H Magazine - November/December 2011

THE MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HENRY COUNTY TM

• CORRECT MED: CONTINUUM OF CARE• CHAPMAN INSURANCE GROUP: ON YOUR SIDE• THE CROSSING AT MCDONOUGH: COME HOME TO COMFORT

FEATURES:

pictured left to rightPeto Fallas, Andy Pippin, Taifa Butler, Melissa Chapman and Andy Welchphoto byPicture This Studio

November/December 2011

( five under forty)

to even better healthcare, close to home.

I LOOK FORWARD

For over thirty years, Henry Medical Center has provided

excellent healthcare for residents across the county. Next year,

Piedmont Healthcare will be coming to Henry County as part of an

exciting new partnership with Henry Medical Center – which means

you’ll have a lot to look forward to. You can look forward to even

more advanced medical technologies right down the street. You can

look forward to your physicians teaming up with some of the best

and brightest in the Piedmont family. And most of all, you can look

forward to experiencing the power of our Piedmont Promise

first-hand – the perfect balance between health and care.

At Piedmont Healthcare, we’re looking

forward to becoming a part of Henry County.

Find out more about all you have to look

forward to. Visit piedmont4henry.org

© 2011 Piedmont Healthcare 02045-1011

piedmont4henry.org

2may/june 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

table of contents

63

59

3 november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

november/december 2011

features

departments

THE CROSSING AT MCDONOUGHComing home has never been more convenient or comfortable! Learn about the exceptional features of these luxury apartment homes in Henry. ........45

CORRECT MEDRead about the convenience patients experience by having both primary and urgent care available at one site. ...........................................................61

CHAPMAN INSURANCE GROUP James D. Chapman personally ensures customers are matched with the services they need; a proven leader both in the military and in business. ...... 75

publisher’s letter .................................................7

contributors.........................................................9

letters to the editor ......................................... 10

sweet ashley cakes ....................................... 11

5 under 40: intro ............................................. 19

5 under 40: andy welch ................................. 21

5 under 40: taifa butler .................................. 23

5 under 40: andy pippin ................................ 27

5 under 40: peto fallas ................................... 31

5 under 40: melissa chapman ..................... 35

christmas .......................................................... 39

truffles ............................................................... 41

business profile: the crossing ..................... 45

celebrity chef: ralph easterwood ................. 47

celebrity chef: keith mcbrayer ..................... 51

business profile: family medical ................. 55

kim houghton and jane forcucci .................... 59

business profile: correct med ...................... 61

david esslinger ............................................... 63

travel: denese rodgers ................................... 65

business profile: linda king .............................. 67

physician profile: dr. michelle klos d.c. ............ 69

operation overseas ......................................... 71

business profile: chapman insurance ............ 75

community calendar ...................................... 80

ON THE COVERPeto Fallas, Andy Pippin, Taifa Butler, Melissa Chapman and Andy Welch

COVER PHOTO: PICTURE THIS STUDIO

19

4november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

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We welcome your company and community news. Please include digital photos with your press release and send to [email protected]. Forward product samples or press kits to the Publisher. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples. Publisher does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein.

H Magazine is published bimonthly by H Magazine, Inc. All content are copyrighted by H Magazine abnd reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. H magazine reserves liability in the event of an error to a printed correction.

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This photo of Lisa Kinchen was taken at Southern belle Farms in McDonough Ga.

7

publisher’s letter

I absolutely love November and December here in Henry County! To be sure they are both very busy and exciting months with won-derful holidays, festivities, food,

get togethers with family and friends, just a hint of cool, crisp weather and lots of opportunities to shop. While there is certainly much going on during these months, stress does not have to be part of the equation because our own Henry County has so very much to offer – one need not travel far to have all holiday needs met!

We are indeed fortunate to have so many awesome amenities right here at our fingertips – whether you need an event center for a large or small gathering, a ca-terer or a private chef to cook a scrump-tious meal in your home, all is available right here in the county. Looking for the perfect gift, the perfect holiday outfit, the perfect hairstyle? Need a relaxing massage or facial and some pampering or a comfy hotel room for out of town guests? Run-ning short on time to decorate your home or business in a festive holiday motif? Ev-erything you need can be found right here in Henry County!

These last two months of the year are filled with joy, excitement, and anticipa-tion as we reflect on all our blessings – we have so very much for which to be thank-ful. To you and yours, all of us here at H Magazine extend to you the very best of wishes for peace and happiness this holi-day season and always.

Lisa KinchenPublisher/Editorial [email protected]

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.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.

november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

Debbie SwansonEvery day is a gift – treat it accordingly.

Denese Rodgers is the former Director of Social Service for Connecting Henry, Inc, the local branch of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. She and her husband are moving to the Republic of Panama.

Michael Ratti is the Managing Editor for H Magazine and is a Clayton State University graduate holding a bachelors degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in psychology. He is also a two-time nationally ranked professional action sports champion.

Sandra McGill is a 19-year resident of Stockbridge. Having completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Clayton State University, she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in the same subject from Georgia State University. In addition to science, writing and teaching are her greatest passions.

Angel Maynard resides in Henry County and is the founder of RedPill Productions www.redpill-productions.com. She is a writer and producer whose work has been showcased at The New York Television Festival as well as Cali-fornia’s Indie Fest.

Diane Ide is a long-time resident of Henry County who has enjoyed writing for H Magazine since 2003. She is the Director of Communications for the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors for the Hands of Hope Clinic. She has two sons and four grandchildren and spends her free time entertaining friends and family.

Salita Gray earned a Communications degree from GSU. Her mentor late Author Alex Haley encouraged her to study TV/Film. After freelance writing for two newspapers in Bermuda, she relocated to California for a career opportunity at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Salita and her son Channing reside in Henry County.

Jennifer Sconyers lives in McDonough, Geor-gia with her husband and two sons George and Jeremiah. Jennifer volunteers regularly at Flip-pen Elementary. She is a children’s author, and goes to schools and local libraries sharing her books and the love of reading!

Diane Smith a native of Ohio, has enjoyed living in Henry County for seven years. She is mother to 14-year-old Travis and wife to Pastor George Smith of Solid Rock Church of Jackson, Georgia. Diane works at Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove.

Valerie Baldowski spent five years as a General Assignment Reporter writing for a chain of weekly metro Atlanta suburban newspapers, an additional year as a News Editor for that same newspaper chain, and two years as the Government Reporter for a daily newspaper in Henry County.

our contributors


Beverly Van Gorder has lived in Henry County with her husband, Jim since 1994. They have five children: James, Seth (both of whom are U.S. Marines), Margaret, Noah, and Gabriel. She is the feature writer for Operation Overseas and The Chaplain’s Corner. She runs her own business selling Pre-Paid Legal Services and is also the cus-tomer relations representative for The Gardenias Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hampton.

letters to the editor

To the Editor,As an elementary school teacher in Henry County and long time resident it is important to be knowledgeable of current events and special activities in our community. The H Magazine is that gift, dedicated to entertain, inform and be a great resource to my family, friends and fellow citizens. Reading about the achievements and success stories of those featured each month is an inspiration to all. H is a welcomed addition to my coffee table!

Sincerely,Lori Hamilton

McDonough

To the Editor,This community owes a debt of gratitude to H Magazine and its staff. Your involvement and leadership with the Celebrity Chef Campaign has helped raise so many dollars and much needed awareness for 12 independent charitableorganizations within this county. Thank you for all the good work you inspire!

Trea Pipkin

To H Magazine,Thank you for being such a great advocate for Henry County. In a time where the media is consumed with pessimistic reports about our country’s future, it is refreshing to see you reporting on the great things that are happening in our own backyard. As an advertiser, it is also rewarding to see the people of this county and surrounding communities turning to a single source for finding out what is happening in our community. Thanks for giving Henry County a chance to show the south side of Atlanta the impact this community is having and will continue to have on this region.

R. Brian Strickland

Attorney at Law


feature

Three years ago this small town girl had the opportunity to appear on Food Network Challenge, a cake competi-tion show where the country’s leading cake decorators compete head to head. It was a new path in my career and it has taken me places few even dream of. I soon found myself on TLC’s ‘The Ul-timate Cake Off’, where the stakes (& cakes) were even higher. I put my cakes and heart on the line to be judged on national television for one reason, and that goal came to fruition when Food Network gave me my very own show, ‘Have Cake Will Travel’.

My career as a cake decorator allows me to be a small part of the happy mo-ments in other people’s lives, which is why I love what I do. I believe people are a lot like cakes: No matter how beautiful they are on the outside, if they aren’t truly good and sweet inside, no one will want them. That is why I look forward to sharing more with you about my life, my family, my journey, and the things that have inspired me along the way.

Always Keeping It Sweet!

Ashley VicosXOXO

those passions, dream big, and to always be true to who I am.

Through high school and college I baked cakes as a side job and a way to make extra money; unsure of what my career goals truly were. I graduated from Clayton College & State University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and the knowledge that this was not the direc-tion I wanted my life to go. So, I took a leap of faith and began making cakes as a full time career. Though it seemed like a hobby to many, this was where my heart was and the truth is success is NOT the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success and if you make a living doing what you love you will never work a day in your life.

I opened a business here in Mc-Donough called “Sweet Ashley’s”. It is a licensed private studio where I create very custom cakes for almost any occasion. I have no employees & control every aspect of my business. Each client gets direct attention and a custom cake created to reflect their specific event. The cakes that I make are not just desserts, they are meant to be centerpieces of the event; edible works of art. If you live here in Henry County chances are you have seen one of my cakes at a birthday party, baby shower, graduation, bridal luncheon, etc...

Being Southern is not a choice, it is a way of life that I was born in to. My family is origi-nally from Louisiana but we

have called Georgia home for 21 years now, and though I have only lived in McDonough for the past 13, our quaint town has truly been a sweet life for me. McDonough is where I built my first house, had my first baby (along with a second and third), started my first busi-ness, and no matter where my adven-tures take me, it is where I always return and the place I call home.

