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Contents
November 2014
Volume 2 | Issue 4
24-26 On the Cover:
Wylee
By Leighanne Littrell
30-36
Fa-La-La-La-La Guide
[24-26]
[30-36] 2
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
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............................. Publisher
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............................. Calendar
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....................... Business Life
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.................... Mayor's Minute
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................... Senator Speaks
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......................... Taste of Life
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........................ Book Review
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......................... Artist Profile
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............................. Chamber
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Publisher’sPerspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Michelle Martin Michelle@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com
L
ooking back over the years, I’ve really begun to appreciate the fact that I grew up in a small town. There was a time in my life that growing up in a small town may have seemed to keep me and those with whom I interacted daily far from the big old world beyond. In our more adventurous years, those of our youth and early adulthood, we often had the urge to break free of our bonds, parents and roots and burst forth into the unknown to discover what was out there — to explore and attempt something new, to become who we imagined we wanted to be, to find out who we were, or simply to discover where the road out of town might have lead us. For some of us, our journey may have begun like a rocket ship ride into the future we now know as the present; for others, it may have been simply a leisurely walk down back roads and trails on a spiritual journey with our miles logged within our thoughts rather than with our feet. Eventually, we come to another crossroad along the way — or often these days, a round-about — and it’s time to decide in which direction we are going to lead ourselves at this particular junction of our journeys. All of us are more closely knit together in this day and age of technology. The six degrees of separation seem to have crumbled under the weight of the infinite amount of tags, texts, pins and tweets. It’s up to each of us to keep our world comfortable and human, to embrace others, look into someone’s eyes when we communicate, or listen to a child talk about their day. Handwrite a letter, visit a friend or relative you may not have seen or talked to in a while. Learn about their voyages, dreams, desires and challenges. Even though we live in a world full of people with different ideologies, goals and dreams, we are blessed with the fact that we are meant to be here for each other. Any city anywhere can have that special small-town feel, and it starts with each of us. All it takes is to look up from our devices, wave at our friends, smile more and welcome our visitors. Start a friendly conversation with someone new. You’ll learn more about yourself in doing so and you’ll both feel closer to home.
Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Mayor Mike Bodker, Leigh Bonnacci, Ron Bradley, Crystal Bryant, Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Arlene Dickerson, Lisa Ethridge, Susan Gillespie, Catherine Groves, Susan Hale, Fred Hawkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Amanda Kossick, Chris Miller, Dr. Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Rachel Quiles, Mark Tolbert, Keely Woodford
Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications North Fulton Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. Ple
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Jack Tuszynski, publisher
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
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© 2014 All rights reserved.
Getting Your Home Ready for the Holiday Season By Susan Gillespie
The holidays are fast approaching. For many of us, this time of year brings a little (or a lot) of added stress. Whether entertaining family or friends, it is always enjoyable to spend the holidays with your favorite people. Our days are filled with all types of commitments, and it can be difficult to find time to get things done at home. Here are some ideas for getting your home in tip-top shape and company-ready before the guests arrive. •
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•
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•
Tackle counter clutter. Go through
the mail immediately and throw away what you don’t need. You probably don’t need to keep all of those holiday catalogs. Be selective in what you keep. De-clutter on a daily basis. Every day, go through each room quickly and tidy up. Use decorative storage containers in every room. Go through your
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home and see where clutter typically builds up, and put baskets and decorative containers in those areas. Clean “visible” areas first. No one is going to look in your kids’ closets (or yours), but they do see your counter tops, bathrooms and living spaces. Make a list of “quick” chores. You would be amazed at how much you can accomplish in 10 minutes. These “quick chores” might include shining up your appliances, sweeping the kitchen floor, cleaning out the pantry (and collecting non-perishable items for the local food pantry while you are at it). Clean efficiently. Clean from top to bottom, left to right, fans to baseboards, and finish a room before you move on to the next. Keep your cleaning supplies together to make cleaning more efficient. Have one set of supplies on the main level of your
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home and one set upstairs.
Stock guest rooms and bathrooms with necessities. Guests never feel
comfortable asking or snooping, so make sure guest rooms and bathrooms are well-stocked with linens and toiletries. Remember, people are more important than things, so make your family and friends a priority. Hopefully, these tips will relieve some of the stress during this busy season.
Susan Gillespie is owner of Maid Right of North Fulton. 678-3695413, MaidRightNorthFulton.com
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Calendar NOVEMber
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Veterans Memorial Walk Dedication The Johns Creek Veterans Association (JCVA) will hold a dedication and flagraising ceremony for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk entrance plaza. Immediately before the ceremony, the JCVA will unveil the black marble monuments focusing on each conflict dating to World War I, Purple Heart recipients, MIA-POWs, and Women in Service. The ceremony will feature short addresses, patriotic songs, and the first official raising of the flags for each branch of service, plus the national, state and city flags. 1:00 p.m., Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200. JohnsCreekGA.gov
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First Fridays Art Walk Take a stroll through the art district in Historic Roswell. Featured artist spotlight for November is Anita Stewart (painting). Free to the public. 6:00-9:00 p.m., Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232, RoswellCAC.com
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Johns Creek Arts Center Fall Student Show & Holiday Sale Don’t miss this opportunity to buy original, unique, fine art gifts at affordable prices. Choose from handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and prints created by Johns Creek Arts Center instructors and students. 6:00-8:00 p.m., Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek. 770-6238448, JohnsCreekArts.org
Heck of a Hayride This old-fashioned family outing will begin with a hayride around the park and end with roasting marshmallows and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa around the campfire. All ages; children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone must register to attend. 6:00-9:00 p.m., Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
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Kiddos’ Clubhouse Race to Rally Hope Race to Rally Hope is a certified Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. The 2014 goal of Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation seeks to provide $80,000 in scholarships to support Georgia families and children with special needs. 6:30-10:00 p.m., Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation, 11539 Park Woods Circle, Alpharetta. 678-527-3224, KiddosClubhouse.com
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An Evening of Art & Song Cambridge High School Chorus and Sedgwick Gallery are teaming up for an evening of art, entertainment and song. Guests will be treated to performances by the Cambridge High School Chanson Choir, as well as various soloists and small ensembles, while viewing a variety of art items available for sale and auction. Appetizers, dessert, wine and cocktails will be served. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cambridge High School Chorus. Tickets are available online. 7:00 p.m., Sedgwick Gallery, 61 Roswell St., Alpharetta. CambridgeSings. org, SedgwickGallery.com
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Johns Creek Poetry Festival Bring the family for a time of fun, poetry, and community! Poet Steven Shields will serve as master of ceremonies, with M. Ayodele Heath, a Top 10 finisher in the National Poetry Slam. The event also will include a guest poet Q&A, poetic story time for children, open mic, a poetry book fair, and festival luncheon. 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Johns Creek Baptist Church, Room C262, 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta. RonBoggs@hotmail.com
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“Season’s Turn” Join the Georgia Philharmonic for an evening of music that brings in the new season, including “Snow Maiden Suite” by Rimsky-Korsakov, continued on
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Library Events AFPLS.org Alpharetta
238 Canton St., Alpharetta, 770-740-2425
Northeast/Spruill Oaks
9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
Ocee
5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek 770-360-8897
Roswell
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075
Chess Club November 5 & 19, 6:00 p.m., Ocee Club members will learn strategies, game variations and perhaps have the opportunity to participate in a tournament. Ages 5-13. ACT, PSAT & SAT Practice Exams Presented by Princeton Review November 8, 1:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Teens are invited to take the practice exam of their choice. This program will last four hours. Ages 12-18. Limit 20. Registration is required. A Crash Course in College Prep for Teens and Parents November 9, 2:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Independent consultant Diane Cohen from College Process Consulting will present a two-hour workshop on how to reduce the stress of the college application process by informing and educating attendees of critical information often not shared. High school sophomores and juniors (and parents), ages 15-18. Registration is required. Ocee Reads Book Club November 10, 2:00 p.m., Ocee Join other book club members for thought-provoking discussions of current fiction. Light refreshments will be provided. Adults 18 and up. Registration is required. To register and reserve a copy of each month’s book, send an email to John.Offerdahl@FultonCountyGa.gov and include “Ocee Reads” in the subject line. Atlanta Junior Bridge November 10, 17 & 24, 3:30 p.m., Ocee Exercise all your muscles! Learn to play the fascinating card game of bridge. Limited to 16 participants. Ages 8-18. To reserve your space or for more information: 770-998-9723, KSChrist2@yahoo.com. Friends of Roswell Library Book Sale November 12, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Roswell (all) November 13, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. November 15, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. November 16, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. continued on
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Library Continued . . .
Calendar
Join the Friends of the Roswell Library for its book sale. Buy gently used bestsellers, nonfiction, adult and children’s books, media and more. Repurposed Twigs November 12, 2:30 p.m., Ocee Branches, twigs and vases, oh my! Make and take a creation for your home or garden. Ages 8 and up. Wacky Wednesday Crafts November 12, 5:30 p.m., Ocee Enjoy a fun-filled craft hour featuring paint, glitter and glue materials. Ages 5-12 (no younger siblings). Parent or caregiver must be present for ages 7 and under. Limit 30. Arts & Craft for Seniors Citizens November 13 & 20, 11:30 a.m., Roswell Create your very own art piece. Cheerful fall craft ideas for celebrating nature’s harvest and change of season. Johns Creek Fall Poetry Festival November 15, 1:00-4:30 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Special speaker for poets ages 8-18. All ages are welcome. Reservations are suggested. For information or reservation: 770-360-8820, Karen.Swenson@ FultonCountyGa.gov. Teen Songwriting Workshop November 15 & 16, 2:00 p.m., Ocee If you missed this over the summer, now is your chance to learn the skills and techniques to write your best lyrics and melodies. Nashville-based musician Jameson Elder will lead this two-day workshop. Ages 13-18. eCampus BookFlix Reading Session November 17, 10:00 a.m., Roswell Come enjoy a fun introduction to integrating traditional story time and online reading with BookFlix. Basics of Writing the Young Adult Novel November 17, 6:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Frequently published young adult author Jackson Pearce will lead a two-hour course on how to conceive, outline, and write a young adult novel. You will learn everything you need to know about the publishing industry, from queries to finished manuscript. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Intro to Musical Theatre for Teens November 22, 2:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Whether you are a beginner or an experienced stage star, this 90-minute workshop presented by Forefront Arts will help you hone your acting, singing and dancing skills. Learn warmups, play theatre games, and rehearse musical theatre pieces from such popular musicals as “Rent,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Aladdin.” Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Introduction to Microsoft Excel November 25, 1:00 p.m., Ocee This introductory class will familiarize computer users with Microsoft Excel. Adults. Registration is required.
