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Contents
February 2014
Volume 2 | Issue 7
20-21
[20-21]
On the Cover:
Decorating Den
24-25 Special Feature:
Top 7 Things to Ask a Wedding Planner
28-29 Financial & Real Estate Guide
[28-29]
[24-25] 2
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
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.......................... Perspective
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............................. Calendar
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....................... Business Life
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................... Senator Speaks
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............. Community Partners
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.................... Mayor’s Minute
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......................... Artist Profile
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......................... Taste of Life
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Publisher’sPerspective
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n the blur of today’s cultures, it may become necessary to reflect on the thoughts of forward thinkers from simpler times whose words were intended to better future
generations. The following is one of my personal favorites, “Desiderata,” displayed prominently in my office and in my home — I reflect on it often. Its historical origin is of question, but its purity and direction ring true.
“Desiderata”
Jack Tuszynski, publisher
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Michelle Martin Michelle@FamilyLifePublications.com Cherryl Greenman Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Laura Biel, Mayor Mike Bodker, Crystal Bryant, Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Joanne Curtin, Kevin Head, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Roger W. Lusby III, John J. Moss, Pat Mahony, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Rachel Quiles, Debra Robinson, Nick Roper, Mark Tolbert, Melissa Whatley, 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.
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With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
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© 2015 All rights reserved.
CES 2015
Debuts Exciting New Smart Technology for Consumers
By Michael Buckner As I write this, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 is in progress in Las Vegas. If you haven’t heard of this show, it is like the Super Bowl for technology. On the first day of the trade show, Audi revealed that its newest car drove autonomously (without a human driver) from San Francisco to Las Vegas to be at the show — unreal! I can hardly wait until these cars are affordable to the masses; they will change the world. Also, Motorola introduced a dog collar with a built-in HD camera, GPS locator, microphone, and speaker, just in case you want to have dialogue with your furry friend and know what it is up to when you’re not around. The most important thing I’ve experienced (so far) at CES is the opening speech by Samsung President/CEO BooKeun Yoon. Speaking on the emerging “Internet of Things,” Yoon explained that Samsung will take its focus beyond the smartphone — and begin focusing on wearable and other technology designed for you. For example, Samsung unveiled a new wristband that can tell if you are hot or cold, and the wristband can be synced with your home’s digital thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically while you sleep. Also,
since it can monitor your sleeping patterns, along with television viewing habits, Samsung’s new wristband can identify if certain television shows affected your sleeping. So, if you watched “The Walking Dead” and had trouble sleeping later that night, the wristband can make recommendations for other television programs that might have a more calming effect before bedtime. In addition to Samsung, nearly every manufacturer of home electronics and appliances at CES introduced new products designed to save you time, money, and energy, and to make your home more entertaining and comfortable. As you make plans for something new for your home this year, do your homework about the newest smart designs in washers and dryers, dishwashers, coffee makers and other everyday appliances and technology. CES 2015’s announcements represent a new beginning in technology, and I am so happy to be a part of it in our little corner of north Georgia.
Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000, AudioIntersection.com
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Calendar FEBRUARY Through Re-Imagining: Female Artists February from Hammonds House Museum — This exhibition, on loan from the Hammonds House Museum features original works by internationally recognized female artists. These artists explore the subjects of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture and the world around us through printmaking, photography, painting, drawing, and sculpture. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This is part of “Johns Creek Celebrates the African American Presence” recognizing important contributions of African Americans to the fabric of American life. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek 770-723-8448, johnscreekarts.org
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“Green Eggs and Hamlet” — Please join Barnwell ES 4th and th 5 grade students as they perform a zany musical parody at Northview HS. The production of “Green Eggs and Hamlet” teams up Dr. Seuss’ Sam I Am and Shakespeare’s Hamlet to lead a group of literature-loathing kids into the books they think they don’t want to read. This original and comical play was written by Whitney King, Jamie Moore and Eric Nash. Ticket cost is $7. 7:00 p.m., Northview High School, 10625 Parsons Road, Johns Creek. www.seatyourself.biz/barnwell
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Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance — A special time of sweet memories await participants at the Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance. Activities include dancing, refreshments, desserts, a keepsake photo, and the always dazzling DJ light show. The cost per participant is $20 (Alpharetta/ Milton residents) or $30 (non-residents). Deadline to register is February 4. 6:309:00 p.m., Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-2976100, accprograms@alpharetta.ga.us
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Roswell Green Expo — Going into its 4th year, the Roswell Green Expo is a premiere family event in Roswell. Residents are invited to come and meet vendors and organizations that can assist in becoming more green at home. In 2014, over 300 people enjoyed 32 vendors, a rain barrel workshop, kid’s entertainment, cooking demonstration and a pottery demonstration. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Hembree Park, 850 Hembree Road, Roswell. 770-641-3715, info@keeproswellbeautiful.org
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Chef John Wilson Cooking Classes Barrington Hall has announced its lineup of cooking classes taught by Roswell’s own Chef John Wilson. During each session, students will learn how to prepare a full meal from main course to dessert, using classic European and International cuisine and cooking techniques. February 10 — Couples Cooking for Valentine’s Day” ($75/ person). February 24 — Winter in Italy. The cost for each class is $50/person (unless otherwise noted) and includes all materials and food. Guests will sample their creations each night while enjoying complimentary wine. A free mini tour of Barrington Hall is also included. Reservations are required. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855
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Johns Creek Veterans Association Open House — The Open House will feature information about the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk and future goals and plans of the JCVA for 2015. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek.
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CVD Free Screening — Northside Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute is offering a free screening to determine risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, or CVD. The screening is free, but registration is required. 9:00 a.m.-noon, Northside Hospital Doctors’ Centre, 980 Johnson Ferry Road, 3rd Floor, Atlanta. 404-8455555 x 0.
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Oklahoma! — Roswell UMC’s Acting Up is excited to present Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. With an onstage cast of over 30 and a live 20-piece orchestra this popular musical is not to be missed. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for reserved seating. Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4:00 p.m. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-261-1709, rumcActingUp.webs.com
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Prostate Cancer Free Screening The free screening will check adult men for symptoms of prostate cancer and offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and rectal exams at no charge. In addition to the prostate exams, health care professionals will offer free nonfasting glucose and cholesterol screening, blood pressure checks, cardiac risk assessments, and diabetes prevention and general nutrition education. Qualified Spanish interpreters will be available onsite. This is a free event, but registration is required. 6:00-8:00 p.m., Northside/ Alpharetta Medical Campus, 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building C, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 404-845-5555 x 0, www. northside.com
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Georgia Philharmonic Presents “From Darkness into Light” Let the Georgia Philharmonic bring you on a journey from darkness into light with music. Starting with Richard Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration, which depicts the thoughts of a dying artist from his childhood innocence, through struggles of manhood to his final resting place in heaven. And celebrate the light with Mussorgsky’s Introduction to Khovanshchina and Rimsky-Korsakov’s beautiful and lush Russian Easter Festival. Ticket prices are $10-$25. 7:00 p.m., at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. www. georgiaphilharmonic.org
Library Events OCEE READS BOOK CLUB February 2, 2:00 p.m. Ocee A book club open to all library users.
FAMILY STORY TIME February 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m., Alpharetta Stories, songs, movement, and occasional crafts. Ages 0-5.
FREE MATH TUTORING February 1, 8, 15, 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Ocee Tutors will provide math instruction for children in grades K-12. Bring an assignment or a topic you are struggling with. Students will be seen on a first-come first-served basis. Registration not required.
SUNDAY DAHN YOGA February 1, 8, 15, 22, 3:30 p.m. Ocee Dahn Yoga is a combination of stretching,
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 breathing, and mediation. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.
60 and older. Bring last year’s tax returns and other important documents that will assist the tax-aid volunteer. Appointments are on a first come, first served basis and the last tax return will start at 3:30 p.m.
EVERYTHING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SEMINAR February 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Applerouth Tutoring Services will explain all the steps necessary to teens to achieve great scores on college admissions exams (SAT or ACT) and submit more competitive college applications. Parents ar encouraged to attend. Ages 14-18. Registration required.
FREE AARP TAX ASSISTANCE
FAMILY FUN STORY TIME UNIVERSITY
February 2-April 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Roswell Trained AARP Tax-Aid volunteers will gladly assist anyone, with special attention given to those ages
February 3, 17, 24, 10:30 a.m., Ocee Stop by for stories, music and lots of interactive fun. Ages 1-5. Preschoolers will do a hands-on activity.
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Library Continued . . . FRIENDS OF THE ROSWELL LIBRARY BOOK SALE
COSTUMES! GAMES! ART CLASS! PRIZES! ALL-IN-ONE DAY!
February 4-8, Wednesday 2:00-5:30 p.m, Thursday 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m, Friday Sunday 1:00-4:30 p.m., Roswell
February 7, 1:00 p.m., Alpharetta Dr. Keisha Pitt, Chiropractor of Journey Family Chiropractic, will explain the benefits as well as common misconceptions of these diets. Samples and recipes will be provided. Registration suggested, email Michael.salpeter@fultoncountyga. gov or call Alpharetta Branch library.
