North Fulton Family Life 03-20 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Contents

March 2020

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 8

20-21

[20-21]

On the Cover

GrassRoots Turf

32-33

Best Home Improvements for Return On Investment

36-37

Artist Profile Kristi Brooks-Paige

[32-33] [36-37]

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

.......................... Senior Life

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

........................ Public Safety

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

Last month, I was at a networking program where my friend, Steve Monahan, was speaking about many of the reasons he was interested in creating an inspirational TEDx event that he, along with co-organizer Mike Sena, will be bringing to Woodstock on May 15. During his speech, he was reminiscing about recent travels in Italy where he had seen a quote by the artist Michelangelo. In reference to his famed Renaissance sculpture, David, Michelangelo stated: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Hearing the simple eloquence of those words and thinking about them in a deeper sense made my cheeks warm, and my face relaxed into a pleasant smile. That quote was immediately etched into my memory, and I couldn’t wait to share it. In our own lives, this is something that we need to do every day — chip away at our hardened exteriors — the shells we were born with or may have acquired over the seasons of life. Break through the rough and gruff, past our sour rinds and dry crusts, and reveal the best within. Find your kindness, place, and purpose. Feed it, fertilize it, and make it grow. Surprise yourself; share your bliss. Inspire others by your example. May you be blessed to desire more than you can accomplish. Chisel into yourself, break your angel free, and let it fly.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Albers, Rich Austin, Zack Bobo, Marianna I. Chaet, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge Kevin Head, Lori Henry Ryland Johnson, Veronica Jucknies, Jim Morrow, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Debra Robinson, Ellen Samsell Salas, Nicole Sparks, Heather Terry, Sean Thompson

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 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.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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E R EC Y C

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

the edges

Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

SofteninG

Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

s the first spring of the decade approaches, there’s much to do to prepare for a new season of growth. One way to make it happen is simply to have enough faith in ourselves to do what we need to do to get it done. Getting started is a happy feeling, and getting it done makes one successful. Happiness is a state of mind, success a point of view; bliss is what happens when they coexist.

ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

about our actions and behaviors than our thoughts and beliefs.

[InGoodFaith] Several years ago,

The word “disciple” comes from the same root word as “discipline.” The English word “discipline” derives from the Latin word disciplina and literally means “instruction given, teaching, learning, and knowledge.” When we hear the word “discipline,” our minds often focus on forms of punishment. We might begin to conjure up images of time-outs, groundings, spankings, or long parental lectures. Doesn’t sound very spiritual, does it?

Eugene Peterson wrote some significant words about discipleship that have become very meaningful for me. Peterson described discipleship as “anything that causes what is believed in the heart to have demonstrable consequences in our daily life.”

But parenting is actually a great example for the essence of discipleship. In parenting, there is a critical area of reflection and thought that lies between a child’s inappropriate behavior and the parent’s administration of punishment.

Every time I read Peterson’s description, I am reminded that discipleship is about much more than just what we say we believe. Discipleship is about how we live our faith. In other words, it is more

When a child does something outside the boundaries of established and acceptable behavior, the critical question the parent needs to ask is not “How should he/she be punished?” A better question would be,

Being a

Disciple By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

Law Offices of

“What do I want my child to learn from this experience?” The latter centers on the goal of discipline — learning and growing in our actions and behaviors. In this way, good parenting is what God does with us in discipleship. As we grow in our relationship with God, we focus on how God wants us to learn and grow spiritually. In every situation of life, the question for the disciple becomes, “What does God want me to learn from this experience?” This week, ask God to provide you with instruction, teaching, learning, and knowledge. When we focus on what God wants us to learn, then what we believe in our hearts becomes evident and demonstrable in our daily actions and behaviors.

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

NorthFultonWills.com

J. Christopher Miller WILLS I TRUSTS I ESTATES I BUSINESS LAW SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING

11800 Amber Park Drive, Suite 130 • Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 Office: 678-746-2900 I Email: CMiller@NorthFultonWills.com GNFCC Emerging Leader Program Co-Chair Proud Sponsor of the Lionheart School

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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[HealthyLife] While scrolling through my YouTube playlist, I recently came across a segment of a Jocko Willink podcast that resonated with me – and I believe the ideas will resonate with you, too. While you might think I’m about to discuss muscle inhibition (my professional focus), this idea is even more far reaching. Looking back on your life, what are your two biggest mistakes? Many would agree that wasted time and wasted money are the biggest regrets. The root of wasted time and money is a lack of focus on longterm life goals and not understanding that the daily decisions we make will directly affect our future. In other words, we must connect our present to our future. In seeking short-term gratification, many of us lose sight of long-term goals. It isn’t intuitive to understand that today’s decisions will affect us 20 years from now, but they will. This doesn’t mean we should never have fun, but we must

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Live Every Day

on Purpose By Dr. Veronica Jucknies

be purposeful in choosing how we enjoy ourselves. We need to be mindful about how decisions involving our time and money affect us right now, as well as how those same decisions will affect us long term. If my goal is to create deeper relationships with my family, then I need to be deliberate about making time for them and being fully present during that time. It’s easy to become distracted, and that time slips away. Improving your business or career requires purposeful actions toward your long-term goals. Defined, achievable, short-term goals will help keep you focused on the end goal as well as keep you from getting distracted by less productive activities.

Time is the most valuable thing in life. You can’t slow it down, buy more of it, or substitute anything for it. Live your life with purpose. Set your alarm early tomorrow. Wake up and think about what is most important to you. Each day, connect the present with the future, and live your life on purpose.

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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Calendar MARCH

1-7

Tuck Everlasting — In 1880, 10-year-old Winnie Foster, trapped by her strict family’s rules, runs away and discovers the Tuck family who, long ago, accidentally consumed water from a spring that gave them eternal life. 11:00am Saturdays and 7:00pm Sundays, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

1-8

Leading Ladies — Enjoy the story of two broke Shakespearean actors who plan to impersonate a wealthy dowager’s nephews but suddenly discover the “nephews” are actually nieces! Mistaken identity, pratfalls, and hilarity abound. 7:30pm Wednesdays, 8:00pm Thursdays-Saturdays with an additional 4:00pm show on

ONGOING March Is Women’s History Month The majority of ancient cultures were patriarchal, practicing customs that held women in low esteem and limited their freedom. Through the centuries, many courageous women have stepped forward to fight inequality and to champion causes for the benefit of society. Their work to break down barriers has allowed future generations of women to pass through with less resistance. Women’s History Month honors these women.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Saturdays, and 2:30pm Sundays, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

Mountain Bike Night Rides Ages 12 and up are invited to enjoy a nighttime mountain bike ride, supervised by Roswell-Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization (RAMBO). Helmets, lights, and cell phones are mandatory for each rider. Riders must register by noon on the day of the ride to participate. Please register on the website using program number 23699. 7:00-9:30pm, Big Creek Park, 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com/register

6-7

RUMCK Consignment Sale Shop at this two-day consignment sale for great bargains on gently used items. Strollers are not allowed on Friday. Many items will be 50% off on Saturday. Major credit cards accepted with a $3 fee. 9:00am2:00pm Friday and 8:00am-12:00pm Saturday, Roswell United Methodist Church (Chapel Building), 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-998-8699. RUMC.com/rumck

