Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Contents
February 2021
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 7
16-17
[16-17]
On the Cover
DeMercy Dental
22-23
Languages of Love Do You Speak Your Partner’s?
[22-23]
28-29 Artist Profile
Dustin Emory
04 ........................... Perspective 06 ..............................
Calendar
09 ....................
Senator Speaks
10 .....................
Community Life
14 ..................
Mayor’s Message
20 ............................ Senior Life 24 ......................... Public Safety 25 ............................. Quotables
[28-29]
26 ................ Community Partner 30 ....................
Ribbon Cuttings
32 ......................... Follow Us >>>
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doesn’t matter whether the trust has assets of $50,000 or $5,000,000, the responsibilities are the same. The trustee must carefully manage the assets in the trust, act only in the best interest of the trust beneficiaries, keep the trust assets separate from the trustee’s assets, and keep good records.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Trustee? By Debra Robinson
[StrategicLife] With people living into their 90s and 100s, younger family members are often called upon to help an aging relative by serving as trustee. Most people have never been a trustee, and don’t have any idea what it entails. A trustee is a fiduciary, required to manage the assets in the trust for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries. It
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
If Mom has created a trust so that a child can help manage her assets, it is most likely a revocable living trust for which she retains the right to make changes. The revocable living trust will describe how the trust assets should be used and will also say who is to receive the assets when Mom dies. When she establishes the trust, Mom might name herself as trustee with a child as successor trustee in the event she becomes incapacitated. If Mom is already starting to lose confidence in her own abilities, she could name a child and herself as co-trustees, so the child would
be there from the beginning to provide as much help as is needed. If Mom feels she is no longer able to make good asset management decisions herself, she could appoint the child as the sole trustee from the start. Whether you begin as trustee on day one, or you know you’ll be taking on the job in the future, the first thing you should do is read the trust document and make sure you understand what it says. If you don’t understand it, either the lawyer who prepared the trust or a lawyer you hire yourself can explain its provisions. The trust assets can be used to pay for those legal services, and getting that guidance will help you carry out your duties as trustee with confidence. L
Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com
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Publisher’s Perspective
In
the blur of today’s cultures, it may become necessary to reflect on the thoughts of forward thinkers from simpler times whose words were intended to better future generations. The following poem, “Desiderata,” is one of my personal favorites. It is written by Max Ehrmann and displayed prominently in my office and in my home. I reflect on it often because its purity and direction still ring true.
Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Albers, Marcia Divack, Lisa Ethridge, Elizabeth Harris, Kevin Head, Joseph Hogg, Joe Lockwood, Christy Noll, Debra Robinson, Ellen Samsell Salas, Pam Santoro, Melody Swilling, Anna Teal, Sean Thompson
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
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Be careful. Strive to be happy.
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And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
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. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. 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 E R EC Y C permission from the publisher. AS
M AG A ZI
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Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
PLE
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
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 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton.
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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Plan Now To Prevent Weeds By Lisa Ethridge
[HomeLife] Weeds are unwanted plants that deprive desirable plants of water, light, and soil nutrients. Some proactive work in early spring can prevent them from sprouting and save hours of backbreaking work during the hot summer months. Elimination of weeds will also improve the growth and beauty of the plants you love. All garden soil contains weed seeds, which wait beneath the soil’s surface for rays of sunlight to germinate them. After germination, the chaotic circle begins. One single weed can produce anywhere from 10,000 to over 100,000 seeds. An old gardening proverb proclaims, “One year’s seeds yield seven years’ weeds.” Mulch has multiple benefits in the garden. A good 3-inch layer cools the soil, retains moisture, and smothers seeds, thereby keeping weeds at bay. It will also feed the soil, as it decomposes. Before applying mulch, consider installing a sheet of landscape fabric or layers of newspaper to areas such as foundation plantings where there are established bushes. The next step is to choose mulch that will make the bed more attractive and last throughout the year. Some folks use shredded leaves as mulch. It’s a nice way to create a woodsy feel in the garden. The leaves are free, so it’s a bargain. In our area, shredded bark or chips are common. Pine straw looks good and can be home to beneficial insects. Pebbles and rocks are good for weed control and drainage. It’s a good idea to mulch young or new plants with compost of some kind. A plant that is just getting established will benefit from the slow release of nutrients in the compost. Using a variety of mulch materials adds dimension to landscaping. Extension.UGA.edu/publications offers several articles about weed prevention and control: home lawns (B978), home vegetable gardens (114), and general info (1027-13). This year, make a game plan for preventing weeds and stick with it. Proactive weed prevention means you’ll spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your garden. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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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Calendar Due to ongoing public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.
FEBRUARY
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Roswell Restaurant Month — Continued from January, attendees can choose to dine at dozens of different Roswell restaurants. This event aims to cultivate and promote the diverse culinary experiences the city has to offer. Enjoy prix fixe menus at your favorite Roswell restaurants or discover a new place to dine. RoswellRW.com
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Alpharetta Restaurant Week — Take this great opportunity to experience restaurants you’ve always wanted to visit and rediscover old favorites. Participating restaurants will offer a special three-course dinner menu for $20-$45, and many also offer three-course lunches for $20-$35 (beverage, tax, and gratuity not included). Times vary by restaurant. Please visit the website for a list of participating locations. 678-297-2811. AwesomeAlpharetta.com/alpharettarestaurant-week
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Enchanted Woodland Trail With Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes
Bundle up and head out to the trails this winter to search for magical houses made from tiny natural objects. Presented by Northside Hospital, this enchanted trail delights visitors each year. Attendees are required to pre-purchase admission and create a member reservation in advance. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 12:00-4:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-9922055. ChattNatureCenter.org/special-events/ enchanted-woodland-trail
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Roswell In Print Enjoy this outdoor photo gallery with images provided by local photographers based the theme of “We Are Our Colors.” Works will be displayed with consideration for a safe, socially distanced experience. East Village Shopping Center, 2640 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. VisitRoswellGa.com
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February Is Black History Month — This annual observance, also known as African-American History Month, is officially recognized by the U.S. government and is celebrated by paying tribute to AfricanAmerican men and women who have made significant contributions to America and the rest of the world in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment, and many other fields.
