Northside Woman September 2012

September 2012 September 2012

How 'Bout That

DogArtist!

Celebrity Pooch Portraits

It's Time to Tailgate Football food faves

k o o B e h f T o s e b a B

d e k Croo ek Cre

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2 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

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september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 3

staff

Candy Waylock

Katie VanBrackle

candy@northsidewoman.com

katie@northsidewoman.com

Kelly Brooks

Devon Morgan

kelly@northsidewoman.com

devon@photosynthesisatlanta.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CO-EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Devon Morgan/Photosynthesis

CO-EDITOR

Christina Appen

{ inSiDE }

PUBLISHER

christina@northsidewoman.com associate publisher Ray Appen ray@northsidewoman.com sales manager Lynn Danson lynn@northsidewoman.com sales executives Hans Appen, Helen Bausano, June Meltzer, Linda Cohen, Mike Dorman, Wendy Goddard sales assistants Susan Hernandez, Phyllis Anderton production David Brown, Kellie Jureka, Geoffrey Thurow

contact

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4 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

northside women { 10 } women in art

Emily Griffith, animal portrait artist { 14 } The Interview

Get your life and home

in order with Terri Stephens { 16 }

Unsung ‘She’ros June Seidner and Carolyn Garfein of the American Association of University Women

northside lifestyle { 6 }

the cover

This month’s cover shoot in Athens was a homecoming for Northside Woman staffers who jumped at the chance to pose with Uga IX, the mascot for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Co-editor Katie VanBrackle, photographer Devon Morgan (both shown here with Uga) and graphic designer Kelly Brooks all hold degrees from the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at UGA. To learn more about Milton artist Emily Griffith (cover) who paints official portraits of the UGA mascots, turn to page 10.

She Reads The Book Babes of Crooked Creek

{ 23 } Her health { 26 } girl power { 28 } to do

Fall Festivals in North Fulton

{ 18 } Good Eats

Tailgating recipes and traditions

{ 30 } Woman’s Best Friend

Kitten caboodle and

updates on previous pets

{ 22 } She Blogs

You’re wearing that to school?

{ 34 } September Calendar

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shereads

The Crooked Creek Book Babes, from left: Ellen Weiner, Janet Sweet, Joan Laughter, Bonnie Gray, Dee Green, Judy Hall, Kathy Ailts, Sheree Arrington, Edna Rawling, Carole Kolofske, Lorie Quillin-Bell, Andrea Bissell, Linda Meyers, Cathy Caron and Maria Daly.

The Book Babes of Crooked Creek Finding clever ways to enjoy reading, fellowship Story & Photos

By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

W

hen Janet Sweet moved into Crooked Creek, a 650-home neighborhood in Milton, she mentioned to her realtor that she would be looking for a book club. As luck would have it, the realtor happened to belong to the neighborhood book club. Thus, after merely three days in her new home, Sweet became a Crooked Creek Book Babe.

“Our motto is ‘Reading is Sexy,’” said Sweet, who now serves as the group’s co-chair. “Reading is good for the mind, body and soul. When we read, we feel confident because we have things to talk about and opinions to share. There’s nothing sexier than that!”

The Book Babes are skilled at finding creative ways to keep their monthly gatherings fresh and energized.

They have hosted several well-known area authors such as Jennifer Arnold and Karen White for a “Meet the Author” series.

Sweet and co-chair Sheree Arrington worked with a local wine store to organize a “Book and Wine Pairings” event. Book titles within a certain genre were suggested to accompany tastings of various types of wine. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with books containing “bold undertones of

6 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

mystery and crime,” such as “The Ice House” by Nancy J. Cohen. Chardonnay’s “creamy complexity with a touch of spice” went well with “chick lit” like “If You Were Here” by Jen Lancaster.

What do the Babes do with their books when they have finished a discussion? Share them, of course. In an effort to expand the local community of readers, the Babes made book club starter kits containing several copies of popular novels, discussion questions and tips on how to form a new book club. The kits will be donated to the new Milton library when it opens.

Gatherings of the Book Babes are held in members’ homes,

Our motto is

and everyone arrives bearing delicious appetizers and desserts. No one is allowed to leave hungry. In fact, the friends were recently inspired to gather their favorite recipes in a homemade cookbook, “Cookin’ and Bookin’ with the Book Babes.”

At a recent meeting, 15 Book Babes, armed with plates of delectable delights and full wine glasses, settled in for a spirited discussion of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, a medical tale that touched on several hottopic issues like patient rights, informed consent and racial strife.

“You know you’ve picked a great book to discuss when

‘Rea

ding

is Se xy.’

nearly every Book Babe weighs in with a passionate — and sometimes polarizing — perspective of the story,” said Sweet.

“And yet no one person tries to ‘win’ the discussion. What I love about this book club is our willingness to thoughtfully and respectfully share different perspectives.

Sometimes that’s a brave thing to do.

We keep the focus on broadening, not commanding, our horizons.”

Cathy Caron appreciates the fact that the Babes introduce her to different topics and genres she would not have explored on her own.

“I’m a better and more interesting person because of it,” she added.

Lorie Quillin-Bell, a first-time visitor with the Book Babes, wasted no time in joining the conversation.

“Reading is my escape,” she said. “At the end of a busy day, I need some ‘me time.’ I usually read to be quiet, but I loved this book and wanted to talk about it.”

Caron agreed.

“I’m the same way,” she said. “When I read something good, I just have to share it. And you can’t just walk up to random people on the street and say ‘Hey, let me tell you about this book I just read!’”

Caron said that her previous book club was much more orderly and formal.

“They only discussed the book…” she began.

“Unlike here, where everyone talks at once,” interrupted Maria Daly, prompting laughter from the group.

Arrington shook her head with a smile.

“Yes, we somehow manage to have lively fellowship and serious conversation

► See BOOKS, Page 8 ◄ The Book Babes gathered novels and materials from their discussions to form book club starter kits that will be donated to the new Milton library.

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shereads ▼ BOOKS, Continued from Page 6

a narrative replete with poison arrows, devouring snakes and a neighboring tribe of cannibals, “State of Wonder” leads the reader into the very heart of darkness, and then shows us what lies on the other side.

all at once,” she said.

Sweet pointed out that there are virtual book clubs now where people can chat online with strangers, but said she would miss the fellowship of a group meeting.

