Have you been to either of the new recreation centers in the county? If not, you really need to.
There’s one at Fowler Park and another one across the street from Lambert High School. Both are identical and beautiful.
The walking track and basketball courts are free to use, which many people may not realize. There’s a terrific weight room with treadmills, bicycles, elipticals and some of the best weight machines I have used.
For the weight room or to take the fitness classes, there is a fee, but it’s reasonable.
I love that you can join for as little as three months and decide if you like it. How many times have I joined a gym only to find out I don’t use it for one reason or another?
I’ve been meeting a friend and walking on the indoor track as many times a week as we can. We have worked our way up to walking four miles, and we plan on pushing to get five miles in. We talk non-stop, so the hour or so goes really fast.
For me, the buddy system is definitely the way to go when it comes to exercise. There’s something about knowing someone is counting on me that motivates me to lace up my shoes and get going.
The recreation centers are great, but there’s more. Fowler Park is beautiful with playground, outdoor walking trail, skating area, and sports fields everywhere.
I understand that at the Sharon Road center they are also going to build an outdoor walking trail.
When our children were babies, I remember thinking Sharon Springs Park was fancy. Parents with young children are lucky to have all of these facilities for sports and family activities.  
I’m not a native of Forsyth County, but having lived here for more than 20 years, I have seen many changes.
For the most part, these have been positive. Our schools have gotten better and are filled with caring, supportive teachers who truly care about our children and their future.
I remember having to drive to other counties to find what I needed, but now rarely go elsewhere to spend money. I love that we still have locals who own businesses and I try to patronize these small businesses as much as possible.
It always makes me sad when I see a business close. Someone’s dream was just shattered and I can only imagine their hurt.
For so many reasons, Forsyth County is a wonderful place to raise a family, not the least of which is safety. I don’t know the exact statistics, but our county certainly feels as if it has a low crime rate. We don’t seem to have the gang activity that plagues some of our neighboring counties.
Every encounter I’ve ever had with law enforcement has been a positive experience. The officers I’ve met are true professionals who take their jobs seriously and do them well.
We should all spend more time thanking our police officers and those who serve in our community because they are a big part of what makes this such a great place to live.

Adlen Robinson is author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.