ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE ONLINE by Power Print Industries

ALPHARETTA Free Publication

November Edition 2009

MAGAZINE

Catching The City in Action

A Beautiful Fall Thanksgiving Be a Quitter

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

CONTENTS November 2009

Thanksgiving

Page 8 Bonsai

Page 22 Be a Quitter

Surviving Surgery to advertise call customer service

1- 888- 558- 6935 www.alpharettamagazine.com Email us at Staff@alpharettamagazine.com

Page 34 Happy Trails

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Catching the City in Action President & C.E.O. Director of Operations Senior Editor Art Director Technical Support Lead Photographer Editorial Assistant Graphic Design Intern

Dio C. David Collins Christine Engler Sarah Bradfield Tim Nguyen Cheri Cheatam Scott Durnell Wesley Sills

Special Thanks:

Coming up in the December edition: CHRISTMAS FASHION FORWARD FLAT SCREENS WINE LOVERS HOLIDAY RECIPES MOVIE REVIEW SAY CHEESE

Bill & Carole Samari McGinnis Alpharetta Police Dept. Dr. MacMaster Meagan Browser Allen Cooley Debbie Hill of Westminster Prep. Lisa (Lili) Fine Laura Bloom Christy Klanac Heather Harris Dr. Jim Hovey George Gordon Debbie Voboril Katie Reeder Janet Rodgers On the Cover - A Fall in Alpharetta Photography by Yung Cho

To advertise in our next publication call:

1-888-558-6935

www.alpharettamagazine.com support@alpharettamagazine.com Alpharetta Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertisments for any reasons. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or products are endorsed or recommended by Alpharetta Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from Alpharetta Magazine. Alpharetta Magazine is owned and operated by Power Print Industries.

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry Putting a smile on your child’s face puts a smile on ours

How Much Do You Know About Your Kid’s Teeth? 1) Q. Should my child use a fluoride toothpaste? 2) Q. When will the last baby tooth fall out? 3) Q. If I don’t get my child’s wisdom teeth taken out, will it cause the other teeth to crowd? 4) Q. Help! My child’s permanent teeth are coming in and the baby teeth aren’t out yet. What do I do? 5) Q. Halloween is right around the corner, what do I do with all that candy my kids will get?

1. Yes! A fluoride toothpaste is recommended for all children. Even your toddler should us a toothpaste that has fluoride in it. The key is to use a very small amount. The amount of paste that would stick to your finger if you touched the top of the toothpaste is plenty. The advantages of fluoride far outweigh any disadvantages. Please remember though that while a fluoride toothpaste is good for your child, no one under the age of six should use a fluoride rinse! 2. Believe it or not, the last baby tooth won’t be lost until around the age of 12. Baby teeth are around for awhile, so take care of them! 3.Wisdom teeth don’t cause crowding! It is a commmon misconception that wisdom teeth will cause crowding and mess up your child’s smile. This is simply not true. There are many good reasons to remove wisdom teeth, but crowding is not one of them. 4.This is actually relatively common. Most often once the baby teeth come out, the permanent teeth will almost always move into place! No matter what, removing the baby teeth will not affect whether your child will need braces in the future. 5. Let kids be kids! Part of the fun of Halloween for kids (and if we’re being honest, adults too) is eating candy. It is okay to let your child enjoy a few sweets, just be smart about it. It is much better to let your child sit down and eat a bag of skittles or m&m’s in one sitting than to allow them to “graze” on the bag throughout the day. This way, once they’re done you can have them brush instead of letting the sugar sit on teeth all day!

For answers to more of your questions, please visit our website www.alpharettachildrensdentistry.com

GOLF TIPS Hybrids, Utility Woods, Rescue Woods… just some of the names given to hybrid rescue woods. More and more players are resorting to hybrids as an alternative to long irons but do these clubs really deliver on the hype? Many golfers don’t realise that hybrid clubs have been around for some time in one guise or another – so why are more and more hybrid golf clubs finding their way into the bags of professional and amateur players? The origins of the hybrid club amongst players is somewhat unclear – the general consensus says that hybrid clubs originated from Gary McCord a PGA pro – who observed his colleagues struggling with long irons. At that stage of his career McCord was sponsored by TaylorMade – who took the concept and developed a golf club which combined the features of a wood and an iron. In crude terms the manufacturer developed a new club-head based around the following properties of a golf wood: wide sole, low-back centre of gravity and increased mass and connected an iron shaft to the head. The main difference between a hybrid club and a 5 or 7-wood is the shaft. The standard length of a 2-iron is roughly 39” and the length of a 5-wood is 42”. Hybrid golf clubs are somewhere in between. A longer golf club will deliver a greater distance through increased club-head speed; the additional speed will also increase the trajectory of the ball and will prove harder to control. Hybrid golf clubs also feature thicker shafts than woods for increase stability and accuracy. Compared to an equally lofted wood, a hybrid club is more accurate and easier to use at the sacrifice of distance. When

compared to a long iron, a hybrid club features a larger club-head with a lower centre of gravity to increase distance and carry and will deliver a softer landing. A hybrid club can also achieve better results from the bunker or rough. The current generation of hybrids offer a rich variety of lofts with a choice of different sole widths and face heights available. Today’s hybrids are also available in a variety of lengths – some larger or shorter than standard irons and others the same length as woods. Popular brands like Prosimmon, Confidence and Texan Classics now produce hybrid iron sets which replace long 3 and 4-irons with hybrid golf clubs (21 and 24-degrees). Online retailers such as The Sports HQ can offer exceptional discounts on hybrid rescue clubs and hybrid iron sets. Hybrid wood sets offer the best value for money and scope for improving your game – the Confidence HQ7 Square Hybrid Wood Set for example consists of four square profiled hybrid golf clubs (15 to 24-degrees) with matching head-covers and the choice of regular or stiff flexed shafts. AM By Scott Duncan

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Bonsai

Are you looking for a new craft or hobby that will challenge your artistic endeavors? The bonsai is a perfect combination of art and science. It is a product of human ingenuity, practicality and creativity. As such, it is only natural for people to get captivated and mesmerized by these little bundles of joy… even after 200 years. If you’re one of the bonsai plants fans, then you better read on to understand the principles of art which lies underneath its cute and colorful façade. The art of bonsai growing originated and flourished in China about two hundred years ago. At first, this planting technique was merely done in order to make transportation of medical plants easier. However, the beauty and challenge the bonsai trees exuded captured the heart of many. It then began to reach another level of popularity. With this social evolution, the art claimed its title as one of the most popular and everlasting arts when it comes to plants.