February 14, 2:00-6:00 p.m., Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Teens are invited to this mini Comic-Con/ DragonCon-styled party. Wear costumes for the contest with prizes. Board and card games like Magic: The Gathering will be played. “How to Draw Comics” lesson taught by real published comic artist. Teens are invited to bring in their comic artists to swap or have evaluated. Each teen will receive one free comic book. Sponsored by the Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks library. Ages 12-18. Registration required.
ROSWELL ROOTS: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN THE GRIOT?
AUTHOR TALK/BOOK SIGNING
DAIRY AND GLUTEN FREE DIETS
February 7, 2:00 p.m., Roswell Who knows as much as the Griot, the history keeper? Come and share. All ages are welcome to test their knowledge of Black history in this Q & A competition. We will see who can answer more questions than a traditional African Griot, who was tasked with keeping the oral history of the village. Prizes will be awarded.
STORY TIME FOR TOTS
February 14, 2:00 p.m., Roswell Roswell Roots: NBA All-Star Joe Barry Carroll, “Growing Up . . .In Words and Images”. A different kind of memoir, Joe Barry Carroll is a different kind of athlete. A seven-foot-tall overall first-round draft pick, NBA All-Star Carroll is a man who refuses to stop growing and isn’t afraid to be different. He pairs his expressionist paintings with poignant narratives to tell a unique American story.
February 10, 17, 24, 10:15 a.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Interactive story time is ideal for children 3 and under. They will be engaged with participatory stories, finger plays and songs. Ages 3 and under.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN STORY TELLER
ALPHARETTA LIBRARY BOOK CLUB
MAKE IT AND TAKE IT: DIY FOR TEENS & ADULTS
February 10, 4:30 p.m., Alpharetta Discussion titles to be announced. The group meets in the library’s meeting room. All are welcome.
ATLANTA AUTHORS PRESENTS “A NIGHT OF ROMANCE AT ROSWELL LIBRARY” February 10, 6:30 p.m., Roswell Join local authors Marilyn Baron, Linda Joyce and Kennedy Ryan for a fun, romantic evening of book talks and more. Light refreshments will be served.
WACKY WEDNESDAY CRAFT February 11, 5:30 p.m., Ocee Join us for a fun filled craft hour featuring our favorite paint, glitter and glue materials. Parents or caregivers must be present for ages 7 and under. Ages 5 to 12. No younger siblings please. Limited to 30 children.
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February 16, 2:00 p.m., Ocee Join us for a Black History Month event for families who will enjoy African-American story telling. All ages welcome. No reservations required.
February 16, 5:00 p.m., Alpharetta Join us for DIY crafts including homemade lip balm and cosmetics, wall art projects and jewelry projects. Ages 12 and up. Limited to 20. Registration required, email marcia.divack@ fultoncountyga.gov or sign up at library.
and recipes from Chef Lynn Ware. To register, email michael.salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov or call library.
SOCIAL SECURITY FOR BABY BOOMERS February 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Join financial planner Elbert McWilliams for a thorough, informative meeting about Social Security. No specific plans or products will be mentioned. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks library. Email karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov or call library.
“FIRST TOP GUN” AUTHOR February 21, 2:30 p.m., Roswell Roswell Roots: Talk with the Author of “First Top Gun” Dr. Zellie Orr, renowned researcher, historian consultant and author. Dr. Orr continues her effort to note the contributions of those unsung heroes in her latest book, “First Top Guns”. Come for a lively presentation on Black WWII aviation history with a special focus on the Tuskegee Airmen of Georgia, who they were and why they were commemorated.
FRIENDS OF THE EAST ROSWELL LIBRARY BOOK SALE February 27 & 28, 5:00-7:00 p.m., March 1, noon-4:00 p.m., Centennial Village Shopping Center, 2300 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell Gently used hardback and paperback books for adults, teens and children. Thursday, February 26, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Preview Night for Friends of East Roswell Library.
SCIENCE FICTION BOOK CLUB February 26, 6:00 p.m., Alpharetta Discussion titles to be announced. All welcome.
CRIME FICTION BOOK CLUB February 19, 7:00 p.m., Alpharetta Are you a fan of contemporary crime fiction? This book club is for you! Criminally good snacks will be provided. Limited to 15 adults. Registration required, email marcia.divack@fultoncountyga.gov or sign up at library.
COOKING WITH CHEF LYNN February 21, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Alpharetta Enjoy seasonal samples while learning insider tips
ROSWELL READS CHILDREN’S PROGRAM February 28, 2:00 p.m., Roswell Me and My Family Story. Hear the children’s Roswell Reads selection “My Diary from Here to There” by Amanda Irma Perez read in English and Spanish. Then discuss your family history and start your own diary. Led by Vicky Jaksic and Martha Powell, Media Specialists in the Fulton County School System.
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for Making Smart Purchasing & Savings Decisions By Christy Noll
I follow the stock market, read and watch TV enough to know there are smart and not-so-smart ways to invest and use your money. I thought I would explore some of the wiser ways in my opinion to save and spend your money. It is important to have a plan and to know how much you can spend each month so you are not living in debt. Invest wisely: Don’t be afraid to utilize the knowledge of wealth advisers or money managers to help decide the best investments for you and your family. Professional investors can help you with an investment plan that is best for your age and income. Based on your age, you should have a percentage of assets in stocks and bonds. Save a percentage of
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your salary for retirement each month. Take advantage of any 401(k) savings plan that your company offers or other savings plan. Read books/magazines on investing, watch CNBC or CNN to assist in educating yourself in the world of finance and investing. Make wise purchases: As you shop, especially in this season of winter and post-holiday sales, ask yourself if you really need the item. Do you really need that necklace, or should you save the money and use it toward your children’s necessities instead? Choosing not to purchase something you don’t really need could give you the money necessary to purchase a muchneeded item like a new refrigerator or
dishwasher down the road. Making wise purchases also entails buying a higherquality item now (if affordable) that usually will last longer than a lowerquality item that most likely will need replacing before too long. Use coupons to help save where you can. By doing a little extra research you might find a way to save 20-30% more on an item. Also, try to buy at the end of the season, when there are more sales, if it’s not something you need immediately. Thinking before you buy and doing extra research on purchases can reap huge benefits now and in the future. Saving today could mean college and/or retirement funds in the future.
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
Business Possible New Mercedes-Benz Headquarters in Fulton County Mercedes-Benz attorney George Pretty told North Fulton County officials that the company has yet to make a final decision, but that it is scouting sites in Fulton County and elsewhere in the Southeast. He said the automaker would relocate or create 800 jobs and bring a $93 million capital investment when it builds its new division headquarters. Gov. Nathan Deal hailed the project. “The relocation of Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. headquarters to Georgia is a huge win for our state,” he said in a statement. “This internationally renowned company is a pioneer in the automotive industry and I’m confident that its legacy of high-quality, innovative products will continue with the help of the Georgia’s pro-business environment and strategic resources.” The Development Authority of Fulton County voted to formalize negotiations for the U.S. headquarters of Mercedes-Benz, laying the groundwork for what could be a hefty incentive package to lure the German auto giant to move from New Jersey. The meeting is another indication that Mercedes is scouting a location within the county, and several sites in Sandy Springs and along the Ga. 400 spine have been under consideration. The company is looking to develop a new building with about 250,000 square feet of space and with land surrounding for possible future expansion. Scouted sites include a handful of properties near Perimeter Mall, property along Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs and land near Ga. 400 in Alpharetta. Fulton County commissioner Liz Hausman pointed out, “Mercedes recognizes the excellent business climate and quality of life in the North Fulton area.” “We are helping to facilitate a deal if it occurs,” said Al Nash, the head of the Fulton Development Authority.
North Fulton Chamber Welcomes John Brock John Brock, Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, was the keynote speaker for the North Fulton Chamber’s Eggs & Enterprise breakfast in January held at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, the meeting was sponsored by the North Fulton Community Improvement District and Progress Partners of North Fulton Atlanta. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a business organization representing Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. Consisting of more than 1,400 members, the GNFCC is the leading business voice on quality growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County. Progress Partners of North Fulton Atlanta is an economic development initiative of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce designed to position North Fulton as one of the top destinations in Atlanta for long-term economic growth and superior quality of life. www.GNFCC.com
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Senator Speaks
Digital Classroom Act By Senator John Albers
T
digital learning environments equipped with smart boards and computers. Florida was the first state to mandate the adoption of digital learning tools in all public schools starting in 2015. California and Utah both provide students with free digital textbooks in specific courses, including math and science. Maine provides all students in the public school system with a laptop. The San Diego Unified school district and Georgia’s iAchieve Virtual Academy provide students with the opportunity to be engaged in digital classrooms. Georgia has the opportunity to improve our education system and it’s time we do it.
he world we live in today is not the same one we were in 10 years ago. Now, everything is digital and technologically driven. Why, with all of the technological innovations intended to make our lives easier, are our children still carrying backpacks filled with heavy textbooks? According to a New York Times article, the average middle school student’s backpack weighs 18.4 pounds, while some weighed as much as 30 pounds. If Georgia could transition its 181 school districts from traditional textbooks to electronic texts, students would be able to have all their books in a 2-pound tablet or laptop computer. Making the switch would not only save our students backs but also save our wallets. The FCC states that we spend more than $8 billion a year on textbooks. Having textbooks provided on tablets or laptop computers would allow for updates and edits to be made instantly without the added cost or wait of printing. In order to successfully make the transition from traditional paper textbooks to electronic texts, the legislature is willing and ready to assist the 181 local school districts pay for any additional costs by allocating funding using the textbook bond money. The FCC goes on to say that switching to a digital classroom can save schools between $250-$1,000 per student per year. Electronic texts provide the opportunity to
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introduce more dynamic content, videos, interactive learning and gamification into classrooms throughout the state. The U.S Dept. of Education, along with the National Training and Simulation Association, has found the leveraging technology can improve student engagement, achievement and learning productivity. Technologybased learning has also been proven to reduce the time students spend learning each objective by 30-80 percent. These numbers speak for themselves and will help our teachers effectively cover more information during the school year. Many schools, states, and districts have transitioned from traditional classrooms to
Technology can prepare our students for the business world, and it’s also the great equalizer, whether you live in a suburban, urban or rural environment. I plan to introduce the Digital Classroom Act and hope we can see this transition take place by 2020. This time frame will allow all schools to gain access to high-speed Internet. Georgia can take a step forward and become the national leader in K-12 education by providing its students with the educational tools and high-tech skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.
Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton county. 404-463-8055, John.Albers@ Senate.Ga.Gov
Is a Generator
Good for Your Home? By Nick Roper
Have you prepared your home for the bitter winter weather? Most people think about home insulation, freezing water lines, outdoor pets and plants when winterizing their home. But, have you considered installing a generator at your home? Connecting a generator to your furnace and electrical panel could be one of your most important home investments. Whether it is gas or electric, the furnace will not work without power. If you make the initial investment for a standby generator, your power can be restored in a few seconds — making you the most popular person on your street during a major power outage.
A standby generator has many benefits. It can run off of your natural gas or propane supply, conduct a weekly self-check to ensure that it is always ready, and, with some models, can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet or computer. There are many different makes and models, so do some research to determine which generator is best for your needs. Generac, a large manufacturer of generators, includes on its website a feature that will offer recommendations based on the size of your house and the items that you want to back up. Also, make sure to have a licensed, professional electrician handle the installation. A generator isn’t just a seasonal investment for when it’s cold. There are countless situations in which a standby
generator could save you throughout the year. Imagine that while you are on vacation a thunderstorm or tornado comes through your town, knocking out the power to your home for a day or two. Without a standby generator, everything in your refrigerator and freezer would be ruined. A generator could also keep your family safe, because when your power goes out so does your alarm system. This is a great benefit whether you are at home or traveling. The initial investment for a standby generator varies with the different types, sizes and features available. My advice would be to first get an installation estimate and choose a generator that will fit both your budget and home back-up needs.
Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net
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Paying for
By Debra Robinson About 70 percent of Americans over age 65 will need longterm care at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home. A one-bedroom apartment in assisted living averages $3,500 a month, while a semi-private room in a nursing home is about $6,000 a month. These costs will increase over time. Most people are too busy dealing with the day-to-day stress of life to think about old age and illness, but failing to plan for the costs of long-term care may result in an unpleasant end-of-life experience.
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Some people have the financial resources to “private pay” for longterm care. They will be able to live in the best facilities and have the best quality care. About 13 percent of adults over 65 have long-term care insurance, which pays for the costs of care at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home. Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare pays for long-term care. Medicare is the government health insurance program for seniors. It provides a very limited benefit for skilled nursing care in a nursing home after being hospitalized. Coverage is for up to 100 days for a spell of illness. Medicare will not cover long-term care costs beyond the 100 days. A military veteran who served during wartime, whose out-of-pocket annual medical expenses exceed annual income and who has limited assets, may qualify for a veteran’s benefit called
“Aid and Attendance,” which provides a monthly pension. The widow of a veteran who served during wartime may also qualify for a VA pension. Medicaid is the federal-state program that pays for long-term nursing home care. It is a program for low-income individuals, and requires a spend-down of assets to become eligible. There is a five-year look-back period for transfers of assets by the applicant. Whether for yourself or for an older family member, understanding the options for financing long-term care expenses is essential. Your financial advisor, or an elder law attorney, can assist you in evaluating those options.
Debra Robinson is an attorney in Alpharetta. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com
Community Feature Transportation Options for Seniors Program Imagine having chronic health issues that require routine medical appointments — but not being able to get to the doctor’s office because you aren’t able to drive, have limited family support, or don’t have easy access to public transportation. Thanks to a local program that provides free medical transportation for area seniors age 60+. Seniors age 60+ in Senior Service’s service area (including Roswell and surrounding communities) are eligible for Transportation Options for Seniors Program. For four years in a row, Senior Services has received one of the City of Roswell’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support TOPS. “We’re very excited that Senior Services is able to offer transportation solution through the TOPS program to our senior residents and that we’ve been able to support those efforts through the CDBG grant,” said Charles Alford, Grant Specialist with the City of Roswell. “It is great to see how grant programs like CDBG and excellent public service programs like TOPS have a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.” For information about TOPS, call (770) 993-1906, Ext. 234, or visit www.ssnorthfulton.org. For more information about the City of Roswell’s CDBG Program, visit www.RoswellGov. com/CDBG
Fulton County School Board Elects New Officers The first official Fulton County School Board meeting of 2015 resulted in newly-elected officers and four members beginning new four-year terms. Outgoing vice president Linda McCain, who represents District 5, was elected president of the Fulton County Board of Education for a two-year term. Linda Bryant, who represents District 4, was elected to a one-year term as vice president. “I am blessed to work with such great leadership and strong advocates of students and educators,” McCain said after the unanimous vote was taken in her favor. “This school board has a depth of experience and I’m excited and proud to serve on a board that focuses on students and enriching the quality of education in Fulton County.” She represents areas in Johns Creek and Alpharetta.
Congratulations to our January “7 Differences” winner, Matt Schwartz!
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Community Feature Roswell Begins Improvements at wHBR/Ga-400 The City of Roswell, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), will soon begin construction on two projects that will improve mobility and safety and ease congestion along one of the City’s most heavily traveled roadways: Holcomb Bridge Road (SR 140) at GA-400. The projects will begin February 2 with an anticipated date of completion of September 2015, weather permitting. There will be no lane closures during morning or afternoon peak hours for either project, although construction crews may work on the road shoulder during those hours. Construction activities that require lane closures will occur at off-peak hours, and on nights and weekends.
GA-400 Northbound Ramp Project and Elimination of Eastbound “Trap Lane”. This project is a traffic operational improvement to eliminate the Holcomb Bridge Road (SR 140) eastbound left-turn “trap lane” approaching Old Alabama Road. The project will add a right-turn lane to the existing GA400 northbound ramp (exit 7A) and modify the existing traffic signal. Westbound traffic flow on Holcomb Bridge Road will be improved by extending the left-turn lane to GA-400 south to provide more room for southbound vehicles. The construction cost for this project is $1,040,472 and is funded by GDOT. SR 140 Westbound Through-Lane and Streetscape Project. This traffic operational improvement project will improve mobility and safety, and reduce congestion along Holcomb Bridge Road (SR 140) by constructing a new westbound travel lane along Holcomb Bridge Road between Old Alabama Road and the GA-400 northbound on-ramp. The project includes turn lane and signal upgrades at the intersections of Old Alabama Road and Market Boulevard, and new eight-foot sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, and streetscape enhancements along Holcomb Bridge Road. The construction cost for this project is $2,313,985 and is funded by the City of Roswell’s bond referendum, which was overwhelmingly approved by Roswell voters in November 2012.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
The Disciplined Life By Kevin Head, Ph.D. There are times in life when I find myself doing things that I do not necessarily feel like doing, but I do these things anyway because they need to be done and because I know I will feel better after doing them. For example, I don’t like yard work, but I enjoy having a nice-looking yard. I am not one who enjoys having pictures taken, but I find pleasure looking at pictures that were taken in years past and remembering special times. I don’t actually enjoy exercise, but I feel so much better when I finish a workout. A similar pattern exists with spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. There are some days when we feel too busy to pray. Sometimes we might choose to read the novel we just checked out from the library rather than the Bible or devotional material. Sometimes, we might feel like sleeping in instead of going to church. There are times when we simply do not feel like doing those things that will enhance our spiritual lives. The Lenten season begins this month on February 18, which is Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time for Christians to focus on their spiritual lives and commit (or recommit) themselves to spiritual disciplines. Some Christians decide to give up something as a way of disciplining themselves through sacrifice, while other Christians choose to practice a particular spiritual discipline more regularly. The Lenten season, then, can become a struggle between what we feel like doing versus what we know we need to do. A gold medalist in a recent Olympics was asked what it took to win the gold medal. His reply was, “To win the gold medal really only required two things from me: one, to train when I felt like training; and two, to train even when I didn’t feel like it.” I wonder what our lives as Christians would be like if we always applied this same practice to the spiritual disciplines of our lives. “Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves are triumph and defeat.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Blessings!
Dr. Kevin Head is interim pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, KHead@FBRoswell.org
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Community Feature North Fulton/Forsyth Touchdown Club Honors Winners
Jacob Nichols and Ryan Kopec
The North Fulton Forsyth Touchdown Club recently honored the top eight 2014 yearend award winners at a banquet held at the Lanier Tech Forsyth Conference Center. Award winning broadcaster, Sam Crenshaw, was the emcee for the evening’s festivities and James West, former Oakland Raiders and Calgary Stampeders player, was the special guest speaker.