Bonnie Gray bemoaned the loss of real conversation in today’s world.

“I read somewhere that 80 percent of all communication is non-verbal now,” she said. “But you really can’t get a sense of someone without meeting and seeing them in person. Wanting to connect with someone face to face is not old-fashioned, it’s innate. We are just made that way.”

“So I suppose book clubs foster an unmet need,” mused Sweet. “Our need for interpersonal communication.”

Edna Rawling summed it up nicely.

“Book clubs make the world smaller,” she said. “I get to know new people and neighbors and share something that I absolutely love to do — reading.”

The Book Babes of Crooked Creek recommend the following novels to fellow readers:

The Forgotten Garden

By Kate Morton In this novel of inner and outer journeys, a tiny girl, Nell, is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book — a beautiful volume of fairy tales. Years later, Nell sets out on a journey to England to try to trace her identity, but it is her granddaughter, Cassandra, who will unlock Nell’s secrets in a forgotten garden on the Cornish coast.

State of Wonder

By Ann Patchett Dr. Marina Singh, a research scientist with a pharmaceutical company, is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who seems to have all but disappeared in the Amazon while working on what is destined to be an extremely valuable new drug. In 8 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon Christopher John Francis Bone is autistic. He knows every prime number up to 7,057 but has no understanding of human emotions. Routine, order and predictability shelter him from the messy, wider world. When his neighbor’s dog is found dead, Bone is initially blamed for the killing and he turns to Sherlock Holmes for inspiration in tracking down the real killer. Haddon has written a deeply funny, poignant and fascinating portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing is a mind that perceives the world literally. ■

Calling all book clubs

on the

northside!

Share your group’s story and favorite books with fellow readers through Northside Woman’s She Reads. Please contact Katie VanBrackle at katie@northsidewoman.com

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women in art

EDITOR’S UPDATE: Russ promoted!

How ‘bout thatDOG

artist?

Milton artist Emily Griffith paints famous pooches and beloved pets

By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

Devon Morgan/Photosynthesis Studio

Aug. 31, 2012: The University of Georgia announced Aug. 30 that Russ—previously the interim mascot for the Bulldogs—would assume the title of Uga IX. Northside Woman, which was sent to print two days prior to the announcement, is proud to feature this promoted pup on our cover & in our Women in Art feature!

Griffith, an artist from Milton who specializes in celebrity dog portraits.

Griffith is one of only a few artists granted permission by the Seiler family to paint official portraits of their beloved “Ugas.”

“I painted Uga VII and Uga VIII, and I’m really excited about meeting Russ,” Griffith said. “He has been serving as Georgia’s interim mascot since the unexpected

► See ART, Page 12

Top: Emily Griffith is one of only a few artists granted permission by Sonny Seiler to paint official portraits of his beloved “Ugas.”

Left: Griffith’s portrait of Uga VIII. Right: Russ, UGA's interim mascot.

10 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

Devon Morgan/Photosynthesis Studio

R

uss the bulldog arrived for a photo shoot at the University of Georgia (UGA) athletic complex in a bright red sport utility vehicle sporting a ‘MASCOT’ vanity tag.

Upon entering the building, Russ proudly padded through the Bulldog Hall of Fame and past a line of uniformed football players waiting for their moment to pose for a photograph with the famous pooch.

Each young man broke into a wide grin as Russ trotted past. It’s not every day you are in the presence of royalty.

The photography studio was set up just the way Russ likes it. After lapping up some chilled water from a big, silver bowl on the floor and cooling off next to a floor-level fan, Russ settled down comfortably in front of the cameras, ready to welcome his adoring fans. This dog is a star, and he knows it.

Sonny Seiler of Savannah, whose family has bred and raised UGA’s English bulldog mascots for over 50 years, sat in the back of the room chatting amiably with Emily

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women in art

naturally,” said Griffith. “It’s a joy to be able to celebrate the human-animal bond through my work. I want people loss of Uga VIII, and the fans have developed a really fond to see my paintings and fall in love with their pet all over feeling for him.” again.”

Capturing the essence of such a famous canine on People often hire Griffith to paint portraits of a pet canvas would be a challenge for any artist, but Griffith has who has passed away. a talent for conveying an animal’s true personality through “It’s gratifying to give someone a permanent realistic oil paintings. keepsake of their beloved companion. It’s very healing for The UGA mascots are not Griffith’s only famous them,” she said. clients.

Griffith’s animal portraits are not limited to dogs.

She painted actress Tori Spelling’s pug Mimi LaRue, She has spent a lot of time lately driving the dirt roads of as well as Pepper, the rat terrier belonging to B-52’s rocker rural Milton, getting to know a variety of farm animals.

Cindy Wilson. Victoria Stillwell, host of the popular Her compelling portraits of horses, cows, goats, lambs and Animal Planet show “It’s Me or the Dog,” hired Griffith to chickens will be on display at the Crossroads at Crabapple paint a portrait of her chocolate lab, Sadie.

Antiques and Arts Festival on Oct. 6.

“Every dog has a unique personality and I love them Amanda Quintana, a festival organizer, calls Griffith’s all,” said Griffith. “I once painted a German Shepherd work “just gorgeous.” who participated in an international dog show. He had an “Emily’s farm animal portraits are the perfect fit for aloof, almost regal air. And Golden Retrievers just want to what we are trying to do with our old-timey festival, and ‘do’ for their owners. Their loving expressions really come we are so excited to have her with us,” Quintana said. through in the paintings.”

Griffith received a People’s Choice award for Best Griffith likes to connect with her subjects before Artist at the 2011 Johns Creek Arts on the Creek and was beginning a painting. She gets down on the ground to named Best Animal Artist by Atlanta Magazine in 2010. play with the dogs while taking eye-level Her work has been selected for photographs. multiple national juried art shows.

Such up close and personal A believer in giving back, Griffith methods can be hazardous at times. Griffith uses her unique talents to benefit local remembers a young bulldog, George, who animal charities such as Canine Assistants unexpectedly pounced on her during a meet (CA), based in Milton. Griffith donated artwork and greet, causing the two of them to roll down for CA’s notecards and is currently finishing a a hill together. portrait of Pirelli, the CA puppy born without “Did I mention I’m actually allergic to one foot who now serves as Atlanta news animals?” she said with a laugh, recalling a station 11Alive’s morning mascot. photo shoot with five cats that left her sneezing Another of Griffith’s pet charities is for a week.

