North Fulton Family life 12-17 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Contents

December 2017

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 5

24-26 On the Cover:

First Baptist Roswell

36-38

Holiday Cookie Swap Sweet Recipes

32-33

Artist Profile Sue Burkhart Chisholm

[24-26] [36-38]

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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

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

12, 34

[32-33]

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

.................... Community Life

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

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

............... Community Partner

......................... Taste of Life

................... Ribbon Cuttings

............................ Quotables

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Publisher’s Perspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton. 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 or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

E R EC Y C

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That spirit, that desire to lift someone up and create joy, to forgive them of the marks on their naughty list (face it, we aren’t perfect), and give someone peace in knowing that they are loved — that’s why we should give. To give freely from our hearts, with only the desire that our gift be appreciated, is where the holiday spirit flows. When God gave his Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for us — a gift we would never be able to match — He asked that we accept Him as our Savior, a symbol of forgiveness and peace. The true reason for the season is the love of God. Give hope; forgive; and bless others with love this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

Around the time I was ten or so was when I began to understand that Santa Claus was more than just a curvy philanthropist with a small and diligent workforce of cheerful employees, more than just a man who was happily married to a sweet lady who embraced his quirks such as his unusual style, seasonal sleeping

habits, odd hours and a well-known affinity for cookies. He is a symbol of giving for the love of giving.

M AG A ZI

ave you ever stopped to wonder how much you might have in common with Santa — not regarding the jolly physique that may mean extra padding around your waist after Thanksgiving and Christmas, making you want to join a gym the next week — but regarding the fact that he is a symbol of giving without expectation? Of course, there is a correlation there that simply cannot go unnoticed. However, sometimes, we may discover a little more of that giving spirit within us. The holidays are some of those special times.

PLE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Jackie Archer, State Senator Brandon Beach, Mayor Mike Bodker, Paul Bodrogi, Cyndi Braun, Michael Buckner, Samantha Canuel, Kim Chastain, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Jessica Helms, Amanda Kossick, Jaime Kutter, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Debra Robinson, Marsha Saum, Mark Tolbert

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Calendar Hall’s gift shop (last day to donate a toy is December 18). Monday-Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm, Sunday 1:00-3:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770640-3855. RoswellGov.com

DECEMBER

1-29

Spotlight Artist: Miles Davis Solo Exhibit, Wonderment — Miles Davis is an artist, illustrator, and creator raised in the United States Air Force. This exhibit features his figurative, floral and whimsical paintings, which span an array of subject matter that have resonated with a wide audience. FREE! Monday-Friday 9:00am5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

1-30

Christmas at the Roswell Visitors Center — All Aboard! As the Roswell Garden Club celebrates the holidays with a vintage train and village around the old Christmas tree. Stop in to enjoy the tiny scene, and reminisce about your train village. During your visit, pick up printed materials to help you enjoy the city. 12/2 — hours will be extended until 7:00pm for the Lighting of Town Square. Please call to verify hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday 12:003:00pm, Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-640-3253. VisitRoswellGa.com

1-30

Remarkable Women of the 19th Century — Enjoy self-guided tours as the holiday decorated Bulloch Hall celebrates women like Queen Victoria, Louisa May Alcott, Mary Todd Lincoln, Harriett Tubman and others. Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. 770-992-1731. BullochHall.org

1-30

Toys for Tots at Barrington Hall — This event features an exhibit of antique toys that is sure to bring out the child in everyone. Toys for Tots may be placed in the collection box at Barrington

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

7-13

Works in Clay Holiday Ceramics Show & Sale — This event offers local, handmade ceramic artwork for sale, created by more than forty members of the Roswell Clay Collective. Ceramic works in functional, sculptural, and whimsical forms will be available for every interest. Opening 12/7 (Thursday) 7:00-9:00pm, 10:00am5:00pm thereafter, Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 770-641-3990. RoswellClayCollective.com

7-23

A Christmas Carol Presented by Kudzu Playhouse — Director Wally Hinds presents this Christmas tradition in the Osage Terrace Room. $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students. Evening performances at 8:00pm, matinees at 3:00pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. 770-992-1731. BullochHall.org

8-10

The Nutcracker Presented by Atlanta Dance Theatre — Presenting memorable holiday performances for over 25 years, Atlanta Dance Theatre performs this full-length family favorite for the holidays. Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 404-438-3028. AtlantaDanceTheatre.org

Adaptive Friendship Group — This program is designed for

school-aged children with disabilities. Enjoy the day participating in fun activities and working on social skills. This will be supervised by certified special education teachers. 10:00am-2:00pm, Waller Park Recreation Center, 250 Oak Street, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com

Candy Cane Fun Run and Hunt — Runners, walkers, and even skippers are invited for a jolly good time! Dress in your ugly holiday sweater or other festive attire. This is not a timed event. Then, there will be a pizza dinner followed by a hunt for all types of candy canes. Keep a lookout for a couple of giant candy canes to redeem for prizes. Registration is required for parents and children for the run and/or the hunt, and is not accepted the day of the event. There are various price options for the run. The hunt is $12 for Roswell residents and $18 for nonresidents. The run begins at 5:00pm; the hunt is from 6:00-7:30pm, East Roswell Park Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com

Breakfast with Santa — Breakfast with Santa gives special guests time with the big elf himself, lots of delectable goodies, music, and holiday crafts. 9:00am and 10:30am, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Special Needs Lunch with Santa — Lunch with Santa gives special guests time with the big elf himself, lots of delectable goodies, music, and holiday crafts. 12:00pm, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Makers in the Afternoon, “Bringing Puppets to Life” — This is a family friendly, five-part series that features artistic, interactive demonstrations throughout Roswell’s parks. Each event highlights a different form of art. Spend the afternoon in a park while experiencing the

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life of an artist! Pre-registration is required ($12) for each one-hour session: Join Emmy-nominated and nationally recognized touring artist, Lee Bryan, “That Puppet Guy” for a puppet-making workshop. 2:305:30pm, East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-817-6674. RoswellArtsFund.org

Variety Santa Fun Run — This Variety fundraising event embraces the holiday spirit to help raise money for children with special needs and disadvantages. You can run it, walk it, roll it, skip it, hop it or whatever you’d like to do to help a child walk, run, and play. Santa will be there and happy to take photos with the participants. 9:00am, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Chase@varietyofgeorgia.org, JohnsCreekGa.gov

Milton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast with Santa — Fire trucks, Santa and pancakes! If any of these three things interest you, don’t miss this event hosted by the Milton Fire Department. 8:00-10:00am, Fire Station 43, 750 Hickory Flat Road, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us

Christmas for Kids — This is an exciting holiday event for children ages 4-10 years. Activities include a candy cane hunt, crafts, refreshments, a visit from the Snow Queen and Winter Princess, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $15. 10:00am-12:00pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. 770-992-1731. BullochHall.org

9 & 17

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Historic Town Square — Sit on Santa’s lap, and tell him what you want for Christmas. Take photos, and just enjoy the holiday season with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

FREE! 1:00-3:00pm, historic Town Square, 610 South Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770641-3705. VisitRoswellGa.com

9-1/16/18

Joy of the Season — Roswell Fine Arts Alliance invites members of the public to view local artists’ work in a variety of media and sizes, in seasonal themes. All art is priced at no more than $200. Friday 10:00am-1:00pm, Saturday 10:00am4:00pm, Arts Center East, 9100 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RFAA.org

Enchanted Woodland Wonders — This holiday highlight brings you and your family live reindeer, performances, winter crafts, face painting, and more, all under the twilight sky. Bring a picnic, and plan to enjoy fun activities. Food trucks will also be available. 3:007:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Pet Photos with Santa — Bring your furry friends for photos and treats with Santa! Walk-ups only for this event. 4:00-7:00pm, Santa’s House on Palmer Plaza, 900 Third Street, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

First Baptist Roswell Instrumental Christmas — Visit the sanctuary for the First Baptist Roswell’s orchestra performance of beloved Christmas songs. 7:00pm, First Baptist Roswell, 710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-5876980. FBRoswell.org

10-2/28/18

Enchanted Woodland Trail, Featuring Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes — Fairies and gnomes have been busy building all new fairy houses and gnome homes for the Kingfisher Pond Trail this winter. More than a dozen whimsical works line the trails to create the Enchanted Woodland Trail. Slow down as you search for the houses made from tiny natural objects. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Service of Remembrance — The joy of the season is sometimes overshadowed by loss or grief. This service provides an opportunity to honor memories with prayer, scripture, music and candlelight. A reception follows in the parlor. 7:008:00pm, Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-2611767. RUMC.com/ Christmas

Adaptive Movie Night — All children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities are invited for pizza and a holiday movie. All ages are welcome; youth ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $4 for residents, $6 for nonresidents. 5:30-8:00pm, Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-641-3950. VisitRoswellGa.com continued on

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8 7

continued from

14-16

The North Pole Fa-La-La-La-LaFollies — Get ready for hilarious holiday high-jinx as some talented residents of the North Pole perform in their annual talent show. This sparkling holiday production combines music, live vocal performance and a zany and colorful cast of characters including a wisecracking fruitcake, tumbling teddy bears, the “not-so-abominable” snowman and much, much more! Tickets are $5. This season, the Roswell Cultural Arts Center will partner with North Fulton Community Charities by hosting a Holiday Drive. Patrons attending the show are invited to bring a stocking stuffer to donate. Thursday and Friday 10:00am, Saturday 10:00am and 1:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

Annual Holiday Show and Open House — This is sure to be a fun time with lots of holiday spirit and great artwork on display from all local artists, young and old alike. No admission fee, and there are cash prizes, door prizes and delicious food. You might find the perfect, unique gift, handmade by a local artist. All day, Roswell Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Building D (in Roswell Area Park), Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com

15-17

Elf the Musical Jr. — Based on the holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Tickets are $12. Friday and Saturday 7:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-3987. RoswellGov.com

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

The Sons of Norway Norskevenner Lodge Meeting — Every third Saturday of the month, various lecturers speak at meetings on different aspects of Viking culture. They also have a book club that reads different areas of Norwegian history, literature and popular fiction. 5:00-7:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 404-953-2525. SofNNorskevenner@gmail.com