Included in the winners was Alpharetta’s Senior Special Teams player Ryan Kopec, Alpharetta High School who was awarded Special Teams Player of the Year. Alpharetta Head Coach, Jacob Nichols, says, “Ryan does a little bit of everything for our team. His work-ethic and motivation are unmatched by any player I have ever coached.” Receiving the Head Coach of the Year award was Alpharetta High School Head Coach Jacob Nichols. In his first year as head coach, Nichols was undefeated in region play. Roswell High School sophomore running back Sheldon Evans was awarded the Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named 1st All-Region for 5AAAAAA. Roswell Head Coach, John Ford, says he is a, “Very hard working young man who has a very bright future if he keeps grinding.” Blessed Trinity High School senior linebacker and tight end Patrick Jasinski received the Defensive Player of the Year award. He’s a 2 time first team All-Region player, All-State honorable mention his junior year and was voted by the 4-AAA Region Coaches as 1st Team All-Region this year as a LB and TE. He was also selected by the region coaches as the 2014 Region 4-AAA Defensive Player of the Year.” Senior Linebacker Quarte Sapp for Milton High School was awarded Player of the Year. He was named 1st Team All-State as a Junior and 1st Team All-Region as a Junior and Senior. As a senior he was the Region 5-6A Defensive Player of the Year. Milton head coach, Howie DeCristofaro, says about this player, “He has represented our program with character and hard work in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community. He will be sorely missed by his football Family.”
River Trail Chamber Orchestra Perform The River Trail Middle School Chamber Orchestra performed at the Governor’s Mansion in December.
Deadline is February 17 for Hardship Transfers Applications are available for parents who wish to apply for a 2015-16 hardship transfer or to renew a current hardship to another Fulton elementary, middle or high school. Parents can use an online form, available through the “Parents” section of school system’s web site, to enter their information and then print it to obtain signatures and/ or supporting documentation. The deadline for submitting a transfer application is Feb. 17, 2014, by 4:30 p.m., with no exceptions or extensions granted. All requests must be received or postmarked by this date and time. Applications can be sent by mail, fax or handdelivered to: Fulton County Schools’ Student Assignment Office, c/o Meadows Operations Center, 5270 Northfield Blvd., College Park, GA 30349 or fax 404-763-5547. The February 17 deadline applies to students and parents seeking a hardship transfer for medical reasons, curriculum differences, and child care situations or for employees’ children. Parents with questions or who need more information about hardship transfers can contact the Fulton County Schools’ Student Assignment Office at 404-763-5550 or visit www.fultonschools.org/ studentassignment.
Fulton Schools Awarded SADD Grants Fulton County Schools’ Office of Student Discipline recently announced it has received a $45,000 Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) grant from the Georgia Office of Highway Safety (GHOS). SADD chapters are designed to address drinking and driving among teens in Fulton County high schools during the 2014-2015 school year and implement the following activities: Establish or maintain a SADD chapter; complete a minimum of two safety belt checks; host Ghost-Out, Crash Car Event, or Safe Prom and Graduation activities; provide leadership training to SADD chapter members; and support drug prevention activities. This grant will enhance SADD chapters in Fulton County Schools with the idea that student input into the solution will help alleviate the problem of teen driver fatalities in Georgia. Schools receiving the $2,000 SADD grant include Alpharetta High School, Centennial High School, Chattahoochee High School, Creekside High School, Independence High School, and Roswell High School.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
It’s time to begin the college search and application process and register for the SAT or ACT. If you’re unfamiliar with the SAT and ACT or unsure which exam your teen should take, here are a few facts to help you decide. Exam Focus: The SAT is an aptitude test that measures students’ reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT is an achievement test that measures what students have learned throughout their education. Exam Sections: The ACT’s sections include English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing (optional). The SAT’s sections include Critical Reasoning, Mathematics and Writing. Both are Widely Used: In 2013, 1.8 million students took the ACT and 1.7 million to the SAT. Colleges across the country require these exam scores as part of a student’s application package. Colleges will accept either test.
SAT vs ACT By Mark Tolbert
Which Exam to Take? Wrong Answers: The SAT currently penalizes students for wrong answers. The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers; there are no penalties for incorrect answers. Difficulty of Questions: On the SAT, questions get increasingly more difficult as you progress through a section. On the ACT, the distribution of question difficulty is random. So, which exam should your student take? Here are a few considerations to help you decide: Students with strong vocabularies may prefer the SAT. The SAT has long been known for its obscure vocabulary testing. For now, if your teen has a great vocabulary and enjoys learning new
words, the SAT may be best. Students who write well may prefer the SAT. If your teen is a strong writer, the required essay in the SAT may not scare him or her. However, even if your teen chooses the ACT, your student’s college of choice may require him or her to complete the optional ACT Writing Test anyway. Science and math types might want to take the ACT. The ACT’s Science Test measures skills required in the natural sciences, such as interpretation, analysis, evaluation and problemsolving. The SAT does not have a science section. The ACT tests the same math sections as the SAT, along with trigonometry and plane geometry.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221, Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
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COVER STORY
Decorating Den Interiors
By Michelle Martin
Custom Designs for Your Lifestyle
ecorating a new home or updating your home after a few years is exciting. The colors, styles and possibilities are virtually endless. But, the fact that there are so many choices may leave you unsure — even overwhelmed — at where to start. Keely Woodford, and her design team at Decorating Den Interiors can customize a look tailored uniquely to your individual design preferences, lifestyle and budget. Keely has more than 25 years’ experience in interior design, including approximately six years with Decorating Den Interiors, the nation’s largest in-home decorating service. As an independent owner and designer for a national company, Keely and her design team can offer clients exclusive benefits and an extensive selection of designs and furnishings by top manufacturers. Decorating Den Interiors features an extensive product assortment of quality home furnishings, including custom window treatments, furniture, lighting, floor coverings, accessories, and wallpaper. Decorating Den Interiors is a full-service design company that provides complete home decorating around clients’ individual needs and budgets. “What is unique about Decorating Den Interiors is our ability to offer clients custom designer services within their budgets, with no additional fees,” Keely explains. “Our initial design consultation and professional design services that go into 20
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
selecting every color, fabric, window treatment, piece of furniture and accessory are always complimentary. The only costs to clients are for the items they purchase from our selections, which are listed at fair market value with no up-charge.” Decorating Den Interiors features a wide array of furnishings and fabrics in all price points to offer clients beautiful, sophisticated choices within their budgets. “Whether you have $1,000 or $200,000 in your decorating budget, we can customize a design that fits your style and your budget. No job is too small for us,” she says. In addition, Keely and her design team oversee delivery and installation of all design pieces.
Beginning with the initial consultation, the designers work one on one with clients to understand their design preferences and goals. Keely explains that it’s important to ask the right questions and listen to what clients want. In some instances, clients may want to create a design around special pieces they already have; others may want to start with a completely new look. Keely describes the design services as “lifestyle decorating,” customized according to clients’ individual needs. “Do they like to entertain; do they have children or pets; what colors and patterns do they like or dislike; will someone else need to approve the selections? The design has to fit with clients’ own style and lifestyle so that it is both pretty and practical for
them.” During the consultation, one of the designers will also tour the home, take photos and measurements, and discuss the budget. “It’s rare for clients to do their entire homes at once,” she adds. “I always suggest starting with the area that is most important to them.”
once in a “grand reveal” similar to how it’s done on HGTV. “There’s nothing like that ‘wow’ factor when clients see their newly designed room for the first time,” Keely says. “Whether you don’t know where to start, don’t know how to take your room to the next level or just don’t have the time to do it yourself, we work one on one with you to understand your ideas and design the home of your dreams.”