Georgia’s English Bulldog Rescue, a group Griffith calls her painting career a that works to rehabilitate and find good homes “later in life thing.” Originally from Florida, for English Bulldogs who are sick, neglected, she worked in television production in abused or injured. Griffith donated an original California for years before moving to Milton portrait of Uga VIII for the rescue group’s in 2004 and discovering a talent she didn’t annual Bully Ball. know she possessed.

Though her portrait of Russ Her first pet portrait was of her will not be ready in time for the own dog, a black and white partiCrossroads at Crabapple Festival next poodle named Gracie. Pleased with month, Georgia fans will still find the results, she signed up for classes plenty of Uga prints and notecards at ehgriffithstudios.com at the Atlanta College of Art and Griffith’s booth, along with colorful Meet her in person at the Crossroads eventually earned a pet portraiture paintings of less famous but equally at Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival, diploma from the London College of adorable pooches and farm animals.

Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in historic Art. “I love what I do and it shows in downtown Crabapple: “I believe you are doing what my work,” said Griffith. “People who crossroadsatcrabapplefestival.com you are meant to do when it comes enter my booth always smile.” ■

▼ ART, Continued from Page 10

Emily Griffith

Above right: Emily Griffith puts the finishing touches on a portrait of Uga VII. Above, from top: Emily Griffith presents actress Tori Spelling with a portrait of Spelling’s pug, Mimi LaRue; “Alexus”; “Got Milk”; “SeiZe the Day“ Right: “Lamb“ 12 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 13

theinterview

An organized life

Terri Stephens brings order to clutter with professional organizing services

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

W

14 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

After

Before

After

Before

■

Visit Terri Stephens’ website at therealorder.com

Real Order Professional

here closet chaos reigns and drawers spill out their contents, Terri Stephens thrives.

As a professional organizer for 10 years and owner of Real Order Professional Organizing, Stephens has helped hundreds of area families, individuals and businesses put their homes and businesses in order. It’s something that has been ingrained in her for as long as she can remember.

“Since I was a child, I have always appreciated order in my life,” said the Connecticut native who now makes her home in Forsyth County. “When I learned that professional organizing was actually a career, I knew it was for me.”

Stephens spent two decades working for an international engineering association, then several years working with her husband, Jimmy, in their residential building business. It was in this line of work that the seeds to her new career were planted.

“I handled everything from floor plans to project management to color selections,” said Stephens. “My biggest thrill was when homeowners moved into the houses we had built from the ground up and made it their own.”

Stephens admits that leaving the security of the corporate world for the uncertainty of her own business was an unsettling prospect.

“I had been in the business world for 21 years and it was a really good job,” she said. “But I always felt I was being called to a higher purpose, and that I needed to follow my passion.”

She found strength through her faith and in prayer, along with the answer to follow her heart. When she struck out on her own as a professional organizer in 2003, her first client was a woman making the transition from stay-at-home mom to working mom and needed help with the process.

“She was the perfect ‘first job,’” recalled Stephens of her initial client back in 2003. “I helped set up her home office and studio…and truly enjoyed making the space functional and beautiful.”

From there, the business grew with a client base that is now primarily within an hour’s drive of her home. While there is no typical job, Stephens says most people are drowning in a sea of paperwork they can’t seem to get out from under.

“It’s a common struggle to have an effective system for dealing with the paper in their life. The first step is to eliminate as much unnecessary paper as possible coming into the house,” said Stephens, who helps her clients develop a system.

She enjoys the constant flow of new people through her life, saying that is one aspect she loves most about her own business.

Stephens recalls working with a couple who hired her to declutter their older home in preparation for an HGTV special. The couple had been together a long time, had very different opinions and styles and fought like cats and dogs.

“I remember being up in the hot attic and hearing them go at it again, and having to yell down through the opening to behave themselves,” she recalled, laughing at the memory. “They were such characters, I told them they should be on a reality TV show.”

While the stereotypical image of the person who hires a professional organizer is an affluent client, Stephens said that is not the case in her business.

“My customers range from people living in a basic two-bedroom apartment, to single parents, to senior citizens watching their money,” said Stephens.

“The bottom line is people spend their money on what is truly most important to them.”

The popularity of reality television shows featuring hoarders is bringing her profession into a new light, said Stephens.

But the images seen on television are not accurate on a broad scale.

“Many people mention the show to me, ask if I work with hoarders, or are concerned they’re a hoarder, but what you are seeing (on television) is the extreme,” said Stephens.

She describes a “clutter scale” on a range of one to five, with five being the extreme. Stephens works primarily in the one to two range, and occasionally in level three, noting that above that requires another layer of intervention in addition to an organizer.

At the end of the day, Stephens said she gets as much back from her clients as they get from her, and it continually inspires her in her own life.

“Oftentimes, I’ll work with a client all day, organizing their kitchen and their ‘junk drawers,’ and it will inspire me to come home and get my own drawers organized,” she said, laughing. “I truly appreciate order and organization in every aspect of my life.”

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september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 15

unsung‘she’ro

Paving the way KATIE LE

RACK

VANB

Retired career women encourage a new generation of female scholars

By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

J

udy Seidner is not one to sit still for long. After 30 years of working in government relations in the Miami area, she retired but still felt a strong need to be useful.

Her two children were both married with kids living in metro Atlanta, and she knew she could be helpful to her daughter and daughter-in-law, both of whom worked full-time in the medical industry.

So Seidner and her husband moved to Georgia six years ago, settling in east Roswell and taking on babysitting responsibilities for their five grandchildren.

Feeling the need to connect with

16 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

other women, Seidner looked around for a volunteer group where she could use her energy and can-do attitude to help the local community.

She found a perfect fit with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a 100-year-old organization working to advance equity for all women and girls through education, philanthropy and research.

► See ‘SHE’RO, Page 24 Top: The AAUW Book Fair raises funds for scholarships for local women. The sale will be held Sept. 26-30 at Perimeter Mall.

Right: AAUW National President Carolyn Garfein and North Fulton branch President Judy Seidner stand in the lobby of Georgia State University’s Alpharetta campus.

