Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Contents
April 2021
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 9
16-17
[16-17]
On the Cover
Exercise Coach
20-21 Creating the Perfect
Outdoor Living Space
26-27 Artist Profile
Toneisha Harris 04 ........................... Perspective
[26-27]
06 .............................. 10 .....................
Calendar
Community Life
14 ................ Community Partner
Blake’s House of Independence
18 ..................
Mayor’s Message
22 ......................... Public Safety 23 ............................. Quotables 24 ....................
Senator Speaks
30 ................ Community Partner Java Joy
[20-21] Follow Us >>>
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31.....................
Ribbon Cuttings
32 ......................... Family Life Publications
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Book Review
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Growing Herbs Is Simple and Rewarding By Lisa Ethridge [HomeLife] Herbs are attractive, aromatic, tasty, and easy to grow. Be sure to choose the right spot for the plants. Herbs thrive in the sun; they need 4-6 hours each day. Place the plot close to the kitchen and a source of water. Once a sunny spot has been chosen, prepare the soil, so it can hold moisture and allow roots to grow freely. First, clear the area of weeds and grass and use a shovel or garden fork to loosen the soil. Add several bags of organic compost. The nutrients from the compost will feed the plants throughout the season. Then, work the bed 8-12 inches deep. After the hard work is done, it’s time to select the plants. Some herbs can grow quite large, so check the tags carefully to avoid overcrowding. There are perennial and annual herbs. Chives, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and French sorrel are reliable favorites. Since mint can take over a garden bed, think twice before adding it among other plants. No summer garden is complete without basil and parsley. Start with the basics and experiment, as your confidence grows. To plant, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Place the herb in the ground and gently press the soil around it. Make sure the crown of the plant, where the root meets the greenery, is level with the soil. Label the plants and water the bed thoroughly. For maintenance, water in the morning to ensure hydration throughout the day. Remove weeds and apply an organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Harvesting is important to the health and continued growth of the plant. Pinch the tops to promote branching and pinch off blossoms because the herb is more flavorful Lisa Ethridge is a member of the award-winning before it blooms. Bulletin 1170, “Herbs in Southern Gardens,” at Extension.UGA. edu/publications, provides all the information you’ll need for a successful herb garden. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
To circle back to my point about my health, it didn’t take long for my wife to conclude that I have been seeking help either in the wrong places or not at all. She made it clear that even though there are many good-hearted people, opinions are like noses, and most everyone has one. Try asking for specialist recommendations on Facebook if you have doubts; you’ll receive more options than a bilingual sushi menu! So, instead of one new doctor, I now have three. No worries — just some mechanics. I needed some extra direction to get back to feeling my age, rather than that of my parents. The good Lord willing, I’ve many years left to enjoy. For each of us, there comes a time to ditch our former ways, follow our hearts, and pray for a more beneficial option. With a second opinion, you get another choice, another viewpoint, an additional perspective. Don’t let pride or plain ignorance stand in the way of health, security, or your future. Listen to those who care about you. Seek what is best even in the worst of times.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Albers, Jeremiah D. Amos, Lisa Ethridge, Jim Gilvin, Kevin Head, Perry Houck, Ryland Johnson, Scott Lavelle, Alli Neal, Christy Noll, John Robison, Ellen Samsell Salas, Pam Santoro, Melody Swilling
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 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 that reaches 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in 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. 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 permission from the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
TH
© 2021 All rights reserved.
AS
IS
E R EC Y C
LE
Like the disciples in a boat on a raging sea ( John 6:16-21), you may, too, be surprised when help comes walking across the waves to find you paddling your boat in vain, lost in the storm. Listen to your heart, and let him in. It’s time to accept a new direction and discover that safety and peace are waiting on yonder shore.
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
E
For the past few years, I’ve had a minor issue with my health that I have kept to myself, for the most part. So fortunately for me, my wife also likes old, seasoned items. She married me last summer, so she has a thing for fixer-uppers with some “character.” I’m also blessed that she’s a registered nurse. So, I’m like a classic car with a mechanic on site.
Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com
M AG A ZI
N
As
a hobbyist and small-time collector of modest-sized antiques and items of character, I have realized that some of my most cherished things were popular during either the generation before mine, or, quite often, my own youth. From where I sit as I write this, some items in view include my second Slinky (each of us who had a metal one knows what happened to the first), a handmade wooden truck, and some tiny license plates from travels with my grandparents. So yes, the AARP and I have concluded that I’m over 50 and, thus, an antique.
PLE
A Perspective on Opinion
ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Where Did I Put My Will? By Jeremiah D. Amos
[StrategicLife] Imagine that your loved one passes away, and a will cannot be found. The consequences could be devastating. That’s why it’s important to have a safe place to store your will. When the location of a will is not evident, the regular course of action is to search the deceased person’s home and personal effects, as well as consult family members and even the attorney who drafted the will. If it remains unfound, the process to probate a copy can be quite an undertaking. In this situation, there is a legal presumption that the original will was intentionally destroyed. In order to overcome that presumption, you must show the court
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
”
all the steps taken to locate it, and that there was no change in circumstances to cause the deceased person to alter or revoke the will. If these requirements are met, and none of the heirs object, the court will allow you to proceed with probate using a copy of the will. If a copy cannot be located, the only option is to proceed as if the deceased person died without a will. In this instance, the distribution of your assets is determined by Georgia law, and undue responsibility may be placed on family or friends. Usually, a family member or friend would petition the court to be appointed administrator and begin to manage the estate. The administrator must resolve any unsettled debts and expenses of the
estate. Then, the remaining assets would be distributed to the deceased person’s heirs as determined by Georgia law, not as provided in the lost will. The importance of storing your will in a secure location cannot be overstated. A safe deposit box (if someone else, such as your executor, is also signed on to access the box) or a fireproof safe are good options. Also, be sure to inform your family/executor of the location, so they can ensure your wishes are carried out. L Jeremiah D. Amos is an attorney at Debra Robinson Law, P.C. in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999. DebraRobinsonLaw.com
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Calendar Due to ongoing public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details before attending.
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APRIL
1-3
Easter Bunny at Avalon Refresh your pocket photos with vibrant new images of the family alongside the Easter Bunny, and ring in spring during memorable photography sessions (by appointment only). Photo packages start at $15. 10:00am-5:00pm, Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com
3-10/30
Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday, this market features farmers with fruits, vegetables, and natural meats; gardeners with fresh flowers and herbs; and makers of various homemade goods from desserts and breads to local raw honey and sauces, jellies, and soaps. FREE admission. 8:30am-12:00pm, Village Green by Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-2976000. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com
5-5/9
The Market at Avalon This market is a one-stop shop for all your gifting needs this spring, featuring a selection of specially curated, handcrafted goods from local, small businesses. Monday-Wednesday 11:00am-7:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm, and Sunday 12:00-7:00pm, Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com
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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. 12:00pm, Please call to register in advance for this online Zoom meeting. Helen Scherrer-Diamond 770-289-8964 or Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627.