The start of my career sounds like a cliché story, but one that is very true and many young girls can related to. I was 5yrs old, yet still vividly remem-ber the beautifully wrapped present with the shiny bow and MY name on it; yes, it was my first Easy Bake oven and where my journey begins. Both my grandmother and mom were wonderful women, amazing cooks, and fabulous bakers. They loved having me help out in the kitchen & passed along a wealth of knowledge and tradition; not only about baking, but also about what it means to be a strong southern woman. I learned many life lessons in their kitchens and they ignited my passion for baking & instilled in me the confidence to pursue


photos by Picture This Studio


15 november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz15

16november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz 16


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five under forty


THESE FIVE INDIVIDUALS ARE

SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR NOT

ONLY OUR COMMUNITY, BUT

FOR OUR NATION. THEY SOME-

HOW REPRESENT SOMETHING

IN ALL OF US. WE HOPE YOU

ENJOY THEIR STORIES.

– H Magazine

Pictured (left to right): Andy Welch, Melissa Chapman, Andy Pippin, Dr. Peto Fallas & Taifa Butlerphoto byPicture This Studio


( five under forty: young leaders of henry county )

five under forty


( five under forty: a leader with compassion )

the U.S. Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa. This experience taught him the importance of giving back. His face lights up as he re-lates his pride in the accomplishment he and his late friend, Peter, made replacing a grass hut school with a cement block structure. Another source of pride comes from helping his former student, James, not only graduate from high school, but go on to attend techni-cal school and land a corporate job that en-ables him to enjoy a stable life, providing for his family.

Then love changed the course of his life. Andy met and soon married Cara, a classmate at Vermont Law School. Their first home was in Ithaca, N.Y. There Cara worked on a master’s de-gree in historic preservation at Cornell University while Andy practiced law. Just before Cara com-pleted her studies, Andy’s Dad mentioned that he needed a local government attorney to help in his firm. It seemed wise for the young couple to re-turn to Henry County and raise their own family near his family.

Andy and Cara, who is Chief Development Officer at Southern Crescent Habitat for Hu-manity, have six-year-old Caleb, two-year-old Sadie and a new baby girl born in early October. They are active members of the McDonough Presbyterian Church. “The thing I’m most proud of,” says Andy “is my relationship with Cara. The word love is both a verb and a noun and should be exercised frequently, especially between husband and wife. I’m proud that af-ter eleven years of marriage, I’m still as excited about our relationship and our future together as I was when I first proposed. I can only hope that I live my life with Cara in such a way that my children will grow in faith and cherish being a part of our family.”

Believing that you can only complain about government so long, Andy decided that it was time for people his age to get involved and ad-vocate for small businesses at the State level. As a Republican, he was elected in 2010 to represent the 110th District. In this role he is

bBorn Andrew Jackson Welch, III to parents Buddy and Kit Welch, Andy’s roots go deep in Henry County’s soil. His ancestors were early settlers of the Sandy Ridge area, along Keys Ferry Road.

Many folks in Henry County still have fond memories of his grandparents, Cap and Cola Welch. Andy’s father, Andrew Jackson Welch, Jr. (Buddy) is a founding partner of Smith, Welch, Webb & White, one of the largest law firms on the Southside of Atlanta. Following in Buddy’s footsteps, Andy is also a partner in the firm.

When asked about the Welch legacy, Andy responds that while he is proud of his family history, being the son of a successful attorney means that those who like your Dad tend to like and accept you also; however, those with reason to dislike him tend to “paint those same sentiments on you too.” Then he jokes “fortunately for me, most people who really know me say that I’m more like Mom than Dad!” Andy made a conscious decision that his own son, Caleb, would not become Andrew Jackson Welch, IV, hoping instead that Caleb will be free to forge his own identity.

Andy’s early life played an important role in making him the compassionate, yet driven, man that he is today. “Mom and Dad instilled in me a strong sense of Christian faith in action. Dad is a quiet leader, a quiet giver, and a tireless advocate for his clients. Mom is compassionate and selfless, positively a ray of sunshine, and dedicated to the causes she believes in.” While studying at Presbyterian College in South Carolina, Andy considered entering the seminary. “My grandmother Cola thought I’d make a fine pastor.” In that vein, a favorite quote from his Professor of Religion, Arch Taylor still helps guide Andy: “In gratitude for God’s forgiving grace, keep up the struggle for what is good, true and just.”

After completing college, Andy served an extended tour as a high school science teacher with

SITTING ACROSS FROM ANDY, HE APPEARS VERY UNASSUMING. IMMEDIATELY YOU KNOW THAT HE IS GIVING YOU HIS UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. YOU SENSE HIS COMMIT-MENT. WHEN ASKED WHAT CHARACTERISTIC MAKES HIM SUCCESSFUL, HE QUICKLY REPLIES, “I CARE.” BEFORE LONG, YOU ALSO LEARN OF HIS DEVOTION TO FAMILY AND HIS COMMUNITY.

REP. WELCH IS A THOUGHT-

FUL AND DELIBERATE LEAD-

ER, NEVER ONE TO RUSH

TO JUDGMENT OR MAKE

RASH DECISIONS. HE UN-

DERSTANDS THE VALUE OF

COMMUNITY AND THE IM-

PORTANCE OF FAMILY.

– House Speaker David Ralston

By: Diane Ide


( andy welch )

an active member in the state legislative pro-cess, watching out for the interests of local businesses and taxpayers, while continuing his own law practice.

When asked when he is up for reelection, Andy quips “every day.” Georgia House Judi-ciary Chairman Wendell Willard entrusted him with several bills to carry forward. He was able to navigate them through the legislative process and see the bills signed into law -- quite an ac-complishment for a freshman representative.

He attributes his success to working with the Speaker of the House David Ralston and Chairman Willard who impressed Andy with their integrity, attentive listening, and excep-tional common sense. According to Andy, he inherited a great deal of Buddy’s inability to be idle as well as a need to solve problems. “I told the Speaker and Chairman Willard that I wanted to be involved early and often, and they obliged.”

House Speaker David Ralston says of Andy, “Rep. Welch is a thoughtful and delib-erate leader, never one to rush to judgment or make rash decisions. He understands the value of community and the importance of family. Through these traits, among others, he will certainly make the citizens of Henry Coun-ty proud as he serves as their voice under the Gold Dome.”

The near future for this family man reveals “I’ll make another run at Representative in 2012, but beyond that my activities will be spending time with my wife and children, working for Christ through my church, and striving to continue the outstanding legal reputation that my father built and that our law firm enjoys.”

photos byPicture This Studio

five under forty


( five under forty: georgia’s education advocate )

tTaifa recalls “I had a dream at age sixteen where I saw myself as an elected official, who was hon-est and I stood on my Christian values without being compromised.” Her interests in policy were

sparked while earning her bachelor’s degree in politics and economics at Mt. Holyoke College. Her goal was to travel abroad and become an Ambassador to Africa “I started studying French and earned a certificate in International Affairs” she said. While in a course on domestic policy and studying issues related to the United States, she had an epiphany “I’m going to stay right here and focus on policy and government.” Taifa later received a master’s degree in public management and policy from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, where she concentrated in financial management and economic development to focus on rebuilding communities.

In 1999 Taifa relocated from Philadelphia to Atlanta after she married her husband Dr. Andre’ Butler, who at the time was completing his doctorate degree at Georgia Tech. Taifa is clear that her first com-mitment is to God and her family “I can’t do all this work in the community and my own child (8 year old daughter) is lacking the support she needs. I’m accountable as a mom, first and foremost. When Taifa’s not trying to impact the world, there is another side with a great sense of humor, who enjoys spending quality time with her family and two dogs. You might be surprised to learn this analytical thinker is a budding thespian, who directed a youth drama ministry for six years. Her favorite pastimes are shop-ping, she loves playing tennis, and joking and laughing with her friends. Taifa also loves to travel and “wishes I could do it more” she said.

Taifa’s plethora of experience includes public policy research, public and private data analysis, and strategic communications. Recently the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute announced Taifa Butler as the new Deputy Director, after recruiting her from Georgia Family Connection Partnership where she served

PASSION AND PRAYING ARE WHAT DRIVE MRS. TAIFA BUTLER WHEN IT COMES TO FOR-MULATING DATA ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH TO SUPPORT PUBLIC POLICY RELATED TO CHILDREN AND EDUCATION.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A BELIEV-

ER OF TRYING TO IMPACT

THE COMMUNITY WHERE

YOU ARE LIVING. I JUST

WANT TO BE AT THE RIGHT

PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

– Taifa Butler

By: Salita Gray

as policy and communications director for ten years. “I am excited to be in this new position because it allows me to have broader influence on public policy in Georgia.” In addition, Taifa’s career path included positions with the Georgia Academy for Children and Youth Professionals, and the Municipal Tax Bureau of Philadelphia, PA.

Her interest to run for the District 4 seat on the Henry County Board of Education in 2010 was sparked in 2008, when she was selected to be education policy fellow with the Georgia Part-nership for Excellence in Education. She began attending School Board meetings a year before she ran to get clarity on the mission of the board members. “Were they progressive in their think-ing about how to provide the best education for our students, real advocates for change?” she said. “Were they community focused and en-gaging parents in the process?” Taifa is a driven education advocate who concluded before los-ing her bid for election, “If I don’t win, at least I was obedient and offered a voice for education in this community.” Taifa continues assisting the Chamber Education Committee where she recently served as a workgroup co-chair on the Economics and Education Taskforce. She led the group to make recommendations that would help Henry County rank among the top schools in areas of: 3rd grade reading, 8th grade math, and SAT/ACT scores.