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 17

It’s

goodeats

r o f e it m

tailgating

Football fans share their favorite traditions & recipes

By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

A

s anyone who has lived in the South through at least one autumn knows, college football is serious business around here. Loyalties are fierce and traditions are sacred. But there is one time-honored ritual that is faithfully repeated every fall by Gators, Tigers, Yellow Jackets and Dawgs alike. The tailgate party.

In anticipation of this year’s football season, Northside Woman asked several Milton families to share their favorite tailgating recipes and traditions. The schools may be different, but the spirit is the same. It’s all about the love of good friends, good food and a great game.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

By AMY QUISITO

“Fridays at LSU during football season are the same as they were during my college years. The big RVs start rolling into the stadium parking lots by noon, which means the football weekend is about to begin. My favorite tailgating RV is a group that hangs a working ceiling fan attached to the same tree every Saturday.

There is no other place to be in Louisiana than Death Valley (Tiger Stadium) on a Saturday night. The night games give us Cajuns all day to perfect our tailgating delicacies. If you were to walk around Tiger Stadium on game day, your sense of smell would be in high gear. For rows and rows, all you can see is giant pots filled with jambalaya, seafood gumbo and dirty rice. I’m talking about the giant pots people around here use to fry turkeys. No one makes hot dogs and burgers. The only thing being grilled is boudin and spicy andouille sausage.

My husband Gregg is from Philadelphia. He went to a private college in Pennsylvania, but he has become an LSU fan by marriage. My best memory is when my 18 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

friend took Gregg by the arm. She walked up to random tailgating parties and told people Gregg was from Philly.

Immediately, strangers starting handing him bowls of gumbo, boudin balls, sausage po-boys, you name it. Gregg, being Italian, loved every minute of it. Here is a picture of him – pre-game – enjoying his gumbo made with love by some LSU fan he had never met until that day.”

Death Valley Jambalaya • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup uncooked rice 1T dried minced onion 1T green pepper flakes 1 bay leaf 2 tsp. beef bouillon granules 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. dried thyme 1/8 - 1/4 tsp. dried crushed red pepper 1T dried parsley flakes

Bring combined jambalaya mix, 3 cups of water and 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce to a boil in a Dutch oven. Stir in 1 cup chopped cooked chicken and 1 cup chopped cooked ham or smoked sausage (andouille if you prefer spicy).

Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove and discard bay leaf.

University of Georgia (UGA) Amy Holmes and her husband Mark have been cheering on the Bulldogs “between the hedges” at the University of Georgia since their student days in the early 1990s. Mark grew up in Athens, so the large crowd of 30 or so Bulldog fans who “hunker down” in the same tailgating spot next to the practice fields each season contains friends Mark has known since he was 3 years old.

He remembers the days before Sanford Stadium was fully

enclosed, when you could buy five-dollar tickets and sit on the grass hills behind the end zones.

Amy says their tailgating food is pretty basic Southern fare (always fried chicken, always a bottle of bourbon) and she is usually the “sausage ball girl” for the potluck gathering.

Hunker Down Ham Rolls • • • • •

2 sticks margarine 3 T poppy seeds 1 T Worcestershire 3 T Grey Poupon 1 medium grated onion

Mix ingredients above and spread on both sides of rolls.

• 2 pkgs. Pepperidge Farm Party Rolls • ½ lb. grated Swiss cheese • ½ lb. sliced ham

Wrap in foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes.

University of Georgia (UGA) Caryn Keene is a University of Florida Gator at heart, but she attends Georgia games with her husband David in order to keep the peace in her “house divided.”

Her son Clay says the best part of tailgating is hanging out with his family and friends.

“We like to play football along the railroad tracks and love to eat hot dogs,” he said. “The best part is cheering for my Dad’s team…UGA!” “Really?” sighs Caryn. “Can’t I get a little Gator love?”

Bulldog Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Rotisserie chicken (shredded white meat) • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Texas Pete)

goodeats

• • • •

8-ounce package of cream cheese ½ cup blue cheese dressing 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese 2T melted butter

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover the bottom of an 8-by8 ovenproof dish with cream cheese. In a bowl, combine the chicken, wing sauce and butter. Pour over the cream cheese mixture. Layer the blue cheese and mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil and place in an insulated traveling case. Serve with favorite chips and be prepared for it to disappear quickly!

Auburn University (AU)

By JESSICA GILL

“Auburn tailgating is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Walking from tailgate to tailgate you are greeted with live music, great food and friendly people. Within walking distance from the stadium, Auburn has huge fields that are filled with RVs and campers as out-of-town fans come in for the game.

Auburn fans also participate in pre-game activities such as Tiger Walk, where the fans gather around to cheer for the team and coaches as they walk into the stadium.

The band is there to pump up the fans and the players, and the atmosphere is electrifying.

Auburn fans are very friendly and are always having a great time even with the opposing team’s fans.

If Auburn wins the game, we all go down to Toomer’s Corner to roll the trees. This is an Auburn tradition that allows all fans to celebrate whether they attended the game or watched it on TV. At Auburn, we are all a big family and we always support our team – win or lose.”

War Eagle Tomato Bacon Cups • • • • • • •

8 slices of cooked, crisp bacon 2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded ½ small red onion 3 ounces shredded Swiss cheese ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. basil 1 can (10 ounces) flaky biscuits

Chop bacon, tomato and onion. Mix all ingredients to make filling. Separate each biscuit into three pieces. Press biscuit pieces into mini muffin tins. Fill with mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. ■

Top left: Gregg Quisito enjoys some pre-game jambalaya at LSU. Top right: Jack Ritter and Clay Keene have some fun on the railroad tracks next to Sanford Stadium at UGA. Center left: Jessica Gill, right, and friend enjoy an Auburn football game.

Center right: Rolling the tree at Toomer’s Corner is an Auburn post-game tradition.

Bottom left: In back, from left, are Jennifer Hungerbuhler, Peter Hungerbuhler, Andy Macke and Wendy Macke. In front are twins Parker and Bradley Hungerbuhler.

Bottom right: Amy and Mark Holmes. september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 19

todo

Exploring French culture in the ‘burbs

Alliance Française d’Atlanta opens Roswell office

By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

P

20 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

Photos by Kelly Brooks

arlez-vous français? If you have always wanted to learn to speak French, or simply enjoy exploring French culture, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now do both right here in Roswell.

Alliance Française, the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world, has opened a satellite facility in Roswell, just south of the city square.