Keely and the design team work together to create a complete design customized for individual clients. Typically within a week of the initial consultation, Keely will come out to the clients’ homes again for the design presentation, which includes everything from floor plans to fabrics, colors and patterns, furniture and accessories. “Clients love working with Decorating Den Interiors because we do everything for them — design, Keely Wood shopping, delivery and installation,” ford a nd As 770-9 Keely says. In fact, Keely explains that sociat 2 es 6 Keely -0383 .Deco clients actually save money working rating Den.c • Larg with Decorating Den Interiors by om est InH o m • avoiding the common mistakes Multi e Dec Award oratin g Serv Winnin • Con of DIY decorating. “We are ice g sultatio n, Des professionals, so we understand Install ig n , Deliv ation ery & Includ the importance that scale, • Cus ed tom W in d lighting, colors and patterns play • Furn ow Tre iture atmen ts in a room’s overall design. We • Ligh ting make design easy for clients • Floo r Cove by taking the guesswork off of rings • Acc essorie them.” s • W allpap
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Keely keeps clients updated throughout the design process, then unveils the finished design all at WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Partners By Pat Mahony, HomeStretch volunteer
HomeStretch Strives to End Homelessness HomeStretch/Housing Initiative of North Fulton Inc. was started in 1991 by a group of volunteers who wanted to address the problem of homelessness in north metro Atlanta. HomeStretch, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, gives working homeless parents and their children a safe, comfortable place to live while helping them address the root causes of homelessness and return to sustainable permanent housing. This year-long program provides affordable housing for working homeless families while guiding them through an individualized care plan designed to improve self-reliance and stability. More than 2,000 volunteers from the community, businesses, faith partners and civic organizations come together throughout the year to lend support as well. HomeStretch has offered “a hand up” to more than 1,000 families, helping them get back on their feet with a new lease on life. “Kendra,” a young mother of two, was living in her car with her children when she applied to the HomeStretch program. “I’ve learned so much. The most important benefit was
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
learning how to handle my finances,” she said. “It’s been an awesome program.” “Marsha” had expenses that became unmanageable on her small salary, resulting in eviction. That’s when Marsha talked to her daughter’s teacher about their struggle, and the teacher recommended HomeStretch. “I prayed and put aside my pride,” Marsha said. “HomeStretch listened to us and understood our needs. They held me accountable for my spending, and taught me to name my dollars (savings, bills, rainy-day fund, etc.) before I spent them. That was essential.” HomeStretch depends on donations from United Way of Greater Atlanta, proceeds from fundraising events and grants and donations from the public to support programs helping working homeless families in north metro Atlanta. Moving families from homelessness to stable housing could not happen without volunteers and financial support of individuals and organizations throughout North Fulton county. “Providing housing and services for
homeless families is a worthwhile investment. We are able to serve 30 families each year, giving them the time and tools they needed to return to permanent housing,” said HomeStretch Executive Director Rose Burton. HomeStretch receives donations and volunteer support through a number of fundraising events as well. On February 24, HomeStretch will host its 8th Annual Peachtree Tea at the Country Club of the South in Johns Creek. Sponsors, volunteers and participants are needed for this annual luncheon event. For more information, please visit: HomeStretch.org/EVENTS-Annual_ Peachtree_Tea.htm. On April 11, HomeStretch will hold the enormously popular 14th Annual Choate Construction Run the River 5K and 10K, presented by the Murphy Family Hope Foundation. This annual race hosts nearly 1,500 runners and walkers along a scenic section of the Chattahoochee River. For more information please visit: RunTheRiver. org.
HomeStretch.org
Organic gardeners have a saying, “Feed the soil, not the plants.” Folks tend to think of dirt as lifeless when, in fact, it is a complex web that includes fungi, bacteria, nematodes, microarthropods, protozoans, insects, worms, and more. To promote biodiversity above and below ground and develop optimum growing conditions, gardeners must test and amend the soil regularly. Developing super soil is the key to success in the garden. The scientific name for Georgia’s soil is ultisol, which means “red clay.” It’s full of iron oxide, lacks nutrients, and blocks root growth because it’s so compacted. Native plants are well suited to these conditions; but, in order to grow vegetables and other cultivars, gardeners must work to produce a layer of topsoil that is loose and rich in organic matter. In order to do this, the soil must first be tested and analyzed by competent technicians. FAQs about soil sampling are in circular
It’s All About
the Soil By Lisa Ethridge
C 896 — Soil Testing for Home Lawns, Gardens, and Wildlife Food Plots — and can be downloaded at http://extension. uga.edu/publications. Soil sample bags are available at the Extension Office. Follow directions on the bag and return it to the Extension Office with a money order for $8.00. Through the magic of e-mail, you will receive a detailed soil report in fewer than 10 days. Then you can begin the amendment process by adding the proper nutrients and organic matter. Normally, producing topsoil takes a long time, but, in smaller yard and
garden areas, the soil can be transformed in months by adding organic matter to build the humus content. Garden centers sell peat moss, soil conditioner, manure and other types of compost to enrich the soil. Composted horse manure, leaf litter, and pine straw are also great amendments. Once medium or high fertility levels are established, lawn and ornamental areas need to be sampled every two to three years, and vegetable gardens should be sampled every one to two years. Remember: it’s all about the soil. Don’t use the “guess and grab” method. Scientific testing can reveal the secret to beautiful lawns, productive vegetable gardens, and increased blooms. Lisa Ethridge is a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net
North Atlanta Women’s Care Providing Personalized Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Services General & High-Risk Pregnancy Pre-Pregnancy Counseling & Family Planning Annual Exams & Preventative Care Menstrual and other Gynecological Disorders Ultrasounds and Office-Based Procedures Surgery - Laparascopic, Minimally Invasive Surgery
770-771-5270 www.nawcare.com 6300 Hospital Pkwy., Suite 375 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Dr.Sujatha Vivek, MD FACOG MRCOG (London) Board Certified Ob/Gyn
3400-A Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30005
Hospital Affiliations with Emory Johns Creek Hospital and North Fulton Regional Hospital.
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Wedding Planner
NADIA D PHOTOGRAPHY
Top 7 Things to Ask a
By Erica Prewett
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming for the bride and groom to-be and their families. You may be wondering where to start, how to budget, and what elements you can realistically pull off, or if your grand ideas for your big day could land you in the Top 10 of #pinterestfail countdowns. With more than 10 years’ experience producing more than 300 weddings and events, I’ve got great stories for days. Here are my top questions to keep in mind when choosing or working with a wedding planner:
1 How much will you personally work
with the wedding planner? Some planners book lots of brides and grooms, but the couple doesn’t get to meet or work with the actual person in charge of planning the wedding until the walk-through (or the rehearsal — or, in some instances, even the wedding day). This is detrimental to the whole wedding experience because the wedding planner and client relationship is very similar to the relationship the couple should have with the photographer. A high level of comfort with each other and a high level of trust are imperative for a smooth, successful wedding day.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
2 Can you use your own outside
vendors, or does the wedding planner only work with preferred vendors? Some wedding planners prefer to work exclusively with their own vendors. Typically, there is a higher level of trust internally on the vendor side if the planner and vendor have worked together before (even once is good) and things tend to go more smoothly if the couple uses a team that already knows everyone. Any solid planner will be able to create a rapport and professional relationship with any professional vendor you decide to hire.
3
But, what if your friend or family member can make gorgeous arrangements and has offered to do your wedding flowers? How sweet of her to offer! You certainly have that right to use whomever you wish. Remember, though, most non-professional vendors aren’t used to the intricate, high stress, and time-sensitive nature of weddings. We once had a friend of the bride’s family offer to do the flowers for the wedding and the reception. She had flown in the week of the wedding, picked up all of the supplies, and was on the right track — until she overslept on the wedding morning and then had a flat tire on the way to the setup! We had to enlist friends, extended family and extra planning staff to get the flowers done and the room cleaned up before the reception started. While the bride may have saved money on not hiring a florist, several of her friends and family who had flown across the country missed the wedding ceremony because they were on flower duty.
PHOTOJACK.NET
A professional builds in backup plans and is generally faster at creating arrangements that have to be built on site.
4 How can you know if you’re being
charged a fair amount, or are getting an up-charged “wedding” fee? This was a big source of conversation a couple of years ago. Couples were getting the impression that vendors up-charged their services just because the couple said the word “wedding.” The answer is you are getting the wedding price, and it is still fair. The same amount of flour, sugar, and icing goes into a cake that serves 175 for a kid’s birthday party as does a wedding cake, right? So, why are wedding cakes more expensive? The level of detail, importance to be “perfect,” and, oftentimes, the design of the wedding cake requires someone with vastly more skill and experience to produce than a kid’s sheet cake. The wedding cake designer, because they have more experience, costs more to the bakery company. Also, the emotion of “there’s only one opportunity to get it right” plays into the fee.
5 Why is your preferred wedding date already booked everywhere? May, June and October are the busiest
ALTMIX PHOTOGRAPHY
wedding months in the Atlanta area, because the weather is just so gorgeous. If you were lucky enough to get engaged this past holiday season and want to book a venue in these popular months, be flexible with a non-Saturday date. Venues (and vendors) often give discounts or upgrades to weekday, Friday night, or Sunday weddings.
6 How much should this shindig cost?
According to CostOfWedding.com, couples who live in or travel to Fulton County spend between $22,031 and $36,719, on average, for their wedding, which includes about 175 guests. Keep in mind the elements that are most important, as that’s where a bulk of the money should go. While having fun and a great band are high on the list, guests also expect a satiating dinner. A wedding planner can help identify how much money should go toward each area while still giving your guests a really great experience that doesn’t send them home hungry and heading to the nearest fast food drive-thru.