Trails & Ales — Grab your friends and family and enjoy some fresh air, as you tour some of Alpharetta’s scenic trails and parks. Choose between a 1.5- or 3-mile guided walk. Trail tour ends at Jekyll Brewing’s downtown Alpharetta location for a posttrail social. Registration fee includes a Trails & Ales T-shirt and a beverage token. 5:30-7:30pm, Jekyll Brewing, 15 Academy Street, Alpharetta. 770-558-4357.
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Coffee & Commerce Enjoy networking, breakfast, and a special educational presentation by subject matter experts. Chamber members $30, nonmembers $40. Networking 7:30am, presentation 8:00-9:00am, Location TBA. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
ONGOING APRIL IS DECORATING MONTH Celebrate this month by redecorating a room inside your home (paint your walls a different color, shop around for new furniture, or experiment with new decorative pieces). If you’d rather pursue backyard enhancements, change up your outdoor living space (HINT: See this month’s feature for outdoor decorating ideas). If you’re on a tight budget, reorganize your home to make it less cluttered and more efficient. 6
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
AvalOM — Every Wednesday through October, unite with fellow fitness friends for a weekly yoga, barre, or Pilates class, presented by various studios and instructors. Attendance is limited. Individual spots in socially distanced rings are $10. Ticket proceeds benefit a different charity each month. 6:00pm, Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com
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22
Earth Day — This annual event is celebrated around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Take this opportunity to educate yourself about ways you can do your part to help create a cleaner, healthier world for all.
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The Wednesday Social Enjoy this after-hours networking event, presented by the Alpharetta Chamber. Members $10, nonmembers $20. 5:00-7:00pm, Hilton Alpharetta Atlanta, 5775 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
21-22
Lyrid Meteor Shower Expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour during this event. Unfortunately, a first-quarter moon is going to cause some interference for anyone looking early in the night. Your best viewing option will be a few hours before dawn on the morning of 4/22.
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The Alpharetta Garden Club Annual Plant Sale Native perennials, annuals, vegetables, house plants, and garden containers will be available. 9:00am-4:00pm, Mansell House & Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-667-5736. TheAlpharettaGardenClub.org
Art in Your Back Yard: Folk Art and Whimsy Through 5/14, ArtsAlpharetta is hosting an exhibit of art pieces that pays tribute to our happy place, the backyard. Mediums may include photography, painting on varied surfaces, mosaics, garden decor, sculpture, folk art, and other outdoor friendly options. FREE admission! MondayThursday 8:30am-5:30pm, Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, and Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6165. Alpharetta.ga.us
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
12th Annual Swing Into Action Golf Tournament — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) presents this event, which raises funds to support its mission to build self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness and hunger in the North Fulton community by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs. Tickets are $375/solo golfer and $1,500/foursome, and will include a day of golf with breakfast, a boxed lunch, player gifts, and contests. Health and safety protocols will be in place for all players. Registration 8:30am, shotgun start 10:30am, Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-387-4459. NFCCHelp.org/swing-intoaction-annual-golf-tournament
MAY
1-31
Alpharetta Retail Month Enjoy discounts at participating retailers by purchasing an ARM card. Various times and locations. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com
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Predator Safety
The New “Talk” Parents Need To Have
With Their Kids By Alli Neal
These chilling facts are our children’s reality. Protecting them from sexual abuse and exploitation should be a top priority for all adults, but most feel helpless when it comes to opening a dialogue with kids, especially little ones, about sexual abuse. Child safety experts at Atlanta-based Revved Up Kids offer five quick tips for parents:
Fact: 14%
of adults in Georgia are
survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Nationally, more than one
in 10
children are sexually abused before turning 18.
Fact: Almost always, victims know
their abusers. Most victims never tell. Fact: More than 50,000 sexual
predators
are online 24/7 in the
United States.
Fact: PornHub, the world’s largest online pornography provider, boasts 220,000
video views on its site every minute. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, online images of child pornography have increased
18-fold
in the past six years.
Fact: Child sex trafficking generates
$290 million
in annual revenue
in the Atlanta metro area. Average age of a rescued victim in Georgia is
14 years old.
1. Make this a routine, comfortable family dialogue. Do not “dust it off” a few times a year when an alarming news story breaks. Seize opportunities to talk about safety regularly. Think about all the other safety rules in your family such as: “Look both ways before you cross the street,” “Don’t touch the hot stove,” or “Don’t run with scissors.” These rules never feel difficult, and predator safety shouldn’t either.
2.
Stranger danger is a myth. Do strangers kidnap and harm children? Yes, but your child’s likelihood of being harmed by a stranger is about 7%. Rather than focusing on “stranger danger,” teach your kids to recognize unsafe people and dangerous situations. First and foremost, teach them that almost all people, including strangers, are good and kind and would want them to be happy and safe. This is an undisputed fact that should drive all your safety messaging. Next, teach them that because there are some unsafe people, it’s important to know what to look for. Teach them that an unsafe person is normal looking and nice and might be someone they see a lot, even someone
Sources – CDC.gov, MissingKids.org, Justice.gov, PornHub. com/insights, Urban.org, and GaCares.org
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
they care about. Teach them that they can decide whether someone is safe or unsafe by what the person is saying and doing, and how it’s making them feel.
3.
Safe trumps polite. Everyone knows that polite, respectful children are a cornerstone of good parenting. Unfortunately, sexual predators will often use this against a child. They know the child’s default mode is “I have to be good and do what the adult says.” Role play with your children, so they are comfortable responding to unsafe situations. Teach them that it’s okay to yell and run away if someone makes them feel unsafe. Don’t just talk about it. Practice it.
4. Set a device curfew. Nothing good ever happens online when parents are asleep. Take up all devices and put them in a secure place where they are not accessible during nighttime hours. 5.
Talk with your children about online pornography. Teach them what to do when (not if) they see online pornography.
Alli Neal is the cofounder/executive director of Revved Up Kids, Inc. 678-526-3335. RevvedUpKids.org
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Divorced or Unmarried Parent?
Here’s What You Need to Know About
Traveling With Your Child By Melody Swilling, Esq.