The group’s local branch, Alliance Française d’Atlanta, founded in 1912, is celebrating 100 years of fostering cultural, intellectual and artistic exchanges between the French-speaking world and metro Atlanta communities.

Those interested in learning the language can “Fall into French” at an open house on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the new Roswell office located at 435 Jones Drive. Visit the facility, meet the staff, participate in a free demonstration class at 7 p.m. and enjoy French wine and cheese.

Those interested can register online at www.afatl.com.

To celebrate the arrival of Alliance Française in Roswell, French Connexions and Art Lovers was held recently at Ann Jackson Gallery on Canton Street, where participants sipped French wine, nibbled on Belgian chocolates from M Chocolat in Alpharetta and mingled with Alliance Française members.

Ségolène de Marolles of Alliance

Française d’Atlanta says French classes held during the day and evenings for children and adults are professionally taught, but also very intimate.

“This is not an impersonal, learnFrench-in-two-weeks sort of class,” she points out. “We want our students to learn as much as they can about the culture of French-speaking countries in addition to learning the language.”

“The French language is very diverse,” said de Marolles. “Our cultural lessons focus not only on France, but also on other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, northern Canada, the Caribbean and much of Africa.”

Students can immerse themselves in French culture at many Alliance Française events held throughout the year, such as dinners, film showings, lectures, concerts and festivals.

Group trips to France give participants the chance practice their language skills with locals in the Loire Valley, Normandy, Paris or Lyon.

De Marolles, who grew up in Versailles just outside of Paris, has lived in the United States for five years now and really enjoys the warm weather and easy lifestyle in the Atlanta area. Her three children, ages 3 to 8, speak French at home and English at school.

“They think of themselves as Americans,” she said. “I have to remind them that we are still a French family. We travel back to France each summer where we eat lots of food and take the children on tours.” ■

Top left: Mary Wheeless, Alliance Français d'Atlanta Marketing and Communications Director Ségolène de Marolles and Victoria Jackson. Wheeless and Jackson are daughters of gallery founder Ann Jackson.

Top right: Ségolène de Marolles mingles at French Connexions and Art Lovers, held Aug. 23 at Ann Jackson Gallery in Roswell.

Bottom right: French-inspired treats at the gallery event.

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september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 21

Really?

You’re wearing THAT to school?

built-in duvet.

None of these exact things happen anymore. I’m not precisely sure what evokes their baby selves when they sleep.

Sometimes it’s that completely serene look on their face, the one they had before things like homework crept in. Sometimes it’s a furrowed brow, which used to signify an irritation at being disturbed instead of a lack of rest. Sometimes it’s the innocence a face can acquire only through the temporary escape of sleep.

So I sneak in, like a mommy-stalker, and let just enough light in the room so I can savor a moment remembering the babies they were.

And then they’re awake, and someone gets gum in their hair, insists they have a brain-eating amoeba, or makes a lastminute decision to become a vegetarian and thus cannot find anything to pack for lunch.

Then the time machine ours! y s effect is ruined. But that’s in the javelin u send okay. Because tomorrow competition at o @ c r . edito n nor morning I’ll fight off the siren the Olympics,” I thsidewoma song of sleep and see their baby said. “You’ll thank me faces again. when this doesn’t show up I’d trade that for a worm … or for that on a ‘Memories’ reel at your matter, a strong cup of coffee, any day. ■ graduation.”

But the second reason I don’t mind rising early is my little secret: I have a time Amy M. Dawson is machine. an Alpharetta-based Before I wake my daughters I glimpse, writer who thinks just for a moment, the hazy shadow of their too much spandex is faces when they were babies. Remember? always a bad idea.

The pursed lips and slightly flushed Read more at www. cheeks. The little ringlets framing their amymacwrites.com. angelic faces. They way they tuck their

…and other morning moments

By AMY M. DAWSON www.amymacwrites.com

I

am not a morning person. I wish I were. I envy those who awaken before sunrise, chipper as Doris Day, never considering a return to the cozy comfort of bed.

Alarm clocks give me vertigo. I hit snooze and fall back to sleep most mornings. If an IQ test were administered before a strong cup of coffee, I’d register a 50-point deficit. And I’d complain to the test administrator about the lack of coffee.

I know there’s talk of the early bird catching the worm. But early birds need a motivating catch phrase that doesn’t

22 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

involve “catching worms.” This just makes me want to sleep later to avoid people willing to touch worms. But I have a couple of reasons for crawling out of bed before dawn. The first is crowd control. By this, I mean getting my kids out the door dressed appropriately and with something more nutritious than Junior Mints for breakfast.

Just last week one emerged dressed in head-to-toe spandex.

“But I have GYM today. And this is what people wear to GYM,” she said when I told her to change. The look on my husband’s face said he was willing to acquiesce to such authoritative speak on gym clothes.

“I don’t care if you are participating

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arms and legs around themselves like a

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sheblogs

herhealth

Honey, Get Healthy … Please

By Debbie Keel

North Fulton Hospital CEO

I

n my 31 years of marriage (yes, to the same man, Patrick), I have never been happier with that man.

Not because he just bought me new furniture, which he did. Not because he took my car to the dealership for service and even got it washed. Not because I’m sitting here working at 10:15 p.m. and he’s not mad at me for doing so.

Those things are all wonderful (and he is pretty much a saint to be married to this workaholic, type-A woman). But the thing I’m most happy about is that after years of me begging him and, yes, harassing him, he’s finally begun to take really good care of himself.

He’s watching more than TV these days. He’s watching what he eats. He’s not working every day (he’s happily retired), but he’s working out. And he’s had some big weight loss – so far about 20 pounds.

This is very likely similar to hundreds, if not thousands, of stories in our community about women and the men they love.

In 2011, Esquire Magazine took a survey. In a story about the results, the magazine reported that “many men are ignorant about their health. A third haven’t

Debbie Keel's husband Patrick and her grandson, Char-

had a checkup in more than a year. Almost half don’t even have a doctor. Three in

four don’t know their BMI, and 40 percent of men in their 40s haven’t had a simple

cholesterol test. Men don’t talk about health.”

Esquire went on to say that men “don’t complain about it (their health) or ask for advice about it. But we do worry about it. Silently and insufficiently, but we worry.”

