Northside Woman, December 2015 by Appen Media Group

DECEMBER 2015

Inside the Box Operation Christmas Child packs happiness in a shoebox

Avoiding Temptation

Guilt-free indulgence for the Holidays

Abstract

Life

The colorful world of Britt Bass Turner

2 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

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staff

Christina Appen

Suzanne Pacey

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candy Waylock

Devon McKenna

EDITOR

Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi CONTRIBUTING WRITER

DEVON MCKENNA/PHOTOSYNTHESIS ATLANTA

PUBLISHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kathleen Sturgeon

general manager Hans Appen hans@northsidewoman.com sales executives Hans Appen, Wendy Goddard, Abby Breaux, June Meltzer, Mike Dorman sales assistant Susan Hernandez production Suzanne Pacey, David Brown, A.J. McNaughton

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Northside Woman is published monthly & distributed free throughout north metro Atlanta. © 2015 Appen Media Group. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

4 | northsidewoman.com | december2015 december2015

the cover

{ INSIDE }

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

northside women { 6 }

THE INTERVIEW Britt Bass Turner fell in love with color and design as a young child, but did not discover abstract painting until a later age

{ 10 }

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Peg Engleka discusses her journey from Olympic field hockey team to doggy day care

{ 26 }

SHE GIVES BACK Carol Smith of Johns Creek directs the efforts to send thousands of shoeboxes to children in need through Operation Christmas Child

Artist Britt Bass Turner is surrounded by her abstract work in her newlyopened studio in Historic Roswell. Read more about her life as an artist and the inspiration behind her work on page 6.

{ 20 }

NORTHSIDE MAN Former pro-football player Tim Lester changes the lives of young men through New Found Life Youth Football League

{ 32 } HER STYLE Powerhouse to party goer! Stress-free dressing for your office holiday party

{ 38 } ASK THE VET Make your pet’s holiday boarding experience a positive one with advice from The Village Animal Hospital { 41 } DECEMBER { 14 } TAKE 5 CALENDAR Guilt-free guide to making healthy food choices during the holidays

northside lifestyle { 18 }

GOOD BOOKS The Milton Literary Festival draws a crowd for its inaugural gathering of writers and authors

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Finding inspiration in the world around her BY CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

here others may see the ordinary, artist Britt Bass Turner sees a canvas soon to be alive with splashes of color. “Everything inspires me!” said Turner, 26, an abstract artist with a studio in Roswell. “My inspiration comes from all the visual information I take in. I take my phone with me when I am out on walks or traveling and snap pictures of inspiring shapes and colors to use as material for when I get back to the studio.” Her studio on Oak Street in Roswell serves as a “respite” for her creative process while meeting the needs of an active business. Here, she creates not only canvass art, but a line of accessories, including cell phone covers, ornaments and a variety of paper goods. “My studio is full of happy paintings and natural light [and] I hope people feel joy and happiness when they are [surrounded] by my work,” Turner said. She notes her studio is divided into thirds, with the front third devoted to her painting space, middle third for display and the last third for production. Her studio is just steps away from Miko and Boone Home, the design firm owned by her mother, Amy Ferrer, who Turner credits with giving her the confidence and encouragement to be an artist. A native of Milton who graduated from Milton High School in 2007 and the University of Georgia in 2011, Turner can’t remember a time in her life when color, art and design did not surround her. “I’ve always loved art and creative endeavors. My mom was in the industry as I was growing up, [so] I started refining my eye for color, pattern and textures very early on,” she said. “I love to look at fashion design, interior design and nature for palettes and shapes as [a

DEVON MCKENNA/PHOTOSYNTHESIS ATLANTA

Artist Britt Bass Turner

women in art

Artist Britt Bass Turner.

► See WOMEN IN ART, Page 8

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women in art

DEVON MCKENNA/PHOTOSYNTHESIS ATLANTA

WWW.BRITTBASS.COM/PRINTS

Britt with her husband Ren Turner and their dog Birdy.

▼ WOMEN IN ART, Continued from Page 6 starting point] for my painting.” Others observed her talent for the arts long before she discovered it in herself, she said, recalling a third-grade teacher who told her she would be an artist when she grew up. “I thought for the longest time I wanted to be an architect because I loved the shapes and really enjoy logistics and problem solving … maybe one day!” Turner said with a laugh. For now, she is a highly sought-after abstract artist whose success at such a young age is measured by her work as a 8 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

commissioned artist and the numerous galleries that display her work. “The amount of success has surprised me,” she admitted. “However, I am very driven and was very determined to make a career out of this. I had no idea it would be this fast but am so thankful for the support and hope it continues so I can paint forever.” She discovered her passion and talent for abstract painting late in her college career, and it became her signature style. “I didn’t start painting abstractly until I took painting courses by abstract professors during my last year in college,” said Turner, who is married to her childhood sweetheart, Render

Turner. “Learning the techniques of the new mediums and how to work with an intuitive process changed my artwork forever – I fell in love!” She tries to spend about three hours a day painting, but said the time spent often depends on her mood and what happens to be inspiring her that moment. And the finished product is revealed only when the final brushstroke is laid down. “My artwork is all about the process,” Turner explained. “I don’t know what the painting will look like until I’m completely finished. Every brushstroke, color choice, etc. is a reaction to the one made before it. I work in lots of layers and on multiple pieces at once so I am operating with very

different pieces and stages of paintings simultaneously.” While Turner is grateful for her artistic abilities, she is quick to credit those who mentored and taught her how to turn those talents into a career. “I am so grateful for all my art teachers and professors throughout my schooling who took me under their wing, spent extra time to develop me outside of classes, encouraged me to take private workshops, and supported me to join collectives and galleries,” said Turner, specifically citing teachers from Crabapple Elementary, Milton High and UGA. To view Britt Bass Turners portfolio, visit www.brittbass.com. ■

december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 9

women in business

A doggone good time

KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF

Peg Engleka spends a good portion of her day interacting with her dog clients.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDEPETESTATES.COM

