Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Contents
August 2020
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 1
16-17 On the Cover
Marietta Eye Clinic
24-25
Summertime Nostalgia Fond Childhood Memories
30
[16-17]
Artist Profile
Jay Marsh
[24-25]
04
.......................... Perspective
06
.............................. Calendar
08
.................... Community Life
12
................... Senator Speaks
15...................
[30] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
Mayor’s Message
20
........................... Senior Life
22
............... Community Partner
26
........................ Public Safety
28
.................... Ribbon Cuttings
29
........................ Book Review
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
You’re doing just fine. Pursuing perfection in almost anything is, for the most part, an exhaustive waste of time and effort. There’s little sense in beating ourselves up every day, trying to make a perfect score on all of life’s tests — both great and small. Ironically, our pursuit of perfection often becomes a stumbling block to progress. Of course, I’m not suggesting we settle for being content with mediocrity. There’s always room for improvement. However, perfection, in most any circumstance, is subjective. Our differences make us perfect for our purpose on Earth. When we understand that each of us is “just perfect enough” in the here and now, our relationship with ourself and others will improve, both individually and collectively. There is no right without wrong, nor wrong without right.
So, spill the beans. Be willing to share your weaknesses, hard moments, and rawness. One of our deepest fears is that by exposing our imperfect true selves, we will face rejection. We find it hard to open the door to our heart — even to our closest friends. When people share their vulnerabilities with you, do not judge them; warmly accept them. You may scare away the fake ones that have accumulated around you over the years. However, maybe you will motivate them by letting them see how content you are with being you, and they may let their illusion of perfection fade. That’s when the magic happens. That’s when strong, balanced, honest relationships are built. None of us is perfect. Life is simply a balancing act. So, really — be real. Perfect!
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Albers, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Kevin Head, Veronica Jucknies, Joe Lockwood, Christy Noll, Julia Padgett, Patti Richter, Debra Robinson, Ellen Samsell Salas, Heather Terry, Sean Thompson
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
Also available online at
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. 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.
© 2020 All rights reserved.
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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Think about how every tiny snowflake is perfectly formed, yet each is as individual as a fingerprint; no two are alike. Like humans, each flake takes on the most effective and efficient form for its individual journey, often colliding with others or getting tossed about under pressures it encounters. Sometimes, it
bonds together or gets broken apart. But every snowflake has a place and purpose that is perfect for its individual space — much like each of us is perfect in our own way, for our own purpose as well as that of a grander plan.
Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com
E
Relax.
Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com
M AG A ZI
N
just isn’t for us.
ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com
PLE
Perfection
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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Planning Your Estate
[StrategicLife] When thinking about creating an estate plan, whether through a will or a trust (sometimes both), many people base their planning on the assumption that they will live until a certain point in the future. A woman might think the wills she and her husband are writing won’t need to be used until the survivor of them has died in 20-30 years. A 50-yearold man who plans to retire when he is 65 might think his will won’t be needed until he has been retired for at least 10 years. A couple with college-age children might think their estate plan won’t go into effect until their children have completed their education, gotten married, and have families of their own.
The better way to design your estate plan is to ask yourself what you would have wanted to happen if you had died yesterday. Would your children have been mature enough to manage an inheritance? Would your elderly parent have suddenly lost the financial assistance you’ve been providing? Would your widowed spouse have been vulnerable to predators?
Those kinds of expectations will prove to be true for some people, but not for everyone. You can’t know what the future will bring, so your estate shouldn’t be planned with the expectation that it won’t be needed until some future milestone has been met.
If you think about the here and now, it will help you design a better plan. You don’t need to change your expectation that you’ll be living many years into the future, but you should have a plan that protects the people you care about in the event that expectation isn’t met.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
By Debra Robinson
An estate plan isn’t something that can be done once and then set in stone. Revisions need to be made when families, assets, health, needs, and laws change. Once created, an estate plan should be reviewed at least every five years. When you review it, you can update it to reflect your current concerns. L
Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com
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Calendar Due to recent public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details before attending.
AUGUST Peak Dates for Perseids Meteor Shower — Made of tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus. The Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers because at its peak, you can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour.
15, 22, 29, & 9/5
15-16
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Jump Ahead Benefit Horse Show In addition to being another Local Georgia Hunter Jumper rated show, this show is also a fundraiser. This year, Easterseals North Georgia is one of the beneficiaries. Riders will come from all over the Southeast to compete and to have a chance to give back. 8:00am-6:00pm, Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Road, Alpharetta. RidingForKids.com
ONGOING
Music Under the Pines Enjoy outdoor concerts in this intimate setting. Upcoming artists include 8/15 Farewell Angelina, 8/22 Cat Ridgeway, 8/29 Michelle Malone, and 9/5 Chatham Rabbits. Bring your own food and drinks. Tickets $27.50. 8:00-10:00pm, Matilda’s, 850 Hickory Flat Road, Milton. 678-480-6932. MatildasMusicVenue.com
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
This month is dedicated to celebrating what makes you happy. Remember, happiness is unlimited, and sharing your happiness can bring joy to other people. So, do something nice for yourself and make someone else happy by doing something nice for them!
Alpharetta Art in the Park — This outdoor artist market features handcrafted masterpieces by local artists. Come enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art, and more. 9:00am-4:00pm, Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
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SEPTEMBER
Roswell Riverside Sounds Presents The Suffers — Enjoy FREE live music by talented, critically acclaimed musicians, focused on original songs. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase at each concert. 7:00-9:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. RoswellRiversideSounds.com
Art Americana 2nd Fiber & Folk Exhibit Through September 18, this FREE exhibit shows works completed by artists from the Southeast. Monday–Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm, Friday 8:30am4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, and open during classes and events Sunday. Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6135. ArtsAlpharetta.org or Alpharetta.Ga.us/arts
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AUGUST IS HAPPINESS MONTH
Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy farm-fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, baked goods, health and beauty products, and live music. 9:00am-12:00pm, Urban Hardware parking lot, 11770 Haynes Bridge Road #501, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy the season’s freshest locally grown produce and artwork created by local artisans. 8:00am-12:00pm, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. RoswellFam.com
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God’s Grace By Kevin Head, Ph.D.