Wreaths Across America — Coordinated through Roswell Presbyterian Cemetery’s Military Ministry and Boy Scout Troop #87, wreaths will be placed to honor our fallen military heroes. 12:00pm, Roswell Presbyterian Cemetery, 755 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-9936316. RoswellPres.org

21-23

Twas the Night Before Christmas — Based on the classic holiday poem penned by Clement C. Moore more than 100 years ago, Piccadilly Puppets tells the real story of that night from a mouse who was an eyewitness to the whole affair. It’s a merry tale with lots of silly twists and turns to entertain and amuse children of all ages! Tickets are $5. This season, the Roswell Cultural Arts Center will partner with North Fulton Community Charities by hosting a Holiday Drive. Patrons attending the show are invited to bring a pantry item to donate. Thursday 10:00am, Friday 10:00am and 1:30pm, Saturday 10:00am, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

Holiday Open House at Vinings Gallery — See new works from many artists including fine art glass, sculpture, limited edition, and original paintings. 2:00-5:00pm, Vinings Galleries on Elizabeth Way and on Canton Street, Roswell. 770-545-8887. ViningsGallery. com

First Baptist Roswell’s Adult Choir Musical, Jesus — Visit the First Baptist Roswell Sanctuary to hear the adult choir’s singing of the composition, Jesus, composed by Mary McDonald. 7:00pm, First Baptist Roswell, 710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-5876980. FBRoswell.org

Cookies with Mrs. Claus — Children begin by writing letters to Santa while Mrs. Claus shares holiday stories. With assistance from Mrs. Claus and her helpers, the children decorate cookies with seasonal icings and sugars. The event will end with a visit from a very special postman who will gather those Santa letters. Admission is $10, reservations required. 10:00am-12:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855. RoswellGov.com

Park Place Movies —This month’s movie is Serendipity. 1:00pm, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3430. JohnsCreekGa.gov

First Baptist Roswell Christmas Eve Services — Worship Service 10:30am, Family Christmas Eve Service 5:00pm, Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 11:00pm, First Baptist Roswell, 710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-587-6980. FBRoswell.org

Park Place New Year’s Party — Ring in the new year, Park Place style! Everyone is invited to bring an appetizer to share and enjoy games, friendship, and watching the ball drop together! 8:00pm, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3430. JohnsCreekGa.gov

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LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA

10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-740-2425

MILTON

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

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

EAST ROSWELL

2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050

SPEECH FACTORY — PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR TEENS

December 17, 2:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Facilitated by Toastmasters International, this program will teach teens the basics of public speaking. An advanced member of Toastmasters will discuss topics including creating goals and developing a personal mission. This is for ages 12-18. Registration is required. ASTER DUO

HOLIDAY ORNAMENT WORKSHOP FOR TEENS

December 10, 2:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Looking for the perfect holiday gift to give someone special? Students will create their own rustic wooden ornaments during this 90-minute program presented by Out of the Box Art Studio. This is for ages 12-18. Registration is required. CHEF LYNN’S COOKING DEMOS

December 11, 6:00pm, Alpharetta For her last cooking class of 2017, Alpharetta Library’s resident culinary artist, Chef Lynn Ware (of Gourmet Solutions), will discuss healthy holiday cooking tips and techniques on how to prepare healthy holiday meals. Registration is suggested. DONNIE WINOKUR’S CHANCER BOOK SIGNING

December 11, 6:00pm, Roswell Meet the author of the recently released Chancer: How One Good Boy Saved Another, the real-life story that follows the impact of a therapy dog on a young man’s life. This is for adults only. MEET AUTHOR DAREN WANG

December 12, 6:00pm, Milton Join local author Daren Wang as he discusses his debut novel, The Hidden Light of Northern Fires. A novel rooted in the remarkable, but little-known, true history of the only secessionist town north of the Mason Dixon Line. Books will be available for sale and signing. This is for ages 18+.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

THE NOG STORY STORY TIME WITH GAIL HELLER

December 12, 4:00pm, Roswell Hear Gail Heller read the story about the origins of eggnog — a classic holiday treat. This is for ages 4+. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

December 13, 4:00pm, Roswell You can make a difference volunteering at the Roswell Public Library. There are many rewarding opportunities for volunteers including supporting programs and keeping their collections in order. Pick up an application any time. LET’S DO SOME ART!

December 13, 3:30pm, East Roswell Using mixed art mediums, create a piece of artwork to take home with Out of The Box Art Studio. Reservations are required. This is for ages 6-11. HOLIDAY MAGIC ART BY JOHNS CREEK ART CENTER

December 17, 4:00pm, Ocee Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principals Christina Smith (flute) and Elisabeth Remy Johnson (harp) will present a family-friendly program of flute and harp music, along with discussion of the musical selections and their instruments. This is free and open to the public. MAKING HEALTHY TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN

December 20, 10:30am-12:00pm, East Roswell Join this free support group for women by women with empowering and effective tools and results-oriented handouts used by successful professionals and businesses around the world. This will be presented by Sona Tank, Certified Life Coach from Life Purpose Institute. FOREIGN FILMS AT THE ALPHARETTA LIBRARY

December 28, 5:30pm, Alpharetta Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The films will be shown in the library’s auditorium. All are welcome.

December 13, 6:00-7:00pm, Ocee This is a free art program funded by the City of Johns Creek. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to twelve participants. Register online at JohnsCreekArts.org. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 16, 11:00am, Milton Enjoy this traveling theater production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale of the Cratchit family and the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. Seats are limited. This is for ages 5+.

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respectively. If the manufacturer is smart, they will have their engineering team make their devices cross-compatible. Some companies are doing a great job of this, and some aren’t. Just because your smart device has its own app doesn’t mean it is operable with your voice. To top this off, there are tiers of compatibility where you may have a hard time saying just the right thing to Alexa/Google/Siri to get exactly you want.

[HomeLife] Thinking about installing a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit? If so, statistically speaking, you are thinking like millions of others. Here’s some insight into this world: Voice companies are creating a platform for manufacturers to work with. In other words, Amazon/Google/Apple tells Phillips what they need to do for you, the consumer, to control your lights by speaking to Alexa/Google/Siri,

The reality is that if you own an Echo, it

By Michael Buckner

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

may talk to your lights, but not your thermostat. Or, if you have Google Home, it may talk to your thermostat but not your lights. This is when you must hire a home automation expert to make all your devices “talk” to each other. For example, they may need to install a third-party device that talks to all voice devices and nearly every light/

thermostat/TV made. For now, this seems best because anytime there is a situation where Amazon/Google does not talk to, for example, your TV, a custom script can be installed. Then, you can say whatever you need, like, “Alexa, turn on CNBC,” and the financial news is instantly brought to your TV. Most likely, we will eventually stop using a third-party device to achieve crosscompatibility, but there are so many advantages to doing it this way that it may not go away in the next decade. In addition to tying voice commands together, it combines the entire home into one iPhone app instead of a dozen, and offers it up in an iPad app that you can keep in your kitchen.

Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com

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Viking River Cruises

Grand European Tour By Michael Consoli

Does a fifteen-day journey [Lifestyle] through the heart of Europe sound like the perfect vacation? Well then, the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour is your ticket to a vacation that your friends will be jealous of for years to come. Viking River Cruises’ awardwinning Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true, two-room suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library, and expansive sun deck. The ships feature an elegant Scandinavian design and “green” features such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride. On the Grand European Cruise, you will admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle; sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley; learn the Viennese waltz; and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

of Europe. Their most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend. With all these stops, it’s important to remember Viking’s award-winning ships are engineered at a size that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and disembarkation. Each ship boasts a private veranda in every stateroom, a choice of restaurants offering a variety of fine dining options, the most al fresco dining at sea, an infinity pool, a Nordicinspired spa, panoramic Explorers’ Lounge, carefully curated book collections throughout the ship, and more — all designed in understated elegance. And if all of this is not enough, Viking also offers pre- and post-cruise extensions. More days means more to discover,

with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruise tour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight, and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. The Grand European Tour offers a pre-extension in Amsterdam with post-extensions for Prague or Budapest. These extensions offer guided tours, hotel accommodations, transfers, breakfasts and more. These are just a few of the wonderful things in store while on your Grand European Tour. Prices start at just $3,999 for fourteen nights, which includes FREE roundtrip airfare. L

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

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Senator Speaks

erry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! Too often, we are caught up in "political correctness" and miss the reason for the season. I am proud to wish you true tidings of joy! To my Jewish friends, may the light of the season illuminate your life as bright as the menorah. December is a busy month preparing for the upcoming 2018 legislative session. I am sponsoring several important pieces of legislation to create jobs, empower a responsible society and be excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars. For me, Christmas is a day of celebration in remembrance of the Lord giving us His only Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in this spirit that we spend the season preparing for His arrival and giving gifts to others. While we preoccupy ourselves with shopping for the perfect gift for family and friends, we must remember that the best gift we can give is service to another. We can all use a helping hand now and again. Helping a neighbor in need is a responsibility we all share and a premise on which our country

was founded. America’s principle of service to others is one of the things that make this country great. Christmas and Hanukkah is a wonderful time to begin volunteering. Communities across the state host programs and events during the holidays such as food drives, charity auctions and unique events for the elderly or those with special needs. There are many simple ways to give someone the gift of a helping hand. Volunteer at a charity, or give an extra can of food to North Fulton Community Charities. Buy breakfast for a coworker. Send a few extra holiday greeting cards just to show you care. These small gestures of giving may not come wrapped in a box, but they’ll mean more to the recipient than any material possession ever could. I enjoy buying lunch for the car behind me at Chick-fil-A. Of course, at this time of year, we must remember the true public servants who risk their lives for our own. Thousands of brave men and women in our armed forces, police, fire and EMS will stand

guard in the chill of night this Christmas, away from their homes and loved ones. These American patriots deserve our respect and gratitude. At Christmas, sending an email, care package or a letter to a service member stationed overseas is one of the most precious gifts you can give. Pray for safety, and be thankful for the freedoms they protect. President Calvin Coolidge once said, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” We must work harder to keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the new year. Remember, it’s the gifts of life, love, peace and prosperity that we can share together that are so much more than a present under the tree. L

Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. 404463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John. Albers@Senate.Ga.gov

By Senator John Albers

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Community

Milton Announces New Spring Music Festival

Crabapple Middle School Band Performs at Legacy Awards

Live music, furry friends, and Broadwell Road are going to make for an awesome spring street party! The City of Milton recently kicked off its new community partnership with the Vox Artium Foundation to bring Rock for Rescues, a one-day music festival benefiting local animal nonprofits, to Milton on Saturday, April 28, 2018. “This event will replace our annual Milton Jubilee,” said Community Outreach and Engagement Manager Courtney Spriggs. This new, family-friendly music festival combines the volunteer spirit of Milton with its love for animals by benefiting five designated animal charities: Special Equestrians of Georgia, a Milton nonprofit, Pilots ‘N Paws, Pets for Vets, Canine Cellmates, and Furkids. Families coming out to the festival will enjoy music from A Slow Boat to China, Pony League, the Chip McGuire Band, and Linnie & Amy Joy. Festival goers can dine on a number of food truck options. Additional event details will be announced as the festival date approaches. The festival will be held from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. To learn more about Rock for Rescues, visit www.RockForRecues.org.