[StrategicLife] Ready to plan your next vacation? If you’re not married to your child’s other parent, consider these common issues before you pack. Divorced parents will have a court ordered Parenting Plan, which may include who gets to apply for a passport, who holds the passport, when you need to give notice of your intent to travel out of state, and what type of information needs to be provided. If your Plan doesn’t outline these specific details, you should consider the information you’d want from the other parent if he/she was preparing to leave the state/country with your child. For never married parents, Georgia law can be more constraining. A single mom
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
may have sole legal and physical custody to a child born outside of marriage, but getting the child’s passport without the consent of the biological father is going to take additional steps. A time consuming solution is to obtain a Declaratory Judgment by a Georgia Superior Court that the mother is the sole custodial parent. As redundant as it seems, the federal government requires either the other parent’s consent or in the absence of consent, a court order awarding custody to the parent obtaining the passport. Being aware and planning for your child’s future can ensure your post-COVID-19 beach plans are not grounded before you even take off. Consider where your family lies on the spectrum and which
steps need to be taken to get your child’s passport and any other necessary orders at least 12 weeks before your trip. So, if you have a July reservation in Jamaica, you should be starting the process of obtaining the necessary documents you’ll need now. Document, plan, and prepare ahead this spring. Your future beach Instagram pictures of your child buried in the sand will thank you. 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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Community Tucked Away in Roswell Computer Museum of America Situated near a movie theater, mini golf, and Whirlyball, the Computer Museum of America (CMoA) is a treasure trove of technology. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, you can find supercomputers, a timeline of technology gadgets, an Apollo 11 exhibit, and a vintage gaming corner. CMoA regularly hosts events, so check the website first to see what fun activities are planned. Art Around Roswell As you drive around, you’ll notice some sculptures placed throughout Roswell. What you probably don’t know is that those sculptures are part of the Roswell Arts Fund’s Museum Without Walls, the Art Around Sculpture Tour. The collection consists of permanent and temporary sculptures. To expand on the experience, download the free Otocast app to hear directly from the artists who created these incredible sculptures. The Museum Without Walls may also be viewed through the “Along the Way Virtual Tour.” Big Creek Park mountain biking trails.
Every town seems to have both places that are well known and hidden gems tucked away. Now that warmer weather is here, be sure to explore these wonderful Roswell locales. Big Creek Mountain Biking Trails Roswell is a bike-friendly community with several paths and trails for bikers and cyclists to enjoy. Big Creek Park features a hiking trail system and greenway for walkers and street bikers, but tucked away in the woods, you will find mountain biking trails. These trails are for all skill levels
Also, in an effort to further support the local creative community, Roswell Arts Fund (RAF) recently launched a virtual Artists Marketplace, featuring over 35 local artisans. Artists within 30 miles of Roswell from all sectors of the creative economy were invited to apply. The Marketplace and the Virtual Tour can be found at RoswellArtsFund.org. For more ways to experience Roswell, check out VisitRoswellGa.com.
Ask the Fish 2.0 by Dr. Stephen Fairfield.
Garrard Landing Park People visit popular Old Mill Park to see the covered pedestrian bridge and Vickery Creek Falls. What many don’t know is you can see a second covered bridge at Garrard Landing Park. On the east side of Roswell is one of the loveliest parks in the city’s awardwinning park system. Just behind the Johns Creek Environmental Campus, you can find the second covered bridge, trails, a playground, and a put in/take out spot for the Chattahoochee River. It’s perfect for families with kiddos since the park has mostly flat paths that are less crowded. Seven Branches Trails Another tucked away park on the east side is Roswell’s Seven Branches Trail. The start of this trail is right next to East Roswell Park. Opened in the fall of 2019, you’ll feel like you have the woods to yourself while exploring along the path. 10
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Community Local Health Care Podcast Sheds Light on Important Medical Topics To Your Health, hosted by Dr. Jim Morrow, just celebrated its 50th episode. This popular health care show empowers audience members to understand and improve their health. Based in Cumming and Milton, Morrow Family Medicine, a member of Village Medical, believes in bringing care back to health care by being a technologically advanced “old-fashioned” practice. Dr. Morrow is the founder and CEO of Morrow Family Medicine and an award-winning trailblazer and evangelist in health care information technology.
Over the last 50 episodes, Dr. Morrow has discussed such important topics as cancer, healthy weight management, COVID-19, sports medicine, special needs, and stress. Sometimes with a guest and often without, Dr. Morrow has positively impacted the way the public sees medical professionals. His ability to discuss important and relevant topics in a down-toearth manner has made him popular with the community. He has dedicated his life to making sure his patients understand medical news and developments.
“Being involved in this community has been a privilege for over 20 years. The chance to bring my thoughts on health care directly to more people via this podcast has really helped me affect change in people’s health,” said Dr. Morrow.
You can listen to the To Your Health podcast on Business RadioX. New episodes are available the second and fourth weeks of each month at ToYourHealthRadio.com and on all major podcast apps.
Get In The AlphaLoop A dynamic and transformative project called the AlphaLoop will soon connect neighborhoods to activity centers, improve mobility, promote healthier lifestyles, and enhance the quality of life of everyone who lives, works, and spends time in Alpharetta. At its core, the AlphaLoop is a multiuse path, looping through Alpharetta and
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
connecting amenities like the Big Creek Greenway, downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, and the North Point district. But, the AlphaLoop is more than simply a path. It will, itself, be a destination that helps to define and convey to visitors the unique character of the districts and neighborhoods that make up this community.
Introduced in 2016, this project will take some time to complete. Yet, much has already been accomplished. In 2020, the first full segment was finished, connecting downtown Alpharetta and Avalon, with more under construction. Explore the links at Alpharetta.Ga.us to learn more about this project and the exciting things to come.
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Community Milton Historical Society Dedicates Two Historical Markers The Milton Historical Society has dedicated two historical markers, making a total of 29 markers installed in the city to date. The markers were placed at Hardeman’s Grocery on Hopewell Road and at the settlement of Social Hill at the intersection of Freemanville and Providence Roads. Historical markers began appearing in Milton in early 2018 to highlight key locations and buildings in the city’s history. Hardeman’s Grocery was constructed in the late 1940s/early 1950s. Thomas Hardeman and his wife Margaret operated a country store at the location, which provided local farmers with tools, general merchandise, clothing, canned goods, fresh vegetables, and gasoline for their cars and tractors. Local businessman and restauranteur Chris Sedgwick, owner of the property, said, “I have long sought to convert this historic structure into a business serving the local community. It will be called Bloom General Store and will operate in the spirit of the original business, offering gourmet coffee, gelato, handmade items, and fresh-cut flowers.” Hardeman’s Grocery historical marker.
Melvin Hardeman, son of the original owners of the grocery, said, “I am pleased to take part in the dedication of this historical marker and so happy to welcome a business here that celebrates the original purpose of my family’s store. I hope it will become a place where folks gather and socialize together, just as they did in the store’s heyday.” Social Hill was a settlement that grew up around the 1834 founding of Providence Baptist Church on a heavily traveled trade route. In 1846, the local post office was included on a twohorse mail hack route from Marietta to the gold fields in Lumpkin County. In what is today the city of Milton, Social Hill was the first complete community with a church, general store, doctor’s office, post office, and Providence School. Today, Social Hill is the home of The Union Restaurant.