[InGoodFaith] What is the greatest need of your life? Enthusiasm? Meaning and purpose? Energy and strength? Max Lucado offers a fitting description of life for many people today. He writes, “We are tired — a tired people — a tired society. We race. We run. We slug our way through long lines and long hours with faces made long by the long lists of things we need to do. Everything needs our attention.” He makes a great point. We often tell ourselves, “You have to be good enough — you need to give more, be more, try more, work harder.” These messages are not necessarily bad, but here’s the point: Our attempts to “be good” will not save
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
us. How good is good enough? How good do I have to be to earn God’s favor? That kind of draining life is not grace — it’s futility. No one wants to live that way, and the great news is that God also doesn’t want us to live that way. The wonderful message of the gospel is that because Jesus is resurrected, life can be different. One person wrote, “The good life —
empty and confusing. He was at the end of his rope. So that night, the man cried out to God, “Lord, what do you want from me?” The answer came clearly and succinctly, as if God was speaking directly to him: “I want you. I don’t want your attempts to be good. I don’t want your promises. I don’t even want your good intentions. All I want is you!” John Stott says, “Faith’s only function is to receive what grace offers.”
the one that truly satisfies — exists only when we stop wanting a better one.” Satisfaction comes with being content with what God has given us. A man lay on his floor crying in desperation. For him, there was no joy, happiness, or sense of purpose. Life felt
So, receive the good news: God wants to do a new thing in your life — to give you excitement, meaning, purpose, and a new perspective. That’s grace. That’s God’s grace. L
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, Kevin@fbroswell.org
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Community City of Roswell Seeks Resident Input on 2040 Plan
Mayor Lockwood Elected Regional GMA President
The City of Roswell is in the public input stage of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which is a highlevel planning document that seeks to unify the direction and policy of economic development, housing, transportation, natural resources, land use, and green space.
Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood was recently elected as a regional president with the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), a role in which he'll serve as a key liaison between that organization and 11 north Georgia cities.
The plan will also create visions for some locations throughout the city, so they will better fit market conditions. It all comes down to what residents want in their city, and it’s never been easier to provide input. Through a series of online meetings and an online portal, the City will collect resident input on what needs to change and what should stay the same. The online portal allows residents to place pins on a map of the City and give their opinions of what is good, bad, and how it should change. The City’s consultant, Pond and Company, will collect this input and formulate a plan for the future in collaboration with City of Roswell staff.
Every five years, the City updates maps using residents’ feedback, which then become the basis for future land use and planning. Roswell’s plan was last updated in 2016.
Mayor Lockwood will represent the North Region of District 3, which encompasses metro Atlanta. GMA is the nonprofit organization representing all 538 of Georgia’s municipal governments through legislative advocacy, educational opportunities, employee benefits to its members, and more. Elected officials from these cities, such as Lockwood, often play key roles at the GMA.
“This is an opportunity to have a say in what your community will look like in the future,” said Jackie Deibel, Roswell’s planning and zoning director. “We want residents to give us their input on how they want Roswell to look in 20 years.
“It’s an honor to represent our region as part of the Georgia Municipal Association,” Lockwood said. “It’s valuable, too, for the City of Milton to have a seat at the table, especially in these unique and challenging times.”
Visit RoswellGov.com to learn more about the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and upcoming meetings, as well as ways to get involved.
GMA divides the state into 12 districts. Lockwood is the new president of District
4th of July T-Shirt Fundraiser North Georgia Promotions in Alpharetta held a successful 4th of July themed T-shirt as a fundraiser for Jesse’s House, a shelter for at-risk girls. The shirts were available to buy online at NGAPromotions.com for nine days, and 50% of the proceeds were donated to Jesse’s House. Additional fundraising T-shirt opportunities will occur during most of the major holidays as another way to give back to the community. Shawn and Laura LaFave are the owners of North Georgia Promotions and can be reached by phone at 770-710-0467 or by email at Shawn@ngapromotions.com. 8
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
3’s North Region, which includes Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Mountain Park, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska, and Milton.
In this role, Lockwood will attend GMA-sponsored events, push for common legislative priorities, promote GMA programs, as well as communicate with and advocate for the region’s cities. He will also serve on the Association’s 66-member board of directors.
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Community
NFCC Receives $300,000 for New Technology Lab North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has received a $300,000 commitment from LexisNexis Risk Solutions to establish a technology lab. The new lab will help support the needs of individuals seeking workforce readiness, career search opportunities, and adult education classes. Features of the new technology lab include 15 computer stations; dedicated space for GED tutoring, test preparation, and computer literacy and technology classes; and an area with resources for children. LexisNexis
Risk Solutions will further support the project by providing employee volunteers to serve as instructors and technology advisors in the lab. NFCC’s education programs are designed to build self-sufficiency and support learning for low-income adults, while providing basic education and employability skills that are critical for obtaining and maintaining a job. The programs impact the ability of individuals to earn a wage that will enable them to support their family.
Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy Renamed Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy The Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy announced that it has changed its name to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) to reflect its support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) as part of the national park system. The CRNRA is composed of 15 park units with nearly 7,000 acres along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. As the official Friends group for the CRNRA, the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy works with the National Park Service to enrich visitor experiences in the CRNRA and protect the park’s natural and cultural resources. The national parks need public support, and donations to CNPC help support the local unit of the national park system. Phillip Hodges, board president for the CNPC, said, “As the official Friends group Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, having ‘National Park’ in our name emphasizes that the park we support is part of our national park system.”
with over three million visitors each year. More than 90% of the funds raised by CNPC have gone directly to support the national park to enhance and restore land and water trails, improve facilities, support volunteers, and conduct outreach and education programs. “Our name has changed, but our mission is the same. The Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy's mission is to build a community of support for the CRNRA and promote stewardship of its natural and cultural resources. CNPC will continue to raise funds and promote volunteerism to help the CRNRA meet its improvement goals and priority initiatives,” said Hodges.
Representing 20% of the public greenspace in the Atlanta metro area and designated as the first National Water Trail, the CRNRA is one of the top 30 most visited national parks in the U.S.
