North Fulton Family Life 3-15 by Family Life Magazines

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Contents

March 2015

Volume 2 | Issue 8

[24-25]

24-25 On the Cover:

Anchors Seafood & Ale House

32-33 Farm Raised A Sharecropperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roots

36-46 Special Feature:

Home & Garden

[36-46]

[32-33] 2

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

.......................... Perspective

............................. Calendar

....................... Business Life

................... Senator Speaks

.................... Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minute

....................... Scoop of Life

............................. Chamber

......................... Artist Profile

............. Community Partners

........................ Book Review

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Publisher’sPerspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL 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

pring is right around the corner and many of us are starting to wonder how to spend our warm and sunny days. Of course, just because of the change of season; that doesn’t mean we will have more actual “time” to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. We will simply make it happen because it is what we do in better weather, longer days and more sunshine. The option of “having time” to reallocate to spend as we choose is becoming fleeting both in our society and culture and through the course of nature. When we spend our time making money, we often don’t make the time to enjoy it. When and if we get older and have less work, many may no longer have the resources or the health to enjoy that extra time. It’s more important that our “living” takes control our lives instead of our jobs.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Laura Biel, Mayor Mike Bodker, Crystal Bryant, Michael Consoli, Chris Croft, Jodi Drinkard, Lisa Ethridge, Natalie Floyd, Laura Green, Catherine Groves, Kevin Head, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Michelle Knapp, Amanda Kossick, Julie Lippitt, Robbie Matiak, Chris Miller, Ted Miller, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Nicole O’Briant, Juan Reyes, Nick Roper, Suzanne Taylor, Mark Tolbert, Renea Winchester, Keely Woodford

Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

e r ec y c le

Personally the idea of “spare time” is ridiculous. Time, unlike money, cannot be saved for a rainy day or hidden away like a tire in our trunk to be used in an emergency. However if we don’t use it wisely and think about who and what exactly are we using it for…it too can lose value and become flat before you know it. We should start asking ourselves more about the quality of our lives as we never know the quantity of our days.

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.

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Have you considered discovering ways to live a little at the office? A good brisk walk, a few minutes in a sunny place nearby (we actually ask everyone take ten “sunny minutes” at our office each day) can be refreshing. Or maybe read a chapter or two from a good book or magazine, even a simple phone call to the kids or spouse to let them know you’re thinking of them and will see them soon — are some of the little ways we can make big differences in our personal happiness and in turn, those whose lives we touch.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

m ag a zi

Missing Teeth? You have options! By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D.

As a dentist some of the most devastating news I can deliver to a patient is that they will be losing a tooth. It is my job to try to preserve a tooth as long as possible because nothing is as affective or natural as our own teeth. In some cases it is not healthy or cost affective for a tooth to try and be salvaged. When this occurs most patients do not realize their tooth replacement options. The first option is implants, which are advertised everywhere these days but, what is an implant? Typically there are two stages to an implant with the first portion being the actual implant that is placed in the bone where your tooth is missing. Once you are cleared by your surgeon, you will go to your restorative

dentist and an impression will be made for the “tooth” part of the implant and then sent to the lab. This portion is then attached to the implant body and you have a new tooth! A bridge is an option where the two teeth next to the space are cut down similarly to a crown; an impression is taken and sent off to the lab, the bridge is then cemented down once the bridge returns from the lab. The center tooth is called a “pontic” or fake tooth that looks like a real one and is very stable. The final option is a removable partial denture, or partial for short. This option is your most cost effective option for replacing multiple missing teeth but can also be the hardest to adjust to due to the

extra “stuff” in your mouth. There typically is a metal substructure and acrylic layer on top with teeth set in it and the appliance can be taken in and out of the mouth. All of these options can make your quality of life better if you have missing teeth and you feel like esthetically or functionally you need a replacement.

Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010, DeMercyDental.com

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Calendar MARCH Through Newtown Park Community — March Spring is just around the corner, so Johns Creek gardeners should sign up quickly for a plot in the Newtown Park Community Garden. The Community Garden offers 41 plots in which people can grow vegetables and flowers. The garden has four raised beds for those who have trouble working at ground level. Each plot is 4 feet by 8 feet. The Johns Creek Garden Association manages the garden and to be eligible for a spot, one must be a member of the Johns Creek Garden Association. Membership costs $10 annually. A garden plot application fee is $60 and seniors pay $25. Plot assignments will be distributed at the Newtown Park Community Garden Work Day on Saturday, March 21. Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. JohnsCreekGardena@gmail. com

“If I Were Mayor, I Would. . .” — Sixth graders across Georgia are invited to become city leaders in the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) “If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” essay contest. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 6. The contest is open to all 6th graders, including home schooled students and private school students. The contest is a way for students to begin learning about city government, the role cities play in communities and their responsibilities as leaders. View contest rules and prizes at Gmanet.com/Training-Events/EssayContest.aspx#sthash.KGYNehwG.dpuf

6-7

RUMCK Semi-Annual Children’s Consignment Sale — The Roswell United Methodist Church Preschool and Kindergarten (RUMCK) will host its semi-annual children’s consignment sale with funds benefiting the church’s preschool and kindergarten. Donated items which are not sold will be given to the Foster Care Support

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Foundation. Strollers are not allowed on Friday morning, and many of the items are half price on Saturday. Friday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell.

ShamRockin’ for a Cure — For its seventh year, ‘ShamRockin’ for a Cure’ returns to Alpharetta to rock your night with great food, amazing bands, and of course dancing. Unquestionably the definitive St. Patty’s Day celebration in North Fulton, ShamRockin’ for a Cure is a premier party with a purpose where over 1,200 attendees gather at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre to “eat, drink, and cure Cystic Fibrosis.” 7:00 p.m., Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Pkwy, Alpharetta. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Georgia Chapter, 2302 Parklake Drive, Suite 210. Atlanta. 404-325-6973. CFF.org, ShamRockinforaCure.com

Community Pet Day — Community of Christ Church, the Milton Disability Awareness Committee and Canine Assistants will host a community pet day. Pet blessings will be offered by ministers of Community of Christ Church (if it is for a large animal or reptile, please bring photo of your pet). Rescue groups, veterinaries, pet spas and specialty shops will be on hand. 1:30-4:30 p.m., Community of Christ Church. MDAC@ CityofMiltonGA.US

2015 Smoking Cessation Classes Northside Hospital’s Smoking Cessation Program offers participant’s tips on how to quit, manage stress, and avoid weight gain, cope with withdrawal symptoms and much more. The sevenweek sessions use a combination of group discussion and interaction, with nicotine replacement therapy, to provide the support needed to quit smoking. All classes are facilitated by trained Northside Hospital staff. Smoking Cessation Class, 404-780-7653 or SmokingCessation@ Northside.com

2nd Annual Digital Scavenger Hunt — The Roswell Historical Society is once again hosting a scavenger hunt in beautiful Historic Roswell. Teams will race through the city searching for clues, answering questions about Roswell’s fascinating history, and posing for photos at scenic key locations. Cost is $15 per person; children 10 and under are $10; up to 6 people per team. SocietyRHS@Bellsouth.net or call 770992-1665

Spring Indoor Craft Bazaar — The Roswell Ramblers Senior Citizen Club in conjunction with the City of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department will host its annual Indoor Spring Craft Bazaar featuring unique, handmade and creative merchandise. This is a free event open to the public. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. Kiran Fatania, 770641-3950 or KFatania@RoswellGov.com. Kindergarten Registration Tuesday Registration will be for any students not presently enrolled in Fulton County Schools. Please bring copy of birth certificate; copy of social security card; immunization (form 3231); eye, ear, dental form (form 3300); two proofs of residency. 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. All Fulton County Schools.

Walking the Walk — Whether you’ve attained your professional goals or are well on your way, spend a fantastic afternoon networking with other professional women and listening to an engaging female business leader, all while enjoying a healthy and delicious lunch. Attendees are asked to bring a pair of new or gently used children’s spring or summer pajamas, which will be donated to the Foster Care Support Foundation. Every guest will receive: special gift bag valued at over $100 and much more. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta. Ciara@ AlpharettaChamber.com

Library Events

7th Annual North Fulton Business Expo — The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) announced its 7th Annual North Fulton Business Expo featuring more than 80 exhibitors and over 1,200 attendees. Ken Davis, Georgia Division President of Renasant Bank and the GNFCC’s Chairman of the Board, said: “This Expo has become ‘the’ networking event in North Fulton. It’s yet another example of how the Chamber is leading the way to serve as the catalyst for economic development, business growth and quality of life for our community.” The expo will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:15 a.m., and doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided by Chamber member restaurants. Following a networking event with refreshments on the show floor beginning at 3:00 p.m., the Expo will end at 5:00 p.m. 9:15 a.m.5:00 p.m. Alpharetta Marriott, 5750 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta. GNFCC.com

Spring Bridal Show — Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department will host its first Spring Bridal Show to bring together the very best local wedding service professionals. 1:00-4:00 p.m., Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-641-3950

JCC Golf & Tennis Classic — Johns Creek Chamber will host its Annual Golf and Tennis Classic sponsored by Northside Hospital. Awards will be given in both golf and tennis. 8:00 a.m. golf registration, 11:00 a.m. Shotgun start. 12:30 p.m. tennis registration, 2:00 p.m. start. The Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. MRose@ JohnsCreekChamber.com 770-495-0545

APRIL

Taste of Forsyth — The City of Cumming will bring “Taste of Forsyth” and Easter Egg Hunt back to the Cumming Fairgrounds. Admission is free and samples may be purchased from $1.00 up to $4.00. More than 25 restaurants will tempt your taste buds and fill your sense. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Cumming Fairgrounds. 770-423-1330, PJEzerinac@ IRMManagement.com

18-19

Alpharetta Arts StreetFest — The streets of Historic Downtown Alpharetta will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased. Enjoy a beautiful spring weekend as you stroll through outdoor galleries filled with fine art in 14 medium expressions, create children’s art and experience live jazz, Celtic music, cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Alpharetta Arts StreetFest, Milton Ave. and Main Street, Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

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

FREE AARP TAX ASSISTANCE March 2-April 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Roswell March 2-April 13, 12:00-4:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks March 4-April 15, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Trained AARP Tax-Aid volunteers will gladly assist anyone, with special attention given to those ages 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. READ ACROSS AMERICA KICKOFF March 2, 3:30 p.m., Alpharetta March 2, 4:30 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Kick off your week of reading by doing two things. Thing one: celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by making a Dr. Seuss button. Thing two: have your picture taken in a Cat-in-the-Hat hat, and write your favorite book title underneath your photo. Pictures will be posted all week to inspire others to read and what to read. All ages. CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS! March 3, 4:00 p.m. Roswell Come enjoy Dr. Seuss stories, fun rhymes, activities and a snack. Ages 3-7. Reservations required. ROSWELL READS BOOK DISCUSSION March 3, 7:00 p.m., Roswell Dana Barrett and Friends, a discussion of Roswell Reads 2015 book selection ‘The Distance Between Us’ by Reyna Grande. BOOK SALE March 6. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8. 1:00-3:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks A wide range of children’s, teen and adult fiction in a variety of media will be on sale. A “Members Only Preview Sale” will be held Thursday, March 5, from 1-5 p.m. Memberships available at the door: Proceeds benefit the library. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Library Continued . . .