Social Hill historical marker.
The Milton Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, and promote the unique heritage of Milton, Georgia. 12
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
City of Milton Announces New Community Development Director Bob Buscemi, a well-known, well-respected city architect, has been named Milton’s full-time community development director. A New York native who has worked for the State of Georgia, Palm Beach County, New York City, and himself as the head of his namesake architectural firm, Buscemi has spent the last nine years as Milton’s city architect. In this role, he has worked closely with citizens, elected officials, fellow architects, and developers to devise high quality, unobtrusive, distinctive structures that reflect Milton’s rural character. Buscemi has partnered with builders to create outdoor spaces, like the new lake park in downtown Crabapple, to give people more ways to enjoy the outdoors. When the community development director position opened last fall, Buscemi stepped up as its interim director. He has made a major impact in the short time since by revamping processes, helping steer the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and empowering City staff. His work these past few months, as well as his overall qualifications, spurred City Manager Steve Krokoff to remove the “interim” tag and name Buscemi as the department’s official director. “Bob Buscemi is widely known and admired around Milton for what he’s done to help create buildings and spaces that are distinctly Milton,” said Krokoff. “In this new role, he’ll be able to make a positive impact in even more ways.” Add
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Helping Children Avoid or Manage Stress By Christy Noll [HomeLife] Stress can be overwhelming and debilitating, especially if it gets out of control. If left untreated, it can cause health problems that can become lifelong issues. As parents, how can we help our children manage or even avoid stress? “Stress is the body’s reaction to harmful situations — whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as ‘fight-orflight,’ or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises,” (WebMD.com). How parents react to and handle day-to-day situations in front of their children has a huge impact on how they mature and process feelings. Expressing love and showing children how valuable they are affects how they feel about themselves. Leading by example, parents can help manage their children’s stress by how they respond to tense situations that occur in their presence. If we pay attention to any behavioral changes such as altered eating habits, sleep issues, or increased agitation in our children, we can take action to help minimize or alleviate what may be at the root of their stress. By offering advice and sharing our own experiences, they might be able to see that their situation isn’t so bad, and knowing they have their parents’ love and support will help get them through it. In more extreme cases, our children may need the help of a medical professional. A trained expert can teach them ways to cope with and manage stress on their own.
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs, and events.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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13
Community Partner
H
elping adults with special needs succeed is the mission statement for Blake’s House of Independence (BHI), which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that was recently accredited by Council on Quality Leadership. The organization serves individuals in north Georgia, including Cherokee and North Fulton counties. Jamita Martin established BHI in 2013 to help adults with disabilities maintain employment and live independently. The mother of a child who suffered from severe developmental delay under the autism spectrum, Martin developed a passion to advocate for her son and other adults with disabilities. She created a culture in which her son and others could gain special training to obtain employment, acquire skills to utilize during leisure and social time, and live independently. BHI uses comprehensive strategies that steer adults with disabilities toward having lifelong independence, purpose, and a sense of inclusion in their communities. The organization focuses on individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are in the process of transitioning to independent, productive lives. An employment program, a day program, community access, and a Dreams @ Work initiative are all provided through this organization. Depending on which waiver an individual has, the employment program is through Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The program includes job readiness training, job coaching, and job placement. BHI’s day program is called Anchors for Individuals, which provides fellowship with peers and complete community activities, all while learning and mastering new skills. If an individual does not want to come to a day program, he/she has the option of working one-on-one with a direct support professional (DSP). The DSP will take the individual to a place he/she chooses in the community to complete tasks that are specific to what he/she wants to do.
The Dreams @ Work initiative offers the opportunity for people with disabilities to create and manage micro businesses that generate income for their own independent living expenses. This program has a thrift store and an E-commerce store, which provide community access and work experience. BHI is made up of about 40 employees from a variety of backgrounds. All have been trained and have the necessary skills to assist individuals through different programs, whether in the home, community, or workplace. All employees maintain ongoing training for their positions including COVID-19 training to ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are being followed. Teamwork, a well-trained and highly educated staff, and a connection to the community are BHI’s strengths. For more information, please call or visit the website.
7450 Highway 92, Suite 120 Woodstock, GA 30189
678-767-2865
BlakesHouseOfIndependence.com
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Spruce Up Your Home’s
Outdoor Space
for Increased Property Value By Pam Santoro [HomeLife] Spring is here, and the real estate market is hot! Now is the time to spruce up your outdoor living space from the front yard to your backyard oasis. Here are some suggestions to help you get started: •E asy fixes include adding colorful flowers and fresh mulch. • Power washing the sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveway will truly enhance your curb appeal. • Depending on your lifestyle, adding a spectacular outdoor kitchen, cozy firepit,
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
water feature, or shady pergola can make the space more fun for family gatherings and entertaining friends. • Swings and rocking chairs add nostalgic, functional charm. • Screened-in porches help keep mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay. • Strategic landscaping can be a beautiful way to add additional privacy to your yard. No matter the size of your home or yard, you can extend your living space by
expanding it outdoors. These things add value and/or curb appeal to your home that you can enjoy even if you are not planning on selling yet. For more ideas on how you can improve your space, check out my “Outdoor Living” board on Pinterest.com/pams0116.
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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15
Strength Changes
Everything
Andrew Castillo Lead Coach
™
Age Healthy and Strong
T
he Exercise Coach® in Alpharetta is making waves in its community with an innovative approach to the art of working out and aging well. The company’s certified coaches provide guided workouts, utilizing a unique Exerbotics® testing process to analyze the baseline muscle condition of every customer. For those who don’t enjoy the typical gym scene, this program is truly the antithesis. Turning Lemons Into Lemonade Eric Roberts, owner of The Exercise Coach, was not always a big fan of the gym. “I really didn’t like working out. When I tell people this, they laugh because I’m not your typical gym-goer, but I own a health and fitness studio,” says Roberts. He found out about The Exercise Coach franchise after being laid off from his corporate job in 2019. A friend in Nashville, Tennessee, introduced him to the program, and the rest is history. What Roberts loves most about his new adventure is that he’s able to give back to his community in a way that generates jobs and helps others live a healthy, feelgood lifestyle. “It definitely beats the corporate life,” says Roberts. His determination to turn a lemon of a layoff into a lemonade situation is an inspiration to many.