For more information on how to join, donate, or volunteer with CNPC, visit ChattahoocheeParks.org. For information about the CRNRA, trail maps, and boating outfitters, visit NPS.gov/chat. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Viking Announces Additional Sailings for
New Mississippi River Cruises By Michael Consoli
2023. Currently, scheduled ports of call comprise seven U.S. states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, and St. Francisville), Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg), Tennessee (Memphis), Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis), Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque, and Davenport), Wisconsin (La Crosse), and Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).
[Lifestyle] Viking’s new 2023 sailings of its Mississippi River cruises are now on sale. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the lower and upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Since several cruises have already sold out, Viking has opened additional 2023 sailing dates sooner than originally expected. Viking’s arrival to the Mississippi will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river, with the new cruises expected to bring more than 5,800 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full season in 10
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
The new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi will host 386 guests in 193 outside staterooms. Inspired by Viking’s awardwinning river and ocean ships, the ship will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking, creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” A focus on cultural enrichment on board Viking Mississippi means that guests will enjoy destination performances that represent the most iconic music of the region — as well as guest lecturers that shed light on the region’s art, architecture, history, culture, and natural world. The Viking Way of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Privileged Access, Local Life, and Working World experiences, opening doors to
places otherwise difficult to visit. On Viking’s Mississippi River itineraries, guests may choose to take a guided kayaking trip in the Louisiana bayou, visit a working farm in Quad Cities, or immerse themselves in Cajun culture during a Privileged Access excursion to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University. Every Mississippi River cruise fare encompasses all that guests need, with no surprises or hidden fees. Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi. This announcement is the most recent milestone, as Viking continues to expand its destination-focused offerings. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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Senator Speaks
Keeping Sight of the
L
American Dream By State Senator John Albers
ast month we celebrated Independence Day. Many of our normal celebrations were not held due to the pandemic. However, we should never lose sight of this monumental time in history. The following is a letter I wrote to my sons, and I forward it to them every year as a constant reminder.
To Will and Ryan, We are truly blessed to live in our great country. Our founding fathers were divinely inspired men of great wisdom. The ideals and governance they conceived into our republic has led to the greatest nation in history. Our founding principles and historical documents combine to create a unique recipe for success, allowing for independence, freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have the platform, but every person and generation must be accountable and responsible to our cause. Don’t let socialism or fascism ever challenge what we know to be right. There are those who will work hard to do little; you need to work tirelessly and climb mountains! My values are strongly rooted in my faith and principles. I believe in hard work, accountability, small government, lower taxes, compassion, innovation, serving others, and generosity. You can do anything in our great land – and I challenge you both to be great at whatever you do. Wherever you serve (i.e., business, church, military, government, community, family), do so with tenacity, compassion, and a sense of urgency. Make a real difference in others’ lives, and you will reap the benefits. Help people by giving them a hand up and not a handout because true compassion is doing what is best for others, not what is easiest.
remember the priorities of life – God, family, country, and work. Be exceptional at everything and never take “no” for an answer. As a fourth-generation firefighter, I pray you continue our family tradition of “running in when others run out.” Don’t back down from problems or challenges. Be the solution. One day, the Lord will call me home. When I stand before him, I will be judged. Remember — it is his job alone to judge, not ours. The Lord will hopefully know my “dance card” was full. I worked tirelessly to preserve and protect my life priorities and our founding principles. We will get all the sleep we need in heaven, and I plan to make the most of my time on earth. Each of you is a leader, no matter the situation or circumstance. Be men of strong character and integrity. When others act foolishly, be professional and a gentleman. It will always pay dividends to you. Keep in mind the legacy of our founding fathers, and one day, I expect your names to be added in the history books with them. Always do more than is expected of you, and remember, it is God’s plan and our free will to implement. You have all the tools and talent you need. I will always be with you. With unending love and pride,
Never settle for the status quo. Rock the boat and innovate when others rest, advocate when others are silent, and
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
Dad
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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Preparing for
Virtual Learning
Does your student have access to a computer where he/she can participate in class? Does the school have resources to help if your child does not have a computer to log on?
Ensure your child has secure and reliable internet access. There are devices you can purchase to boost Wi-Fi signals in your home, if necessary.
Watch for communication from your child’s school teachers on supplies they may need for class and help them get organized for each subject (whether virtual or in person).
If needed, use Google to search for best online resources for different subjects to help your child, or ask your child’s teacher for recommended websites.
By Christy Noll [HomeLife] As the 20202021 school year is upon us, COVID-19 cases are still a major concern in Georgia. With so much continued uncertainty, parents are apprehensive about whether to send their child to school or opt for online learning. In the event that students want or need to use virtual learning options at any point during the school year, it’s important to prepare for that possibility.
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs, and events.
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
While this year will be more challenging to navigate, we can do our best to keep our children’s anxiety levels low by staying positive and helping them be prepared for school whether virtual or in person.
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Mayor’s Message
Milton’s
2020 Gains By Mayor Joe Lockwood
L
ittle about 2020 has been easy. We have missed out on parties, date nights, games, and concerts. Some of us have even missed milestones like typical graduations, funerals, and weddings that bring people together. In Milton, we’ve canceled meetings and special events, like the Community Egg Hunt and July 3rd festivities, which residents look forward to annually. We’ve coped with unprecedented health worries, trying to keep those closest to us physically and mentally well in the age of COVID-19. On top of all that, we’ve seen our nation rocked with additional turmoil and challenges. Still, I’d contend that – at least here in Milton – we’ve gained a lot this year, too. We have a fresh perspective. For me, that starts with family. Many of us have been blessed with more quality time with spouses and children than we would have had otherwise. We have leaned on family members for company, sanity, humor, and so much more. We’ve used technology like Zoom and Teams to reconnect with close friends and relatives outside our immediate bubbles. Decades from now, we might not reflect too fondly on 2020 for plenty of reasons, but we should always treasure this precious time with our loved ones.