As an art, there are certain schools of thoughts that the bonsai plant adheres to. The Japanese school of thought uses the bonsai as an expression of awe to the heavens and the earth. As such, you can often find these kinds of bonsai teeming with rich flowers and trees such as the juniper, flowering cherry, apricot and others. As a Japanese art, the main theme of the bonsai is “heaven and earth in a pot”. Its existence as a Chinese art is equally as meaningful. According to the Chinese school of thought, a bonsai plant is a statement that embodies the yin and the yang. This positive- negative kind of thought was formed due to Taoist philosophies. Some of their common subjects are the maple and the Acacia. What set’s apart Chinese bonsai is its supreme creativity, spanning from both plant shapes and size to the color and definition found on the pots they use. Even with the existence of these two, you are still free to create bonsais just the way you want them. All that you need to be sure of is that you express yourself completely, and succeed in limiting the plants growth. You can merge both influences or simply be yourself as you grow the perfect combination of bonsai plants into little gardens of delight and joy. The flourishing art of the bonsai has now conquered the whole world. From its humble beginnings in China and Japan, it has now become a statement of human power and creativity all over the world. Try using the bonsai as a tool of expression. After a little bit of practice, you will be able to express yourself through this amazing planting technique. AM by Pat Devonshire

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Hovey

Chiropractic Clinic

New Ideology Sweeps Healthcare A new, cutting-edge ideology has the potential to sweep through healthcare like a tsunami; this paradigm is not really new but has been hibernating deep in the caves of denial. Are you ready to unveil this precious secret? Here it is: START TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. Hey, don’t kill the messenger. This is not a new discovery, just a newer concept, alternative, or maybe just a choice. Experts write in the American Journal of Medicine that 75% of all deaths in industrialized nations are caused by lifestyle choices. That means we consciously/unconsciously choose to behave in a way that makes us sick and then kills us. Studies show that modern hunter-gatherer tribes living in rainforests or other remote locations are healthier than we are (not just a little but a LOT healthier). We are now the world’s sickest animal species. We choose to live in ways that are incongruent with what we genetically require for health. Why do we need such a comprehensive, extensive, and expensive healthcare system? It’s obvious; we have not chosen to take care of ourselves. If you want solutions for your family’s healthcare, do not look to the government to provide them. Do not be a victim of the unsolvable problem of lack of responsibility. Empower yourself by making a decision to educate yourself and your family regarding how to regain your health and remain healthy. Then, baby step by baby step, shift toward wellness. When you personally become well, you change the health of our nation. Respond well.

Daily Specials and Combos, Unique Salads, Unbelievable Sandwiches “Best Pizza” Washingtonian 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 “Best Crust in the Planet” LA Times Featured in Good Morning America “Healthy Dining” Order Online! Serving Beer And Wine! We Carry Gluten Free Pizza And Vegan Cheese Try One Of Our Delicious Desserts!

Johns Creek

[next to J Christophers; across from LA Fitness]

Dr. Jim Hovey, DC

Come for relief. Stay for wellness. Dr. Hovey’s office is located in the Village Terrace Shops 2500 Old Alabama Road, Suite 19 Roswell, GA 30076

770-587-2663

Organic, Tasty, Fresh

www.hoveychiropractic.com

770- 817- 0526

11720 Medlock Bridge Road

Alpharetta

[next toStarbucks; across from Home Depot]

678- 205- 4471 5315 Windward Parkway

www.zpizza.com I We Deliver

The Wine Corner Tannat red wine produces wine tasting notes of red fruits and spices with an intense cherry red color and purplish tint. Why the Uruguayan Tannat is different to the French Tannat wine? The wine making process in Uruguay, South America changed when the Tannat wine grape was introduced at the end of 19th century from the South West of France, a wine region called Madiran, since then this type of wine was carefully developed and improved till today. Nowadays, with more than 100 years old since they were introduced, Uruguay is

the only wine Country of the world that produces important quantities of Tannat wine grapes. This type of grape has thick black skins, giving with its body and the richness of tannins a Tannic red wine from which the wine takes its name, Tannat. In the natural process of the red wine maturing a micro-oxygenation technique is a complement to soften Tannat red wines with special results. The micro-oxygenation introduces a certain amount of oxygen into the wine, in a controlled way, giving a balance in the tannins of the Tannat red wines. The result is a varietal Uruguayan Tannat red wine with its own personality; its mouth is potent with a finishing long and pleasant softer, than the French Tannat wine. Uruguayan Tannat fine wine by itself or blended allowing stylish combinations with other red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz allows fine wines where the Tannat contributes with its robust style, body and the importance of the tannins. The benefits of drinking red wine for the health are well known but they are increased, in an important way, with the Tannat red wines. If you drink with moderation a Tannat red wine you obtain, derived from the Tannat grapes, a high concentration of tannins and polyphenols that help to protect your heart health and blood vessels from damaging deposits. With investment and implementation through state of the art winemaking technologies, the Tannat wines are also matured in French and American oak barrels to obtain reserve Tannat wines. The results are aged red wines with a complex and solid structure.