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“Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 6, Op. 74,” otherwise known as the “Pathetique.” 7:00 p.m., Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. GeorgiaPhilharmonic.org
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Tellabration Guilds and storytelling enthusiasts all around the globe share their storytelling talents. Roswell’s Tellabration brings together celebrated regional storytellers to delight, captivate, and mesmerize audiences with their tales. 7:30 p.m., Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
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“An Evening of Music, Dance, and Song from Slavic Lands” The Atlanta Balalaika Society will present a concert of music, dance, and song from Slavic lands. The concert will feature the dance duo of Larissa Nazarenko and Tyler Worth, and vocalist Zhanna Ketslakh. The Atlanta Balalaika Society will perform with domra virtuoso Angelina GalashenkovaReed, bayan soloist Alla Melnik, John Huston on guitar, and balalaika soloist David C. Cooper. The evening’s performance will be conducted by David C. Cooper. 7:30 p.m., Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 404-292-7176, AtlantaBalalaika.com
November Avalon on Ice Ice skate at Avalon’s Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the - February plaza. Watch for theme nights and 2015 enjoy warm tasty treats rink-side. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 404-9659065, ExperienceAvalon.com
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Scan to submit your upcoming event!
How to Get the Most Out of Your Training By Arlene Dickerson It can be difficult to reserve the time necessary to attend a training session, whether you train online, or leave your office and go to a classroom. Sometimes by the time that training session comes around it is for a skill that you truly want and need to master. Here are some tips to help make sure the new information sinks into your brain. • Take notes. This may seem counterintuitive in our high-technology culture, but taking notes, either by hand or by typing them into a document, is a great way to help you remember key points. • Review your notes during a break. This technique is especially helpful if your training class is spread over several days. After you’ve had a few minutes away during a prolonged break or when the class is done for the day, take five minutes to review your notes and jot down questions you may have. • Ask questions. Sometimes engaging your instructor provides more than clarity. It gives you that extra kernel of information that will help the information stay with you. • Relate the new information to something familiar. Our brains automatically look for patterns as we learn. Taking time to figure out how new information can be used in your day-to-day life gets you more excited about the knowledge — and helps it stick in your mind. The way we learn as adults is very different from the way we learned as children. As adults, we master new skills when we can apply them to knowledge we already have. When you’re trying to hook new information into your mind, consider everything you know — don’t limit yourself to only work skills or personal skills. Figuring out how new information can be applied to everything you know will help you gain comprehension faster and may just make you more efficient in several areas. Benefitting in more than one part of your life will give you huge returns on the time you invested and may just motivate you to learn more.
Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491, TechnicalRS.com
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Business Moxie Burger has opened a new location at Founders Square in Roswell. Owned and operated by Chas D’Huyvetter, along with general managers Brandon Eisenhart and Jordan Pearl, Moxie Burger features a variety of menu selections, including burgers, “dawgs,” sandwiches, salads, sides, and King of Pops hand-crafted, all-natural popsicles — all created “with a little moxie!” In addition to the new Roswell location, Moxie Burger has a location in East Cobb. Moxie Burger in Roswell is open 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and 11:30 a.m.8:30 p.m., Sunday. 555 S. Atlanta St., Suite A600, Roswell. 678-878-4411, MoxieBurger.net
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Georgia Cancer Specialists recently welcomed Kamal Ummed, M.D. as the newest physician at its Alpharetta and Sandy Springs (Center Pointe) locations. Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Ummed joins a team of nationally recognized physicians and other health care professionals in advanced cancer treatment and research. Dr. Ummed completed his undergraduate education at the State University of New York and received a medical degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. In 1997, he returned to the United States, where he completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, followed by a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Before joining Georgia Cancer Specialists this year, Dr. Ummed spent 10 years in private practice in Honolulu and was an assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. “Our increasing knowledge of how cancers grow and spread has allowed for better targeted treatments with improved outcomes and reduced side effects,” said Dr. Ummed. “Understanding the strengths of a cancer is helping us locate and target its Achilles heel. The future gets brighter with each step forward.” Dr. Ummed is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has special interests in the treatment of lung, breast and urological cancers, as well as benign and malignant hematology. 3330 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 110, Alpharetta. 678-566-6995, GACancer.com
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Mayor’s Minute
B
y the time you read this, Johns Creek City Council will have likely voted on and approved a settlement agreement with billboard companies that have applied to construct, maintain and operate outdoor signs within our city. Please refer to the City website at JohnsCreekGA.gov for the latest details on the agreement.
t s e B e h t g n i Mak the
Like many of you, I would like to keep Johns Creek as pristine as possible, but in the case of the pending billboards we ultimately have no good choice in the matter. Please understand our options were limited, following the 2011 Georgia Supreme Court ruling ordering us to allow up to 31 of them in our city. We could have done nothing and watched as the billboards arose across our city. We could have ignored the Georgia Supreme Court ruling ordering us to allow them, and faced potential penalties and claims for damages. Or, we could have entered detailed discussions with the billboard companies on how to comply with the court ruling, while still maintaining a degree of control, limited as it may be. We chose the last option, as did the cities of Sandy Springs, Milton and Alpharetta when they were ordered to comply with the same court ruling. In each case, those cities worked out agreements with the companies to build a much smaller amount of billboards than the court approved. Though the companies have the right to build up to 31 signs, our discussions have involved reducing the amount of 12
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
d r a o b l l i B n o i t a u t i S of
dker
Mike Bo By Mayor
billboards actually built and determining where the billboards would go, as well as some limited input regarding height of the signs. It is in the best interest of our entire community to comply with the court ruling. Because this is a local zoning regulation (Fulton County sign ordinance), there is no other court to appeal to. I know this is not welcome news to many of you, but the City does not have the final word on the court ruling. A timeline of the litigation and a list of frequently asked questions are posted on the City website as well. Please share this message with your neighbors. It is very important for each and every one of us to understand why and how we got to this point. Feel free to submit your comments and questions to Mike. Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, or visit www.JohnsCreekGa.gov for the latest news and information.
Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.
Can Strength Training Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes? By Rachel Quiles, MS, RDN, LD LIFESTYLE Yes. A lifestyle that
includes high-intensity exercise and a healthy eating plan can help you manage type 2 diabetes. No doubt, if you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or you’re at high risk, your doctor has recommended that you increase your physical activity. Most of us immediately think of aerobic or cardiovascular activities, like walking, swimming, biking, or running. There are plenty of scientific studies to show that these types of activities help to improve insulin resistance, and the positive effects are directly tied to the level of intensity. However, there is reliable evidence that strength training, on its own or in combination with aerobic activities,
can have a more profound positive effect on blood glucose control. When strength training is performed at an adequate level of intensity, the working muscles will use all of their stored energy, or glycogen. Glycogen stores are made up of linked molecules of glucose. After a period of intense exercise, as the muscles are recovering and rebuilding, the body replaces the depleted glycogen stores. This process necessarily involves an increased rate of glucose uptake from the blood and there is a marked increase in insulin sensitivity. This process of replacing the glycogen stores can take 24 to 48 hours. According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), “There are
many long-term adaptations to habitual physical activity that may prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.” For those who already have type 2 diabetes, regular exercise of adequate intensity can help reduce A1c level, improve insulin sensitivity, help control weight, decrease risk for cardiovascular disease, reduce “bad” cholesterol, and increase “good” cholesterol. All of these benefits are in addition to those you normally expect from strength training: increased lean muscle and greater muscular strength. L Castaneda, et al., Diabetes Care; 25: 2335-2341. Church, et al., JAMA. 2010; 304(20): 2253-2262. Colberg, S. (2011). Exercise Prescription. In The Art and Science of Diabetes Self-Management Education Desk Reference (2nd ed., pp. 385-416). Chicago, Illinois: AADE. Holten, et al., Diabetes. 2004; 53: 94-305
Rachel Quiles is a Registered Dietitian and owner of SuperSlow Zone in Milton. 678-691-2969, SSZMilton.com
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Senator Speaks
Workfare
vs. Welfare
By Senator John Albers
I
believe it is time to usher in a new era of social responsibility and accountability by changing the way Georgians think about the function of government assistance. Welfare-related programs were always intended to support responsible, short-term assistance by providing a “hand-up” as opposed to a “hand-out.” I believe most Georgians and Americans are compassionate and desire to help others. I personally serve in many charitable organizations and believe the faith-based and civic communities do a much better job than government. The old adage is true, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” There will always be extraordinary circumstances, such as those with special needs or the elderly. However, the great majority of Americans can and should be employed. Over the past six years, America has seen the largest increase in welfarerelated programs in history. I was shocked
and saddened when I heard radio advertisements encouraging people to sign up for government “food stamp” programs even if they had a job. What is wrong with this picture? Rather than encouraging hard work, we are spending your hard-earned tax dollars to promote entitlement programs? I often think about our Greatest Generation and how their work ethic helped save the world and shape our nation. Are we moving backward from their defining moment in our history? When Kari and I first married, we worked a total of seven jobs between us. Our goal was to buy a home and prepare for a family. We worked very hard, and our tenacity paid off. Many of our first jobs were minimum wage. Minimum-wage jobs are important to create opportunity and experience for Americans. I am working to increase wages for all Georgians, but minimum-wage jobs are critical to provide stepping stones for career growth. Some have called for dramatically increasing the minimum wage, but this argument is flawed and will decrease the amount of available jobs while increasing the costs for working families. Hard work can solve many problems; the Albers family is an example.
As you read this article, some will agree and others will have a different opinion. My concern is some will immediately take these words out of context and read emotion into the message. Neither will be true and some will ultimately try to change the conversation from truly helping people to promoting entitlement. Here is the reality: True compassion is doing what is best for people — not easiest. Programs to help people in their time of dire need are important and should be for a defined and short period of time, with all incentives directed toward self-sufficiency. You will be hard-pressed to find someone more compassionate and committed to my community, state and country than myself. I work diligently to serve people joyfully and more often. However, it is long past time to reverse the course and promote workfare over welfare.
Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton county. 404-463-8055, John.Albers@ Senate.Ga.Gov
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Community Feature City of Roswell’s Brechbill Named President of National Organization Julie Brechbill, manager of community relations for the City of Roswell, has been named president of the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), a national organization dedicated to best practices in local government communications and marketing. Brechbill has spent 11 of her more than 20 years’ experience in government public relations at the City of Roswell, where she oversees the City’s website, social media efforts, television station, publications, media relations and public outreach programs. She began her career in government public relations in Palm Beach County, Fla., where she worked in public affairs for 14 years. “We are very pleased that Julie has assumed the 3CMA presidency. Julie is a consensus-builder. Her expertise and extensive knowledge of the challenges facing local government
will be essential to meeting the future responsibilities of local governments,” said Dick Lillquist, executive director of 3CMA. “Her election reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to serving local government professionals with cutting-edge programs and activities.” As president of 3CMA, Brechbill will lead the organization in strengthening its network of 700 members, who work in various communications roles within local government or public service across the nation. 3CMA provides an annual conference, regional mini conferences, and many other professional development opportunities to help members foster meaningful government/ citizen relationships through innovative communications and marketing techniques. Brechbill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University. She has presented at national, state, and regional conferences on a variety of local government communications issues.
7 Differences
Find the
Please email art@familylifepublications.com to submit your answers. Be sure to include the magazine title, your name and contact information (address, phone & email). Only emailed answers with full information will be accepted. Individuals can win only once per calendar year.
Congratulations to our October “7 of Differences” winner, Kolkebail Shetty! Congratulations to our June “Pieces the Puzzle” winner, Jennifer Maloney!