Taifa’s goal is to enhance education for Georgia, which ranks low on many education measures. “For some reason or another I just have this real concern about middle school. It is a critical time with that whole ‘rights of passage’ with children changing and trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be. How can we transform the middle school time for them so that it ignites self revelation which guides their path? Just like I recognized my gifts early, how are we doing that in schools? If the schoolhouse could also do that I think children would dis-cover themselves and be more engaged in their


( Taifa Butler )education on the other side of middle school. Expose them to the world and let them go abroad. Let them see the world and recognize there is more than jeans and iPods. How do we help young people identify their purpose and help put them on the path to their des-tiny? Of course we have to start at home, but I believe that every adult has a responsibility to positively impact the next generation.” One can clearly see how passionate this subject weighs on her heart, when she speaks about the need to help guide middle school kids through this time of puberty. Taifa welcomes the opportunity to speak to parents and stu-dents, to offer support for improving educa-tion in Henry County. She plans to continue to talk about education on a blog she’s develop-ing at www.taifabutler.com. “I’ve always been a believer of trying to impact the community where you are living. I want to see this com-munity continue to grow.” Taifa admits after lots of praying her mantra was inspired by an-other Sunday morning inspiration “I just want to be at the right place at the right time doing the right things with the right people.”


five under forty

( five under forty: bringing new life to hampton )

IT PAYS TO HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR IF YOU ARE GOING TO SERVE IN LOCAL GOVERN-MENT. ANYONE WHO HAS CHUCKLED AT ANDY PIPPIN’S DRY QUIPS AS HE OPENS A KI-WANIS MEETING. AS CURRENT PRESIDENT KNOWS HE FULFILLS THAT EDICT.

THE CITY HAS ROOM FOR EX-

PANSION AND HAS MANAGED

ITS GROWTH IN A RESPONSI-

BLE WAY,” “I SEE HAMPTON

BECOMING A REAL DESTINA-

TION IN THE NEAR FUTURE –

AND NOT JUST FOR NASCAR.

By: Diane Smith


iIt also pays to love the community you serve and to have a vision for its future. As Hampton City Manager, Andy definitely fills that bill.

Perhaps acting as vice president of his college’s inter-fraternity council served as the prep for his future career in politics. His love of the community comes naturally, as he was born and raised in nearby Jackson – and comes from a family whose second nature is to serve. His mother, Kay Pippin, is known for her strong leadership in the Henry Chamber of Commerce and his dad, Darrell Pippin, a retired high school teacher, now teaches part time at Southern Crescent Technical College.

Some people may be surprised to learn that the tall, sandy haired young man to whom they just spoke to about their power bill is actually the City Manager. At the ripe old age of 34 (and not looking a day over 26), Andy is one of the younger members of the local governing bodies. But his accomplishments speak largely about his commitment and abilities.

He recently attended the Regional Leadership Institute, a week long seminar hosted by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) where a group of 50 leaders from around the region came together to discuss such major issues as education, immigration, water and transportation.

These are familiar issues to Andy Pippin, whose responsibilities include the day-to-day opera-tions of the City of Hampton – including the police department, the waste water treatment plant, the public works (street department, water and sewer department), and the administrative depart-ment. He sets and manages the city’s budget and is responsible to see that it stays in the black. In addition, he is involved with Henry County leadership in such issues as the Special Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST), Entitlement Funding, and the project list for the T-SPLOST.

Andy believes that Hampton has a unique opportunity to grow in a very special way. “The city has

– Andy Pippin

room for expansion and has managed recent growth in a very responsible way,” he stated. “I see Hampton becoming a real destination in the near future – and not just for NASCAR.”

Anyone who has watched the City of Hampton the past two years can share in that vision. The revitalization of Main Street has brought new life to the small burg – new busi-nesses have opened, bringing revenue and excitement to Henry County’s smallest city. A drive downtown on any given evening shows a need for more parking, restaurants with full tables, and friends and neighbors greeting each other as they gather at outdoor tables or pass each other on the sidewalks.

What are some of the city’s current projects and plans? “We recently completed an LCI (Liv-able Centers Initiative) study,” he revealed. “This was an in-depth look by ARC at Hampton’s de-mographics and future transportation needs. It also addresses zonings and ordinances that might hinder future growth,” he continued.

Within the past two years, Hampton has purchased and constructed a new waste water treatment plant, a new 500,000 gallon water storage tank, a firing range for the city police department, and built a new public works facil-ity. And Hampton continues to move forward. “We are almost ready to launch the city’s first online bill pay system,” Andy shared.

In addition to his duties for the City and as president of Kiwanis, he sits on the board of Connecting Henry, the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of YP Henry (Henry County’s Young Professionals). And, if you look around the community, you’ll see pictures of this young City Manager sporting pink shirts or ties as one of Henry Medical Center’s chosen participants in the Real Mean Wear Pink campaign to support the fight against breast cancer.

It all kind of makes you wonder what Andy Pippin will accomplish in his next 34 years, doesn’t it?

( Congratulations to Andy and Amy on their October 1, 2011 wedding! )

( Andy Pippin )



HAPPENING DAILY

HMC-Baby2 Hmag 16.5x10.875.indd 1 10/6/11 3:42 PM

five under forty

( five under forty: a man of vision )

A CONVERSATION WITH DR. PETO FALLAS REVEALS RECURRING THEMES…FAMILY AND HELPING OTHERS. EVEN THE SLOGAN OF HIS PRACTICE, FALLAS FAMILY VISION ON HIGH-WAY 20 IN MCDONOUGH, ECHOES IT: “WHERE EVERY PATIENT IS PART OF THE FAMILY.”

OUR OFFICE HAS A HOMEY,

NON-CLINICAL FEEL.” “WE

SCHEDULE PATIENT EXAMS

WITH SOME EXTRA TIME BUILT

IN SO WE CAN TAKE TIME TO

GET TO KNOW THEM AND TREAT

THEM AS INDIVIDUALS.

By: Diane Smith

pProminent on the website is a portrait of the doctor, his wife Liz, and two sons, Noah and Max. (Not pictured is the latest addition to the family, son Liam.) Family members sometimes appear

in the practice’s advertisements – often featuring his own photography, one of his many hobbies.An optometrist who specializes in ocular disease and contact lenses, Dr. Fallas serves patients

of all ages. “Our office has a homey, non-clinical feel,” he states. “We schedule patient exams with some extra time built in so we can take time to get to know them and treat them as individuals.”

Fallas Family Vision’s list of services includes eye exams (walk-ins welcome); a wide assortment of frames, lenses and sunglasses; complete contact lens services; 24-hour emergency eye care; diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma (known as the silent thief of sight because it often does not have symptoms), cataracts, diabetic eye issues; and other comprehensive eye services.

Many who meet this young doc (38) can tell he’s fit – but don’t know that in his college days he was the 1996 body building champion for the University of South Dakota. Fitness still plays a big part in his life and he educates his patients on the importance of overall health.

It’s obvious that this is a man who values family. His speech is peppered with references to his dad and the lessons he taught him about getting the best out of life through remaining positive and working hard. With a father’s pride, he’ll tell you that his oldest son, Noah, is an ace soccer player. (Many Henry Countians have read of Noah’s rescue from choking by a then-unknown person at the McDonough Christmas parade – a story that pops up on his website each time it’s opened.)

Dr. Fallas’ personal involvement in the Henry County community is impressive. He serves on the boards of Leadership Henry and the Henry Medical Center Foundation. He was one of the organizers of the 2011 Foundation’s Pacemaker 5000, which had a record breaking attendance


– Dr. Fallas

of 1,000+. (As an interesting aside, while visiting his parents in his native Costa Rica, Dr. Fallas was able to have dinner with Henry County’s own Denese and Stuart Rodgers!)

In 2010, Dr. Fallas was honored to be a spokesperson for Real Men Wear Pink for which he created a documentary, Three Shades of Pink (http://www.threeshadesofpink.com).

He is currently turning his efforts to raising funds for the family of Ketren Waites, a two year old in the county who is battling cancer. “I’ve ridden two century rides (100 miles in one day) and have paid myself $1.00 per mile. One person matched that amount and another gave $100. We gave the family $500 toward the overwhelm-ing medical expenses.” In addition, he is orga-nizing other fundraisers and is creating another documentary to bring awareness to this family’s struggle. “If each person in Henry County would reach out and help someone in some way, think what an impact that would have on this commu-nity,” he says with quiet passion. His own child-hood in Costa Rica is full of wonderful memories, and he is deeply touched when children’s lives are adversely affected by disease and despair.

Dr. Fallas wishes to leave a legacy for his own children that cannot be measured in ma-terial ways. “I want my sons to grow up and be able to say ‘My father was a great man. He made a difference in this person’s life and that person’s life. I don’t want them growing up and saying ‘He was a rich guy.’” But in all the ways that matter, they’ll realize their father, Dr. Humberto C. “Peto” Fallas really is a rich guy – rich in family and in following his dad’s lead in reaching out to make a difference in all the lives he touches through his vision to serve.

( Dr. Peto Fallas )



five under forty

( five under forty: the passionate powerhouse )

YOU COULD SAY THAT TURNING 40 IS A PIVOTAL STAGE IN YOUR LIFE, ONE OF REFLEC-TION AND POSITIONING FOR INEVITABLE FUTURE ADVENTURES. THAT’S EXACTLY WHERE WE’VE FOUND MELISSA CHAPMAN, AT THE HELM OF AN INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN NON-PROFIT, TAKING IT ALL IN STRIDE.

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS

SHE’S LEARNED IN LIFE, “DIS-

CIPLINE AND FAITH ARE SOME-

THING I RELY ON AND PRACTICE

EVERY DAY, ESPECIALLY IN THE

MANAGEMENT OF OUR COM-

PLEX ORGANIZATION.

aAs the CEO for Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, she has been on the front lines of building community ties and strengthening families with her team of dedicated employees

and volunteers. Meanwhile, as a devoted wife and mother, she and her equally busy husband, at-torney Christopher Chapman are surprised at how they keep all the balls in the air. But that seems to come naturally to Melissa.