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Roswell Roots 2021 — Celebrate Roswell’s African American history and culture throughout the month of February at one of the largest and most comprehensive celebrations in the state of Georgia. Share in Roswell’s diverse history while discovering more about African American heritage, art, food, and contributions. Some events will be virtual, while others will be face-to-face with live streaming options. Various times and locations, Roswell. 770-641-3727. RoswellRoots.com
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4th Annual Alpharetta Rotary Polar Bear Plunge Alpharetta Rotary Club members are challenging local nonprofits, school clubs, and churches to put a team together to raise money for the charity of their choosing. 10:00am12:00pm, Wills Park Pool, 1815 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Classy.org/ campaign/alpharetta-polarbear-plunge-2021/c317494
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Police Seminars, Personal Safety and Awareness — Enjoy this fun, FREE, interactive class that covers the topics of the human body’s physiological responses to danger, keys to personal safety, and how to stay aware and prepared for certain scenarios. This is for ages 50+. 11:00am12:00pm, Roswell Adult Recreation Center, Grimes Bridge Park, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-641-3950. RoswellGov.com
10, 18, 24 & 3/4
Mountain Bike Night Enjoy supervised night riding by RAMBO. Helmets, lights, and cell phones are mandatory for each rider, and you MUST register by noon the day of the ride to participate. This is for ages 12+, $4 residents/$6 for nonresidents. 7:00-9:30pm, Big Creek Park, 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell. 770-6413705. RoswellGov.com
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Coffee & Commerce State of the City Mayor Jim Gilvin will share an update and upcoming plans for the City of Alpharetta. This virtual meeting is free to attend, but voluntary donations for Chamber support are encouraged. 8:00-9:00am, Zoom link provided upon registration. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
[continued on page 8] Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Calendar continued from page 7
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Sold With Mold (Buyers & Sellers Beware) — By addressing water leaks, mold, or routine maintenance before listing a home for sale, there will be fewer surprises later. Join Marie Harrington, sales and marketing representative, Rytech, Inc.; and Pam Santoro, realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, to learn more about what to inspect and how to approach mold. Please call to register in advance for this online Zoom meeting. Helen Scherrer-Diamond 770-289-8964 or Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627.
February Is American Heart Month — Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. The good news? It can often be prevented when you make healthy choices and manage health conditions. Take time this month to educate yourself on ways to maintain heart health.
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Family Night Hike and Campfire Explore the sounds and sights of the forest. On the hike, keep your eyes and ears open for owls hooting and bats swooping down to feed on insects. Your evening also includes an animal encounter and relaxing campfire for roasting marshmallows. $12/$10 CNC members. Advance registration required by February 11. 7:00-9:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org
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The Wednesday Social — Come on out and enjoy this after-hours networking event. Chamber Members $10, nonmembers $20. 5:007:00pm, Main Event Entertainment, 10700 Davis Drive, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
andom Acts of Kindness Day R On this day, be inspired to get out there and “be the light you want to see in the world.” Random acts of kindness come in all forms, large and small, so help yourself by helping others.
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How to Plan for Your Care As You Age — As we age, life changes. Children go off to college. Priorities shift. Health may start to decline. Join experts from Wilson Legal and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, as they answer questions and provide solutions about common housing concerns. 12:00-1:00pm, please call to register in advance for this online Zoom Meeting. 770-421-1302. VineyardJohnsCreek.com
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Alpharetta Chamber Annual Gala: The Blue Jean Ball Enjoy this premier event and fundraiser for the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce. Dinner, entertainment, and an online silent and live auction will be part of the evening’s festivities. $175 per person. 6:30-10:00pm, The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
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156th Georgia General Assembly Update
SenatorSpeaks
By State Senator John Albers
On
January 11, members of the Georgia Legislature were officially sworn in to begin the first session of the 156th Georgia General Assembly. While a few changes were necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, one tradition remained the same: reciting the Oath of Office at the beginning of the first legislative day. This oath represents our pledge to you to always act in the best interest of the state.
unquestionable, we may not be seeing the kind of return we expected on others. For this reason, we need to take a thorough look at the tax credits we offer and evaluate the benefits the state is receiving.
No legislation carries as much importance each year as our appropriations bills, and this year is no exception. Each session, the General Assembly passes two budgets: an amended version of the current fiscal year budget and the general budget for the next fiscal year.
Another bill I have continued to work on is the Max Gruver Act. This bill is named after a Roswell resident who died after taking part in unsafe “hazing” rituals during a fraternity’s initiation process. This is an important measure that will enhance school safety and reduce unnecessary injuries or deaths taking place on college campuses.
Last year, our budget process encountered many difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, our economy has remained strong in the face of unprecedented adversity, and tax revenues have rebounded at a higher-than-expected rate. While there may still be some challenges related to allocating funding to each area that needs it, we are in a much better economic position than expected, and our final budget will reflect that. I have been working on many legislative proposals that address a few key areas important to all Georgians. Our elections process is one area in need of improvement. While the exact nature of the changes we intend to make are still being discussed, our ultimate goal is to ensure that the will of the public is fully recognized and to put additional safeguards in place, so every legal vote is securely counted. Over the last few years, Georgia has cultivated a strong economic climate due, in part, to strong tax credits and incentives. While the economic benefit that some of these tax credits provide are
Also, I am continuing to push for a raise in the Fulton County Senior Homestead Tax Exemption to ease the financial burden placed upon our senior citizens.
I also intend to pass a few bills related to public safety. Last summer, the country saw demonstrations by individuals raising awareness of acts of injustice. I fully support the right of citizens to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms. However, several protests (including here in Georgia) became dangerous and destructive. These kinds of demonstrations are at the core of the Combating Violence, Disorder, Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act, which will safeguard those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights, but also make clear that hostile acts towards businesses, our public safety community, or other demonstrators will not be tolerated. On the theme of public safety, I am also working to strengthen our state’s E911 network. While all these bills are important and necessary for Georgia, they represent only a small fraction of the legislation currently being considered. I will keep everyone in District 56 updated on these and other important measures discussed in the Senate.
Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of north Fulton County. 404-463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John.Albers@Senate.Ga.gov
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Community Chattahoochee Nature Center Wins Best of Weddings Award The Chattahoochee Nature Center is pleased to announce its selection as a 2021 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings. This accolade represents the highest and most-rated venues from wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families, and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning, registry brand, and mobile app. Despite COVID-19 interrupting many 2020 weddings and social events, wedding professionals around the nation continued to support to-be-weds throughout their wedding planning journeys. From adjusting future schedules to make way for postponed weddings, to helping couples host socially distanced weddings following state and local guidelines and restrictions with an increased focus on health and
safety, wedding pros — and the industry as a whole — rallied together in 2020, ultimately helping couples continue to celebrate life and love. The Knot 2021 Best of Weddings recognition honors the vendors who went above and beyond to help to-be-weds navigate the global pandemic. In 2021, only 5% of hundreds of thousands of local wedding
professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. To learn more about the Chattahoochee Nature Center, please visit ChattNatureCenter.org.