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Community Feature Veterans Memorial Walk to be Dedicated November 7 The Johns Creek Veterans Association will hold a dedication and flag-raising ceremony November 7 for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk entrance plaza located at Newtown Park in Johns Creek. The project, which began two years ago, is expected to be completed in time for the event. “In the past few months, we have made tremendous progress,” said JCVA President Wayne Kidd. “The monuments will be ready, the gazebo built, the engraved pavers installed, and the grounds will be landscaped. The community is really coming together to make this happen. The Veterans Memorial Walk is going to be a destination point and something the people of Johns Creek can be proud of.” Immediately before the ceremony, which will begin at 1:00 p.m., the JCVA will unveil the black marble monuments focusing on each conflict dating to World War I, Purple Heart recipients, MIA-POWs, and Women in Service. JCVA volunteers will lead walking tours after the ceremony. The ceremony will feature short addresses, patriotic songs, and the first official raising of the flags for each branch of service, plus the national, state and city flags. Light food and drink will be available at Park Place adjacent to the plaza. The 1,800-pound monuments feature engraved photographs and colored war ribbons specific to each conflict. Matching granite benches are planned for each memorial plaza. Visitors can stop for rest and reflection at a gazebo in the center of the four-acre memorial. Each monument plaza is floored with donated pavers, most of which are engraved with the names of the donor’s loved one who served, as well as the rank, branch of service and years served. The JCVA is still accepting donations for engraved pavers.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Common Low-Voltage Options By Fred Hawkins Cat 5 is an older type of network cabling commonly used by builders for years. Now, electricians use Cat 5 e as standard wiring in homes. Cat 5 e is an improvement over standard Cat 5 cabling. It is faster than Cat 5 and cuts down on cross talk, or interference you sometimes get between wires inside the cable. These improvements mean you are getting a faster, more reliable speed with Cat 5 e cabling compared to standard Cat 5. Cat 6 is the next step up from Cat 5 e cabling. Its improvements include stricter specifications when it comes to interference and 10-gigabit speeds in some cases. If you are buying a new home that isn’t already wired, you might as well get Cat 6 since it is an improvement over Cat 5 e. Cat 6 (or
Cat 6 e) is a good choice for ethernet jacks, especially if you want to route all of your audio and video components throughout the home. Security pre-wire consists of one foyer motion, two keypads, a siren and all accessible door and windows. In houses with vinyl windows, however, the windows are not pre-wired because doing so would void the warranty on the windows. As the homeowner, you would have to request the security company to supply the wireless contacts for the vinyl windows, and many times they are not reliable and often result in pre-wire problems. You could also opt for pre-wire upgrades, such as motion detectors, glass breaks, smoke detectors, key fobs and cell backups. A permanently installed Generac backup generator can offer your family immediate protection in the
event of a power outage. It runs on natural gas and is installed outside just like a central air and heating unit. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items. A Generac home backup generator senses a power outage, turns on automatically, and delivers power to your home until power is restored — whether it is two hours, two days or two weeks.
Fred Hawkins is owner of H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net
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Win a VIP Shopping Experience in Alpharetta CVB’s ‘Unwrap the Magic’ Contest
Community Feature Middle School Students Sign Commitments for $10,000 Scholarships Four students from North Fulton middle schools signed commitments recently to graduate high school and accept a $10,000 college scholarship funded by the REACH Georgia program. The special signing event featured Gov. Nathan Deal, Fulton County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa, Fulton school board members, principals, counselors, graduation coaches, and other district leaders.
Does your wardrobe need a new look? You could be the lucky winner of a $500 gift card and other prizes with the “Unwrap the Magic” contest, sponsored by the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). In addition to the $500 gift card, the lucky winner will receive a free two-night stay at the Embassy Suites Atlanta-Alpharetta and a full day with a personal shopper, Nicole Borsuk. Nicole will review your individual style and offer expert advice during your sixhour shopping spree at Alpharetta’s unique boutiques and retail stores.
The “Unwrap the Magic” contest runs through December Launched in 2012, the REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement 31 and is open to all legal U.S. residents age 21 and Can Happen) Georgia program is a needs-based scholarship older. Only one entry per person. For complete details, visit designed to promote academic success and expand access to AwesomeAlpharetta.com. higher education. More than 100 students across Georgia in 23 school systems signed contracts for the 2014-2015 school year, including: Claudia Munoz, Haynes Bridge Middle School; Sara Rahimpour, Taylor Road Middle School; Mirian Rivera, Elkins Pointe Mille School; and Sabrina Villa, Holcomb Bridge Middle School. As a part of the program, the students signed contracts to maintain a certain grade point average; remain crime, drug and behavior issue free; and meet with a volunteer mentor until they graduate from high school. Parents and guardians also signed contracts to support their student through their education. When these scholars graduate from high school, they will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship — $2,500 each year for up to four years — to be used at a HOPE-eligible college. Many colleges are matching this scholarship and some are double matching the scholarship, providing scholars addition resources for their college education. “By accepting the challenge to become a REACH Scholar, these students are taking the first step toward an exciting and rewarding future – a college education,” said Superintendent Avossa. “This was a proud, emotional day for all of us. This scholarship means that our young students, many who will be the first in their family to attend college, will have the financial ability to pursue a higher education and follow their dreams.”
Claudia Munoz Haynes Bridge Middle School
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Sara Rahimpour Taylor Road Middle School
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Mirian Rivera Elkins Pointe Mille School
Sabrina Villa Holcomb Bridge Middle School
Time-Management Tools for
Better Academic Performance By Mark Tolbert
A study from the University of Pennsylvania concludes that self-discipline is a better predictor of adolescents’ academic performance than IQ. Indeed, school-aged kids with no ability to abide by a schedule may well have a rougher time in school as school expectations increase year by year. Time management is a skill that can be taught and learned. Dorothy Rich, author of “MegaSkills: Building Our Children’s Character and Achievement for School and Life,” states that through practiced exercises, parents can help toddlers to teens learn tangible ways to manage their time independently, rather than be hounded into getting something done — a strategy that never works. “Parents have to get out of the position of being the nag,”
says Rich. “The ultimate goal is to help children build internal self-discipline and a capacity to manage themselves.” Here are some ideas to teach your children time-management skills. Homework chart: Have your children make a homework chart and list assignments for Monday through Friday. After each assignment is finished, mark it off the list. This teaches children how to keep track of deadlines and duties. Excuses don’t count: This is an especially good exercise for older children learning to manage their own after-school time. Have your children create a chart and fill in all of their responsibilities, be it setting the table at 5:30 p.m. or doing homework at 7:30 p.m. Then, have them check off each
task when they’re done. This teaches personal organizational skills and learning to watch the clock. Less TV time: Television and video games are two of the biggest time wasters for kids. Decide with your children how many hours of television they’ll watch a week. Read the TV guide aloud with them and ask which programs they want to watch, have them circle the shows, and then keep the marked-up guide next to the television. If they’re watching too much TV, have them cut back the first week, then more the following week. This raises awareness of how much time is spent in front of the tube, teaches children to take responsibility for screen time, and might even open up their schedule for other leisure activities.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221, Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
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Community Feature
Barnwell Elementary, Milton High PTAs Honored for Excellence Two Fulton schools and their PTAs recently were recognized as National PTA Schools of Excellence. Barnwell Elementary School and the Barnwell Elementary PTA, as well as Milton High School and the Milton High PTA, were honored for building effective familyschool partnerships. The recognition demonstrates leadership and a commitment to partnering for student success and continuous school improvement.
Barnwell Elementary PTA
Milton High PTA
WiFi: The New Water By Michael Buckner In the early 1900s, the United States was introduced to indoor residential plumbing. Shortly thereafter, it was absolutely necessary for the average American to have bathrooms and kitchens with running water. Today, WiFi is considered just as an important and standard feature in homes as sinks and toilets. If you don’t believe me, consider how your family would “survive” without having access to Google, Netflix, Pandora and other Internet and/or streaming services. But, many people do not know what is needed for rock-solid WiFi performance. Is your WiFi as highquality and reliable as your plumbing? Like plumbing, the most important part of your WiFi service is your 20
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
incoming “pipe.” The hierarchy of Internet speed is cable as the best, then DSL and satellite. Once you have the best available in your area, it’s all about the wireless equipment you buy. Do not use the free router given from the Internet provider unless your house is 2,000 square feet or smaller. If your house is 2,000-3,000 square feet, I recommend purchasing a router separately. The Apple Airport Extreme ($199) or ASUS RTAC68U are good router choices. For those of you with a house larger than 3,000 square feet, there’s much to know. First of all, you should use multiple access points. Secondly, never use wireless access points; wire them. Thirdly, do not use high-powered access points. Your phones and tablets can “see” these access points, but cannot
transmit back to them. In other words, you’ll constantly get the spinning wheel on your WiFi devices, even though you have five bars of WiFi signal. For this, Ruckus brand access points are best. Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000, AudioIntersection.com
Which
Milton Teacher Wins AFAEE Drew Bowers, choral director at Milton High School, was one of four Fulton educators selected for the Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education (AFAEE), which includes a $7,500 prize. The AFAEE was conceived as a way to recognize the “best of the best” in Atlanta education. By recognizing outstanding educators each year, the program hopes to help school districts retain excellent teachers and school leaders, inspire other educators to transform their craft, and increase the public’s awareness of educator and student success across metro Atlanta. Educators were nominated by coworkers, students, parents and the general community, and were selected through their demonstration of excellence in three areas: raising student achievement, enhancing students’ self-esteem and collaboration with multiple stakeholders for the benefit of students. The $7,500 prize includes funds for innovative classroom projects ($3,500), professional development ($1,500) and a personal stipend ($2,500). AFAEE has operated the recognition program over the past nine years with Atlanta Public Schools, but this year expanded it to include Fulton County Schools. The 2014 winners will be celebrated formally on November 6 with an awards ceremony at The Carter Presidential Center.
Window Treatment is Right for You? By Keely Woodford LIFESTYLE I hear this question often. And, because windows vary so much in style, construction and function, they play an extremely important role in every decorating plan.
Here are some things you need to think about before planning your next custom window treatment design:
Function: How is the window being used? Do you
need to block outdoor light? Is privacy a priority? Or, do you have a beautiful view that needs capturing?
Focal points: Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you have a built-in focal point and should plan your treatments accordingly. If not, then consider working with a professional decorator to make your window treatments true show stoppers!
Style: What’s yours — casual, formal, traditional,
or contemporary? Window treatment designs vary greatly, so think about the ultimate style and feeling you’d like to incorporate into their design.
Challenges: Are your windows too small? Too large? A carefully designed window treatment can actually be a clever cover-up to any window challenge. Because there are so many fabulous window treatment design options available today, it’s wise to start doing your homework early. And remember, by working with a professional decorator, your window treatments are guaranteed to be the perfect design and function solution! L
Milton High School Choral Director Drew Bowers received a $7,500 prize with the AFAEE award.