Crabapple MS band was invited to perform at this year’s Fulton County Legacy of Excellence Awards. The Crabapple Middle School Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Gus Melton, performed before 1300 guests at the World Congress Center.

Sen. John Albers and Georgia DDS Deputy Commissioner Present Three-Wheel Basic Riders Course Permit Sen. John Albers and Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Deputy Commissioner Ricky Rich recently presented Mrs. Linda Robertson with the first ever Three-Wheel Basic Riders Course (BRC) Permit. There are currently over 414,000 licensed riders and 17,000 permit holders in Georgia. Now, three-wheel license waivers are available to keep citizens throughout the state trained, safe and legal. Since August, the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program has trained and certified fifteen rider coaches to deliver the three-wheel curriculum to certify twelve more next spring. The opportunity to earn the Three-Wheel Basic Riders Course Permit will help those who are disabled, veterans, and those who are elderly to be able to still ride.

Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau Awarded Three MarCom Awards The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to announce that it has recently won three MarCom Awards. The Bureau received two Gold Awards for its Alpharetta Insider blog and Experience Awesome in 60 Seconds video as well as Honorable Mention for its 2017 Official Visitors Guide to Alpharetta, Georgia. MarCom is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious creative competitions in the world, recognizing outstanding achievement by creative professionals Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

involved in the concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communication materials and programs. Over six thousand entries are submitted throughout the world from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. Winners are selected from over 300 categories in print, web, video, and strategic communications by industry

professional judges who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. MarCom is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), a 23-year-old international organization consisting of several thousand creative professionals. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Milton Fire-Rescue Launches Community Paramedicine Program

Community The Drake House Receives a Generous Grant Recently, the PGA Tour Superstore though it’s Community Fund awarded The Drake House $5,000 to help homeless women and children become self sufficient and return to stable housing. The grant will be used to continue life skills, after school and career programming. The grant is made possible through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which promotes positive change in peoples’ lives and builds and enhances the communities in which they live. Additionally, the Foundation seeks innovative solutions that enable young people, families and communities to achieve results beyond what seems possible today. “With the support of foundations such as the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, we can continue to improve the services we provide including our new affordable housing program at our Drake Village apartments,” commented Holly York, development director for The Drake House.

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, chronic diseases affect more than 149 million Americans, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 171 million by the year 2030, with many of those having multiple conditions. Finding ways to improve health outcomes for those individuals benefits the entire community through improved quality of life and reduced medical costs associated with chronic disease state management. The Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s new Community Paramedicine Program, the first of its kind in north Fulton, is just one unique way that the department is working to improve the health of Milton residents and promote public safety and education at no cost to citizens. Milton’s program will take a

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novel approach to this healthcare model by pairing the department’s focus on community outreach and education with its numerous life safety initiatives. This program is open to Milton residents of all ages, young and old, who are dealing with chronic health conditions and other special needs. The Community Paramedicine Program offers many educational components including medication, chronic disease, and nutrition and dietary education in addition to medical assessments, wellness checks, and home safety inspections for fire and other health hazards. To learn more about the Community Paramedics Program, call 678-2422541. Patients may self-refer, area medical providers can refer Milton patients to the program, and family members may refer loved ones residing in Milton.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Literacy Week Brings Authors to North Fulton Students from Sweet Apple Elementary, Hembree Springs Elementary as well as 41 other schools across metro Atlanta recently received visits from eleven award-winning children’s book authors during Literacy Week, a weeklong celebration of reading and writing hosted by Cobb EMC and Gas South. Throughout the week, authors challenged 24,000 students to expand their creativity through writing and illustration and to build life-long reading habits. Guest authors included several Georgia writers, as well as NASA author, speaker and space historian Andrew Chaiken and New York Times bestselling author Brian Lies.

Local companies Cobb EMC and Gas South brought together eleven award-winning children’s book authors for the companies’ 8th annual Literacy Week event.

New York Times bestselling author Brian Lies teaches students about illustration during Literacy Week.

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Community Roswell Arts Fund is pleased to announce the purchase of its first sculpture from the 2017 ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour. Sentience, by Atlanta-based artist David Landis, will remain a permanent work of art in the Heart of Roswell Park on Canton Street. Local artist David Landis designs his work not only as a destination piece, but also to meld seamlessly with the park design, landscape, streetscape, and community. He chose the title Sentience for this piece because it means “to feel.” “My aim was to have the viewer experience some emotional reaction when encountering the piece,” said Landis. “As with all public art, the artist can only hope that the work will help to define and create a sense of place. I’m truly honored to have a piece in

Roswell Residents Meet $10,000 Challenge to Keep Sentience

such a welcoming community.” For more information about Keep the Art!, visit ArtAroundRoswell.org.

Milton Teen Honored for Her Work with Seniors might be used to reverse the effects of dementia in adults.

While many teens are focused on writing language arts essays, Milton resident Anuhya Tadepalli and her childhood friend Poojita Chinmay were focused on a writing a strategic plan for a new nonprofit, Chess for a Cause. That nonprofit would ultimately serve as many as 100 seniors across the metro-Atlanta area, and the number served continues to grow. Inspired while volunteering one summer at a local memory care facility, these young students, Anuhya a senior at Milton High School and Poojita a junior at Gwinnett County’s School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, set out to create Chess for a Cause. Both students immersed themselves in researching agerelated dementia and learning how chess

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

“Chess allows the exercise of both the left and right hemispheres,” said Anuhya. “We learned that it helps with the growth of dendrites, which are extensions of brain neurons, and these neurons help improve the overall performance of the brain.” Since launching the nonprofit in 2016, Chess for a Cause has been featured in Georgia Chess News, received an award from the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services as part of a statewide completion to recognize innovative ways to support and engage adults who are older or have disabilities, and most recently, Anuhya was personally recognized by her hometown, the city of Milton, with a proclamation honoring her work with Milton senior citizens.

“Anuhya’s initiative and her dedication are an inspiration to all of us,” said Milton’s Mayor Joe Lockwood. “Her work with seniors not only has medical and physical benefits, but the social and psychological benefits of those interactions with seniors are undeniable.” Chess for a Cause currently serves fourteen senior facilities across several cities including Milton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Suwanee. Volunteers visit senior care, memory care, and assisted living facilities, introducing residents to the game of chess. To learn more about how to volunteer or how your senior facility can receive services, visit ChessForACause.com. As the need for services continues to grow, the nonprofit is currently collecting lightly used or new chess sets, as well as $10-dollar cash donations toward the purchase of additional chess sets.

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Do you remember a time when you did not automatically think about [HealthyLife] your back pain or sciatica before having to move? When did back pain start dictating how long you could sit, stand, walk, sleep at night, or continue with your favorite physical activity? How long have you been in search of relief, so you can get back to normal? Do you believe that you can improve and that there IS more to know about the cause of your back pain and sciatica? Despite what you may have been told, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a pipe dream to imagine getting back to a normal life.

How Do You Know if Your Sciatica or Back Pain Can Be Reduced? By Kim Chastain, BS, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

The crucial thing a physical therapist should look for is whether your pain, numbness, or tingling is reproducible. What were you doing when the pain hit its worst this week? If you were walking or standing around for more than 15 -30 minutes when the pain hit, that is a good sign. Or, perhaps you were sitting, lifting, doing housework, yard work, driving, climbing stairs, getting dressed or getting in and out of the car when the pain got worse? If even one of those activities bothers you and causes you the worst pain or increases the numbness or tingling in your leg, that really is a good sign because we know there is a cause. There is a little trick here, which is that if your pain is reproducible, then it is also reducible. This means that the pain goes away when the cause it addressed.

Kim Chastain, BS, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, founder and CEO of Crabapple Physical Therapy located at adjacent to the new Milton City Hall. 770-686-3700.CrabapplePT.com

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Holiday Sweets and Your Teeth â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Which Treats are on the Naughty List? By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D. Most everyone knows [HealthyLife] candy and sugar are bad for their teeth, yet many find it much more difficult to abstain from these treats during the holiday season. However, there are certain candies and sweets that do more damage than others. Having a piece of pie after a holiday

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

dinner is not going to cause your mouth to break out in decay. What will give you decay is the repetitive bathing of your teeth in sugar. So instead of focusing on the number of sweets, focus on the exposure time of the sugar in your mouth. First up on the naughty list are hard candies that you suck on for a period of time. You are holding a piece of sugar up against your teeth and slowly releasing it, giving the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth a buffet of sugar to choose from. Next on the naughty list would be sticky and chewy candies such as caramels, candied orange slices, jelly beans, taffy, etc. These may dissolve faster than the hard candies, but they are liable to stick to your teeth and continually release sugar directly on your tooth surface (most likely your molar chewing surface). Cakes, pies, brownies, milk and white chocolate also

have a high percentage of sugar, but the good thing is if you eat these types of sweets quickly, you are theoretically exposing your teeth to less sugar time. Here is the good news: Recent studies have concluded that dark chocolate can actually be good for your teeth! Very early studies are showing that a compound found in cocoa husks can help control plaque and provide an antibacterial effect for your oral cavity. The most pure version, in the form of cacao nibs, is the most effective. Most people wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach for that bitter flavor willingly, so a good alternative is a high quality dark chocolate that has very low sugar content compared to milk or white chocolate. Enjoy your holidays and the occasional sweet treat!