ROSWELL READS BOOK DISCUSSION March 8, 2:00 p.m., Roswell East Roswell becomes part of Roswell Reads. Debbie Weiss leads a discussion of Roswell Reads, 2015 book selection ‘The Distance Between Us’ by Reyna Grande. ROSWELL READS PROGRAM March 10, 7:00 p.m. Roswell Immigration stories, panel discussion with local immigrants who share their stories, as well as stories of immigration from the StoryCorps library. Moderated by Daniel Horowitz Garcia, Regional Manager for StoryCorps in Atlanta TEEN TECH WEEK March 11, 4:30 p.m., Alpharetta Celebrate Teen Tech Week’s “Libraries are for Makers” and learn how to turn an obsolete technology into something useful! We will turn old cassette tapes into coin purses/wallets. We’ll supply the cassettes, you’ll supply the awesome. Registration required, email Marcia.Divack@FultonCountyGa.Gov or sign-up in the library. Ages 12-18 FAMILY PLAYTIME March 18, 25, 10:30 a.m., Alpharetta Coloring, puzzles, books and time to socialize with other families. Ages 0-5 NEW SAT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW March 21, 1:00 p.m., Alpharetta Kaplan Test Prep sponsored event. Learn about changes to the SAT. A timeline for when the changes will occur will be reviewed. Learn about the new format of the test, how the test will be scored and what content will be tested on the new exam. New SAT sample questions reviewed. Space limited, reservations recommended. Teens and parents. MODEL TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS March 21, 2:00 p.m., Ocee Branch Join us for a hands-on presentation of the hobby of model railroads. You will learn how to get started and ways to lay the track in a step-by-step process. Samples will be present. You will learn about the National Model Railroad Association. Ages 6 to13. Limit first 30. KIDS IN THE KITCHEN March 21, 3:00 p.m., East Roswell Kids will hear a story, complete a fun craft project and enjoy a delicious healthy snack. Kids get to take home a copy of the book presented in the program. Presented by the Junior League of Atlanta. Ages 3-8. Reservations required. EAST ROSWELL BOOK CLUB March 23, 6:30 p.m., East Roswell The only thing better than a great book is a great book discussion, join us each month as we discuss a wide variety of books. The following books will be discussed ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary A. Shaffer. Reservations required. FRIENDS OF THE OCEE LIBRARY BOOK SALE March 28, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Ocee Stock up for winter reading and shop for gifts.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Easter Events Easter

Church Services

First Baptist Roswell 710 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. — Maundy Thursday Service in the Sanctuary. Sunday, April 5, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. — Easter Worship Service First Baptist Woodstock 11905 Hwy 92, Woodstock Saturday, April 4, 3:00 p.m. — The Worship Center Saturday, April 4, 5:00 p.m. — The Chapel Sunday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. — The Worship Center Sunday, April 5, 11:00 a.m. — The Chapel There is no better time of year to invite others to church than Easter weekend. This year we are excited to announce that Newsong will be our special guest during each Easter At Woodstock service. Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church 2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek 678-336-3000 Sunday, March 29, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. — Palm Sunday Service Friday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. — Good Friday Service Sunday, April 5, 6:33 a.m. — Sunrise East Campus Amphitheater Sunday, April 5, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. — Family Worship Service North Campus

Easter Egg Hunts March 28 Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza — Activities including inflatables, photos with the Easter Bunny, and face painting will begin at 10:00 a.m. The egg hunt for children age 3 to 6 years will begin at 11:00 a.m. There will not be a hunt area for children 2 years or under and 7 years and older. The first 300 children age 2 and under and 7 and older will receive a special goody bag. The event is subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather. Please call for updates. 10:00 a.m., Alpharetta Parks and Recreation, North Park softball fields 1-4. 678-2976140. ActiveAdults@Alpharetta.GA.US

March 28 Flashlight Egg Hunt — Come out for an adventure as we hunt eggs in the dark with nothing but your flashlights! And be sure to keep an eye out for the Golden Egg for a special basket of prizes! And don’t forget your cameras; the bunny is sure to make an appearance! Light refreshments will be served before the event begins. This is a family event, and everyone attending must register to attend and all children MUST be accompanied by an adult. $12, Roswell residents (children) $18, non-residents (children). $4, Roswell residents (parent) $6, non-residents (parent). Ages under 1 are free. 7:30 p.m., East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-594-6134

March 28 Easter Egg Hunt at Ocee LIbrary — Join us for a fun filled Easter egg hunt for children with games and face painting. Bring your favorite basket to collect the eggs! Ages 3-8. 2:00 p.m.

Spring Cleaning — Inside or Outside By Christy Noll

Spring is almost here and for me it’s time to think about cleaning and organizing around the house. Whether your goal is a small or large project it is always good to feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete what you set out to do! A few ideas for spring cleaning are listed below:

Outside suggestions include: Plant spring flowers and put out fresh pine straw/mulch to pretty up your outdoor space. Large rock mixed in your beds adds character. Possibly make the back yard entertaining for the kids. One year, when the kids were young, my husband built a sand pit for the kids to play in. He cut logs to make a rectangular shape and we purchased sand from a local supplier. We have a pretty fountain against the back wall mixed with plants that bloom annually which makes it a nice environment to hang out in when it’s warm outside.

Make a list of what you would like to accomplish around the house – inside or out. Think about which tasks you would like to complete first so you can prioritize.

Inside suggestions include: Dust and get rid of the winter cobwebs. Spring sunshine throughout the house will help show where you need it most! Swap out pillows on your couches for fun spring

patterns. Accessorize kitchen/dining tables and counters with knick knacks from stores like Home Goods, Michael’s and TJ Maxx/Marshall’s. Keep storage bins with your winter accessories and once spring/summer is over swap them out. Re-arrange your built-ins as well for a change of scenery. There are so many things you can do to your home to make you feel like it’s ready for Springtime! Whether it’s planting and pruning outside or reorganizing accessories inside you will feel energized and reinvigorated!

Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.

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Business Enjoy A Healthier Life

Denise Pickett-Bernard

Salon 1580 Named Best of 2014

PhD,RDN,LDN is a registered

Pat Alessi-Salon 1580

and licensed dietitian

was named a “Best of

practicing in downtown

2014” winner for Atlanta

Roswell. Dr. Dee focuses on

beauty salons and hair

integrative and functional

care on Kudzu.com, a

nutrition employing a

leading source for local

holistic and client centered

business information and

philosophy. She believes

consumer reviews. More

that the restoration of

than five million local

optimal health and wellness

businesses competed

is possible by making

across a wide range

alterations in food intake

of categories including

and lifestyle. She also has

home, auto, health and

extensive experience in

professional services.

pediatric (teen and child)

Winners were determined based on votes from consumers

sports nutrition, maternal

in the Atlanta Kudzu community. Salon 1580 also won the

and child nutrition, general

“Best of 2013” contest in the same category last year. This

weight- loss, as well as

is the second year Kudzu has run its “Best of” contest.

culinary arts.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Neuropathy Centers Open

Learning

recently announced the opening of Comprehensive

from Our Children

Neuropathy Treatment Centers at both its Roswell and

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

Locally-owned and operated Foundation Therapy Center

Sandy Springs locations. “Margaret Schulte, our certified Neurological Physical Therapist, has developed specialized protocols to treat clients who suffer from neuropathy, which affects the motor and sensory nerves, and we fully evaluate each client to determine the individual’s needs and protocols,” said Beverly Stegman, owner/administrator of Foundation Therapy Center. “With this innovative approach, we can effectively treat the painful symptoms of neuropathy

One of the most important responsibilities of a Christian parent is teaching our children about God. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he (she) should go, and when the child is old he (she) will not turn from it.” This parental responsibility is critical. But how often do we think about what our children can teach us about God? Jesus himself said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3). One of my favorite books is entitled ‘Children’s Letters to God’. Here are some of the humorous things children write to God:

Dear God, thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. –Joyce Please send me a pony. I never ask for anything before – you can look it up. –Bruce Dear God, please send Dennis Clark to a different camp this year. –Peter A Foundation Therapy client receives physical therapy by a therapist to assist with decreased pain, increased strength, and improved

Did you really mean, ‘Do unto others as they do unto you,’ because if you did then I’m going to fix my brother. –Darla And listen to these:

range of motion.

in the feet, hands, arms and legs.” Stegman said the centers make available specialized protocols which may include physical therapy, orthopedic therapy, balance rehabilitation and fall prevention, pain management treatment, reflexology with use of medical grade essential oils, therapeutic yoga, and massage therapy. The Comprehensive Neuropathy

Dear God, I think about you sometimes even when I’m not praying. –Elliott Dear God, what does it mean you are a jealous God? I thought you had everything. –Jane Dear God, I don’t ever feel alone since I found out about you.

–Nora

Treatment Centers are housed within both the Roswell and Sandy Springs’ Foundation Therapy locations. For more information, and to determine if you are a candidate for this multidisciplinary, natural approach to treatment for this condition, contact The Comprehensive Neuropathy Treatment Center in Roswell at 770-753-9195 or in Sandy Springs at 770-673-0093. Foundation Therapy is located at 11660

I wonder – what can you learn about God from the children in your life? What might children teach you about God this week? Blessings!