Peg Engleka discusses journey from Olympic field hockey team to doggy day care

BY KATHLEEN STURGEON

kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

eg Engleka is like a dog with a new bone. After retiring from playing field hockey for 11 years with Team USA, she and her husband, Matt, decided to open up their own pet boarding and dog day care facility. That business, Countryside Pet Estates, 2450 Hopewell Road in Milton, opened in 2014, and the Englekas having been living the dream ever since. Although she has been a volunteer lacrosse coach at Wesleyan School for several years, she said she needed to be done with playing sports herself before opening such a labor-intensive business. “With Sam [my dog], I realized I had a passion for

10 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

dogs,” Engleka said. “Playing [field hockey] at the level I played, you don’t have a chance to think about anything else. Once I stopped playing I realized I had other passions. Animals are one of them.” That dream sprang from unfortunate circumstances, however. The couple could not have children. “I had grown up with dogs and realized I loved them,” said Engleka, 44. “So I started working at a pet resort and, once we couldn’t have kids, this just became a dream. I never would have dreamt or planned this. Finally, we said we should do our own thing, and we did it.” The Alpharetta couple knew they needed land to build their kennel, but didn’t want nearly as much space as a lot of the facilities in the area seemed to have. But a gamble gave them a chance at what became their location. “It was just the two of us so we didn’t need a kennel and a huge house,” Engleka said. “We drove by this piece of property probably about 100 times looking for a place. It was bank owned and it kept saying ‘pending.’ We never really thought about it and then my husband looked into it and something happened with the buyer. It went into foreclosure, so they put it up for sale.” The couple had enough money saved from years of working, so they went for it. However, snags with city requirements and upset neighbors created additional red tape, complications and delays until, finally, in August 2014, they were free to begin construction. To save money, they did a lot of the handiwork themselves, including

building the entire fence around the property. “The building part was something we’ve never done,” Engleka said. “My husband is the business part and he faced a ton of obstacles of getting things done on time.” Once issues were resolved, construction went quickly. Concrete was poured Aug. 23, 2014, and the resort opened Dec. 19, 2014. With most of the details related to building and opening a new business finally ironed out, Engleka said she loves being able to spend time with the dogs. “I can’t be at the front checking people in because I have to be out with the dogs,” she said. “I want to know everything about every dog when it leaves the building so I can tell the owners, ‘Maggie is the best fetcher.’ When the dogs are out having fun, I look around and think it’s so nice.” Situated on six acres, Countryside Pet Estates has six different areas for dogs to run free. Trees cover a few of the play areas so dogs can romp even when it’s raining. As much as Engleka loves her canine clients, she is just as concerned about their humans, too. “Most of our clients’ dogs are their babies,” she said. “I want to treat their dogs like I treat my own dog.”

► See WOMEN IN BUSINESS, Page 12

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women in business

▼ WOMEN IN BUSINESS, Continued from Page 10

Countryside Pet Estates has been open for a little under a year and is a passion of owner, Peg Engleka’s.

As someone who has competed at the highest level an athlete can all over the world – the Olympics alone took her to Atlanta in ’96 to Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004 – she said she hopes to share some of her life lessons with Countryside’s employees and help them mature into well-rounded individuals. “This isn’t going to be their job,” Engleka said. “If they’re still here in five years, I’m going to push them away. When we hire people and they say they took a break from school, we tell them if they don’t go back to school, they’ll lose their job. We want them to grow as a person. When I see the staff learning and I’m able

to teach them worldly things, that gives me satisfaction.” She often tells her employees to go after whatever they want in life and to ask for help. “I had a lot of goals along the way, especially by being an athlete,” she said. “If you never go for it, you never get it. You fail along the way but that’s how you learn and grow. Then you’re able to share that with other people.” She said she couldn’t do this by herself and that she and the employees are a team. “Our big motto is everyone does everything. I would never ask an employee to do something I wouldn’t do,” Engleka said. “We all work together. Surround yourself with good people and you’ll be successful.” ■

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ways to eat KE

e id h fi v e n o r t

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oliday parties bring friends and family together, but they also bring a lot of temptation for dieters and healthy eaters. Contrary to popular belief, you can enjoy the festivities while staying fit and healthy. Here are a few ways to trim back your trimmings this holiday season.

Don’t skip and save

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during the holidays is to fast or skip meals in order to save up for the feast that night. You will arrive to the party famished and vulnerable. The best option is to eat a light, healthy, protein- and/or fiber-packed snack right before a party. This allows you to fill up more quickly but still try the holiday grub. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt or boiled eggs are all healthy options.

Find the treasures

When scanning the buffet, look for foods that are “holiday traditions” like sweet potato soufflé or your relative’s favorite holiday recipe. If you see something like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese, remind yourself that you can eat those any night during the year. By finding the holiday treasures, you will likely fill your plate with fewer items and savor them even more. Try to only fill your plate with two or three items each time you visit the buffet. It will cut down on your visits and calories.

Make it fun

By adding in a holiday game like an ornament exchange or Dirty Santa, the focus becomes more on the people and holiday and less on the food. If you really want to shake things up, provide games that require physical activity, like Wii Fit, horseshoes or cornhole. Not only will your guests create memories, but they’ll also burn some calories before chowing down.

The holiday host

The easiest way to ensure your menu fits your healthy lifestyle is by providing the food. If you’re up to it, host a holiday party, or if not, offer to bring healthy alternatives to a gathering. Consider bringing a gluten-free dessert or a “skinny” version of a holiday classic. Of course, you will benefit from this gesture, but you may be surprised at how many other people will feast on the healthy options.

The exception, not the rule

This Weekend!