For a wine enthusiast, a food and wine pairing of a Tannat wine bottle is ideal with grilled and broiled beef red meats, lamb, chicken, roast duck, game meats and goulashes. In the wine and cheese area, the Tannat wine charm goes with strong, well matured and blue cheeses, like Veined, Parmesan and Blooming Rind Cheese. As a general tasting note, Tannat red wine is best paired with strongly flavored dishes and the ideal serving temperature for consumption is 18 to 20ยบC (64 to 68ยบF). AM By James Simmer

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

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8/4/09 8:49:31 AM

SHOE CHAT

Mindfully Becoming Trimmer Wouldn’t that be great if you could get trimmer when actually doing something else, running errands, for example or just standing on your feet; even more so if you have kids that keep you occupied all day, or you work yourself to a frazzle. Well hang in there, my friend, I might just have an answer you’ve been looking for. Visual awareness of funky looking shoes on thick rocker soles is spreading pretty rapidly. They seem stylishly challenged yet the trend is growing with names bigger and smaller trying to imitate the original, MBT that is. MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology and thanks to its Swiss engineered sole it can increase your lower body muscle activity anywhere from 9% - 38% depending on particular muscle group and whether walking or standing. How is that happening? Well, the shoe is built to put you in a state of natural instability which involves plethora of muscles not used when wearing traditional footwear. Even when standing, one must continue to engage their muscles in order to stay up. MBT also allows those with more tender joints to get back to walking for exercise or even light jogging. When comparing how it feels to wear the shoes one would say it is probably like walking barefoot on sand maybe even at a gentle incline. How is that for a workout? What truly sets MBT apart from competition is an overall value it represents. With a price of $200+/pair longevity of the shoe is no doubt very important. On average, MBTs hold up pretty much longer than traditional sneaker/athletic shoe. You can also resole them. Then

Exp: 11/30/09

You can join the club too and start Mindfully Becoming Trimmer just standing on your feet, running errands or if you do have time go with your family or friends for a truly beneficial walk down the new Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway. Magda Denning is the owner of Blue Mountain Shoes and helps people with their feet comfort needs. You will find her at 405 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste.110 in Cumming. You can also call her at 678-513-0450 or email her if you have any questions or concerns at bluemountainshoe@bellsouth.net.

there is a long list of clinical benefits others might only grind their teeth about: Scoliosis, Plantar fasciitis, Ankle fusion, Metatarsalgia, Knee joint instability, IT band syndrome, etc. just to mention few. For those of you in need of names to build interest in the brand let me mention: Quentin Tarantino, and Mark Steines – a co-host of Entertainment Tonight. In the world of professional football we have Dr. Mike Miller — the Chiropractic Physician of the New England Patriots, along with the Strength Coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, both fans of MBT.

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES - KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN - RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL COMPLETE RENOVATIONS - CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS - FINANCING AVAILABLE

2435 OLD ALABAMA RD. ROSWELL, GA 770-992-0318 WWW.LOCKLEARINTERIORS.COM

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS!

NEVER ENOUGH THYME

Restaurant & Caterer

5354 Mcginnis Ferry Rd Alpharetta, GA 30005 phone: (678) 297-1124 fax: 678- 297-1125

Never Enough Thyme is a family owned and operated gourmet restaurant located in the McGinnis Ferry Promenade Retail Center at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Rd in Alpharetta, GA. We specialize in ample sized servings of quality homemade food. Wine and beer are also available by the glass. Come join us for lunch or take advantage of our take-out or catering service. We were voted “Best Lunch Spot” for the Roswell, Alpharetta, and John’s Creek area! We are open Mon-Fri 7:00am - 6:30pm Sat 8:00am - 3:00pm. Restaurant available for private parties in the evenings and weekends.

phone

678 297-1124

Now Open For Breakfast!!!

www.neverenoughthyme.net

CALANDER OF EVENTS - NOVEMBER 2009

Music, games and fun at Stars Soccer Complex!

Arsenic and Old Lace Comedy By Joseph Kesselring November 5 - 22, Wed. thru Sunday, Times Vary -see website Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forrest St. Roswell, GA 770-641-1260 Rob Nelson at Apron’s Cooking School Nov 5 / 7:00 p.m. Publix at Alpharetta Commons 4305 State Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 770.751.8561 Chukkar Farm and Polo Club Concert Series November 7, 7:30 PM Chukkar Farm 1005 Little River Way Alpharetta, GA 678-665-0040

A Wish for Wendy Softball Challenge Nov 7, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM North Park Softball Fields 13450 Cogburn Rd. Alpharetta, GA (404) 325-6973 16 Team Softball Tournament benefiting the CF Foundation. The Alpharetta Century November 7, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM The Milton Center 86 School Drive Alpharetta, GA 678-514-1187

Don’t miss out on the last century of the season! Join us for a cycling event to benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation & the Kiwanis Club of Alpharetta, Inc.

JOGGING FOR JOAN - No More Excuses 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and Lung Cancer Fair November 7, 8:00 AM North Point Village 7300 North Point Parkway Alpharetta, GA 404-939-3507 A 5K Certified Run and a One Mile Walk and Lung Cancer Fair to raise lung cancer awareness

“SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS” by PLAYRIGHT PRODUCTIONS November 13 & 14, 7:30 PM Alpharetta 1st United Methodist 69 N Main Street Alpharetta, GA 770-475-5576 Native American Heritage Day November 14, 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM Autrey Mill Nature Preserve 9770 Autrey Mill Rd Johns Creek, GA 678-366-3511 Fun family festival about our Native American culture.

Olde Milton Horse Show - American Saddlebred Horse Association November 15 Wills Park 11925 Wills Road Apharetta, GA (770) 475-1244

Judged Competition. Must register. Prizes awarded. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Welcome Center will move to a new location at Park Plaza, 178 South Main Street, Suite 200, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009, as of October 22, 2009. For additional information please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

For additional information please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Stars Athletic/Georgia Rush Fall Festival October 31, 9AM - 4PM Stars Soccer Complex 14295 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 678-366-9008

Eggin’ with Andy Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe You will need: * Turkey - Big Green Egg Ceramic Plate Setter * 1 onion - V Rack or a Vertical Roaster * 1 stalk of celery - Drip Pan * Chicken broth, wine or water - Meat Thermometer * Olive Oil * Dizzy Pig Tsunami Spin or Big Green Egg Sweet Maple

Before you start cooking: * Use Olive Oil to rub the Turkey and then apply the spice * Fill Drip Pan with broth, water or wine add a stalk of celery and an onion cut in half * Fill Egg with lump charcoal to the top of the firebox

Here we go! 1. Bring your Egg to 350F using your Plate Setter for indirect cooking with legs pointing upward. 2. Put your bird on a V Rack or load it on a Vertical Roaster and place it in a drip pan 3. Cook Turkey for 12-15 min per pound until the internal temperature of the breast is 160F and the thigh is above 170F. 4. When done, use drippings from the drip pan to make delicious gravy.