“I’ve juggled all my life. And I find that I’m most ‘on’ when I’m running wide open,” she cheer-fully describes her busy life. Her experience jumping from place to place might make one a little exasperated just following her travels, but Chapman casually describes growing up in places as diverse as San Juan, Puerto Rico to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, also living for short stints in Amster-dam and traveling all over Europe. “The time my family spent overseas really shaped my life per-spective and gave me a sense of where I stand in this world.” Introduction to other cultures also served as the impetus for Chapman to want to study abroad, which she did in Paris, France and, while pursing her Master’s degree, in Beijing, China. With all she’s been exposed to, Chapman quickly explains the most important lessons she’s learned in life, “Discipline and faith. It’s some-thing I rely on and practice every day, especially in the management of our complex organization.”

Chapman cut her teeth in the business world working for Delta Air Lines, side by side to many of the company’s high-profile leaders, observing their quiet, deliberate strategies. “They gave me a lot of freedom to recognize where my strengths were,” she says. During this time, she was also pursing her Masters degree and putting together the professional puzzle pieces that would unfold into her eventual rise to her current role. Upon finishing her MBA, Chapman came home to work in Henry County. “I


– Melissa Chapman

had learned so much on a macro-level, observing how Delta made business decisions, I was ready to test that experience on a smaller, more local scale and found the banking industry the perfect platform to broaden my perspective.”

Her time in banking allowed her to build some of the relationships she cherishes today. “Managers of small businesses today operate under a tremendous amount of pressure, eco-nomic and otherwise, and many of the owners I have the opportunity to work with in my current role have maintained a culture of corporate giv-ing and community engagement that is truly in-spiring. I am grateful for their commitment to Southern Crescent Habitat and recognize that their support is the key to our collective com-munity impact.” With that, Chapman describes some of the organizations, such as Delta, Heri-tage Bank, Lowes, Wells Fargo, Toto, Georgia Power, and the many from the faith community who share Southern Crescent Habitat’s effort to see our community thrive.

A constant student, Chapman once had aspirations as a doctor (that is until she recon-ciled the fact that blood makes her queasy). She is now charged with explaining development ventures to the communities her organization serves. “There was a time when homeownership wasn’t so front-and-center in the conversation,” she says. “But with the meltdown in the mort-gage and real estate industries, it makes what we do more relevant. Sustainability is the name of the game here, and we are meeting the needs of this demanding environment every day.” That requires her to stay on top of multimillion-dollar projects, such as her partnership with Atlanta Federal Home Loan Bank and with Clayton County’s Community Housing Development Or-ganization (CHDO) program, while managing the

( Melissa Chapman )


ongoing efforts to open and expand the reach of Southern Crescent’s mission to families through homeownership and strategic educa-tional opportunities for program participants.

Chapman’s commitment to family is certainly apparent in her dedication to her own. When asked to name the most important person in her life, Chapman quickly breaks into a wide smile. “My husband Christopher. I love how he thinks peripherally, outside of what’s in the line of sight. And he’s the kindest person I know; constantly teaching me to practice patience and embrace all of life’s learning opportunities.”

And her learning opportunities have been plentiful. As the top official charged with grow-ing and expanding the organization, Chapman knows the power of a well-placed metaphor, one which serves as her motto. “God helps those who help themselves,” she says. “And God unquestionably has His hand on our work.” I ended our conversation by asking Melissa if she could be doing anything now, what would it be? “I’m right where I’m sup-posed to be. Forty is turning out to be a pretty amazing year.” And with that, she’s off again!



christmas photos

photo byJames Blount

photo byMarc Vogel

feature truffles medispa

protecting the skin and by doing this, it helps to reduce and prevent premature aging.

Next came the luxurious and highly ben-eficial customized facial and the introduction of the Obagi Nu-Derm® System, the #1 prescrip-tion strength, physician dispensed skin care sys-tem. The ingredients help increase cell turnover resulting in younger looking and acting skin, as well as elimination of freckles and sun spots. I have been using this corrective skin care pro-gram at home under the watchful oversight of the skilled Truffles staff and I can truly attest that my skin is brighter and clearer.

In the spring, a chemical peel was adminis-tered and wow what an amazing process! The texture and tone of my skin greatly improved through the Skinluma® Gloss Skin Retexturing System, with very little down time.This highly beneficial procedure tightened my pores and created a surface that helped the wonderful skin products I was using to penetrate better.

Another enhancement I utilized under Truf-fle’s direction, is Latisse®, an FDA approved pre-scription medication for the treatment of inad-equate eyelash growth. It is applied with a sterile applicator nightly to each eye, encourages eye-lashes to grow, causing a lengthening, thickening and a darkening of the eyelash. I saw results in less than 8 weeks! In order for the benefits to continue, Latisse® has to be used continuously as stopping will cause the eyelashes to revert back to their normal length, thickness and color over a period of months. I can assure you I will be continuing the treatment after how great I feel and look!

Next, the biggie---Botox®! It actually was a very easy decision to make since I had so much trust in Dr. Feldman and his staff. Stephanie explained to me that Botox® is a FDA approved prescription medication and is a simple, non

surgical, non invasive treatment. She went on to explain that the treatment itself is injected with a small gauge needle, into the muscles of the fore-head, between the eyes and in the crow’s feet area and relaxes the muscles where injected, decreas-ing the appearance of moderate to severe lines and wrinkles. She scheduled a consultation for me with Karen Lizurick, RN, BSN, and with just a small pinch involved, Karen had, without any discomfort, completed my Botox® treat-ment and the results were awesome!

Although temporary, the typical Botox® treatment results last around 3 to 4 months but vary from person to person. With the help of Truffles and Dr. Feldman’s professional staff, I had a comfortable experience and will be back for more. It is so gratifying to be in the hands of a true professional surgeon such as Dr. Feldman who is both a Fellow of the International Col-lege of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. By partnering with Dr. Feldman and Truffles I am totally assured all procedures are performed correctly and expertly.

Always looking for time savers, the laser hair reduction procedure, with treatments taking less than 30 minutes with virtually no discomfort, fit the bill perfectly for me. The state of the art laser energy equipment utilized by Truffles for permanent hair reduction is phenomenal with clinically documented success for all skin types.

Now that my skin has undergone such an amazing transformation, I am using the Obagi ® Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 that came with my Obagi NuDerm® Skin Transformation System. This is helping to fully protect my skin from future damage. These products and pro-cedures (Microdermabrasion, Sunscreen, Facial, Chemical Peel, Botox®, Latisse®) all work togeth-er for an amazing overall skin enhancement and I love the results—you will too!

I t’s been almost a full year since I made the much needed commitment to start taking better care of my skin. I em-barked on a wonderful journey that has

been extremely rewarding and enlightening in so many ways! First and foremost I am now a better educated consumer armed with the education and understanding of not only the importance of skin care but the steps needed to take proper care of my skin. Thankfully there are great credentialed professionals like Dr. Paul Feldman and Stephanie Basile, LE, of Truffles Medispa who guided me in the right direction to achieve the goals I aspired to have with my skin care. This is a journey that will be life long and a lasting relationship with these awesome professionals. I look for-ward to continuing the journey with them!

Here’s a look back at the year in review that started with a thorough professional assessment by Dr. Feldman at Truffles and a personalized skin care regime. I am so glad I decided to take this important self improvement journey with Dr. Feldman and my Aesthetician Stephanie Basile. I’m happy to share with you some of the highlights of the program that has yielded such fantastic results.

At the first of the year, following an evalua-tion of my skin and medical history, and a thor-ough skin cleansing, I experienced a procedure called microdermabrasion to exfoliate dead skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface. As it turns out, microdermabrasion, which was quite painless, yields instant results with smoother more radi-ant skin. I left Truffles looking and feeling great but not before receiving a stern directive about the daily use of sunscreen. I was reminded by Stephanie that unprotected exposure to the sun is the single most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Daily sunscreen use is the first step in

BY LISA KINCHEN & DR. PAUL FELDMAN, M.D.,F.A.C.S.,F.I.C.S.

R E A P I N G T H E R E W A R D S O F P R O P E R

Skin Care: A Year in Review


R E A P I N G T H E R E W A R D S O F P R O P E R



Do you ever look at yourself in apicture or in the mirror and wonderwho that is staring back at you? Mostdays, I hurriedly get ready for mymarathon of a day and pay littleattention to how my appearance haschanged. It’s in those rare momentsthat I really take the time to payattention to the mirror or someoneposts a picture on facebook when I amastonished to see an overweightmiddle aged woman staring back atme. When did this happen? I tellmyself that I don’t feel like thatpicture, but if I am truthful with myself,my energy level has been dropping asfast as my resolve to do somethingabout it.

I am no different than most Americanwomen…putting everything andeveryone ahead of myself…trying to beall things to all people while juggling acareer and the needs of my little girl,husband, family, friends andemployees. At the end of the day, I amdrained of all energy and feelemotionally spent. Recent tragedy inour lives has on one hand left me withlittle care about what I look or feel likebut on the other hand has made mewant to fight to be a better person formy husband and daughter. I want tobe here for them to count on andbeing here means more than physicallyhere, but emotionally here. I must gethealthy…physically and emotionally.

I joined Family Medical Clinics asPractice Administrator back in April,alongside my husband, Allan Imes (oneof the founding providers at the clinic).This was a radical diversion from mycorporate executive positions Ipreviously held and frankly somethingI never considered in my career goalsor plans. At the time I made thechange, I wasn’t even sure why I wasdoing it exactly. I do know now thatthe change was something God hadplanned for us. God knew that Family

Medical and Allan were going to needme in a way that we could have neverimagined. And in the quest to learn allthat I am learning, I have discovered Ineed Family Medical far beyond thatof an employee. I need Family Medicaland the caring compassionateproviders there to help me with myhealth. In my few short months there,I have watched the providerstransform people’s lives through anapproach that goes far beyond losingweight. Food is only one factor.Exercise is only another. True health,true wellness is all that you are … it iswhat you put in and what you put out.And what I love about these guys atFamily Medical, they live wellness.Every one of them focuses on theirown health and walks the talk. Bydoing this themselves, they know weare all different…we all have our ownspecial needs. Take me, for example.I have a hypothyroid and high bloodpressure. I don’t do well with diet pills(they make me want to do meanthings to mean people), my family isgoing thru a heck of a lot emotionallyright now and my mind is not in a goodplace and I have as hectic of a scheduleas it comes (and tend to get ticked offwhen Allan tells me I should havemade it to the gym regardless of the105 critical items on my to do listtoday). Yes, I can come up with 100new reasons daily why I did not get puton the to do list that day, but the truthis, every day that I fall to the bottom ofthat list is every day that I am not thereal mother, real wife and real friendthat the people in my life need me tobe.