Any nutritionist will tell you it is OK to splurge every once in a while. In fact, it is good to shock your system with something new. However, don’t create new rules just because it’s the holiday season. One thing will lead to another, and you’ve stuffed yourself at multiple parties. Stick to your guns at the office party or girls’ gathering, but allow yourself to cave at the main event. This gives you an incentive to eat well leading up to the big meal. ■

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Mixing Metal Madness

ixing metals in interior design is my most favorite decorating trend. Most of us are overwhelmed at the thought and expense of trading out lighting, hardware and accessories to match. There is no need to do that and you shouldn't! It makes your home seemed planned and monotonous. While most designers agree that the old "shiny brass" needs to go, there is no one metal considered… more trendy. It is the art of mixing your oil rubbed bronzes with the newer brushed nickels, champagne golds and polished chromes that will spectacularly transform and update your home. Consider faux painting existing fixtures or furnishings when replacing them is not in the budget. If you do not have a designer and are afraid to mixing metallic, use multiple textures such as hammered, shiny and matte to create dimension. Many of the new iron finishes

incorporate silvers and golds, ideal for mixing with the more dramatic bronzes and blacks, while still allowing a lighter and more transitional feel. Even mirrored furnishings and accessories have mimicked this effect with mercury glasses and antiqued finishes. This dimensional look can also be achieved by mixing dark woods with lighter colored metals. True and timeless design is about mixing the old with the new for a constantly evolving look and metallics are no exception. Every room in your home should have a combination of at least three elements but done the correct way the more the merrier. Be cautious to not allow one metal to dominate to create a subtle layered look. Keep your beloved chandelier and update your lamps and accessories. Great design should reflect your taste and personality and develop over a lifetime of collections, heirlooms and memories. ■

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Festival produces plenty of gift-giving ideas

PHOTO BY KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI

Milton Literary Festival

goodbooks

Kimberly Brock, left, and Susan Sands discuss their books during a fireside chat at Broadwell Pavilion.

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI Kathy@appenmediagroup.com

he first Milton Literary Festival in downtown Crabapple Nov. 13-14 drew about 120 attendees, which organizers considered a good turnout for an inaugural event. In addition to treating local book lovers to a wealth of writers – 27, including New York Times best-sellers and award-winners galore – the festival might also be considered something of a gift that can keep on giving, especially through the holidays. North Fulton readers partial to books with local ties – works either written by Georgians and/or set in Georgia – will find titles aplenty to add to their wish lists from among the festival’s participants, all of whom call the Peach State home. Wayne Boston, Milton’s community builder and one of the festival’s organizers, worked to line up authors along with a committee composed of several members of the Atlanta Writers Club — Kimberly Brock, Valerie Connors, Rona Simmons and George Weinstein, all of whom participated in the festival, as well. Other than a common state residency, the event’s first year of diverse participants shared little else, with such wide-ranging genres as children’s books to memoirs and grit lit to contemporary fiction delightfully on display. For those who might have missed the multitude of panels, workshops, fireside chats and book signings, all is not lost. In fact, much of it can still be found at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, official bookseller for the Milton event. Karen Schwettman, who co-owns FoxTale with Jackie Tanase and Ellen Ward, stocks many of the books featured and was familiar with most of the authors’ current, as well as more well-known, works. Going down the list of festival participants, Schwettman detailed a variety of titles sure to please any bibliophile this holiday season. Milton resident Karen White, the event’s keynote speaker, is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of Southern women’s fiction as well as a mystery series set in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to her 19th novel, “The Sound of Glass,” published in May, the first book in White’s Tradd Street series, “The House on Tradd Street,” remains a big seller at FoxTale, Schwettman said. Raymond L. Atkins lives in Rome and most recently published “Sweetwater Blues,” featuring a pair of best friends who ramble across the hills of north Georgia together. Schwettman said Atkins’ “Camp Redemption,”

18 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

North Fulton readers partial to books with local ties – will find titles aplenty to add to their wish lists. also set in Georgia, is a fan favorite. Brock, a north Georgia native and former Northside Woman Good Books writer, is the best-selling author of “The River Witch,” winner of the 2013 Georgia Author of the Year Award for first novel. Brock’s work has appeared in anthologies, blogs and magazines, including Writer Unboxed and Psychology Today. Ann Hite’s latest book, “Where the Souls Go,” the third in her Black Mountain series, was released Sept. 1. Schwettman said Hite, a Marietta resident and the 2012 Georgia Author of the Year, is well known among FoxTale shoppers for her debut novel, “Ghost on Black Mountain.” Simmons is the author, most recently, of the 2015 novel “Postcards from Wonderland.” However, Schwettmann said she receives many requests for Simmons’ 2013 novel, “The Quiet Room,” a work of historical fiction. Simmons, who lives outside of Atlanta, is currently working on a contemporary novel. Roswell’s Weinstein is well known at FoxTale for his Southern historical novel “Hardscrabble Road.” His fourth work, “The Caretaker,” a contemporary novel, came out in 2014, just six years after his first offering, “Jake and the Tiger Flight.” That book, a children’s motivational adventure, was written for the nonprofit TigerFlight Foundation, which encourages youth to become the “Pilot in Command” of their lives. Schwettmann praised another festival participant, award-winning illustrator Mark

Braught, for his engaging children’s book illustrations. FoxTale sells many copies of “P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet,” which is illustrated by Braught, a Commerce resident. Other festival writers whose works are available online and elsewhere include Bob Meyers, author and photographer of award-winning coffee table books, including “Timeless Beauties: Barns of Old Milton County,” the first edition of which sold out in a month. Meyers serves on the Friends of the Milton Library Board of Directors. Preorders are available now for Romily Bernard’s upcoming young-adult novel, “Trust Me,” her fourth book, which will be available March 2016. On her website, the Georgia State University graduate listed a variety of positions she’s held with a literature degree, including riding instructor, cell phone salesperson and, “during a very dark time,” customer-service representative. Connors, an Atlanta resident, is the author of three books, the most recent of which, “A Promise Made,” a historical novel set in New York City just after World War II, was published in July. When she’s not writing, Connors is the chief financial officer of an architecture, engineering and interior design firm. David Darracott was named 2015 Author of the Year by the Georgia Writers Association for “Wasted,” a detective/mystery novel. An Emory grad, Darracott lives in north Atlanta and his credits include another novel, “Internal Security,” as well as short stories and nonfiction for magazines, TV and film productions. Jameson Gregg’s first novel, the comic satire “Luck Be a Chicken,” was published in 2014, the year he was named Georgia Author of the Year. Gregg’s humorous writings have appeared in literary anthologies, magazines and newspapers throughout Georgia. Atlanta native Nicki Salcedo won the Maggie Award of Excellence for her romantic suspense novel, “All Beautiful Things.” She is a contributor to Urban Lux Magazine and writes a weekly column for the Atlanta-based news site Decaturish.com. “Intersections” is a collection of those columns. Alpharetta resident Scott Seeke, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Marietta, has recently published his first title, “Uncle Bush’s Live Funeral: A True Story of Second Chances.” The book is based on a tale first told in “Get Low,” a 2010 film co-written by Seeke and starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek. For more information about the festival and additional gift-giving ideas, go to www. cityofmiltonga.us/events/348/miltonliterary-festival. ■