City of Roswell Shares Tips To Conserve Water and Energy This Winter As cold weather approaches, keeping warm and saving energy can be easy with the right preparation. The sun provides heat, so take advantage of it! Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to absorb the sunlight and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows. Prevent drafts and seal leaks by applying weather stripping trim to your doors or invest in insulating drapes for your windows to reduce drafts. Be sure to check utility cut-throughs for pipes and gaps around your chimney. 10
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
When you’re home and awake, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. When you’re sleeping or not home, lower it by 10 degrees to save up to 10% on your heating bills. A programmable thermostat enables you to set up auto schedules and adjust temperatures remotely. Wrap pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing and bursting. If a pipe is frozen, keep the faucet on and apply heat to thaw it slowly. Insulating hot water pipes will help your shower heat up faster and will also protect pipes from cold, which can cause leaks.
Maintenance is key. Has your furnace filter been replaced recently? Does your heating system need service? Is your fireplace flue snugly closed when not in use? Apply good habits and banish the bad. Keep your bathroom at a comfortable temperature or invest in a space heater, so you aren’t tempted to linger in the shower, which wastes water and energy. Wearing layers traps body heat better than a single thick garment. Electric blankets consume less energy than a heater. Close the doors in your home, so you’re only heating the rooms you use. Add
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Community Milton Historical Society Seeks Photos for Pandemic Documentary
COVID-19 Vaccine Information The City of Alpharetta wants to connect you with verified information about the COVID-19 vaccine, so you can make informed decisions. The City sources the information it shares only from three professional public health agencies: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Fulton County Board of Health. Precautions such as social distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated are the best ways to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public. Understanding how the body fights infection and how the new COVID-19 vaccines protect people by producing immunity is critical in making your decision about getting vaccinated. Visit CDC.gov to find plain language explanations as well as information on the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available. There has been a lot of buzz about the new vaccines, but what exactly are the benefits to being vaccinated? Vaccination will protect you from getting COVID-19. Vaccination is a safer way to help build protection by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness. Vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Most COVID-19 vaccines require two shots to be effective, so you may not be protected until a week or two after your second shot. Due to the statewide rollout, the vaccine is currently available to limited population groups. In January, citizens 65 and older along with their caregivers became eligible to be vaccinated, joining the ranks of healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and first responders (police, firefighters, etc.). You can learn more about Georgia’s vaccine plan at DPH.Georgia.gov/ covid-vaccine. For the latest information from the City of Alpharetta, visit Alpharetta.Ga.us. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
The Milton Historical Society has been busy conducting Zoom interviews with local residents about life during the pandemic. These recordings will be featured in a documentary film called Milton Memoirs, which will be preserved in the archives of the Milton Historical Society. “2020 will be one for the books,” said Jeff Dufresne, president of the Milton Historical Society. “As a historical society, we wanted to document in real time how COVID-19 impacted members of our local community. We believe we succeeded in capturing the resilience of our citizens during this unique time.” The Society recorded poignant stories from students, teachers, newcomers, long-time residents, business leaders, and public servants. Citizens shared personal stories and reflections for the benefit of future generations. Interviewees live within the boundaries of Old Milton County (1857-1932), which today covers the city of Milton as well as parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. The Milton Historical Society is now inviting fellow residents to submit any digital photographs that capture the essence of 2020. A sampling of photos taken by Sofie and Leslie Watson appear in the Milton Memoirs slide preview now posted at MiltonGaHistoricalSociety.com. If you’re interested in joining the Milton Historical Society and getting involved in future projects, please email Jeff Dufresne at Jeff@MiltonGAHistoricalSociety.com. The Milton Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, and promote Milton’s unique heritage. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community
North Fulton Community Charities Announces Public Phase of Capital Campaign North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) recently announced its Growing with Purpose capital campaign to fund muchneeded renovations to existing facilities that house its food pantry and the NFCC Thrift Shop, as well as the construction of a new two-story 18,000 square foot Service & Education Center located across the road from its current facility. These capital improvements will increase NFCC’s capacity to deliver specialized support, programs, and services to help families meet their basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and strengthen the North Fulton community. To date, NFCC has raised more than $5.8 million (95%) of its $6.2 million capital campaign goal. NFCC took advantage of facility closures during the pandemic to renovate the food pantry and thrift shop, both of which have reopened to clients. Construction of the Service & Education Center is expected to be completed in early 2021. Named in honor of NFCC’s first executive director who retired in 2019 after nearly 30 years of service, the Barbara Duffy Center will serve as the point-of-entry for individuals and families, in addition to providing the space needed to expand and improve integration of emergency assistance/ case management with workforce development and education programs. “As the North Fulton community continues to grow, so must NFCC to sufficiently meet current and future needs,” said NFCC Executive Director Holly M. York. “We planned for and began our expansion prior to the pandemic in order to meet current needs and accommodate long-term growth. However, the pandemic has further accelerated the need for emergency assistance and demand for our workforce development and education programs, as families seek to get back on their feet and find and return to work as quickly as possible.”
City Council Recognizes 100th Anniversary of Milton HS In January 1922, Milton School opened to students for the first time. Since then, this academic institution (later renamed Milton HS) has been an anchor in what’s now North Fulton County – a place where students have shined academically, artistically, and athletically before going on to excel in the wider world. Since 2005, Milton HS has been located along Birmingham Highway in downtown Crabapple. The home of the Eagles is ranked as Georgia’s ninth best high school by Niche and 21st best by U.S. News and World Report. This proclamation paid tribute to Milton HS’s rich history and kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration.
For more information about NFCC’s Growing with Purpose capital campaign and plans for growth, please visit NFCCHelp.org/growing-with-purpose. 12
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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Spending Life By Kevin Head, Ph.D. [InGoodFaith] We recently celebrated a birthday in our family. We tend to celebrate in big ways, so birthdays are a lot of fun. When it is my big day, I often find myself reflecting on life amid all the happy celebrations. Most years, I take a few moments to think about the future and set goals for the new year of life God has given me. For me, birthdays have become an opportunity to think about how I use and spend my time. Many holidays are good times for reflection. Valentine’s Day is a chance to pause to give thanks for the people we love and who love us. Lent, which begins on February 17, gives us an opportunity each year to consider our spiritual lives and our walks of faith. Basically, we have many chances in our lives to think about how we spend our time and maybe even realize how we lose time. John Marks Templeton wrote some words about the importance of how we use the time God has given us:
“Life awards all of us with something very valuable, 1,440 minutes each day to spend as we choose. And spend it we must, for it cannot be saved nor given away. These minutes can either be used wisely or wasted. You will achieve more success at whatever you set out to do by asking yourself each morning, ‘What am I going to do with my time, and what can I do to reach my goals today?’ Seize the day because lost time is never found again!”