Running Club — On Monday evenings and Saturday mornings, join Alpharetta’s new social running group. FREE! Whether you are fast, slow, or somewhere in between, you’ll never run alone. Be prepared to run between 2-4 miles each meeting. Registration is required (Bit.ly/2jWMmBI). 6:00pm Mondays and 8:00am Saturdays, Alpharetta

6-28

People, Places, and Thingamabobs — Roswell Fine Arts Alliance presents this annual juried show. All art is for sale at attractive prices. 10:00am-1:00pm Fridays and 10:00am4:00pm Saturdays, Arts Center East, 9100 Fouts Road, Roswell. RFAA.org

13-15

Tossed Out Treasures This fundraiser features gently used items donated by community members. The event focuses on reselling, reusing, and repurposing designer clothing, high-end accessories, jewelry, antiques, books, furniture, upscale home decor,

Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6100. Alpharetta.Ga.us Spotlight Exhibit: The Photography of Jim Alexander — Through March 31, enjoy Jim Alexander’s awardwinning documentary photography. A photojournalist, teacher, activist, media

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10, 17, 24, & 31

Spring 2020 Roswell Garden Lecture Series — These lectures provide information on various gardening topics and are FREE for north Fulton residents. Please RSVP. 3/10 Good Soil and Composting, 3/17 The Fragrant Garden, 3/24 The Basics of Vegetable Gardening, and 3/31 Hydrangeas: How to Plant, Grow, and Prune. 7:00-8:30pm, Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 770-630-8703. NFMG.net/communityclasses-roswell.html

11, 18, 25, & 4/1

Spring 2020 Alpharetta Garden Lecture Series — These lectures provide information on various gardening topics and are FREE for north Fulton residents. Please RSVP. 3/11 Good Soil and Composting, 3/18 The Fragrant Garden, 3/25 The Basics of Vegetable Gardening, and 4/1 Hydrangeas: How to Plant, Grow, and Prune. 7:00-8:30pm, (3/11 & 3/25) City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, and (3/18 & 4/1) Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta. 770-630-8703. NFMG.net/ communityclasses-alpharetta.html

and more. Unsold merchandise is donated to area charities. Every year, nearly $75,000 is raised to help more than 25 local nonprofits. 9:00am-5:00pm Friday/Saturday and 11:00am-1:00pm Sunday, the former Chastain Preschool, 4967 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. SandySpringsSociety.org

Roswell Dance Starz Present Journey to Oz — Explore the Emerald City and the Land of Oz through dance. Dorothy and all your favorite characters from over the rainbow will dance down the yellow brick road in this innovative take on the modern classic. Tickets $15 online, $20 at the door. 3:00pm and 7:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. RoswellGov.com/rds

Technology, Engineering, and Math. Come ready to learn about flying animals, as well as test your tinkering skills with STEM-themed activities. This event, which kicks off the opening of CNC’s EcoTinker Interactive Exhibit, is included with general admission. 12:00-4:00pm, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

15-5/31

EcoTinker: Interactive Exhibits — Head outdoors to enjoy nature-inspired tech and tinker stations where you can experiment, explore, and play while you learn. 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday and 12:00-5:00pm Sunday, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Flying Into the Future — Science and nature collide to bring you activities focused on STEM: Science,

consultant, and entrepreneur, Alexander has amassed an impressive collection of images of black culture and human rights photographs. 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

Hospital encourage residents to take a step toward better health with this walking program that features a different health topic each month. Walkers can ask one-on-one questions with the participating physician. 10:00am, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. WalkWithADoc.org

Walk With a Doc — On the second Saturday of each month, the City of Johns Creek and Emory Johns Creek

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Indian Trails and Pioneer Tales Sandy Springs historian Clarke Otten will cover the geology of north

Georgia and the various periods of development of the Native Americans through the first recorded European explorers, and the expansion of colonial Americans into the area now known as north Fulton. 7:00-8:00pm, Mansell House & Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-667-5736. AOMCHS.org

8th Annual Water Drop Dash 5K Race and Water Festival Take part in a fast and flat course along the Chattahoochee River. This Peachtree qualifier 5K also promotes national WaterSense Fix a Leak Week (March 16-22). The post-race water festival features giveaways, face painting, and other activities. Race registration is at Active.com. 7:00-10:00am, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce ProAlliance — Each Wednesday, enjoy early morning networking with fellow business leaders. 7:30-9:00am, GNFCC Office, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Building 400, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 770-993-8806. GNFCC.com

[continued on page 10]

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Calendar continued from page 9

Alpharetta City Band Friends & Family Concert This event features music written by Clare Grundman, Satoshi Yagisawa, Maurice Jarre, Robert Jager, John Williams, Brant Karrick, and more. 3:00-4:00pm, St. David’s Episcopal Church (Jefferd’s Hall), 1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell. Facebook.com/AlpharettaCityBand

8th Annual Roswell Beer Festival Voted Georgia’s No. 1 Beer Festival, this event includes 400 craft beers, live music, and gourmet food to help raise money for the STAR House Foundation. 2:00-6:00pm, Historic Town Square, 610 Atlanta Street, Roswell. StarHouseFoundation.org/ roswell-beer-fest

ShamRockin’ for a Cure — Come eat, drink, and help cure cystic fibrosis with a night filled with music that will rock the stage while attendees dance the night away. Regular tickets include food, beer, wine, cocktails, and giveaways. The exciting live and silent auctions will be packed with trips, dining, adventure, jewelry, gift certificates, and a raffle. 7:00pm-midnight, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010. AwesomeAlpharetta.com/ shamrockin-for-a-cure

Roswell Garden Club Meeting — Gretchen Collins and JoAnn Jones discuss “The Art of Flower Arranging: Inspired by Flowers.” Visitors are welcome. 9:30am fellowship/10:00am speaker, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 678-315-1012. LREthridge110@ gmail.com. RoswellGardenClub.com

Family Reunion Workshop Learn how Alpharetta’s easy access, mild climate, exceptional facilities, and world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment make it the perfect location for fun-filled special events. The workshop and lunch are FREE, and prizes will be raffled. 10:00am-1:00pm, Mansell House & Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-667-5736. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Historic Roswell Motoring Festival — Enjoy a world-class automotive event that honors heroes and the cars they loved. Festival benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Registration is $25 per car, per family and $15 for each additional car. FREE to attend. 10:00am-2:00pm, 275 Jade Cove Circle, Roswell. AtlMotoringFest.org

“May the most you wish for be the least you get.” Irish Proverb

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Honoring Our Veterans Rescheduled from November 16, 2019, this event will celebrate, honor, and thank those who have served in our nation’s military services. A ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Vietnam Wall that Heals at the Veterans Memorial Walk will also take place. 11:00am, Newtown Park, Veterans Memorial Walk, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov Easter Egg Dash — Johns Creek’s Recreation and Parks Division sponsors this FREE event for children 10 and younger, which features 20,000 eggs, filled with goodies and toys. Egg Dash starts every half hour, according to age, beginning with ages 0-2 at 11:30am. Other activities include face painting, a moonwalk, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Egg dashers should bring their own baskets, and parents should bring their own cameras. 11:00am1:00pm, Shakerag Park, 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Artisans Arts and Craft Fair Come explore, shop, and support local artists. Ten or more vendor tables of unique jewelry, accessories, candles, crafts, and art pieces will be available along the sidewalks in front of the mini golf and movie theater entrance. 11:00am7:00pm, Area 51: Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell. 347-216-4691. VisitRoswellGa.com

