carolina before moving to Henry County and joining the team at Urology of Greater Atlanta, in 2007. In the short time since coming to Henry County, he has performed the fi rst laparo-scopic removal of a kidney at Henry Medical Center and is now a partner at Urology of Greater Atlanta.

“I have always had an interest in minimally invasive surgery and robotics,” Dr. Lee stated. “I think less invasive is better in general. In modern times, we can accomplish anything we could do before with open surgeries, except now we have smaller incision sites and quicker recovery times.” In the past, surgically removing a kidney required a stay in the hospital of fi ve to seven days, with a recovery time of three to four months. With laparo-scopic, robotic surgery the hospital stay is reduced to two or three nights and a recovery time of four to six weeks, while causing less pain and scarring.

Dr Lee is quick to point out that the robot isn’t

magical. “While the robot can do meticulous work, it’s not automated. The surgeon has to apply their experience and skill set. The robot helps perform the procedure in an extremely precise, minimally invasive manner,” Dr. Lee stated.

With a cost of over $1.5 million per robotic unit, you won’t fi nd a Da Vinci robotic surgical system in every hospital. St. Joseph’s, Emory and Northside Hospital are some of the medical centers in Metro Atlanta that have one. Robotic surgery can be used for a broad range of procedures, including heart surgery, gynecological surgery, reconstructive uro-logical surgery, prostate surgery and kidney surgery.

At Urology Center of Atlanta, Dr. Benjamin Lee mixes cutting edge technology with personalized patient care. It’s his attention to detail that has other area doctors referring patients to Dr. Lee for his spe-cialized touch.

For more information about Dr. Lee, Urology Center of Greater Atlanta and robotic surgery please visit www.ugatl.com.

I have always had an interest in minimally invasive surgery and robotics. I think less invasive is better in general.– Dr. Lee

by John HitchcockDR. BENJAMIN

71 november/december 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz71

Don’tmissan

issue.

YOU might

be in it!


72september/october 2009 • www.hmag.biz

IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF:

Sergeant First Class John C. BealeFebruary 11, 1970—June 4, 2009United States ArmyKilled in action while serving in Afghanistan

“My family and I are so grateful and blessed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and patriotism from our beloved community with the loss of my husband. God bless you for all the kindness extended to my family. Don’t forget to hug a soldier knowing now what they and their families may face. And, pray for them that they will have peace with their Maker as my John did.”

– Crystal Beale

page sponsored in appreciation by

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an event in which the electrical system of the heart malfunctions, and therefore is un-able to pump blood to vital organs, such as the brain. SCA claims one life every two minutes, resulting in more deaths each year than lung cancer, breast can-cer, or AIDS. Many people mistakenly think SCA is a heart attack. However, most people aff ected by SCA have no known heart disease.

Although coronary artery disease remains the most common underlying condition, SCA can aff ect people of all ages, and races. Over the years, many young athletes have died unexpect-edly from SCA. For every minute that passes the chance of survival decreases by 10 %. With-out rapid treatment, mainly electrical shock, SCA usually results in death. . Identifying those at risk for SCA is the fi rst step in prevention. Screening for risk factors is often a simple pro-cess. Patients can undergo basic testing such as echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or electrocardiogram (EKG) or stress testing. Often, patients will report symptoms that occur spontaneously, such as palpitations, or dizziness. In these cases, a Holter or event recorder may be necessary to capture possible rhythm disturbances.

Since the advent of implantable cardio-verter-difi brillators (ICD), a device that is

implanted in the heart to shock the heart into a normal rhythm, the incidence of SCA has decreased in patients who are prone to fatal arrhythmias. Most ICDs are implanted by specially trained cardiologists known as electro-physiologists. Physicians trained in electro-physiology specialize in diagnosing and treating electrical abnormalities of the heart.

Dr. Minnette Williams, the latest addition to the Southern Heart Specialists, is one of such specialists. Dr. Williams moved to the area from UCLA where she completed her fellow-ship in cardiac electrophysiology. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate education at the University of Notre Dame. She subse-quently received her medical degree at MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine. Her medical Internship and Residency were completed at the Well Cornell campus of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She then completed her cardiovascular fellowship at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Williams is board certifi ed in Internal Medicine, Cardio-vascular Disease, and Echocardiography. Dr. Williams has received various awards, including the Samuel Levitt Award for Outstanding Skills and Humanitarianism in Medicine.