7 If you’re an organized person already,
do you even need a wedding planner? That depends on how much you and your mom would like to spend enjoying the day versus worrying if the cake has arrived, if
the minister signed the marriage license, etc. If a planner like Jennifer Lopez from the movie “The Wedding Planner” is not in your budget, consider hiring a “month-of coordinator.” This person will be involved 45-60 days before the wedding and help tie up the loose ends; schedule final meetings with the venue, caterer and florist; create the wedding weekend timeline; and be there to manage the day so that your mom can get her hair done with the girls. Above all, remember that you are not planning a wedding. You are planning the first day of your married life together! The two of you are planning a marriage celebration. That’s what is most important! Erica Prewett is a Queen of Checklists, Saver of Time, Master of Logistics, and Helper of Flower Girls. She owns A Big To Do Event. You can ask Erica any of the above questions APHY R G O (or make up your own) PHOT MAR Y DEK F F U B at either 404-547-5712 or Erica@ABigToDoEvent.com. You can get some great ideas for your wedding on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/ABigToDoEvent. Also, see more of Erica’s stories for days on Facebook at Facebook. com/ABigToDoEvent, and on Twitter at Twitter. com/ChecklistQueen. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Wedding Categories Flower Shop
Best Little Flower Shop
Talk of the Town
770-642-7878, BestLittleFlowerShop.com
404-334-4953, TalkOf TheTownAtlanta.com
Hair Salon
Bridal Shop
Salon de La Vie
Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique
Venue
Jewelers
678-461-2212, SalonDeLaVie.net
Mill Street Kitchen & Bar 770-817-9345, TheMillKitchenAndBar.com
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Caterer
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
770-645-0404, WeddingAngels.com
Capetown Diamond Corporation 404-365-9715, CapeTownCorp.com
Mayor’s Minute
The District By Mayor Mike Bodker
A
s February arrives, Johns Creek’s city staff is busy planning and implementing some of the biggest projects we’ve seen in our short 8-year history. I’ve written previously about 2015 being “The Year of Public Works.” This will be such an important year as various public works projects will be underway, improving our quality of life at every turn. As you drive around Johns Creek you can’t miss all the construction on sections of Jones Bridge, Old Alabama, Medlock Bridge and Abbotts Bridge roads. Although some of you may have been caught in some of the traffic delays caused by the ongoing road work, please know that these temporary delays will result in big future benefits in traffic improvement. If Mother Nature helps us out with mild weather this winter, our crews will be able to quickly transition projects into permanent improvements. That means we will all be using widened roads, added lanes and new sidewalks and trails – all of which are designed to improve connectivity throughout our city. So thank you for your patience. As our staff is busy providing the best in public service, I will be preparing for the State of the City breakfast, set for March 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club. This event focuses primarily on our past year’s accomplishments and gives a vision of our future. This year, I plan to focus on the important decisions we have ahead of us with respect to economic development. You hear those two words all the time these days. Every city in the U.S. is talking about economic development, as well they should. It’s become a very competitive marketplace, especially in this part of Greater Atlanta and we intend to be ahead of the pack in innovation, technology and city planning. I invite all Johns Creek residents and business owners to join us that morning. Not to just hear me talk…but to become a part of the dialogue about economic development in Johns Creek and its importance in assuring our solid financial future as a city. The key topic will surround what I call, “The District” – 728 acres in the northeast corner of the city surrounding Johns Creek Technology Park – which we’ve identified and are studying to determine if it can serve as a potential central business district. Could this area, over time and with the right planning, become an exciting destination place for Johns Creek? Could it provide the right combination of mixed-use space that would attract innovative businesses, residents looking for a live/work/
play environment, and families looking for entertainment and shopping? This is our opportunity to explore and to make you a part of that process. We’ve listened to you! You’ve given us ideas and your priorities for our city. As a result, we’ve recently hired a multi-discipline team of consultants led by Urban Design Associates to study the area and determine how this sub-market can accommodate new development that balances our tax digest, creates a public gathering space, and offers an interesting, mixeduse space that also attracts early evening and weekend visitors. The city is kicking off this project, yes, but it will only be feasible with support and cooperation from the private sector. It’s a bold project. But we need a project bold enough to move the needle forward, so to speak, in order to have enough of an impact on our tax ratio, which currently places way too much burden on our residential taxpayers. Our continued success lies in balancing our residential/commercial tax digest and “The District” represents the most real opportunity to do that. It will also help us attract a work force that appeals to innovative businesses to come here or expand here. Since we incorporated, there’s been a lot of discussion about Johns Creek needing some kind of city center…or central focus… one place we can point to and say “that’s Johns Creek.” Well, “The District” is an instrumental step in that direction. At this point, we’re just beginning the study phase. We have a lot to learn and I’ll be sharing it with you in the months to come. I hope that you will find the time to come to the State of the City on March 6. Details can be found on the City’s website at www. johnscreekga.gov. If you are unable to attend, a copy of the speech and presentation will be available on the City’s website. I hope you take the time to review it, and give us your feedback. Finally, I would like to offer my thanks for allowing me to address you each month in your newsletter. I hope that this is the start of the conversation about “The District” and I encourage you to reach out to my office at Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGA.gov or call me at (678) 512-3313 anytime.
Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.
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Sell Your Home
Making the Most of
with Certainty
Your Money
Confidence. Security. Peace of mind.
I
t’s true that longer-term certificates typically offer a higher rate of return than shorter-term certificates. However, most people don’t want to tie up all their money for a longer period of time just to earn the higher rate. So, how can you make the most of your money?
T
Here’s a tip to help you get more return on your certificates. It’s a concept called laddering. Let’s say you have $20,000. Instead of putting all your money in one certificate, split it up and buy in equal amounts a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year CD. As each one matures, renew it for five years.
A few steps can help alleviate some of the stress and speed up your home sale:
How does this help you? First, generally speaking, you will get more dividends on a certificate if you invest for a longer term. Second, because rates typically fluctuate, you lower your risk. After all, if you put all your money in a single CD, even if it’s a 5-year CD at a good rate, what happens when it comes up for renewal and rates happen to be very low at that time? You suddenly find yourself getting very little return on all your money. Laddering also provides you with staggering maturity dates in the event you need access to your funds. There are many different ways to use the laddering approach, and everyone’s situation is different. That’s why it’s important to talk to a financial services’ representative at your local credit union or bank to find out how you can make the most of your money.
here’s very little that feels as good as having those things. Selling a home can be one of the most stressful events of your life. Besides all the packing and purging, a big part of that stress is caused by the unknown — will your house sell, and how long will it take?
Condition Assessment Have a licensed contractor or inspector perform a thorough evaluation of your home ahead of listing. Having this in place ahead of time offers many advantages: • • • •
•
Helps buyers feel immediately more comfortable with the property. You’ll have the opportunity to eliminate certain defects ahead of time, so you’ll be more comfortable, too. Helps make your process of disclosure easier, reducing your liability. When you know what needs to be fixed, you can get multiple bids and pick the best contractor at the best price. And, you won’t be up against a tight closing schedule, which can cause stress and rising costs. Increases the homebuyer’s perceived value of the property by reducing the purchase risks.
Up-Front Appraisal • •
•
When you have your home appraised by a licensed appraiser who’s familiar with homes in the area, you and potential buyers will know your home’s value is right on the money. Having a full, written appraisal speeds up the sales process and assists in negotiations. The buyer will feel assured that they are not being taken advantage of and may be more willing to finalize negotiations quicker. The Listing Agent can share the appraisal with the lender to avoid any dispute with the home’s value and to ensure that the appraisal is not less than the purchase price.
Home Warranty A home warranty is a policy that covers such items as the appliances, air conditioning and heating systems, electrical, plumbing, and more. • •
LGE Community Credit Union 1010 Mansell Road (next to Hennessy Porsche) Roswell, GA 30076 770-424-0060, LGEccu.org 28
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
The warranty covers you during the listing period should anything break down (and the warranty isn’t paid for until closing, so it’s essentially free coverage). Gives the buyer peace of mind to know up-front that you are willing to provide this warranty.
Now you can sell with confidence!
Joanne Curtin Keller Williams Realty Consultants 678-287-4848, CurtinTeam.com
Understanding Risk
Money Essentials:
in 2015 to be the Biggest Challenge for Investors
Estate Planning By Roger W. Lusby III, CPA CMA AEP CGMA
F
inancial planning for the future is a critical lifetime process. Yet, many people who planned early for their children’s college funds often neglect their own estate planning. Without an estate plan, your property could be distributed without regard to your family’s needs or your desires. A qualified CPA or financial advisor can help you think through your goals pertaining to the distribution of your estate. Once you have determined your goals, an estate plan lays the groundwork that will make the distribution of your estate easier for your loved ones, as well as a more accurate reflection of your wishes. One of the most common misperceptions regarding estate planning is that if you have a will you’ve done everything you need to do. While it is true that everyone needs a will, the will is only one tool in your planning toolbox. Beyond a will there are many other areas involved in estate planning, such as the titling of assets and the designation of beneficiaries for life insurance and retirement accounts. These tiny decisions can impact your entire estate plan! Considering all your assets and how to best distribute them comprises the core of estate planning. A proper plan addresses critical decisions, like creating guardianships, establishing trusts and charitable giving, and helping to ensure that your lifetime savings benefit your designated heirs. Common goals for an estate plan are minimizing estate and gift taxes, while exploring the potential tax advantages of charitable giving. For business owners, estate planning typically addresses liquidity issues and succession planning for the business to ensure business continuation. People with large estates should also make sure they take advantage of estate tax strategies while properly structuring their life insurance. In this season of tax planning, take some time to meet with an experienced CPA or financial planner to understand the right moves for your unique goals and situation. Roger W. Lusby III is the Managing Partner of Frazier & Deeter’s Alpharetta office.
Frazier & Deeter LLC 3480 Preston Ridge Road, Building II, Suite 375 Alpharetta, GA 30005 404-573-4200, FrazierDeeter.com
By Jack Parsons, CTFA, AEP
I
am going to suggest that the single biggest challenge for investors between 2015-2018 is going to be properly evaluating and understanding risk within their investments and their investment options. Did you get a mixed bag of 2015 risk prognostications in your stocking to start the New Year? “It’s like deja-vu, all over again.” Yogi Berra. January 2015 has started just like January 2014 started.