So, while I joined the Family back inApril as the Practice Administrator, I’mjoining the family again…as a patient.Walk with me over the next fewmonths as I get healthy and find waysto improve my life through the FamilyMedical Wellness Approach.

The Family Medical WellnessApproach…YOUR body – The Family Medical teamknows that every one of our bodies isdifferent and we all have our ownmedical issues that we mustovercome. Whether you have a bumknee, hypertension, diabetes, heartissues, or anything else, there isnothing that can keep you from gettinghealthier than you are today. Themost important thing is to have yourcomplete wellness program bemanaged by a medical practitionerwho knows your issues and works ona program that will be healthy for you.

Your nutrition – Some of us knowmore about what we should put in ourbodies than others. Regardless of yourcurrent education around nutrition,the providers at Family Medical willtake the time to ensure you know theright and wrong things going into yourbody. We have teamed with a groupof nutritionists to help you customdesign your eating plan. In addition,the providers have researched thelatest and greatest supplements tohelp stave off uncontrollable eatingurges and fat loss.

Your fitness – Exercise is critical. Thatdoesn’t mean you have to run sprintsor marathons. Our providers believeexercise needs to be tailored to yourlifestyle so that it is sustainable. Weare very excited about the team offitness gurus that we have partneredwith to help you with your customizedfitness plan.

Your mind & spirit– Life is really hard.We have obstacles, challenges andtragedy put in front of us daily thatmake just getting out of the bed seemunthinkable. But, through God we findstrength and we can get thru thingsthat we never thought possible. Godwants us strong and healthy becausewhen we are healthy, we can be therefor each other and that’s what life is allabout … helping each other. If youneed someone to talk to you aboutyour day to day struggles, we can findsomeone to help you with this too.

Our Providers…

MCDONOUGH LOCATION1631 Hwy. 20 W • McDonough, GA 30253Phone 770.288.2822 • Fax 770.692.8177Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am-7pm • Sun. 10am-6pm

LOCUSTGROVE LOCATION3334 Hwy. 155 • Locust Grove, GA 30248

Phone 678.583.0241 • Fax 678.538.0261Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. & Sun. Closed

FAMILYMEDICAL’S WELLNESSPROGRAM

I joined the Family…again!

LORRIE IMESLOCUST GROVE, GA

Photo courtesy of Jacquie Rives Photography

TONY RIVES,PA-C

ALLAN IMES,PA-C

JEFFERYREED, DO

JORGEMORENO, MD

Let Our Family Care For Your Family.

LORRIE IMES, FAMILY MEDICAL


physician profile

by ?????

business profile

siastically ensure that residents are happy and satisfied. The list of features and amenities is ex-tensive and definitely worth mentioning. Let’s start with these just to name several: sunrooms in every home, garages available, fireplaces in select homes, resort style swimming pool with cabana, executive business center, lighted tennis courts, ceiling fans, state of the art health club and fitness center, private car wash facility, free monitored alarm systems, double stainless steel sinks, private patio or balcony, pet friendly, kids play-scape, jogging nature trail, high speed internet access, 24/7 emergency maintenance, resident appreciation activities such as pool parties, bingo, and breakfast on the go. There are truly many more reasons to choose The Crossing as your new home but we would run out of space listing them all!

Forget everything you thought you knew about apartment living and let us introduce you to The Cross-ing at McDonough, luxury apart-

ment homes established in 2004. Before ac-quainting you with the impressive features, awesome amenities and community activi-ties offered at The Crossing, meet resident Adrienne Kimble who fell in love with her new home a little over three years ago. “First impressions are very important to me,” said Mrs. Kimble “and our first contact with the staff, their professionalism, caring and kindness made us feel like we were long time residents before we ever signed a lease.” Those positive and crucial first impressions carried over when Adrienne and her family arrived at The Crossing and were struck by

the gorgeous landscaping, well maintained, exceptionally clean grounds and beautiful apartment homes. She further explained “an affordable, luxury apartment as opposed to home ownership is a perfect fit for us now. We have two very active, very busy children involved in school, sports and other activi-ties. The convenience and affordability of The Crossing allows us to do all those things you want for your children.”

From the moment you arrive at the gated entrance to The Crossing, it is easy to see why residents are so pleased to call this their home. Couples, families, single individuals, all ages will find this is a community that has something for everyone. Property Manager Lesa McCain is clearly proud of what is offered at The Crossing. She and all the staff enthu-

Welcome to

45 november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

The Crossing at McDonough – You’re Home!

commitment to quality and her desire for residents to be happy and satisfied is obvi-ous. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the property and offer new services and conveniences to our residents. For ex-ample, we just recently added the services of a personal trainer, a massage therapist and dry cleaning pick up and delivery and more services are coming!”

To sum it up, you are invited to “indulge yourself in the comforts of living at The Crossing at McDonough.” We invite you to visit their web site at www.thecrossingmc-donough.com about exciting upcoming events and special offers for residents and future residents. The Crossing at Mc-Donough is located at 100 Crossing Blvd., McDonough, 770.692.1630.

But don’t take our word for it – just ask long time resident Nancy Henderson who, along with her husband, their daughter and two cats has lived at The Crossing for seven years and selected it as home while it was still under construction. The Andersons selected The Crossing because it is not a “typical apartment complex.” “We are very happy with the convenient location, close to interstate and Atlanta, and yet it is a peaceful environment. The property manager is a wonderful person, very responsive to all our needs. We feel very safe and I can truly say in all the years we have lived here we have had not one problem” she shared, “and we have absolutely no plans to go anywhere else!”

This theme of resident satisfaction continues as evidenced by Ms. Monique

Garland who relocated from North Carolina to Henry County almost three years ago. In her search for a safe, convenient location near her place of employment and plenty of access to shopping, she chose The Crossing for several key reasons, she shared, “it is a gated community, affordable, with lots of nearby shopping, and they provide excellent customer service!”

Although there are so many wonderful amenities and exceptional features available, we asked Property Manager Lesa McCain to share with us three of the top features of The Crossing. Here is what she shared, “We have a great location – secluded yet convenient to everything! Our floor plans are very spacious and our pricing is excellent – you get a lot for your money.” In talking with Lesa, her


The Crossing at McDonough 100 Crossing Blvd., McDonough, Georgia770.692.1630

www.thecrossingmcdonough.com

celebrity chefs

Celebrity Chef:Ralph Easterwood


by angel maynard

the Henry County Police Department. In the crazy economic times we live in, Pastor Easter-wood as a Henry County Police Department Chaplain, recognizes the financial and emo-tional stress that being in law enforcement can bring. Because of the tremendous service they do for this county, Pastor Easterwood would like to set up a fund that is specifically for those dedicated men and women in blue. He and Howard Hsu of Gezzo’s Grille and Surf ask that you stop by sometime (or everyday!) the week of November 11 through November 18, 2011, to try a few tacos. Your full stomach will help raise money for the men and women that keep you safe everyday in this county.

I’ll be stopping by to sample the recipe before I try it out in my own kitchen. See you there!

and Surf for the week of November 11, 2011, through November 18, 2011, Pastor Easter-wood chose a 40 year old favorite. He chose Gwen’s delectable beef tacos!

H Magazine regular readers will recognize Pastor Ralph Easterwood by the column “Chaplain’s Corner” written by Beverly Van Gorder. I was fortunate enough to get to meet with Pastor Easterwood and his wife Gwen in their home to discuss their charity of choice and those mouth watering tacos. I wrote the recipe down while we talked. They will be on my table soon. The secret is in the chili and the beans. Ssshhhh! It’s no surprise that when asked to be a Celebrity Chef for Charity participant, Pastor Easterwood immediately went into action to use the opportunity to raise funds for the Police Benevolent fund for

Forty years ago a young preacher’s wife walked into the A&P looking for Mexican corn meal. Forty years ago Gezzo’s Grille and Surf wasn’t

just around the corner to make you a taco. This new imported cuisine, if eaten, had to be made at home. With a special order of corn meal from the A&P in her clutches and a brand new tortilla press shipped in from one of her missionary friends in Mexico, Gwen Easterwood went about the task of preparing her husband, Ralph Easterwood, a Mexican feast of beef tacos. Her husband would later become the Senior Pastor at Glen Haven Baptist Church. So, when asked to provide a recipe for the Celebrity Chef for Charity meal prepared by Howard Hsu of Gezzo’s Grille

BEEF TACOS

Ralph Easterwood


48november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

september/october 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

Budgets go Down. Expectations Don’t.

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The Future is Calling

51

people and the constitutional duties of his office. During the three years since his election as Sheriff he has worked hard to minimize the effect of the depressed economy by improving operational efficiencies, increasing the use of technology to free up man-hours and improv-ing employee skills. That includes insuring delivery of healthy meals for inmates at the best possible cost.

As a result of the improved efficiencies and the use of technology the Sheriff’s Office has been able to keep pace with the demand of a growing population. In addition to the duties of his office Sheriff McBrayer serves on the Board of Directors for; the Georgia Sheriff’s

Although the Henry County Sheriff’s Office serves over 15,000 meals a week, numbers any restaurant would envy, Sheriff

Keith McBrayer knows his area of expertise is in public safety and not in the kitchen. Therefore his collaboration with Gezzo’s is an opportunity to raise money for a worthwhile charity with help from a real Chef.

Sheriff McBrayer is the 28th Sheriff of Henry County since 1823. Keith, a lifelong resident of Henry County, has served in Henry County law enforcement since 1975. As our chief law enforcement officer, elected by the citizens, Keith is responsible to the

Youth Homes, Connecting Henry, Youth Leadership Henry, the Boys Scouts Flint River Council, and the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for the Southern Crescent Techni-cal College.