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

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This Whole Christmas Thing By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

[InGoodFaith] I heard of a woman who went shopping for Christmas with her two young children. Her day was spent walking down row after row of toys, gadgets, games, and clothes. The mother did her best to remain positive and full of “Christmas spirit,” as she fought the crowds and listened to the constant demands from her children shouting, “Mommy, I want this for Christmas — and this — and this!” Finally, at the end of the day, the exhausted mother made her way to the elevator. She was feeling what many of us experience during the Christmas season — overwhelmed and burdened. The mother was tired from the day of shopping, but she also felt the need to go to every party, attend every housewarming event, taste all the holiday treats, get the perfect gifts, and make sure she did not forget anyone on her

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Christmas card list. As she approached the elevator, she couldn’t wait to get home. Finally, the elevator doors opened, and she noticed there was already a crowd inside. She pushed and shoved herself, all her bags, and her two kids into the packed elevator, and when the doors finally closed, the emotions overcame her. The mother grumbled, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot!” It was then that a calm, quiet voice from the back of the elevator said, “Don’t worry. He was already crucified.” The Christmas season can be overwhelming. It’s a hectic, busy time that often leaves us bone-weary and worn out. But, during it all, God promises to be with us. The poet, Annie Johnson Flint, wrote the following:

God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way; Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love. During this hectic, busy season, may we not forget to keep the One who started “this whole Christmas thing” in our thoughts, deeds, and words.

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

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Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON

In her debut novel, The Big Free, Atlanta urologist Dr. Martha B. Boone draws upon her own medical experience to give readers an inside look at the grueling mental and physical intensity of a doctor’s first year. Dr. Elizabeth Roberts — smart, determined, and well-bred in gentile southern manners — is on a mission. It’s 1982, and there are only 42 women urologists in America. She aims to up that number by one. But first, she must survive residency in one of the toughest surgery departments in the country. Despite its reputation, she purposefully chooses Tulane because if she can make the famous “Tulane Surgery Cut” working at Charity Hospital, a.k.a. “The Big Free,” then maybe she will prove she is worthy for admission into Tulane’s urology program. From day one, Elizabeth is thrust into the reality of inner-city medicine — treating crack addicts, violent prisoners, failed suicide casualties, patients infected with HIV, gunshot victims, and abused prostitutes. Despite 36 hour shifts and entire days of meals acquired only from hospital vending machines, despite being surrounded by a male-dominated environment, a hospital gossip mill, competing constituents ready to let you take the fall for their mistakes, condescending co-workers, and countless other reasons that cause half of the doctors to quit the program, Elizabeth remains. She confesses to Nurse Robichaud (hardened “general” of the ER), “I am not afraid of hard work. Nothing is much harder than hoeing peanuts, pulling cotton and picking tobacco in that hot Carolina sun. The only thing that scares me is not doing a good job with my assigned duty. I come from a long line of people who do their duty.” But what is her duty when multiple patients simultaneously need her attention? How does a doctor decide whose life is more in need of saving? In fiction, as in real life, there are no easy answers. Readers are invited to join Dr. Boone on January 9, 2018, 7:00-8:30pm, at Bookmiser, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 106, to celebrate her novel’s release.

Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Orthodontic Emergencies What to Expect and How to Manage By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

If a Band Comes Off

[HealthyLife] The ligature is the tiny rubber band that’s stretched around the bracket. Its job is to hold the wire to the bracket, so the wire can deliver force to the teeth and move them. If your rubber ligature comes off, try to put it back in place with a sterile tweezers. A wire that is sticking out into your lip but is not loose can be bent back with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Be aware that if one ligature pops off or breaks, others may do so as well. If ligatures continue to break, call your orthodontist for a follow-up visit.

If a Bracket Loosens

action to fix the bracket. If you can’t get to your orthodontist right away, be as careful as possible not to cause any further damage by being especially cautious when eating and brushing.

If Wires Come Out

The arch wire of braces fits in the horizontal slots in each bracket. The wire is secured to all the brackets, and occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out and cause irritation. The best way to alleviate discomfort is to push the wire back down. Gently use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire back, so it’s flat against your tooth. If you can’t get the wire back to a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax to create a buffer between your braces and the area of your mouth that’s irritated. In an extremely bothersome situation, and as a last resort, clip the wire. Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece by putting a folded tissue or piece of gauze around the area. Next, use sharp clippers, and snip off the wire. You can also use wax if the area is still irritated. Finally, make a follow-up appointment with your orthodontist to make sure the braces are still secure and to get a different wire if necessary.

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

If a bracket breaks or comes loose, contact your orthodontist. They will examine your mouth and decide the best course of

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Mayor’s Minute

ohns Creek recently received two notable accolades being named as one of the most successful cities in Georgia (Zippia.com/advice/mostsuccessful-cities-in-georgia/), and for the second consecutive year, we have been recognized as the fourth best city to live in America (247WallSt.com/specialreport/2017/10/12/americas-50-bestcities-to-live-2/2/). As impressive as the two accolades are on their own, it’s even more remarkable when reflecting on the many superlative lists Johns Creek has been recognized in over the past couple of years ( JohnsCreekGa. gov/live-work-play). From the safest city and tops in education, to premier residential living, Johns Creek continues to be a highly sought-after community in which to live, work and play. These key attributes didn’t happen on their own. As a community, we made it happen together. We built our own police and fire departments with a focused effort on staffing each with the best leadership, personnel and equipment. We filled the offices of City Hall with some of the most experienced and highly dedicated professionals any city could hope for. We have more than doubled our available greenspace to expand our parks and recreational opportunities, and we are actively working on long-term solutions to our growing traffic congestion challenge. As parents, we remain actively involved in the schools, which directly contributes to consistent national recognition in academic excellence. Together, we have made some remarkable strides in a relatively short period of time. However, these gains will be for naught without your continued input and engagement in future planning. Many of you may be aware of our ongoing process to make significant changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which is an important document that seeks to preserve and protect residential 22

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

Award-Winning Johns Creek

Seeks Citizen Input to Maintain Excellence By Mayor Mike Bodker neighborhoods and carefully manage future development growth. The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), which has been hard at work on the Plan for nearly a year, is using resident feedback from the most recent draft version to not only significantly update the current draft, but to also improve the readability and presentation of the next. Key changes include reducing the number of community or “character” areas from twelve down to eight. Residents who reside in each character area will have a tailored plan for redevelopment, parks, roadways, trails, and other activities that directly impact where they live. In general, the CAC has heard you loud and clear regarding the desire to minimize growth and density. To that end, if the plan is fully realized, growth will average less than two units per acre of density moving forward.

While the City is not required to complete the Comprehensive Plan update until November 2018, please provide feedback as soon as the next draft is available, which we anticipate in the early part of 2018. We’ll be sure to notify you through all our social media channels and local media as soon as the draft is ready for review. The same deliberate planning and focus that was used to build Johns Creek will also be required to ensure it remains a premier residential community in the future. Please remain involved throughout the process. It will take a collective, focused effort to sustain the path of success we have forged together. L

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

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Harmony Pediatric Therapy is a multipediatric, outpatient clinic that Ihasndisciplinary, proudly served children with special needs

and assisted families throughout Cherokee, Cobb, Pickens, and north Fulton counties since opening its doors in 2008. Their experienced pediatric therapy team offers occupational, physical, speech-language, and music therapies. In January 2018, In Harmony Pediatric Therapy is moving from their current location in Hickory Flat to a larger, completely remodeled, 11,000-square-foot facility on Highway 140 on the Woodstock/Milton/ Canton border. Co-owners and therapists Kristi Estes and Jennifer Puckett combine their experience and expertise to run this amazing facility to provide special care to children with special needs. They are proud of the growth of the practice, the confidence of their clients, and the specialized skills of their therapists. Their team goes above and beyond to ensure each therapy experience is remarkable. They are excited to expand their services in their larger facility.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

At In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, they help children with the following diagnoses: • Apraxia • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Auditory Processing Disorder • Autism / PDD / Asperger Syndrome • Cerebral Palsy • Chromosomal / Syndrome Disorders • Down Syndrome • Feeding Difficulties • Fine and Gross Motor Delays • Sensory Processing Disorders • Speech and Language Disorders • Torticollis In addition to traditional therapy, they offer programs such as Handwriting Without Tears®, Therapeutic Listening®, Fast ForWord®, reflex integration, adaptive music lessons, and community music classes. Their mission is to provide an environment “in harmony” with your child’s needs, where families can receive multi-disciplinary services in a nurturing environment. They offer a support system to navigate through the

therapy world and assist families to meet the specific needs of their child. In Harmony Pediatric Therapy is currently located near Harmony on the Lakes subdivision at 4280 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 108, in Canton. They are open 8:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12:00-6:00pm. They accept insurance and some Medicaid programs. They are in-network with United Healthcare, BCBS, and Cigna for most therapy services. Their new location at 9880 Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock will open next month. Visit InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com or @In Harmony Pediatric Therapy on Facebook for updated information on their exciting move!

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COVER STORY By Cyndi Braun

“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being,” Psalms 104:33.

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Stop by First Baptist Roswell (FBR) for Sunday services, and you’ll hear something you don’t hear often – the sounds of a traditional choir. With choir singers, handbell ringers and a full orchestra, FBR’s music program adds richness to worship services that you must hear to appreciate. FBR has long believed that music is a vital part of worship, but in the past three decades, church members have watched as the music ministry was transformed from average to outstanding.