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
Chris McFadden Lead Coach Monica Dudziak Coach
A Scientifically Personalized Workout Those who book an appointment with Roberts and his team will experience a truly customized experience. The first session is designed to create a baseline for performance. Coaches guide their clients through an Exerbotics® testing process to analyze their overall fitness and range of motion. “Every customer is unique. We tailor the workouts to challenge them against their own baselines for improvement,” explains Roberts. The Exerbotics Intelligence Platform generates a personal strength workout for coaches and clients to follow. Realtime feedback combined with strength measurements enables safe, efficient, and effective workouts in just 20 minutes, which enables clients to get stronger and healthier within minutes of their first workout. This approach prevents injury
by gently pushing limits to strengthen muscles over time. Throughout each client’s workout journey, adjustments are made to maximize results. “Our clients enjoy many benefits from their workouts that improve strength, metabolism, blood pressure, and energy level, and also help achieve weight loss goals,” says Roberts. The program is known for targeting and improving sarcopenia, which is a loss of muscle mass when aging. For those looking to further optimize their weight loss goals, The Exercise Coach offers nutritional guidance called the Metabolic Comeback™, which is designed to get hormones back on track and reset metabolism in as little as 30 days. The plan combines whole effort exercise, whole food nutrition, and strategic supplementation.
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COVER STORY By Anna Teal
Eric Roberts, Owner
Psychological Motivation At any age, getting motivated to work out seems to be a universal challenge. For this reason, The Exercise Coach program is a perfect solution. Those who may not enjoy working out or who have very busy schedules typically have great success. Each program is only 20 minutes, which already seems less intimidating. Every workout comes with a highly experienced, certified exercise coach. “People tend to work harder when someone is alongside them, cheering
Call or Text for
2 FREE Sessions Expires 04/30/21
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
them on while holding them accountable for their goals,” says Roberts. Clients can quantify and visibly see their progress, which helps them stick with the program. “The 20-minute sessions include highintensity interval training (HIIT), which is high-intensity effort followed by recovery periods. The benefits from HIIT are numerous including cardiovascular health, targeting abdominal fat, and weight loss,” says Roberts.
735 N. Main Street, Unit 800 Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-870-1750
ExerciseCoach.com/Alpharetta Alpharetta@ExerciseCoach.com
Strict COVID-19 Guidelines Staff members are required to wear a mask at all times. Temperature checks and handwashing/sanitation policies are strictly enforced to ensure a safe space for exercise. All cleaning products are EPA certified, and surfaces are protected with a MicroShield360™, which kills bacteria and viruses on contact. “Our clients’ safety is our top priority. Our semiprivate, one-on-one approach allows us to provide a safe environment for our clients and coaches. We make sure to practice social distancing while having no more than a few people in the studio at a time,” explains Roberts.
For those looking to give The Exercise Coach a try, the Alpharetta location is offering two free sessions. Simply visit the website or call to schedule an appointment. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
17
Mayor’s Message
What Makes Alpharetta One of the
Hottest Real Estate Markets in the Country? By Mayor Jim Gilvin
A
lot has changed since last year. COVID-19 impacted every community, and we certainly have felt its effects in the city of Alpharetta. Alpharetta’s population used to increase from 64,000 at night to nearly double that number during weekdays. Those 60,000 extra people drove on our roads, worked in our office buildings, shopped in our stores, and ate in our restaurants. When COVID-19 hit, many visitors stopped coming to our city. Companies asked employees to work from home. Some stores, restaurants, and hotels temporarily closed. Over time, most of these establishments reopened, but a lot of office buildings are still nearly empty, as people continue to work from home. While it is impossible to predict all the changes that will result from this unprecedented disruption, we are beginning to see some expected trends. Some of the changes are positive, and some will likely be negative, at least in the short term. For example, rush hour traffic has been much less than before the pandemic. In 2019, traffic congestion was one of 18
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
Alpharetta’s biggest challenges, but today, many people are working from home and driving less often, so traffic conditions have improved. The reduced traffic is welcome for now, as it allows the City to make faster progress with fewer disruptions to residents while projects are completed along Windward Parkway and Kimball Bridge Road. However, we don’t expect traffic to remain low forever because of another trend we see emerging in Alpharetta. Because of COVID-19, people and businesses are making the health and safety of their families and employees a much higher priority. As a result, they are beginning to appreciate the benefits of homes and office buildings in lower density suburban areas. Many companies and commercial property investors are now abandoning major metropolitan areas on the West Coast or in the Northeast for safer, more affordable options. As one of the best cities on the East Coast to live, raise a family, and do business, Alpharetta is even more attractive than ever before.
And as millennials are beginning to start families of their own, they now appreciate our great schools in a safe community with walkable environments like Avalon and the downtown area as well as the AlphaLoop and Greenway Trail systems. All these trends help make Alpharetta one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Any local real estate agent can tell you that buyers must act swiftly, or they may lose the house of their dreams. There are just not enough houses available for the people who want to live here. Yes, the last year has been a tough one for all of us. But the good news is that we are blessed to be in a community that attracted people and businesses from all over the world before the pandemic, and nothing about that seems to have changed.
Jim Gilvin is the mayor of Alpharetta. 678-297-6010. JGilvin@alpharetta. ga.us, Alpharetta.Ga.us
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Music Therapy Groups and Skills for the Workplace By Perry Houck, N.M.T., L.P.M.T., M.T.-B.C. [HealthyLife] Over the years, great minds have sought to define what it means to “thrive” in society. In addition to basic life needs, people must also have their basic social needs met in order to be flourishing members of their communities. These social needs require a balance of independence and dependence — receiving and giving care while benefiting and contributing to society. The opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society through gainful employment continues to be a challenge for members of the special needs community. Computer and other technical skills are important in most workplaces. However, soft skills like emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and effective communication are often overlooked, yet they are just as important. Music therapy groups are indicated to
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
help those with neurological differences and developmental delays improve soft skills to facilitate access to opportunities in future work environments. Music therapists address soft skills through interventions based on evidencebased research. One intervention involves creating a musical ensemble. After assessing the abilities of each group member, the music therapist creates a musical arrangement with an adapted part for each person. To perform the piece of music, each member must demonstrate focused and selective attention while practicing his/her part; exercise impulse control while others practice; and demonstrate sustained, divided, and focused attention to perform the piece.
The music therapist provides musical structure and cueing to facilitate the intervention. When it comes time to present the piece, each group member experiences a microcosm of meeting his/her social needs — receiving the benefit of the work of others around him/her, but also making a meaningful contribution to others as well. These soft skills of listening, being aware of others, motivation within the group, and effective teamwork are paramount to being successful in a work environment. L
Perry Houck is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
19
t c e f r e P e h t Creating r
o o d t u O e c a p S g n i v i L By Julie
Senger
N
ow that winter is finally over, most of us are anxious to get outside and enjoy warm weather this spring and summer. As we continue to battle a pandemic, we are also keenly aware of how valuable our outdoor spaces have become for our own enjoyment as well as for hosting small gatherings while adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines of remaining socially distant and wearing masks. April is a great time to begin creating the perfect outdoor living space, where you can escape the confines of the indoors and enjoy muchneeded fresh air. Here are some things to think about while you plan the layout of your new favorite hang “out” spot.