Sheriff McBrayer was active in sports and scouting as a youth and he believes that it is important to help young people today get on the right path at an early age. Under his direction, the Sheriff’s Office has a strong commitment to youth programs both in the county schools as well as activities the Sheriff’s employees provide to interact with young people. “In my 35 years in law enforcement I have seen way too many families torn apart,

celebrity chefs

Celebrity Chef:Sheriff Keith McBrayer

november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

52

Chef Howard Hsu of Gezzo’s Grille and Surf to help continue to provide the best possible care for the dependent, neglected, and abused children of Georgia. During the week of December 9 – 16, with the holiday spirit in mind and looking for those perfect gifts, come by Gezzo’s to reenergize and warm up.

Together Chef Hsu and Sheriff McBrayer wanted to create a dish with the holidays in mind. This tasty treat will warm the patron from the inside with both a delicious meal and the knowledge that their support will help young Georgian’s grow into productive suc-cessful citizens and have fond memories of the holiday season.

and individual lives sent down the wrong path, because a young person made bad decisions.”

Based on his desire to help young people it should be no surprise to learn that he has selected the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes as the charity that will benefit from the Celebrity Chef program.

The purpose of Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes is to give our state’s most at-risk chil-dren the love, safety, and structure needed to become mature, successful adults.

Many Georgia sheriffs became increasingly concerned about the growing number of aban-doned, neglected, and abused children who through no fault of their own found them-

selves without the love and guidance a child needs. So in 1960, the sheriffs opened Geor-gia’s first Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch near Hahira.

Over the years, four additional homes have opened across the state for both boys and girls – providing thousands of disadvantaged youth the opportunity to live normal, positive lives in full-time residential facilities.

Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes serve over one hundred children in residential care and hundreds of children in its camping program. House parents instill in the children a strong work ethic, emphasizing education and train-ing for future success.

Sheriff McBrayer is happy to team up with



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Action Limousines

4350 North Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281

(770)507-1727

www.actionlimousines.com


november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz59

our stories

Jane Forcucci and Kim Houghtonphotos byPicture This Studio

have. They adorn real and artificial trees: if artificial, Kim and Jane are happy to purchase one for you (although you may do this yourself ), and if you opt for the authentic, they’ll bring it even more to life (however you will be responsible for its installation and upkeep). “Our goal, really,” Jane says, “is to do the work for our clients so that they can enjoy the season. Everyone feels burdened around Christmastime with ‘Oh, I have to put up the decorations on top of everything else.’ We want to take care of that for you.”

And why decorating for Christmas? “Christmas decorations just set the tone for the warmth, loving, and sweet moods that the holiday season brings,” says Kim. And it shows in their passion: as she states, “This is what we love to do; we look forward to it all year.”

So “let us take the hassle out of the holi-days,” the ladies exclaim, and keep listening for those Silver Belles to ring, because soon it will be Christmas day.

(For more information about Silver Belles decorating, contact Jane Forcucci at 404.234.5745 or Kim Houghton at 678.207.6296.)


Bing Crosby might tout the joys of hearing silver bells chiming as we pass city sidewalks, but with the help of Henry holiday

home decorators Jane Forcucci and Kim Houghton, you’ll be hearing “Silver Belles” ring right where you live.

As longtime lovers of interior decorat-ing and lifelong lovers of the Christmas season, Jane and Kim have been decorat-ing homes together for the past five years. Initially starting with each others’ houses, they soon spread their talents to the homes of friends and colleagues, and are launch-ing their services to the public under the company name “Silver Belles” (reflecting the spirit of the season and their southern roots) this winter.

Beginning the first week in October and continuing all the way up until Christmas Eve, the ladies work with their clients to create custom-designed interiors that every-one can enjoy, from those holiday guests to the carolers on the doorstep to the family gathered ’round the fire. Over the years their creative minds have crafted many themes, from classic ones like traditional, rustic, and Victorian to the more eclectic,

like fashionista (complete with shoes and lipstick), Snoopy, and the unforgettable “leopard.” But men, you’re not to be out-done: Like sports? They can craft that into a tree. Does your blood bleed NASCAR speed? Your living room’s about to also, though they’ll be sure to put on the park-ing break. “I even did a hunting tree for my son,” Jane says, “and his Christmas lights were shotgun shells!” Now that’s ingenuity!

However they’re not confined to just trees: Kim and Jane will decorate any space in your home, from bathrooms and dining rooms to chandeliers and china cabinets, and everything in between. (They can even fashion the perfect Christmas Village.) And if you’re not sure what you’d like, they’ll show you a portfolio of their work – happy to customize each theme to your liking. They also decorate office spaces and places of business, perfect for your customers to see as they walk in the door.

The ladies do setup and take-down of decorations, or, if you prefer, just the former, and can complete their work in just one day. They can also purchase decora-tions for you (which you then keep) and/or work with the existing items you already

“Silver Belles” by sandra l. mcgill

60

Make Your HouseA Home For The Holidays

Most of us have had the impersonal doctor’s office visit. You’re greeted at the front desk with a nod and

“please sign in.” You wait a VERY long time in the lobby and then longer still in the exam room. When the doctor walks in she looks at your chart to find your name. And we don’t even want to talk about that last Urgent Care visit…

What if…your primary care and urgent care providers were the same? And what if you were greeted like a friend? And what if you could watch your favorite program while you waited in the exam room? Welcome to CorrectMed Urgent Care Center, at 4861 Bill Gardner Parkway in Locust Grove.

emergency room nurses, which makes a huge impact on the urgent care side of Correct Med. “I’ve been known to snap a photo on my cell phone and send it to a surgeon when I know there is an immedi-ate need,” says Tina Paulk, FNP. “I’m not afraid to tell them ‘something needs to be done NOW!’”

In addition to providing dual services, CorrectMed also offers full lab and x-ray services on site so there is no weeks-long waiting for lab and test results. The pri-mary care staff offers both traditional and holistic treatment for wellness, anti-aging medicine, and chronic care diseases. “Our goal is to treat the whole person,” assures Tina. “We don’t just offer a pill as a fix for

CorrectMed is the culmination of a dream held by Dr. Carlo Musso and fam-ily nurse practitioner Linda Faulkner. It came together in January of 2010. They had worked together in a large emer-gency department in metro Atlanta in the 1990s. Their idea was to provide primary care services on an appointment basis and tie in urgent care services to give their patients the convenience of walk-in treatment after hours and on weekends. Such a combination would provide a con-tinuum of care not possible in separate, free standing facilities. When it came to staffing the medical facility, Linda states “We went after the best of the best!”

The nurses at CorrectMed are trained


business profile

The Doctorby diane smith


Will See You Now

nel,” Karen says with a smile. Perhaps the only thing missing at the Decatur office will be Linda Faulkner, rolling around the hallways in an office chair, giving a child a tour to ease a case of the nerves. But, knowing the CorrectMed philosophy of staffing with only the best, that office is sure to have its own method of turning a case of nerves into one of giggles!

“We want our patients to leave feel-ing like they were listened to and cared about as a whole person” states Linda Faulkner. Correct Med is accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 770.626.5740 or visit them on the web at www.correctmed.com.

everything. We look at the physical and the emotional,” she continued. “Is there a need for better nutrition? Therapies? We may even suggest researched based herbal or organic supplements.”

Dr. John Vu, primary care physician at CorrectMed, echoes this sentiment. “We do a lot of preventative care – we like to ‘put out the fire’ before it becomes something bigger,” he explains. “We dig into why a patient might have high blood pressure or other issues,” he continues. “I may even ask them about the family pet when looking for answers.” Dr. Vu joined to Correct Med after 14 years of having his own practice in Griffin.

One of the best ways to celebrate

success is to duplicate it, right? Cor-rectMed plans to open a new pediatric primary and urgent care facility in Decatur, Georgia, staffed by Dr. David Goo and Dr. Jessica Doyle. This facility will be centrally located to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and Egleston/Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. Project Man-ager Karen Sagon from the Locust Grove office has been busy pulling together the layout and décor for the new office. Her excitement about the new project is evident as she describes the colors and fun elements that she has planned for that facility. Will there be a television in each exam room there, as well? “Of course – complete with the Disney Chan-


David Esslingerfirst revealed his change in careers to his father, after having spent 20 very success-ful years in the retail industry, he received his hearty approval. “When I started this company my dad said ‘I tried to tell you 20 years ago that’s what you needed to be doing.’” From the moment he could oper-ate a lawn mower, David shared, his dad never worried about their lawn being cut.

Through their stability and expertise coupled with the vast array of diverse services they offer, David is able to meet the needs of a broad range of customers including everything from large distribu-tion centers to office, warehouse, and retail spaces of all sizes, as well as a large national bank with multiple locations within this service area. And services are provided year round David explains. Even when the weather cools, there is still plenty of work to be done. During the off season they thoroughly clean and groom their customers’ properties by removing fallen leaves and debris. It is also a great time to prune back trees and do any addi-

complete landscape design and installa-tion including paver and retaining wall installation. Services are consistently delivered with this mission in mind: To provide our customers with the highest quality landscape management program at competitive prices through a national organization of dedicated local owner op-erators and their employees, supported by the expertise of today’s most accomplished industry leaders.

“I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and have had the U.S. Lawns franchise for over three years,” he says. “I have always loved the smell of fresh cut grass and I love the look of a freshly mani-cured lawn.” It is from the love of the outdoors that David’s career grew and flourished into the respected and well established business it is today. There is no doubt about it, David definitely lives up to the company motto “YOUR image is everything to US.”

A native of Oneonta, AL., he has lived in McDonough for 11 years. When David

When it comes to his work environment, David Esslinger has the best of both worlds. David, the

owner of U.S. Lawns of McDonough, doesn’t have to worry about wearing a suit and tie to the office. The 47-year old McDonough resident owns U.S. Lawn’s southern crescent region, which keeps him on the go. Not even the heat and humid-ity associated with working outdoors in Georgia in the summer can dampen the enthusiasm David has for his dream job!