Dr. Williams is a thorough and compas-sionate physician with excellent bedside manner. She has a unique way of making everyone around her feel at ease. She has a

very down-to-earth approach to patient care. When asked what an electrophysiologist is, she playfully waves her hand, and says “no, no, it’s not that complicated, I’m just an electri-cian”. Aside from implanting pacemakers, and defi brillators, Dr. Williams also manages other rhythm disturbances of the heart such as atrial fi brillation, atrial fl utter, and SVT. When she is not implanting devices, or educating others on electrophysiology, Dr. Williams spends much of her spare time cheering on her alma mater Notre Dame.

Realizing that she is surrounded by many Georgia Tech, and Georgia Bulldog fans, she says she is up for the challenge!

Dr. Williams is passionate about patient education, often saying “an informed patient is my greatest asset”. She demonstrates this belief with every patient, by taking time to explain diagnoses in detail, and providing relevant literature.

Rhythm disturbances are quite common. Although many are benign, one cannot as-sume palpitations or dizziness are not coming from a dangerous arrhythmia. Since we have a highly skilled electrophysiologist in our area, it is wise to take advantage of such resource. Dr. Williams is currently accepting patients at various locations of Southern Heart Special-ists. For more information and offi ce hours,

please visit www.southernheart.com.

southern heart cardiologist


Sudden Cardiac Arrest IS THERE AN ELECTRICIAN AROUND?DR. MI N N E T T E WI L L I A M S, T H E L A T E S T A D D I T I O N T O T H E SO U T H E RN HE A R T SP E C I A L I S T S , T A K E S B E I N G A N ‘E L E C T R I C I A N’ T O A W H O L E N E W L E VE L.

Dr. Minnette Williams

Dr. Williams is passionate about patient

education, often saying “an informed

patient is my greatest asset.

74november/december 2009 • wwww.hmagazine.biz

a day in the lifeFancy That Jewelers


(Q) John: Denise, tell me a bit about the history of Fancy That Jewelers.

(A) Denise: The idea for the store started over 19 years ago. I was in the hotel industry at the time and was regularly traveling cross-country. I woke up one morning not know-ing what city I was in and it was then that I thought, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” I had a friend who had a shop across town, who had told me if I ever wanted to get into the jewelry business, he would mentor me. That’s how it began. We started in a fl ea market. I wanted something that would be easy to get out of! But a year-and-a-half later, we moved to a store front.

John: Where was your fi rst store front?

Denise: We were on Hwy. 138, in Stockbridge.

John: Do you have a specialty? Are there any lines you specialize in?

Denise: We do carry a few specialty lines, Gabriel, Citizen and Seiko watches, Rem-brandt Charms, and a few other lines out of New York. We have a little bit of everything.

John: What’s your approach to sales, what sets you apart?

Denise: We try to give a high level of service. Most stores say that, but we try to emphasize our clients’ comfort. We don’t want anyone to feel intimidated when they come in. It’s very friendly. As a result, we have a huge referral business.

John: Have you found any opportunities to “give back” to the community from your industry in particular?

Denise: Yes, there’s always plenty of opportunity for anyone to give; but, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with Calvary Children’s Home, Friendship House, MDA,

Queens for Courage and The Henry Players.

John: Are you offering anything special for Christmas?

Denise: Christmas is always special. While we don’t feature a special line, we do focus on the full-service aspect of the business, including special orders and creating one-of-a-kind pieces. We do have fun give-a-ways: three shopping sprees of $100, $250, and $500.

John: Well, you started in a fl ea mar-ket all that time ago, but I’m going to let you tell our readers where they can fi nd you now.

Denise: Sure, you can fi nd us at 1752 Hudson Bridge Road, Stockbridge, GA30281.

You can contact us at 770.507.7458 and online at www.afancythatjewelry.com.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENISE SWANSON OF FANCY THAT JEWELERSI recently had the opportunity to speak with Denise Swanson of Fancy That Jewelers. The store has been a fi xture in Henry County for almost two decades and I wanted to fi nd out where it started, how it had grown, and what was going on today.By: John Hitchcock

WE DON’T WANT

ANYONE TO FEEL

INTIMIDATED WHEN

THEY COME IN.