Special Needs Easter Egg Dash Enjoy a fun spring morning of games, activities, Easter egg hunt, and special visit from the Easter Bunny! All ages are welcome. 10:00am, Newtown Park (Park Place event lawn), 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

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APRIL

Milton Community Egg Hunt Hosted by Stonecreek Church, this event will include egg hunts for all ages. Enjoy games, face painting, music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! This event is FREE, and no sign-up is necessary. 10:00am-12:00pm with egg

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

hunts beginning at 2:00pm, Cambridge High School (football field), 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us

4, 5, 11, & 18

Schoolhouse Rock — This pop culture phenomenon moves from your 1970s TV to the stage in brilliant color and all the catchy musical numbers you remember! A nervous schoolteacher learns how to capture students’ imaginations with songs about history, civics, science, math, and grammar, like “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.” 11:00am Saturdays and 7:00pm Sunday, Georgia Ensemble Theatre & Conservatory, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

4-10/31

Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy farm fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, baked goods, health and beauty products, and live music. 8:30am1:00pm, North and South Broad Streets, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com

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LIBRARY EVENTS ALPHARETTA

NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS

ROSWELL

10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 404-613-6735

(Temporarily Closed for Remodeling) 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820

115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

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

OCEE

VISIT AFPLS.ORG

MILTON

(Temporarily Closed for Remodeling) 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897

For More information

EAST ROSWELL

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

AARP TAX AIDE Mondays, 12:30-3:30pm and Saturdays 10:00am-1:30pm, Roswell AARP volunteers will assist you in preparing your taxes. No reservations required. TAX AIDE HELP WITH AARP Thursdays, March 5-April 9, 12:30-3:30pm, Milton Volunteers from AARP help with 2019 tax preparation. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit SocialWeb.net/Clients/AFPL/milton. lasso?id=223107 for more details and required paperwork. MEET THE ARTIST — MELISSA SUGGS March 7, 1:00pm, Alpharetta Meet Melissa Suggs, whose artwork will be displayed all month in the library’s lower level. For more information, email Jeffrey.Stinson@fultoncountyga.gov. DISCOVERING BACKYARD WILDLIFE — KING SNAKES IN THE CITY March 7, 1:10pm, East Roswell Enjoy a seated presentation from 1:10-1:30pm, followed by a free-flowing interaction period where the general public can come and go from 1:30-3:00pm. There will be live snakes, bio facts, and plenty of time to ask questions with the scientists. Learn how you can contribute to wildlife conservation. For more information, visit Facebook.com/UrbanKingsProject. ALPHARETTA BOOK CLUB March 11, 4:30pm, Alpharetta This month’s book is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. For more information, email Carolyn.Bean@fultoncountyga.gov. WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS — SENIOR BOARD GAMES March 11 & 25 10:00am, Milton Enjoy the library’s classic board games (you can bring one of your own games, too). Space

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

will be provided for seniors to congregate and play checkers, chess, Jenga, and many other games. WRITE NOW March 11 & 25, 10:00-11:00am, Roswell Published and unpublished authors are invited to join this writing community to help with maintaining motivation in writing pursuits. Email Julia.Padgett@ fultoncountyga.gov or just show up for more information. Adults of all skills welcome. SURFACE TENSION AND SUMINAGASHI March 13, 11:00-12:00pm, Roswell Enjoy an engaging activity that explores where science and art meet. Learn about the study of surface tension and the ancient Japanese art of beautiful Suminagashi, and you’ll even get to create your own beautiful works of art.

NOONDAY NOSH March 17, 12:00-1:00pm, Roswell This is the 25th year of Noonday Nosh. Meet long time members and new faces while discussing the latest book. March’s selection is Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. This is for adults only. STEM — SCIENCE OF SOUND March 18, 3:30pm, East Roswell Celebrate Music Month with this dynamic workshop that is all about sound. This is for ages 5-10, reservations required. BUDDING ARTIST COLLECTIVE March 18, 4:00pm, Milton Learn a new art technique with Ms. Libby and friends from My Clayground. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. This is for ages 5-11.

ADULT ART CLASS — WOOD ART March 14, 2:30-4:00pm, East Roswell All levels are welcome. This class is presented by Out of the Box Art Studio. This is for ages 18+, reservations required.

ADULT COOKING CLASS: SPRINGTIME BRUNCH IDEAS March 28, 12:00pm, East Roswell Join Chef Lynn and try some tasty brunch recipes. This is for ages 18+, reservations required.

TEEN PORTRAIT WORKSHOP WITH LESLIE MURPHY March 14 & 28, 1:00pm, Milton Join local artist Leslie Murphy as she leads attendees in an art project celebrating National Women’s Month.

BOOK AND FILM CLUB March 28, 3:00pm, Alpharetta Enjoy a short discussion of The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman before watching the film version. Copies are available at the information desk. To register, please email Ellen.Baxter@fultoncountyga.gov.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MAKE AND TAKE March 16, 3:30pm, East Roswell Make a fun St. Paddy’s Day craft while supplies last. This is for ages 3-12.

FINANCIAL WORKSHOP — ANNUITIES March 31, 12:00pm, Alpharetta A local financial planner will help unravel the mysteries of annuities. For more information, email Michael. Salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov. BINGO AND PIE March 31, 4:00pm, Alpharetta Head to the library to play bingo and eat pie! No registration necessary.

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Get in Tune With the Benefits of Music Instruction in Schools By Christy Noll [HomeLife] Why is music important, and what are the benefits of music education for children? Since March is Music In Our Schools month, it’s a great time to explore the answers to these questions. Exposure to music in early childhood helps foster a lifetime of understanding and enjoyment. Scientific studies show that music stimulates the brain and increases language development and academic skills.

7 Positive Benefits of Music for Children • Improves brainpower • Encourages the development of social skills • Helps build confidence • Inspires creativity • Teaches patience • Supplies an outlet for self-expression • Requires self-discipline

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

My boys were both introduced to music as infants through an age-appropriate class. They thoroughly enjoyed going to class and interacting with other children their age. Watching them respond to soothing music with an instant smile was a joy. Their eyes would brighten with different sounds, and they would giggle and laugh. My sons both played piano for several years. Learning to read music was a challenge for them, but it helped build discipline, as they practiced and completed homework for each lesson. It certainly helped their academic skills and built their confidence.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Senator Speaks

“All Politics Is Local” By State Senator John Albers

s a Georgia State Senator, I am often tasked with making decisions that affect citizens across our great state. However, as a resident and citizen, I understand that cities and local governments are often best attuned to the needs of their districts. That is why in order to impact meaningful change, it is critical that our localities have the authority and control to make decisions that will have a direct effect on their own communities. I am a strong advocate for local control, as I believe that the well-being of a community often results from a healthy partnership between state and local government, and that is exactly what I aim to work toward each legislative session. It is a common refrain among elected officials that, “All politics is local.” A prime example of this occurred during the 2018 Legislative Session when I worked extensively on House Bill 419, which allows local governments to regulate firework usage through their own noise ordinances. This issue affects local municipalities, and it was important to ensure they had the power to effectively regulate fireworks. There are countless other examples of opportunities where local governments should be allowed to exercise control. There is also a current bill to diminish local zoning laws, which I adamantly oppose. Our community is thriving, and I will work tirelessly to make sure we preserve our charm and positive environment.

