WellStar Ranks in Top 10 of 100 Best Companies

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010, 10:23am

MARIETTA, GA -- The Working Mother 100 Best Companies initiative has selected WellStar Health System as one of the nation's top 10 organizations for 2010.

"WellStar is committed to world-class healthcare while being an exceptional workplace," said David Anderson, executive vice-president of human resources and organizational learning/chief compliance officer for WellStar Health System. "Through competitive salaries, outstanding benefits, innovative work/life programs and our concierge service, we are nationally recognized as an employer of choice. Given that 83% of our workforce is female, we are honored to be a Working Mother top 10 company."

The 100 Best Companies' family programs adeptly help employees in all areas of their lives.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010, 7:40am

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Over 50 students from Manning Oaks Elementary School in Alpharetta are doing their part to save the earth through the new Manning Oaks Elementary Green Team.

Under the direction of fifth grade teacher Melissa Decker and special education instructor Kristen Waychowsky, MOE students are learning about the benefits of recycling, both at school and at home. They practice sorting recyclables and converting certain items into new creations, such as turning a used milk jug into a birdfeeder.

Manning Oaks parents are encouraged to bring their recyclable items, such as Capri Sun pouches and ink cartridges, to the school for recycling.

The Green Team is part of an ongoing effort to educate and encourage families to improve the planet by going green.

Manning Oaks students make birdfeeders out of milk jugs

Photos courtesy of Manning Oaks publicity

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Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Monday, September 13th, 2010, 6:56pm

In March we brought you a sad story with a very happy ending.

Six months later, the ending keeps getting happier.

Sgt. Rusty Midkiff is a Woodstock native whose horse farm was ruined by last year's September floods; at the time, he was serving in Afghanistan and couldn't get back to tend to his farm. The 11Alive HelpDesk led an effort to restore Legends Run Farm and surprise the sergeant upon his return.

And yet, for a while, the shock and the joy also came with what Midkiff calls a sense of dread.

"At the end of the day, I was still jobless," he said. "I really felt that I needed to match their effort and really make the most of this.

"And I've certainly tried. I've certainly tried."

He's succeeded.

Midkiff was able to lease out his farm. Today it's home to lessons and training, such as the practices held every weekday for the Kennesaw State equestrian team.

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Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Monday, September 13th, 2010, 3:27pm

ATLANTA -- While most people will need only one flu shot or spray to guard against H1N1 and the seasonal flu, this year, many children will need two, according to the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of 2010-11 flu vaccine for children 6 months through 8 years of age unless they received at least one dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine last flu season and at least one dose of seasonal vaccine prior to the 2009-2010 flu season or two doses of seasonal flu vaccine last flu season.

The first dose "primes" the immune system, while the second dose provides immune protection, according to the CDC. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose.

North Atlanta Pediatrics explains it this way on its website:

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, September 13th, 2010, 11:34am

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The students of Mountain Road Elementary School in Woodstock recently experienced a rite of passage, something that most people do not get to do until they turn 18.

Thanks to the Cherokee County Board of Elections, Mountain Road was provided with real voting machines for its student council election. BOE employee Ashley Goodwin was on hand to make sure that everything ran smoothly.

The votes were tallied and the winners were decided just as they are in a government election.

The new Mountain Road student council officers, as decided by the vote: (l-r) Griffin Pizzano, Treasurer; Karleigh Kaczmarowski, Secretary; Sandenna McMaster, President; Cole Heard, Vice-President; and Ms. Tammy Sandell, Principal

Mountain Road 5th grader Brandon Richards votes in the student council election

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Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Sunday, September 12th, 2010, 9:43pm

Woodstock, GA -- The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says the search for an elderly couple from Woodstock ended Sunday night.

Marvin Eugene Schmidt, 93, and Dorothy Marie Schmidt, 87, were found in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office contacted authorties in Cherokee County saying the Schmidts appeared fine, but took them to a hospital to be checked out.

No word on why they were in North Carolina.

Family members last saw the Schmidts Saturday morning around 8:30. It's believed they were headed to the McDonalds, Wal-Mart or the Publix shopping plaza near the intersection of Highway 92 and Trickum Road.

There were concerns because Dorothy Schmidt is diabetic. It's unclear whether she had medication with her.

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Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Sunday, September 12th, 2010, 7:32pm

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Rashard Mendenhall broke off a 50-yard game-
winning touchdown run on the Steelers' first play of overtime as Pittsburgh
persevered for a 15-9 win over Atlanta in a defensive battle at Heinz Field.

After the Falcons faltered on the first possession of OT, Michael Koenen's
poor 36-yard punt from the 14-yard-line gave the Steelers prime field
position.

Mendenhall wasted little time in making it count, bursting through a hole off
right tackle sealed off by a textbook block from tight end David Johnson on
his way to the end zone.

Mendenhall ended with 120 yards on 22 carries while Hines Ward came up huge
for Dennis Dixon with six catches for 108 yards.

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