It is still early in 2021. How are you using the time God has given you? What goals do you have for your life, and what progress are you making toward those goals? Remember, God gives you 1,440 minutes each day to spend however you desire. Abundant life is found in making those minutes count, for we are not just spending time. We are also spending life. L
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, Kevin@fbroswell.org
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Mayor’s Message
Moving Right Along in Milton By Mayor Joe Lockwood
I’m
a glass-half-full guy. Now, my optimism – and, for that matter, the perspective of anyone paying attention – was tested in 2020. Nothing was simple last year, nor has 2021 started out easy. There’s been challenge after challenge, strain after strain. And we cannot forget those who are struggling financially or hurting emotionally from the loss of loved ones. It’s hard not to get stuck.
In Milton, we’re committed to looking forward. In one key respect, I mean that literally. The City of Milton is in the process of two key initiatives that will lay out a vision, set priorities, and guide our policymakers.
We’re not oblivious to everything that has happened over the past year. But we will move past it and get better. Fortunately, in Milton, we have a great foundation to do just that. Our setting certainly helps. When we asked people what one word best describes our city, “beautiful” reliably jumped to the forefront. With rolling horse pastures, treelined roads, and distinct buildings, every day is a sight for sore eyes here. As a City, we’re working to offer greater opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Sometime this year, we expect Providence Park to get upgrades in the form of a new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible trail and pier overlooking the lake. And we’re hoping to open the “passive” part of the former Milton Country Club – the largest, signature purchase 14
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
The first initiative is our Strategic Plan, which will outline big-picture strategies, measurable goals, objectives, and projects for City government departments over the next several years. The second initiative is the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which is a deeper, longer, and more comprehensive (hence the name) document envisioning what Milton should look and feel like two decades from now and what can be done to turn that dream into a reality.
from the City’s greenspace funds – after constructing our first natural trail there. Of course, there’s always picturesque Birmingham Park, too. And you can bet that Bell Memorial Park will be buzzing with kids this spring and beyond. Beyond that, you’ve probably noticed the continued transformation of downtown Crabapple. Is this a good time to open the Crabapple Market extension buildings and Market District to new tenants? I think that it can be. The process might be more deliberate, but the goal is getting the right businesses to buy-in for the long-term. That’s the key – thinking beyond “now” and continuing to look ahead – and we feel very good about Milton’s future.
Late last year, the online publication 24/7 Wall St. named Milton Georgia’s best city to live in. I’m not surprised so many people want to move here. But it’s important to City leaders that we maintain what makes Milton special. That’s why we approach what happens here very intentionally, mindful to control development as best we can. Some things shouldn’t change. For me, one of them is my optimism. So, here’s to a better and brighter 2021 in Milton and beyond.
Joe Lockwood is the mayor of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us
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North Fulton Master Gardeners Announces Its
Spring 2021 Gardening Lecture Series North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG), Inc., continues to provide horticultural education in the area through free virtual gardening education programming. This series of 10 classes is available through live Zoom webinars and Facebook Live, as well as on YouTube for later viewing (YouTube.com/NorthFultonMasterGardeners). Each class emphasizes a practical gardening lesson at the time of year that is best suited for that topic or activity. Please register in advance to ensure your place. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the webinar. If you can’t attend the live webinar, you can still register, so you will receive a recorded link to the class. Please visit NFMG. net/communityclasses.htm to scroll for more details about each class as well as links to register.
A Spring Vegetable Gardening
Tuesday, February 2, 7:00pm
A Growing Lavender
Sunday, February 7, 2:00pm
A Right Tree, Right Place!
Wednesday, February 10, 7:00pm
A Hosta – A Perfect Addition to Your Shade Garden
Sunday, February 21, 2:00pm
A Lawn Care for Spring and Summer in Atlanta
Tuesday, March 2, 7:00pm
A Big Trees of Sandy Springs
Sunday, March 7, 2:00pm
A Establishing and Growing Perennials
Sunday, March 14, 2:00pm
A Attracting Wildlife and Detracting Critters
Sunday, March 21, 2:00pm
In response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the North Fulton Master Gardeners went virtual with its Fall 2020 Gardening Lecture Series, and all classes in that series can be viewed on YouTube. Topics include: A Hydrangeas — How To Plant, Grow, and Prune A Gardening in the Shade A Fragrant Gardens for All Seasons A Create a Fall Vegetable Garden A Top Ten Lawn Care Mistakes A Vermicomposting A All About Bulbs! Bulbs for all Seasons A How To Create a Bulb Lasagna Container Garden A Winter Interest Plants A Holiday Wreath Making With Plants From the Garden A Mailbox Holiday Decoration With Plants From the Garden A Decorating Your Mantel for the Holidays
The NFMG YouTube channel also features several other playlists:
A Home Gardens of the North Fulton Master Gardeners A UGA Extension of Fulton County Gardening Videos A How To Become a Master Gardener A Master Gardeners Educate at Farm Chastain A Master Gardeners Educate at Mimosa Hall and Gardens
A Native Schmative! What’s the Big Deal?
Tuesday, March 23, 7:00pm
A Spring Vegetable Planting Demonstration
While NFMG hopes to resume face-to-face gardening instruction soon, the organization hopes you will take advantage of these virtual classes in the meantime.
Sunday, April 18, 2:00pm
NFMG is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that educates its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. For more information, please visit NFMG.net.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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15
COVER STORY By Anna Teal
Nurturing Smiles for More Than 30 Years Going to the dentist doesn’t often rise to the top of the list of favorite things to do. However, if you’re looking for a warm, welcoming, and comfortable setting to start your smile journey, DeMercy Dental is a favorite among the Roswell community. With more than 30 years of experience, the staff has enjoyed seeing generations grow up – from grandparents to greatgrandchildren – while they connect with families on a personal level.
Dr. Curtis Guest with his wife, Anna, and daughter, Elle.