Keely Woodford is a franchise owner of Decorating Den Interiors. 770-926-0383, Keely.DecoratingDen.com
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Taste of
Ch unky
Carrot
Cake
Ingredients 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1¼ cups vegetable oil 4 eggs 2 cups shredded carrots 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup golden raisins or drained crushed pineapple 1 cup pecans, chopped
Cream Cheese Frosting ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 cups (16 ounces) confectioners sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Beat the butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Preparation Mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Add oil. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the carrots, coconut, raisins and pecans. Pour equal amounts into three greased and floured 9-inch baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely, then top with cream cheese frosting. Recipe is from the “At Your Service: Southern Recipes, Places and Traditions” cookbook, produced by the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties (JLGNF). Since 1986, JLGNF has been serving the women and children of Gwinnett, North Fulton and South Forsyth counties. The mission of JLGNF is to strengthen the community by creating and implementing collaborative volunteer projects, including programs aimed at building self-esteem in girls ages 5-8. In addition to the cookbook, JLGNF’s fundraising efforts include an Attic Sale in the fall and the “High Heels High Times” fashion and shopping event in the spring. JLGNF.org
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Diabetes: Are You at Risk? By Leigh Bonacci, RN, BSN, CDE
November is “American Diabetes Month.” You don’t have to be overweight, have a genetic predisposition or be a certain age to get diabetes. In fact, more than 29 million people nationwide, including 1 million in Georgia, have diabetes and don’t even realize it because many of the symptoms seem non-threatening: unusual thirst, extreme hunger, increased fatigue and irritability. Left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, circulatory problems and even death. Fortunately, by knowing your risk and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent or delay the onset of the diabetes.
Factors You Can Control •
Excess Weight: Being obese or carrying excess body fat makes your heart work harder and raises your blood pressure and total cholesterol. Belly
•
•
fat is especially harmful because it releases hormones that decrease your body’s ability to utilize insulin and regulate blood glucose levels. Inactivity: Exercising on a regular basis helps your body use the insulin it makes, which helps your body better control your blood sugar. Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet and controlling your portion sizes can help prevent diabetes. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have been proven to help control weight and decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Factors You Can’t Control •
•
Age: People over 45 are more likely to have diabetes and should have their blood glucose levels checked every three years. Heredity: People with a close family history of diabetes (a sibling or parent) are more likely to develop the condition.
•
•
Race: People of African-American, Mexican-American, Pacific Islander and American-Indian decent are at a greater risk. Gestational Diabetes: Having had gestational diabetes or a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth also increases your risk. If you were never screened for gestational diabetes but gave birth to a large infant, you may have had this temporary form of insulin intolerance without ever knowing it.
Protect Your Health Focus on prevention. If you have any of the risk factors associated with diabetes or if your blood sugar levels are creeping up, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a diabetes education program.
Northside Hospital offers diabetes education and support services in Canton, Alpharetta, Cumming and Sandy Springs. For more information, visit Northside.com/Diabetes.
Leigh Bonacci is coordinator of Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s Diabetes Education Program. Northside.com/Diabetes
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COVER STORY
North Fulton resident brings personal style to fashion designs By Michelle Martin | Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net
L
ong before launching Wylee fashion designs in 2006, Leighanne Littrell had a love for fashion at an early age — often playing “Fashion Show” with her older sister, Suzanne, when they were little girls. “We would dress up in our mother’s skirts, put a belt around them, and wear them as dresses. We looked so great and grown up!” Leighanne says. “Even then, I guess we had a knack for taking something we already had and making it into something new, even better, with a simple twist of our own.” As the sisters grew older, they parlayed their athome “Fashion Show” talents into modeling professionally for local department stores. Leighanne’s flair for fashion, creativity and ingenuity emerged again when she custom designed her own baby bag for her infant son, Baylee, now 12. With a busy travel schedule supporting her husband’s career in the entertainment industry (Brian Littrell, with the Backstreet Boys), Leighanne often found herself dissatisfied with the baby bags available on the market at the time. “Diaper bags weren’t as stylish then as they are now. Almost everything for boys had some type of character on it,” she says. “I couldn’t find anything in a stylish design, durable fabric, and with the function that I needed, especially when flying or traveling with my son — something
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
large enough to carry and protect his Boppy pillow for nursing, diapers, bottles, blankets, toys, and my own personal items. Finally, I decided to make my own bag with all the features that I needed.” With no sewing experience of any kind, Leighanne started by buying a basic sewing machine, a simple pattern, and some fabric. “I took Shop Class in high school, not Home Economics. I didn’t even know how to thread a needle!” she says. “But, our grandmother was a great seamstress who made beautiful clothes and draperies. Maybe there’s a little bit of her in me.” After tweaking different patterns and trying different fabrics, Leighanne had custom designed several backpacks and cross-body bags that she and her husband used while traveling and at home. “It was important for me that the bags not only look good but also be versatile and made of quality, durable fabric that would last for years,” she says, adding that family and friends soon requested their own bags. A clothing designer in Los Angeles also took notice of Leighanne’s custom bags and encouraged her to sell them to the public. “I always had that idea in the back of my mind, but I didn’t know how I could do it as a busy mom and wife. So, I started with a small production of different bags and sold them through my website, Wylee.com. Everything just grew from there.” Wylee by Leighanne Littrell has expanded to include a variety of bags and totes in versatile styles suited for women and men, along with clothing and accessories for kids, teens and misses. A new line, Wylee B&G, offers unisex-style pants, T-shirts, and turtlenecks
Pictured (left to right): Baylee Littrell, Suzanne Grover, Leighanne and Brian Littrell
that feature classic lines and fabrics that complement both women and men. “I’m very hands-on in every part of the business,” Leighanne says. “I wear and carry every piece before it goes into production to make sure the style and fabric will work for consumers. If I don’t like something about it, chances are consumers won’t either. So, I might cut something out here or add something there — whatever it takes to make the piece better.” Style, fit, function and value always have been at the heart of every Wylee by Leighanne Littrell design. “I try to keep the price points realistic. There’s something for every budget — from a $15 scarf to a $1,000 leather-embossed backpack, and lots of great items in between,” she says. “It’s also important that the items be versatile and durable. I try to choose wearable fabrics that won’t wrinkle or require costly dry cleaning. I also like to design pieces that can be worn several different ways and can transition from day to night, casual to dressy, so that consumers get three or four items out of a single piece.” Clothing is available in sizes XS-XL, as well as some larger custom orders. In addition, every Wylee by Leighanne Littrell piece is made in the United States. One of the most popular and best-selling items is Wylee’s Faux Wrap Dress, available in a variety of solid colors and patterns. While she loves the classic wrap dress, Leighanne says she wanted to put her own twist on it and make it even better. “The classic wrap dress is prone to fly open with a strong wind
and the tie can come loose, so it’s not always a practical choice. Our Faux Wrap Dress offers the same look in a more wearable style that women literally can just throw on and go. It’s a great dress that looks good on different body types; the different patterns are very flattering and forgiving.” Other Wylee favorites include the Maja La Playa Dress, which is named for a loyal, longtime customer and features a tankstyle top and a flowy skirt; Fabby Pants, which look similar to dressy yoga pants and come in funky retro patterns; sequined shorts; hachi T-shirts; and Wylee’s signature backpacks, just to name a few. New fall fashions include a three-quarter-inchsleeve dress with a cow neck, available in black and three other patterns; a turtleneck dress; and the Shirley Ann Blouse, which features sheer, flowy sleeves and can be worn over a tank top, dress, shorts, or leggings. Leighanne is also excited about the new Wylee B&G line. “We tested the pieces out on women and men to make sure the styles would work for both,” Leighanne says. “For example, we took special care in designing the pants pockets so that they won’t look ‘hippy’ on women. Men can wear the longer Wylee B&G shirts with pants or jeans, while women can wear them over leggings or with a belt for a great look.” All of Wylee by Leighanne Littrell designs are available on Wylee.com, as well as through the Wylee mobile store — a Wylee-wrapped Airstream trailer filled with fabulous Wylee fashions, which usually can be found wherever
Leighanne’s husband is performing. “We’ve had great success through our online and mobile stores, and our customers have been instrumental in promoting Wylee just by word of mouth,” Leighanne says. “But, now we’re ready to take Wylee to the next level.”
Leighanne’s sister, Suzanne Grover, recently joined the Wylee team to market the brand to new opportunities. “I am so proud of what Leighanne has done with Wylee,” she says. “I am excited to be a part of Wylee and to help it to expand into new areas. Growing up, we always said that Leighanne is the spark and I am the flame. Now it’s time for Wylee to blow up!” Suzanne says she hopes to bring Wylee into retailers, boutiques, and area pop-up stores for the holiday season. “It’s easy to sell something when you believe in it. I’ve been wearing Wylee designs for years.” Suzanne, Leighanne, and their families live in the North Fulton area and support a number of charitable organizations, so naturally their expansion efforts include promoting the Wylee brand locally. “It would be fantastic to make Wylee more known throughout our own community and to see more people wearing Wylee,” says Leighanne. “We are incredibly blessed and find so much inspiration from everyone around us. It is important for us to try to be an inspiration to others as well and to give back.”
12460 Crabapple Road, Suite 202-365, Alpharetta
404-368-1222 | 404-368-3746
Wylee.com
*U.S. and international shipping available
For a complete list of Wylee by Leighanne Littrell designs, see page 26. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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CLOTHING BAGS Backpacks Beach Bags Cross Body Bags Handbags Tote Bags Travel Bags
Accessories
Blouses Coverlets Dresses & Skirts Jumpers & Rompers Pants Shorts T-Shirts Vests
CC Purses Collars & Hoods Cuffs Hold-Its & Wristlets Leg Warmers Scarves
Medlock Bridge ES, Northview HS
Best in Area for Achievement By Susan Hale
Families are drawn to North Fulton for its suburban quality of life, convenience to recreational activities, and high-achieving public schools. Recently, Fulton County Schools learned of several outstanding accomplishments that showcase its schools as best of the best. Medlock Bridge Elementary School has become the 10th school in Fulton County to be named a National Blue Ribbon School, a recognition given by the U.S. Dept. of Education to honor schools with superior academic 26
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
performance. As a recipient, a team of Medlock Bridge leaders and teachers will travel to Washington, D.C. later this year and accept a plaque and flag. The school’s achievements also are shared on the U.S. Dept. of Education’s website, and the members of National Blue Ribbon schools are called on to give presentations at state, regional, and professional meetings about the practices that made a difference for their students and faculty. In addition, six North Fulton schools have the highest SAT scores in Georgia. Of the 445 high schools reporting results statewide, Northview High School is ranked No. 3 (1779). While it technically ranks third in the state, the higher-scoring schools had only 6 and 180 students, respectively, taking the test. By comparison, 468 Northview students took the SAT in 2014. Also making the Top 20 list were Alpharetta High School, at No. 6 (1704); Johns Creek High School, No. 8 (1691); Chattahoochee High School,
Wylee B&G (unisex)
Pants T-Shirts Turtlenecks
No. 9 (1680); Milton High School, No. 12 (1654); and Roswell High School, No. 14 (1653). One recent North Fulton graduate also earned a perfect 2400 score on the reading, math and writing sections of the exam, and seven graduates had perfect scores (1600) on the reading and math sections. The SAT is a college entrance exam that is developed, administered and scored by The College Board. It is designed to test the subject matter learned by students in high school and the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in college. The test has three sections — critical reading, mathematics and writing — each worth 800 points, for a highest possible score of 2400.
Susan Hale is manager of media relations for Fulton County Schools. 404-763-6830, FultonSchools.org
It May Be Cold Here,
But It’s Warm Someplace! By Michael Consoli
LIFESTYLE Our weather has been unpredictable this year. It seems like it went from summer to winter in a matter of days. While we are freezing here in Georgia, it’s definitely warm in South America this time of year. This is a great time of year to enjoy a South American cruise!