Alpharetta Highway, Suite 560 in Roswell, and at 6160 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite B-90 in Atlanta. Comprehensive Neuropathy Treatment Center A Foundation Therapy client receives physical therapy by a therapist to assist with decreased pain, increased strength,

Dr. Kevin Head is interim pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, KHead@FBRoswell.org

and improved range of motion.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Senator Speaks

153rd Legislative Session Update

Georgia Remains a Superb State! By Senator John Albers

n January 12, senators and representatives flocked to the Gold Dome and gathered in their respective chambers to begin the first term of the 153rd Legislative Session. Every year, senators come together to discuss, vet and pass legislation that affects every Georgian. It is our job to ensure that Georgia remains the superb state it has always been. I am proud to represent you at the Capitol for another term. I am honored to serve in the leadership as the Chief Deputy Whip as well Chairman of the State and Local Government Operations Committee, Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee, as the Secretary for the Finance Committee and as a member on the Appropriations Committee. Gov. Nathan Deal delivered his annual “State of the State” address on Wednesday, January 14. He spoke inspiring words about our state’s prosperous recovery after the economic collapse. He reported that our state is strong and getting even stronger as each day passes. He mentioned Georgia’s status as the number one place to do business in the country, a recognition given by one of the nation’s premier real estate and economic development publications, ‘Site Selection Magazine’. With the relocation of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche America to Georgia on the horizon, it is apparent that this recognition was earned. During the “State of the State,” Gov. Deal also unveiled his proposed budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on key state priorities such as education, transportation funding and healthcare. Legislators spent a week working with agencies to determine allocation of funds for the rest of Fiscal Year 2015 and preparing for Fiscal Year 2016. The Governor and state agencies delivered presentations and projections of how they suggest that budget funds be distributed. Gov. Deal proposed a $21.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016. I will continue to update you as we go through the appropriations process. The Legislative Session has been off to a quick start with

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

more than 50 Senate Resolutions and Senate Bills having already been read on the Senate Floor. On January 26, SR 42 was presented to the General Assembly as we recognized members of the Georgia National Guard for their unwavering commitment to our nation’s freedom. This came at a very special time in my family’s life, as my oldest son, Will, left for basic training that same day. I cannot begin to express how proud I am of not only my son, but of all the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe at home. In addition to supporting those who fight for our country overseas, I also strive to support the men and women in uniform who protect our lives at home. Too often fire fighters and police officers are harmed while on duty and I worked to sponsor SB 29 to protect them in the event that they cannot complete their duties due to injury caused during their tenure. I am looking forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass sound legislation that solidifies Georgia’s reputation as pro-business, pro-education and pro-family. Please feel free to contact my office at any time to talk about pending legislation or address other concerns in our district – my door and phone lines are always open!

Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton county. 404-463-8055, John. Albers@Senate.Ga.Gov

Where Is Your Will? By Chris Miller, Esq. After a loved one passes away, family members often come together to grieve and share memories. Sometimes those gatherings are bittersweet with both tears and laughter as stories are told and told again. At other times, deep-seated jealousies bubble to the surface and voices can be raised in anger. Nobody wants to see their family fighting, so one step toward defusing those battles is to write a Will spelling out who is in charge of deciding your arrangements and distributing your property. Wills nominate an “Executor,” who collects a person’s resources, wraps up his or her affairs, and then follows the decedent’s instructions to distribute property. The Executor must act quickly if an estate’s value declines quickly, as in the case of a small business. For that reason, the Executor should know where the original Will is stored and have access to it. Named Executors should also be told how best to reach a person’s closest living relatives so that decisions can be communicated and necessary signatures collected promptly. Many people store their original Wills in safe deposit boxes. This is secure and neutral, but it can get ugly if only the decedent has access to the bank vault. The Executor would have to get a court order first before retrieving the original and filing it with the Probate Court. Others ask the lawyer who drafted the Will to store the original. That works well if the lawyer has a permanent office, but attorneys retire and die too. If your Will is kept at a law firm, check to see that the firm is still there. Some people deliver their Wills to the named Executor at the time it is signed. The Executor has the responsibility for keeping it safe, but if a new Will signed later names someone else as Executor, then confusion may result. No single answer works for everybody. Ask yourself: who is named in your Will and could they get to it when needed?

Chris Miller is an attorney in Alpharetta. 678-746-2900, NorthFultonWills.com

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Mayor’s Minute

Newtown Park

Community Garden By Mayor Mike Bodker

pring is just around the corner, and it will soon be time to plant vegetables and flowers for summer. Here in the City of Johns Creek, we offer a community garden next to Park Place, the adult activity center in Newtown Park. The Community Garden is popular among people who may not have space for a garden, or lack adequate sunshine in their yard. Gardeners have enjoyed planting tomatoes, squash, peppers and leafy vegetables, among other herbs and rare varieties. We certainly have some very talented gardeners in our city! People like the Newtown Park Community Garden because it gives them a reason to be outdoors. For others, the hard work and watching the steady progress of the plants can be therapeutic. Some people just like having more control over the origins of their food. And some folks find it’s a good place to socialize and meet people. It’s also a fun opportunity for families to work together, discover more about nature, and get the satisfaction of eating what they’ve grown. The Community Garden is truly a community undertaking. It got its start in 2010 as a project by the very first Leadership Johns Creek class. They and other volunteers built the garden with donated material on what was once just a patch of grass. The

City only provides water, and the Garden Association members maintain the area on periodic work days. Only a few months after the Newtown Park Community Garden was established, it was far enough along to be included on a tour by the American Community Garden Association, which happened to be having their annual conference in Atlanta that year. They wanted to highlight the trend of community gardens popping up in suburban areas. They say, correctly, that community gardens can spur neighborhood and community development, beautify neighborhoods and provide food, fun, and social interaction. To get a plot and get in on all the fun, you will need to join the Johns Creek Garden Association, which costs $10 annually. The money goes toward maintaining the garden. Applications for available plots will be accepted through March 16. Each plot is 4 feet by 8 feet. The garden also features four raised beds for those who prefer working above ground level, such as seniors. A garden plot application fee is $60 and seniors pay $25, all of which is refundable if you cannot secure a plot. So get out your gloves, pick up some seed packets or seedlings at your Johns Creek plant nursery, and go outside and grow food, friends, and fellowship! To apply, visit the Garden Association’s website. For more information, email JohnsCreekGardenA@ gmail.com.

Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

New East Roswell Library Opens The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System held a grand opening of the new East Roswell Library, which opened in February. The new 15,000-square-foot library for East Roswell is part of Phase I of the Library Building Program. The library is located at 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. The East Roswell Library’s design centers around a connection with its wooded surroundings creating a functional library space within a canopy of trees. The use of natural materials such as stone and wood combined with the large expanses of glass filter the boundary between the exterior and interior spaces of the library while providing views to patrons looking out from within the building. A welcoming covered bridge entry leads visitors into the space where they are immediately presented with views through the building and into the natural landscape beyond. The community will enjoy and use its meeting room, study rooms and separate spaces for children and teens. Through the Fulton County Art in Public Places Resolution, 1% of each building project budget goes toward the creation of public art. For the East Roswell Library, artist Chris Condon was selected through a community-driven selection process, and has produced a series of wood and stone sculptures of woodland animals visitors will see throughout the library entitled, ‘New Growth Forest.’ AFPLS.org

Community Feature Creating a Rain Barrel Workshop The City of Roswell and Keep Roswell Beautiful held a Rain Barrel Workshop during its 4th Annual Roswell Green Expo. Using a rain barrel is a smart, sustainable, cost-effective way to collect and redistribute water for your garden, houseplants, or other areas of your residence. The workshop offered all the materials including the barrel for only $10. If you missed this year’s workshop watch for next year’s and “Go Green.” RoswellGreenExpo.org

Green Expo workshop for making a rain barrel.

Congratulations to our February “7 Differences” winner, Marlyn Jordann!

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Community Feature

Left to right: Ron Jones, Angela Harvey, Bev Miller, Sue Haggerty, J. Wayne Baughman and Glenn Spears.

JC Rotary Donates to Arts Center, Symphony The Rotary Club of Johns Creek/North Fulton recently presented two $1,125 checks to the Johns Creek Arts Center and the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. “Our club is proud to support the Arts Center and Symphony Orchestra,” said Bev Miller, president of the Rotary Club of Johns Creek – North Fulton. “These two organizations are two jewels of the community and we’re happy to help them.” The Rotary Club meets each Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek. 678-824-2403 info@RotaryJohnsCreek.com.

The SUVCW Forming New Camp in Roswell The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is forming a new camp in Roswell, Georgia, the General Kenner Garrard Camp #4. There are two forms of membership: Hereditary Membership and Associate Membership. Hereditary Membership (Member and Junior) and Hereditary membership is available to a male descendant, 14 years of age (6 to 14 for Juniors), who meet specific requirements, and Associate Membership (available to men who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary). For further information about the Gen. Kenner Garrard Camp in Roswell, Georgia or to join please call Bill Browning at 404-953-2525. Or send an email to SUVCWKennerGarrard@gmail.com.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

LIFESTYLE Despite their easygoing appearances, casual decorating schemes don’t just happen. They call for the same amount of effort that the most formal of design settings require. There’s a big difference between a room that’s decorated “haphazardly casual” and one that features a well thought out casual design. Your goal should be to have your new casual room look as if it’s not premeditated. Most importantly, your design scheme should be comfortable and well integrated with other rooms in your home. Comfort should be your first consideration. Does the furniture feel good to sit on – to touch? Just as important, does it look comfortable? An overstuffed chair with an ottoman sends the message, “Come, and sit here.” Certain fabrics and materials naturally lend themselves to a more casual style. Leather has always been an excellent choice for upholstery in casually elegant rooms, as have nubby, heavier textures, like chenilles and woven upholstery fabrics. However, selecting a brocade or moiré fabric for your upholstery would be contrary to casualness in decorating.

Comfort is Key!