Welcoming a New Smile to the
DeMercy Dental Team Welcome Dr. Curtis Guest
F
ather-and-daughter-duo Drs. Jeff DeMercy and Amanda Kossick recently welcomed a new dentist, Dr. Curtis Guest, to their practice. They did so in an effort to expand their schedule in response to COVID-19. Dr. Guest is a graduate of the Dental College of Georgia, which is the same school Dr. Kossick attended. Originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, he now resides in Roswell with his wife, Anna, and their newborn. Dr. Guest discovered his passion for dentistry at a young age. When he was 10 years old, while playing baseball and manning the outfield, he robbed an opposing player of a home run, but it was at the expense of his front teeth. After that, he spent his fair share of time in a dental chair. Through that experience, Dr. Guest found himself frequently enthralled and interested in the art of dentistry.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
“I really connected with the dentist who worked so hard to repair my front teeth and was lucky enough to shadow him when I decided to pursue a career in dentistry,” says Dr. Guest. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Guest and his wife Anna moved to Roswell to be closer to family. His mother, a loyal DeMercy Dental fan herself, introduced her son to the team. Dr. Guest’s relaxed and easygoing nature makes him a joy for patients to interact with. “From day one, I’ve enjoyed working with the team here at DeMercy Dental. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment for patients while educating them on the risks and benefits of available treatment plans. Ultimately, the patient drives those decisions,” says Dr. Guest. His exceptional background and belief in preventive care options make him a valued asset to the team. Add
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Dental Care Options for any Need The DeMercy Dental team strives to create a fun and lighthearted environment, and patients look forward to their appointments. When consulting with their practice, patients typically benefit from three doctors in one, as they take a team approach to patient care. “We are proud to provide a no-rush, boutique experience tailored to our patients’ needs,” says Dr. DeMercy. Their comprehensive practice touts a variety of dental services, treatments, and products to help patients achieve their ultimate smile goals.
General and Family Dentistry Services and Treatments Include: Dental Exams and Cleanings Digital X-rays Oral Cancer Screenings White Fillings Oral Surgery Dental Bridges Dentures Periodontal Disease Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy) For those feeling a little self-conscious about their pearly whites, DeMercy Dental also provides cosmetic services such as Invisalign, teeth whitening, smile makeover, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and dental implants to achieve a beautiful, confident smile.
Cutting-Edge Technology DeMercy Dental patients benefit from the finest state-of-the-art dental technology, which ensures the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment options available. Technology like intraoral cameras, electric handpieces, CEREC, digital X-rays, Invisalign, and PerioLase make it possible to restore oral health and achieve a dream smile. DeMercy Dental recently launched its online portal to make it easier to access accounts. Patients can now review their appointments and pay online without having to call or come by the office.
Top-Notch Cleanliness Standards In response to COVID-19, DeMercy Dental is taking all the necessary precautions to make sure patients are protected when coming into the office. “We abide by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines and ADA (American Dental Association) recommendations to obtain the highest level of cleanliness for our patients. Also, our staff is tested frequently for COVID-19 to ensure our patients’ safety,” says Dr. Kossick. Expanding office hours to include Fridays and adding Dr. Guest to the team has provided the staff with the flexibility they need to uphold these standards. So, if you’re looking for a warm and friendly environment for all your dental needs, give DeMercy Dental a try. For more information, visit the website or call to schedule an appointment.
Mention this article to receive $100
off any dental service. Offer applies to new patients only.
10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140 | Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-641-8010 | DeMercyDental.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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17
Do Computers Have an Expiration Date? By Joseph Hogg
[StrategicLife] The cheese in your refrigerator may have an expiration date, but what about your computer? This device doesn’t grow mold or turn black when it reaches the end of its life, so it takes a more watchful eye to detect issues. If you’re concerned about your computer, here are five things to watch for before deciding to purchase a new one.
1. Struggling With Basic Tasks The computing environment is getting more complicated all the time. Even some web apps can become quite resource-intensive on an older machine, and everyday programs like Office Suite continue to demand more memory. If you find your computer is struggling to accomplish even basic tasks, it might be time to upgrade.
3. Slow Booting/Restarting Process There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting a long time for your computer to boot up. Restarting your computer should generally be quick enough that you wouldn’t consider it a significant interruption to your workflow if you had to do it the middle of the day.
4. Aged Hard Drive 2. Windows 7 Computers Windows 10 is here, and it’s staying put. If your computer is using an older version of Windows, especially Windows 7, it’s time to move on. You’re putting yourself in danger by using an operating system that is no longer maintained from a security perspective. If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, it might be worth migrating your existing data to a new machine instead of trying to drag your outdated computer into the 2020s.
If your computer is still using a mechanical hard drive (which you can usually hear), you should consider replacing it with a modern SSD. Even older computers can benefit from this relatively easy and inexpensive procedure, as it is the most commonly encountered problem.
5. Doesn’t Turn On If your computer crashes and won’t turn back on, it’s a cause for concern. If checking your power supply and testing the power button doesn’t solve your problem, sometimes there is still a simple fix. And just because the computer won’t start up, it doesn’t necessarily mean all is lost. It may be time to get a professional to look at it and start searching for a new computer. Ultimately, computers don’t have clear expiration dates. Many computers last years upon years, while some brand new computers crash for no apparent reason. The most important question is, “If you lost everything on your hard drive right now, would you be upset?” If the answer is yes, you should be regularly backing up your data. You never know what could happen. And when it comes to your company’s data, you don’t want to take that risk. L
Joseph Hogg is a technology specialist at Total Resource Solutions. 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 100, Woodstock. 678-928-9491. TechnicalRS.com
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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Preparing Your House for Market By Pam Santoro
of paint? Are there flowers on the front porch to welcome visitors inside? Little touches can make a big difference in how someone feels about your property. Getting the inside of your house ready is another story. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the house — not see all the personal photos, artwork, etc., of the current owners — so pack those away for your new home. Once you decide to put your house on the market, it becomes a commodity. Take a field trip to a model home in a new construction neighborhood to see a good example of what your staged house should look like.
[HomeLife] Preparing a house for sale is not complicated. Mostly, it requires elbow grease: packing and storing items, donating things to charities, and staging the house to make it look new. From the moment potential buyers drive up, they get a feel for your home. Has the landscaping received proper attention? Does the front door need a new coat
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
Stage your home one room at a time. Make sure cabinets and closets are not overstuffed by packing up unnecessary items and neatly organizing what remains. Buyers will definitely open closet and cabinet doors, so you want the inside to look roomy. When walking in a room, pathways should be clear. If walls need a new coat of paint,
neutral colors will help buyers picture their furniture in the house. If you have children, pack up their excess toys. Even removing the screens from nice clean windows will give a better appearance both inside and outside the home. When it comes to knickknacks and decorative items, less is more. You want a prospective buyer to see and remember the special features and details of your property. If you have a spare work room in the basement, store your packed and neatly labeled boxes in there, which gives the appearance that you’re preparing for your move. This process will make your house appear larger and more like a model home.