Since then, I have continued to work with GMA on measures that bring additional economic development, jobs, and improvements to existing infrastructure in our cities. Moving forward, I am excited to continue to support the outstanding work done by GMA. It is important for our elected officials to have a collaborative relationship to ensure we remain the No. 1 state for business, and a state our citizens are proud to call home. Putting trust into our local governments has led to many successes in our district. In a recent report published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV, six out of 10 of the best cities to live in Georgia are in Senate District 56 (Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Milton). Measuring criteria included safety, cost of living, commute time, and population density. This serves as a testament to the people in those cities as well as how support from the state of Georgia in exercising local control can pay dividends to these communities. As we move forward, it is important to notice the essential work done by our local governments that can sometimes go overlooked. Without them, many of the things we take for granted wouldn’t exist. Next time you see an employee of your local government, whether he/she is a first responder, sanitation worker, or a city councilmember, take the opportunity express your gratitude for his/her contribution to your community. These individuals are key players in ensuring an outstanding quality of life for all of us.

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

For efforts on these bills and others, I was honored with the “Champion of Georgia’s Cities” legislative service award by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in 2018. This was an honor, as GMA works hard to provide strong leadership under the Gold Dome for its over 500 member cities.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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Community

15th Annual Roswell Reads Event Promotes Local Literacy Each year, Roswell Reads selects a book to promote the value of reading, literacy, and lifelong learning through community-wide programs. The organization collaborates with Roswell Library, Friends of the Roswell and East Roswell Libraries, and the City of Roswell. Roswell Reads selected Kim Michele Richardson’s book, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, for this year’s program. The novel tells a unique story inspired by the blue-skinned people of eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian Pack Horse Library Project. This Year’s Events: March 13 - Writing Workshop: The Path to Publication with author Kim Michele Richardson, 1:00pm, Roswell City Hall, Room 220, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. Tickets are $10. March 14 - Literary Luncheon with Richardson, 11:00am, Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. Tickets are $20 This year, Roswell Reads is partnering with Little Free Library of North Fulton, which shares books, much like the Pack Horse Librarians. At the Literary Luncheon, rather than taking a book home, attendees are asked to bring a book to add to the Little Free Library collection. Specific requests include preschool board or early-reader books, chapter books, young adult/teen books, and adult books by local authors.

Students Invited To Apply for City of Milton Internship

2019 City of Milton Interns The City of Milton invites students to apply for summer internships as part of a new paid program that offers a farreaching look at city government. The Comprehensive Internship Program was conceived last summer with help from Milton native Audrey Shannon, who was a summer intern with the City. The new program exposes interns to every aspect of Milton’s government. In turn, those same interns work for the City based on both their interests, skills, and expertise as well as individual department needs. The interns’ duties might include conducting research, acting as a liaison for the City, creating public presentations, assisting with City events or programs, and administrative work. The program will last 10 weeks, and interns will be expected to work 15-20 hours per week. Interns must be 18 years or older and either in college or a recent high school graduate. They are expected to have work or volunteer experience and be proficient in Microsoft Office. To apply, visit CityOfMiltonGa.us/careers/internship. Applications are due by March 9. Interns will be expected to begin work in early June. For additional questions, contact Courtney Spriggs at Courtney.Spriggs@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2533.

Visit RoswellReads2020. Eventbrite.com to register for programs or visit RoswellReads.com for more information.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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Community GNFCC Announces 2020 Officers and Directors The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) recently announced the board members and officers who will lead the organization into the new decade. Alan Najjar, Smith & Howard, is the GNFCC 2020 chair, with Lindsey Petrini, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, serving as chair-elect. James Holmes, BB&T, serves as chair-electelect, and Chris Mixon, Synovus, serves as treasurer. New 2020 Board Members (Three-Year Term) Danielle Cheung, Bank of America John Herbert, Herbert Legal Group Bonnie Mauldin, The Mauldin Group Tony Parker, Pond and Company Ralph Pasquariello, Snellings Walters Jai Rodgers, Delta Community Credit Union Wendell Strickland, Strongside Solutions Jim Teel, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Brian Whelan, Atlantic Capital Bank

GNFCC Gala Award Winners The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Gala awards ceremony, where attendees enjoyed a black-tie optional event with music, dancing, and dessert stations. The following awards were presented: Pioneer Award Barbara Duffy, North Fulton Community Charities (Retired) Lifetime Achievement Award John Rasper, DeKalb Office Community Service Award Freda Hardage, Northside Hospital

“The Chamber is proud of its nearly 50-year history of success in providing integral programs and services for its members,” said President and CEO Kali Boatright. “With this group of passionate leaders, as well as our mayors and former chairs who serve as dedicated ex-officio board members, we are ensured a new decade of success.”

GNFCC Volunteer of the Year Award John Herbert, Herbert Legal Group

Introducing the New Milton Business Council The MBA had been run by volunteers since its inception in 2009. Last year, the MBA’s board discovered that nearly half its members belonged to the GNFCC. The board decided that uniting with the Chamber could significantly benefit the Milton business community, spurring discussions that led to this merger. “We believe the partnership with the GNFCC and the valuable leadership it provides will enable the Milton business community to move to the next level, offering our members more support and services,” said Sharon Mays, the leader of the former MBA. The Milton Business Alliance (MBA) recently merged with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) to create the Milton Business Council (MBC), a landmark move that members believe will provide even greater benefits to Milton’s business community. The new MBC will be led by Milton business leaders who are passionate about what’s happening in the city and excited about the future. The new organization will have its own identity coupled with expertise and support from the GNFCC.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

The MBA and GNFCC have been working to ensure a smooth transition for Milton business owners. “I am extremely excited to work with Milton business owners and Milton City leaders to form a business council that creates real value for its members,” said GNFCC President Kali Boatright. “I am also humbled that MBA leadership is willing to put their 10-year history of good work into our trust. We are committed to the success of the Milton Business Council, as we move into the new decade.”

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Community Roswell High School Celebrates Student Success With Two New Awards

performing higher than similar schools are labeled as “Beating the Odds,” and Roswell High School received this honor. In 2019, 36% of schools in Fulton County were given this designation compared to 30% in 2018.

Recently, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the 2019 School Awards, and Roswell High School was named a Silver school based on a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Progress Score that ranks schools in at least the 93rd percentile. The awards are developed by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and approved by the State Board of Education.

Both accolades come on the heels of RHS’s recent announcement of several areas of improvement including higher scores by students on the Georgia Milestones Assessments, SAT, and Advanced Placement exams, an increase in the CCRPI score, and a higher graduation rate.

In addition, the State Department of Education recently released its annual list of schools that are designated as “Beating the Odds.” According to the press release, a statistical analysis compares a school’s actual performance on the CCRPI with the performance of schools across the state with similar characteristics. Schools

“I am so proud to be the principal of Roswell High School, and of our continued success,” said Principal Robert Shaw, Ed.D. “We have not only smart, hardworking students, but also dedicated faculty, staff, volunteers, and community members investing in our students and their well-being.”