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northsideman

northside man

DECEMBER

Northside Man: Tim Lester Age: 47 City of residence: Milton Hometown: Miami, Florida Spouse: Natalie Lester, 14 years Company, title: President, New Found Life Youth Football League; Inspirational speaker, Sports World Ministries College and major: Eastern Kentucky University, criminal justice major

im Lester, 47, is a Milton resident changing the lives of local young men through football and motivational speaking. Lester grew up in Miami, Florida, as one of six children and played football at Eastern Kentucky University, where he studied criminal justice. As a 10th round pick in the 1992 NFL draft, Lester was selected by the Los Angeles Rams (now St. Louis Rams). His professional career continued through 2000 and included stints with the Pittsburg Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. During his time in the NFL, Lester became known as “The Bus Driver” due to his ability to make “holes” for his fullback who was known as Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. That nickname has taken on a new meaning for Lester now that he’s a local coach and motivational speaker, leading the way for kids to realize consequences of their choices and sharing football’s life lessons. His coaching philosophy states, “Coaches are expected to lead by example in both words and actions on and off the football field.” He also believes that, in order for his players

to be successful in all realms of life, coaches need to find a good balance. “We should teach through example; be competitive but fair, aggressive but respectful, and be tough but compassionate.” Lester’s contributions don’t stop on the football field, however. He has helped over 500 underprivileged youths with football camps and back-to-school events. During Thanksgiving, he works with programs to help feed those in need. He has often visited schools, especially those for at-risk students, speaking on the value of an education. Lester is driving a different “bus” than he was 15 years ago on the football field, but he is making a positive impact in the city of Milton and beyond.

What made you want to start coaching and inspiring others?

Five years ago a friend asked me, “What do you want your legacy to be?” Right then, I knew I wanted to inspire the lives of others, not just through my football experiences, but through my life experiences, as well. I wanted to speak to kids about making the right choices. When traveling around the country speaking to kids, I tell them, “You’re not born a winner. You’re not born a loser. You’re born a chooser!”

What is your favorite part about football season?

As a coach, my favorite part is seeing my players improve as they grow, develop and display understanding of the game. The best part is to see them cultivate as a team and show brotherly love to one another as they celebrate each other’s big plays and wins and, from time to time, how they pick each other up for their losses.

What is your favorite memory from playing in the NFL?

My favorite memory of playing in the NFL is when I had the chance to play in Super Bowl 30 against my all-time favorite childhood team, the Dallas Cowboys. That was like any little boy’s dream. Standing on the field against a team I idolized as a kid was amazing.

Who and/or what inspires you?

My faith in Jesus Christ inspires me to

20 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

do what God has called me to do. My mom and dad’s 58-year love inspires me and my wife. Finally, my wife, Natalie, and sons Tim Jr., Tristan and Toni Rae all inspire me to not only be the best I can be, but also see the best in everyone and be compassionate toward others.

What is the most important lesson football taught you?

Money and fame do not bring peace and happiness. Your faith brings you peace, and once that is achieved, happiness is right around the corner. After being a 10th round pick [in the NFL], I learned anything is possible, and if you want something badly enough, never give up.

What is your favorite holiday season tradition?

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Every year, my wife cooks Thanksgiving dinner and I watch football with my boys. We are always sure to reflect on the blessings we have been given that year. Being thankful for each of them is a feeling I treasure during the holiday season. Visit timlester.org to learn more about how your child can benefit from Lester’s coaching and motivational techniques.■

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MARK ROBERTS’ CHRISTMAS COLLECTIBLES Mark Roberts’ unique Christmas Collectibles line include Limited Edition Fairies, Elves, Santas, and other Fairy-inspired items. Exquisitely detailed using sumptuous fabrics and elegant trimmings, each character has a charming face with an expression all its own. Fairies and Elves are flexible and poseable, heirloom in quality and timeless in nature. 405 Peachtree Pkwy | Suite 135 | Cumming, GA 30041 www.paulmartininteriors.com | 678-947-4899

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CHRISTOPHER RADKO ORNAMENTS Mark Roberts’ unique Christmas Collectibles line include Limited Edition Fairies, Elves, Santas, and other Fairy-inspired items. Exquisitely detailed using sumptuous fabrics and elegant trimmings, each character has a charming face with an expression all its own. Fairies and Elves are flexible and poseable, heirloom in quality and timeless in nature. 405 Peachtree Pkwy | Suite 135 | Cumming, GA 30041 www.paulmartininteriors.com | 678-947-4899

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december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 25

Christmas comes in a shoebox

she gives back

Last year, 60,000 shoe boxes were sent to Syrian children living in refugee camps in northern Iraq.