Gentlemen, please stop worrying silently and take some action. And what a great time to do so. It’s a great time to get a checkup if you haven’t had one recently.

It’s an even better time to heed the results of that physical.

If you are overweight, shed the pounds through a sensible, sustainable diet. If you have poor eating habits, at least make an effort to eat more things that are good for you more frequently.

You could join a gym or you could just walk – around the neighborhood, around the block, up and down the stairs at work.

Do it for yourself.

Do it for your kids. Do it for the woman who really doesn’t want to harass you about your health, but doesn’t know how else to get you to wake up.

And Patrick, thanks! ■

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 23

unsung‘she’ro ▼ ‘SHE’RO, Continued from Page 16 “I believe strongly that women need to support other women,” said Seidner, who now serves as president of AAUW’s North Fulton branch.

“Women must be well educated in order to earn a good living and support themselves and their families,” Seidner said. “Here in North Fulton, AAUW works very hard to raise funds for scholarships for local women who have the drive to earn a higher degree, but are struggling financially.”

Each year, AAUW’s North Fulton branch awards scholarships to young women pursuing degrees from institutions of higher learning located in North Fulton, such as Georgia State University’s Alpharetta campus.

In 2011, Klaretta Young received an AAUW scholarship to complete her Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Reinhardt University in Alpharetta. She graduated with a 3.95 grade point average and is now a kindergarten teacher at Dunwoody Elementary School.

Young says it was an “honor and a pleasure” to receive the scholarship, which allowed her to focus on her academic goals instead of worrying over the financial needs of attending school.

“I will be forever grateful to AAUW for their part in making my dream to become an educator come true,” she said. “It is a great joy to be able to pursue my passion for teaching children and creating lifelong learners.”

Seidner says scholarships like Young’s are made possible with funds from AAUW’s annual fundraiser, a large book fair held each fall at Perimeter Mall. This year’s book fair will be held Sept. 26-30 during mall hours and will offer more than 75,000 gently used books at bargain prices, most for $2 or less.

Book lovers in the know eagerly await the AAUW sale each year.

“People show up with little red wagons and empty suitcases,” said Seidner. “And they feel good knowing that their purchases are helping to improve someone’s life.”

Scholarships are just one of the many ways AAUW supports women and girls, said Carolyn Garfein, a Johns Creek resident who serves as AAUW’s national president.

“One of the biggest issues women face today is the lack of pay equity in the workforce,” Garfein said.

“Today’s female college graduates earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts,” she said. “Same education, same job description, different salary.”

AAUW provides “$tart $trong” workshops on college campuses to teach women how to be more effective when negotiating a salary. There are also programs designed to encourage female students to consider non-traditional occupations and take an interest in math, science, technology and engineering.

“It’s about making sure women and girls reach their full potential,” said Garfein. “Giving them access to the skills and leadership training they will need to support themselves, and working to remove any barriers that stand in their way.”

Whether working nationally or locally, Garfein and Seidner agree they are proud to be spending their retirement years volunteering for an organization that is working hard to make the world a better place for women.

“We enjoyed our careers thanks to other women who paved the way,” said Seidner. “And now it’s time to give back.”

To learn more about the North Fulton branch of the American Association of University Women, visit northfulton-ga.aauw.net. ■

◄ Klaretta Young received a scholarship from the American Association of University Women in 2011.

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unsung‘she’ro

HUIPING

The annual AAUW Book Fair will be held Sept. 26-30 at Perimeter Mall during mall hours.

AAUW Book Fair raises funds for local scholarships

T

he annual American Association of University Women (AAUW) Book Fair will be held Sept. 26-30 during mall hours at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road.

Book fair proceeds will provide scholarships for female students attending the Alpharetta campuses of Georgia State University and Reinhardt University.

More than 75,000 very gently used books will be available at bargain prices, most for $2 or less. Choose from mysteries, general fiction, science fiction, reference, business, history, biographies, romance,

foreign language, cookbooks, the arts and more. There will be a selection of children’s books, including picture books, pre-K early reading and those of interest to grade school and upper level students.

Educational materials are also available.

A sneak preview sale will be held on opening night, Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 6-9 p.m. There is a $10 charge to attend the sneak preview. For the five regular sale days, Sept. 26-30, there is no cost to shop.

For more information or to learn how to donate books to the fair, visit northfulton-ga.aauw.net/bookfair/. ■

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september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 25

girlpower

Angelica Galdamez helps Dustin Thomas take equipment off Jasmin the horse.

Cumming volunteer trots to Special Olympics horse show Story & Photos

By KELLY BROOKS

kelly@northsidewoman.com

A

fter a couple hours of practice on a sunny Saturday, Georgia Special Olympics equestrian athlete Dustin Thomas hopped on volunteer Angelica Galdamez’s back, ready for a different mode of transportation around the ring. Galdamez, a volunteer at Brecht Stables and Dustin’s Place in Cumming, laughingly obliged.

“It doesn’t even seem like volunteering,” said Galdamez, a Cumming resident and 15-year-old sophomore at Covenant Christian Academy. “I get to come here and hang out with these amazing kids.”

Dustin’s mother and stable owner Lynn Laszlo said Galdamez was one of seven volunteers accompanying two Dustin’s Place athletes to the Special Olympics horse show in Perry, Ga., Aug.

Store Hours Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10-8pm Friday and Saturday 10-6pm Sunday 1-5 Closed Wednesday (Appointments are not required to shop) 26 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

23-26. The athletes, Thomas and Sarah Costello, competed in events such as Western-style riding and showmanship.

Galdamez began volunteering with Dustin’s Place in June. Her duties include helping program participants ride horses and making sure the horses are OK in the process.

“She does great with the kids…and is always eager to help,” Laszlo said. “She is a lot of fun.”

During the Special Olympics, volunteers helped to transport, feed and exercise the horses.

Galdamez said she was “really excited” to help out at the Special Olympics, but added she was even more excited for the Olympians.

For more information on Dustin’s Place, and to volunteer or donate, visit www.brechtstables.org. ■ Editor’s note: Angelica Galdamez is the daughter of Northside Woman account executive Wendy Goddard.