Andy’s Tips: 1. Instead of using a rub you can add extra flavor by brining Turkey. Choose between Herbal Mix and Apple Sage Brine. Brine Kits come with everything you need including a huge plastic bag to fit Turkey. Brining requires additional time (1hr per pound) but it’s well worth it. 2. If you would like your Turkey to have a nice deep brown color, use a small handful of pecan chips. They will also add a little smoke flavor. Make sure you will soak the for a couple of hours before using on a grill 3. To make sure that you are putting the right size Turkey on your EGG, follow these guidelines: o Small EGG: up to 12lbs o Medium EGG: up to 18lbs o Large EGG: up to 20lbs o XL EGG: 2x20lbs turkeys If you have questions about anything that ‘smells’ like the Big Green Egg, call Blue Mountain Shoes at 678-513-0450 or E-mail us at bluemountainshoe@ bellsouth.net

Big Green Egg $125.00 off SRP on a Large Egg. Enjoy a HUGE savings on your purchase of the Big Green Egg by getting yours from Blue Mountain Shoes located at 405 Peachtree Parkway Suite 110 Cumming, GA or call

678-513-0450

Expiration 11/30/2009 Offer good while supplies last. ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Jazzy

Junque

A Full Service Hair Salon Buy two or more Loreal Professional Products and Receive a FREE Gift.

Home Furnishing Consignments

Services Include: Cutting & Styling, Color & Highlights/ Lowlights, Facial Waxing, Make-Up Application & Lessons, and Soothing Conditioning Treatments 405 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 160, Cumming, GA 30041

Corner of Medlock Bridge & States Bridge Rd.

Open 7 Days a Week

(Located at Shoppes of Brannon Crossing)

678.456.9143

www.levelspasalon.com

Hovey Chiropractic Clinic Educating our patients on the value of Chiropractic and healthy living while partnering with our community to achieve optimum health is the cornerstone of the Hovey Chiropractic Clinic. We are pleased to offer over 25 years of dedicated and exceptional expertise. Our services include:

“…I have and will continue to refer chiropractic cases to Dr. Hovey with the greatest of confidence and I encourage others, whether seasoned athletes or non- athletes, to incorporate chiropractic care into their personal wellness plans.” – Ron Medlin, Head Athletic Trainer for the Atlanta Falcons

- Sports Chiropractic - Spinal Adjustment for all ages - Extremity Adjusting - Postural Analysis - Back Pack Safety Seminar, Fitting, Back Packs - Massage Therapy - Nutrition Programs: Counseling, Meal Plans, Classes, Cooking Demonstrations - Monthly Wellness Seminars - Speaking Engagements Conveniently located in your neighborhood!

VILLAGE TERRACE SHOPS 2500 Old Alabama Road, Suite 19, Roswell, GA, 30076

770-587-2663

www.hoveychiropractic.com

Come for relief. Stay for wellness.

when trees Attack! Trees are a wondrous part of nature. They provide shade, add aesthetic qualities to communities, help clean the air that we breathe, and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. In other words trees are awesome, except of course when they attack! Well, trees don’t actually get up and attack you, but it sure feels like an ambush when you wake up in the middle of the night to find one across your back deck and fence, or even worse laying across the counter in your gourmet kitchen! How could this happen? There are several factors that can lead to tree failure. As a certified arborist, I am asked the question “Are my trees safe” more times than not. This holds especially true before and after any type of inclement weather. Obviously no one can predict when severe storm conditions will hit particular trees around your home. One of the best ways to help mitigate the risk factors concerning your trees is to first identify the trees in the areas immediately surrounding your home, and then determine their level of potential for failure. Trees are more pre-disposed to secondary offenses when primary stress factors have existed. In other words, just like a person who has a weakened immune system, he/she will be more susceptible to other health issues. Here is a list of factors that lead to tree failure, some of which can be identified by the homeowner. However, it is always best to have a certified arborist assess your trees. Primary stress factors include drought, flooding, construction impact, and competition with other parts of the landscape for available resources.

Secondary tree offenses include wood boring insects, insect infestation, like ambrosia beetles, diseases like root fungus and rot. Some of the signs to look for are dieback at the extreme top of the tree canopy, fungal growth on dead, dying, or diseased portions of the tree, rotted out portions of the tree, and large branches falling from the tree.

A trees general health and vigor is one of the greatest factors for long term existence. Keeping a 3’’ to 6’’ layer of mulch around a trees drip zone is the number 1 most practiced and economical approach to helping ensure a trees vitality long term.

Clint Harris, Certified Arborist

Acorn Tree Care 770-754-0806

www.acorntreecare.com

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Quality Tree Care

Exp. 11/30/09

EST Atlanta 1975

www.acorntreecare.com

Winners Always Quit

For example, take time for sports and physical activity. During physical activity, your blood will circulate more and the impurities in it are likely to find an outlet in the form of sweat. You breathe deeply when you exercise, which is good for the body. Sometimes your body needs a good inhale/exhale and a brisk walk or jog is much more suitable to your body than inhaling/exhaling the smoke from a cigarette. Be away from the area of cigarette influence like smoking friends, bars, clubs, and alike. You know that friend that always has a cigarette you can “borrow” since you don’t buy cigarettes anymore while you’re trying to quit. Do not hang around this friend. Now is the time to socialize with your non-smokers and those in support of you trying to better your health. Trying to quit has a lot to do with our environment. Start turning down your fellow smoker in the cubicle next to you at work the next time they want to go smoke. Instead, since you’re in the habit of getting up for that smoke break, go and grab a cup of water. That way you are still going through your daily routine, however you are tricking your habit into a healthier decision.