Carol Smith leads effort to bring holiday joy to children in need BY CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

arol Smith remembers when Christmas was not complete without packing shoeboxes full of toys and gifts alongside her young children for Operation Christmas Child. Her shoeboxes would join thousands of others chock full of items to be sent to children in developing nations by Samaritan’s Purse each Christmas. “I always enjoyed participating with my children because, even from the youngest age, they could understand and enjoy the importance of giving a gift to a child who didn’t have anything,” said Smith, a resident of Johns Creek. “[Sometimes] they would add a [toy] from their own collection as a personal contribution.” Today, Smith is the Atlanta area coordinator for OCC, overseeing the safe

26 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

Carol Smith and husband, Greg, volunteer together at the Atlanta Processing Center for Operation Christmas Child.

delivery of tens of thousands of shoeboxes that come from area residents, business, churches and others. She took on the fulltime volunteer position for OCC in 2011, after retiring from a career spent primarily in the nonprofit sector. “Because Samaritan’s Purse depends on volunteers around the world to carry out the front-line efforts of their ministry, volunteering with Operation Christmas Child is different than most serving opportunities,” explained Smith. “They aren’t just looking for warm bodies to fill helper roles, but rather leader volunteers to partner with the organization.” OCC began in 1993 as part of the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, run by Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son). Since its beginning, OCC has shipped more than 124 million shoeboxes filled with toys,

school supplies, crafts and other gifts to children in developing nations. Smith said she was familiar with OCC through her church, but when her youngest daughter, Audrey, volunteered at the Atlanta OCC processing center in 2010, she saw the overall mission of the project. “Audrey was so impacted by her experience there,” said Smith, who has three children with husband, Greg. “So it was on my radar and one of the many organizations that I applied to volunteer.” Her background and experience in leading volunteers in the past has helped her with OCC, which works with more than 300 churches throughout the metro Atlanta area, as well as schools, private companies and civic groups. Each year the Atlanta center for OCC sets a goal for the number of shoeboxes it would like to ship overseas, and routinely

► See SHE GIVES BACK, Page 28

december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 27

she gives back ▼ SHE GIVES BACK, Continued from Page 26

meets — and, more often, beats — that number. In 2011, the Atlanta region collected 56,000 shoeboxes. That number grew to 62,000 in 2012, 80,000 in 2014 and is on track to gather 86,000 shoeboxes in 2015. “Many people like to use Operation Christmas Child as a way to share their faith at work, so when a business is looking for a philanthropy project for the holidays, Operation Christmas Child is a great option,” noted Smith. In 2012, Smith was able to see the journey of the shoeboxes from start to finish when she visited six different distribution sites in Uganda. She remembers clearly the looks of anticipation on the faces of children who gathered at local churches to receive their very own shoeboxes, and describes the moments the children opened their gifts. “They took out the dolls and balls from the boxes and would wave them in the air for everyone to see. Children were receiving their first toothbrush in their lives. They would pull out a bar of soap and smell it. For many, they were receiving toys and gifts for the first time in their lives,” she said. But, for Smith, the most moving part of the OCC experience was being with the pastors. The boxes are distributed

More than one million shoe box gifts have been sent to Uganda, where nearly half of the population is under the age of 14. Following Typhoon Haiyan in 2014, shoe boxes were delivered to more than 570,000 children in the Philippines.

To LEARN MORE ABOUT SAMARITAN’S PURSE or OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, VISIT www.samaritanspurse.org.

love on their community and reach out in relationship, not only to the children but also to the whole family.” While children are the recipients of the joy the shoeboxes bring, Smith said she and others who are part of the outreach are rewarded, as well. “God uses both sides of the box, changing the person who packs the gift as well as the child who receives the gift,” she explained. “Children, of course, get the importance of generosity towards other children, but one of my favorite happenings around town are the groups of [people] who have formed circles of friendship over the shoeboxes.” OCC has become a family event for Smith, who notes everyone is supportive and committed to the program. “Every year, my whole family, including my parents and my sister and brother’s families, all volunteer together

through local churches, and pastors have the challenging job of working in communities devastated by poverty, disease and war. On the day of a shoebox distribution, the children would come in droves, many with their parents in tow, Smith said. “Sometimes there were so many people they wouldn’t even all fit in the building. After the event was over, when the children were gone, the pastors would weep, every time,” recalls Smith. “They were so grateful for the opportunity to

at the Atlanta processing center the day after Thanksgiving. It’s fun to spend Black Friday, the day when most people are shopping like crazy, packing up gifts for children in need.” Smith says the focus of OCC may be during the Christmas season, but much of the work is done by that time. The real work begins in January each year, with the screening, interviewing and training of new team members, writing letters of gratitude to the thousands of people who helped make the previous OCC a success, coordinating a speaker’s bureau with plans to reach out to new groups, and working with packing groups to ensure resources are in place. “By the time we get to collection season in November, it’s just a celebration of all the work we’ve done throughout the year and we just enjoy the boxes coming in,” Smith said. “It’s very rewarding.” ■

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Christmas with Farmtable Begins 11/27.

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BEGINS NOVEMBER 27th Christmas With The Farmtable Come Get Your Tree and Have Fun! Our Christmas Wonderland is back. Come out for some great photo opportunities with all of our wonderland characters. We have a live Olaf, Queen Elsa, Buddy the Elf, and more. Great time to get your Family Tree. We have the best Live Michigan Fraser Fir Trees available anywhere. We also feature wreaths, holiday decorations, gift baskets, and a full gift shop! So come out for Organic Coffee and Hot Apple Cider. Relax and have a great time. Looking forward to meeting you. – Wilbur and Rudy

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any companies and organizations hold their office holiday parties right after the workday is over, or even during lunch. There’s no reason to go all the way home to change into your party clothes. You can dress appropriately for work and, with a few of my quick holiday fashion tips, you can go from powerhouse to partygoer in a flash.

It’s all in the accessories!

Woven throughout our curriculum...

Ensemble 1:

Wear a neutral-colored sheath dress to work during the day. It’s work appropriate with tights, tassel necklace, geometric print jacket, Chanel-inspired quilted handbag and tall boots in the same color family. The outfit is seasonally appropriate and customer-facing worthy.

Ensemble 2:

It’s “casual” Friday at the office, but that is no reason to look drab. On the day of the office party, don a pair of winter white (cream, not bright white) trousers and a comfortable but sleek turtleneck in a jewel tone. The color teal is universally flattering on all skin tones. A structured work bag and classic statement necklace complete the look for work meetings during the day.

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ENSEMBLE 3:

A structured jacket, printed silk blouse and jeweled necklace top a slim ankle pant for a perfectly professional picture. The comfortable and sleek wedges say, “I walk the walk AND I can do it all day in comfort and style.”