From left to right, Angelica Galdamez, Sarah Costello, Jasmin the horse, Dustin Thomas, and stable owner and Thomas' mother Lynn Laszlo.

give it a whirl

Mosquito repellent clip:

Itching for something better

By Kelly Brooks

kelly@northsidewoman.com

B

ug spray, for me, will always be the lemony chemical mist that mixed with sweat and then dripped into my eyes and/ or mouth when I played sports as a kid. The bug spray market may now be rife with sporty, scent-free varieties, but I’ve refused to buy it in my adult life. Also, I’ve gotten a lot of mosquito bites.

According to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus reports are the highest this year since the virus’ first U.S. detection in 1999. To avoid mosquitospread viruses such as West Nile, the CDC encourages repellent: “The most important step is to pick one and use it.”

Touché, CDC. I’ve chosen a weapon, albeit a non-traditional one.

The Product: OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent. For about $9, you get one fan device with two AAA batteries and one dose of repellent that lasts 12 hours.

Refills are about $5 for a pack of two.

Bonus: if you hate bugs but love America, flag clips like mine are still available.

The Promise: Deter the bloodsuckers sans spray, odor or mess. “Within minutes, the unit creates head-to-toe protection from mosquitoes for up to 12

hours. If you move, allow a few minutes for the unit to rebuild its personal protection.”

The Test: I sat by a pool in a wooded area in the morning and afternoon: mosquito central. During the afternoon session, I shared the clip with someone. I flew solo for the morning session.

The Results: In the morning, I placed the clip next to me on a table. The table might have impeded the head-to-toe coverage the device claims to provide, because I got two mosquito bites. In the afternoon, while sharing the device, I got a few more bites.

The Rating: Based on my experience, users must follow the rules closely for the clip to work. Place it on your belt or somewhere near the middle of your body, don’t move much and don’t expect it to work for more than one person. While my clip experiences left me itchy, I know people who say the clip works well for them. But even if it does work when used correctly, there are drawbacks for me. The packaging for the device and all its refills are presumably a bit more wasteful than traditional sprays. And based on the cost of refills and batteries, I will probably let my 12 hours run out and give bug spray another try. ■ Two out of Four Stars

E

W

S

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 27

Fall Festivals Scarecrow Harvest & Farmers Market

When: Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta, near City Hall You know autumn has arrived when whimsical scarecrows start popping up along the main thoroughfares of downtown Alpharetta. Cleverly disguised as historical figures, pop stars or storybook characters, the straw-stuffed creations are made by local elementary school children, businesses, nonprofit organizations and

community members. Come view the scarecrows and enjoy family fun at the seventh annual Scarecrow Harvest. Enjoy live country music from High Cotton, games of crow-cornhole, hay rides, face painting, historical demos, artsy activities, story-telling and inflatables for the kids.

Barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs and fall treats such as caramel apples will be offered. In conjunction with the Scarecrow Harvest, browse the Alpharetta Farmers Market and participate in a scavenger hunt competition.

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28 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

Crossroads at Crabapple Antique & Arts Festival

When: Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Historic Community of Crabapple, 790 Mayfield Road, Milton A tradition since 1969, this one-day outdoor festival features 50 American Country antique dealers from six states and 50 local juried artists. Browse thousands of antiques, 19th century American Country, primitives, vintage to shabby chic and unique pieces of art in all mediums (oils, photography, jewelry, textiles, birdhouses, glass blown ornaments, wood turnings, baskets, quilts and pottery) both old and new. Rounding out the show are roaming musicians, fantastic food, children’s activities and an easy walk to free parking areas. Crabapple

todo is the perfect place to enjoy a vintage afternoon back in time.

Brew Moon Fest

When: Oct. 6, 6:30 – 11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta, Milton Avenue As evening falls, head to downtown Alpharetta for some dancing in the streets at the second annual Brew Moon Fest.

Great food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale as the city comes together for one big party sponsored by the Alpharetta Business Association (ABA). ■

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 29

women's best friend us adopt

Pets of the Month

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kitten caboodle at the Companion Animal Rescue League (CARL) with kittens of assorted colors and breeds available for adoption. To make room to foster more, CARL has reduced the adoption fees by half to find more forever homes for their kittens and cats. All of the kittens are vet checked, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia, treated for parasites, and microchipped. These kittens and other rescued cats and dogs are available for adoption on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on most Sundays from noon until 4 p.m., at the PetSmart located at the intersection of Medlock Bridge Road and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek. You can also view adoptable pets at www.carl.petfinder.com. â&#x2013;

welcome to our

pet feature Please send us your news about rescue groups & vet questions.

We will try to answer them & publicize your group!

email editor@ northside woman.com

30 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

email

women's best friend

aldo

Pets of the Month Updates Remember Charley, the sweet, senior spaniel featured in March?

While there were numerous offers from Northside Woman readers, his foster mom was searching for the perfect home for Charley. She finally found one – with Northside Woman publisher Christina Appen (left), who met Charley months ago and never forgot about him. Charley joined the Appen extended family last month, and is living with Christina’s grown daughter Amelia (right) in Alpharetta.

Charley will also be a fixture at the Appen

offices where his own bed and stash of his favorite rubber balls await. Don’t you just love a happy ending!

It’s home field advantage for our entire team of Super Bowl puppies who all found permanent homes after being featured in Northside Woman last month. Thanks to Jennifer at Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (www. angelsamonguspetrescue.com) for fostering these puppies from birth to adoption, and who picked out wonderful homes for the whole team. ■

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 31

takefive

Got 5 minutes?

Organize your life Get in the habit of making your bed every day. It “sets the stage” for the day and makes the whole bedroom look and feel so much better.

TA

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By Terri Stephens | www.therealorder.com

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32 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

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06

Create a “Top 5 Things To Do Today” list in order of importance and post it somewhere visible to remind you to stick to your priorities. It’s so easy to get distracted and forget what are the most important things to accomplish each day.

takefive

{3}

Stop the bulk of annoying junk mail online at www. dmacfonsumers.org or call the National Opt-Out Center at 1-888-567-8688. This is time well spent when you don’t have to bother shredding credit card offers anymore.

Sort your mail every day, rather than let it pile up. Immediately get rid of junk mail, separate out bills and always put them in the same place so they don’t get lost. Have a tray or folder(s) for To Do’s. Take the time to set up an easy system that works for you and your family.

{4}

{5}

Make it a habit to look around your car each day and remove anything that doesn’t belong there. Have a trash can/recycle bin by your car to immediately throw out trash. As soon as possible, put everything where it belongs inside your house rather than leaving it in a pile.