Alpharetta Police K-9 Mattis Wins America’s Top Dog Alpharetta Police K-9 Mattis and Sgt. Mark Tappan recently competed and won the title of America’s Top Dog. The show is similar to the American Ninja Warrior TV show, but for dogs and their handlers. America’s Top Dog brought together top K-9 cops and civilian dogs alongside their handlers, as they were tested on speed, agility, and teamwork by completing expert tasks on a massive obstacle course. Challenges included navigating a complex maze for scented items and apprehending and taking down a suspect in a bite suit.

Roswell North Elementary Foundation Raises Record-Breaking Funds for Education Upgrades The Roswell North Elementary School Foundation (RNEF) raised a record $71,562 during its 2019 Annual Campaign. Records were broken in all categories of giving including family giving, staff giving, and business sponsorships. Now in its tenth year, RNEF is the sole source of funding for the Licata Science Lab, Life Science Extension (chef’s lab), and the RNE Garden including the salary of full-time science and garden teacher, Liz Rains. RNEF raises money by soliciting donations as well as hosting a yearly Spring Soirée and Auction, which will be held May 1 this year at Ivy Hall. In addition to the labs and garden, this year RNEF will fund the construction of a fully covered outdoor classroom. Project planning is already underway and will be submitted for review this month. “We are so grateful to the Roswell North community for their overwhelming support of the science labs and garden,” says RNEF President Lyndsay Slocum. “And now, thanks to the success of the Annual Campaign, along with our business sponsorships and a generous grant from the Roswell Wine Festival, the dream of an outdoor classroom is becoming a reality.” Money raised during the 2019-2020 school year will fund the following projects: • Full support of the Licata Science Lab, Life Science Extension, and RNE Garden including lab teacher salary and supplies • Monarchs Across Georgia Program - training and supplies to implement this program across all grades • Dissection supplies for every grade level including sharks, frogs, owl pellets, and worms • Scholarships for a 5th grade field trip to Jekyll Island • Construction of a fully covered outdoor classroom The Roswell North Elementary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 2009 to enrich and support the academic experience of the students at Roswell North Elementary School. For sponsorship opportunities, visit RNEFoundation.com/sponsors.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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The Importance of Seeing the Dentist by Age 1 By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and multiple other major health care professional organizations recommend that your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first dental visit occurs before his/her first birthday. Dental caries (cavities) are a preventable condition. The presence of dental caries can be accompanied by pain, infection, and in some cases, serious and life-threatening events. Parents who bring their child to a pediatric dentist before his/her first birthday are demonstrating their understanding of the importance of prevention when it comes to dental health. The first visit is the first step in maintaining a lifetime of great dental health. The earlier

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parents get their child acquainted with a dental professional, the earlier certain preventative measures can begin. These preventative measures include education regarding the importance of daily brushing and flossing, application of substances that actively strengthen teeth (such as fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride), and assessing a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk of developing caries. Maintaining good daily oral hygiene practices and yearly application of fluoride varnish and/or silver diamine fluoride all represent nonsurgical and noninvasive approaches to prevention of dental caries. Once dental caries form, the approach for treatment will usually involve invasive procedures to prevent the condition from worsening. Primary teeth are just as important as adult teeth. It is not enough to wait until permanent teeth come in to begin

developing the daily habits necessary to maintain the health of the teeth. These habits need to begin much earlier; they need to begin before the baby teeth emerge from the gums. Dental caries are the most prevalent childhood disease. And with a bit of education, this disease can be prevented. Teeth are a vital part of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily life. They allow for us to get adequate nutrition, to speak clearly, and to aid in our overall appearance to others. At a very early age, teach your children the importance of maintaining oral health. Set them on the right path by scheduling their first dental visit before their first birthday.

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

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GrassRoots Turf of Alpharetta Offering the Same 5-Star Service That Defines GrassRoots Turf Opening their doors on February 1, GrassRoots Turf of Alpharetta might have new faces in the office, but they have the drive to provide the same 5-star service that is the hallmark of their parent company, GrassRoots Turf. “We are not changing anything. GrassRoots has been perfectly designed over almost 20 years; there’s no reason to change anything,” says David Palmer, who with his daughter, Megan, and son, Nick, is the owner of this new GrassRoots franchise. Megan’s husband, Mark, has also joined the team as one of GrassRoots highly trained technicians. With a territory that covers north Fulton County, all of Forsyth County, and parts of Hall County, their goal is to live up to the GrassRoots motto, “The BEST service company EVER.”

because the lawn program includes everything that could possibly be needed to keep the lawn healthy and WEED FREE ®! After each technician’s visit, homeowners will receive an email outlining the treatments that were applied. Customers also have unlimited service calls if there is ever a concern between scheduled services. As a member of the GrassRoots family, the company videotapes every trip to service a lawn. This video record of how applications were performed ensures that customers always have peace of mind by knowing exactly what the technicians have done. Looking for a franchise opportunity that could be family-owned and run, Palmer said the family knew they had found a great business opportunity as soon as they spoke to Josh Wise, who founded GrassRoots Turf in 2002.

Homeowners who choose GrassRoots Turf of Alpharetta will receive the same all-inclusive turf management program that is the heart of their parent company. Customers may either pay an annual amount with a 5% discount or register for monthly installments with autopay, and they never have to worry about unexpected additional charges

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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COVER STORY By Ellen Samsell Salas “Josh’s story and business are compelling. Josh runs a very unique company,” Palmer says. “From its business model to its top-notch service, its concern for employees, and its being family owned and run, we were sold when we saw that Josh’s model focuses on doing whatever it takes to make the customer happy.” Building on years of business experience, Palmer will manage the business side of the franchise while Nick, who with his father has owned and operated his own lawncare company for several years, will work with Mark and the company’s technicians. Megan will be assisting in the office. “All our employees will be part of our GrassRoots family,” Palmer assured. Like the GrassRoots proven model, technicians are trained to bring a “service first” attitude to each of their assigned properties. Because they don’t work on commission, technicians focus on providing the best service, getting to know the lawn type, topographical features, sun and shade components of each property, and doing whatever is needed to maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn. Spotting areas that might need attention, technicians will proceed with treatments without needing the go-ahead from the office. If a client has a concern, that issue is immediately

addressed. Technicians are committed to the company philosophy that providing 5-star service is their No.1 priority. “Our technicians are determined to do what needs to be done for a yard and do it right the first time,” said Palmer. Clients can be assured that their assigned technician knows their yard and is always ready to offer assistance, from making certain all gates are secured and all pets are safe to bringing in trash receptacles if a family is out of town. In between services, customers can reach GrassRoots Turf of Alpharetta through the company website, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Palmer also encourages his clients to call or send him an email if they have any concern. For more information about GrassRoots of Alpharetta, visit their website or give them a call.