Pam Santoro is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. 33 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Alpharetta. 678-656-6627. Pam.Santoro@bhhsga.com. PamSantoro.BHHSGeorgia.com
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19
Senior Life
The Roswell Adult Recreation Center A Great Resource for Older Adults By Elizabeth Harris
O
ne of the many facilities available through the City of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department is the Roswell Adult Recreation Center (ARC), located in Grimes Bridge Park, which offers seniors a special place that is designed just for them. Offering both recreational programs and enriching social opportunities, the ARC hosts programs, classes, seminars, workshops, and other incredible events year-round. The halls of the building are adorned with an ever-changing selection of exhibits, ranging from photos taken by members of the Roswell Photographic Society, artwork from the various classes offered, and information about the happenings of both the Roswell Ramblers and the New Horizon Band. Both social groups use the building as their home base. Spaces are available for additional groups to gather as well. The ARC also includes opportunities to enjoy the wonderful fitness room and the aquatic center, so there is truly something for everyone. Another group housed within the building is the Roswell Adult Learning Center (RALC), which is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers whose purpose is to offer technology training with first right of registration available to those 50 and older. The instructors are also in this age group to help promote a comfortable environment in support of education. The RALC also supports a “technology alcove” that provides access to several computers and a printer for seniors who are members of the Roswell Ramblers program or registered in any computer classes. The RALC offers technology classes at every level, with topics covering basic computer techniques, Windows 10, the Internet, Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and other productivity software packages such as Google Docs and Cloud Computing. There 20
North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
are also classes dealing with the use of both Apple and Android phones, taking and using pictures (including how to download them from your phone), making videos, using online genealogy sites, and taking advantage of various online services that have been developed in the last few years – including Facebook, Uber, eBay, and others. One course series covers many different topics to assist both those who are returning to the workforce and those who just want to become more adept at using a computer. Class sizes are small, so there is time for questions and individualized interaction with the instructor. Most courses run for two hours and may meet once, two weeks in a row, or have a more involved schedule of eight weeks. Classes are available during the day, evening, and on Saturdays. The cost depends on the length. Courses with only one to two meetings usually cost $15, while eight-week sessions are $45. An “appointment only” lab is also available to current and former students who have questions or would like a little more help. The schedule of classes is available online and in the Roswell Recreation and Parks booklet that is circulated three times a year. The RALC offers classes in the fall, winter, and spring.
Registration for all RALC courses and other offerings is available online at RoswellGov.com/register or by calling 770-641-3950.
Elizabeth Harris is vice president of the Roswell Adult Learning Center. 830 Grimes Bridge Road. 770-641-3950. RoswellSLC.org
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How Experts Can Help Streamline Your Divorce Case By Melody Swilling, Esq. [StrategicLife] The thought of adding on to your divorce team can seem daunting and costly. But, the right experts can help streamline the process, which may save time and money in the long run. Therapists Therapists can help clients work through the emotional fallout and trauma of unpacking a relationship to help avoid processing these issues in the courtroom. Therapists also help clients improve communication through coparenting counseling sessions. Financial Planners A certified divorce financial planner can help analyze current and postdivorce budgets as well as help with settlement negotiations to come up with well articulated alimony figures, both in monthly amount and length of time.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
Realtors If you and your spouse plan to sell jointly owned property as part of your divorce, the right real estate agent can be a neutral voice of reason when it comes to marketing and pricing as well as what home improvements will help sell the home. Appraisers When the parties cannot agree on what their real estate is worth, an appraisal can be a vital tool to give a realistic value of the property prior to settlement negotiations. Certified Divorce Mortgage Lenders These professionals can weigh in on whether your Settlement Agreement language for real estate will pass through the underwriting process. They help ensure you have the best opportunity to secure mortgage financing moving forward.
Tax Attorneys and Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Involving a tax attorney or CPA can help provide a realistic understanding of what the divorcing couple’s tax landscape should look like in hindsight if all tax returns are filed, and how to move the parties forward when tax liability will still be owed from one or both spouses. Accountants If a party is moving money in a suspicious way to try to hide assets, a forensic accountant is vital early in the case to analyze the money trail. L
Melody Swilling, Esq. is an attorney, guardian ad litem, and mediator at Swilling Family Law Firm. 11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 172, Alpharetta. 678-646-6755. SwillingFamilyLaw.com
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21
By Julie Senger
More than 25 years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled The 5 Love Languages. In his book, he conveys that “the premise is simple: different people with different personalities express love in different ways.”
According to Dr. Chapman, here are the 5 Love Languages, and “each individual has at least one language that they prefer above the other”:
1
Words of Affirmation
2 3
Acts of Service
Receiving Gifts
4 Quality Time 5
Physical Touch
If you or your partner are unsure which “love language” you “speak,” there is a quiz at 5LoveLanguages.com/ quizzes to help you discover the answer, so you can better communicate and fulfill each other’s needs.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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Once you know each other’s language, here are some ideas for how you might “talk” to your partner in a way that makes him/her feel most loved and appreciated:
Words of Affirmation Maybe your partner feels unseen when he/she drags into the house after putting in a hard day at the office. Perhaps your spouse feels that all the big and small things he/she does every day to keep the household running smoothly go completely unnoticed. If your loved one feels invisible, like the things he/she contributes that allow the two of you to live a more comfortable life don’t matter to you, resentment could build a high wall between you.
If your significant other’s love language is words of affirmation, try speaking up each day about the things you notice and appreciate. Examples: “I really appreciate how hard you work, so we can have a nice home/take our dream vacation/provide the kids with everything they need. I don’t know what we’d do without you.” “It’s so nice to come home to a yummy meal at the end of the day. You’re such a great cook.” “All the careful eating and hard workouts you’ve been doing are really paying off. You look great and seem more energetic!” If you are better at writing your words than speaking them, send your loved one a text or write a cute note. The great thing about written words of affirmation is many people will hang onto these messages and frequently look back at them to revisit the warm feelings that were elicited by your kind sentiments. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
Acts of Service Many have heard the saying “love is a verb,” and there is probably no truer statement ever uttered for a person who feels most loved when someone is performing a task for him/her. If your partner is often overwhelmed by all the items on his/her “to-do” list, acts of service might include anything from completing one of the items on the list to help lighten the load or being one step ahead and completing a task that wasn’t even on the “to-do” list yet (e.g., taking the car for an oil change, scheduling dentist appointments for the kids, etc.).
Quality Time
There are also necessary things your loved one hates doing (e.g., taking out the trash, cutting up onions, walking the dog in below freezing temps, waking up to feed the baby at 3:00am). Brownie points abound if you do any of these things for your significant other.
Quality time can include anything from having a date night to an overnight getaway or extended vacation. But when things are really crazy, it can be as simple as a 15-minute conversation to check in on each other to make sure everything is going OK.