IT’S VERY FRIENDLY.

Fancy That Jewelers1752 Hudson Bridge Road

Stockbridge, GA 30281770.507.7458

www.afancythatjewelry.com.

76may/june 2009 • www.hmagazine.biz

BY DAN GARRETT

76november/december 2009 • wwww.hmagazine.biz

in the kitchenAshley Vicos/Sweet Ashley’s

I didn’t know much of Ashley Vicos when I was asked to write this article. I knew she baked cakes and that she either was, or was go-ing to be, in a cake decorating competition. What I discovered was that just as Mozart wrote music and Van Gogh painted pictures;Ashley Vicos makes cakes. All three are equal under-statements. Ashley Vicos, of Sweet Ashley’s, is an artist. She creates magnifi cent, three-dimensional cakes that are truly one-of-a-kind works of art. I discovered the cake decorating competi-tion was actually The Learning Channel’s (TLC) Ultimate Cake Off. You see, what I didn’t know is that, Ashley Vicos is a star.

Ashley’s passion for cake decorating began at age fi ve with an Easy-Bake Oven and a creative mom. During college, she perfected her skill at making cakes as delicious as they were beautiful. After graduation she looked at her degree and thought, “This is NOT what I want to do every day.” She began baking more, and everything grew— exponentially. She put her diploma in the fi le cabinet and hasn’t looked at it since.

Breaking into the national baking scene is not easy. “Food Network does not take solicitations,” Ashley explained. Finally, someone with Food Network agreed to look at some of Ashley’s cakes and told her if they were interested further that someone would be in touch. Ashley just wanted an opportunity to let her work speak for itself. Ashley hoped to hear from them; but, knew she just as easily might not hear anything at all.

Ashley was speaking to producers the same day, and within two weeks, was competing in a Food Network Challenge. In her fi rst competition, Ashley fi nished second behind a veteran of the show. Less than a month after her fi rst competition, Food Network fl ew her to New York to see Shrek the Musical on Broadway, and then on to Colorado for another competition. The competitors were to create cakes based on Shrek the Musical, and Ashley’s cake was based on the character Donkey. “The experience was wonderful—I made so many new friends,” Ashley said.

cont’d on next page.


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“PLEASURE IN THE JOB PUTS PERFECTION IN THE WORK.” —ARISTOTLERosa Gilbert Hitchcock

TLC had begun casting a new television show, The Ultimate Cake Off to begin airing August of this year and contacted Ashley. It was a diffi cult decision on whether or not to participate with TLC because there was a chance that Food Network would not want to use cake decorators who had been on a competing program. But in the end, she was chosen to compete on TLC, as well.

Ashley competed in the season opener of TLC’s “The Ultimate Cake Off”. The premise of the show is a customer requests a cake to accompany a particular event. Three chefs compete to create incredible masterpieces, one criteria being the cake must be over fi ve feet tall! The client selects the winner whose cake is featured as the center-piece of the event. The winner also receives $10,000 in prize money. The client in Ash-ley’s fi rst competition challenged her to create a cake for the Aquarium of the Pacifi c, in California. They were launching a summer program called, “Shark Summer”, and wanted a cake for the kick-off event.

As for the cake decorating contest I mentioned earlier, TLC asked Ashley to return to compete in the season fi nale, which aired October 19. She is one of only three competi-tors who were asked to appear in two episodes, which was quite an honor. The client for this show was Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The ring master for the new Zing Zang Zoom show would select the winner. Ashley created a masterpiece, titled “Working for Peanuts”, that is simply too incredible to explain. For nine hours, Ashley and her team worked to impress the panel of judges, and ultimately, the ring master of The Greatest Show on Earth, and she did just that.

Ashley and her team were declared the winner of the Zing Zang Zoom Ultimate Cake Off challenge. Now I know, along with everyone else, that while Ashley Vicos does make cakes, she is also a brilliant artist and a star.

TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off has been picked up for its second season and will start fi lming soon. Watch for Ash-ley in new episodes—I can’t imagine what she’ll be creating next. You can also watch full episodes of The Ultimate Cake Off at www.tlc.com.

Visit Ashley’s website at www.sweet-ashleys.com to see her gallery of incredible creations, and obtain information about ordering your own, one-of-a-kind delicious work of art.