Yes, you can cruise to South America. November through March is the most popular time to cruise to this area of the world. Many cruise lines offer cruises from 3 to 36 nights, starting in the United States and ending in South America, or starting and ending in South America. Here are just some of the options offered this year and next year as well:
• 3- and 4-night round-trip cruise to Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Buzios, IIhabela, and San Paulo, Brazil; • 7-night round-trip Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Salvador, Maceio, and llheus, Brazil; • 20-night Amazon River cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • 16-night Buenos Aires to Santiago, Argentina, with port stops in Mentevido, Punta Del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley, Punta Areanas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt, Chile. Many of the lines also offer cruises in combination with three- and four-day land tours that will take you deeper inland to such places
as Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Some of the itineraries will take you around Cape Horn or even allow you to overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Carnival. For travelers in search of rugged natural beauty, breathtaking mountain peaks, fjords that stretch nearly forever, cosmopolitan cities, indigenous historic peoples and cultures, and vast tropical rainforests, South America is the perfect cruise destination! L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667, PlanMyCruise.com
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL View from Corcovado Mountain, of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
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I have been both inspired and annoyed by the recent onslaught of “challenges” on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. What a wonderful idea to challenge others to By support a cause and Cr yst publicly show support al B for something in which rya nt we believe. But, how many who participated in a particular challenge did so only because of peer pressure, or because their participation could be “seen” by others? Shouldn’t we support those causes we believe in already? Shouldn’t we be grateful every day, and not just when someone challenges us? I confess, my entire family did the “ice bucket challenge” for ALS. We donated and encouraged others to do so. We researched the illness, its symptoms, and the lack of support for the search for a cure, or even treatment. We also support a number of other causes regularly with our time, prayers and resources. No one person can support every cause. As I told my oldest son recently, we cannot help every person that needs help, but we can help those closest to us. That doesn’t necessarily mean those closest geographically. Some of our support goes halfway around the world. I also confess that I did not participate in the gratitude challenge. Not because I am not grateful, but more so because I cannot reduce my gratefulness to a few statements. I am grateful for so very, very many things. And, what I am most grateful for changes from moment to moment. I choose to be thankful each day and try to inspire my children to live with a grateful attitude, especially in the midst of a culture that teaches “more” is always better. So, while I recognize that so much good has come from these challenges, I have allowed myself to be free to choose: to participate in some, and not participate in others. And now, I choose not only acts of support and gratitude but also an attitude of love, support and thankfulness, from which I will continue to be inspired to do more acts of good. I “challenge” you to join me!
Crystal Bryant is the wife of Pastor Chris Bryant at City On A Hill United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She is involved in women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What Can We Do About It? By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D.
When you visit your dentist to have your teeth cleaned, you may notice that your hygienist is paying extra close attention to your gums. Examining the supporting tissues around your teeth is an important part of your checkup. One of the steps to ensuring your gums are in good health is to measure your pocket depths. The “pocket” is the top of your gum line to the attachment point of the gums to your teeth. Healthy gums measure 3mm or less. A pocket measurement of 4-5mm indicates there is bacteria below the gum line that hasn’t been removed properly with flossing and brushing. This bacteria causes your gums to become inflamed and the pockets to bleed during the measurements. This stage of disease is called gingivitis. If bacteria continues to work under the surface without proper cleanings and oral
hygiene at home, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis involves bone loss, which results in deeper and deeper pockets as the bone loss continues. So, now that you know the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis, how can you prevent and treat each? Gingivitis treatment involves improving your athome oral hygiene to include flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Using an electric toothbrush can improve your gum condition because it eliminates the errors we make while brushing our teeth. More frequent cleanings may be needed to control gingivitis with your hygienist’s help. Periodontitis requires more aggressive treatment to remove bacteria from the depths of the pocket. Treatment varies from scaling and root planning to periodontal surgery, depending on
the severity of disease. Scaling and root planning is a deeper cleaning that involves an anesthetic so that the buildup below the gum line can be removed without causing you discomfort. Surgery is necessary when the pockets are too deep to access without direct access to the buildup and bacteria. Periodontal disease is like cancer in the sense that it is never “cured.” Once the bacteria infiltrate your tissues, they will remain there. With proper dental care and checkups, the amount of bacteria can be controlled and prevented from causing further damage.
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010, DeMercyDental.com
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Holiday Hospitality Donate or Volunteer
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Holiday Happenings Special Events
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Holiday Hospitality Child Development Association Child Development Association (CDA) will host a Santa Shop for the organization’s families on December 14. CDA welcomes donations of educational toys for children ages 1-5, as well as gift cards to Target, Walmart and Hobby Lobby. All gifts must be delivered by December 10 to the Roswell office at 89 Grove Way, Roswell, during business hours (7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday). 770-992-4339, CDAKids.org
Children’s Restoration Network During the holiday season, Children’s Restoration Network (CRN) will begin its “12 Days of Caring” program to provide new clothes, new toys and other gifts to children. Donations of new clothes and new toys are requested. In addition, churches, businesses and community organizations also may “adopt” an entire shelter or group home (CRN will match an organization to a shelter/group home depending on the organization’s ability to help). CRN also will sponsor a gift-wrapping party December 19-22; wrapping supplies will be provided by CRN. CRN anticipates providing gifts for more than 2,700 homeless kids across metro Atlanta this holiday season. 770-649-7117, ChildRN.org
Drake House The Drake House is a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children in the North Fulton area, offering immediate housing and programs designed
to provide stability for the children and assist the family in working toward housing self-sufficiency. The Drake House accepts donations for its food pantry and cleaning supplies for the families, along with gift card donations for gas stations, grocery stores and retail locations, such as Walmart and Home Depot. Volunteers are needed for light facility maintenance. The Drake House is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible. The Drake Closet in Roswell and Alpharetta are resale boutiques of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Proceeds from the stores help to fund operations for The Drake House. The boutiques are located at 825 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, across the street from Roswell United Methodist Church, and at 26 Old Roswell St. in Alpharetta, right behind Smoke Jack Restaurant. The stores are open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., TuesdayFriday, and 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturday. Volunteers are needed to assist buyers in the store. Donations of new and gently worn women’s clothing and accessories are accepted at both locations. 770-587-4712, ext. 305, LCanty@TheDrakeHouse.org, TheDrakeHouse.org
Foster Care Support Foundation Inc. Foster Care Support Foundation Inc. (FCSF) assists thousands of Georgia’s foster and displaced children by providing free clothes, toys and infant-care equipment. FCSF is in need of new, like-new, and gently worn clothing for preemie sizes to size 24; new underwear, socks and shoes (except infant sizes); toys in great repair; and boys’ pants and sneakers. Monetary donations, sponsorships and volunteers
are critical in helping FCSF continue to offer programs and assistance for children, especially year-end charity giving. It’s a “we thing” and remember that “All Kids Count.” FCSF invites the public to also shop at the Fostering Hope Bargain Resale in Roswell. 770-641-9591, FosterCares.org
Fulton County DFCS The Fulton County Dept. of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has approximately 800 children in its care who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Fulton County DFCS invites the community to participate in the “Joy of Sharing” program to help meet the holiday wishes of children ages 1-18 served by the agency. DFCS will match a donor with a child, providing the donor with the child’s name, age and three items from his or her “wish” list. Fulton County DFCS requests that all gifts be delivered to its office (515 Fairburn Road, Suite 460, Atlanta) December 1-5. Monetary donations also are accepted to help cover the costs of gifts purchased for children who are not matched with a donor and to meet DFCS’ ongoing needs throughout the year. 404-699-4387
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GCAC of Georgia
Fulton County Schools Donations of canned foods are needed for Fulton County Schools’ annual “Can Do Good” food drive and design competition, coordinated by GNFCC and Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood architecture/engineering firm. Engineering students at North Fulton and other participating FCS high schools will use the cans to build architectural structures (like an Eiffel Tower) for the design competition, to be held November 8 at North Point Mall. Shoppers can vote on their favorite structure and advance the winner to the national competition. All canned foods collected for the competition will be donated to North Fulton Community Charities. FultonSchools.org, GNFCC.com
GCAC of Georgia (Giving Children a Chance) is a private foster care and adoption agency in Alpharetta. The Alpharetta community can help GCAC’s foster children during the holiday season by purchasing Christmas gifts and assisting throughout the year in a variety of volunteer areas. Foster and adoptive families are also needed. 770-255-1018, GCACofGeorgia.com
North Fulton Community Charities North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) assists North Fulton families with rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, medicine and other basic needs during short-term emergencies and longterm financial distress. In addition, NFCC provides special programs throughout the year to help relieve any additional financial stress and preserve family traditions. NFCC is seeking volunteers, donations of new
toys, new or gently used warm coats, and non-perishable food items for its annual holiday program. Holiday@NFCCHelp.org, NFCCHoliday.org
Northside Hospital Foundation Celebrate the holidays by purchasing lights on Northside Hospital’s Christmas trees in honor or memory of loved ones. All proceeds from Northside Hospital’s “Celebration of Lights” will benefit Northside Cancer Institute. All donations to Northside Hospital Foundation directly impact the quality of services that Northside Hospital provides to families and the community at large in metro Atlanta, Cherokee and Forsyth counties. Gifts are tax-deductible and can be directed to specific programs. Individuals may also volunteer through the Northside Hospital Community Connection. 770-667-4483, Give.Northside.com
Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child uses gift-filled shoeboxes to bring hope to children living in desperate situations all around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has sent more than 100 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 120 different countries. Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items, and toys. National Collection Week is November 17-24; local drop-off locations include First Baptist Church Alpharetta, Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church - North Campus, and Johns Creek Baptist Church. 770-777-9342, SamaritansPurse.org/OCC.
Operation Homefront Southeast Operation Homefront Southeast is accepting donations of cash, non-perishable food, and new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to local and Georgia military and veteran families for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted through November 22, and toy donations through December 10, at the Kennesaw office, 3375 Chastain Gardens Drive, Unit 160, 32
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Kennesaw. 888-433-7713, 770-575-2086, Southeast@ OperationHomefront.net
Senior Services North Fulton Senior Services North Fulton (SSNF) offers services for older adults, including Meals On Wheels, Meals On Wheels for Pets, transportation, in-home services, and senior center programming. SSNF’s senior centers in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs offer exercise classes, field trips, and a wide range of activities to help seniors stay active, engaged and involved in the community. SSNF’s Angel Tree and Days of Service programs help ensure seniors are not forgotten and provide opportunities for volunteer service, intergenerational activities, and community involvement. Contact Senior Services North Fulton to volunteer or make a donation. 770-993-1906, SSNorthFulton.org
STAR House Foundation STAR House Foundation enriches the North Fulton community by promoting academic success and encouraging lifelong achievement among at-risk children through safe, quality afterschool and summer programming. Individuals can support STAR House Foundation during the holiday season by donating much-needed items for its after-school programs, including: gift cards to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, and The School Box; non-perishable snacks (small bottled water, granola bars, fruit cups, pudding cups, individually packaged snack crackers); 8½ x11 white Xerox paper; pencils, crayons, black Sharpie pens, index cards, white poster board and other school supplies; and backpacks. Donations of new or gently used books are also needed. Contact STAR House Foundation’s administrative support specialist to coordinate drop-off times. 678-306-4600, Admin@ StarHouseFoundation.org, StarHouseFoundation.org
Toys for Tots New, unwrapped toys will be accepted at various drop-off locations, including area Publix, Walgreens, Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores. Financial donations also are accepted. 678-8875179, AtlantaToysForTots.com
WellStar Health System Give hope during the holidays to people in need and at risk for cancer. Many people are at risk to develop cancer, but do not have the money to pay for potentially life-saving screenings. Screenings can detect cancer at earlier, more curable stages. WellStar Health System offers screenings for many types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colon, ovarian, lung, prostate, skin, and uterine. No donation is too small. 770-956-GIVE, WellStar.org/GiveHope
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First Baptist Church Roswell
Holiday Happenings
710 Mimosa Blvd. Roswell. 770-587-6980, RBFC.org
November 21, 7:00 p.m.:
“A Night to Remember,” featuring The Hoppers
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets ($25) are on sale in advance and at the door.