Joe Lockwood is the mayor of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
We also have even more reasons to appreciate Milton. Our citizens rallied to understand, accept, and follow through on guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19, and they’ve stepped up to support local businesses and struggling neighbors. Countless personal examples of kindness include lining streets for kids’ drive-by birthday parties, sending handwritten messages to elderly citizens who are quarantined in nursing homes,
and providing simple acts of kindness like friendly waves and smiles to people strolling by. Being a good neighbor means something here. Living someplace with so much natural beauty always has its rewards, but especially during times like these. We in Milton are fortunate to have picturesque places like Birmingham, Bell, and Providence parks to explore. We enjoy nature while lounging in our yards, walking in our neighborhoods, and driving past Milton’s signature horse farms and pastures. Meanwhile, even with so much out of our control, life still went on here – and for the good. Milton police officers kept patrolling, and our firefighters kept responding to calls. First responders, grocery store workers, medical professionals, and other essential workers worked hard despite the risks. Even with so much on hold, progress has been made. Crabapple’s transportation is a prime example. While many huddled at home, new buildings rose and took shape around the district. A new road opened in the heart of downtown, and a needed roundabout opposite Milton’s library was constructed. Inside that roundabout stands a unique horse statue that should be a landmark for decades. Once the temperature cools, leaves turn, and this virus (hopefully) slips into memory, that statue, that road, and those buildings will stand. I hope the positive perspective we’ve gained in 2020 stays with us, too. Just like we can’t forget the bad, we shouldn’t forget the good either. That includes being grateful for those closest to us and this very special city that we call home. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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The Marietta Eye Clinic
Eye Care That Carries On Atlanta’s northwest suburbs have seen steady growth for more than 50 years, and at least one company has grown with the population. In the early months of 2020, while COVID-19 caused the best-laid plans of many businesses to come to a grinding halt, this eye care company remained on task to expand by opening another clinic — its 10th.
M
arietta Eye Clinic is unusual for its size as one of the largest group ophthalmology practices in the Southeast. Since its small beginning in Cobb County in 1967, the company now serves patients, especially surgical patients, across much of metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Over the years, its clinics have spread from Cobb to four more counties: Cherokee, Douglas, Paulding, and Fulton. And it’s still growing — the new facility, located in Roswell, is scheduled to open after Labor Day. A STRONG BEGINNING The original founder of Marietta Eye Clinic, Irving Staley, M.D., welcomed Gerald E. Sanders, M.D., to join his clinic in 1973, and the two opened an office near WellStar Kennestone Hospital. According to the company’s marketing manager, Jonathan Razzano, these physicians had a joint vision to grow their practices along with Cobb County’s booming population. “They were aware of the value of having all available eye care specialties in one place, especially for older patients and those with 16
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
COVER STORY By Patti Richter
Amy Cherof, M.D., is one of a large team of ophthalmologists and optometrists with the Marietta Eye Clinic. She — along with two other ophthalmologists, Dr. Shunai Jiang and Dr. Jeffrey Tran, and a talented team of primary care optometrists — will soon begin seeing patients at the Marietta Eye Clinic’s newest office in Roswell.
“
Our exceptional growth is due to the high quality and empathetic eye doctors in this practice, and the excellent staff and managers who support them.”
eye disease,” Razzano says. “And their combined specialties and practices provided all they needed to begin.” In 1996, the clinic relocated a half mile north of the present location, which is the company’s largest campus, with a 20,000-square-foot facility. “Those colleagues enjoyed close, personal relationships and having their own surgery center — important elements that each contributed to the company’s strength,” says Razzano. “Our exceptional growth is due to the
high quality and empathetic eye doctors in this practice, and the excellent staff and managers who support them.” STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Marietta Eye Clinic’s medical staff alone includes 28 providers: 14 ophthalmologists (M.D.s) who specialize in the eye and are licensed to perform eye surgery, and 14 optometrists with doctoral degrees in optometry. The company’s Kennestone campus in Marietta includes an exclusive ambulatory eye surgery center. It further offers dedicated clinical space in a second building for its retina specialists, oculoplastic and aesthetic surgeon, and clinical research department with state-of-the-art equipment. Razzano explains, “We conduct and participate in extensive research activities on cutting-edge technology and medicines in partnership with national studies.” The community surrounding this largest facility embraced the quality of these services and caused the company to grow in its number of locations, providers, specialties offered, and surgeries performed. “We’ve also grown in total number of More through the door!
Above left is Shunai Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., and above right is Jeffrey Tran, M.D. Both will soon be accepting patients at the Marietta Eye Clinic’s newest location in Roswell, which is set to open after Labor Day. patients served continuously for our entire 50-year history. We are one of Georgia’s few truly comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry practices,” Razzano says. Services include primary, specialty, and surgical eye care as well as optical products — glasses and contacts. “This comprehensive offering is unusual to find in one practice in eye care,” Razzano adds. ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EYE CARE Marietta Eye Clinic offers every specialty of ophthalmology except neuroophthalmology. “We are a one-stop solution for nearly all eye care needs,” Razzano says. “We serve patients of all ages — from children to the elderly. We’re a familyfriendly practice where patients can get expert adult care or find the perfect glasses
or contacts for their busy teenagers.” In the early months of COVID-19, Marietta Eye Clinic did not completely shut down since eye care is essential and ongoing. The staff continued to meet urgent needs throughout a six-week partial practice closure. Doctors also conducted sight-saving eye surgeries during this period. They were back to business by mid-May, and Razzano says they have followed all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in reopening. With its new clinic, Marietta Eye is uniquely positioned to serve the fastgrowing population in Roswell, Alpharetta, and other north Fulton County areas. Conveniently located on Highway 92 (also called Holcomb Bridge Road), the all-inone practice will include several providers to offer this community direct access to a broader range of specialists.
Amy Cherof, M.D., a board-certified, comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, is local to the Roswell area and attended nearby Lassiter High School. Another provider, Jeffrey Tran, M.D., will likewise offer comprehensive ophthalmology and cataract surgery services. Board-certified ophthalmologist Shunai Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., will provide glaucoma specialty services, cataract surgery, and other comprehensive ophthalmology services. Talented optometrists will round out the Roswell clinic’s team.