The placement of furnishings in a room decorated in a casual style is usually asymmetrical because this type of room arrangement presents a less rigid appearance. Informal balance seems to lend itself well to rooms where the message is to relax and unwind. It’s much more restful to the human eye than a formal, Keely Woodford is a franchise symmetrical balance where placement of owner of Decorating Den furnishings is exact and unyielding. Interiors. 770-926-0383, Keely.DecoratingDen.com

By Keely Woodford

So relax in casual comfort. After all – you deserve it! L

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Community Feature Independence High School Recent Graduation

The final members of the Class of 2014 were honored in January at Independence High School during a day dedicated to celebrating their accomplishments. Mrs. Tabatha Taylor, Principal, hosted the annual Graduates’ Breakfast, offering graduating seniors their last opportunity to mingle with friends, faculty and staff members before leaving their high school days behind. The Commencement Ceremony was held in the Auditorium of the Milton Center and was attended by family, friends and honored guests. Independence HS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Linda Legros, was the featured speaker and Ms. Margaret Pupillo, Area Superintendent for the Northwest Learning Community, represented Fulton County Schools in the certification of the graduates. Principal Taylor awarded the diplomas and the special day was concluded with a reception for the graduates and their supporters.

7 Georgia’s Seven Wonders

Megan Feldman Queen is a 5th grade teacher at Roswell North Elementary. Her students have been working collaboratively with the Seven Wonders organization to start a national campaign to discover Georgia’s Seven Wonders. Over the first semester of school, the students selected, researched, and organized eighteen different nominees for this campaign. They range from local landmarks such as Stone Mountain to the Okefenokee Swamp. The goal for this project is to raise awareness about all the remarkable places here in the great state of Georgia. The class opened voting up to the public and would love to get everyone’s support. The website for voting is at SevenWonders.org/Seven-Wonders-of-Georgia-USA. The class will be unveiling the seven winners the third week of May. For additional information please contact Megan Queen and Roswell North 5th graders a t404-387-9489, Feldmanm@FultonSchools.org

River Trail Geography Bee

River Trail Middle School hosted its school-wide Geography Bee in January. Prior to the event, each RTMS student participated in a classroom bee. The school winner is Alejandro Lim, and 2nd place went to Sheri Zhang. Alejandro will take the National Geography Bee test which will determine if he will represent RTMS at the State Geography Bee.

River Trail Reading Bowl Tied for 5th Place

Creek View School Spelling Bee participants.

Creek View Spelling Bee Creek View fourth and fifth grade classes participated in a “class spelling bee” and the winners from each class participated in Creek View’s School Spelling Bee. The winner was fifth grader Alina Lee from Mrs. Alison Snow’s class and the runner-up was Andres Santambrogio from Ms. Margaux Lysett’s fourth grade. Alina moved on to participate in the Fulton County Spelling Bee held in February.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

The River Trail Middle School’s Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team competed in the Fulton County competition. The team tied for 5th place. Team members read books on the 2014-2015 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers list and answer questions about the various books. The top two placed teams move forward to compete in the regional competition. River Trail’s team members are Meghana Vadranam, Olivia Kapwadi, Gabriella Bartlett, Sriya Karra, Brian Amaro, Rahul Sreedharan and Arya Vajpayee. River Trail Reading Bowl Team

opened Southern Chic Dress Boutique in April of 2014. We were among the first in the area to open a small women’s clothing boutique store and haven’t looked back since doing so. We are quickly approaching our 1 year mark and have learned two very important things. People do want to keep it local and affordable!!! That is exactly what we plan on doing.

12635 Crabapple Road, Ste 240 Milton, Ga. 30004 770-710-0457 SouthernChicDress.com

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Being such a small business we have the ability to be on a first name basis with most of our customers. It is very important to us that our customers know if they are looking for a certain name brand or item they can ask us. We will do anything we can to find what they want and bring it into the store. Also, knowing our customers and their like gives us the ability to send pictures to customers of new merchandise before it ever hits the shelf.

Shop Small Local Businesses

This year we are focusing on bringing in several additional lines that are locally made and/ or charity driven. We currently carry Headbands for Hope, represent childhood cancer research, and Lokai bracelets, which donate towards several charitable alliances. Within the next month we will bring in Chavez for Charity and Natural Life products; each donating to several different charities. Several new jewelry lines will be brought in that are made locally in Georgia and we recently started selling young girl hair bows that are made right here in Milton!!! We are so excited to see what 2015 brings and hope you join us in making another year memorable. Be on the lookout for our One Year Anniversary Event in April. . . you won’t want to miss it!!! Follow us on Facebook/Southernchicdress and Instagram for new arrivals and sales events.

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Scoopof by Michelle Knapp & suzanne taylor

Getting

Organized in 2015

Some people love to be organized. They have label makers and when they say the flashlight is in that top drawer, it’s really there. I don’t fall into that category. I have a general idea where things are and I usually am close. I have piles and stacks. So for me, there is never a good time for spring-cleaning or getting organized.

Another area that is overwhelming is paper-files! Even if you have a shredder for recent bills, what do you do with all those old files sitting in your basement or attic? Everyone is so scared nowadays about identity breach. The best thing to do is pay attention to the free document shredding and electronic recycling days that your city offers. Canton had one last May and Woodstock had Greenstock day in April, so hopefully they will repeat those great events You may not think of organizing your digital footprint, but with pictures nowadays piling up on our computer and our phones, this is something to consider. Plus, there are still those of us that have

again for this year’s springcleaning.

printed photos in shoe-boxes. If you aren’t the scrapbooking kind, you may want to get them organized for a future graduation or wedding slide show. Local resident Jaime Vescey has a photo organizing

You can actually earn some money from the clothes you

business called Make It A Photo Finish that can help you start or

don’t like anymore or that don’t fit you. Yes, we love for you

finish your photo project. 678-230-7795, MakeItAPhotoFinish.com,

to donate your clothes to local nonprofits like Cherokee

Jamie@MakeItAPhotoFinish.com

Family Violence Center (CFVC.org) or Roswell’s The Drake House (TheDrakeHouse.org) but you can also bring them to Revive in Woodstock (ReviveConsignment.com) or The

Finally, sometimes you just need professional help. Did you know there is a website called FindMyOrganizer.com and you just list your city and see who fits your style and needs.

Twisted Thread (TheTwistedThread.com) in Milton for higher priced items and earn some cash. Revive also takes some furniture and accessories too. It takes a little patience to organize them properly and make sure they are cleaned, but the reward can be a new outfit in its place.

Good luck getting organized and spring-cleaning.

Scoop of Life is compiled by Scoop OTP owners Suzanne Taylor and Michelle Knapp. For more Outside The Perimeter “Scoop,” visit ScoopOTP.com.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Changing to ‘Ones and Things’ One Day at a Time By Crystal Bryant March is the time when we begin to see new life, new beginnings. It is beautiful and inspiring, giving us new energy and motivation. But where do we get that motivation in our spiritual lives? How do we break out of the “winter season” of our souls, and make an impact in the world? Even if we are motivated to make a difference in the world, do we even know how? Where do we start? Do we have the tools we need? What tools DO we need? As we look around at all the hurt and pain, need and loss in the world, we can easily become overwhelmed. We feel like we are a single drop of water on an erupting volcano, having no impact at all. I had the great fortune of meeting

author and speaker Shane Claiborne recently. If the name is new to you, please take the time to look him up. He is a revolutionary in the spiritual world, taking serious the coined phrase, “What would Jesus do?” and living it every single day. He has made a huge impact in his town in Pennsylvania, helping to transform a sick and dying town into a thriving, beautiful community. But he did it one step at a time, one life at a time. He said someone once said to him, “It’s hard to believe in a beautiful God when everything around you is ugly,” and it prompted him to begin turning abandoned lots into gardens, renovating empty houses, cleaning up and beautifying his surroundings. And his neighbors noticed, and joined in.

As homicide is a prevalent problem in his community, a ministry began not only to try to get guns off the streets, but to transform those guns into tools, such as shovels, rakes and hammers. It is a powerful reminder that with enough force (in this case welders), or support, a thing known for great devastation and pain, can be turned into a thing of beauty and great usefulness. And so it is with us. We are both the tool, and the resulting transformation. But it all starts with one moment, one act of kindness, one loving gesture. We change the world by changing the ones and the things around us..... one day at a time.

Crystal Bryant is the wife of Pastor Chris Bryant at City On A Hill United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She is involved in women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

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North Atlanta Women’s Care Dr. Sujatha Vivek is a board-certified OB/GYN. She is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Dr. Vivek completed her OB/GYN residency at Wayne State University, Michigan. Her past experience is extensive having practiced in the United Kingdom, for several years in the field of obstetrics and gynecology prior to commencing her career in the United States. Her special interests include caring for patients with complicated pregnancies, minimally invasive surgery for gynecological problems and procedures done in

the office for abnormal uterine bleeding. She has performed research involving disorders of urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse in women and reparative surgery for these disorders. Dr. Vivek is fluent in English and also speaks Tamil. Dr. Vivek is affiliated with the Emory Johns Creek Hospital exclusively for delivery and North Fulton Hospital. Dr. Vivek provides gynecology services including preventive care, annual exams with pap smears and blood work, prepregnancy counseling, HPV vaccines, abnormal pap smears treatment, management of irregular and heavy periods as well as family planning and surgery as needed. Dr. Vivek, believes that an ultrasound should be done in early pregnancy usually at the first visit to determine several important factors including fetal heartbeat, presence

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of one or more babies, and correlation of the pregnancy size. If the above are clearly determined, a further ultrasound will usually be arranged around 18 weeks. Additionally, routine blood work and tests are done according to set protocols during different stages of pregnancy. Dr. Vivek is highly skilled in high risk pregnancies including gestational diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, preeclampsia, preterm labor, multiple gestation and vaginal birth after a cesarean section. North Atlanta Women’s Care has two convenient locations one in Johns Creek and the other in Alpharetta to provide excellent OB/GYN services. Dr. Sujatha Vivek and staff ensure that each patient receives the best possible obstetrics and gynecology healthcare at each of the offices. For more information, please visit their website at NAWCare.com or call to make an appointment at 770-771-5270

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.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Teeth Grinding in Children By Vishant Nath D.M.D. Parents normally do not expect to hear odd noises coming from a child’s bedroom at night. If you hear a gnashing or grinding sound from your child while they sleep, it’s usually nothing to be too concerned about. There are several causes of teeth grinding and there are options for treating the most severe cases. The scientific term for teeth grinding is bruxism. Bruxism is quite common in children. Its cause can be dependent on the age group of your child. Children younger than 7-8 years still have many of their primary teeth. Primary teeth shift and change quite a bit. During this phase of change, a child may experience an abnormal bite that might feel odd to them. This can lead to teeth grinding at night. Most children who experience teeth grinding at a young age will outgrow it once the 6-year molars come in. Once a

11605 Haynes Bridge Rd, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 30009 770-993-8806 www.gnfcc.com

Countryside Pet Estates 2540 Hopewell Road, Milton 770-864-1020 CountrysidePetEstates.com

more permanent bite pattern is established, the teeth grinding tends to go away. In older children and teenagers, teeth grinding can be caused by stress. If you notice teeth grinding in older children you can try talking with them to see if they are especially worried about anything in particular. In all cases of teeth grinding, it’s best to speak to your child’s dentist to ensure that the grinding is not damaging the teeth. A parent may not even realize that teeth grinding is occurring, but the dentist can tell by looking for wear patterns on the surfaces of the teeth. Teeth grinding can become severe in some cases. If steps are not taken to protect the surfaces of the teeth, the grinding can lead to the wearing down of the enamel, tooth chipping, and increased temperature sensitivity of the teeth. Extreme cases can even lead to facial or jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint disease, more commonly known as TMJ.

Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months is a great opportunity to keep up with any changes you may notice with your child’s teeth or mouth. Staying on top of these changes can help to ensure that your child’s oral health remains at its best!

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com

Grand Openings, Ribbon Cuttings & Celebrations

Wakefield Beasley & Associates (WBA)

Advance Auto

5200 Avalon Blvd, Building 5000, Alpharetta 770-209-9393 WakefieldBeasley.com

GNFCC Business Expo Doors Open 9:30, Friday, March 27, Marriott Alpharetta 5750 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta

For the most part in primary teeth, the dentist will simply wait for the child to outgrow the grinding as the permanent teeth come in. In cases of grinding in permanent teeth however, the dentist may recommend that the child wear a mouth guard at night to protect the teeth from the grinding. These are similar to the mouth guards worn in sporting events. They can be molded to specifically fit the individual’s mouth to best protect the teeth.

10825 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta 678-389-9798

7th Annual North Fulton Business Expo 9:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Ribbon Cutting 9:15 a.m. Networking Opportunities 3:00 p.m. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY

By Jodi Drinkard Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

That ’s Fresh!

Ocean to Table

nchors Seafood & Ale House is the freshest face in town! Having opened their doors only a few months ago, they’ve already become a local favorite. “Anchors just raised the bar by serving high-end seafood at a friendly price,” explains Patty Stack, a local who recently visited the Roswell establishment. Coastal decor, hardwood floors, and a bowed dining room resembling that of a ship’s hull ignite an immediate connection between you and the sea. But, it’s the wafts of mouth-watering seafood and fresh-cut herbs that’ll hook you. “The trick to great seafood is in the freshness,” explains Executive Chef Brian Wilson. “We’ve selected the best seafood purveyors to deliver their catch as quickly as possible. There’s not a restaurant in Roswell, or Atlanta, that serves a fresher fish.”

3 Reasons to Try Anchors Seafood & Ale House Fresh Seafood Fresh Beer Selection Fresh Air Patio 24

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Seafood restaurants in land-locked cities like Atlanta do a fairly good job of acquiring fish from warehouses that distribute both fresh and frozen goods. However, Anchors goes a step further by refusing fish that has been frozen or delayed by a warehouse. “We will never sacrifice taste or texture for convenience,” declared Chef Wilson. Chef Wilson gets an email about nine o’clock every Monday morning from a small Atlanta based boat-to-shore distributor serving only a few upscale seafood restaurants around town. This call informs him as to the available fresh catch, and that’s what goes on Anchors’ menu for the week — absolutely nothing comes from a warehouse.

Anchors Seafood & Ale House 900 Mansell Road in Roswell.

Reservations and walk-ins are welcome.

(678) 242-8962 www.AnchorsRoswell.com

Spring will also open the doors to Anchors’ outdoor patio! Set back from the busy traffic on Mansell Road in Roswell, the quiet outdoor patio will be the perfect place to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner and a cold pint of brew.

Hwy.

Anchors embraces the important trend of “Farm-to-Table.” Although the snow could fly at a moment’s notice here in Atlanta, fresh produce is paramount. Currently, vegetables are being flown in from South America while fresh herbs are being planted in-house. “Being new to Roswell, we are weeding through local produce vendors right now,” Chef Wilson says. “Spring in Georgia will give us an opportunity to shine with the best local produce available.”

Anchors’ menu is abundant with options for every Foodie. Visit their mouthwatering website (www.AnchorsRoswell. com) to get a full perspective on the variety they have to offer. Whether you choose the pan seared crab cakes appetizers, slow-roasted French Dip sandwich, or the Blackened Penne Alfredo Chicken or Shrimp dinner, you’ll find the heart and soul of Chef Brian Wilson in every bite.

Mansell Oaks Plaza Shopping Center

retta

Scallops are hand-delivered from the waters just south of Nova Scotia. “Our scallops are big and bursting with flavor,” Chef Wilson explains. “Each portion consists of more than a half-pound of buttery meat.” Although you can get them prepared any way you wish, the flavor of these scallops stands on their own — simply seared with a little butter, and seasoning will knock your sandals off!

with Blairsville, Georgia’s own Logan Turnpike Grits. Of course, these savory grits can also be found on Anchors’ menu with a hearty portion of shrimp.

Alpha

“We get our shrimp from a guy on a day boat,” says Chef Wilson. “This guy goes out to sea, comes in with a catch, packs and puts it on a delivery truck, and we receive fresh shrimp at our doorstep. That’s fresh!”

Wells Fargo Bank

Mansell Rd.

“Every Friday evening we feature a new beer on tap,” explains co-owner Michael Taylor. “It’s a real party here, as we crack open the fresh keg and give away matching labeled pint glasses.” Get there early, as the glasses are on a firstcome first-served basis. Keep an eye out for upcoming beer selections by following Anchors’ FaceBook page.

Wine lovers will find themselves right at home at Anchors, as their extensive wine list is as pleasant to the “Ocean-to-Table seafood is pocketbook as it is the our passion.” palate. Bottles of wine are Executive Chef Brian Wilson truly reasonable, as the price tag resembles that of a wine shop rather than a restaurant. “Perhaps our most exciting night of the week is Thursday,” Michael goes on to say. “We feature our “All You Can Eat Shrimp” menu for only $17.95. Let me tell you — we can certainly go through some shrimp!” Blackened, grilled, steamed, or fried — it’s a la cart and all you can eat! Land lovers will never go away hungry! Burgers and chicken are always a favorite, but the braised spare ribs are melt-inyour-mouth scrumptious and served

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ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown

he art of creating images with an array of pieces of colored glass, stone or similar materials dates back as far as the 3rd millennium BC. Greeks and Romans used this technique to cover the surfaces of walls, ceilings and floors with figurative works using either tesserae, flat, square colored pieces of stone or glass, or small pebbles.

Dee Ruff In 2005 Ruff moved to Georgia with her husband and two daughters and opened a private practice in Historic Roswell. In 2011 she had to close her practice due to physical problems. When her husband introduced her to gardening, Ruff enthusiastically began to learn everything about the subject and even became a Master Gardener.

Artist Dee Ruff was first introduced to mosaics through her love for gardening, and today many of her artistic creations serve as interior decoration or decorative garden art.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

on mosaics, and my passion was ignited,” Ruff says. “I experimented at home with basic tools and supplies. Creating mosaics not only offered more challenges than needlepoint, but it also provided me with a new means of expression. Like the stitches in needlepoint, pieces of tesserae combine into a powerful and evocative piece of art. Yet each tessera means something: if you take away one, the entire composition changes.” Ruff uses handmade substrates that give her flexibility in size, shape and characteristic. She is particularly drawn to abstract expressionism. Her home designs include everything from mirrors to a whimsical mosaic shoe, while her colorful birdbaths and garden sculptures are intended to complement and enhance the natural elements in a garden instead of competing with nature, as representational designs such as flowers, foliage, or insects would.

“Since childhood I’ve been captivated by the beauty of colors and textures, especially those found in the natural world,” Ruff states and adds that she always had the mind of an artist but felt she was lacking the skills to express herself artistically. That changed when she discovered needlepoint and later applied her knowledge to mosaics. “Throughout my house you can find intricate needlepoint pieces, including a rug of African marigolds, tapestries, and framed pieces, all comprised of thousands of colorful stitches. Each stitch has been patiently, individually placed by me to form a whole,” she elaborates. Ruff grew up in Western Pennsylvania and continued her education in Maryland. As a Master of Clinical Social Work she had been offering support and counseling in hospice and health settings for almost two decades, before she set out on a second career and became a Certified Massage Therapist.

Black Cat Mosaics

“It is my hope that my art brings together color, texture, space, and light as a means to convey my love of the natural world and to kindle these emotions in others.”