So...for 2015? Speaking of the number 15 (2015), we are currently in the 15th corrective phase in this bull market for equities. We may well finish calendar year 2015 in the red in many asset classes. The statistical analysis strongly suggests that if January ends anything like it started, that that might happen. Ok. Now what? Does that influence your investment strategy? I hope not (unless your strategy needs some work of course). The reason I hope not is because the key to success is time in the market (with our strategy), not timing the market. It’s easy to say that, but until you get your head around last year’s performance, time in the market, is just a slogan. Last year saw 9,956 down points on the losing sessions and 11,202 positive points on the winning sessions. Whoa. That’s a lot of up and down. Additionally, by some measures of implied volatility in the markets, we’ve got a more than decent chance of seeing more of the same type of performance in 2015. Emotional maturity essential to successful investing? Absolutely. Two of the most important emotional skills my wife and I are learning that we need to train into our kids (and first and foremost we need them), are: 1) Frustration tolerance; 2) Flexibility. Can you see how those two skills might help in investing? I can. You see, you can’t give up on a strategy that works just because you get frustrated and you have to be flexible in this new world of investing. For more check out Brace for Risk in 2015 at: www.vickerycreek.net/blog
Jack Parsons CTFA, AEP Chief Investment Officer Vickery Creek Capital Mgmt., LLC 678-387-1819, VickeryCreek.net The content is intended to serve as informational and not recommendations of any kind. In addition, it is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals regarding your individual situation. Securities and advisory services offered through Vickery Creek Capital Management, a Registered Investment Advisor with the state of Georgia and FINRA.
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Financial Categories Attorney
The Curtin Team Keller Williams 678-287-4848, CurtinTeam.com
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
Vickery Creek Capital Management
678-746-2900, NorthFultonWills.com
678-387-1819, VickeryCreek.net
CPA/Bookkeeping/Tax Service
Financial Institution/Bank/Credit Union
Frazier and Deeter
LGE Community Credit Union
404-573-4200, FrazierDeeter.com
770-423-2488, LGECCU.org
Â
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Realtor
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
Financial Planner
If
Valentine’s Day
Had Insurance By Laure Biel
For those of you who thought you were in the holiday clear and could enjoy some peace of mind, surprise — it’s Valentine’s Day! After all, it’s the season of love, romance and try not to forget! For many of us, it’s not as simple as trying to remember one date. Now, there’s the task of making dinner reservations, scheduling a babysitter and remembering your child’s entire class list. The peace of mind that arrived after the last holiday dish was washed is now lost in a sea of candy hearts and “Frozen”-themed Valentines. Luckily, good insurance is, by definition, a peace-of-mind giver and protector. In fact, there’s one type of insurance available that suits Valentine’s Day quite nicely. While most insurance plans are designed to protect the things we like, want and need, there is one important type of insurance designed to protect the people we love. Life insurance is specifically designed to protect your most valuable assets: your life and the lives of those around you. Because life insurance comes in all shapes and sizes, it can be tailored to your family’s specific needs. More often than not, those needs change drastically over time. For this reason, it’s important to work with an agent you know and trust. The earlier you start the conversation, the more your relationship with your agent can grow over time. Having a trusting relationship with your agent only adds to the peace of mind that naturally comes with a healthy life insurance policy. While life insurance can’t schedule a romantic dinner, find a babysitter or help you with your child’s Valentine cards, it can offer you the peace of mind that the people you care for will be protected and secure. To me, that sounds a lot like love. For this reason, I declare life insurance the official insurance of Valentine’s Day!
Laure Biel is an agent with Dykstra & Kemp Insurance in Alpharetta. 770-442-9339, DykstraKempInsurance.com
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Check Your Circulation and Get Rid of Leg Pain
By Uthan Vivek, M.D.
You may need to check your arterial circulation and veins if you have heaviness of the legs, cramps, discoloration, and pain when walking or at rest. Maintaining vascular health is vital to your overall wellness. Arteries carry blood with oxygen and other nutrients from the heart down to the legs and to other organs, and the veins bring impure blood back to the heart. The arteries may be diseased as a result of multiple factors, including, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. The veins may be diseased with valve damage as a result of genetic predisposition, age, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, obesity and with certain jobs involving standing for prolonged time periods. The plaque buildup in the arteries causes blockage, which then causes poor circulation, otherwise called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — resulting in pain when walking or at rest, and may progress to foot and toe ulcers. In addition, PAD can sometimes be silent. If it is not addressed on time, the healing of the ulcer will be delayed, leading to gangrene and to toe or leg amputation. The sooner you know, the sooner you can act. The earlier the PAD is diagnosed, the easier the treatment. Poor leg circulation may be evaluated with simple screening tests done in the Vascular Lab using an arterial Doppler device, which measures the pressure and wave forms of the blood flow to the feet. Further evaluation and treatment is done with Duplex study to take pictures of the blood vessels and, if necessary, with Angiogram and Endovascular (minimally invasive) procedures, including angioplasty, atherectomy and stent. Most of these procedures can be done in an office setting, without hospitalization and very little downtime. Alternate options, including medications, regular exercise, lifestyle change and smoking cessation, are often recommended alongside to improve the results of procedures and to prevent progression of the disease. Dr. Uthan Vivek is a board-certified specialist in vascular and endovascular surgery at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic and Vein Center. We offer screening and treatment for all problems related to arterial circulation, as well as venous problems and specializing in varicose veins. 770-771-5260, NAVascularClinic.com
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
If your leg pain is due to varicose veins with valve damage, this could be assessed with venous Duplex study in the Vascular Lab and treated with Endovenous ablation for varicose veins. This procedure is performed in the office in a very short amount of time, with little or no discomfort. Patients walk home after the procedure and return to work the next day. The reticular and spider veins are treated with sclerotherapy and laser. If the leg pain is due to venous insufficiency, the options for management include compression stockings, angioplasty and stent.Â
First Visit by the First Birthday By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
One of the most commonly asked questions from parents of very young children is, “When do I need to bring my child for their first dental appointment?” Parents are often surprised to learn that the recommendation is that children see a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth. There are several reasons behind this recommendation. Just as it’s important early in your baby’s life to establish a trusting relationship with a pediatrician, it’s important to find a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry promotes the “First Visit by the First Birthday” policy. As soon as your baby gets teeth, those teeth need to be cared for. Baby teeth
can develop tooth decay, so establishing habits for prevention of tooth decay is very important. Seeing a dentist early on will ensure that you have the information necessary to begin caring for these very important new teeth. Establishing twice-yearly dental visits can go a long way toward putting your child at ease in a dental office. Providing your child with positive experiences early on will help prevent anxiety associated with going to the dentist. Developing trust is a vital part of the dentist-patient relationship. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of time before a young child experiences some sort of trauma that involves the mouth. As with any emergency, it’s important to assess the nature of the trauma and decide if a visit to the emergency room is required. If there is damage to the mouth
area, and your child has already become a patient at a pediatric dental office, you have a “dental home” to take your child to for assessment, even if the accident occurs outside of normal office hours. Imagine how much easier this process could be if you already have a dentist that you and your child know and trust. Establishing a dental home early in your child’s life will help set the stage for a great relationship between your child and their dentist. As a result, you are setting the stage for great oral health care for your child!
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com
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ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown
Emma Bell
Revisiting a Childhood Passion Florals, still-lifes and seascapes inspired by French impressionist Claude Monet are the trademark of artist Emma Bell. Bell grew up in a small village near Manchester, England. As a child, her parents encouraged her artistic endeavors — whether ballet, dance, piano, flute, or sketching. Later, Bell studied business management and worked in marketing for 10 years, until the transfer of her husband relocated her to the Atlanta area in 2008. “Two weeks after our move, I learned I was pregnant,” recalls Bell, whose boys now are 4½ and 2½ years old. While organizing her new life in the United States and raising her kids, Bell rediscovered an old passion: painting. She took various art classes and found herself greatly influenced by an eight-week course in Duluth she took in 2013 with instructor Larry Smith, who introduced her to the use of a palette knife. “The impressionistic style paired with a palette knife gives me a lot of freedom in my creative process, especially when creating the flow of water,” she explains. “One of my favorite subject matters is the ocean — probably because I am originally from a cold climate and saw the beach only once a year during our summer vacation.” Bell often uses the photography of her twin sister, Victoria, for reference. “I go through phases,” she states. “In early summer, I tend to like to paint beaches and boats, then I will get stuck and do a series of bright, bold florals, then I transgress to landscapes or even
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
fun abstracts.” She maintains a home studio and paints in oil on gallery-wrapped canvas. Apart from originals, Bell’s work is available as giclée reproductions. She also accepts commissions or paints similar to previously sold items on request. “It’s an amazing, satisfying feeling when someone buys my work and puts it in his or her house,” she says, noting that with each sale her confidence as a painter grows. Bell still researches fellow artists and takes classes to enhance her technique, although she feels she has come a long way since first rekindling her childhood passion. “Painting started as a hobby, but now I see it thriving. In the last year I made a lot of progress, not only in what I can accomplish artistically but also in regard to exposure and recognition,” she says. “I believe what sets me apart as an artist is my marketing background. While I strive to evolve as an artist, at the same time I can apply my marketing knowledge to make myself more visible — with the goal to be represented by more galleries and find myself in a position where I am financially able to visit my family in the United Kingdom more often. Life is great. I am able to do what I love best: spend time with my family and create beautiful paintings.” Emma Bell’s work is currently available online and locally through Synergy Gallery in Roswell.