He and his expert crews see to the lawn care and landscape needs of numerous businesses in Henry, Clayton, Spalding and Rockdale counties. His company is proud of their national strength with dedicated local commitment and personal attention to details. Services include full service landscape management, seasonal color design and installation, fertilization, pest and weed management, irrigation management, arbor care management, snow and ice management as well as

our stories

by valerie baldowski


Uses His Green Thumb to Beautify Communities

tional work such as installing or replacing plant material.

David’s work speaks for itself and his business is generating rave reviews! “David and his team have done an excellent job for a very reasonable price for many years. We couldn’t be happier with the services they provide to the church,” says David Graham, lead pastor for Living Way Church. “The service US Lawns provides is top-notch,” Graham says. “They are some of the best I have ever dealt with in my 20 years of ministry,” he continues, “quick, thorough, attentive and very professional.They do excellent work, and we could not be more pleased with the service we receive.”

No doubt you have seen David’s qual-ity work and artistic landscape designs throughout Henry and surrounding counties. It is truly commercial landscap-ing at its best!

For more information please visit www.uslawns.com and Facebook U.S. Lawns of McDonough or call 678.432.1753 office; 770.314.0632 cell.



65

can purchase your clothes, take them next door to be tailored, pick up a pair of matching shoes, and then pause for a quick lunch of rice and beans with an arepa (fried cornmeal patty). Beyond the stores, street vendors abound. The catch phrase used by all is “A la orden!” It is used as a combination of “Attention!,” “Hello,” and “You’re Welcome.”

Moving on to Bogotá was like changing worlds, entirely. Where Cartagena was loud, chaotic, and hot – Bogotá is enormous, busy, and downright chilly at times. While all of Colombia is working fiercely to overcome the challenges of their recent history – Bogotá is leading

travel

In Latin America, the two largest holiday observances are Easter (Semana Santa) and Christmas (Navidad).

Just as in the Henry County, shops and stores began stocking Christ-mas toys and trimmings as early as September. We entered South America via Cartagena, Colombia, in mid-September. Indigenous activ-ity in the Cartagena region has been recorded back as far as 4000 BC, and both indigenous and Spanish influ-ences are integral to the cityscape. Stores and shops in Cartagena tend to be small, tucked in ancient, ornate, multi-story marketplaces – kind of a one-stop shop where you

by denese rodgers

november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

the way. To boost the economy and encourage a sense of community this grand city of almost 9,000,000 closes their downtown streets on Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Street vendors and musicians line the streets as locals flood the streets on bicycles, in-line skates, baby carriages, and just strolling along. And where our Christmas yummies consist of turkey and dressing, their street side holiday fare consists of hearty soups (Ajiaco or Frijoles a la Olla) or open air grilled beef and pork with a cheese-filled arepa on the side.

Holiday Wishes from Denese & Stuart!

november/december 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz 66

business profile

charting is done on computer with care-ful back ups to protect information.

“In addition, many of our patient re-minders are done via emails or text,” shares Dr. King. “Our patients are busy and many prefer a quick message sent to their phones rather than a postcard or phone call.” Of course, some still prefer the tradi-tional methods and are accommodated.

Does going high tech mean losing the personal touch? Not according to patients Sulla Wilson and JoAnn Seymore. JoAnn did some investigating to find a dentist to repair a chipped front tooth. She asked friends and checked out Dr. King’s web-site. When she arrived for her 8:00 a.m. appointment, she remembers, “I instantly

Many publications today have articles about “go-ing green” – making decisions that impact the

environment. It may be changing from fluorescent to LED lighting, implement-ing a recycling program, or permitting employees to telecommute. People may not think of dentistry as it affects ecol-ogy, but Dr. Linda King of Locust Grove is making strides to make her practice more environmentally friendly while sav-ing her patients precious time.

Traditional dentistry has plenty of disposables such as x-ray films and chemicals, patient charting and mul-tiple appointment reminder mailers.

Dr. King’s practice eliminates many of these variables.

“We use digital x-rays in our exams,” she explains. “There are no films and no development chemicals.” If an x-ray needs retaken, it’s a click of the “delete” button to send it to the computer’s elec-tronic recycle bin rather than to a landfill. What does this mean for the patient? Digital x-rays are displayed on a large screen, giving a clear view of the teeth and any issues they may have. “Patients no longer have to squint at a tiny square of film at a speck that represents tooth decay!” Dr. King says.

No unsightly wall of patient charts is visible in the homey office. All patient

Saving your teeth…


gives a laugh and a shake of her head. “His dentist screened him and told him he had high blood pressure. She filled the gaps, and he ended up shaving the long mustache he had grown to cover his smile.” Because of this professional’s in-tervention, he changed his way of eating and encouraged his household to do the same. He lost weight, his blood pressure dropped, and he gained a beautiful smile. “It was life changing, and that’s when I decided I wanted to make that kind of difference in people’s lives.”

Technology meets compassion…in a dentist’s chair in Henry County. For more information about Dr. Linda King, visit www.lindakingdds.com.

photo byPicture This Studioby diane smith

felt right at home. I had been thinking about getting veneers on my front teeth, and when I mentioned it to Dr. King she discussed ways to make it happen.” Ac-cording to JoAnn, when she left less than an hour and a half later, she was on the road to a great smile. “It’s the nicest thing I’ve ever done for myself.”

Sulla is a self-proclaimed dental phobic but knew she needed some work done. She found Dr. King’s office on the internet and made an appointment. “She and her staff made me feel so comfort-able. They explained everything one step at a time and did not pressure me. I felt like I was among friends.” Sulla gives the highest praise possible to a dentist when

she says “I recently moved to North Car-olina, but if I need more work will drive the eight hours to have the work done by Dr. King. I trust her and her staff, and I no longer fear going to the dentist!”

These patients and others have benefit-ted from Dr. King’s philosophies. “I once read a Buddhist quote about our purpose being to relieve suffering in others,” she says thoughtfully. “And while many people see a dentist’s role as just the op-posite, I believe that is my purpose.” As she speaks, the passion is evident. “My dad had big gaps in his teeth. He had high blood pressure. He was overweight, he didn’t feel good and he was miserable. A DENTIST changed all of that!” Linda

and the planet

68november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

Dr. Michelle Klosphotos by

Picture This Studio

has been so exciting to me and my whole family! I’ve even been taking less pain killers. I used to take two extra-strength Tylenols® and a cup of coffee for break-fast, two to three Advil® for lunch with a sandwich as an appetizer, then more pain killers before going to bed! Now there are many days that I don’t take any at all! My husband sat with me and cried when I told him that I had gone a whole week without having to take any painkillers! There’s been a definite improvement in my health overall. Even my family has noticed. All I can say is I am so thankful with all my heart for Dr. Klos, for all she and her staff have done for me. I am very excited to know that I am continuing to feel better and stronger!”

There is a lot Dr. Klos and her staff can offer YOU! Make an appointment today!

Southside Spinal CenterDr. Michelle Klos D.C.386 Racetrack RDMcDonough, GA 30252

Phone: 678.583.2982Fax: 678.583.2984Email: southsidespinalcenter@gmail

www.southsidespinalcenter.comwww.kloschiro.com

69 november/decemberr 2011 • www.hmagazine.biz

physician profile

There is hope! There is help! Don’t close your options. Chiropractics’ CAN HELP!” Dr Michelle Klos said in

reference to people who are suffer-ing with auto-immune disease. When Dironn Hollingsworth first heard about Southside Spinal Center she was look-ing for help and some needed answers. When I sat down to talk with Dironn, she opened up, “My first visit there I was in so much intense pain that it took my breath just to move but when my session with Dr. Klos was over and Ms. Lee Ann had massaged my back, I stood up very slowly expecting that pain to be still there but to my shock, it was gone! Every bit of the pain in my back, arms, neck, and shoulder was completely gone! I couldn’t believe it! I was so thankful, that I asked her, while crying like a baby, if I could give her a hug!” Dironn laughed while telling me this but there were tears in her eyes just recalling the moment. She had been already diagnosed with Polymyositis (pol-e-mi-o-SI-tis) a persistent inflam-matory muscle disease that causes weakness of the skeletal muscles, which control movement. Medically, polymyo-sitis is classified as a chronic inflamma-tory myopathy – one of only three such

diseases. Quote from Mayo Clinic Staff. “Physically, it’s very frustrating because

I can have a good day waking up with no pain and being able to do every day things but then the very next day, I’m hurting with every movement because I may have done a little too much the day before. Sometimes it hurts to do everything, even brushing my own hair or holding up a toothbrush can bring tears to my eyes from the pain and heaviness. Mentally, emotionally it’s been a roller coaster. My symptoms physically fight my faith. Sometimes my faith has been overcome by the pain, at those times I then tend to feel guilty or disappointed in my own lack of strength. My children are very help-ful but I have to admit that I have been embarrassed at times when my daughter has had to fix my hair or my son tuck me in at night because I literally cannot lift the heaviness of my blankets, feeling like a failure as a mother at times because of all the little things that I haven’t been able to do. But words cannot express how thankful and how full of love I feel towards my children for being there and not complaining. They’re thankful I’m still here and so am I. But lately I’ve felt more hopeful. There has been a definite decrease in hard days since seeing Dr. Klos, my energy level has increased as well, and that

by jennifer sconyers

Not only for back pain! Chiropractics...

No Man Left Behind

Retired Sergeant Major Leon Jordan (USMC) and Retired Sergeant Major Bob Van Dunk (Army) have joined forces here

in Henry County by forming a support group for veterans who need help readjust-ing to civilian life. Early this year, Jordan realized the need for this type of support group as he dealt with issues resulting from having been responsible for the deployment of troops to Iraq and Afghani-stan several of whom did not return. After consulting a counselor who specializes in helping veterans deal with traumatic wartime memories for advice on how to get the group going, Jordan acted upon the suggestion to call Van Dunk. He too was working through his own issues resulting from time spent in Vietnam.