“As soon as you can recognize how your addiction affects you and why you smoke, the sooner you’ll be able to quit.”

What you do is not important. How you do, what you do, is important. The same rule is applicable to smoking. There are many programs available on how to quit smoking, however your nicotine addiction knows them all.

being bored that your mind has programmed your body into thinking that it needs something more stimulating to do…like smoke a cigarette. Find a new activity during those times.

Your addiction to smoking knows that such programs, strategies, or quick-fixes are only the tip of the iceberg. Nicotine is like that mighty mass of ice below the ocean which you can not see with the naked eye. The challenge of nicotine is formidable. Yet, you can beat it and own the title of ‘former smoker’. Here’s how to win by quitting:

It is your will power which is guiding you. Let your determination grow stronger and stronger. Your body wants you to quit. There is nothing in your body that actually appreciates the fact that you smoke. Nothing. So when you hear the words, ‘I need a cigarette’ that’s your mind saying I’m bored, or I’m stressed, or I need something to do with my hands. As soon as you can recognize how your addiction affects you and why you smoke, the sooner you’ll be able to quit. On the physical front, do yoga, prayer, and/or meditation. The power of quiet focus is so strong, all of the negative tendencies, including the nicotine knot on you, will loosen. Start exercising or better yet start training for your first marathon. The more you focus on training your body for healthy events, the further you will drift from unhealthy habits. Plot your course and set sail for healthier horizons.

Your will power gets the top priority. It’s a proven fact that nicotine addiction is 80 % psychological and 20 % physiological which means, your determination gets the first vote. If you doubt your own ability, how can you succeed? So, your decision to beat back the cravings needs to be strong and a determined one.

You can do this. Be a winner by quitting this unhealthy habit. Get a head start on what will soon be your New Years resolution. Plan on cutting back to maybe a few a day in November and maybe one cigarette a day in December so that by the time 2010 rolls around you will be nicotine free and appreciative of your efforts. AM by Dr. Agashish Jan

“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” When you sit idle, you feel like lighting up a cigarette. Sitting in traffic, waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or a smoke break at work are all just excuses for ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

You will need a healthy substitution for your cravings. A piece of gum, a glass of water, etc. I have a friend that puts a toothpick in his mouth whenever he wants a cigarette just so his body can satisfy the hand to mouth routine that 17 years of smoking has created within his brain. Trying to quit smoking without substituting it for an alternate hand to mouth activity will be very difficult. Find one that works for you.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

you will save money on purchasing chemicals and you will spend less time doing spa maintenance and cleaning. There are also a number of different heating systems available on the market. The most common by far is electrical heating, but there are also gas heaters available that are very efficient. Both of these systems will need to be installed by a professional. I also recently read about some wood burning heaters for hot tubs and spas, and they are getting great reviews. Regardless of the choices you make, you are going to love your new spa. I have had one for a number of years now, and it has provided me with endless hours of fun and relaxation. Be sure to compare prices from different suppliers, and be sure not to buy the first one you see. I would also recommend that you test the tub by actually soaking in it. That is the only way to know if you will really like the one you choose. AM by Jerry Mornell

tertain in the backyard, you will likely need a spa that can hold 5 to 8 people. On the other hand, if you are planning to install your spa indoors you probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need more than a 2 to 3 person tub.

A hot tub is a wonderful addition to any home. It is a relaxing escape from the stresses and pressures of modern living, and can provide you with hours of therapeutic soaking. Whether you decide to put yours in indoors or outside, there are a number of things to consider when shopping for a new spa. The first thing to think about is the number of people you are hoping to accommodate. If you are planning for an outdoor spa and you like to enALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

The nest thing you should consider is the number of jets you would prefer. Generally speaking, the price of your tub will increase with the number of jets included. The jet systems are often configured in combination with the seating types. Most therapy-type seating will have a wide array of jets to provide you with a full body aqua massage. For the average size spa, you will likely want to have at least 24 jets. Many companies offer upwards of 60 jets in some of their spas. In my opinion, the more the merrier! Another thing to consider is a water treatment system. Most hot tubs and spas require a number of different chemicals to keep them clean and free of pathogens. Most spa companies now offer Ozone water treatment systems. These are well worth the added expense, as

Football Family & Food can only describe one holiday…Thanksgiving. In November we are thankful for all 3 (some more than others).

IT’S ABOUT FOOD While almost every family adds its own regional flair to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, be it salsa in Texas or clam chowder in Boston, the meal pretty much stays the same throughout the nation. It’s the only day throughout the year that you can almost guarantee that everyone on your block, in your town, state and country are having the exact same thing for dinner. Thanksgiving is the time to sit down with turkey, corn, stuffing, cranberries and pumpkin pie. This is the meal our parents, grandparents, and their parents ate on Thanksgiving and it’s the meal that we will be eating too. Participating in this feast of fowl and fun brings us a sense of cultural identity which is a large part of this holiday in the first place.

IT’S ABOUT FAMILY The days before and after Thanksgiving are some of the top travel holidays of the year. People drive, fly, and spend more than they have to be together with loved ones to share this meal and celebrate the things that they are thankful for. It is not the act of being around the dinner table that is important; it is the actual gathering across miles and generations to share stories, affirmations, and hope.