Special thanks:

This leggy model is Sarah McCrory from Johns Creek. She is the mother of two boys and is involved with the children’s ministry at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church. When she is not modeling holiday fashion attire, she can be found at the Red Door Playhouse in Roswell performing improv. Sarah’s performance skills helped make her adaptable for the many business-to-party fashions she modeled for this article. Bravo! ■

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As a personal wardrobe consultant and owner of Alpharetta-based Fashion With Flair, Lori Wynne helps people look their best. Contact her at fashionwithflair.com.

to Partygoer! Speedy change:

Keep the sheath dress and have fun with a faux fur cinched jacket. This one is as soft and cozy as a robe. The statement necklace matches the white fur. This outfit would look great with high heels in red tones. It’s a fun and luxurious look that’s perfect for an ice bar or tree-lighting event.

TIME TO PARTY:

Little did your co-workers know that inside of your work bag was your on-trend faux fur infinity scarf, beaded drawstring evening bag, designer sunglasses and your fun fedora. Change your accessories in the car on the way to the venue. I see holiday carols and eggnog in your future!

Dash to the executive washroom:

Keep the slim pant. Did I tell you they are tone-on-tone damask fabric? Perfect for transitioning from powerhouse to partygoer. Change your work top to a shantung silk top with peplum and beaded detail. The royal blue color looks fabulous, festive and is universally flattering on everyone. The small velvet clutch is the perfect addition to the holiday outfit. Trade the work wedges for a more delicate ankle strap number. You are ready for the holiday concert or play.

Where to find these great holiday fashion accessories:

NSW found all of these wonderful clothes at one store – The Closet Exchange. A well-stocked consignment store at 3005 Old Alabama Road in Alpharetta, The Closet Exchange is co-owned by a friendly mother-daughter duo, Martha McKay and Gwen Baker, who say now is a great time to come in for fun and affordable accessories for your holiday party. Their welcoming demeanor makes shopping in this spacious and well-lit boutique a relaxing and rewarding affair. Thanks, Martha and Gwen, for allowing us to use your store as the backdrop for all of these great outfits. december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 33

goodlovin’

with Dr. Cathy

Erogenous Zones:

rogenous. What comes to mind when you hear this word? Probably the most obvious sexual places on your body: breasts, genitalia, neck, lips, etc. But there are areas far beyond these hot spots that may kindle your senses even further. There are places on our bodies that we don’t even consider being erogenous until they are stimulated. What an exciting mystery to unfold and discover on your path to sexual satisfaction. Let’s review some not-so-noticeable “zones” that may ignite a surprising spark you never knew existed.

Belly button

Searching Beyond the Obvious

34 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

Yes, there may be an exciting additional purpose for this cute little crevice on our abdomen. The belly button and the clitoris were formed from the same type of tissue at birth. Therefore, they are essentially connected through the nervous system and share all those same amazing sensations. Try pressing your finger into your belly button; you may experience the feeling to urinate or stimulation in your clitoris.

Scalp

This is probably not anywhere on your list when you think of sexy spots, but massaging the head is an intense exercise to get sexual stimulation flowing. In addition to the seductive power this brings, there is also a hint of sensuality associated with it. Try long strokes up and down the scalp, then kneading with your fingertips in a gentle, circular motion.

Behind the knees:

Quite possibly the most overlooked spot and the most intense. There is an abundance of nerve endings located behind the knees, thus leading to intense sensations all over the body when stimulated. Gentle kisses and soft touches can send chills up and down your body you never thought possible. It is always exciting to venture outside the box and keep things new, so discover within your own body new zones to explore and enjoy. Your favorite new spot is ready and waiting. Please always remember that, in all sexual activity, to practice responsibly and safely. To learn more about Dr. Cathy or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.cathymd.com or call 1.844.DRCATHY. Dr. Cathy’s book “The Soul of Success: Volume 2,” co-authored with Jack Canfield, is NOW AVAILABLE. Successful entrepreneurs and professionals reveal strategies for getting to the foundation of health, wealth and success. You may also find her on the following social media: Twitter: @drcathymdtweets; Facebook: facebook.com/drcathymd; Instagram: instagram/ drcathymdpics ■ Dr. Cathy is a board-certified physician with emphasis in the treatment of sexual dysfunction triggered or related to hormonal imbalances. She specializes in holistic and integrative medicine while offering counseling for couples with relationship and intimacy concerns.

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Ask the Vet

woman's best friend

Boarding pets over the holidays

he holidays are here and many of us are off to great places! Leaving town to meet with family and friends will require us to make the necessary arrangements for our beloved pets. Boarding or seeking the assistance of pet sitters will be in high demand. In order to make the best arrangements for our pets, it is important to consider the following recommendations. Research the facilities you may be considering. Many kennels allow for facility tours. This can help you decide what setup is more in line with your pet’s needs. Once you have decided on a kennel, be sure to know their boarding requirements, such as updated vaccinations. Taking your pet for boarding without the necessary vaccinations can turn into a very unpleasant surprise as they may require that your pet be vaccinated against infections like kennel cough a day or two prior to boarding. If you should decide on a pet sitter, check their credentials and ask for references. Contact the references and ask about their experiences with the pet sitter. Experienced pet sitters will know what to look for in pets that are going to need extra attention. Sometimes, when owners are absent, some pets stop eating. Good pet sitters will be looking out for this and will do what is necessary to accommodate your pet’s needs. Experienced pet sitters will also be able to medicate your pet, if needed. Taking a little bit of time to find out what will be the best arrangement for your pet while you are away will give you peace of mind. If you have any questions or concerns and would like more advice, please feel free to contact The Village Animal Hospital, 770-754-1234. Have safe and happy holidays! ■

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40 | northsidewoman.com | december2015