Furniture
Whether you plan to sit outside to chat and have a drink with friends, dine al fresco with your family, lie out in the sun to soak up a little vitamin D, or circle the firepit with a few neighbors to roast marshmallows, there’s furniture for that! Here’s a list of items to shop for depending on how you plan to spend time in your outdoor space: • Extra Folding/Stackable Chairs • Hammock/Hammock Stand • Coffee/Side Tables • Bar/Barstools • Outdoor Living Set • Lounge Chair Set • Dining Set
Food Prep
Lighting Lighting is important because it helps create ambiance in your space during evening hours. When choosing how to illuminate the area, consider your needs. If you plan to grill after dark, you will want lighting that is bright, so you can adequately see your food preparation area. If you are trying to create a romantic or relaxing atmosphere, you may opt for a dimmer lighting source to set the tone for the mood you’re trying to evoke. Here are some lighting options to consider: • Cafe String Lights • Lamps • Lanterns • Tiki Torches • Patio Ceiling Light Fixtures/Chandeliers • Christmas/Fairy String Lights • Remote Controlled Track Lighting (with color changing options and movement settings)
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
When summertime rolls around, there’s nothing better than preparing meals outside. In addition to the tasty al fresco dining, outdoor meal preparation means you’re not heating up your house and causing your utility bill to skyrocket when you crank up your central air conditioner in an attempt to cool it back down. Here are a few items you may want to invest in: • Coolers/Beverage Tubs • Gas/Hibachi/Charcoal Grill • Smoker • Turkey Fryer
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Climate/ Pest l Contro
To get the most use out of your new space, you will want to provide climate control options to keep you warm on cool days and cool on warm days. Setting up a heating or cooling source will extend the “outdoor season” into the autumn months. You will also want to control those pesky mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted outdoor pests. Consider the following options: • Firepit/Chiminea/Patio Heaters • Ceiling/Portable Fans • Cool Misting Devices • Bug Zappers/Citronella Lanterns/Candles • Exterminator Mosquito Yard Treatments • Shade Umbrellas/Awnings/Canopies/Pergolas/Other Coverings for Weather Protection
Decorative Ac cents
Let your creative juices flow, as you select decor to fill out your space and give it a personal touch. Color and theme choices abound to help you create the right vibe. Whether you seek to cultivate a tropical oasis, surround yourself in pastels and floral prints, or opt for clean earth tones with comforting fabrics and patterns, here are some things to put on your shopping list: • Outdoor Area Rugs • Plants • Candles • Decorative Pillows • Tapestries • Art/Sculptures/Signs • Weatherproof Curtains
Entertainment
Hardscapes
If you are planning to make a larger, fixed, more permanent change to your outdoor living space, you will most likely need to hire a professional to install or build the items on the list below. While these features will certainly require a larger financial commitment, if you ever decide to sell your home, they may also yield a great return on investment by increasing your property value. Consider these additions for a spectacular outdoor living space: • Outdoor Kitchen • Fireplace • Woodfire Oven • Gazebo • Pool/Hot Tub • Koi Ponds • Waterfalls/Fountains
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
Whether you are hosting backyard events -- a tailgate party, outdoor family movie night, perhaps a neighborhood tournament (volleyball, horseshoe, or cornhole) -- or you just want to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee and/or a glass of wine while listening to music, you are going to need some or all of these things: • Covered/Wall-Mounted TV • Yard Games • Portable Projector/Movie Screen • Outdoor Speakers
After everything is set up, your new outdoor retreat will offer the opportunity for lots of quality time to make many new memories with family and friends. Happy spring!
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21
Public Safety
Alpharetta Maintains
Top Fire
Service Rating By John Robison
F
ollowing an in-depth review and assessment by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the City of Alpharetta Department of Public Safety’s Fire Services has maintained its Class 1 rating, which places Alpharetta in the top 1% of all fire departments nationally and translates to lower homeowner’s insurance rates for Alpharetta residents. Of the 39,378 fire departments in the U.S., only 393 have earned the ISO Class 1 rating, with 24 of those being in Georgia. Alpharetta first earned the ISO 1 Rating in 2015, saving average homeowners 2-4% on their annual homeowner’s insurance premium. ISO collects information on municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the U.S. In each of those communities, it analyzes the relevant data using the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) and assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1-10. Class 1 is the highest rating and represents superior property fire protection. The FSRS evaluates departments based on four primary categories of fire suppression: fire department, emergency communications, water supply, and community risk reduction. The best overall score possible in the rating schedule is 105.5 points, and Alpharetta earned 92.86. In each of the primary categories, Alpharetta’s scores were as follows:
About the Individual Scoring Categories Fire Department scoring is based on the distribution of fire stations throughout the city, regular testing of pumps, and whether or not the department inventories each engine and ladder company’s equipment based on National Fire Protection Association standards. Other evaluation factors include the type and extent of training provided to fire personnel, number of people who participate in that training, firefighter response to emergencies, and maintenance and testing regimen for department equipment. Emergency Communications scoring is based on how well the fire department receives fire alarms and dispatches to the location of the emergency. To calculate the score for this category, ISO evaluates the emergency reporting systems, the communications center (including the number of communications officers), computer-aided dispatch facilities, the dispatch circuits, and how the center notifies firefighters about the location of the emergency. Water Supply scoring is based on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. ISO surveys all components of the water supply system, reviews fire hydrant inspections and frequency of flow testing, and counts the number of fire hydrants that are no more than 1,000 feet from the representative locations. Community Risk Reduction scoring is based on how well communities employ effective fire prevention practices and proactively strive to reduce fire severity through a structured program of fire prevention activities. The evaluation for this category considers factors such as fire prevention, fire safety education, and fire investigation.
John Robison is the public safety chief for the City of Alpharetta. 2565 Old Milton Parkway,Alpharetta. 678-297-6342. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Quotables “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” -Brene Brown “Behind every strong person is a story that gave them no choice.” -Unknown
“It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.” -Paulo Coelho
“Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.” -Alfred Montapert “Everybody wants to be a diamond, but very few are willing to get cut.” -Eric Thomas
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” -Seneca “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.” -John F. Kennedy
“I wondered about the explorers who’d sailed their ships to the end of the world. How terrified they must have been when they risked falling over the edge; how amazed to discover, instead, places they had seen only in their dreams.” -Jodi Picoult, Handle With Care
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
23
Senator Speaks
Update on Recently Passed Legislation By State Senator John Albers
L
et me begin by thanking the wonderful staff and readers of North Fulton Family Life. It has been my sincere pleasure to write monthly articles for the past several years. This magazine has been a treasure, and I hope you will support them in their Woodstock and Canton publications. As the legislative session continues, the Senate has remained fixed on its goal to deliver strong solutions to issues both in our community and across the state. This year has presented the General Assembly with a few challenges, including mandatory twice a week testing for COVID-19, socially distanced committee rooms, and, of course, addressing the various economic, social, and health care related priorities that have arisen due to the pandemic. However, none of the challenges inhibited our work. The following is a brief update of some of the major legislative items we’ve passed so far.