As opposed to needlepoint where she used to follow patterns, gardening taught her to design using different colors and compositions. Additionally she began to incorporate garden art by re-purposing household items. “During that time I discovered a book

BlackCatMosaics.com

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It May Be Cold Here,

But It’s Warm Someplace! By Michael Consoli

Our weather has been unpredictable this year. It seems like it went from summer to winter in a matter of days. While we are freezing here in Georgia, it’s definitely warm in South America this time of year. This is a great time of year to enjoy a South American cruise! LIFESTYLE

Yes, you can cruise to South America. November through March is the most popular time to cruise to this area of the world. Many cruise lines offer cruises from 3 to 36 nights, starting in the United States and ending in South America, or starting and ending in South America. Here are just some of the options offered this year and next year as well:

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL View from Corcovado Mountain, of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

• 3- and 4-night round-trip cruise to Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Buzios, IIhabela, and San Paulo, Brazil; • 7-night round-trip Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Salvador, Maceio, and llheus, Brazil; • 20-night Amazon River cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • 16-night Buenos Aires to Santiago, Argentina, with port stops in Mentevido, Punta Del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley, Punta Areanas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt, Chile. Many of the lines also offer cruises in combination with three- and four-day land tours that will take you deeper inland to such places

as Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Some of the itineraries will take you around Cape Horn or even allow you to overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Carnival. For travelers in search of rugged natural beauty, breathtaking mountain peaks, fjords that stretch nearly forever, cosmopolitan cities, indigenous historic peoples and cultures, and vast tropical rainforests, South America is the perfect cruise destination! L

Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667, PlanMyCruise.com

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There had to be a better way. The challenge was to deliver traditionally high-priced legal services to companies with traditionally low budgets for anything other than keeping the lights on. We developed a value-based, flat-fee billing solution that provides real business solutions for companies from 1 to 100 employees. Our biggest competitor is not another law firm. Our biggest competitor is that our potential clients do nothing. Most business owners have at least one nagging legal issue or question that lingers in their mind because they are afraid that calling an attorney means the clock is ticking on the other end of the line. We will take that call and propose a solution with a fee you will understand. We do not sell minutes. We deliver valuable solutions for a flat fee.

Off the Clock And

On Your Side

We understand. As a small business ourselves, we cannot take the chance on an open-ended invoice with no real idea about what services will cost. We have to quantify our obligations so that we can allocate resources in the most productive areas. Predictable expenses that fit into existing cash flow allow us to grow our company and add

value to our clients. We treat you the way we want to be treated. We believe in small business. Small business ownership and entrepreneurship empower individuals to take control of their financial destiny. Women and minorities have the opportunities to opt out of the traditional headwinds in corporate America. Having a legal team watching your back helps make it possible. Maybe you have a hobby that you would like to turn into a business. Maybe you have a business that you should convert back into a hobby. When considering a business, you can also look at buying an existing business with infrastructure and cash flow or even purchase a franchise to capitalize on a known name. We have a team dedicated to your business success and ready to help with your personal legal needs as well. We are off the clock and on your side.

Herbert Sparks Law Group, LLC HerbertSparks.com

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Community Partners

A Beacon of Hope

Natalie Floyd, Community Relations Coordinator for A Beacon of Hope

“Lauren” was quiet and reserved when she came to our clinic for a pregnancy test and abortion information. As she sat with her patient advocate, she began to open up and shared that the circumstances of this potential pregnancy had left her ashamed and unsure of what to do next. She’d been to a party with her best friend, who she thought would stay by her side throughout the night. She woke up the next day alone and unaware of what had happened the night before. Now, two months later, our nurse shared with her that the pregnancy test had come back positive. Our clinic staff provided a safe, confidential place for her to process her situation, gave her resources for counseling and on-going support, and shared information on all of her pregnancy options. We were able to provide her with STI testing and invited her to return for a free ultrasound. As she left, Lauren expressed gratitude for the services and support she’d received. She stated that she didn’t think she could follow-through with this pregnancy, but would consider the information we shared. Several weeks later, we followed-up with Lauren and learned that she was pursuing the resources we’d provided to her and had decided to carry and parent her child. Every day, the team at A Beacon of Hope has the opportunity to interact with young women just like Lauren. While each individual story is different, many of our patients share the reality of an unplanned pregnancy surrounded by complex circumstances. It’s at this point of need that we are able to meet each woman and provide the medical services she is looking for, while also offering a safe space to process through her options. After providing compassionate medical services ranging from pregnancy and STI testing to limited ultrasounds, we are able to invite patients who choose to carry to participate in ongoing programming that will provide the education and resources they need to prepare for parenthood. Our mission at A Beacon of Hope is to empower women and families through pregnancy diagnosis, decision support, and sexual health education by providing compassionate medical, emotional, and long-term care that specializes in hope, healing and recovery. As we carry out this mission we are able to see hearts transform and healthy families begin to grow. The life change that begins when a young woman decides to continue her pregnancy, or when a young man steps into the role of father, has a ripple effect that impacts our entire community. The partnership of our faithful supporters makes all of this possible. To learn more about partnerships and upcoming opportunities with A Beacon of Hope, please visit us online at ABeaconofHope.com. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest Beacon news!

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Book Review by catherine groves

A sequel to “In the Garden with Billy” Billy Albertson has lived locally pretty much his entire life and knows the area and its history, perhaps more than anyone around. He is 82 years old, yet he still works a garden large enough to feed himself and then plenty left over to sell to the community. Many, many goats living in Milton came from Billy’s! He still chops and sells his own wood and heats his own house with a wood burning stove. It is around the stove that many love to “pull up a chair and sit a spell”. Billy never fails to give what each visitor desires, a good story. One day, Renea Winchester and her daughter were driving by Billy’s house after a tough day. Upon seeing the sign with “Goats for sale,” Renea’s daughter asked if they could stop. This proved to change her life, and Billy’s, in a way that, at the time, neither of them could fathom. In 2010, Renea published “In the Garden with Billy, Life, Love, and Tomatoes”. This year, Renea, along with Mercer University Press, released “Farming, Friends, and Fried Bologna Sandwiches”, a sequel (yet a stand-alone book) to “In the Garden with Billy”. Janis Owens, author of “American Ghost: A Novel and the Cracker Kitchen” says it best: “In the winning voice of a friendly farm neighbor, Renea Winchester shares her down-home wisdom on all aspects of the Southern garden and table, from seeds to fried bologna. Her tips are as warm and practical as Georgia sunshine, her applications to life, friendship, and love, universal. A great gift book for a budding gardener, newlywed cook, or to read on the porch with a glass of sweet tea.” Renea Winchester is the award-winning author whose work has appeared in A Cup of Comfort for families touched by Alzheimer’s, Appalachian Heritage, Georgia Backroads, Blue Ridge Country, and Longleaf Style. ReneaWinchester.com.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

By Renea Winchester

Photo courtesy of PhotoJack.net

A Sharecropper’s Roots Billy Albertson promised himself that if he ever saved enough money to buy a place of his own he would put down permanent roots. Being a sharecropper’s son meant living in someone else’s house, using someone else’s tools and tending the soil someone else owned. Sharecroppers and their children owned the clothes on their backs and a few meager possessions. The lucky ones had a cow, a mule and a gaggle of chickens. The work was hard and “a gamble,” as Billy

1931 Billy Albertson was born 32

is wont to say. Families depended on soil integrity and Mother Nature who is known for her fickle disposition. Working hard never bothered Billy, but moving bothered him a sight. Billy Albertson was born 3-31-1931 at the Bill Etris Farm in Roswell, Georgia. “None of us kids were born in the same town. We moved twelve times before Poppa had a place of his own.” Billy remembers.

born. In 1936, Billy’s Poppa, Egbert Albertson, moved the family to the Will Chatham farm near Providence Road on Birmingham Highway in Alpharetta. Even though Billy was only four-years-old, he wanted to help his mother. Unfortunately, he got too close to the milk cow, who kicked him resulting in a bone infection. Doctor’s visits were not an option. Billy’s mother dressed the wound and warned Billy to be careful.

Two years later, the family moved to the Phillips farm in Alpharetta where his younger brother, Bobby, was

During the fall of 1938, Poppa Albertson moved his family to Hall County. Word had reached the

1932 Moved to Phillips Farm in Alpharetta

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

1938 Moved to Hall County

1947 Purchased a Ford

Albertson’s that there was a small farm with an apple and peach orchard. This was a welcome change from cotton. The Albertson’s unloaded their sparse possessions at the Lee Pitchford farm and got to work only to move the following year to a dairy farm. By now, many of Billy’s older siblings had settled in White or Hall County. Billy, age seven, remained with his folks. Sharecroppers moved every two years, sometimes yearly if the growing season wasn’t productive. They typically moved after the crops were harvested. Folk settled their accounts at the hardware store and then split any profit with the landowner. Billy’s Poppa tucked away as much money as he could, hoping to buy his own place. Billy remembers, “Those old farmhouses weren’t tight. I could look through the floorboards and see the chickens roosting under the house.” In addition to housing, sharecroppers received a personal garden spot. These vegetables weren’t split with the landowner, but preserved to feed the family through the winter. Spring began at a new farm, with new debt. Sharecroppers visited the supply store and added the necessary supplies and fertilizer to their tab. Many farmers did not use chemical fertilizer because of the expense. “The first thing Momma always done when we planted our garden was clean out the chicken house. Cotton takes a lot of nutrients from the soil and many farms were worn out.” Billy also recalls his family leaving the Claude Westbrook farm because it was “too rocky to grow anything.” In 1941, Billy’s older brothers: Judge,

1955 Married Marjorie Cornelison

JT, and Claude enlisted in the military leaving Billy to help his folks tend the farm with the remaining siblings. “During the war and the Depression we probably had more than most. City folk didn’t have nothing. They were really hurting, but life didn’t much change for us poor folk. At least we could feed ourselves.” While cows provided milk, chickens provided eggs which were sold. “Momma’s egg money was all the cash money we had. We never ate eggs. We might eat one of the old roosters, but eggs were valuable.” The Albertson family continued to move from farm-to-farm using their mule-drawn wagon, even in the late 30s. It wasn’t until 1947, when Poppa Albertson purchased a Ford, that the family moved their belongings using an automobile. That year, the family moved from Hall County to Fulton County. The men wrangled the family cow, her calf, and a small horse into a pickup belonging to Mr. Harmon, a family friend, and headed to Alpharetta, settling in an area near the Liberty Baptist Church at the Cherokee/Fulton County line. “It took Poppa thirty years to save three thousand dollars. He bought twentyfive acres. The farm was wore out, and we couldn’t grow much, but we tried.”

house in a three room green house that still stands on Birmingham Highway. The couple saved enough money to buy a little strip of land on Hardscrabble Road. Here Billy and Marjorie built a modest home. Neighbors told Billy he should plant a magnolia as a symbol of perseverance. He placed the small tree at the corner of his home. Billy worked for Crabapple Sausage Company and later at the A&P grocery store. He and Marjorie had two daughters who grew up with chickens, and goats, which Billy still raises today. True to his sharecropping heritage, Billy tended a large garden that produced a bounty so plentiful he began selling produce to friends and neighbors. Today, Farmer Billy still sells produce from his roadside stand located on Hardscrabble Road. A fifty-year-old Magnolia tree stands as a symbol of Billy’s promise to himself that his roots are planted deep in the Georgia Clay. Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of Farming, Friends, and Fried Bologna Sandwiches ReneaWinchester.com, Appalachian Heritage Award winner 2011 SIBA nominee 2011 Georgia Author of the Year nominee

Photo courtesy of PhotoJack.net

In 1949, Egbert sold the failed farm and invested in three acres on Birmingham Highway. Billy helped build two chicken houses and the Albertson men set about raising three thousand chickens. “By then the boll weevil had destroyed all the cotton.” Billy was the only child living at home. In December of 1955, Billy Albertson married Marjorie Cornelison and they started tending

Today Sells produce on Hardscrabble Road WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Changes to the new SAT By Mark Tolbert

Students will start taking the new SAT spring, 2016. The test will be 3 hours long with a 50 minute optional essay section. The main focus of the changes is to evaluate a student’s ability to analyze challenging science, history, and social studies texts by not only answering questions, but supporting the answers with evidence. This is a big change from the standard multiple choice exams most students are used to.