DECEMBER 1

Avalon on Ice Throughout December. Ice skate at Avalon on the Rockefeller Centersized ice skating rink in the Plaza. Watch for theme nights and enjoy warm, tasty treats rink side. Open during school holidays from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Admission $18 per person, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. www.experienceavalon.com NFCC Santa Shop Toy Drive Through Dec. 20. North Fulton Community Charities’ annual holiday program providing toys and gifts to lowincome children in the North Fulton area. Donate toys and gifts, volunteer and/or sponsor a family in need. NFCC, 11270 Elkins Rd, Roswell. www.nfcchelp.org/holiday “A Musical Christmas” at Smith Plantation Home Through Jan. 2, 2016. The Roswell Garden Club decorates the Smith Plantation Home with the theme of “A Musical Christmas.” Each room is decorated with ideas using the club’s favorite Christmas carols as inspiration. Smith Plantation House, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell www.visitroswellga.com Lanier Islands Magical Nights of Lights and Winter Adventure Daily through Dec. 31. Drive across the Lanier Islands bridge and into a world of lights. Also, enjoy a new adventure this year with Winter Adventure, a snow-packed winter playland perfect for building a snowman, tubing and sledding. Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. www.lanierislands.com Roswell Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Through Sunday, Dec. 6. With over 350 cast members, this holiday tradition will have sugarplums dancing in your head. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. www.tysod.com “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at Center for Puppetry Arts Through Dec. 27. The Center for Puppetry Arts presents an adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. www.puppet.org Christmas at the Roswell Visitors Center Through Jan. 3. It’s a “retro” Christmas as vintage snowmen and other old-fashioned touches decorate the tree at the Roswell Visitors Center, compliments of the Roswell Garden Club. Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. -4 p.m. and Sundays noon-3 p.m. Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. www.visitroswellga.com Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market Through Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. MondaySaturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The 22nd Annual Holiday Artists Market will feature unique and locally crafted gifts and décor.

Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. www.spruillarts.org/events_ fundraisers_holiday_artist_market.php Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” Through Dec. 20, times and live-orchestra shows vary. Give your family a holiday treat with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.” Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. www.gwinnettballet.org Youth Ensemble of Atlanta presents “The Colors of Love” Through Dec. 12. “Colors of Love” is a magical holiday show following in the Y.E.A. tradition of providing exceptional productions for the entire family – perfect for children ages 3-10. The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center, 967 Dewy St. SW, Atlanta. youthensemble.org/news/yeas-colorsof-love-2013

Cookies With The Clauses 12:30-2:30 p.m. Families are invited to spend an afternoon with the Clauses. Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. alpharetta.ga.us/about/ news/2015/10/30/cookies-with-theclauses Local Author Book Signings 3:15-4 p.m. Marie Kirkpatrick will hold interactive readings for her latest book, “Frankie’s Christmas Surprise,” part of a series that sprang from pet rescue and adoption. Forsyth County Public Library, Cumming. Another event will be Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble, The Forum. www.frankiebooks.com

Girls’ Night Out at the Drake Closet in Alpharetta 6 – 8 p.m. Enjoy food, fashion and fun while shopping for new jewelry, gifts and accessories as well as gently used clothes, 26 Old Roswell St., Alpharetta (behind SmokeJack). All benefitting the Drake House in Roswell for homeless women and children. Another Girls’ Night Out will be Dec. 10 at the Roswell Store, 825 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. www.thedrakehouse.org Works in Clay Holiday Show and Sale 7-9 p.m.; through Dec. 9. Art Center West studio’s annual holiday event offers handmade ceramic artworks for sale created by more than 40 members of Roswell’s Clay Collective. Ceramic works in functional, sculptural and whimsical forms. Roswell Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell. www.roswellclaycollective.com

Celebration of Lights at Northside Hospital-Forsyth 6 – 8 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment from local schools and groups, children’s activities, photos with Santa and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree

atop Northside Hospital-Forsyth, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming. www.marketplacechristmas.com “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas!” by ACT1 Theater 8 p.m. Through Dec. 20. This charming show takes a funny, heartwarming and often poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays through songs and many short stories. ACT1 Theater inside Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. Tickets online at www.act1theater.com Santa Will Be Calling Forsyth Children To receive a free phone call, register by Dec. 4. Calls made Dec. 8-9, 6-8 p.m. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation will host their annual Santa’s Calling program for children ages 3 through 10. Registration forms online at www. forsythco.com/parks or at the county’s three recreation centers located at Central Park, Fowler Park and Old Atlanta Park. www.forsythco.com/parks

Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children during the lighting of the 45-foot live spruce tree with 10,000 white lights in Old Milton Park, the corner park in downtown Alpharetta. Mayor David Belle Isle will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and North Point Community Church will present entertainment. Downtown Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com Jingle Jog in Cumming 8:30 a.m. Get a running start to your day at 8:30 a.m. by participating in the Jingle Jog 5K in Cumming Town Center, 2085 Market Place Blvd., Cumming. www.marketplacechristmas.com 9th Annual Johns Creek Founders Day Parade 10 a.m. A lively parade travels west on State Bridge between Kimball Bridge Road and West Morton Road and features marching bands, floats, Santa, the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable Band, Atholl Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Stone Mountain, knights and maidens from Medieval Times, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and more. www.johnscreekga.gov/community/ events/foundersday Back to Nature Holiday Market at Chattahoochee Nature Center 10 a.m. Meet over 40 fine arts artisans, artisans of the farm and kitchen and instrumental artisans – all while supporting local vendors selling handmade, eco-friendly goods. Free admission. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. www.chattnaturecenter.org Roswell’s Annual Lighting of Town Square 5 p.m. This annual family event includes carolers from local schools, the lighting

todo

of the Town Square, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and Santa Claus. Historic Roswell Town Square, intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 120. www.roswellgov.com Pictures with Santa in Alpharetta 10 a.m. – noon. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Alpharetta Welcome Center to take family holiday photos for free! Wearing green is not recommended as a “green screen” will be used for photography purposes. 178 South Main St., Suite 200, Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com Christmas in Crabapple 2-5 p.m. Milton, in partnership with the CCA, hosts the eighth annual Christmas in Crabapple, a quaint holiday tradition including Santa photos, caroling, s’mores, hot cocoa and fun. Historic downtown Crabapple at the Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road. www.cityofmiltonga.us Twisted Tinsel Holiday Spectacular 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ride a trolley between the three antebellum mansions, where Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation will be decorated for the holidays. Admission to each home is $5; children 12-and-under free www.roswellgov.com/discover-us/ southern-trilogy-historic-homes Ice Skating in Roswell 12:30-9 p.m. Fellowship Bible Church is partnering with the city of Roswell to provide free ice skating. This fun, family event includes a community gift shop, ice skating rink, inflatables for younger children and festive music at the Adult Rec Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell www.fellowshiproswell.org Bizarre Bazaar 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Roswell Fine Arts Alliance presents the Bizarre Bazaar, a slightly wacky way to find holiday gifts for adults and kids at reasonable prices. Artisans will offer a variety of items for kids and adults along with beautiful original seasonal paintings in the gallery. Gallery on Fouts Road, 9100 Fouts Road, Roswell. www.friendsoftheroswellparks.com/ uncategorized/arts-center-on-foutsroad