A Legacy is Born In 1984, the church hired a husbandwife team to direct the music program: Rev. Jerry Tyler, minister of music, and Maryann Tyler, music associate and organist. A Vietnam veteran and graduate of Samford University, Tyler had been minister of music at two churches prior to coming to FBR. Maryann also graduated from Samford with a music education degree, and worked

in a public school before joining her husband in music ministry. Back in 1984, about forty people participated in FBR’s music ministry; today, more than 200 adults, teens and children share their gift of music with the congregation. That kind of growth is a testament to the Tylers’ leadership. “The first time we met with the choir, Tyler told them, ‘You can find a far better musician than I am, but you will find no one who will love you more than I do. And when you love the people with whom you work, you are able to work through any mistakes, and do greater things because you have built a trust,’” said Maryann.

Caring Leadership Orchestra Director Rita Loadholt said the entire church community appreciates the Tylers because every day they show how much they care. “One of the wonderful things about both Tyler and Maryann is that they see talent in people that the people themselves don’t even

Advent Music Programs Dec. 3 Greening Service, all choirs, 6:30pm

Dec. 10 Instrumental Christmas, 7:00pm

Dec. 17 Christmas Cantata, Jesus adult choir, 7:00pm

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services Worship Service, 10:30am Family Service, 5:00pm Candlelight Service, 11:00pm

Sunday Services 8:30am and 11:00am

Bible Study 9:45am

Wednesday Services 6:30-7:30pm

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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see,” said Rita. “Their patience and encouragement not only improve the general level of the music ministry, but also bring about very rewarding experiences for musicians of all ages.” Before the Tylers came to FBR, Rita was a church member who did not know her potential. The Tylers guided and encouraged her to become the orchestra director. Under her leadership, the orchestra has grown to twenty members, ranging from teenagers to senior adults. Maryann also has a special way with the children. Through her leadership, the children not only learn how to sing, they learn how to sing well.

Music Ministry The music ministry includes:

• • • • •

Chancel (adult) choir Orchestra Jubilee ringers (handbells) “His Light” youth ensemble (grades 8-12) Children’s choir (five different groups)

Children may participate in a preschool choir (4-5-year-olds), first grade choir, music makers choir (grades 2-3), young musicians choir (grades 4-7) and a young musicians ensemble (grades 6-7). Coordinated by Maryann, each children’s choir has teachers and an outreach leader to guide the children.

The adult choir sings during all Sunday worship services, while the orchestra, Jubilee Ringers (handbells) and children’s choirs present periodically throughout the year.

A New Season Married for fifty years, Tyler and Maryann have worked side-by-side for 48 of them. “One of the greatest blessings in my life has been having my wife Maryann working beside me,” said Tyler. “I would not be the person I am today if it were not for her, professionally and other ways.” Now in their 70s, the couple recently announced their retirement, effective April 30, 2018.

us to love you and minister to you in many ways, and you have returned that love to us tenfold,” said Tyler in a letter to the church. Tyler added that he feels the future for FBR is exciting under the extraordinary leadership of its pastor. “We feel really blessed that the last pastor that we’ll be working with has been Kevin Head because he’s a man of integrity in the pulpit, in his leadership, in his lifestyle,” said Maryann. While the Tylers will no longer have an active role in FBR, their presence will still be felt in the stirring hymns presented by its music ministry and from the pews, as they worship with the church they love.

“We are not resigning but retiring after more than fifty years of service to our Lord in the local church. Our ministry with you has been the journey of a lifetime because you have allowed

710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, Georgia 30075

FBRoswell.org 26

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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For many people, attending a four-year college after [HomeLife] high school is what they’re expected to do. However, due to the high cost of a college education, many people are considering trade school instead. There are many reasons why trade school is an attractive alternative to a four-year college education. A vocational degree can lead to a well-paying career such as an electrician, HVAC technician, mechanic or dental hygienist.

New Career A

for the

New Year?

A trade school can take as little as two years to complete, which puts you in the workplace and earning money two years earlier. A four-year degree requires you take classes outside your major, which means you’ll spend time in classes that don’t relate to your degree. Another advantage of trade school is that a lot of the training material is lab based, and hands-on training can be ideal for many different types of learners. Additionally, most of the positions that require or prefer a trade school education are hard to export to another country. With more jobs being outsourced to other countries where labor is cheaper, it can be difficult to find employment in certain domestic sectors. For example, it is easier to export information economy work, such as computer programming, than physical work such as HVAC repair, electrical work or carpentry. Also, there’s a growing demand in the U.S. for high-precision skills, and with skilled trade workers being disproportionately older, there will always be opportunities for younger workers to fill their shoes.

By Jessica Helms Jessica Helms is an executive assistant/communications director for R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RAndDMechanical.net

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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By Debra Robinson [HomeLife] The term “Sandwich Generation” was coined in the 1980s to describe the growing number of people in their 40s or 50s who are raising young or teenaged children, and at the same time serving as caregivers to their aging parents. Members of the Sandwich Generation are the ones who children and parents rely on to handle all problems, from appointments with the pediatrician to appointments with the Alzheimer’s specialist, from finding a babysitter to finding a certified nursing assistant, from paying for summer camp to paying for adult day care. Many of those in the Sandwich Generation work full-time or part-time jobs, are responsible for maintaining a household, and deal with their caregiving duties on top of everything else. Their to-do lists can be overwhelming, and they do their best to manage it all. There is one responsibility, though, that many Sandwich Generation members overlook: putting a plan in place to provide for their children and parents if something happened, and the one who handles it all isn’t there to handle it anymore. Too many people have no estate plan at all, and most who do might have a plan that creates a trust for their young children, but says nothing about Mom or Dad. If you are responsible for caring for an aging parent, what would happen to them if you died? If you are providing for them financially, shouldn’t you have an estate plan that makes sure they are comfortable in their old age? If your parent is living with you, shouldn’t you make sure they’d still have a place to live if you weren’t there anymore? Some parents do have enough financial resources to provide for themselves, but many are living on Social Security and maybe a small pension, and they rely on their children to help cover their expenses. If a child dies without a plan to provide for the parent, what happens? Sandwich Generation members need to make sure that all the things they are doing for their children and their parents could still be done even if they are no longer there.

Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com

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Cancer Screening in Women [HealthyLife] Women are at risk for many types of cancers. Cancer is a very scary diagnosis, and many patients ask to be screened for cancer. Patients visit their doctor with anxieties surrounding their family member’s or friend’s cancer diagnosis. There are several reliable tests that screen for cancer in women that are important to discuss with your primary care provider. Although there is no one test that can 100% accurately determine if you have cancer, screening can be performed. This screening often results in earlier detection, earlier treatment and better outcomes. • Colorectal Cancer - A screening colonoscopy is recommended every ten years for adults 50-75 (45-75 in African-Americans). For those wary of a procedure, a newer, noninvasive screening can be performed called Cologuard, which can detect abnormal stool DNA. If the Cologuard

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

is abnormal, then it is essential to have a colonoscopy. • Breast Cancer - An annual screening mammogram is recommended by most physicians starting at age 40, and many physicians recommend a baseline screening mammogram at age 35. • Cervical Cancer - A pap smear with HPV testing is recommended every 3-5 years for women ages 21-65. It is important to point out that even these tests can have false positive (detecting something that turns out not to be cancer) or false negative (missing an existing cancer) results. Other tests are also available (radiology exams, skin checks, and physical exams) to help detect cancers.

By Jaime Kutter, P.A.

Family history can be important in determining when to start screening and at what interval. Developing a trusting relationship with your primary care provider is essential. By having a thorough discussion with you, assessing your family history, and evaluating you as a whole person, your doctor can better determine your risk of cancer and your best screening options.

Jaime Kutter is a physician’s assistant at Morrow Family Medicine, 12970 GA-9, Milton. 770-781-8004. MorrowFamMed.com

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Ingredients

Procedure

• 2 cups yellow onion, diced small • 2 cups celery, diced small • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • ¼ lb. butter • ¾ cup all-purpose flour, sifted • 1 qt. half & half • 1 qt. red potatoes, diced medium, blanched until tender • ¼ lb. clam bouillon • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • ¾ cup white wine • 1 bay leaf • 1.5 teaspoons tabasco • 1.5 teaspoons chopped thyme • 1 teaspoon celery seed • 2 ears corn, kernels removed from the cobb • 1 lb. clam meat

- In a pot, sweat the onion and celery until translucent. - Add the garlic, and sauté. - Add the butter, and allow it to melt. - Stir in the clam bouillon, and add the bay leaf. - Add the sifted flour, and whisk to create a roux. - When the roux is cooked (approx. 10 minutes), add the white wine. - When the mixture thickens, whisk in the half & half, and allow it to thicken again. - Add the corn, tabasco, lemon juice, thyme, potatoes and celery seed, and allow the soup to thicken once more. - Add the clams with their juice at the end as to not overcook them. - Garnish with oyster crackers and parsley

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(optional).

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Artist Profile BY SAMANTHA CANUEL

Meet Sue Burkhart Chisholm

Burk’art Clay

ue Burkhart Chisholm has been creating unique nativities in north Georgia for over twenty years. After a life of traveling, Chisholm and her husband currently reside in north Georgia. This exceptional artist had much to say about her journey through clayworks, tradition, and storytelling. The Clay Became My Path When asked about when she knew she was meant to be an artist, Chisholm began by remembering the beauty of sumi-e painting. As part of an Air Force family stationed in Taiwan, Chisholm still remembers the elegance of those gentle brushstrokes. She recalls this artistry as “purely magical.” In her college years, Chisholm explored her fascination of the arts by studying clay, silversmithing and weaving, eventually following the muddled, pliable path of a potter.