These two gentlemen became fast friends and by July 28, 2011 they were ready to hold their first meeting of the Invisible Wounds Support Group in the Community Room at the Henry County Counseling Center located in Mc-

One regular attendee, who served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam for four years, shares “I was referred to this support group by my doctor. I knew something was not right with me and I wanted to get help. At my first meeting I mostly just listened. I wanted to make sure this was something that I thought could help me. Slowly my trust in the group came as I realized this was what I was looking for. It felt right. I saw guys being helped and they in turn were reaching down to help others. As everyone talks about different things, you find out these men have expe-rienced something you have gone through yourself. You don’t feel so alone anymore. Before I started attending, I felt like I was by myself, on my own. I wanted to get back, yet I didn’t know how. Invisible Wounds has given me a new start.”

Jordan shared the following list of symptoms as indication that someone may need to seek medical assistance: Isolation (becoming increasingly non-social over time); Quick Tempered (becoming angry

Donough. The motto of the group is, “You have been asked to do the unspeakable and we want to provide a place for you to speak about it. We will stay with you until the mission is complete. We never leave a vet on the battlefield.” Both Jordan and Van Dunk are quick to say, “We are not doctors and we are not licensed counsel-ors, so we make no diagnoses nor do we tag anyone with a label. We are simply wartime veterans who have been there, done that, and want to offer a safe place for others to openly share whatever they want to share. Talking it all out is such a big part of healing from the past.”

Two veterans attended that first meeting. Each Thursday night from 7:00 to 8:00 PM they continue to meet. Now they have a total of nine attending on a regular basis. Among them is one vet from WWII. The remainder represents veterans who have served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Opera-tion Enduring Freedom. Two of the men are a father and son who attend together.

operationoverseas


Article By: Beverly Van Gorder

photo byPicture This Studio


with little provocation); Nightmares (wak-ing in a cold sweat); Flashbacks (blurting out verbally what would have been said during a traumatic situation being remem-bered; yet inappropriate for current day); Panic Attacks (exaggerated fear and or anx-iety in a situation that normally should not cause that level of response); Unexplained Crying (comes on unexpectedly and sud-denly, may not even be witnessed by any-one). He encourages family members and friends to be on the lookout for these signs if they believe a loved one having returned from the battlefield is struggling to cope. He says, “Be patient with your vet. There can sometimes be as much as 20 years of denial before one will seek help, but it is important to be supportive. Suicide can be a devastating result of having experienced

traumatic wartime events. We want to help prevent this. Marines are especially susceptible. They have the highest suicide rate related to dealing with tragic situa-tions faced during time of service.”

He goes on to say, “Don’t try to un-derstand because you never will. You can’t if you haven’t been through it. And not everyone is affected the same way. Some have no residual problems after facing war. It all depends on the individual; we are all wired differently.”

Van Dunk encourages all vets who are struggling to visit the meeting at least one time, “There is absolutely no cost to attend. If those out there with issues will come, they not only get help but help the rest of us. We need each other. However, the individual has to take the first step. No one

can fix it for them.” Additionally he shares, “If they want to see a doctor or get enrolled in counseling, we can help them navigate the VA system. It can be a daunting task on your own. And the care is a fully covered benefit available to those who have served in combat and rescue missions or any other form of the armed services. We will never leave a man behind. I do not want you to give up – come on, we’ll go together!”

Author’s Note: Due to the success of the Invisible Wounds Support Group, Jordan and Van Dunk are in the process of orga-nizing a group exclusively for women veter-ans. For more information on either group, contact Leon Jordan at 770.880.2234 ([email protected]) or Bob Van Dunk at 678.480.5878 ([email protected]).


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Just Giving Insurance Quotes


“We’re very service-based,” he points out. “It’s the relationship with the client. That’s what Nationwide as a corporation is about, that’s what Chapman Insurance Group is about.

“We do what’s called ‘On Your Side’ reviews on an annual basis to make sure our clients are protected properly,” adds Chapman. “Just to really be the go-to person, even if I don’t have a certain piece of one of my client’s insurance, I still want them to know they can call me and ask me questions. I can [give] the good advice, and be the subject matter expert on it.”

By proactively reaching out, he strengthens the one-on-one connection so important to him.

“As an agent, a lot of times, it’s not just what I can do for my client on the insurance side. I want to be there for my clients no matter what’s going on,” Chap-man says. “So if there’s a claim and we need somebody to fix the damage, who’s a good company, who’s a good person I can recommend? Somebody I know who’s going to take care of them.”

For Chapman, building those im-portant personal relationships doesn’t just stop at the door to his office. He also stays involved in the business community as an ambassador with the Henry County Chamber of Com-

business profile

Most customers needing insurance who turn to James D. Chapman know him as an agent dedicated

to serving all their insurance needs. But there is more to Chapman than meets the eye.

The 27-year-old Stockbridge resident has worked for Nationwide Insurance since 2003, and is president and principal agent of Chapman Insurance Group, cur-rently located at 2864-B West Highway 54 in Peachtree City. But it is what he does outside the office that makes him stand out from the rest.

Chapman joined the National Guard in 2008, and is attached to Infantry Unit A Company 1-121 of the Georgia 48th Brigade, based in Lawrenceville. After completing basic training in Fort Benning, he and other soldiers in Unit D Company 2-121 deployed to Afghani-stan to mentor the newly-formed Afghan National Police, from 2009 to 2010.

“We did over 150 kilometers of dismounted patrols the whole time I was there. We would do about two to four patrols a week,” he says. “What we would do is, we would integrate the Afghan Na-tional Police into our patrols. We would go out and help them secure the area and give them confidence, give them train-ing, [from] how to react to contact from

the enemy, to first aid. [We were] helping prepare them for when U.S. troops were no longer there in their country, so they can take care of it themselves.”

The assistance by Chapman and his unit made a big difference in improving the Afghan soldiers’ ability to enforce the law, helped them in their training, and honed their skills in keeping the peace.

“Then, if need be, if there was trouble, we showed them how to handle it,” he says. “It’s something I’m very proud of.”

Chapman’s decision to join the armed forces followed in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers, one who served in the military during peace time following World War II, and the other who served during the Korean conflict.

“It was always kind of a calling, I al-ways wanted to serve,” he continues. “So finally, I made the leap and did it.”

Chapman credits his wife Danielle in supporting him in both his military service and his Nationwide career.

He began by working as an associate agent for Eddie Ausband, president of the Ausband Agency Inc. in McDonough, for eight years. Chapman, who uses the slo-gan “Where business is personal” to guide interactions with his clients, ensures his agency takes great pains to put each one at ease and match them with the coverage they need.

Local Agent Goes

by valerie baldowski

Above and Beyond

merce. Some of his responsibilities include welcoming new businesses to the Henry County area, participating in ribbon-cuttings, and promoting networking opportunities.

“Professionally speaking, James has an excellent work ethic, [and] has always shown a desire to gain further knowledge and continually improve upon his skills,” says Ausband. “He is very customer focused. Personally, James is one of the most solid individuals I’ve ever encoun-tered, fair and honest in every sense of the word. His character is impeccable.”

As to Chapman’s military service, Ausband praises the personal qualities which helped Chapman succeed.

“I believe James was just raised with an understanding of respect and service to others,” adds Ausband. “James volun-teered for military service out of a pure sense of duty. I vividly remember the day he came in to discuss it with me. I believe his wartime experience (he earned the Combat Infantry badge—the one badge Gen. Eisenhower expressed regret that he didn’t earn) was highly instrumental toward enhancing James’ leadership quali-ties. James is a leader.”

For more information please contact James at: 770.862.8669, [email protected], www.nationwide.com/james-chapman.

Just Giving Insurance Quotes



Complete Family Healthcare…

…all day, every day!

MCDONOUGH LOCATION1631 Hwy. 20 W • McDonough, GA 30253Phone 770.288.2822 • Fax 770.692.8177

LOCUST GROVE LOCATION3334 Hwy. 155 • Locust Grove, GA 30248

Phone 678.583.0241 • Fax 678.538.0261

FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC OFFERS THE HEALTH CAREYOU EXPECT AND THE QUALITY YOU DESERVE.

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• Primary and Preventative Care• Identification and Management of

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• Worker's Compensation • Onsite x-ray, labwork and pharmacy


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07 Sacred Journey Hospice Volunteer Trng 5:30pm-9pm

08 Sacred Journey Hospice Volunteer Trng 9am-Noon

10 Ladies Night Out On The Square McDonough 6-9pm

St. James Career Ministry 7pm [email protected]

11 Veteran’s Day Hampton Depot 11 am

12 Merchants Holiday Open House and Festival of Arts on the Square McDonough

17 The Henry Players presents The 1940’s Radio Hour 7:30pm

18 Gift of Lights Holiday Light Display Atlanta Motor Speedway Nightly 6pm-9pm through Jan 1

The Henry Players presents The 1940’s Radio Hour 7:30pm



24 Thanksgiving

Tree Lighting and Singing Hampton Depot Park 7:00pm

Locust Grove Lighting of Tree 7:00pm

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10

17

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DECEMBERcommunity calendar


01 Gift of Lights Holiday Light Display Atlanta Motor Speedway Nightly 6pm-9pm through Jan 1

03 Christmas in The Grove Locust Grove 10:00 AM

Gingerbread House Contest City of Hampton 770.946.4306 for details

Santa on the Square 11am-3pm McDonough Tree Lighting 5:30 McDonough Christmas Parade 6:00pm McDonough

11 Atlanta Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker 7:00pm Henry County PAC

17 Santa on the Square McDonough 11am-3pm

25 Christmas

31 New Year’s Eve

picturedCharlee Patterson


07 Pearl Harbor Day

08 Ladies Night Out on the Square McDonough 6-9pm

St. James Career Ministry 7pm [email protected]

10 City of Hampton Holiday Tour of Homes 4-8pm 770.946.4306 for details

A Heritage Christmas at Heritage Park

Santa on the Square McDonough 11am-3pm

Atlanta Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker 7:00pm Henry County PAC

H Magazine - November/December 2011

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Transcript of H Magazine - November/December 2011