COMING SOON Marietta Eye Clinic — Roswell 10485 Alpharetta Street Roswell, GA 30075
SPECIALIZED CARE AVAILABLE AT THE MARIETTA EYE CLINIC Amy Cherof, M.D., pictured at left, is one of the eye doctors who will see patients at the Marietta Eye Clinic — Roswell.
Cataracts Pediatrics Strabismus (eye misalignment) Retina Uveitis Dry eye Glaucoma Cornea LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures ♦ Oculoplastic surgery (cosmetic surgery and repair of ocular area damage) ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
To schedule an appointment with the Marietta Eye Clinic, call (770) 427-8111 or request an appointment online at www.MariettaEye.com. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Don’t Let Injuries Keep You Sidelined This Fall By Dr. Veronica Jucknies
[HealthyLife] As school athletes begin practicing and (hopefully!) playing again, there will be the inevitable ankle sprains, tendon strains, and overuse injuries like shin splints. Typical recovery for these types of injuries can be weeks.
What if you could heal much faster and return to play sooner? One way to accelerate your recovery is by seeking Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) at Code V Performance. AMIT uses chiropractic adjustments as well as pressure point manipulation to reactivate muscles that are inhibited, or “shut down,” by your nervous system. In an acute injury like an ankle sprain, this technique can have you back on your feet — even within the same day. With an overuse injury like shin splints, other compensations may have to be addressed first, but improvements can still be seen in one or two visits. When an acute injury occurs to a joint, some of the muscles around it will become inhibited by the nervous system,
which leaves fewer muscles functioning properly around that joint. The body will also try to protect the injured joint and will often adapt compensatory patterns that will lead to other overuse injuries in the future. To fully address an injury, the muscle inhibition that has resulted from it must be addressed. By reactivating those muscles, the injured joint will be able to function with better stability once again. Also, any rehabilitation exercises will be much more effective with properly functioning muscles.
Sever’s disease is similar to Osgood Schlatter’s, but it involves the tendon attachment at the back of the heel. When children and adolescents are growing, the heel bone can grow faster than the muscles and tendons, which causes pain at that attachment site. In our experience, reactivating muscles around the ankle, particularly at that attachment site, can significantly decrease pain and improve function for our young athletes. This is a much better strategy than waiting weeks for the pain to resolve.
As for younger athletes, unique problems like Osgood Schlatter’s disease and Sever’s disease can often be an issue. Both of these diagnoses have to do with tendon attachments. Osgood Schlatter’s affects the quadriceps tendon attachment at the knee. The attachment site can become enlarged and painful. Many patients have had excellent resolutions and earlier returns to full activity when the involved muscles are reactivated.
It is possible that the idea of reactivating inhibited muscles is new to you. However, athletes from the NFL, MLB, professional rodeo, and various Olympic sports have been using this type of treatment for decades to recover more quickly from injury and maximize their performance. If you find yourself with an injury this fall, don’t wait to address the root cause of your pain and dysfunction. Get your body functioning at 100% as soon as possible, so you can make the most of your competitive season. L Veronica Jucknies is owner, chiropractor, and physical therapist at Code V Performance, 12600 Deerfield Pkwy, #100, Alpharetta. 678-687-8023. CodeVPerformance.com
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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Jump Ahead Benefit To Raise Funds for Easterseals North Georgia By Julie Senger
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asterseals North Georgia is excited to be one of the beneficiaries of this year’s Jump Ahead Benefit horse show, hosted by Julie Mohr and Cheryl & Co. Young equestrians from many of the horse barns in Georgia will ride in the event. Easterseals North Georgia is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality services to children with disabilities and special needs – as well as their families – across 44 counties in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia. The organization provides programs, comprehensive services, and accessible resources to help nurture the genius that lies within every child, which allows them to strengthen their unique gifts. Through early intervention, education, and family support services, Easterseals empowers children and families, no matter their ability, income, ethnic background, or situation, to reach their full potential. For 100 years, Easterseals has provided services to help children with disabilities and other special needs and will continue until 100% of its children are included and empowered. Funds raised from this event will help children receive lifesaving medications, therapies, and medical equipment.
for multiple local philanthropic nonprofits. Mohr partners with Cheryl & Co to produce these annual fundraisers. Founded in 2003, Cheryl & Co is a community of trainers, riders, parents, horse lovers, show managers, and staff who come together for the love of horses and the sport and strives to produce the best quality horse shows in the Southeast. Cheryl Sims, founder of Cheryl & Co, has been involved in the horse industry for decades. A prominent member in equestrian sports in the Southeast, Sims also runs the Coastal Hunter Jumper as well as the Season Premiere in Louisiana. Having served on the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Board of Directors for many years, she is responsible for much of the growth and development of the sport in the state. In addition, Sims worked with the City of Alpharetta and created the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation in 2018, which will help benefit the renovation of the Wills Park Equestrian Center.
Why does Cheryl & Co produce these fundraisers? “I think everyone needs to give back to the community,” said Sims. “We are particularly excited to produce this show for Easterseals because it’s a different concept. Each of the barns was assigned a specific child to sponsor. Learning about each child and his/her needs personalizes it for the kids who are riding to raise funds. It puts a face on it for them.” This year’s event is August 1516, 8:00am-6:00pm, at Wills Park Equestrian Center (11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta). For more information about the Jump Ahead Benefit, please visit RidingForKids.com. One hundred percent of all proceeds will benefit Easterseals (EastersealsNorthGeorgia.org).