December 7, 11:00 a.m.:
Greening of the Sanctuary
November 15
December 3
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Alpharetta Welcome Center to take your family’s holiday photo for free! Suggestion: Do not wear green for your holiday photo, as a “green screen” will be used for photography purposes. 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m., Alpharetta Welcome Center, 178 S. Main St., Suite 200, Alpharetta. 678-297-0102, AwesomeAlpharetta.com
Children will enjoy decorating cookies, making crafts, and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a donation to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required by December 1. 12:30-2:30 p.m., Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 678297-6100, ACCPrograms@Alpharetta.Ga.us
Pictures with Santa
November 24
Santa’s Mailbox Santa’s elves will install a special mailbox at Wills Park Recreation Center for children to mail their letters to Santa. Santa will respond to all children who drop off their letters between November 24 and December 15. First name, last name, age, address, and wish list must be included. 8:00 a.m., Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-2976130, WPRCPrograms@Alpharetta.Ga.us
November 28
Black Friday Drop and Shop Parents, drop your kids off at the East Roswell Recreation Center while you do your Black Friday shopping! Children can play games, do crafts, and have a pizza lunch! Ages 4-11. Register by November 21. There is a fee for this activity. 6:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
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Cookies with the Clauses
December 5
Christmas Tree Lighting Bring the children for a special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Volunteers will assist with photos, or bring your own camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mayor Belle Isle will read the children’s classic book, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and other activities will include a snow play area and life-sized snow globe, balloon sculptures, holiday crafts, food trucks, and the Alpharetta Holiday Farmers Market. A shuttle will be available to take visitors from Wills Park to the event. 5:00 p.m., 2 S. Main St., Alpharetta. Alpharetta.Ga.us
December 6
Breakfast with Santa Enjoy a continental breakfast, music, dancing, games, face
Hanging of the church Christmas wreath and other festive décor
December 7, 6:45 p.m.:
An Instrumental Christmas Concert
Featuring the church orchestra and handbells
December 14, 11:00 a.m.: Chancel Choir Christmas Concert
The Chancel Choir will perform favorite Christmas carols and anthems of the season as chosen by members of the choir.
December 14, 7:00 p.m.: ‘Light of the World’
Annual Christmas musical presented by the children’s choirs
December 24, 5:00 p.m: Worship and Communion Child-friendly service
December 24, 11:00 p.m.:
Christmas Communion Service Candlelight worship and communion service for adults
painting, crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus! Each individual must register. All ages. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 9:0011:00 a.m., Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
December 6
December 6
Gingerbread Decorating Come out and decorate a gourmet gingerbread house! The gingerbread house and supplies will be provided. Ages 5 and up. Registration and fee is per gingerbread house. 11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
Twisted Tinsel Holiday Spectacular
December 6
Ride the trolley between Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation, each decorated for the holidays and offering crazy holiday games, fun treats, twisted entertainment and more for the whole family! Admission is free for children 12 and under. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive; Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave.; Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 678-639-7500, RoswellGov.com
Santa Jam (following the Johns Creek Founders Day Parade) will feature parade musical groups, parade vehicles, games and activities, moonwalks, entertainment, food, and photos with Santa Claus! 11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m., Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, JohnsCreekGa.gov
Santa Jam
December 6
Snow on the Square Get ready to enjoy snowballs, snowmen and
winter merriment in Downtown Alpharetta as the corner park is filled with snow! Sip on a cup of hot chocolate or coffee while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the gazebo (bring your camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus). Shop at the Christmas Farmers Market (10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). This event will be cancelled in the event of rain. 1:00 p.m., 2 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 678297-6000, Alpharetta.Ga.us
December 6
Holiday Celebration on the Square This family event will include carolers from local schools, the lighting of Town Square, a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and a special visit from Santa Claus! Pictures with Santa will be available at a nominal fee. A shuttle bus will run to Santa’s Secret Gift Shop. 5:00 p.m., Historic Town Square, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
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music at this free concert, co-sponsored by the Alpharetta Golden Age Club. 3:00 p.m., Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678297-6140, ActvAdults@Alpharetta.Ga.us
December 6
Night at the Polar Express Bring the family, wear your comfy clothes, and bring blankets and pillows while you enjoy “Polar Express” on the big screen! Popcorn, hot chocolate, and goodies will be available. All ages. Registration is required for all children. 6:30 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
December 6-7
Santa’s Secret Gift Shop This special holiday gift shop will open immediately after the lighting of the square. Shop for unique gifts at affordable prices, with proceeds benefitting Roswell Ramblers Senior Club. Children’s activities will include crafts, balloons, and photos with Santa (1:00-4:00 p.m., December 7 only). 6:30-8:30 p.m., December 6; 1:004:00 p.m., December 7, Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
December 7
Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert Enjoy festive and traditional holiday
December 12
Sl’Hay Ride
Bring the whole family to enjoy a “winter wonderland” hayride around the park, followed by cookie decorating and sipping hot chocolate. All ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Free for children under age 1. 6:30-8:30 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
December 13
Breakfast with Santa Children will visit with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast. Participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for a local donation. Pre-registration is required by December 8. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6140, ActvAdults@ Alpharetta.Ga.us
December 13
Breakfast with Santa All Johns Creek boys and girls are invited to have breakfast with Santa. Children will also enjoy music, holiday crafts, letters to Santa, and pictures with Santa (bring your own camera). Space is limited. Register by December 5 for one of two breakfast times. 9:00 & 10:30 a.m., Park Place at Newtown
School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, JohnsCreekGa.gov
December 13
Santa’s Magical Playhouse Parents can run holiday errands while their children enjoy a morning of games, decorating cookies, inflatables, and arts and crafts. A special visitor will stop by to see if the girls and boys have been naughty or nice! There is a fee for this activity. Ages 5-10. 9:00 a.m.12:30 p.m., Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
December 13
Pet Photos with Santa Dress your pet in its finest holiday attire for photos with Santa Claws! The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring a donation for a local pet charity. This event will be held weather permitting. 12:002:00 p.m., Wills Park near Waggy World Paw Park, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6130, WPRCPrograms@ Alpharetta.Ga.us
December 13
Candy Cane Hunt Enjoy a pizza dinner, then it’s time to hunt for candy canes! Bring your flashlight and a bag for gathering your candy canes. Some giant candy canes can be redeemed for special prizes! All ages; children and parents must register prior to the day of the event. 5:307:00 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
Happy Holidays! 36
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
A Blissful Thanksgiving By Christy Noll Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, enjoy delicious food, and spend precious time with family and friends. Feelings of anxiety and stress might also come with Thanksgiving, especially if you are hosting at your home. You might have the responsibility of cooking and also entertaining guests. Here are some tips to help relieve some of the pressure for an enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration. Plan ahead: Buy your turkey frozen in advance and defrost a few days out. If you have traditional recipes that you use every year, double check for things that you can prepare ahead of time and for things that must be prepared on Thanksgiving Day. If you are looking for new recipes, check Pinterest, blogs and magazines to find special dishes. Also, ask family and friends to share their favorite recipes. Buy ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to do your shopping. You’ll find a greater selection if you purchase the turkey and necessary ingredients for your recipes ahead of time. Shopping a week or so before Thanksgiving Day also will allow you to focus on cooking and cleaning. Clean house: This area is not my forte, as those who know me can attest. As busy mothers know, it’s difficult managing so many responsibilities. Between getting kids to and from school and activities, working, planning meals and other demands of my time every day, keeping the house clean seems to fall low on the priority list. If your house needs organizing and cleaning before guests arrive for Thanksgiving, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Delegate specific responsibilities to family members so that the job of cleaning the house doesn’t fall solely on you. Better yet, hire a cleaning service! Engage others: If family or friends offer to bring or help prepare a dish, accept graciously. Cooking together in the kitchen is a great opportunity to enjoy time and conversation together. If possible, plan ahead, buy ahead and clean ahead for a blissful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Relieving holiday stress is one more thing for which you can give thanks this year!
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
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Book Review by catherine groves
‘The Magic’ challenges readers to find a magical life through gratitude. “The Magic,” by Rhonda Byrne, provides a 28-day journey of finding the “magic” in life and living life more gratefully. For 28 days, readers will participate in a different practice each day. Each practice is designed to make readers more grateful and experience more magical moments in different aspects of life. Before even beginning with Day 1, Byrne provides 28 pages of thoughtprovoking writing on gratitude and living a magical life. The beginning paragraph, “Remember when you were a child and you looked at life in total wonder and awe? Life was magical and exciting, and the smallest things were utterly thrilling to you. You were fascinated by the frost on the grass, a butterfly flittering through the air, or any strange leaf or rock on the ground,” grabs a hold quickly, and the “magical” journey really does begin! There are 28 magical practices designed to change readers’ negative beliefs and let gratitude create a miracle power that is life changing. This 28-day practice helps remove all of the negative attitudes, some from a very long time ago, and cause a deep transformation. Byrne writes on 28 different topics, all designed to get rid of the negative, focus on the positive, and embrace a spirit of gratitude. Day 1 begins with giving blessings for all, and the simple tasks outlined for doing so at the end of this chapter are reason to look forward to Day 2. From our health, to relationships, and even our professional lives, nothing is left out. As powerful as discovering the “Law of Attraction in Action,” in Byrne’s first book, “The Secret,” the “Miracle Power of Gratitude” is just as powerful and life changing in “The Magic.” Whether it is to find the “magic” in life by learning the true art of gratitude or maybe just desire for personal growth, “The Magic” is sure to deliver. “The Magic” can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.
Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
J
era Publishing is a team of self-publishing specialists, offering an array of high-quality, affordable services for your every bookpublishing need: cover design, interior layout, eBook conversion, editing, marketing, writing coaching, and self-publishing consultation. Having worked with hundreds of authors over the course of 10 years, Jera Publishing has the experience to help you navigate the selfpublishing process, produce a book you’ll be proud of, and, ultimately, bring your dream of authorship to fruition. All of Jera Publishing’s work is produced in-house, with absolutely no outsourcing, allowing you direct access to their designers, editor, and owner. What is self-publishing? Essentially, a selfpublishing author is one who creates their
own publishing company to publish their book(s), bypassing the tedium of traditional publishing while retaining all rights and profits. Toward that end, Jera Publishing’s team is second to none: From cookbooks and travel logs to memoirs and novels, Jera Publishing’s interior design specialist, Stephanie, has the know-how to make your prose pop and your pictures jump off the page. Jera Publishing’s Photoshop whiz, Jason, not only uses his skills to produce top-notch, eye-catching book covers but also designs everything from bookmarks to social media banners for your book marketing and branding needs. Ryan, editor and writing coach, has worked on more than 50 books across all genres and can help you go from first draft to a fully realized book. Kim Martin, owner/manager of Jera Publishing and all-around self-publishing sage, can walk you through the self-publishing process from the first step to the last. The newest member of the Jera Publishing team is Lisa, an
account executive who ensures that authors’ needs are met and questions are answered. At Jera Publishing, the name says it all: Jera is a Nordic rune, meaning “harvest,” that represents the rewards of patience and hard work. Jera is not only what they strive to embody as a business but also what they strive to provide you, the author: a professional, polished book that reflects the hard work you put into it. In the Roswell area? Come visit the Jera Publishing office, or check out Jera Publishing’s classes, Meetups, and writing workshops.
Kimberly Martin is the owner/ manager of Jera Publishing in Roswell. 770-642-6400, JeraPublishing.com
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ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown
A
s a math and science high school teacher in the Fulton County school system, Michael Buchanan was deeply rooted in the academic world for more than three decades. When chaperoning a diving trip to Honduras in 2001, fellow teacher Diane Lang challenged him to edit a book about diving that she was writing. “Diane continues to inspire me,” Buchanan says. “She was the one who told me that I can write, that I am creative, and that my voice is powerful.” This initial collaboration sparked a longstanding co-author relation that led to several nationally and internationally acclaimed books, screenplays and movies, with the most noteworthy being “The Fat Boy Chronicles.” Inspired by a true story, the novel depicting the world of an obese and bullied ninth-grader won the National Parenting Publication’s Gold Award, the Mom’s Choice Award of Excellence, and is used by schools around the nation in their anti-bullying and childhood-obesity efforts. In 2010, a feature film adapted from the book was released. Both the book and movie
are supported by the Georgia State Superintendent of Schools and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the International Bullying Prevention Association, and Southern Poverty Law Center. “Bullying starts as early as kindergarten,” Buchanan notes. “Kids and adolescents are the barometer of our society. Their behavior patterns reflect what they experience at home. As teachers, we see the world in a hopeful way and strive to initiate change. Changing a person can eventually change politics.” A frequent speaker at anti-bullying conventions, and local and national schools, Buchanan emphasizes the effect that art education has on the socialization of our children: “Art can break this cycle of violence and give a child a voice. Defunding arts education has devastating consequences, not only for the individual student but also in regard to our nation’s continuing prosperity. The high school dropout rate with a high involvement in arts is only 4 percent, versus 22 percent without.”
TheFatBoyChronicles.com
Based on his screenplay and produced by The Arts & Science Council of Charlotte, N.C., the just-released feature documentary, “Spiral Bound,” showcases how high school students from a youth development program and a group of liberal arts college students use the power of the arts to lend themselves a voice and change the face of education. An artist himself, Buchanan raises awareness for art education within his local Alpharetta community. “We need spaces where kids can be creative,” he says. “Creativity in any form has a direct impact on the individual. Art raises self-esteem, it inspires, engages and fosters a sense of belonging. The students grow emotionally, intellectually and artistically. Ultimately, art creates better citizens and thus shapes our society.” Buchanan stresses the importance of parent involvement. “Parents need to learn about their children’s world. The way school is now is not the way school was for us. Youth and adolescence are the formative years. Stay involved. Ask questions. Not everything is great. Everybody will be better if everybody does better!”
Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Fall
Gardening Tips By Lisa Ethridge
I never know what I’m going to see on Facebook each day when I log in. Last week, a former student posted Sally Wencell’s fall gardening tips from the Tennessee Valley Wild Ones website, which spawned a learning session for me. Consider this another nudge from me to plant more native trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, and ferns in your yard right now.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
Lawn-related maintenance, such as mowing, blowing, and fertilizing, don’t just mitigate, they annihilate the natural value of the grassy lawn. Plan now to reduce the amount of grass in your yard. Plant a bed of native shrubs that will encourage and attract wildlife, especially if you choose bushes that produce berries. There are numerous publications to choose from on the UGA extension website (Extension. UGA.edu/Publications). Fall is also a great time to divide perennials. The weather is mild and you can identify bare spots and use the “babies” to plant new beds. Fill in the garden area and plant more densely. It will be so gratifying next spring to see the full and verdant beds come to life. Be sure to keep new plants watered. As you put the garden to “bed,” don’t cut back perennials and grasses that have seed heads. They will provide food for birds and small animals during the cold weather. Leaving the plants in tact
will also protect them in case we have another frigid winter. November is when most folks rake and bag leaves. It’s so much easier and better for the environment to mow the leaves and let the mulch stay on the lawn. If you have to rake, compost the leaves or use them in your beds. The importance of the bee population cannot be overestimated; every gardener should consider it a duty to make his property more bee-friendly. Fall is a great time to put up bee houses and bee hotels, which can be purchased or built. The mission statement of Wild Ones is “Healing the earth one yard at a time.” If you have a yard, consider this a challenge: Go forth and heal. Lisa Ethridge is a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net
The Measure of Our
Gratitude By Ron Bradley, D. Min.
Have you ever wondered how we ended up with the measurements we now use as a society? The inch is based upon a king by the name of Edgar, and an inch was the distance from his knuckle to the tip of his finger. Our foot was based upon the length of King Charlemagne’s foot! King Henry gave us the yard, measured from his nose to the tip of his fingers. The mile is 5,280 feet. Originally, it was a Roman measurement based upon the distance a Roman soldier could cover in 1,000 paces — about 5,000 feet. But British farmers measured their fields in “furlongs,” which were 660 feet long, and they didn’t want to change. So, when the mile was introduced to England, it was changed to 5,280 feet, or exactly 8 furlongs. The pitcher’s mound is 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate. The pitching distance was 50 feet until 1893, when some baseball executives changed it to 60 feet. But, the surveyor they hired to remap their infield misread the instruction — he saw 60 feet 0 inches and thought it was 60 feet and 6 inches. The extra 6 inches have been there ever since. The length of a marathon is 26 miles, 385 yards. Originally, it was standardized at 25 miles in 1896. During the 1908 London Olympics, however, Queen Alexandra wanted her grandchildren to see the start of the race. So, the starting line was moved back 1 mile and 385 yards — onto the front lawn of Windsor Castle. Marathons are still that length today. If we were to measure our lives by our gratitude, I wonder how long we would be. I saw a wooden sign on a wall recently. It was a quote from Cinderella, “A shoe can change your life.” Being grateful can change our lives as much as the glass slipper changed hers. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ron Bradley is the pastor at First Baptist Church Roswell. 770-587-6980, Ron@RFBC.org
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ProAlliance November 5, 12, 19 & 26 7:30-9:00 a.m. GNFCC Office Join GNFCC every Wednesday for early morning networking. Enjoy a light breakfast and casual networking before breaking into small groups. This format allows participants to share information about their businesses in a nonthreatening environment, develop leads for potential new business, and help others reach their goals. Contact Deborah Lanham for details: dlanham@gnfcc.com.
Chamber 101
Peak 10 12655 Edison Drive, Alpharetta
North Fulton Smiles 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 121 Alpharetta
Giddy Up Personal Training 861 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 207 Roswell
Center for Energetic Healing 260 East Crossville Road, Roswell
November 11, 27 & 28: GNFCC office closed IBM Southeast Employees’ Federal Credit Union 1009 Mansell Road, Roswell 44
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
November 12 10:00-11:00 a.m. GNFCC Office Join GNFCC at one of its monthly Chamber 101 sessions, held the second Tuesday of each month in the GNFCC offices. Learn how to make the most of your GNFCC membership. This onehour orientation is full of valuable information for new members and those looking to become GNFCC members. Contact Deborah Lanham with questions: dlanham@gnfcc.com.
Business After Hours November 13 5:30-7:30 p.m. Quantum National Bank Each month, GNFCC offers an informal and fun networking opportunity in a relaxed setting hosted by GNFCC members in their place of business. Locations include some of the hottest restaurants and entertainment venues across greater North Fulton. Check the GNFCC Calendar of Events for dates and locations. Contact Debbie Ryals with questions or to register: dryals@ gnfcc.com.