Receiving Gifts
Physical Touch
The misconception of those whose love language is receiving gifts is that they must be materialistic and require expensive items to be given to them to feel loved. In reality, this is not usually the case. The gifts need not be expensive nor cost anything at all.
With so much communication happening electronically, and especially during a pandemic, many people go an entire day without so much as a fist bump. If your partner’s love language is physical touch, wrapping him/her up in a warm hug when he/she walks in the door may be exactly what is needed.
If you’re getting yourself a cup of coffee, bring home a cup of your wife’s favorite seasonal latte or espresso without her asking. If you hear a song on the way to work that reminds you of your boyfriend, send him a link for a free download of it, so you can listen to it the next time the two of you are together. If you have a green thumb, bring your partner a bouquet of fresh cut flowers from your garden or a few vegetables to make a salad together to go with dinner. These are examples of inexpensive gifts that are really just small physical tokens to let someone know you were thinking of him/her.
In today’s busy world, time is one of the great commodities that is hard to put a price tag on, and once it is “spent,” you can never get it back. Perhaps that’s why a person whose love language is quality time feels most cherished when his/her significant other sets aside an hour, day, or week just to focus on him/her.
Other subtle, yet meaningful, ways to work in physical touch throughout the day might be holding hands in the car, a kiss on the cheek or a shoulder rub while your loved one is doing the dishes, or snuggling up on the sofa to watch your favorite show together. There are lots more ways to reassure your partner of your physical presence through touch, so be sure to “grab” every opportunity. Source: 5LoveLanguages.com
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Public Safety
Driving in Winter Weather Conditions
Are You Prepared? By Sean Thompson
W
hile winter is well underway, February is usually when we see the most ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Some of you may remember the “Snowmageddon of 2014,” which crippled metro Atlanta roadways. Many people were not prepared. So, what can you do to be ready in case we have another “snowpocalypse?” Preparation is key to ensuring both you and your vehicle are ready for the cold weather or potentially dangerous driving conditions. According to the Department of Transportation, 22% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. and 16% of roadway fatalities are due to severe weather. During a storm event, you should only drive if absolutely necessary. Inform others of your schedule and try not to travel alone. Avoid backroads or shortcuts because they are usually less traveled and the last to receive road treatment. Before driving in cold weather, top off your vehicle’s antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas, and oil. Check your tire tread and consider snow tires if you live in an area with frequent cold weather events. Keep
a bag of salt or sand in the trunk for extra traction and to melt ice if necessary. You should also have a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, two flashlights with extra batteries, and a warning device such as a road flare or emergency marker. You should have an emergency kit and a first aid kit in your vehicle year-round, but it is especially important during the winter. Put a blanket or sleeping bag, two pairs of gloves, thermal pants and long sleeve shirt, two pairs of socks, boots, an extra waterproof jacket, and a winter hat in your trunk. Nonperishable high protein food and water are important in case you are stuck. It’s also a good idea to have a portable phone charger. If you must drive in inclement cold weather, remember to treat inoperable traffic signals as a four-way stop. Do not use cruise control, do not make abrupt maneuvers, and do not go around barricades or “road closed” signs. Remember to slow down and watch for slick or snow-covered surfaces. Be especially careful on bridges, which ice over more quickly than the rest of the roadway. Lastly, if you are in a winter emergency and find yourself stopped or stalled on the roadway, stay with your vehicle. If you can, call 911 and turn on your hazard lights. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes every hour. Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Move around to maintain heat. If you want to learn more about cold weather driving and preparedness, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) online at NHTSA. gov/winter-driving-tips.
Sean Thompson is the public information officer for the City of Roswell Police Department. 39 Hill Street, Roswell. 770-640-4120. RoswellGov.com
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the
Quotables
world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” “When you don’t show up as who you are, people fall in love with who you’re not. Then when they find out who you are, that’s when they leave.”
-Iyanla Vanzant
-Muhammad Ali
“Don’t worry about who’s following you or who’s not following you back. Worry about why that worries you.”
-Chris Rock
“If you want to fly, you have to give up everything that weighs you down.” -Toni Morrison
“Easy to spot a red car when you’re always thinking of a red car. Easy to spot opportunity when you’re always thinking of opportunity. Easy to spot
“Money is numbers, and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, your search for happiness will never end.”
-Bob MarleY
reasons to be mad when you’re always thinking of being mad. You become what you constantly think about. Watch yourself.”
-Denzel Washington
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
“Sometimes you need to get knocked down to understand what your fight is.”
–Chadwick Boseman
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25
A Second Later
Community Partner
In
February 2008, Molly Welch was a junior studying journalism at Auburn University. While she was driving back to school, she was listening to interviews she’d conducted for a newspaper article assignment. She dropped her recorder, reached down to pick it up, and ended up crashing head-on with a pickup truck. As a result of the accident, Welch sustained a traumatic brain Injury, was given a 50-50 chance to live, and was diagnosed with hemiparesis. Her life was forever altered. Welch was transferred from East Alabama Medical Center to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta after three weeks in a coma. Another month passed, and she was still in a coma and not making progress, so she was sent home. When she started mouthing words and waking up at home, she returned to the Shepherd Center for intense physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Molly Welch
across Georgia about the importance of continuing education, not driving distracted, and not giving up. Welch has spoken to many high schools, nonprofits, faith groups, and businesses. She has also spoken at TEDxEmory and to the Georgia General Assembly prior to the adoption of a Hands-Free bill. She would be happy to speak to any group that needs to hear her message, which she hopes to share throughout Georgia and beyond.
After a while, Welch was able to return home for good, and she was eager to finish her remaining classes at Auburn and obtain her degree. Her professors only required her to attend class once a week, so Welch’s family took turns driving her to campus. Though it took an extra three years, she was able to walk across the stage to receive her diploma. Once she received her degree, Welch met with business owners from NuTEQ Solutions, who helped her create a PSA and a nonprofit motivational speaking company. Through this company, Welch has been able to speak to students
Molly Welch
Since large groups are not able to meet right now because of the pandemic, Welch is available to share her message in Zoom meetings/ conferences. She has also started a new initiative called Keep Your Eyes On the Road, which provides magnets to put on car bumpers to help raise awareness about focusing on driving while you are behind the wheel. Magnets are $10 each and can be purchased on GoFundMe (search “Keep Your Eyes On the Road”) or by visiting NorthAtlantaKids.com/asecondlater. Welch is determined to help keep others from making the same mistake she made. After 13 years, she still walks with a cane, has no use of her right arm, and has a softer speaking voice. Please help her bring attention to this dire problem. For more information or to arrange for speaking engagements, email ASecondLaterMedia@gmail.com.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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27
ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
D
ustin Emory says he has a “wonky” work schedule. Every afternoon, after fortifying himself with a cup of coffee, he heads to his studio. In an old warehouse, now the haven of Emory and three other artists, he pours himself into his art, often until 1 or 2 in the morning. Emory paints until he is satisfied — changing, reworking, sometimes scrapping what he has created and starting over. “It’s hard for me to stop working. I keep seeing wrong strokes. I keep working,” Emory said. Yet, his insistence on perfection doesn’t paralyze him. “I know I can change it,” he said. “I know I can get to where I want to be.” In fact, being open to experimentation and trying different mediums, palettes, techniques, or canvases define his artistic journey. Without any formal art instruction, Emory, now 21, only began painting in 2016 when, recovering from back surgery, he borrowed his younger sister’s watercolor set and painted a sunset and palm trees.