THE 3 F’S OF

Alpharetta Magazine’s Tim Nguyen & Family Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

IT’S ABOUT FOOTBALL Of course, with every long standing tradition come some unusual entries. Into this country’s celebration is football with annual games featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. This masculine ritual of sitting down after a hearty meal and watching the teams battle for yardage and ball possession is as much a part of the fun and fellowship of the tradition as praying and eating. An altruistic holiday, where the focus of being together isn’t to receive presents or celebrate achievements but simply to give thanks for the people in our lives, Thanksgiving is a family builder like no other. AM by Brenda Caswell

I Knead Your Feet

He loves you if he rubs your feet. He recognizes the agonizing ritual that you put yourself through just to elongate your legs or to stand 3 inches taller. He applauds your efforts in a way that makes you appreciate him as much as he is showing that he appreciates you…he rubs your feet. Chocolates are great. Flowers will never go out of style, and what girl could ever have enough jewelry, but the gift of love that needs no unwrapping comes in the form of a strong mans hands. Who knew that this man that took two weeks to put up blinds in the dining room would be able to find my Fendi pushing pressure points? All kidding aside, lets dig into exactly what a foot massage is. The foot massage is usually connected with the idea of reflexology, which is a form of therapy that focuses pressure to the reflex points in the body in order to treat aches, pains, and discomforts. Yet, a good foot massage is in itself different than foot reflexology. Through reflexology you can help treat aches and pains at random. However, a good foot massage focuses much more specifically. Its goal is to relieve the tired foot’s discomfort and allow the receiver the ability to walk away feeling brand new. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves. By applying pressure to these reflex points, the foot massage is stimulating activity to internal organs, and improving blood and lymph circulation. Thus, the top to bottom well being of a person can be made through the foot. If you want to really make her smile, use your finger tips. Instead of using your entire hand or using all of your fingers, you’ll want to times. This will help to fully relax the joint and the muscles that make it work. Another trick to making sure your mate is enjoying their foot massage is to knead the foot muscles. Use your hand as a fist and rub your knuckles into the bottom of their feet. When you knead the foot properly the recipient will actually begin to feel a slight tingling sensation from the reactivation of dormant or overworked nerves and muscles in the foot.

make sure to use just your fingertips. Use your thumb and your finger tips to work into the muscles for more noticeable results. Rotate the ankles. Roll the ankle from side to side to let the joint loosen. Then, rotate the feet clockwise and then back again several ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

A simple foot massage helps to sweep the tension away from your body by making your feet feel comfortable and relaxed again which will rejuvenate your entire body. It is a great end to a long day and a wonderful way to start your night. It will send you on your way to a relaxing evening and a good night which will allow you to have a great start to your next day. As we enter the season of giving…spoil your mate by giving a foot massage. AM by Amber Morale

Restaurant Review We stopped by Z Pizza last week for a late lunch and met with the restaurant’s owner, an energetic and friendly, Danny Kim. The confidence that he had when he spoke of his pizza made me feel like we were in for a real treat. We started with a Pear & Gorgonzola salad that was delicious with crisp lettuce and a hearty serving of gorgonzola cheese. The servings of salad here are definitely enough to share. I didn’t finish mine because I knew I had pizza on the way, but it was definitely good enough to complete. As we waited for the pizza, I noticed a bright and clean atmosphere with several diners enjoying the restaurant’s Wi-Fi, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere. Danny, who is a busy guy walking around with his laptop in one hand and serving drinks with the other, has 2 Z pizzas with plans on opening more. “We’ve been here in Johns Creek for about 8 months and about 2 years at the Windward Parkway location in Alpharetta. Both places are innovative, fun, and upbeat.” They have daily specials, build-your-own-pizza, and to my surprise will deliver your pizza when you place an order over the phone or online. When our pizza arrived my guests and I enjoyed a Tuscan Mush-

room Pizza that came with mozzarella, button mushrooms, feta, and thyme. Caramelized onions added a sweetness to the slice that satisfied the palette. We also sampled their Meat Lovers Pizza that Danny insisted contained sausage with no MSG. “This is a healthy pizzeria. We have organic crust and sauce, vegan cheese, and use only natural ingredients.” I am not willing to give a pizzeria a 5 star rating, however when I am, Z Pizza will be the first on my very short list. With two locations, if you have a craving for fresh pizza made any way you like it, Z Pizza is without a doubt the best place to eat. Say goodbye to greasy pizza and embrace a fresh, tasty pizza with crisp ingredients and delicious crust and toppings. Z Pizza – 4 out of 5 Stars Z Pizza 5315 Windward Parkway Alpharetta (next to Starbucks & across from home Depot) 678-205-4471 Z Pizza 11720 Medlock Bridge Road Johns Creek (next to J Christophers across from LA Fitness) 770-817-0526 Editorial by Christine Engler, Cheri McGinnis, and Dio C.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Best Kept Secret in Alpharetta.â&#x20AC;?

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Recipe Corner

Seared Tuna Steak With Couscous 1 fresh tuna steak â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as big as you are hungry 1/3 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon freshly microplane-grated ginger 2 cloves freshly microplane-grated garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 1 handful chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 haas avocado â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cubed Salt & pepper

Step 1: Prepare your dressing. Add the soy sauce, ginger,

and garlic to a bowl, and whisk together. Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking as you do, until incorporated into the dressing. Taste, and adjust oil/salt/acidity if needed. Add the chopped cilantro and mix gently.

Step 2: Set a dry non-stick pan over medium-high heat,

until its hot. Season the tuna steak on one side with plenty of salt & freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Place the tuna, seasoned side down, into the pan. It should sizzle loudly. Season the side facing up, allow the tuna steak to cook for just a minute, and then flip it over. Step 4: Immediately spoon a large spoonful of the dressing over the cooked side of tuna. It will sizzle around the tuna as it cooks for barely one more minute, forming a syrupy glaze around the bottm of the tuna steak.

Step 5: Add couscous to your plate and enjoy!! AM By Kerry Finward

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Two local favorites for a one stop shopping experience at Alpharetta/Johns Creek favorite onestop holiday shopping experience at The Red Hound and Bella Fleur European Florist, conveniently located at the intersection of State Bridge and Jones Bridge Rds in the North Bridges shopping center.

The Red Hound

Spartina 449, Peggy Karr Art Glass, Archipelago Botanicals, and Sid Dickens memory blocks and much more!