In 2009, Julie Mohr started the Jump Ahead Benefit horse show. Each year, she chooses a charity to receive funds. Since the Jump Ahead Benefit began, approximately $200,000 has been raised Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Senior Life
Transportation Alternatives for Older Adults By Heather Terry
H
aving reliable transportation is an important component to keeping older adults active and independent. If seniors are no longer able to drive, how can they stay connected with friends, family, and their community? What about getting to the grocery store, pharmacy, and doctor appointments? These are legitimate concerns for seniors as they face the realization it might be time to hang up their car keys. For those who live in the city of Atlanta, bus and subway transportation are readily available. If older adults are comfortable navigating public transportation, they can easily get anywhere they need to go in town. But, what about those who live outside the perimeter? Public transportation is here, but certainly not on every corner. For seniors who live in the suburbs, the closest bus stop might be three miles from their home. Traditional public transportation isn’t feasible for a lot of older adults, especially those with limited mobility. The good news is great organizations in our community have recognized the need for dependable transportation for the aging population. MARTA Mobility is a shared ride, advance reservation mode of public transit. The buses operate in an ADA-designated service area within Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties and the City of Atlanta along a 3/4-mile corridor located on each side of all fixed bus routes and in a 3/4-mile radius
of each station. For more information, visit ItsMarta.com or call 404-848-4037. Transportation Options for Seniors (TOPS) is a program offered by local nonprofit, Senior Services North Fulton. TOPS provides transportation to medical appointments and “quality of life trips” anywhere around town. Adults ages 60+ who reside in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, or Sandy Springs may be eligible. There is no fee for the program, but a voluntary contribution of $10 one way or $20 round trip helps offset the costs. Please note, voluntary contributions are not a requirement to receive this service. For information on TOPS, call 770-993-1906 or visit SSNorthFulton.org.
to non-emergency medical services, neighborhood senior centers, adult daycare centers, and Fulton County Behavioral Health Training Centers. All requests are based on the level of self-sufficiency. Contact the Fulton County Starline for more information (404-613-6000). The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Visit Cancer.org for more information. For eligible Medicaid recipients, specialized transportation services to medical appointments are available. For more information, visit Logisticare.com or SouthernTrans.com.
The Uber/Lyft Program (through Fulton County) provides transportation to eligible Fulton County adults who are ages 60+. A one-time registration fee of $15 is paid up front. Seniors must have a credit card, debit card, or prepaid debit card on file to pay their ride charge, which is billed monthly. Contact the Fulton County Starline for more information (404-613-6000). Transdev offers shared-ride transportation services to Fulton County seniors who are ages 60+. The service, which is offered through a Coordinated Transportation System, provides access
Heather Terry is the community relations director for Senior Services North Fulton, 11381 Southbridge Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-993-1906 x223. SSNorthFulton.org
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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Community Partner
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our life or your dreams? What a terrible decision to have to make. Choose to submit to the toxic treatment that will save your life, and you may lose your dream of having a child. It happens to many young people each year. For Team Maggie’s Dream namesake Maggie Davis, it was a blindside. She needed to focus on her brutal cancer treatment, but she was worried about never having children. Sure, there are other ways to have a family, but she felt that her childhood dream of being a mother to little girls had been taken away. Infertility is a common side effect of some cancer treatments. It affects young men and women who undergo surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted hormonal therapies. Sadly, many are not warned of this side effect. Those who are informed of the possibilities must then rush to find resources and financial support. Time is of the essence. Generally, cancer treatment starts soon after diagnosis. The arrangements to harvest and freeze eggs or sperm often take longer than the patient has. Fertility preservation is not covered by insurance and costs around $10,000 just for the initial procedure. Maggie’s story is one of hope and positivity. Her large, gregarious family came together and spoke to fertility doctors and oncologists to educate themselves. They felt as though they were navigating new territory without a map. Fortunately, Maggie’s journey was a success. She completed her treatment and is cancer free. And her dream of
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
a family came true as well. She has a beautiful little girl. The result of this difficult expedition had another positive outcome. After experiencing the frantic and confusing process of cancer treatment and fertility preservation, Maggie and her mother, Mary, decided that no other young person should have to make their own way. They established Team Maggie’s Dream, a 501c3 nonprofit, to educate young people about their options and assist with funding. The organization works with oncologists and fertility doctors. To keep the dream of family alive, Team Maggie’s Dream supports, educates, and provides financial assistance to young men and women with cancer who are seeking to preserve fertility prior to treatment. The organization is the only nonprofit in the nation that raises money for fertility preservation for cancer patients. Team Maggie invites you to help courageous young people battling cancer realize that when the time is right, they can pursue the gift of family. Your generosity can become the blessing of a cherished child. To donate or to participate in a fundraising event (Fishing Tournament, 5/10K Run, Bike Ride, or Maggie’s Dream Night), please visit the website or call for more information. 227 Hillcrest Drive Roswell, GA 30075 678-977-5755 TeamMaggiesDream.org
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hood Fond Child es Memori Staff ns
fe Publicatio
By Family Li
In many ways, because of the pandemic, this summer has been a lot different. So, we found ourselves reflecting on some of our favorite childhood memories from summers past. We hope that sharing these moments will inspire you to think back on some of your own happy experiences.
Janet Ponichtera
Julie Senger, EDITOR More daylight hours meant more time outside for me and my twin brother to swim in the pool in our backyard; play games like kickball, hide-and-seek, and ghost in the graveyard; or simply ride our bikes with our neighborhood friends. No cell phones meant that the streetlight’s illumination was our signal to go home.
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING d Several days a week, my sisters and I woul dpa Gran my with walk to Robles Park Girolami. On the way there, we would stop at a little mom and pop grocery store, and Grandpa would buy each of us a cold Coke s. in a glass bottle and a box of Cracker Jack park the at d We playe for hours. We would occasionally get an ice cream cone when we returned the glass bottle to the store on the way home. My mom always wondered why we were never hungry for lunch when we got back to the house. Also, my mom would make spaghetti for lunch every Friday, and a homeless man d would always knock on our door. She woul on sat he while make him a plate to enjoy ry our porch, and she’d also give him a groce bag of food to take with him. Sometimes, we’d join him around the picnic table while r he ate. He was always grateful. Mom neve just She said anything to us about the man. led by example.
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North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
I also looked forward to my family’s annual trip to the beach and simpler pleasures like helping my grandma in her garden when we visited her. Grandma also taught us how to play Parcheesi and Rummy (she never “let” us win), and we always left her house with a sandwich bag full of treats that she’d compile from her famous candy jar.