5720 Commerce Blvd Suite 104 Alpharetta, GA 30004

833-66-GRASS (833-664-7277)

GrassRootsTurf.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Book Review BY RYLAND JOHNSON

ZED

Science fiction’s job has always been to reflect on the present by imagining the future. In the old days, the sci-fi future seemed further away. We imagined flying cars and dome cities on distant planets. Joanna Kavenna’s new novel, Zed, is more apropos of contemporary sci-fi, which is to say that the future has already somewhat arrived. We don’t need to trek deep into the future to imagine how it’s all going to go wrong. This is the science fiction of five minutes from now, the sci-fi of the very probable disaster, derived less from speculation than from the ordinary strangeness of realizing that the apocalypse has already happened. Kavenna’s tale imagines the coming global technocorporatocracy, where Beetle, the mega-conglomerate apex-predator tech behemoth, rules the Western world through its fancy products, which provide total surveillance of personal information, ensuring the complete predictability of human activity. Your Beetle-band smartwatch, which knows everything about you, encourages you (or coerces you) to live a life of optimal efficiency and profitability. Everything is totally, unfailingly predictable, of course, until it isn’t. A man commits a heinous crime, a robot cop murders an innocent, and everything begins to slide sideways. What follows is partly a futuristic detective story and partly an Orwellian morality tale that examines the techno-horror of the digital surveillance state, our terrible obsession with consumption, youth, and beauty, and the complete narcissism and unforgivable depravity of the rich. Zed is a serious book that manages to entertain throughout because Kavenna knows how to turn a clever phrase but also knows how to give absurdity its proper, poignant depth. There are a million ways that we interact with the digital reality, but it’s rare that we slow down enough to understand the implications of it all. As a result, today’s fiction often engages with the anxiety-inducing aspects of our technological culture. The depth to which Kavenna explores these issues is noteworthy, and her insights are both cutting and profound.

Ryland Johnson is a librarian at Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta. 770-360-8897. AFPLS.org/ocee-branch6

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

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VIKING ANNOUNCES

Launch of New Expedition Voyages By Michael Consoli [Lifestyle] Two new Viking expedition ships will begin sailing in

•

2022 with amazing itineraries. The new ships are part of Viking’s destination-focused travel experiences.

The Innovation The Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will accommodate 378 guests in 189 staterooms while featuring: •

•

The Hangar - An industry first, this enclosed, in-ship marina enables small excursion craft to launch through the ship’s multiple shell doors. Its most innovative feature is an 85-foot slipway that allows guests to embark on rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from a flat, stable surface inside the ship. The Laboratory - The two ships will function as working research vessels, with an onboard team of Viking resident scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and other Viking academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430-square-feet, is designed to support a broad range of research activities. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research. Expedition Equipment - A robust program of complimentary experiences includes expedition equipment available for guests, such as a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks, and two 12-seater convertible RIBs. Each ship will have two six-guest submarines for an incomparable undersea experience. Viking Expedition Kits containing a full range of safety equipment will be provided as well as Viking Excursion Gear, which includes specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes, and skis. Dining Choices - The Restaurant will offer fine dining, featuring regional cuisine and classics. The World Cafe will provide a new “market” concept, featuring live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill, and premium seafood and sushi choices as well as a wide range of international flavors. Mamsen’s will serve Scandinavian-inspired fare, and Manfredi’s will offer the best of Italian cuisine. In addition, guests will enjoy 24-hour complimentary room service.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Enrichment on Board and on Shore - As part of a commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination while engaging with working scientists from renowned academic institutions. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns, accompanying scientists to collect samples, or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes. Sustainable Features - Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System, and the Governor of Svalbard, Viking’s expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.

2022 - 2023 Inaugural Itineraries • • • • • • •

Antarctic Explorer (13 days, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) Arctic Adventure (13 days, round trip from Tromsø) From the Arctic to the Antarctic (44 days, Tromsø to Ushuaia) Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days, Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee) Great Lakes Explorer (8 days, Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario) Niagara and the Great Lakes (8 days, Toronto to Milwaukee) Canadian Discovery (13 days, New York to Toronto) L

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

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Mayor’s Message

Highlights From Roswell’s State of the City Address By Mayor Lori Henry

wo years ago, when I became mayor, an overall citywide strategic plan didn’t exist. The City of Roswell is currently creating a plan that embraces a common vision and goals for the future. Last year, we began collecting input from residents and businesses about what they wanted for Roswell’s future. More than 2,000 residents provided feedback, which will help us develop a strategic plan that will give marching orders to Roswell’s elected officials. I believe we need to expand our tax base in order to keep taxes down. So, when I saw an opportunity to increase movie filming in Roswell, I created the Mayor’s Movie Task Force. Partnered with the Roswell Visitors Center and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, this task force makes film production easier in Roswell. A Lifetime television movie recently shot for four days at City Hall, during which more than $78,000 was spent in our community. The movie industry brings in $9.5 billion a year to Georgia, and my goal is for Roswell to get a portion of that. Construction of the Southern Post, Roswell’s newest mixed-use development, has begun on the Southern Skillet property. This important redevelopment will bring 90,000 square

feet of loft-style, open-concept office space, a new grocer, and other exciting retail and commercial concepts. We are continually looking for solutions to make traveling across our city easier for residents. Construction will soon begin on projects that will ease traffic congestion in Roswell. Several major transportation projects will transform traveling in Roswell, whether by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. The City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are working together to improve traffic movement from east and west Roswell. We are doing this by partnering on a new interchange at Holcomb Bridge Road and GA 400. This new interchange will be a transformational project for Roswell. In addition to the new interchange, GDOT plans to construct a bridge over GA 400 (south of Holcomb Bridge Road) as part of the express lanes project. And the City of Roswell will build Big Creek Parkway (a bridge over GA 400 connecting east and west Roswell) north of Holcomb Bridge Road. Combined, these three projects will make commuting and traveling east and west easier and more convenient. GDOT and the City have also partnered on the Highway 9 Historic Gateway project. You may know this area as the reversible lanes. We have worked with GDOT for many years to find a solution to fix the dangerous conditions on this road while also building a road that is context sensitive to the area. With stakeholder and public input, the City designed a project that GDOT will build. GDOT is currently pursuing right-of-way acquisitions, with construction slated to begin in 2023. Additionally, the Oxbo Road Realignment Project will improve safety and traffic flow. Voters approved this project in the TSPLOST, and the ground for this project was recently broken. Combined, these projects are going to ease traffic congestion and transform how we move around Roswell.

Lori Henry is the mayor of the city of Roswell. 770-594-6288. RoswellMayorAndCouncil@roswellgov.com

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

I know this new decade will be one of Roswell’s greatest. I am confident in the incredible local talent we have working together to make Roswell the best place to live in Georgia.

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Quick Notes on The SECURE Act By Marianna I. Chaet, Esq.

1. Individuals can contribute to traditional IRAs at any age, even after they retire. 2. The age when required minimum distributions begin has been raised from 70.5 to 72. 3. Qualified retirement plans and IRA benefits generally have to be distributed within 10 years of the employee or IRA owner’s death.