$10 OFF

Complimentary Gift Wrap! Shipping Available!

your purchase of $40 or more This offer excludes Sid Dickens memory blocks as well as sale and clearance items. Not valid with other offers.

Holiday Centerpieces and Gardens Unique Custom Arrangements Decadent Chocolate Truffles Hostess Gifts MyGeorgiaFlorist.com

770.475.2341

10955 Jones Bridge Rd Alpharetta/Johns Creek

Bella Fleur

European Florist

The Red Hound, Inc 678-624-7733

10955 Jones Bridge Rd Alpharetta, GA 30022

Bella Fleur EuropeanFlorist 770-475-2341

Happy Trails

Preserve includes a visitor center, rock climbing area, restrooms, picnic and viewing areas, as well as a canopy walk and tree house. Trails run the gamut from easy to strenuous; and, beware, no dogs are allowed here. At Vickery Creek Trail explore the 6.5mile looping interpretive hiking trail that winds past the Roswell Mill and along the banks of the creek. Mountain bikes prohibited and the hike is moderate in intensity. This trail is part of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. A crushed limestone 1.7-mile looping trail, perfect for running and walking, and a shaded, more private trail that winds by a creek, make Webb Bridge Park a great place to spend an afternoon. Restrooms are available at this park. A 1.8-mile looping trail with spurs is part of Wills Park, a 110- acre park. This trail is an eight-foot wide paved asphalt path for walking, winds through the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park and passes the equestrian area. Restrooms are available. as well as natural history and animal exhibits along the trail. A daily entry fee or annual membership is required to use the trails. The Forsyth Big Creek Greenway – provides a 6.75-mile out-andback trail of multi-use concrete and wooden boardwalk. The nature viewing here is spectacular and the trails are ideal for biking, rollerblading, and foot traffic.

Gather the family and explore the great outdoors of North Atlanta. Alpharetta and its beautiful surroundings are just one reason to get out and enjoy this wonderful fall weather.

The Island Ford Trail is a mostly shaded 3.1-mile loop of compacted soil with views of the Chattahoochee River. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.

Did you know there are 13 hiking trails within a 20-mile radius of Alpharetta? Trails provide a FREE and family-friendly opportunity to get healthy, whether you prefer your fresh air with a side of cycling, running, walking or hiking. And, Alpharetta’s mild climate means beautiful weather is frequently upon us so it’s even easier to get active outdoors. The Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway is 6.1 miles one way and joins a 1.5-mile loop. This easy out-and-back trail can be accessed at the YMCA at Preston Ridge Road or on North Point Parkway or at Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta. The Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway’s 12- foot wide paved path makes it ideal for biking, walking, running and inline skating along the creek. The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center Here you

will discover an easy 2-mile hiking loop. The nature trails at Autrey Mill are situated on 46+ acres and wander past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, bridges, spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life. Benches, pavilions and restrooms are available. Take your adventure to two wheels at the Central Park Mountain Bike Trail where 3.5 miles of trails loop around the park and provide an easy to moderate ride. The trails are single use for mountain biking only. Looking for a challenge? Check out the Free Ride Park area at the park. At the Chattahoochee Nature Center Trail, contains 2.5 miles of looping, easy trails provide access to scenic lake and river views. Highlights for this hike include the Discovery Center – great for kids,

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

The Jones Bridge Trail is an easy 5.2-mile loop along the Chattahoochee River. Three wooden bridge crossings along the trail are part of the 195-acre park that offers picnic tables, restrooms, canoe and kayak boat launches and a viewing deck. Leita Thompson Memorial Park trail is a 2.3-mile loop for pedestrians only. This natural trails meanders through heavily wooded areas and is somewhat hilly with dramatic views of lakes and natural vegetation.

The Roswell River Walk offers a 3.1-mile out–and-back trail. Bike, skate or walk along this paved, flat trail with boardwalks that run along the Chattahoochee River. The Sawnee Mountain Preserve has trails that range in length from .025 – 3.2 miles and can be combined for maximum distance. The

Information supplied by Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau serves as the destination marketing arm for the City, promoting tourism to Alpharetta, Georgia, and attracting visitors to all 23 of Alpharetta’s upscale and modern hotels. Visit www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com for more information.

Trick or Treat?

Sometimes the rules are complicated. Juliet, 10, is allowed to eat oneeighth of her candy on Halloween night and then 12 pieces a day after that. “I would say that if I could choose, I would have one-sixth of my candy on Halloween night. Then, 20 pieces every day after that,” Juliet said. The rules at Sophie’s house are relaxed on Halloween, but after that she’s not allowed to eat nearly as much as Juliet. “On Halloween, I can eat quite a bit, but not until I get home,” said Sophie, 11. “After that it’s usually one piece a day.” Kris, 8, says she doesn’t have any limits on Halloween, but there’s a big catch. “That night we can eat whatever we want and then Mom throws it away,” Kris said.

she’s on a competitive swim team. “I don’t eat a lot of candy. I know what candy can do to your teeth and body, so I have limits on how much I should eat.”

Pete’s mom limits his Halloween candy by giving a lot of it back out to the trick-or-treaters that same night. “She leaves a small bowl for us to eat, which we do in about 2 days,” said Pete, 10.

No Limits Though most kids (60%) said parents should limit kids’ candy intake, plenty of kids (50%) said they did not have any limits, but more than 60% of kids said they voluntarily set their own limits. Why? ‘To avoid getting sick or to avoid getting cavities in their teeth. ‘

Kids love Halloween, and why not? You get to dress up in a cool costume and go around the neighborhood filling your bag or plastic pumpkin with delicious candy. Then it’s time to head home with that heavy haul of chocolate and other sweet treats. But what happens next? Do you eat a lot that night? Or maybe your mom or dad says “Whoa!” and tells you to pick a certain number of pieces. In a recent poll, 1,200 boys and girls were asked about their Halloween haul. Here’s what they said: * Most kids said they get at least 50 pieces of candy, with over 44% saying they get more than 100 pieces.