Candice Williams, GR
APHIC ARTIST
se my r memories, but becau e of my favorite summe ina, rol Ca Family vacations are som rth in Cherokee, No went to the mountains we ch, bea the ted ha d da out a four-hour drive. instead, which was ab Americans in their I remember seeing native and dance to the beat headdresses play music walked in and out of the on the streets while we l fect souvenirs. I can stil gift shops to find the per m fro ls tze covered pre taste the white chocolate er forget how scared nev l Santa’s Land. I also wil t up the big mountain I was riding the chairlif . I will always cherish to Ghost Town in the Sky parents. this time spent with my
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Stephanie Bolton, GR
APHIC ARTIST
and staying io for a family reunion I remember going to Oh use. The o lived in a haunted ho with my mom’s friend wh just moved stly mo He nny Good Ghost. ghost’s name was Joh earching res r Afte . ned lights off and on furniture around and tur that, in d ere , my mom’s friend discov the history of the house story bedroom n fell out of the second the 1800s, a drunk ma (which s Johnny. That bedroom window — his name wa him. saw ally ) was where they usu became the kids’ room! r who Italian great-grandmothe During our stay, I met my her telling a My uncle video recorded spoke very little English. ghost” when meeting a “cotton candy story (in Italian) about she was a young girl. a lake that The reunion was held at rt manwas part natural and pa da ha it made, so half of ge cement floor. When a hu d an storm hit, my cousins s I sheltered in their family’ d an n go wa tion woody sta t spa d an ate watermelon the seeds at each other. we After the storm passed, le! got in big troub
Jack Tuszynski
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER
My family’s home was on about 9 acres in rural Hickory Flat — half was wooded, and the other half was a big front yard with fruit trees down both sides of our garden, which contained beans, corn, peas, okra, tomatoes, and squash. My parents were avid farmers, so we spent man y days preparing the earth and harvesting fresh vege tables to eat, share, preserve, and store. Summers were hot up on Dad’s lap on the tractor, on the porch shucking corn with my brot her, or in the kitchen helping Mom can vegetables. We lived simply, but our days were filled with lots of family time, our bellies were filled with the fruits of our labors, and our hearts were filled with happiness.
Tiffany Corn, GRAPHIC ARTIST Like many others, summertime was my favorite as a child. My days were filled with enjoying the sweet taste of honeysuckle, running around with dirty hands and feet, riding bicycles, playing in sprinklers, and chas ing lightning bugs. My mom, my brother, a group of abou t 12 other family members and friends, and I would pile into a couple minivans and head to Panama City Beach for a special week long vacation each year. Dad always said he never wanted to go because he hate d the sun, sand, and ocean, so he would stay hom e to work. He’s one to joke, but looking back, I think he stayed home to help pay for our trip. The adults rented a beachside condo that was only big enough to sleep abou t half of the people in our group. Luggage was scat tered everywhere. Getting ready for dinn er would be done in shifts, which took about four hours because we only had two bath room s. But we didn’t care — not one bit. In fact, I’d do anything to go back and relive the fun, love , and most importantly, the patience that was gained during our yearly trip. I’d even force Dad to come along with us.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton
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Public Safety
Ever Wonder What It's Like To Be a
Police Officer? By Sean Thompson
E
arlier this year, the world was rocked by COVID-19, which changed our lives in lots of ways. Many people lost their jobs or began working from home. Almost everyone began focusing on social and traditional media because there were no other forms of entertainment. Sports seasons, concerts, and other social events were cancelled, and even visiting family members became a health risk. Then came a period of unrest. Police officers suddenly went from hero frontline workers in the fight against the pandemic to being viewed as the enemy, as Americans watched in horror when George Floyd was senselessly murdered by an officer in Minneapolis. Though this incident was condemned by most everyone, to many, the police were suddenly a problem. While social media can be used as a positive form of communication, it is often used to manipulate people. There’s a saying that “just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.” As the public information officer for the Roswell Police Department (RPD), I constantly poll citizens to find out where they obtain their news. Overwhelmingly, people state social media is their main source for information. If social media is your primary source for news, I’d like to remind you that it’s important to confirm that what you’re consuming is from a credible, unbiased
source. You should never take what you read or hear online or in the media as the absolute truth. Have you ever wondered what policing looks like from a Roswell police officer’s perspective? What kind of training is required for our officers? Why do police officers act or react the way they do in various situations? What employment opportunities there are within the RPD? One way the RPD has aimed to tackle false information and uncertainty is through the Roswell Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA). RPD has hosted at least one CPA class per year since 1993. The main goal of this free 10-week program is to introduce members of the public to various functions of police work.
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 | AUGUST 2020
Students receive firsthand knowledge about police operations, the K-9 unit, SWAT team, D.U.I. Enforcement, 911 Communications Center, and how criminal cases are investigated. Participants get to ride along with patrol officers and sit in our E-911 center to experience what it’s like to do those jobs. They are also exposed to use-of-force scenarios and have the opportunity to take part in hands-on training exercises. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, pass a background check, and be a Roswell resident or business owner. Applications are full for the fall class of 2020, but be on the lookout for information about next year’s classes by following the RPD on Facebook or by periodically checking our website, RoswellPD.org. Remember to always do your own research. If you have the opportunity to participate in CPA in the future, I highly recommend it. Graduates of the academy have stated that it was eye-opening, very informative, and a great way to get to know the members of the Roswell Police Department.
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Use What You Have — Semi-Hardwood Cuttings By Lisa Ethridge
[HomeLife] As gardeners progress in their knowledge, skills, and passion, it’s natural to look for new challenges. Experimenting with plant propagation using semihardwood cuttings, more simply known as “use what you have,” is easy, enjoyable, and gratifying. Keep reading to find out how to get free plants for you and your friends
or pot with a light soil mix comprised of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Purchase a rooting compound (like Rootone) and a mist spray bottle. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from this year’s new growth, which will root more easily than the older wood. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of a branch. Snip a 4-inch to 6-inch piece and remove all but 2 or 3 leaves and any flower buds. It helps to make the cut on the diagonal. Before setting the plants, treat with the rooting compound and place plants at least 2 inches apart.
Beloved specimens of camellia, azalea, rhododendron, hydrangea, roses, and more can be rooted using snips of plants from routine summer pruning. August is a great time to obtain cuttings because the “mother” plant is actively growing, and her growth hormone will encourage roots to form quickly.