EmmaBellFineArt.com
0 Degrees 10-12 lbs
15 Degrees 27 lbs
30 Degrees 40 lbs
45 Degrees 49 lbs
60 Degrees 60 lbs
OMG! Hunching Over Smart Devices Stresses Neck Poor Posture Causing ‘Text Neck’ By John J. Moss, Image courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Hansraj Here’s a “text” to save you a lot of neck pain. When using your smartphone or tablet, avoid tilting your head for prolonged periods of time.
pounds, or the weight of four bowling balls or a 7-year-old child, according to data published by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj in the National Library of Medicine.
As people around the world use their smartphones and tablets more and more, spine experts are seeing an increase in neck pain complaints.
The average smartphone and tablet users spend two to four hours per day hunched over, reading e-mails, surfing the Internet, playing games, sending texts or checking social media sites. That’s 700-1,400 hours per year putting stress on the spine.
But how bad is it? Well, in the upright or neutral position, the human head weighs about a dozen pounds. As the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical spine begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, or the equivalent of two bowling balls. At 30 degrees, it’s 40 pounds; at 45 degrees, it’s 49 pounds; and at 60 degrees, it’s 60
It’s no secret that correct posture is better for your back. But this poor habit, sometimes called “text neck,” can lead to early wear and tear on the spine, degeneration and may even lead to surgery. Your spine is your body’s natural shock
absorber. When you scrunch it up (or over, as the case may be), you force the muscles and ligaments in your neck, back, shoulders and legs to compensate. Making them work out of their natural position makes you more prone to injury. Be a smarter user of your smart device by pulling your device up more and looking down with your eyes instead of tilting your head. Also, pay attention to your posture.
Dr. John J. Moss is the medical director at the Northside Spine and Pain Treatment Center in Forsyth County. Dr. Moss has experience treating chronic neck pain, chronic back pain, neuropathic pain and a variety of other conditions. Northside Hospital Spine and Pain Treatment Center is located at 1100 Northside-Forsyth Driver, Suite 400, in Cumming. For more information about conditions of the spine and available treatment options, visit Northside.com/SpineCenter or call 404-459-1809 to schedule an appointment.
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Cruise Through Life By Michael Consoli
5
Tips for a Smooth Cruise
1. Choose a destination: Some cruise lines sail anywhere in the world, while others specialize in specific regions or destinations. Where you want to go goes along with selecting the right cruise ship and line. A single destination could have multiple ports and attractions; be sure to make a list of the places you want to visit. Compare your list to the itineraries available to find the best option. 2. Select the right cruise line and ship: Cruise lines differ greatly, and even different ships in the same line can have vastly different atmospheres. The ship’s age, length of cruise, and ports of call all determine the “culture” of the ship. A travel professional will listen to your needs and guide you to the best line and ship for your situation. 3. Book the right cabin: You can choose from a wide variety of options: inside cabins with no windows; ocean-view cabins with a port hole or picture window; or balcony and suite cabins with private verandas. The location of the room is also important. A travel professional can bring a wealth of knowledge to the table in helping you select the best cabin and category. You will welcome the help, too, as some cruise ships have as many as 35 categories of cabins!
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
LIFESTYLE Family cruising is the perfect vacation for all ages, and affordable with so many cruise options. With hundreds sailing on the best cruise lines to destinations around world, family vacations have something for everyone. For a smooth cruise, use an expert. Whether planning your first cruise vacation or your tenth, a professional can help make your getaway an experience of a lifetime. A travel professional will save you time, money and help you avoid pitfalls.
4. Passport and Visa requirements: It is important to research travel document requirements for your overseas vacation. The U.S. Dept. of State offers detailed information on the requirements of countries throughout the world. Keep the correct credentials with you or in your carry-on, as the cruise line can deny you boarding or keep you on the ship if you do not have the necessary paperwork to visit a port of call. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip. A travel professional can help you determine the necessary documentation you will need. 5. Pre- and post-cruise plans: Arrive at your embarkation port the day before, to make sure you are not late or delayed. Book pre- and post-cruise flights and hotels as soon as you know your schedule. Consider travel insurance — do not let your dream trip turn into a nightmare. Travel insurance is money well spent, even if you do never have to use it. Once your planning is done, have fun. A travel professional can make your booking experience as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can concentrate on having the best vacation experience.
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667, PlanMyCruise.com
Choosing a New Roof:
How Long Will It Last? By Juan Reyes
The roof is one of the most important components of your home, and keeping it in good shape should be a priority. There are many roofing options on the market, and each has its pros and cons. In terms of longevity, some are far better than others; but, when you take price, appearance, installation, and required maintenance into consideration, some choices that might not immediately seem like the most practical end up being a perfect fit. Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Given that this is the most common roofing system in the country, you may be familiar with asphalt roofing and its benefits. Since it is often far less expensive than other roofing materials, it is almost expected that it will have a shorter lifespan. Depending on the quality of the shingle, you can expect an asphalt roof to remain in good shape for 15-20 years. It is considered a relatively low-maintenance material, but, like anything else, no roof is completely maintenance-free. Lengthening the lifespan of a shingle roof will require regular inspections and simple yearly maintenance, and could help your roof perform just fine for a few decades. Metal Roofs: These roof systems are extremely lowmaintenance. Generally, they carry a 20- to 40-year warranty, but many last for even longer. There isn’t much you need to worry about as far as extending the life of your metal roof, but how you install it can make a difference in how long it will last. Though more expensive metal roofing products might seem like an unnecessary expense initially, they often pay off in the long run. Roof Inspections: One factor that can play a huge role in how long your roof lasts and how expensive the required maintenance will be is a roof inspection. Even the best roofs can sometimes be breached during heavy storms or other unforeseen, traumatic events. In many cases, the damage isn’t noticeable to someone who isn’t trained to spot it. By getting regular roof inspections, you’ll be able to identify small problems before they become large ones; this means lower maintenance bills for you, and a longer life for your roof, too!
Juan Reyes is owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 770 777-1733, MyProRoofing.com
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Taste of by Melissa whatley
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Mimi’s Pink
Cake
1 box white cake mix (not yellow or butter recipe) 1 small box strawberry Jell-O 2
3
cup frozen strawberries, sliced in syrup,
thawed and mashed
1 box 10x confectioner’s sugar 1 stick margarine or butter, softened
½ cup water
1
3
cup strawberries (usually left over from
1 cup vegetable oil
frozen package)
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
Preparation
Mix cake mix and dry Jell-O. Add wet ingredients and follow mixing directions on cake mix box. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes for 9x13 pan, or approximately 35 minutes for 4 round cake pans (less for cupcakes). Turn cake out of pan and let cool completely.
Mix all ingredients for icing and spread over cake or cupcakes.
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Icing
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2015
This Valentine’s Day,
for Family and Friends, Too By Crystal Bryant
Ever since I got a Facebook account many years ago, my primary use has been two-fold. All of our family and a lot of our friends live in other cities and states, so it has been a great tool for quickly and easily keeping in touch, sharing photos of growing children, news of our current church family, activities and such. I also use Facebook to share my faith or humor, as I love to brighten someone’s day with a joke or light-hearted word. I had a friend tell me recently that she was thinking about taking some time away from Facebook. She is a fairly recent divorcee, and she shared with me something I had not before considered about social media. What I hadn’t considered is how easily my attempt to share a blessing in my life could cast a shadow on someone else, bringing to the surface a place of hurt or need in their life. For example, my friend shared with me that Valentine’s Day is especially troublesome when you are single and “alone,” because the entire month of February is focused around the notion of romance and love of a significant other. The conversation with my friend brought to mind one of my favorite writers of the Bible, who spoke of his great love to friends, churches, colleagues and apprentices. And he was “alone” his entire life. I am quite confident that he would tell us that he lived a very fulfilled life, traveling the world teaching and preaching, gaining new friendships everywhere he went. I can honestly say that I love more people than I can number. So, this month, for those of us who are “attached,” let’s not forget all the people who bring meaning to our lives. And, for those who are single, keep close in mind and heart all the love of friends and family — which is every bit as important. And, perhaps we could spend this month looking for someone new with whom we could share the pure, unfailing love of Christ. With Christ, we’re never alone!
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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Advertiser Index Ageless Remedies
17
Audio Intersection
Inside Back
Camp Juliette Low
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Cruise Planners Debra Robinson Law, P.C. Decorating Den Interiors
Cover, 20-21 37
Dykstra & Kemp Insurance
11
Eagle Business Credit, LLC
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The Framing Studio, LLC GNFCC Business Expo H&H Electric & Security, LLC Huntington Learning Center Jera Publishing Kincaid Orthodontics LaVida Massage
Inside Front 26 9 13 5 40 1 31
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, P.C.
1
Lyndon Academy
3
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center
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North Atlanta Women’s Care
23
Northside Hospital Forsyth
Back Cover
Northside Total Joint Specialists
7
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
3
Pete’s Plumbing, Inc. Pro Roofing and Siding Southern Chic Dress Boutique
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3
DeMercy Dental
Extreme Rush Apparel
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14, 39
10 1 23
Technical Resource Solutions
Inside Back
Vein Center of North Georgia
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