Left to Right:The Hall family, Abigail 7 , Aaron 12, Olivia 9, Lauren 3

P.O. Box 1390McDonough, GA 30253or visit www.hmagazine.biz

NOVEMBER

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2 3 Belk Fall Charity SaleAll Belk locationswww.belk.com

Stepping Stones Educational Therapy CenterTailgate to the Tunes7:00 pm The Event Center - Griffi n, GA770-229-5511

Eagle’s Landing Country ClubClubCorp Charity Classic 9:00am Shotgun Startcontact Lisa Chase 770-389-2000 x [email protected]

Richard Petty Driving Experience Teen Drive(Nov. 14-15)Atlanta Motor Speedway1-800-237-3889www.1800bepetty.com

Accident Avoidance Workshop6-10pmAtlanta Motor Speedway770-071-0571Contact [email protected]



Winter Flurry LegendsRacing - Race No. 2Practice begins at 11:00amRace begins at 12:00pmAtlanta Motor Speedwaywww.legendsofga.comwww.atlantamotorspeedway.com

Speed Tech AutoRacing School(Nov. 21-22)Atlanta Motor Speedwaywww.speedtech500.com

Merchants Holiday Open House 5-9pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311

2009 AAASP StateWheelchair HandballChampionships J.P. Mosley Recreation CenterStockbridge, GAwww.adaptedsports.org

Merchants Holiday Open House 10am-9pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311

Merchants Holiday Open House Noon-5pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311 McDonough Arts CouncilChristmas with the Arts Noon-5pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311

Buck Baker RacingSchool(Nov. 27-28)Atlanta Motor Speedwaywww.buckbaker.com

Daylight Savings Ends

Atlanta Festival BalletThe Nutcracker(Nov. 28-29)Clayton County SchoolsPerforming Arts Center770-507-2775www.atlantafestivalballet.com

Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Atlanta Motor Speedway1-888-GO-RACE-1www.racingadventure.com

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day


wednesday thursday friday saturday

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Mainstreet McDonoughProgramSanta Saturday11am-3pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311 Christmas Tree Lighting6:30pmMcDonough Square770-957-3915

McDonough Christmas Parade7:00pm770-957-3915

A Friend’s HouseHoliday Gala Fundraiser7:00pmcontact Nan Jenkins678-432-1630

A Friend’s HouseChristmas Benefi t Gala7:00pmHazelhurst House, McDonoughcontact Nan [email protected]

Help PortraitHoliday Portraits for the Less [email protected]@rockthecross.net

Winter Flurry LegendsRacing - Race No. 3Practice begins at 11:00amRace begins at 12:00pmAtlanta Motor Speedwaywww.legendsofga.comwww.atlantamotorspeedway.com

Mainstreet McDonoughProgramSanta Saturday11am-3pmMcDonough Square770-898-9311

Atlanta Festival BalletThe Nutcracker(Dec. 12-13)Henry County SchoolsPerforming Arts Center770-507-2775www.atlantafestivalballet.com

Hanukkah Begins

Winter Begins Christmas Eve

New Years Eve Kwanzaa

Christmas Day



The American Red Cross Blood DriveAtlanta Motor Speedway1-800-GIVE-LIFE1-800-448-3543www.givebloodredcross.org


People First of Henry County“If Everyday Could be Christmas” Concert3:00pm Henry County Performing Arts CenterTickets available for $20 at all Moyes Pharmaciesor at www.richiemcdonald.com


sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

82march/april 2009 • www.hmag.biz


Burt BlackmonCEO & President

Contact: Burt Blackmon, [email protected]

770.692.2449

hightrustbank.com

280 Country Club Drive, Suite 100 Stockbridge, Georgia 30281Exit 224 on I-75

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EAGLES LA

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The Sky Is Not Falling!

During the past year, it’s been tough to be an optimist. We’ve all been hit by the economy – and there are still hard times ahead.

However, many people have started looking ahead – opportunities areagain emerging as unsettled times become more settled.

So it’s time to review, repair, and rebuild your portfolio of business and personal loans plus savings deposits –

CDs, IRAs, and money market accounts.

The turnaround is coming and you need to be ready.

How may we help?

h magazine - november/december 2009

Documents

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physicians profi

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latavius powellpaul