[StrategicLife] A new federal law known as the SECURE Act took effect January 1, 2020, which makes changes to the rules governing retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k) plans. Here are the three changes that affect the most people:

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The first and second changes are selfexplanatory. However, the third change needs further explanation. Under the old rules, if a retirement account had a designated beneficiary, then the beneficiary’s life expectancy could be used to “stretch out” the distributions of an IRA (and the tax consequences of those distributions) over the beneficiary’s remaining lifetime. The SECURE Act ends the beneficiary’s ability to “stretch out”

the distribution of the IRA. Instead, it mandates distribution within 10 years after the death of the owner with a few particular exceptions such as in the cases of a surviving spouse, a minor child, or a disabled beneficiary. The new rules do not require annual distributions over the 10-year period, just that everything in the IRA or retirement plan be distributed within 10 years. Some people may have created trusts that took advantage of the “stretch out” rules by requiring annual distributions of income to the beneficiary. It might be worth reviewing your estate planning documents with the drafting attorney to make sure that the documents still achieve your goals. L

Marianna I. Chaet is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, P.C., 11800 Amber Park Drive, Suite 130, Alpharetta. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com

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Senior Life

HEALTHY EATING Tips and Resources for Seniors

By Heather Terry

t seems there’s a national holiday dedicated to celebrating pretty much anything these days. The website NationalDayCalendar.com has some pretty fantastic days to celebrate in March: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day (March 1), Banana Cream Pie Day (March 2), Cheese Doodle Day (March 5), Oreo Cookie Day (March 6), and this is not even the first full week of the month. For those who have been dieting since January 1, these food holidays probably sound tempting. Ironically, March is also National Nutrition Month, which focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. While important for all of us, nutrition is even more vital for senior adults. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: • Eat fruits and vegetables. They can be fresh, frozen, or canned. Try to choose more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens or broccoli and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. • Vary protein choices with more fish, beans, and peas. • Eat at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day. • Have three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy (milk, yogurt, or cheese) that are fortified with vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy. • Choose polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Many food choices have amazing health benefits. For instance, berries, dark leafy greens, and walnuts help boost memory. Dark chocolate, red wine, and green tea have shown anti-inflammatory benefits. Salmon, sweet potatoes, and kale provide nutrients that help prevent cataracts and glaucoma. Of course, you’ll want to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you develop an eating plan that is right for you. Healthy food choices can be expensive, and some seniors in our area struggle to afford these better options. Beyond shopping at your grocery store on senior discount day, north Fulton residents are lucky to have resources to help keep older adults nutritionally well. You may qualify for certain programs: • Senior Services North Fulton Meals on Wheels – Meals are delivered to the home Monday through Friday, and a welfare check is also performed (770-993-1906). • North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry – Shop in person or request home delivery (678-387-4465). • Senior Centers – Many in north Fulton serve affordable or free lunches. • Restaurants With Senior Discounts — Check out Clark Howard’s website for some great recommendations. Remember to order healthy (Clark.com/deals-money-saving-advice/seniorrestaurant-discounts). For more information on National Nutrition Month and healthy eating for seniors, visit EatRight.org/for-seniors, and step away from the cookies!

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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Common Questions During

Pregnancy By Nicole Sparks, M.D.

[HealthyLife] Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Now what?

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and joy for first time parents. Along with that comes a lot of anxiety and nervousness from not knowing what to expect. There are some common questions lots of women have during pregnancy but either don’t think to ask their doctors or are too afraid to ask them. Can you sit in a hot tub? Can you go swimming? Can you dye your hair? Read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.

Many women have questions about hair dye. There isn’t specific data on the chemicals in hair dye, and the studies that have been performed are mainly on cosmetologists. Overall, studies show that hair dye results in minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe during pregnancy.

With all the aches and pains that come along with pregnancy, soaking in a hot tub sounds nice. So, what does the data say about hot tubs while pregnant? Hot tubs are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Hot tubs can significantly increase body temperature, which some studies have

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shown can increase the risk for birth defects and miscarriage. In addition, being in the hot tub for long periods of time can lead to dehydration and dizziness. Swimming pools usually do not have high temperatures, so they are presumed to be safe during pregnancy. Swimming is actually encouraged as a great form of exercise for pregnant women. How should you sleep? Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their side. A growing uterus could potentially compress important vessels while a woman is in the supine position, which may cause a decrease in blood flow to the baby. The left side is typically recommended, but both sides are safe. Can you exercise while pregnant? Women who have normal, uncomplicated pregnancies are encouraged to perform aerobic and strength exercises. The recommended regimen is 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, four to five times per week. Women should avoid exercise options that have a high risk of injury. Bed rest is not recommended during pregnancy and has not been shown to be beneficial. Please consult your doctor about any other questions you may have during your pregnancy.

Dr. Nicole Sparks is a physician at North Atlanta Women’s Care. 4040 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta. 770-771-5270. NAWCare.com

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The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: A Georgia Gem By Lisa Ethridge

[HomeLife] Late in March, ruby-throated hummingbirds begin to appear. These tiny birds, 2.8-3.5-inches long, migrate from as far away as South America to summer in eastern North America. By providing a habitat that includes hummingbird friendly plants and well-maintained feeders, you can add color, movement, sound, and drama to your garden. Hummingbirds rely on bright colors to find food. In order to remain healthy, they must eat at least half their body weight each day. This can involve visiting over 1,000 flowers during daylight hours. Red, tubular flowers are their favorites. Your yard will become a hummingbird magnet if you plant the right flowers. Experts recommend perennials such as penstemon, coneflower, and bee balm. Plant trumpet vine and trumpet honeysuckle for vertical interest. Flowering bushes that attract ruby throats are weigela, abelia, and buddleia.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Annual selections should be planted after April 15. Penta, petunia, cigar plant, salvia, and cardinal flowers bloom all season and are wildly attractive to hummingbirds. Easy-to-grow annual vines that reseed themselves are cypress and cardinal climber vines. Plants and blooms will sustain your new feathered friends throughout the late spring until they migrate. Although plant nectar is a complete source of nutrients, hummingbirds also appreciate a sugar water supplement. Put up a feeder this month. To make a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nectarâ&#x20AC;? solution, combine one part sugar (not honey) to four parts water. Boil the solution for 2-3 minutes. This will keep it from fermenting too quickly. Cool and store in the refrigerator. Do not add red food coloring. Drain, clean, and refill the feeder every 3-5 days. Routine feeder maintenance is crucial for hummingbird survival. Attracting hummingbirds and enjoying their antics can be an enjoyable family activity. Check out migration maps and feeder cams on the internet or join the official Hummingbird Society. There are plenty of ways you can show your appreciation for the ruby-throated hummingbird, a true Georgia gem.

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

More through the door!

By Julie Senger Located in the popular Hickory Flat community, the Providence Group’s Idylwilde, a gated single-family home neighborhood, just opened a new phase to offer floorplans from its impressive Arden and Homestead Collections. These collections consist of a total of 11 plans with sought after options like traditional two- or threecar garage front entries or a two-car garage rear entry, as well as master on the main and ranch and two-story plans. Also, buyers have an exciting chance to visit the Design Center to personalize their home’s details to their specific tastes on all presold homes. Idylwilde’s acres of natural green space, which are crisscrossed by streams, ponds, and miles of walking trails, have residents breathing relaxed sighs of relief as soon as they pull into the neighborhood they call “home.”

surroundings, creating a vacation/resort-like atmosphere only moments away from their doorstep. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, residents can go for a swim to cool off or lounge poolside and soak up the sun.

Pickleball Courts Enjoy the latest and greatest sport trend of pickle ball! Idylwilde has two courts available for residents to partake in a little friendly competition against neighbors.