Caring for your new specimens is easy. Inspect and mist plants daily and keep an eye out for bugs. After six to eight weeks, you should have roots. Transfer plants in trays to pots filled with the light soil mix. Place them in a sheltered area and tend them for at least one season before transferring to the ground. Water and fertilize on a regular basis.
Cuttings can be rooted in a pot, a tray, or a prepared rooting bed. Locate your “nursery” in a shady location that allows easy access, as the cuttings must be misted daily. Fill the bed, tray,
Visit Bit.ly/30XltAR for a list of August garden chores and Bit.ly/37NEUxp for an article about propagation called “Like It? Clone It.”
Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sujatha Vivek MD, MRCOG, FACOG
Whitney Cook MD, FACOG
Nicole Sparks MD
Akhila Kothapalli DO
Supriya Rao MD, FACOG
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
Komal Agarwal MD, FACOG
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Delivering at Emory Johns Creek Hospital & Northside Forsyth Hospital
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Lawrenceville 771 Old Norcross Rd. Suite Sui 300 Lawrenceville, GA
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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Village Park Senior Living
10890 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta 678-352-4599 Restaurant
555 Wills Road, Alpharetta 470-509-4557 Senior Living Community
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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Book Review BY JULIA PADGETT
The Thinking Woman ’s G uide to R eal M agic
S
ometimes in life, we need a little bit of escapism. Slipping into a different world to encounter other people’s problems and lives can be an anodyne that we welcome. Let’s face it — that may be the primary reason most of us read — especially when the real world gets heavy. Picking a title and going somewhere else is its own sort of magic. That is precisely the purpose of Emily Croy Barker’s The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic. Main character Nora quite literally slips into another world right when her own world is not really working out. She finds herself being enchanted and controlled by magical beings for a brief period before being rescued by the magician, Aruendiel. Once Nora escapes the enchantment, she realizes that her modern world experiences don’t mesh well with this darker, primitive, and grim existence. Apparently working on a doctorate in English literature really doesn’t keep you fed in imaginary worlds either. However, she soon begins getting tutored in magic and has some cooking skills that come in handy in the kitchen as well. Barker lures you in with a richly descriptive, imaginative background and flawed main characters that grow on you in spite of themselves. No, this book is not going to solve a moral crisis, probably will not enlighten you much, but it will keep you entertained, and sometimes, that is exactly what you need in life. When you finish the book, you may wish there were more of it. Rest assured, Barker is working on a second and third book to continue the intersected worlds of Nora and Aruendiel, so we can look forward to more adventures and mental breaks to come.
Julia Padgett is a librarian at Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075. AFPLS.org
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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
eeing himself as an “artist” not a painter, photographer, or an illustrator, Georgia native Jay Marsh experiments in many mediums, combining sketching, painting, photography, and computer graphics. Each work beckons the viewer to discover layer upon layer of color, light and shade, and line and plane.
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Marsh’s first calling is painting in acrylics, which he turns to on weekends. Working on more than one large canvas at a time, he might spend 40 hours on each, layering, modifying, and flipping the work upside down to get a fresh perspective. “I love painting whatever inspires me; most often, that is nature. There is a freedom to my acrylic work. I don’t think, ‘I have to sell this.’ It becomes therapy for me.” Weekdays, Marsh focuses on digital art, “stock 3D assets” that clients download and modify to be used in publications or websites. He might create a mosaic pattern or other abstract work that he has first sketched then manipulated on the computer, then the client might use the digital file as the background of an advertisement.
“I believe art should be pleasing to the eye, attractive to look at. If it isn’t, why would you want to hang it in your home?” he asks. In his painting and digital art, Marsh is fascinated with light, color, movement, lines, and shapes. “I like the light source to come from behind; it might travel through a bird’s wing, or through a stained-glass window,” he said. “I love fog and translucency — anything where light is coming from the inside and has a mystery to it. And, I like very bright color. I like it to be as bright as possible. The language of color transcends spoken languages and all ages.”
“The digital products are under my control, what they look like, how they function,” he said. “What I love is I’m open to create whatever inspires me.”
Taking his cue from the dynamics seen in nature, in his “flow” works, Marsh captures repeating shapes such as the fluid lines created by water, ripples in sand, and mirrored in clouds.
No matter what the medium or subject, Marsh strives for his work to have aesthetic value.
Influenced by his parents who are both graphic designers, Marsh was also fueled by high school art classes and his
study at the Ringling College of Art and Design where he majored in illustration and minored in photography – and he is inspired by other artists. Marsh and other local artists offered each other support during the pandemic shutdown through the Local Artists’ Guild. Together, they are creating a “round robin painting” to which many artists are contributing. They are also planning progressive art shows where each artist will exhibit outside his/her home, and viewers will travel from place to place to enjoy the works. Marsh says he hopes his art touches all viewers and takes them to a transcendent level of being. “I love that about art. A child can feel something from it, or a person who has no understanding of English can feel something.”
For more information about Marsh’s work, visit JayMarshArt.com or Facebook.com/jay.marsh.artist. 30
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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Advertiser Index Addington Place Alpharetta/Roswell
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Addington Place - Roswell
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All Pro Window Tinting
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Alpharetta Farmers Market
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The Cat Clinic of Roswell
Inside Back
Code V Performance
18
Cruise Planners
5, 21
Debra Robinson Law Group
7
DeMercy Dental
21
EconoRides 23 Fanchise Connect Pro, LLC
Inside Back
Kitchen Tune.Up Atlanta/Alpharetta
29
Koy Mitchell - Kaiser Permanente Medicare
1
Jump Ahead Benefit/Easterseals North Georgia
19
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
23
LGE Community Credit Union
11
Marietta Eye Clinic
Cover, 16-17
Morrow Family Medicine
3
Mr. Handyman of Roswell, Alpharetta and John Creek
7
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center
13
North Atlanta Women’s Care
27
Open Arms Lutheran Child Devemlopment Center
1
Pam Santoro - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Inside Front
Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.
14
Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Milton
31
Senior Services North Fulton
28
Vineyard Johns Creek
Inside Front
Online ads link to advertisers’ websites. 32
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2020
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