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Inspiration Became Simple While residing in Taos, New Mexico, a friend asked why Chisholm hadn’t created nativity sets before. Although she was still settling into the south, Chisholm knew that the market was perfect for the traditional décor. “That’s when the inspiration became simple; I began to make my family part of my art,” Chisholm said. Each of Chisholm’s recent projects connects with generations of her family in a very special way. “Each piece of the collection includes family heirlooms and other treasures that allow me to create the textures in the clay figurines for our nativities,” Chisholm explained. “It’s a way for me to carry on my family’s traditions.” Chisholm added that she took some creative license with some aspects of the nativities she designs. “I grew up on my grandparent’s farm, and the animals on the farm are the recent creatures added.” Community as a Conduit “The arts frame the persona of the community; history has long told us that,” Chisholm stated. She explained that community is the conduit for the art, artist, and patron to connect. Her electric passion was evident as she continued by saying, “It’s the spark of imagination between the artist and the individual sharing the art

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form to cross paths, usually taking place in that setting.” When asked about how she chooses to connect with the community, she said, “The hardest part of being in a community is being an artist.” She explained the balance that an artist must go through; it’s about more than just the art, but sometimes, it’s hard to get out of that mindset. Exciting the Next Generation When asked about her advice for budding artists, Chisholm’s answer was simple: Success is about the business of the arts. She said that all young artists and entrepreneurs should understand that it is hard work, which can include working seventy or eighty hours a week. It’s also a good idea to have two years of working capital along with a solid business model, and a strong sense of craftsmanship. “And don’t forget to pay yourself! Many artists forget that you earn a salary, too,” she said. To learn more about Sue and her clay works, visit BurkartClay.com/.

Samantha Canuel is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/

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Senator Speaks

A Season of Service By Senator Brandon Beach

any of us take for granted the holiday season and all the fun and fellowship that comes with it. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to give back to your community and repay some of the individuals who work tirelessly to make it great. It is especially important to recognize the sacrifices of our military veterans and their steadfast dedication to preserving the principles of our country. Unfortunately, veterans often face many challenges upon returning from their deployment. Some find it difficult to find employment, while others struggle to find adequate housing or face any number of daily difficulties. These brave men and women deserve better, and there is plenty you can do in your community to make a difference in the life of a service member. It could be something as simple as giving

BOOK SUGGESTIONS

for the Gardener in Your Life By Lisa Ethridge

[HomeLife] Ho-Ho Hmmmmmm? What books should Santa deliver to all the good gardeners on his list this year? Here are some winning suggestions: The New Southern Living Garden Book has a newly revised, updated edition; it has been THE definitive source for nearly fifty years. L.T. Chaplin’s The Southern Gardener’s Book of Lists is an innovative sourcebook that enables southerners to create the yard they want. Donald and Chris Hastings’ Monthby-Month Gardening in the South — What to Do and When to Do It presents step-by-step instructions 34

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

them a ride to a doctor appointment or sponsoring a companion animal for those returning with PTSD. If you know of someone who is on a current deployment, take the time to write them a letter, or send them a care package to let them know you’re thinking of them. If you are able, organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and United Service Organizations (USO) rely on donations to get resources to service members in need. These organizations are vital resources to so many of our nation’s veterans. However, perhaps the most important thing you can do for our veterans is something that everyone is capable of: saying “thank you.” As you and your family

for year-round care of lawns, gardens, flowers, and houseplants. J. Baker’s Plants Are Still Like People is an advocate of the five P’s of gardening: pride, patience, persistence, practice, and a little bit of prayer. Crockett’s Victory Garden by James Crockett is the companion to his nationally acclaimed PBS series, this month-bymonth guide is enjoyable, rewarding, and easy to understand. S. Cohen and N. J. Ondra’s The Perennial Gardener’s Design Primer will teach you how to plan a garden that incorporates unique combinations of plants to achieve stunning effects. Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allen Armitage is an authoritative guide about the soaring popularity of native plants. Roy Lancaster’s Perfect

gather around the table this Christmas, remember those who do not have the opportunity to be with theirs. Remember to give back to your community, and help your neighbors in need. By donating your time or skills to one of the many service organizations dedicated to veterans or anyone in need, you are embracing the true meaning of the season.

Brandon Beach is a state senator for district 21, which encompasses a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.

Plant Perfect Place will help you pick the perfect plant for that unusual location with this invaluable practical planner. Ken Druse’s The Natural Shade Garden offers award-winning, expert advice in his personal selection of eighty ideal plants for the natural gardener. Rosalind Creasy’s Edible Landscaping won the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) annual Garden Book Award. Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl has won multiple book awards. The author, a geobiologist, tells the story of her life and love of plants. So, let the holiday fun begin! Any of these would make a great gift for the gardener in your life.

Lisa Ethridge is a member of the award-winning Roswell Garden Club and a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net

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5 Tips to Conquer Math Homework By Mark Tolbert

Math is a tricky subject for many students, and [AcademicLife] most parents don’t feel confident helping when the homework becomes difficult. Math is a cumulative subject that continues to build on skills learned, so it can be hard — especially as children move into middle and high school — for parents to jump into a lesson and offer help. Here are five tips for parents to help their children navigate their way through math homework: 1. Encourage your child to look for similar problems. When your child gets stuck on a problem, have them look for sample problems that cover similar information. 2. Read the question carefully. In Common Core math, critical reading skills are just as important as math skills, sometimes more so. Parents can help by having their children read a problem step by step and confirm they understand it. 3. Talk through what was covered in class. Parents can diffuse their children’s frustration by taking a step back and asking what the teacher taught that day. Review class notes together to look for clues on how the teacher walked students through a problem. This might help jog their memory with some of the specifics that are escaping them during homework time.

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

Lung Cancer Awareness —

A Survivor’s Story of Gratitude By Jackie Archer

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as a stage three, nonsmoking, lung cancer survivor, I have an attitude of gratitude that I cannot contain! My story is unique in that my cancer was found by accident. A little more than twelve years ago, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in no injuries but revealed an orangesized tumor growing in my lower right lung. Within two weeks, I was diagnosed, tested and had surgery to remove the silent killer along with the middle and lower lobe of my right lung. Thankfully, I have been cancer free ever since. When I reached my five-year cancer-free Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

4. Double check math facts. Math skills build on each other, becoming increasingly more complex. While a calculator may solve a simple sixth grade math question, it cannot solve an algebra word problem or factor an equation. Successful math students do not rely on calculators. 5. Develop a list of questions. When children end up with a wrong answer and still can’t figure out where they made a mistake after reviewing their steps to check their work, parents should have them write down specific questions about the steps that confused them. This will allow them to have a productive conversation with their teacher the following day — and prove that they gave the assignment their best effort.

anniversary, knowing that there is only a fifteen percent chance of survival past five years of diagnosis, I had a strong desire to give back by raising awareness as well as funds for research and development. With the assistance of state legislators, I was blessed to be able to spearhead a vanity license plate, making Georgia the first state in the country to have a lung cancer awareness license plate. The license plate simply states, “In Georgia, Lung Cancer Matters.”

with what I have left.” After the x-rays had been taken, the technician motioned for me to look at the image and began sharing with me that my right lung is now nearly the same size as my left! As my eyes began to tear up, I looked at the image and saw that my right lung had regenerated! Another miracle! It is clear to me and many others that my car accident was no accident at all. God was trying to get my attention, and it worked! There are no words to describe the depth of gratitude to God for giving me a second chance at life.

Last month, during a routine chest x-ray, the technician asked me if my right lung had grown back. I laughed a little and replied, “No, and it was much too painful when it was removed, so I will be content WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Cookies made by Family Life Publications staff

Maammool Cookies (makes approx. 12-15 cookies) Cookie Ingredients 1 box of cream of wheat (2 Ibs.) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ lb. butter, melted 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 cup whole milk ½ cup powdered sugar Decorative cookie mold(s) Filling Ingredients 1 lb. walnuts, ground 1-1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon rosewater (optional)

Procedure - Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. - Combine walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and rosewater (optional), and set aside. - With an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream of wheat until it is a fine, smooth consistency. - Add vanilla to the butter and cream of wheat mixture. - Knead flour and milk into the butter and cream of wheat until a shortcake-like dough consistency is formed. - Form egg-shaped cookies; perforate one end enough to allow for 1 tablespoon of filling.

- Close the perforated end by moistening. - Press each cookie into a mold, and then remove from the mold. - Lay the cookies ¼ inch apart on a cookie sheet. - Bake 25-30 minutes, or until cookies are light brown. Do not overbake. These cookies should be almost a toastedalmond shade. - Once removed from the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar on each cookie while still hot.

Oreo® Cookie Truffles (makes about 48 truffles) Ingredients 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 40 Oreo® cookies (choose your favorite flavor), finely crushed, divided 4 pkgs. (4 oz. each) BAKER’S semi-sweet chocolate (or other flavor of your choice), broken into pieces, melted Extra toppings of your choice to use as garnish (mint Oreos® sprinkled with crushed peppermint, chopped pistachios or chopped peanuts atop truffles made with the new peanut butter flavor, etc.)

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

Procedure - Mix the cream cheese and 3 cups cookie crumbs until blended. - Shape into 48, 1” balls, and freeze for 10 minutes. - Dip the balls in the melted chocolate, and place them in a single layer in a shallow, waxed-paper-lined pan. - Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs or other toppings of your choice. - Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

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By Julie Senger

If you are getting together with a group of your friends, neighbors, fellow churchgoers, or co-workers to do a fun cookie swap this month, North Fulton Family Life magazine has put together a variety of cookie recipe options to suit everyone’s taste buds. Below, you’ll find a filled, shortbread-like cookie recipe, a no-bake truffle recipe, a spicy cookie bar recipe, a citrusy-frosted cookie recipe, a nutty/chocolaty cookie recipe, a fruity cookie recipe, and a healthy cookie recipe. So, choose your favorite; gather your ingredients; and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of something sweet and delicious!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars (makes 9-12 bars) Cookie Bar Ingredients ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 large egg, room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch ½ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon salt Cinnamon Sugar Topping Ingredients ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Procedure - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. - Line a 9”x9” square baking pan with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugars until evenly combined and no sugar lumps remain. - Ensure that the butter isn’t still hot, then stir in the egg and vanilla until combined. - Carefully stir in the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar and salt until no flour lumps remain.

- Spoon/spread the mixture into your prepared pan. - In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients. - Sprinkle the topping mixture over the cookie batter until it’s evenly distributed and completely covers the batter. - Bake for 22-25 minutes or until you can start to see the sides of the bars just starting to pull away from the edges. - Allow to cool before removing from the pan, and cut into 9 or 12 bars.

Lemon-Frosted Snowflake Cookies (makes 4 dozen) Ingredients 1 ¼ cups softened butter, divided 2 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar, divided ¾ cup cornstarch 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Procedure - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. - Grease a cookie sheet, and set aside. - Cream 1 cup butter and ½ cup sugar until pale yellow.