Train other family members to do this too!

Visit Terri Stephens’ website at therealorder.com

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 33

todo

SEPTEMBER

Atlanta Authors Speaker Series 2 p.m. Local author Marc Fitten will discuss his novels “Valeria’s Last Stand” and “Elza’s Kitchen” as part of a lecture series organized by Friends of the Roswell Library. Free and open to the public.

Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell. www.forl.net

16

IronKids Alpharetta 7 a.m. Test your strength and go the distance! Kids ages 6-15 participate in this swim, bike and run competition with emphasis on fitness and fun. One of only 12 similar competitions nationwide. The race start and transition will take place at the Wills Park pool and parking lot. Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. www.ironkids.com/2012_Schedule/ IronKids_Alpharetta.htm

6

“Smoke on the Mountain” at the Cumming Playhouse ▲ Through Sept. 30. Don’t miss this all-time favorite musical! Let the Sanders family of North Carolina “take you to church” with some of the best old gospel tunes ever written. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street, Cumming. www.playhousecumming.com

North Fulton Drama Club presents “Hamlet” Through Oct. 6. Enjoy Shakespeare’s classic drama under the stars on the lawn of Barrington Hall. Free admission, but $5 donations greatly appreciated! Reserved seating available or bring a picnic blanket and lawn chairs. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; one Sunday matinee on September 30th at 4 p.m. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. www.northfultondramaclub.org

22

Night Challenge Road Race 8:30 p.m. 5K and 5K relay night road race and concert featuring Banks and Shane. Benefits the Magic Wand Foundation. Roswell Kings Market Shopping Center, 1425 Market Boulevard, Roswell. www.active.com Stars n’ Stitches Quilt Show Through Sept. 23. The Chattahoochee Evening Stars Quilt Guild is proud to present their annual collection of colorful, hand-stitched quilts. Lakewood 400 Antique Market, 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming. www.cesquiltguild.com

“The Man Who Came To Dinner” Through Sept. 23. Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents one of the most clever American comedies to ever take the stage.

Meet the irascible arts critic Sheridan Whiteside as he pays a visit to the Stanley household where Marx Brothers-like madness ensues. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. www.get.org

8

Alpharetta Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Features fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, homemade desserts, jellies and sauces.

Held each Saturday through mid-October.

City Hall parking lot, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta. www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com

13

Girls’ Night Out at The Drake Closet ▲ 6 – 8 p.m. Bring your girlfriends and enjoy hors d’oeuvres while you shop for new and gently used clothes, shoes and accessories. All proceeds benefit the Drake House, emergency housing for North Fulton women and children in crisis.

The Drake Closet, 825 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. www.thedrakehouse.org

15

46th Annual Roswell Arts Festival 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Through Sept.

16 at Roswell’s Historic Town Square. Fine arts, original crafts, children’s activities, festive foods and performing arts. Free with shuttles running from City Hall to Town Square both days. www.roswellartsfestival.com 34 | northsidewoman.com | september2012

20

Fall into French open house ▲ Tour the new Roswell office of Alliance Française d’Atlanta, observe a demo French class and enjoy wine and cheese at this free event. 435 Jones Drive, Roswell. www.afatl.com Alive After Five in historic downtown Roswell A free trolley shuttles up and down Canton Street while folks enjoy the best street party in Atlanta with music, great food, shops, galleries and a festive atmosphere. www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com

21

Power of Pink ▲ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join North Fulton businesswomen for a luncheon, silent auction and fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors. Sponsored by North Fulton Hospital and supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta. http://checkupforchicks.com/ PowerofPink/

23

Polo for Parkinsons ▲ 1 p.m. Enjoy an exciting day of polo at Chukkar Farm and Polo Club. All proceeds go towards Parkinson’s disease awareness. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the match begins at 2 p.m. Tickets also include music, celebrity guests, free food and beverages, silent auction and Best Hat contest. Adults: $50; kids $5; reserved tables available. Chukkar Farm and Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. www.poloforparkinsons.com

25

Roswell Garden Club lecture 10 a.m. Learn the basic do’s and don’ts of planting and gardening at the monthly gathering of the Roswell Garden Club. Free and open to the public.Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. www.roswellgardenclub.com

26

AAUW Book Fair at Perimeter Mall Through Sept. 30. 75,000 gently used books for sale, each around $2. Proceeds from this annual American Association of University Women book fair are used to fund scholarships for local women. Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. www.northfulton-ga.aauw.net/bookfair/

27

Designing Dreams Reception 7 – 9 p.m. The winner of an annual charitable room makeover will be announced at a reception featuring food and drinks, silent auction items and a grand raffle. RBM Mercedes, 345 McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta. www.designingdreams.org

28

Mother & Son Sports Night 7 – 9 p.m. Wear athletic attire and be ready for an active night of games, activities and pizza sponsored by the Alpharetta Parks & Recreation Department. $10 for residents; $15 for nonresidents. Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. www.alpharetta.ga.us/recreation

29

YSC Tour de Pink ▲ 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the Atlanta area’s only bike ride for breast cancer. Register to ride from 1 to 100 miles and instill hope in young women. Join the waves of pink riders. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.ysctourdepink.org A Woman’s Life Expo 10 a.m. Free event featuring women-owned businesses or services geared toward all aspects of women’s well being. Ballroom dancers, fashion show and more! Forsyth Conference Center, Lanier Technical College, 7745 Majors Rd., Cumming. http://awomanslifeexpo.com

�Looking Ahead�

October

6

Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 50 antique dealers from 6 states and 50 local juried artists gather in the historic Crabapple area with live music, fantastic food, children’s activities and free parking. Festival’s center: 790 Mayfield Road, Milton. www.crossroadsatcrabapplefestival.com Scarecrow Harvest and Farmers Market 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free family fun includes country music, games, hay rides, arts and crafts and fun food. Browse the Alpharetta Farmers Market and see the array of whimsical scarecrows. Downtown Alpharetta near City Hall. www.awesomealpharetta.com Brew Moon Fest 6:30 – 11 p.m. Enjoy dancing in the streets to live music as the city comes together for one big block party. Great food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale. Downtown Alpharetta, Milton Avenue.

september2012 | northsidewoman.com | 35

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www.nfultonhospital.com 36 | northsidewoman.com | september2012