$
The most significant piece of legislation recently passed is House Bill 80, the Amended Budget for the 2021 Fiscal Year (AFY21). In total, the AFY21 Budget stands at $26.5 billion, an increase of roughly $654 million over the current budget. Like most budget cycles,
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
education funding makes up the largest share of expenditures. More than 36% of the budget ($9.6 billion) was directed to K-12 education. Due to our improved economic climate, we were able to restore $567 million for quality basic education expenses that we were originally forced to reduce in the original FY21 Budget. Also included was $40 million to purchase 520 school buses to replace those that are well past their recommended life cycle. As originally mentioned in Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address, this budget also reflects a $1,000 bonus for our educators who have worked hard to adjust to teaching amid a pandemic.
Over the last few years, Georgia has taken significant steps to address human trafficking including maximizing the penalties for the perpetrators while ensuring victims have access to the justice that they deserve. Senate Bill (SB) 33 allows a victim of human trafficking to file a cause of action for civil charges against his/her perpetrator. SB34 allows victims of human trafficking to petition a court for a name change and for the change to be kept under seal. Usually, name changes are available as public record, but we believe it is necessary to provide victims with this protection to better ensure their safety.
Increased internet access continues to be a priority for the General Assembly. The AFY21 Budget provides $20 million to OneGeorgia Authority to establish a broadband infrastructure grant program, which will assist rural communities in leveraging the necessary resources to target broadband needs in their area. This is one of several significant steps being taken to expand high-speed internet access in rural Georgia. While more investments will be needed, this grant program is an excellent starting point.
The General Assembly has passed many more bills and resolutions than can be mentioned here, so I encourage you to reach out to my office if you any questions or concerns about any legislation we are considering. Our job is to reflect the needs of our communities, and I rely on constituents’ voices to help me do that.
$
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
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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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25
ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
TONEISHA HARRIS
Singing From the Heart Listening to local vocalist Toneisha Harris sing, one is drawn into her music. Gifted with perfect pitch, The Voice’s Season 18 runnerup learned to harmonize and arrange through years of singing gospel, musical theater, R&B, and pop. She brings passion, pain, joy, and love to her vocals, essentials that cannot be taught. “My passion for music is vital,” Harris said. “Music is life’s soundtrack. There’s something out there in music that will speak to whatever is happening with you — heartbreak, happiness, whatever — there is a piece of music that will speak to it.” As a child, Harris sang with her cousins and hoped to join the family’s gospel group someday, a feat she accomplished when she turned 12. “My gospel roots are deep and have shaped my love and passion for music, my sound. I sing from that spot whether I’m doing rock, R&B, or pop. That soul is always there.” Singing to one person or a thousand, Harris connects with her audience, an art she credits her mother for imparting. Looking into the crowd and “pulling from their energy,” Harris said, “excites me, energizes me.”
“The performance isn’t just about me. I’m telling a story, and I attempt to take the audience on the journey with me. You need to connect with what you’re singing. Facial gestures, my hand movements, I want my audience to be in it with me,” said Harris.
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
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Photos courtesy of NBC’s The Voice.
A lover of all genres, from opera to country, Harris incorporates elements from each of those into her singing. She can go high or low, “take it down or get bigger,” whatever the music dictates. “There are moments that I don’t want to get lost in the music, so I pull back, get soft, and listen to the music,” said Harris. “It’s storytelling. If they’re invested, they’ll lean up and listen.” Harris begins by exploring the song, listening to it, and asking, “What is the pivot of this story?” and “How do I want to sell this story?” She plays with different riffs or runs, and she watches herself sing in front of a mirror to gauge what gestures and movements help convey the tale. Whether she is wowing with her power or a more subtle approach, her vocals are so dynamic that listeners can’t help but be drawn into the performance. Harris said that her success on The Voice has meant even more than getting a four-chair turn in the first round or making the finale — accomplishments she never expected. Thankful for the knowledge she gained from working with great musicians and singers, Harris says that The Voice was a rebirth for her. “It pushed me forward. It reconnected me to my music. It was like a resuscitation.” That renewal now includes mentoring up-and-coming singers, writing songs and jingles (one of which was picked up by McDonald’s), performing as a background vocalist for Nick Jonas on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, and creating her own throat spray, Ton’s Tonic. Her recent focus has been writing and producing a single with an anticipated spring release date.
To learn more about Harris, or to hear her music, look for her on Facebook (Toneisha Harris), Instagram (@iamtoneishaharris), and TikTok (@toneishaharris).
“It’s inspirational. It’s rock; it’s pop; it’s an eclectic mix. I describe it as ‘world music’ that touches us all. That’s where my heart is.” Harris said. “I hope it will be healing for us as a nation. I hope it will become a mantra and make us believe we’re better when we do it together.”
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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27
How To Create a
More Secure
Password
[StrategicLife] Everyone uses passwords to access all sorts of information on the computer, online, and other places. People often complain about having to remember too many passwords, and as a result, they tend to use the same one for everything. To make matters worse, that password is often not very strong, leaving individuals vulnerable to data loss, identity theft, and hijacked online accounts. The most common passwords – including 123456789, qwerty, password, iloveyou, and nothing – are easily guessed and easily hacked.
By Scott Lavelle
Five Tips for Creating a More Secure Password 1 Always Use a “Strong” Password
The technical definition of a strong password is one that has eight or more characters and at least three of the four character types: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters (such as @ or %).
2 Never Share Your Password
In business, this means that all staff members who are going to access a resource should have their own I.D. and password. This way, if there is ever a separation, the I.D. can be easily disabled without disturbing other employee operations.
3 Be Creative
A common method for creative passwords is using numbers or special characters in place of letters that look similar. For example: • S = $ • O = Zero • 3 = E Another effective method is to use a phrase that is represented by an acronym. For example, “I couldn’t remember my password for thirty minutes if you paid me” might look something like “Icrmp430miniy$me.” This has all four of the character types and is 16 characters long, but it’s not hard to recall.
Scott Lavelle, MCSE is the co-owner/ technical director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491. TechnicalRS.com
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
4 Use a Password Manager Application
These apps keep up with your passwords by storing them in a “vault,” and they also automatically fill online forms. LastPass, which is one of the most popular password managers, has options for both personal and business use. You can sign into this app using your master password on any computer, providing access to other passwords any time they are needed.
5 Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication apps require you to enter a password and type in a code that is sent to or viewed on a secure device. This code changes with every log in, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to accounts. Even with strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for accounts that offer this option is strongly recommended. Also, the mobile app is preferred over the mobile phone SMS (text message) option.