Real world vocabulary. We all have heard about “SAT” words: big words used to impress our friends, but had little real world use. Those days are gone. The new SAT will test challenging vocabulary that students can expect to use in college and the work place. Calculator free math questions. This will surely strike fear into the hearts of many. The College Board realizes that too many students use calculators as a crutch to mask weak fundamental math skills. The new SAT will have math sections that prohibit the use of calculators. Widely read historic documents will be used. The old reading section included passages that few students had seen before. The new SAT will use historic documents, such as the Gettysburg address or the Declaration of Independence. Students will be required to support their answers with evidence from the passage. Scoring. The top score will shrink from 2400 to 1600. The wrong answer penalty will be eliminated, therefore students should answer every question. Essay. Currently the essay is mandatory; it will be optional on the new SAT. However, just because the essay is optional does not mean that a college does not require the essay. Be safe and take the essay anyway. The essay prompt will be announced in advance, but the document provided will be different. Students are expected to answer the prompt with evidence from the provided passage.

Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221, Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

On The Road Again By Laure Biel Spring is just around the corner and with the warmer temperatures comes the desire for families and friends to take a road trip. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a week-long spring break, here are some road trip tips to get ready for your journey. If you are driving your own car, here are some tips to prepare before you head out: • Make sure your car maintenance is up to date. Get an oil change if needed; check air in the tires and fluids in the car. Check that all lights are working correctly. Inspect your tire treads to see if they are worn. • Review your car insurance policy so you know your coverage in case of an accident. • Confirm if you have a roadside assistance policy. • Place one insurance ID card in the glove compartment and keep the other in your wallet. If someone else drives your car while on vacation, they can find the card in the glove compartment if needed. • Make note of emergency phone numbers for insurance and other resources on the card or put them in your phone for the trip. • Pack a first-aid kit. • Review the weather forecast and map your route. • Pack healthy snacks for the road trip and water to stay hydrated. • If you are taking your pets, be sure to bring food, water, a blanket and leash. If you are renting a car, check your insurance policy to see if you have coverage. Also check with your credit card company if you have coverage. If you don’t have coverage from other sources, then it would be wise to purchase the liability insurance and collision damage waiver at the car rental counter. Once you are ready to go, be sure to let your neighbors know your schedule and have your mail and newspaper put on hold. Don’t share your trip details on social media or you will be giving burglars an invitation! It’s best to share your trip memories on social media after you have returned. Happy trails!

Laure Biel is an agent with Dykstra & Kemp Insurance in Alpharetta. 770-442-9339, DykstraKempInsurance.com

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Buy Local. Buy Fresh. By Lisa Ethridge

armers’ markets are all the rage these days. This spring, the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) will be out in full force supporting the markets in Alpharetta, Roswell, Ellard, and Sandy Springs. Their educational outreach and support for local farmers and gardeners also extends to various community gardens and most recently, the Chastain Park Conservancy Urban Farm. For consumers and gardeners, these projects provide a vital link to clean eating and farm-to-table food preparation. The farmers’ market is providing a unique shopping experience. People of all ages congregate to enjoy the ambiance of the market and shop for fresh-picked produce and other handmade/ homemade products. The vendors provide personal service and samples. They welcome questions about how and where the food is grown and share recipes and cooking tips. The markets burst with plant and vegetable varieties not offered in grocery stores or nurseries. The words “natural,” “organic,” “specialty,” “artisan,”

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

“local,” and “heirloom” are everywhere. Since the produce is seasonal, the market is ever changing. Besides the vitamin D outdoor shopping provides, the market is a great place to purchase fresh and nutritious food. The taste of produce ripened in the field is far superior to items packed and shipped 1,000 miles away. The items at the market are not “forced” or restrained from ripening. Produce purchased at the market is “cleaner” — either they are organic or grown with far fewer chemicals than produce typically found in the store. Freshpicked makes all the difference when it comes to taste and nutrition. Without a doubt, the most important reason to shop at a farmers’ market is the farmer. Small and midsize growers, who use sustainable farming techniques, need our support. Without it, they are in danger of disappearing. North Fulton would be a far different and less beautiful place without its small farms. In some cases, direct marketing allows growers to “farm another day.” For the most part, dollars spent at the market stay in the community and benefit the local economy. This year join the NFMGs in celebrating fresh, nutritious produce and the people that grow it. We’ll see you at your local farmers’ market. Lisa Ethridge is a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net

s manufacturing technology advances and installation gets simpler and simpler, the popularity and versatility of luxury vinyl tile only rises! Over the years, the quality of vinyl floors has sky-rocketed. Vinyl used to appear in only a few different styles and those styles were really not that appealing. Luxury vinyl now comes in many ceramic, slate and hardwood styles. Improved printing technology has made it so that the vinyl version of a wood or stone floor is often all but indistinguishable from the real thing. They feel nice and cushy underfoot plus they’re affordable and easy to clean. It’s no wonder they’ve grown so popular. The wide variety of vinyl lets builders and remodelers pick whatever stylish design they desire and use it as part of their decor. Best of all, they allow you to get any kind of design at a very affordable price. Vinyl hardwood designs are an especially coveted option. As you probably already know, real wood floors can be quite expensive and tend to require a lot of maintenance. They scuff, they stain and in time they can even warp and rot. The same goes for real stone tiles which can crack and leaves dirt-collecting grout exposed in your floor. This is why people, especially people with pets and young children, are looking for alternatives that can retain the beauty of wood and tile but are easy to maintain as well. We can expertly install all sorts of LVTs and traditional vinyl flooring. These floors are totally scratch-proof, mostly water-proof and stain-resistant. With vinyl, you can effortlessly still maintain the shine and beauty of your flooring, year after year.

LVT Flooring

Fastest Growing Floor Trend By Laura Green, GCP, CRPM, UDCP owner and licensed contractor

Because genuine hardwoods can rot if exposed to moisture, contractors often avoid using them in bathrooms and kitchens. Because moisture does not affect vinyl wood floor tile that way, they can be installed in any part of your home. If you’ve always wanted hardwoods for your kitchen, consider getting them (and keeping them looking great!) by opting for vinyl. Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for people who are worried about high remodeling charges or don’t want to worry about floor maintenance costs. Plus, LVT is quite easy to install — the process only takes a few hours. Therefore, your home is not disrupted. When you opt for vinyl, cleaning the floor is easy and finding exactly the floor you want for a price that you like is easier than you think!

Green Basements & Remodeling Green Granite & Remodeling 13987 Hwy. 92, Woodstock, GA 30188 678-445-5533, GreenRemodeling.com

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Invest in

Your Landscape By Ted Miller, owner

andscaping is an investment on your property; it will add value between 100 to 200% of the cost which can be recovered at sale. Following these tips will make the experience of beautifying your property enjoyable and successful. First make sure the salesperson is professional and educated in his profession...ask questions. Communicate your needs, visions and goals. Get a contract with proof of insurance, business license, payment terms, etc. Make sure your contractor calls 811 to have your utilities marked. Whether you are planning a retaining wall, stone work, pavers, sod, irrigation, plants, outdoor lighting, water features, etc., make sure the material is chosen, the process of installation is clear, and the colors are correct. See if your landscaper is willing to meet you at a nursery or stone yard to pick out materials.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Follow these tips and you will find the right landscaper for your front or back yard renovation. Tips for you as a homeowner, now that you have the landscaping installed, maintain it. Projects look great when they are complete but now you must maintain it to keep it looking that way. If its hardscapes a once a year pressure washing or spring cleaning is due. If you have an irrigation system make sure you turn off the main in the fall and run through all zones in the spring to be sure of leaks and coverage. If you have an outdoor lighting system check your transformer to make sure the time is correct and lights are functioning properly. For your drainage systems clean out your French drain boxes and check for clogs. Also make sure to feed your plants with osmocote. Our mission is to design and build beautiful, functional landscapes that meet our client’s needs and exceed their expectations as we turn their dreams into reality. To further this mission, we strive to provide creative solutions, quality service, and to deliver to each and every customer 100% of what we promised. Serve our customers with honesty, integrity, and reliable service. We view our client’s projects as an investment in our future, earned by our customer’s satisfaction.

Landscape Matters 770-403-5813, LandscapeMattersInc.com

“

irds are the world’s premier frequent flyers: They don’t need visas or passports to travel, and there are no blackout days.” — Noah Strycker with Audubon’ Birding Without Borders. Start by getting your hands on a field guide. The Audubon Society publishes a great series of guides. Any book will do as long as it has pictures of each bird and maps of their range. Study it every chance you get, then when the opportunity arises and you find yourself looking out the window and seeing a new visitor to your yard, you will be excited to know you have read about this particular bird and now can log it into your bird-sighting book. Maybe your goal is to attract birds to your backyard. Hummingbirds are amazing to watch and feed; your local nursery can help you with feeders, nectar and mixes to lure these amazing creatures. However they also seem to be very territorial and tend to want to be “the only bird in town” you may need to purchase a couple feeders. The more feeders the more hummingbirds; it’s as simple as that. Perhaps you want to help your feathered friends with a new home. Check with your local nursery, they may have workshops to help you build your own birdhouse, or feature several different styles available for purchase. Whatever species you wish to welcome to your home and into the lives of your family, making their local habitats better will add much joy to your own.