* Only about 20% of kids said they eat all their Halloween candy. * Whether they eat all or just some of their candy, it takes most kids a long time to do it. Nearly 60% said they need 2 weeks, 1 month, or more than a month. About 25% said they need only 1 day or less than 1 week, but kids aren’t always in charge when it comes to how much candy they get to eat — half said their parents put limits on how much they can eat.

Limits Kids who have limits were allowed to eat as little as one piece a week to as many as 10 or 20 a day, though not all at the same time.

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

Thalia, 12, said she wants to be a healthy kid, especially because

Kids need to figure out what their limits are — what it feels like to be full. When they do, they can adjust how much they eat so they don’t overdo it. Parents need to make that decision based on what a kid is like. So if a kid is the type to be reasonable and stop eating candy before he or she gets sick, maybe the kid gets to decide how much to eat, but if the kid is the type to overdo it, maybe the parent needs to step in and set some limits.

Candy Alternatives While some Halloween candy is fun, quite a few kids were interested in getting non-candy treats on Halloween night. About half of kids said they’d like to get pencils, stickers, and other small items. “I think people should give out fun markers/crayons, stickers, pencils, and anything else they think kids will like,” said Hannah, 11. “They should do this because it lasts longer than candy….especially in my house.” AM by Maria Grovlin

Surviving Surgery

There are all types of surgeries that are life saving and elective. They are plastic surgery to repair a broken nose or to ‘improve’ upon one’s body, colorectal surgery, oral surgery, podiatric surgery, ophthalmology and cardiothoracic surgery to name a few. Surgical procedures can be the most expensive medical procedures available today. There are so many doctors, nurses and equipment involved that some procedures can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 apiece. The most popular form of elective surgery in the United States today is plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is used to increase or reduce breast size, reconstruct a face either by choice or after a horrific accident, repair a torn off ear from an accident, reshape the lips or adjust the eyelids. All of these surgeries are performed by licensed surgeons across the country and cost a hefty penny. If you have been dieting for a long time that you feel like you are on some kind of eternal weight loss program, for sure you have been considering on or thinking about having a weight loss surgery done. Weight loss surgery is not a new way towards losing weight for it has been around for sometime now. Most of the time, weight loss surgery is recommended to people who have been dieting or going on a weight loss program for so long unsuccessfully, or those people who are overweight or morbidly obese that they can no longer do much with and by themselves (think of Gilbert Grape’s mother), as well as heavily endorsed to people who are overweight and at the same time have health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and

Surgery is the most common medical practice around today that employs investigative work and treatment in one. Surgery is used to remove tumors, bone fragments, investigate a health issue after xrays have been taken or even to repair broken bones or torn ligaments in the elbow, knee, or ankle. Surgeries are also used to save a trauma victim’s life, repair a torn off finger or toe or even ear (see Mike Tyson). An elective surgery is done to repair a non-life-threatening problem. Emergency surgery is just that; to repair an organ or body part or save one’s life in an emergency situation. An amputation is when a leg or arm needs to be removed from the body due to an infection that has spread or a wound that cannot be healed by any other means. Your surgeon is a highly trained, well educated, hard working person. He or she sacrificed years of life and tons of money to get to this point of being able to diagnose and treat you. But he is not God. He should be willing to listen to you and answer your questions, one of which should be ‘How many times have you done this surgery?” Everyone has to have a ‘first time’. Even surgeons have to do a surgery for the ‘first time’ An experienced surgeon who wants to learn a new technique will usually train under the watchful eye of a surgeon who is well versed in the technique.

Surgery has adapted immensely over the past 200 years. During the United States Civil War, soldiers were operated on in large rooms with hundreds of other soldiers lying right besides them. Obviously, not the most clean or sanitized situation. Surgeons would remove legs and arms and then patch up the patient. Most surgery patients, if they didn’t die on the table, wouldn’t last much more than a year or two, if that long, after surgery was performed. They would contract gangrene or other infections. The oldest known methods of surgery date back to the ancient Egyptians about 3,500 years ago. There are texts from this period documenting surgeries performed by priests who were ‘specialized’ in medical treatments. All of these procedures were documented on papyrus, known as the first patient medical records. Surgical patients are, for the most part, sedated with anesthesia so they do not feel the pain of the surgery while it is taking place. The anesthesia ‘knocks out’ the patient to the point of a nap. After surgery the patient must spend a required amount of time in the hospital’s recovery ward for the wound or area to heal properly and if there are any complications the doctors and nurses are only a room away. Following surgery, most patients are placed on painkillers if the surgery requires them. Some types are Percocet, Motrin or even Oxycontin.

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE

diabetes. In short, weight loss surgery is both a palliative (it eases any individual from suffering his weight problem) as well as management (it serves to prevent and control the hypertension from developing into something worse) and last resort. There are a lot of weight loss surgery procedures being done, namely: 1. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) 2. Biliopancreatic Diversion 3. Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with “Doudenal Switch” 5. Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y 6. Gastric Banding 7. Laparoscopic Procedures These weight loss surgery procedures all do one of the two things: a. Be a restrictive procedure designed to decrease food intake such as VBG and Biliopancreatic Diversion or b. Make the food be incompletely digested, thus make it be poorly absorbed such that the body has no other choice but to directly excrete it as is the goal of gastric Bypass and Biliopancreatic Diversion with “Doudenal Switch”. As with any kind of surgery, these procedures are not without risks. They always have risks such as bleeding and developing complications while the procedure is being done or after it is done. However, these risks can be controlled by the doctors or surgeons, so trust in them that they will do the right thing. Another thing to consider is the cost. Of course, since it is surgery, you have to pay for a lot of stuff such as the medical bills, the doctors’ fees and etcetera. There is a silver lining to this though, since there are insurance companies who will cover this type of surgical procedure (as long as you give them the right reasons) and there are doctors who give discounts, too. AM by Jane Summens

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.â&#x20AC;? Psalm 100