Like most things in life, there are no guarantees that these things will completely protect you, but they certainly point you in the right direction and add another level of security to your accounts. Living in a digital age requires a heightened level of diligence and awareness. L
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The Spot Inside By Kevin Head, Ph.D.
[InGoodFaith] Louise Albert Banks writes about a man walking down the street one day who passes a worker washing a large window. The glass looked extraordinarily clean, but there was one spot on the window that defied all his efforts to remove it. After scrubbing for some time, the worker finally discovered the problem. “The spot is on the inside of the window,” he yelled to an employee inside the store. A similar thing can happen in our lives. We work so hard at cleaning our outer selves that we forget about our inner spiritual lives, which are so important. During Lent (February 17-April 3), Christians around the world paused to look inside themselves and examine any spots that may need to be cleaned. The word “introspection” defines this process. The first part of the word “intro” describes “within us,” while the second part, “spec,” is Latin for “to look.” So, literally, the word introspection means “to look within us.” Through introspection, we see ourselves as if we were another person observing our lives. William Godwin, a 19th century thinker, once wrote, “The philosophy of the wisest person that ever existed is mainly derived from the act of introspection.” The Bible tells us something similar. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that anyone who participates in worship (specifically Communion) should examine his or her own life. As Christians, we need to nurture our inner selves, for sometimes we are guilty of looking only on the outside. These past few weeks of Lent have given us an opportunity to look inside ourselves, to see our inner spots. Now, it is Easter. The season of Lent is behind us, and we live in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what is different within us? What spots have we removed? How has our introspection changed the way we live? The good news of Easter is that Jesus is alive. How is your life different today? L Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
Feel the thrills of the circus in Alpharetta, GA!
www.circuscamp.net Aerial Silks, Trapeze, & more! Ages 5 - 14 Extensive safety measures Sign up today & pay in June!
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, Kevin@fbroswell.org
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29
Community Partner
J
ava Joy, a mobile coffee cart that provides job opportunities for adults with disabilities, began in Athens, Georgia, in 2016 out of parent nonprofit, Extra Special People (ESP). ESP was founded in 1986 to serve individuals with disabilities of all ages through after-school enrichment, weekend outings, and summer camps. After seeing the need for vocational training for ESP’s adult participants, in 2013, ESP launched the Bouncin’ Bean coffee counter. For years, Bouncin’ Bean was a staple in the ESP community, bringing unmatched joy to everyone who visited the counter for a cup of coffee. So, ESP began dreaming of how to take this one-of-a-kind joy out to the community, beyond its four walls.
In December 2016, ESP launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the dream of transforming the Bouncin’ Bean into Java Joy. It was fully funded in less than a month, with more than $10,000 raised to help get the enterprise off the ground. Java Joy is now a part of ESP’s family of programs and larger mission to create opportunities for transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing lives for the better. With the vision of becoming the largest employer of adults with developmental disabilities in the U.S., Java Joy is expanding
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North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
to additional cities where the company can share the fun. In 2020, Java Joy launched in North Fulton. With a total of 70+ Joyristas (joy+barista) hired across all the communities it serves, Java Joy continues to provide meaningful employment for adults of all abilities while spreading unmatched happiness to the people it serves. Community members can book Java Joy for meetings, conferences, customer recognition, or to enhance a celebration. Each booking comes with music, hot and iced coffee (or even hot chocolate!), and 2-3 Joyristas. Do you know someone who needs a joyful pick me up? Java Joy also sells one-time gift options, which include a bag of coffee, a notebook, and a mug. This box is perfect for friends, family, teachers, or clients to show appreciation for the happiness that they bring to you. Each box also includes a personalized card about the Joyrista who packed your box as well as a video introduction. By booking an event with Java Joy or purchasing gift boxes, you are helping to get ESP closer to its vision of a world where every person, of every ability, in every community has universal access to transformative experiences. To book a Java Joy event in the Atlanta area, or to purchase a gift box or other available items, please visit the website.
706-769-9333 | JavaJoy.org
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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
Row House
10800 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 300 Roswell 770-755-1444
Health and Fitness
Results Rehab Roswell 470-207-4429
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10955 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 102 Johns Creek 404-565-1714
The Simpson Organization 3700 Mansell Road, Suite 150 Alpharetta 770-876-1129
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Johns Creek World of Beverages 10305 Medlock Bridge Road Johns Creek
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Bella Medspa 1020 Powers Place Alpharetta 678-908-3491
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31
Book Review BY RYLAND JOHNSON
Is This Anything? J
erry Seinfeld’s Is This Anything? is a career-spanning retrospective of his joke writing, which is organized by decade. The book depends largely on Seinfeld’s mystique of self: the televisual success story and aloof arch-comic of the city, madly scratching jokes on notepads, offering us now his craft book of refined work, certifying his being a genius all along.
What works about the book is that it is very refined. It has a slick-butlight sans-serif typeface that feels modern and antiseptic. It has a heavy feel of authorial editorialization. It has no indentation. Everything is flush left, short lines, thoughts in block, economy of word. Seinfeld lays out his retrospective as if it was a book of poetry. In this form, jokes about airline travel or marriage seem to be elevated to something approaching artfulness. It’s achingly almost-art with tiptoes of poignancy. The deliberate poeticization of the comedy bit begs a lot of interesting questions about the limits of craft. Is there art in stand-up? Or is it just a nice thing we enjoy because it’s funny, in the same way we enjoy food because it’s tasty? Fans of Seinfeld’s comedy get the tasty, funny bits. They’re all there, and, thankfully, the work’s heavily circumspect editorial voice spares us from cringey and distracting wrong notes. The work feels agonized over – it’s so clean. There’s a meticulousness in expression that is very respectable. I don’t think this was an easy book to produce. The easy book would have been the same lazy, uninspired comic celebrity memoir we’ve all read a hundred times. It is the comedian’s job to observe and catalog all the humorous ways in which life and art fall short, but I can’t help thinking that this book might be the closest thing to poetry a casual reader might get in a span of years.
32
North Fulton Family Life | APRIL 2021
Advertiser Index Akrosphere Aerial & Circus Arts 29 Alpharetta Farmers Market
13
The Cat Clinic of Roswell
5
Cruise Planners
3
Dance Imagination
29
Debra Robinson Law Group
3
DeMercy Dental
Inside Back
The Exercise Coach
Cover, 16-17
In Harmony Pediatric Therapy
Inside Front
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
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Morrow Family Medicine a member of Village Medical
Inside Back
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Back Cover
Pam Santoro - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
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Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.
Inside Front
PhotoJack.net 19 Row House - Roswell
9
Swilling Family Law Firm, LLC
15
Technical Resource Solutions
23
Vickery Creek Capital Management
25
Ryland Johnson is a librarian at Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta. 770-360-8897. AFPLS.org/oceebranch6
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