Birds

Look and Listen By Nicole O’Briant

Scottsdale Farms 770-777-5875, ScottsdaleFarms.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

et’s face it, you’re busy and sometimes there are some small tasks around the house that never seem to get done. As a result, the list grows and the small repairs become large and expensive repairs due to neglect.

Why Hire

a Professional Handyman Andy On Call Roswell/Gwinnett 770-640-6050 AndyOnCallRoswell-Gwinnett.com

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

So instead of potentially making a large DIY mistake while replacing a toilet, updating your flooring, or adding decorative trim – it may be time to look into hiring a professional handyman. Don’t trust your largest investment (your home) to someone just because they have a truck and a toolbox. When it comes to your home you should NEVER let a really cheap price be your motivator. If it sounds too good to be true, trust us, it usually is! We have all heard the horror stories of badly done work by contractors. We’ve heard about contractors either doing a job halfway or never even showing up at all. Nothing surprises us anymore. There are several contractors who are fully licensed, bonded and insured companies. So if anything goes wrong with your repair, you’re covered by a contractor’s commitment to customer satisfaction, their warranty, and insurance. Hire a contractor that will cover all their work with a one-year written warranty, so you can rest assured that the handyman services you receive will continue to keep your home at its best well into the future.

hen you think of the term “digital home health care,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Measuring heart rate or blood pressure with a monitor? Maybe it’s having a fitness bracelet that lets you monitor how many steps are taken in any given day? While both are innovative ideas that have gained popularity over the past several years, these are not the primary focus areas for the new age of digital home health care. This is especially true when it comes to the elderly, who need a much more comprehensive solution. According to a 2014 survey released by Genworth Financial, the national median monthly rate for a one bedroom assisted living unit is $3,500. Let that sink in for a minute. That averages out to be $42,000 over an entire year. For those with aging parents or grandparents: Wouldn’t it be nice to have the option of a less expensive solution, while allowing them to remain at home and age independently? That’s precisely the focus area of digital home health care. No one ever wants to feel like they’re becoming a burden as they get older, and advancements in home automation are allowing people to age more gracefully. We now have a platform that allows notifications to be sent at one’s own choosing. This includes instances such as when a loved one returns or leaves, opens a cabinet or refrigerator, gets out of bed, or even moves around the house normally. There is also a “contact me” button that can be pressed and will send a notification in case of emergency.

Digital Home Health Care By Chris Croft

With these kinds of progressions, it’s no longer a necessity to assume that those you care about most would need to move into an assisted living facility once they reach a certain stage of life. Rather, it is now something your family can discuss, and options are offered that weren’t so readily available several years ago. Options that are not only beneficial in terms of cost, but options that can improve quality of life in a way everyone is comfortable with.

Audio Intersection 770-479-1000 AudioIntersection.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Eco-Friendly

Plumbing Industry By Julie Lippitt, owner

Defining Green Plumbing Like so many other industries, the plumbing trade is beginning to recognize the importance and value of providing services that help homeowners and businesses become more eco-friendly in their use of natural resources as a way to both help the planet and save money. By doing so, the plumbing industry is helping to educate people as well as offer new plumbing solutions to maximize water and lower energy consumption. Until technology advances, the good news is that the current water saving products on the market today do not cost any more than traditional plumbing fixtures but they do offer a high return on investment.

All about Water Conservation Essentially, green plumbing focuses on water conservation, it has been estimated that an average individual daily consumption of water through showers, laundry, lawn care, and dishwashing in the

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

U.S. is 159 gallons. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that just one leaky faucet wastes more than 3,100 gallons per year. Now, multiple these figures by the millions of people living in the U.S. and it is easy to see just how much water is being used. However, adding eco-friendly water devices can reduce water consumption up to 20%-30% per product that is added to the home. Then, multiply that by the same number of millions and the results of just some small plumbing changes can make a real difference. Here are some great ideas that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle: •

• • • • •

Take showers instead of baths. A typical ten minute bath requires 30-70 gallons of water versus 25 gallons with a 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead. Shorten your shower time. Water your lawns in the morning and early evening hours. Plant water-wise plants and think about installing an irrigation or rainwater collection system. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth and soaping hands. Use a broom instead of a hose to sweep the driveway, patios, and walkways.

Hopefully, more people who make these types of changes will lead to more fresh water availability.

Pete’s Plumbing Inc. 770-442-3934, PetesPlumbingInc.com

ome of you may be familiar with the Blue Collar comedian Jeff Foxworthy. In one of his performances I recall him talking about the lack of safety around his house. He mentioned the new television stacked on top of the old television, playing with lawn darts, and getting a wood burning kit as a gift. He also tells a story in which his father encouraged him to go ahead and stick the penny he was holding into an outlet to find out what would happen. While he made this situation funny, it is a dangerous situation that occurs far too often and can result in serious injury or death. Many retail stores sell plastic inserts that you can plug into outlets that are intended to prevent kids from inadvertently inserting small metal objects into outlets. These things are a relatively inexpensive way to help with the safety of your kids but recent studies have shown they can become a choking hazard which defeats their purpose of increased safety in your home. However, there is a much safer alternative. In 2010, the National Electric Code in 33 states had adopted a state-wide level of requiring tamper-resistant outlets, this included Georgia, and in 5 other states at the local jurisdiction. Tamper resistant outlets are definitely the safest product on the market to protect kids from electrical dangers. These outlets have a built in shutter system that prevents objects from entering the outlets unless both sides of the outlet are pressed. Unlike the plastic inserts which can be unplugged or forgotten, these outlets offer automatic, continuous, and permanent protection against electrical shocks or burns. These outlets are also a selling point to potential buyers with children if you decide to sell your home.

Are Your

Outlets Safe? By Nick Roper, business development manager If your home was built before the code change was enforced by inspectors, an update is very simple because the wiring in your home should be capable of supporting the new outlets. This update should be completed by a licensed electrician but can be completed in a few hours (depending on the size of your home) and at a fairly inexpensive cost with no sheet rock damage or repainting of walls necessary. Outlets can be purchased in a variety of colors including white, light almond, brown, black, and ivory. There are also new products that have USB ports built into the tamper resistant outlet to support charging of mobile devices if needed. The last thought I will leave you with is that while these outlets look the same as your current outlets this is not a cosmetic upgrade. This is a safety upgrade which is highly recommended by electricians and will also bring your house up to the current National Electric Code requirements.

H&H Electric and Security LLC 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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Savings with a

Programmable Thermostat By Robbie Matiak

omeowners are always on the lookout for ways to decrease their energy bills; simply changing your thermostat could net significant savings over the year, based on local powers rates and the current efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. Older homes may still have manual thermostats. Manual thermostats require you to remember to adjust the temperature according to your family’s busy schedule. Based on your schedule you may be required to make this adjustment several times a day. Manually adjusting the thermostat could be overlooked in your busy routines, causing you to cool or heat your home while away — resulting in wasted energy — or waking up uncomfortably to a room that is too hot or too cold. Programmable thermostats operate automatically based on a program set to match your family’s busy schedule; the need to manually adjust the thermostat is eliminated. Programmable thermostats are a good investment for your home, as they save you money over time. Energy Star-qualified thermostats may bring you

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2015

even more savings because these models are required to adhere to higher standards regarding energy efficiency. Programmable thermostats, such as the Honeywell FocusPro 6000®, come preprogrammed with schedules, or you can personalize the programming to maximize your unit’s efficiency based on your family’s needs. Many of the programmable thermostats today also have WiFi connectivity. Honeywell’s VisionPro 8000®allows you to make changes remotely with your Smart devices or computer to your home’s HVAC system in order to maximize both comfort and efficiency. Based on Honeywell’s energy-savings information, the FocusPro 6000®or the VisionPro 8000®could save you up to $143 per year. In addition to the energy savings from the increased efficiency from heating or cooling space only when it’s occupied, your local power provider may also offer rebates for installing programmable thermostats. For example, Georgia Power customers may be eligible to receive up to a $100 rebate for upgrading from a standard thermostat to a programmable thermostat. Visit Residential.GeorgiaPower.com for more information. Visit your specific power provider’s website for more detailed information. Installing a programmable thermostat is a convenient way to save on energy bills without sacrificing your family’s comfort.

R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795, RandDMechanical.net

ome designs, like spring fashions, experience trends in materials and color.

Planning for improvements to your home may have you scratching your head about what the latest options are for siding and color choices. While traditional materials such as wood and vinyl will continue their current downward trend as siding options, three siding choices will see greater popularity, taking nearly half the siding market for 2015 will be brick, tile or fiber cement. All three reflect the desire for permanence and stability that Georgia homeowners are seeking. Replacing your home’s existing wood, metal, or vinyl siding with brick veneer makes a strong, earth-centered statement, with a color palette centered on warm tones. To combine durability with flexibility of colors and styles, opt for fiber cement siding, strongly upward-trending, and the perfect combination of materials. Fiber cement combines wood pulp, fly ash, water, and Portland cement to make a strong, moldable material. It is available in many styles and colors, and can have the appearance of shakes, clapboards, and other traditional looks, but without the high maintenance of wood or warping issues of vinyl. Fashion colors for 2015 are tranquil tints of blues and warm reds; home colors linger on neutrals and earth tones. Some factors affecting your choice of exterior color are your homes

Exterior

Siding Options 2015’s Hottest Trends By Juan Reyes, owner surroundings, the prominent features of your home and your personal style. In a subtle way, your house can indicate the types of things you love. For 2015, a confident, dark blue – variously called Greek Blue or Classic Blue – is the deep end of the color pool, ideal for accent and trim. A great color choice for fiber cement siding on your home may be Toasted Almond, a warm, inviting neutral color that suggests the sun’s brightness. It harmonizes beautifully with Georgia’s longleaf pines and dogwood trees. If darker colors are more appealing, deep greens and warm browns are still popular. These earth tones, Treetop green, Woodbine green, or Sandstone will set you solidly in 2015’s hottest trending colors for fiber cement siding.

ProRoofing — Painting, Gutters & Siding 2558 Canton Road, Marietta 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

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