Highland Manor Holiday Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop for beautiful and unique artisan gifts with over 20 local vendors. Highland Manor Club House, 15890 Milton Point, Milton. wahl@bellsouth.net

► See CALENDAR, Page 42 december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 41

todo ▼ CALENDAR, Continued from Page 41

Orchestra. Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2850 Old Alabama Christmas High Teas Road, Johns Creek. at Bulloch Hall www.nacfonline.com 4 p.m. Additional events Dec. 10, 15, 17. A delightful way to spend an afternoon “A Christmas Carol” at Bulloch Hall in the 1839 childhood home of Mittie 7:30 p.m. Through Dec. 20. Gather at Bulloch, Theodore Roosevelt’s mother. Roswell’s grand Bulloch Hall for an Enjoy a delicious two-course tea served by intimate 45-seat performance of Charles ladies in period clothing, a complimentary Dickens’ holiday classic once again glass of wine, and a tour of the house featuring Brink Miller as Ebenezer decorated for Christmas. Reservations Scrooge. Tickets are $15. Bulloch Hall, 80 needed. $45 per person, includes home Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. tour. 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. www.bullochhall.org/a-christmas-carol. html www.bullochhall.org/high-teas.html

Vienna Boys’ Choir Live at Atlanta Symphony Hall 7:30 p.m. For six centuries, the Vienna Boys’ Choir has been delighting music lovers around the world. This December, they’ll put on a holiday show full of the biggest, best holiday hits, traditional carols and popular sing-along Christmas songs. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. www.atlantasymphony.org

CDA’s Santa Night 2015 5 p.m. Join our merry band of Santa wannabes who will pop off their “sleigh” (it’s really a trolley car) and into local restaurants to entertain patrons for five minutes with a carol or two. They will pass a Santa hat for donations and then be off to the next “rooftop.” Child Development Association, 89 Grove Way, Roswell. www.cdakids.org

Annual Christmas Cookie Sale 9 a.m.-noon. A large variety of homemade cookies and other The North Atlanta Christmas Festival goodies sold by the pound. Cookies are gift boxed with colorful ribbon at no 7 p.m. Additional dates Dec. additional cost. Proceeds benefit programs 12-13, 7 p.m. daily, 1 p.m. matinee Dec. of Christ the King Lutheran Church. 12. A full-scale tribute to the Christmas Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1125 season, incorporating an all-volunteer cast Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming. and including the Mount Pisgah Worship www.ctklutheran.com/ Choir and Mount Pisgah

Deck the Stalls at Save-the-Horses 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual fundraising event to provide feed and care for over 100 horses and other animals at this horse rescue facility. Activities will include hay rides, horse/reindeer rides, games, vendor booths, photos with the horses and much more. Save-the-Horses Farm, 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming. www.savethehorses.org Reindeer Day in Roswell Noon. Meet live reindeer at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and enjoy a day of learning about winter animals and enjoying holiday cheer. All activities included in general admission. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. www.chattnaturecenter.org Holiday Show at Three Chimneys Farm Clubhouse 1-5 p.m. Lots of great gifts: candles, cosmetics, holiday signs and decor, handmade jewelry and Whimsy Daisy annual clearance sale! 3625 3 Chimney Lane, Cumming.

Winterfest Craft Fair 3:30-5:30 p.m. Over 20 vendors offer a great selection of gift and entertaining items like jewelry, ceramics, car monograms, embroidered items, wreaths, candles, soaps, ornaments, British shortbread, toffee, homemade cookies and gourmet jams. Johns Creek High School,

5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. riceg1@fultonschools.org

“The Nutcracker” presented by Sawnee Ballet Theatre 7:30 p.m. Performances also Dec. 18-20, times vary. Sawnee Ballet Theatre’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” will treat the community to a full-length ballet performance. South Forsyth High School Performing Arts Center, 585 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming. www.sawneeballettheatre.org

The Cumming Playhouse Singers presents “It’s Christmas!” 8 p.m. Holiday songs that bring love, joy and hope! Directed by Gene Seese, accompanied by pianist Mrs. Patricia. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street, Cumming. www.playhousecumming.com

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Christmas Gala and Holiday Pops Concert 8 p.m. Enjoy this 10th anniversary celebration featuring the full JCSO and Christmas Gala Chorus, featured guest Joe Gransden and his quartet, along with guest soloists. $32 for adults, $27 for seniors (55+), $16 for students. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth. www.johnscreeksymphony.org■

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Our Sincerest Thanks

Although our names are on this award, we humbly recognize that, if not for you, our amazing clients, this would not have been possible. We are honored to have worked with each one of you and may your home bring you many lasting joyful memories. Allison & Peter Kloster

Allison & Peter

Voted North Atlanta’s Best Businesses of the 2015 Appen Media Group Voted North Best Realtor in the BestAtlanta’s of the Best Contest 2015 Media Group the Best THEAppen KLOSTER GROUP hasBest beenof named Best Contest Realtor.

Direct Office: 770-594-4900 ◆ Allison.Kloster@harrynorman.com www.TheKlosterGroup.com december2015 | northsidewoman.com | 43

Are you in the C l ique?

When you’re part of the Clique, you’ll get access to special oﬀers and discounts from area businesses. You’ll receive monthly e-blast health promotions full of recipes, physician proﬁles and valuable information to help you stay on track to becoming the healthiest you can be. You’re also invited to join our monthly health and wellness events where we will explore health and wellness topics and have fun too!

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