Fascinated with light, shadow, and contrasts, Emory works primarily in oils, which he says effects greater realism than acrylics and gives him the freedom to leave his work and come back to it over several days. Applying the oils with brushes and scrapers, Emory uses “a lot of strokes and a lot of color. You can move paint really well on canvas. You can apply it, then move it around,” he explained. “I blend heavily, then create texture. I might take a scraper and move the paint just to give it some interest.” In his paintings, Emory explores current issues, hoping to make a difference in the world. Through the interplay of light and shadow and an often-monochromic palette with perhaps a shock of color, sometimes a neon effect, his large canvases are uncannily realistic. Filling the foregrounds, the figures convey emotion through both expression and posture. They make viewers “feel as if they are in the image, grappling with the issue.” “I like to think of my work as ripping chunks of the world out and offering them to the viewer to contemplate,” he said.
After painting that first watercolor, he was hooked, though he turned his focus to large portraits often inspired by photographs.
In his recent works, Emory conveys the dehumanization of incarceration, portraying groups of men, all dressed alike, their heads, torsos, and legs visible, but not their faces.
“I dove in,” he recalls. His immersion includes hunting for other artists on social media, studying their work and methods, and finding people and images that inspire him.
“I hope to always make work that I’m proud of, to bring to light issues I’m attacking, and I hope people will continue to reach out and ask about my paintings and topics,” he said.
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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“I like to think of
my work as ripping chunks of the world out and offering them to the viewer to contemplate.”
For additional information, or to see more of Emory’s work, visit
Instagram – Dustin.Emory.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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29
Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations
Greater North Fulton Chamber February Events 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, & 2/24
Virtual ProAlliance 7:30-9:00am
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans 3460 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta 470-385-6712
Coffee Shop
2/4
Small Business Success Series 9:00-10:00am 2/16
Board of Directors Meeting 4:00-5:30pm Please visit GNFCC.com to register or for more information.
Roswell Inc. February Events
Graceleaf CBD Store & More 940 Canton Street Roswell 678-580-2299
CBD Retail Shop
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
Visit RoswellInc.com for February dates, information, and to register for the following FREE virtual networking event:
Roswell Coffee Connect Grab a cup of coffee or tea and attend this event via Zoom for a morning of networking with Roswell businesses. This event is held from 9:00-10:00am, 3-4 times per month, and it is limited to the first 45 registered attendees.
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Make February
Memorable By Christy Noll
[HomeLife] The month of February is famous for many things including Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, the shortest month of the year, Groundhog Day, Presidents Day, Mardi Gras, National Doggy Date Night, and Library Lover Month — just to name a few! February comes from the Latin word februarius, which means “to cleanse.” This month, perhaps we can clean out the things in our lives that weigh us down and start fresh.
Leap Day
Library Lover Month
Every four years is a leap year, and an additional day is added to the calendar, on February 29. The next leap day will be in 2024.
The Fulton County Public Library System puts a lot of time and effort into providing FREE resources and events for people of all ages throughout the year. February is a great time to learn more about these materials and opportunities. There are many activities you and your family might enjoy, even if they are still virtual for now. Normally, the libraries host family movies, story times, chess groups, yoga, book clubs, and more.
How do we know which years contain leap day? 1. The year must be evenly divisible by four. 2. Years that are divisible by 100 (century years such as 1900 or 2000) cannot contain a leap day unless they are also divisible by 400. For this reason, the years 1700, 1800, and 1900 did not have a leap day, but the years 1600 and 2000 did.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fulton County Public Library System launched a variety of new digital resources. Popular options include Lynda.com, Kanopy, and Creative Bug. Paper.co was also launched, which is a free online tutoring service for Fulton County residents and library card holders. Through Paper.co’s remote learning platform, students benefit from unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring in any subject from a fully vetted educator. Essay review with annotated feedback can also be provided within 24 hours.
The Full Snow Moon February’s full moon will reach its peak on February 27 at 3:17am. Because it typically snows more in February than in any other month, the February full moon is called the snow moon. Be sure to take the kiddos out before bedtime to check it out.
SOURCES - TimeAndDate.com, Almanac.com, and Free Library Resources article from Alpharetta Moms (information provided by Fulton and Forsyth County Public libraries).
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs, and events.
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Book Review BY MARCIA DIVACK
L IT TL E E YES In
her latest novel, Argentinian author Samanta Schweblin introduces readers to a world just like ours but plagued by little eyes. In Little Eyes, the world is infested by Kentuki, which are a terrifying crossbreed of the Furby (which is a toy that plagued the real world 20 years ago) and Amazon’s Alexa.
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Kentuki are the latest craze, and everyone either has one or wants one. They come shaped as bunnies, dragons, or birds that roll around on wheels wherever they are set down, and their eyes are cameras. Each Kentuki has a keeper (the person who purchased it and brought it home) and a dweller (the person who is on the other side, watching through the gadget’s eyes). The plush little devices are designed to be used for communication. However, as with most devices connected to social media, they are soon put to more nefarious and insidious uses. There is also a catch to these devices — they can die. Once the device is turned on, it cannot be turned off. Turning it off essentially kills it and breaks the connection. Neither the keeper nor the dweller can turn it back on, nor can either one of them be traced.
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Pam Santoro - Berkshire Hathaway With the Kentuki infesting the world, the novel also spans the globe. While the story begins in a teenager’s bedroom in Indiana, it soon jumps to Peru, Hong Kong, Germany, Sweden, and so on.
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As with Schweblin’s other books, there is a looming sense of dread throughout Little Eyes. From the very beginning, readers know that things are about to go horribly, irrevocably wrong.
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Marcia Divack is the branch group administrator for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-730-1700. AFPLS.org
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North Fulton Family Life | FEBRUARY 2021
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