- Combine cornstarch and flour, and beat into butter and sugar mixture. - Shape the dough into 48 small balls, and flatten with the floured bottom of a glass. - Sprinkle nuts on the flattened cookies, and pat firmly. - Place cookies 2” apart on the cookie sheet, and bake for 15 minutes, rotating the pan after 7 minutes. - Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on a plate. - Melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter, and combine with 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice. If frosting is too runny, allow it to sit; if it is too thick, add lemon juice. - Frost cookies, and enjoy! more recipes on page 38

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continued fron page 37

Skinny Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies (makes 12-15 cookies) Ingredients 1 cup quick oats ¾ cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon Scant ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large egg ½ cup honey About ½ to ¾ cup dried cranberries Procedure - Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - Pull out 2 medium bowls, one for dry ingredients, one for wet. - In one bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. - Melt the butter in the other bowl. Let it cool slightly. - Whisk the vanilla, then the egg, then the honey into the melted butter. - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and use a wooden spoon to stir until combined (don’t overmix). - Add the dried cranberries into the dough. - Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes, or freeze for about 15 minutes. - Use your hands to shape the dough into about 15 cookies. - Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2” apart. - Bake for about 12-13 minutes or until the cookies have just started to brown around the edges. - Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack or plate.

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (makes 2-3 dozen, depending on how large you make them) Ingredients 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 large egg 1 cup sugar ½ cup chocolate chips Procedure - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. - Mix peanut butter, egg, and sugar together in a medium sized mixing bowl until well combined. The batter will be thick.

- Add the chocolate chips, and stir until evenly distributed. - Scoop out tablespoon-sized cookies, and drop them on a cookie sheet. Be sure to leave a few inches between the cookies, as they will expand while baking. - Bake until cookies are lightly browned. - Remove the cookies from the oven; transfer them to a cookie plate; allow them to cool; and then enjoy!

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies (makes about 4 dozen) Ingredients - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll 1 ½ cups butter, softened tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and 1 ½ cups sugar place them 2” apart on an ungreased 8 oz. cream cheese cookie sheet. 2 large eggs - Using your finger, make an indention in 2 tablespoons lemon juice the center of each ball, and fill with ½ 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest teaspoon of apricot preserves. 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour - Bake for 15 minutes, or until edges are 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder golden. 1 cup apricot preserves - Allow cookies to cool on the baking Confectioner’s sugar for garnish (optional) sheet for 2 minutes before removing to Procedure wire racks to cool completely. - In a large bowl, cream together the - Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar butter, sugar, and cream cheese until (optional). smooth. - Beat in the eggs one at a time. - Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. - Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, and stir it into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Cover, and chill until firm (about 1 hour).

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Get on the Good Foot with P

odiatry is currently one of the fastest growing medical specialties due to an aging population and the increase in diabetes and other diseases affecting the lower extremities. Podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the lower extremities, namely the foot and ankle region. Podiatric training is acquired through dedicated podiatric medical schools and not within the traditional medical school system. Physicians earn a doctorate in podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) rather than an M.D. For this reason, it has often been misunderstood as a specialty. Village Podiatry Centers has grown into the largest podiatric surgical practice in the southeast, as well as one of the largest nationwide. The practice currently has more than 45 doctors in 35 offices throughout the metro-Atlanta area, middle Georgia and Tennessee. Their highly experienced, board-certified and board-qualified physicians provide comprehensive treatment and surgery for all foot and ankle conditions and injuries. All physicians at Village Podiatry Centers have more than ten years of training, which includes a bachelor’s degree, a four-year podiatric doctorate degree, and a minimum of three years of surgical residency training. Your feet are your foundation, and they allow you to be mobile and live. It has been said, “If you take care of your feet, your feet will take care of you.” Oftentimes, people take their feet for granted until they experience an ongoing problem that is painful or debilitating. By maintaining good practices, you can often prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Do you have a foot or ankle concern and need to make an appointment? Village Podiatry Centers is always available to help. Call their scheduling center at 770-771-6991 anytime between the hours of 7:30am and 6:00pm EST to book your appointment.

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all

for a Purpose’s mission is to raise awareness of blood cancer, so they, along with the enlightened community, can ensure fundamental support is provided and sustained for families who are impacted by this disease. They strive to provide,“intentional, purposeful, community support.”All for a Purpose exists so that no individual or family must face blood cancer alone. When the unthinkable happens, the trauma of fighting cancer, the stress of caring for a sick family member, compounded with the unforeseen medical expenses associated with the long-term recovery and survival of a blood cancer can be more than one family can handle on their own. Whether it’s to help pay household bills, provide household repairs, assist with medication co-pays, uninsured medical expenses or travel expenses, All for a Purpose is there to lend a hand. All for a Purpose is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity that exists to provide practical support to families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis.They bring hope directly to families.

Community Partners Here are things All for Purpose does to help those with blood cancer and their families:

Hope Fund

A family that is undergoing treatment for ALL/ BMT can qualify to receive a onetime grant within a calendar year to help with their greatest financial need.

Snack Sacks

Sacks filled with a variety of snacks are provided directly to patients while they receive treatment within hospitals and clinics located in and around the Atlanta area.

Chemo-Comfort Travel Packs

Essential comfort items are included in

each pack to aid in the wellbeing of the patient while they receive treatment. All projects are available for youth to engage in the opportunity of giving. Whether it’s to help prepare and fill Snack Sacks & Back Packs, hold a toy drive, or fundraise for the cause, their support is a contribution of hope to families facing blood cancer. By collaborating with various businesses and organizations within a community, this partnership can help to ensure the day-to-day needs of a family are sufficiently supported. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about how you can help All for a Purpose, visit AllForAPurpose.org.

All for a Purpose focuses on serving individuals (adults or children) and their family unit who are directly impacted by acute lymphoblastic leukemia/ bone marrow transplant (ALL/BMT). The effects of this diagnosis are not limited to the patient.The challenges a family faces can be multifaceted, as they navigate their fears, uncertainty, financial challenges, time constraints, and isolation from friends, family and even one another: •

•

Whether newly diagnosed, during and after treatment, through longterm survivorship or advanced disease, All for a Purpose knows firsthand what it’s like to experience the complexity of this disease and the effects it can have on the family. When they say they know what a family goes through, they mean it. They’ve been there and want to help ease the burden. They understand that despite having medical insurance, treatment is extremely costly regardless of an individual’s socioeconomic status at the time of diagnosis and beyond. North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

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Tasteof BY PAUL BODROGI

(YIELDS ONE 9-INCH PIE) CHOCOLATE PIE CRUST INGREDIENTS

CHESS FILLING INGREDIENTS n 2 oz. butter n 2 oz. semisweet chocolate n 5 oz. sugar n Â˝ oz. cocoa powder n Pinch of salt n 4 oz. whole milk n 3 eggs n 1 oz. bourbon

n 7 oz. all-purpose flour n 1 oz. cocoa powder n 1 tablespoon sugar n 10 oz. unsalted butter n 3 oz. cold milk.

CHOCOLATE PIE CRUST PROCEDURE 1. Put the first 4 ingredients into a mixer, and blend until the mixture is like course sand. 2. Add the cold milk, and mix until just combined. 3. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 4. When chilled, roll the dough out into a 9-inch pie pan. The dough should be about 1/8 of an inch thick. 5. Prebake (blind bake) the crust until set.

CHESS FILLING PROCEDURE 1. Gently melt the chocolate and butter. 2. Whisk the remaining ingredients together until well combined. 3. Stir in the melted chocolate and butter. 4. Pour the mixture into the prebaked pie shell, and bake at 320 degrees until set (about 30 minutes). 5. Remove from the oven; refrigerate; and let it set.

PECAN BOURBON SAUCE INGREDIENTS n 2 oz. bourbon n 4 oz. brown sugar n 2 oz. heavy whipping cream n 1 teaspoon salt n 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, toasted n 2 oz. butter

PECAN BOURBON SAUCE PROCEDURE 1. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a pot, and bring to a boil. 2. Remove from the heat, and stir in the butter. 3. Stir in the chopped pecans. 4. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before drizzling over the pie.

Paul Bodrogi is a pastry chef, Pastry Live event producer and instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College.

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Ways to Beat “I’m Bored” this Winter Break By Christy Noll

[HomeLife] The winter holidays are now upon us! The house will be decorated; Santa and the elves will visit; family may come and go; but then what? How do we keep the smile on those adorable faces and entertain the kiddos when they are simply tired of being at home and out of their school routine? If you are starting to feel anxious about how to keep the kiddos entertained over the holidays, have no fear, here are a few suggestions for when they utter, “I’m Bored!” Crafts - Pull out the crafts you have, or pick up holiday-themed crafts from your favorite craft store. Games - Holidays often allow for more

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

time to play board games, specifically some of the longer games that you might not have time to play often. Play Dates - Invite a friend or two over to play to break up the monotony being around family. Bake - Let the kiddos help bake in the kitchen; make cookies for friends/neighbors. Get Outside - Go for a walk; play in the yard; or park, and get outside for fresh air!! Take a few balls and a frisbee for entertainment. Get a game of manhunt going with neighbors or dodgeball in a cul-de-sac. Library Events - Local libraries plan activities months ahead, and the holidays have no shortage of fun, family, and free events. See the library calendar in this edition North Fulton Family Life magazine; check with your local library; or visit AlpharettaMoms.org for a list of fun options. Field Trips - Take a day, and visit a museum or historical site over the holidays. Many Atlanta venues will have holiday themes and exhibits with special days that include arts, crafts, and other entertainment.

So, don’t stress over how to keep the kids from being bored; instead, plan a few things ahead of time! You will have them as busy as they want to be, and before they know it, school will be back in session.