Caring for Dental Fillings By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
When your teeth emerge from your gums, they are in their strongest, healthiest state. From the moment they first appear, it is important to work to maintain the tooth’s health. This is why it is so important to take great care of your teeth by establishing the best oral hygiene habits. Once the health of a tooth is compromised, it will not be as strong again. When a cavity forms, it greatly affects the overall health of the tooth. While there are steps that can help repair the tooth, these repairs do not restore the tooth to its original state. So, establishing great oral hygiene habits for you and your children is your first line of defense in protecting the health of your teeth. Let’s say that, for whatever reason, you or your children develop a cavity and need a dental filling. The tooth that has been filled has been compromised and is no longer as strong as it was originally. It may need extra care and attention to maintain the strength of the filling. After the filling, be sure to ask your dentist about any special care instructions. Never assume that the tooth is as good as new. You may need to change your brushing and/or flossing habits to care for it. This is also true if your children have a filling. They may need extra help to clean and care for the restored tooth. After receiving a filling, it is even more vital that you adhere to regular dental visits every six months. Your dentist can check the integrity of the filling on a regular basis to best preserve it. Most of these guidelines for fillings can be followed with any type of dental treatment. Always speak with your dentist about specific instructions for dental treatment, for you or your children. Before you leave the office, know what specific steps need to be taken to care for the restored tooth. If you are unsure at any point, or if the appearance or feeling of the restored tooth changes, return to your dentist for follow-up.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com
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Gethsemane Garden Missionary Baptist Church 398 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell 770-993-8232
Hopewell Baptist Church 15730 Hopewell Rd., Roswell 770-442-0793
Johns Creek Baptist Church 7500 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta 770-623-8203, JCBC.org
Lebanon Baptist Church 11250 Crabapple Rd., Roswell 770-993-3635, LebanonBaptist.org
North River Baptist Church 12090 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell 770-992-7777, NorthRiver.org
North Roswell Baptist Church
Religious
Services Baptist Atlanta Street Baptist Church 340 S. Atlanta St., Roswell 770-993-9451, ASBCRoswell.com
Bethany Baptist Church 2065 Bethany Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-6748
Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church 1200 Birmingham Rd., Alpharetta 404-444-6490, BoilingSpringsPBC.org
Bridgeway Church 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-751-1972, Bridgeway.net
Clear Springs Baptist Church 11575 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 770-475-9223, CSBCGA.com
Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church 2725 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-664-6863
County Line Baptist Church 430 Strickland Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-9429
Crabapple First Baptist 12760 Birmingham Hwy., Alpharetta 770-475-6111, CrabappleFBC.org
Cross Plains Baptist Church 6500 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-1210
Crosspointe Community Church SBC 77 E. Crossville Rd., Ste. 100, Roswell 770-640-9959, CrosspointeOnline.org
First Baptist Church of Alpharetta 44 Academy St., Alpharetta 770-475-6556, FBCA.com
First Baptist Church of Roswell 710 Mimosa St., Roswell 770-587-6980, RFBC.org
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
112 Prospect St., Roswell 404-406-7419, NorthRoswellBaptistChurch.webs
Northside Baptist Church 11125 Houze Rd., Roswell 770-993-5207, Office@NorthsideChurchRoswell.com
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church 725 Pleasant Hill St., Roswell 770-993-2707, PleasantHillMBC.org
Parkway Baptist Church 5975 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 770-476-4441, Parkway-Baptist.org
Providence Baptist Church 20075 Providence Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-3627
Union Hill Baptist Church 4250 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta UnionHillAlpharetta.com
Vision Baptist Church 1125 Alpha Dr., Alpharetta 770-456-5881, VisionBaptist.com
Willeo Baptist Church SBC 990 Willeo Rd., Roswell 770-993-5189, WilleoBaptist.org
Zion Missionary Baptist Church 888 Zion Circle, Roswell 770-993-8587, ZionMBC.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Alpharetta/Roswell Ward 500 Norcross St., Roswell 770-640-7357 Spanish: 770-640-0531
Episcopal St. Aidans Episcopal Church 13560 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta 770-521-0207, STAidans.org
St. David’s Episcopal Church 1015 Old Roswell Rd., Roswell 770-993-6084, STDavidChurch.org
Judaism Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-410-9000, ChabadNF.org
Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek 770-623-8860, DorTamid.org
Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-777-4009, GLTorah.org
Messianic Judaism Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Rd., Roswell 770-641-3000, BethHallel.org
Light of Messiah Ministries 990 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. 4, Roswell 770-642-4706, LightOfMessiah.org
Reform Judaism Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Rd., Roswell 770-642-0434, BethTikvah.com
Temple Kehillat Chaim-Reform 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630, KehillatChaim.org
Catholic
Lutheran
Epiphany Byzantine Catholic Church
Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church
2030 Old Alabama Rd., Roswell 770-993-0973
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church 675 Riverside Rd., Roswell 770-641-9720
St. Benedict Catholic Church 11045 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek 770-442-5903, STBenedict.net
St. Brigid Catholic Church 3400 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek 678-393-0060, SaintBrigid.org
St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church 11330 Woodstock Rd., Roswell 678-277-9424, www.STPeterChanel.org
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 535 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-4501, www.STA.org
4655 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-0640, CTS.org
Cross of Life Lutheran Church ELCA Roswell 1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell 770-475-9159, CrossOfLifeLutheran.org
Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA 5390 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta 770-740-1279, Lord-Life.org
Messiah Lutheran Church – WELS 4765 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-751-9357, MessiahLutheran.ws
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 10250 Haynes Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-4250, POPLCAlpharetta.org
The River Church 501 S. Main St., Suite 101, Alpharetta 678-860-0971, WadeInTheRiver.org
Methodist
Orthodox
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church
St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church
69 North Main St., Alpharetta 770-475-5576, AFUMC.org
Birmingham United Methodist 15560 Birmingham Hwy., Alpharetta 678-942-1600, BirminghamUMC.org
Christ United Methodist Church 1340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell 770-993-3945, ChristChurchUMC.org
Ebenezer United Methodist Church 12900 Arnold Mill Rd., Roswell 770-640-7287, EbenezerUMC-Roswell.org
Johns Creek United Methodist Church 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 770-497-8215, JohnsCreekUMC.org
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta 770-475-5230, MidwayUMC.org
Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek 678-336-3000, MountPisgah.org
Northbrook United Methodist Church 11225 Crabapple Rd., Roswell 770-998-2000, NorthbrookUMC.com
Roswell United Methodist 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell 770-993-6218, RUMC.com
St. James United Methodist 3000 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta 678-762-1543, STJamesUMC.org
Non-Denominational Fellowship Bible Church 480 W. Crossville Rd., Roswell 770-992-4956, FBCOnline.org
Good News Atlanta Church 11000 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek 770-495-0200
Journey Christian Church 11365 Crabapple Rd., Roswell 770-993-4617, JourneyRoswell.org
Keepin’ It Real “Lighthouse” Inc. 61 Old Canton St., Alpharetta 770-360-5601, KeepinItRealLighthouse.com
11450 Houze Rd., Roswell 770-642-9727, SUSCOPTS.org/STMarysAtlanta
Presbyterian Alpharetta Presbyterian 180 Academy St., Alpharetta 770-751-0033, AlpharettaPres.com
Canaan Korean Presbyterian Church 11320 West Rd., Roswell 770-552-5505
Grace North Atlanta Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell St., Roswell 770-331-1010, GraceNorthAtlanta.org
Johns Creek Presbyterian Church 10950 Bell Rd., Johns Creek 770-813-9009, JCPCUSA.org
Northminster Presbyterian 2400 Old Alabama Rd., Roswell 770-998-1482, Northminster-ATL.org
Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 678-405-2000, Perimeter.org
Roswell Presbyterian Church 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell 770-993-6316, RoswellPres.org
Other Churches Abundant Life Community Church 625-A Sims Industrial Blvd., Alpharetta 678-319-9700, LivingAbundantly.net
Alpharetta Church of God 1460 Mid Broadwell Rd., Alpharetta 770-475-5788, AlpharettaChurchOfGod.com
Armenian Church of Atlanta 9820 Coleman Rd., Roswell 770-641-9267, ArmenianChurchOfAtlanta.org
Atlanta Chinese Christian Church North 5055 Morton Rd., Johns Creek 770-667-9593, ACCN.org
Baha’i Center of Alpharetta 10690 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 678-393-9500
Baha’i Faith of Roswell
Kingdom Ambassadors Intl. Worship Center
800-22-UNITE
Wills Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta 770-853-7231, CrystalStallings.org
Bridge To Grace
The Lighthouse Church 18271 Union Hill Rd., Alpharetta 770-664-3644
North Point Community Church 4350 Northpoint Pkwy., Alpharetta 770-290-5600, NorthPoint.org
Spirit of God Christian Church 11940 Alpharetta Hwy., Alpharetta 770-777-6889, SpiritOfGodCC.org
Stonecreek Church 13540 Highway 9 N., Alpharetta 770-754-7900, StoneCreekChurch.org
2385 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell 770-587-2460, B2GC.org
C3 Church 13695 Hwy. 9, Alpharetta 678-696-1401, TheC3Church.com
Calvary Chapel 200 James Rd., Alpharetta 770-442-8167, CalvaryAlpharetta.com
Christian Center Church 1870 Woodstock Rd., Roswell 770-993-2038
Church of Christ-Roswell 11670 King Rd., Roswell 770-992-2097, SimplyChristians.org
Community of Christ 3315 Francis Rd., Alpharetta 770-521-1112, COfChrist.org
Crabapple Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 910 Mayfield Rd., Alpharetta 678-339-0349
First Church of Christ, Scientist 10920 Houze Rd., Roswell 770-998-9977, christianscienceroswell.org
The Hanuman Mandir 390 Cumming St., Ste. 1, Alpharetta 770-475-7701, TheHanuman.org
Holy Trinity Christian Church 3655 Preston Ridge Rd., Alpharetta 404-368-9790, HolyTrinityChristianChurch.com
Inner Quest 12830 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta 770-521-2875, InnerQuestChurch.org
Islamic Center of North Fulton 1265 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta 678-297-0019, AlpharettaMasjid.com
Jehovah’s Witnesses 9400 Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta 770-594-9400
Lighthouse Church 75 Crowe Rd., Alpharetta 770-664-3644
Morning Star Chapel 2780 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta 678-319-0041, MorningStarChapel.org
Reach One Church Meets at Mill Springs Academy 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta 770-609-7941, ReachOneChurch.org
Restoration Church of God 410 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta 770-751-9697, RestorationChurchNA.org
Roswell Alliance Church 1100 Allenbrook Ln., Roswell 770-643-0180
Roswell Assembly of God 11440 Crabapple Rd., Roswell 770-993-6586, RoswellAG.org
Roswell Community Church Meets at Hembree Springs Elementary 815 Hembree Rd., Roswell 678-677-4840, RoswellCommunity.org
St. Peter’s Place Anglican Church 362 S. Atlanta St., Roswell 678-352-1224, STPetersPlace.org
UU Metro Atlanta North 11420 Crabapple Rd., Roswell 770-992-3949, www.UUMAN.org
World Harvest Church 320 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell 770-643-9223, WorldHarvestChurch.org
Church of Christ-Northside 10920 Woodstock Rd., Roswell 770-993-3512, NSChurchOfChrist.org
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Will My House
be Stuck in Probate? By Chris Miller, Esq. One of the most important topics that couples should discuss is how assets will transfer between them when one spouse dies prematurely. With a joint bank account, typically everything passes directly to the surviving account holder without anyone needing to open a probate estate. The opposite happens when a spouse owns a bank account in his/ her individual name and without a designated beneficiary. Individual bank accounts could be subject to probate, which means that a friend or family member would need to seek authority from a probate court before accessing those funds. As I have said in this space before, probating an estate in Georgia is relatively easy when compared to probate in other states, but it can have its headaches. If there is a cost-effective way to avoid probate, then that is the recommended course of action. In Georgia, there are two ways for couples to own their home and other real estate. If the phrase “Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship” or “Joint Tenants” appears right after the names of the buyers in the Warranty Deed, then the property described in the Deed flows outside of probate to the surviving owner when one owner dies. On the other hand, if a Deed does not have one of these key phrases, then Georgia law treats the ownership as Tenants-in-Common, which means that each owner owns a portion of the property. If an owner dies, then his/her portion is part of his/her probate estate. Nobody can sell or refinance the property until the deceased owner’s Will is admitted to probate. If the deceased owner had no Will, then the probate court has to appoint an administrator. That administrator is duty-bound to divide the property among the closest living relatives of the decedent, a group that includes not only the deceased’s spouse but also his/her children. If any of those children are minors, then the situation becomes even more complicated. Just one piece of advice applies to everyone: “Read your Deed.”
Chris Miller is an attorney in Alpharetta. 678-746-2900, NorthFultonWills.com
Advertiser Index Audio Intersection Cruise Planners
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014
3, 43
Debra Robinson Law, PC
9
Decorating Den Interiors
1
DeMercy Dental
38
Extreme Rush Apparel
Inside Front
The Framing Studio, LLC
Inside Back
H&H Electric & Security, LLC
17
Huntington Learning Center
10
J. Miguel Photography
33
Jera Publishing
39
Kincaid Orthodontics
9
LaVida Massage
33
Lyndon Academy
28
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
7
Maid Right of North Fulton
45
Main Event Entertainment
5
Mini Maid
28
North Roswell Internal Medicine
7
Northside Cardiology
1
Northside Hospital Forsyth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Pete’s Plumbing, Inc. PhotoJack.net
Back Cover 3 13 Inside Back
Roswell Inc
42
SuperSlow Zone
29
Technical Resource Solutions
19
Woodstock First Baptist Church
35
Wylee By Leighanne Littrell
48
30
Cover, 24-26
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