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

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he Nail Eagle Salon and Spa is professionally designed to feel serenely inviting, so clients feel like they can immediately relax and enjoy their visit. Clients are also offered complimentary bottled water, coffee and more. Nail Eagle provides a variety of nail enhancement service options including Brisa Gel and Solar Nails as well as a variety of pedicures. Additionally, they offer waxing, massages, facials and eyelash extensions. Nail Eagle has been a successful business in Marietta for over sixteen years. Owner Nancy Tran chose Alpharetta for her second location. Customer service is of the utmost importance to Nail Eagle. All their professionals must be licensed cosmetologists, and prior to servicing any client, Nail Eagle requires all employees to undergo a detailed customer service program and pass an evaluation to ensure everyone leaves happy and satisfied with the service they have been provided. The staff sanitizes all tools and uses liners in the spa chairs for medical-grade, sanitized protection.

NailEagleSalon.com

Experience Nail Eagle Salon and Spa for yourself. Their friendly and highly skilled nail technicians will provide excellent service, as you enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere. They accept appointments and walk-ins if technicians are available. The salon is open from 9:00am8:00pm Monday-Saturday, and 12:00-6:00pm on Sunday. For appointments, please call 470-273-5754. They are located at 5304 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. For more information, visit NailEagleSalon.com.

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Christmas in Roswell C

hristmas in Roswell, Georgia is celebrated on a grand scale with over sixty events filling the calendar. Start your celebration with a stop at the Roswell Visitors Center to pick up a Christmas In Roswell and Other Holiday Events brochure, bursting with information on activities for all ages. While there, reminisce with the vintage train and village scene created around the Christmas tree by the Roswell Garden Club.

By Marsha Saum

For over 25 years, Roswell has hosted the Lighting of the Historic Town Square, laid out on land donated by our founding father, Roswell King, in 1839. On the first Saturday in December, the mayor reads “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and there is a visit from Santa Claus! With vendors serving hot chocolate and carolers singing, it is a wonderfully nostalgic tradition. After the Lighting of Historic Town Square, attendees may ride the holiday bus to the Adult Recreation Center where children ages 12 and younger enjoy shopping for relatives, making arts and crafts, and face painting. The shop will again be open on Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm. The children choose gifts priced affordably, and proceeds benefit the Roswell Ramblers Senior Club. Concessions are available for purchase. Some of Santa’s elves will assist children with gift wrapping. The Southern Trilogy — Roswell’s historic house museums (Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation) — will be dressed in seasonal splendor and open for tours. View unique arrangements that decorate Smith Plantation courtesy of Roswell Garden Club; celebrate the remarkable women of the 19th century at Bulloch Hall; and see an exhibit of antique toys at Barrington Hall. Special

North Fulton Family Life | DECEMBER 2017

activities include baking cookies with Mrs. Claus, building a gingerbread house, or witnessing the melting of Scrooge’s heart in A Christmas Carol. Enjoy high tea in a historic mansion, get thrills and chills on a Roswell Ghost Tour, see a reenactment of Mittie Bulloch’s December 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt, or have a “conversation” with the last living bridesmaid of that memorable union. Snap your picture with live reindeer at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, or find fairy houses and gnome homes along the woodland trails. Sing along with carolers on Canton Street, or watch a movie, and enjoy a pajama party with Santa. Stroll along Canton Street with art galleries and shops having open houses; sip a warm drink at a sidewalk café; or indulge in the

culinary delights that have made Roswell famous as a dining destination. Enjoy works in clay at Art Center West, puppet shows at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, and so much more. Presenting memorable holiday performances for over 25 years, the Atlanta Dance Theatre performs The Nutcracker, a family favorite for the holidays, at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. In Roswell, during the holiday season, history comes alive, tours are abundant, and art and culture are festively celebrated.

Marsha Saum is the tourism sales manager at the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-640-3253. MSaum@RoswellGov.com; VisitRoswellGa.com

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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings

11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-993-8806 GNFCC.com American Barber Shop 1010 Mansell Road Roswell 770-888-5500 Barber Shop

On the Border 10575 Davis Drive Alpharetta 404-991-2660 Restaurant

Lefko Construction

105 Mansell Circle Commercial/Residential Construction

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

13 Hub Lane

10800 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 402 Roswell 770-802-5740 Interior Décor

Anderson Center for Hair and Aesthetics

2710 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 150 Alpharetta 404-256-4247 Hair Care

The Crab and the Apple 12640 Crabapple Road Alpharetta 770-864-5228 Children’s Boutique

Hardscrabble Green Loop Roswell

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North Fulton Community Information Water Mountain Park Roswell City of Atlanta (Sandy Springs) Fulton County (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Milton)

770-993-4231 770-641-3707 404-658-6500 404-612-6830

Electricity Cobb EMC Georgia Power Sawnee EMC

770-429-2100 888-660-5890 770-887-2363

Natural Gas Atlanta Gas Light Gas South

770-994-1946 877-472-4932

Cellular Service AT&T Wireless Verizon Wireless T-Mobile

888-333-6651 800-922-0204 800-937-8997

Healthcare Numbers Emergency 911 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Alpharetta 404-785-8540 Emory Clinic, Perimeter 404-778-6100 Emory Johns Creek 678-475-7000 WellStar North Fulton Hospital 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital 404-851-8000 St- Joseph’s Hospital 404-851-7001 Passport Information 877-487-2778

Driver’s License Department of Driver Services 678-413-8400 Sandy Springs 678-413-8400; 404-730-6100 Alpharetta 404-613-6100 Voter Registration Fulton County Voter Registration Office

404-730-7072

Police & Fire GA State Patrol Sheriff ’s Dept- County Marshal Fire Marshal Fulton County Office of Emergency Management

706-692-4835 404-612-5100 404-612-4451 404-612-5700 404-612-5660

Vehicle Tags & Registration Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office Dorothy Benson Center

404-730-6100 404-705-4900

Emissions Inspection 800-449-2471 Garbage Pick-Up Alpharetta Roswell Mountain Park Johns Creek Milton Sandy Springs

678-297-6060 770-641-3759 770-993-4231 678-512-3200 678-242-2500 770-730-5600

Telephone AT&T Residential AT&T Small Business Cbeyond Communications Charter Business

888-757-6500 877-490-1971 866-424-5544 888-692-8635

Internet Charter Communications Comcast

Local Libraries Alpharetta Central Library (Atlanta) Ocee Library Northeast/Spruill Oaks Roswell Library Sandy Springs

404-730-1700 404-730-1700 770-360-8897 770-360-8820 770-640-3075 404-303-6130

Business/Community/Government Numbers U-S- Small Business Administration Secretary of State Small Business Development Center Georgia Department of Labor Atlanta Visitors’ Bureau Animal Services Better Business Bureau Birth/Death (Vital) Records Business License Development Authority of Fulton County Planning and Community Service Fulton County Public Schools Fulton County Public Health Centers-Alpharetta Fulton County Public Health Centers-Sandy Springs

404-331-0100 404-656-2881 404-413-7830 404-730-7944 404-521-6600 404-613-0358 404-766-0875 404-679-4702 404-612-7722 404-612-8078 404-612-7800 404-768-3600 404-332-1958 404-612-2273

Senior Centers Roswell 770-640-1583 Alpharetta/Crabapple 770-751-9397 Sandy Springs 404-705-4900 City of Alpharetta 678-297-6000 Alpharetta Welcome Center 678-297-0102 Business Licenses 678-297-6086 Community Development 678-297-6070 Building Inspections 678-297-6080

888-438-2427 404-266-2278; 800-934-6489

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Quotables “Thankfully, dreams can change. If we’d all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses.” -Stephen Colbert “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” -Evelyn Beatrice Hall

“Going through things you never thought you’d go through will only take you places you never thought you’d get to.” -Morgan Harper Nichols

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” -Plato

“Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living and truth loving.” -James E. Faust

thankful. “Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be Conceit is self-given; be careful.” -Harvey Mackay

“If we lose love and self-respect for each other, this is how we finally die.” -Maya Angelou

“I have never believed you make your case stronger by badmouthing your opposition.”

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” -William Blake

-Glenda Jackson

“Your competition is not other people, but the time you kill, the ill will you create, the knowledge you neglect to learn, the connections you fail to build, the health you sacrifice along the path, your inability to generate ideas, the people around you who don’t support and love your efforts, and whatever god you curse for your bad luck.” -James Altucher

North Fulton Community Information City of Milton 678-242-2500 City of Roswell 770-641-3727 Community Development 770-641-3780 Business License 770-594-6235 Economic Development 770-594-6170 Planning/Zoning 770-641-3774 City of Johns Creek 678-512-3200 City of Mountain Park 770-993-4231 City of Sandy Springs 770-730-5600 GA Dept- of Economic Development 404-962-4000 GNFCC 770-993-8806 Leadership North Fulton 770-993-8806 Quick Start 404-253-2800 SCORE(Service Corps of Retired Executives) 404-331-0121

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

State Child Support Enforcement Family & Children’s Services Forestry Commission GA Dept- of Labor GA Public Service Commission GA Dept- of Transportation Immigration Secretary of State Social Security State Govt- Directory Assistance Veteran Services

404-921-1490 877-423-4746 770-720-3525 770-528-6100 404-656-4501 770-387-3640 800-375-5283 404-656-2881 800-772-1213 404-656-2000 770-720-3538

Government Numbers Local Post Offices Alpharetta Main Roswell Main Post Office Sandy Springs Post Office Webb Bridge Post Office

800-275-8777 770-442-3893 770-641-0372 404-256-2948 770-569-9818

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Advertiser Index Audio Intersection

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill

20, 31

CASA 43 ChoicesToYou.com 21 Crabapple Physical Therapy Cruise Planners

27 19, Inside Back

Debra Robinson Law Group

DeMercy Dental

Inside Front

First Baptist Church of Roswell

Front Cover, 24-26

Hill & Hill Financial, LLC

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park

Huntington Learning Center

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

LGE Community Credit Union

LaVida Massage

Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC

Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails

Minuteman Press of Sandy Springs

Morrow Family Medicine

Inside Back

Nail Eagle Luxury Nail Salon & Spa

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center

North Atlanta Women’s Care

Northside Family Medicine & Urgent Care, Roswell Inside Front Nothing Bundt Cakes

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.

R & D Mechanical Services, Inc.

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Robb Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center

SuperSlow Zone

Thrivent Financial

Village Podiatry Centers

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