The Community Garden

The Club at Idylwilde

Located next to the pool and the clubhouse, the Community Garden allows residents an opportunity to lease a plot each year to plant their favorite flowers, fruits, herbs, and/or vegetables, while perhaps meeting other passionate neighborhood gardeners to share successful tips and exchange some harvested goodies.

This gorgeous facility can be rented by residents for private events and parties. It boasts three clear garage doors that can be opened during warmer months, so visitors can venture out onto the covered veranda, which overlooks the sparkling pool. During cooler temperatures, visitors can cozy up to the adjacent firepit to roast marshmallows with their family and friends. The Club at Idylwilde also has a full kitchen for all your entertaining needs.

As the community website states, “Every day and at every corner, you’ll find a new story ready to begin. Whether it’s a game night at the club, splashdown at the pool, or a quiet recharge with the fresh air and fireflies for company, you’ll find it’s never been easier to make space for life than at Idylwilde – where stories live.” Welcome home!

In addition to being surrounded by lush, natural beauty, Idylwilde homeowners have access to the following convenient amenities:

An open workout room that contains a ballet bar and a mirrored wall is another space that is available inside the The Club at Idylwilde, which can be used for activities such as yoga, Pilates, meditation, dance, or other options.

The Pool The refreshing pool is centrally located amid Idylwilde’s other amenities, so homeowners can enjoy its beautifully landscaped

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Two model homes are open daily for homebuyers to tour. Sales Center hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 1:00-6:00pm.

5300 Hickory Flat Highway Canton, GA 30115 470-509-9931 TheProvidenceGroup.com/idylwilde

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Quotables “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”

“Where you live in the world should not determine whether you live in the world.”

-James Stephens

-Bono

“You use a glass mirror to see your face: you use works of art to see your soul.”

“Be not affronted at a joke. If one throw salt at thee, thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou art raw.” -Oliver Goldsmith

-George Bernard Shaw, Back to Methuselah

“Get on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet.” -Irish Proverb

“How strange a thing like that happens to a man. He dabbles in something and does not realise that it is his life.” -Patrick Kavanagh

“Man can embody truth, but he cannot know it.” -William Butler Yeats “The thing about love is that we come alive in bodies not our own.” -Colum McCann, Let the Great World Spin

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Mr. Handyman of Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek is your one-call solution for a wide range of home maintenance and repair needs. Their uniformed technicians are fully insured and vetted professionals, who arrive on time in a marked van with the tools to correctly complete the job. Mr. Handyman’s technicians are highly skilled craftsmen, each with an average of 10 years’ experience in the trades. They are home repair and improvement experts, known for the quality of their workmanship and professional reliability, so you know the job will be done properly and efficiently. They are so confident in the work they perform that each job they do, whether a repair, installation, assembly, or organization task, is backed by a “One Year ‘Done Right’ Guarantee.” Mr. Handyman is the largest national handyman franchise in the country, but each location is individually owned and operated. Owner Chet Touton is a longtime Roswell resident, who used his engineering, project management, and operations experience to develop a team that solves clients’ problems while providing an exceptional customer service experience. Touton said, “As an Eagle Scout and longtime Boy Scout Leader, I wanted to develop a business that lives by a code of ethics.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Mr. Handyman lives by a code that includes respect for the customer and employees, integrity in everything we do, and is customer focused, all while having fun in the process. We believe in this and live it in everything we do.” Here are a few reasons why customers recommend Mr. Handyman to their friends: • One call provides easy scheduling. • Expect an on-time arrival with an emailed picture of your service technician. • The job is done right the first time. • They provide a wide variety of repair, maintenance, and improvement services. • Experienced, vetted, and insured technicians (not subcontractors) are employed for your safety and peace of mind. • Technicians clean up when the job is completed. • Mr. Handyman’s quality workmanship is guaranteed. Mr. Handyman is the safe, guaranteed solution to your home repair and maintenance needs. For more information, please call or visit the website.

770 Old Roswell Place, Suite G-300 Roswell, GA 30076 678-671-8500 MrHandyman.com

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Which Home Improvements Are

Worth the

Investment By Zack Bobo

ant to put your home on the market but know it needs some updating first? Some renovations can be helpful, while others may steer potential buyers away. With renovations, the goal should always be to make your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing to your prospective buyers without breaking the bank. Here are some home improvement tips that are proven to have the greatest ROI (return on investment): Curb Appeal Updates Just as a prospective buyer would, start with the outside of your home. Curb appeal sells. Surveys show that one of the best ways to spruce up the exterior of your home is to replace your aged and worn front door. After all, it is one of the first things people will see when they come to your house. You can purchase a new steel entry door for around $250. If you want to go a step further, painting your new door with a bright, welcoming color will add to your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curb appeal. Updating locks and doorknobs are worthy additions to your new door as well. Light landscaping upgrades are also worth the investment. Trim any overgrown shrubbery and add fresh mulch to areas that look bare or worn. Be sure the entry path to your home is clean and clear. Replace any broken or sunken pavers and stones, and do away with any weeds, debris, or clutter. Adding a couple of potted plants or flowers next your door will make the entrance seem more welcoming to house hunters.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Recovering the money spent on updates at the time of closing is generally everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first consideration. Studies show that one of the best improvements with the greatest ROI is replacing garage doors. The study revealed that the cost for an upscale garage door replacement was $3,611, and the estimated value at resale was $3,520. This is a 97.5% ROI, which far surpasses the 66% average for other remodeling projects. Minor Interior Updates An affordable and necessary improvement to your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior is a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are an instant update for any house. When preparing to sell your home, you should always stick to a light, neutral color. Some popular options are gray, white, light beige, or greige. Next, scrutinize your fixtures. Nothing dates a home more than old lighting, ceiling fans, etc. Replacing these items is an excellent and affordable way to give your home an instant face-lift. Kitchen Updates A kitchen truly is the heart of the home. Many buyers will instantly decide whether they love or dislike a house after seeing this room. Kitchen remodels have a huge price range, with minimal remodeling projects starting at a few thousand dollars to mid-range remodels costing more than $25,000. It has been repeatedly proven that minor kitchen updates yield the greatest return when selling your home.

re-grouting tile; reapplying caulking around tubs, showers, and toilets; and replacing hardware, light fixtures, and mirrors are always smart upgrades to make. Installing a more modern toilet will keep your home from appearing outdated. A slightly more expensive improvement to consider is converting a standard tub into a tile shower, which can cost around $4,000, but studies show you are likely to recoup 85% of the money spent when you sell your home. Energy Efficiency Updates Adding insulation to your attic can be an important update. Many older homes are not well insulated compared to newer homes. This can result in excessively high power bills, which will certainly be a huge negative for potential home buyers. Installing a digital thermostat can also help keep utility costs down. Most modern thermostats can be set to adjust heating and cooling temperatures throughout the day, and some can even be adjusted remotely. If considering a remodel prior to listing your home for sale, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to consult with a real estate professional for helpful insight and tips regarding your home and its greatest potential value.

Zack Bobo is a real estate agent with ERA Sunrise Realty. 2542 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 770-876-2790.

First, paint your existing cabinets if they are structurally sound. If your cabinets are damaged or do not function properly, consider replacing cabinet faces. Updating cabinet hardware is absolutely worth the time and money. Another great addition is updated, matching appliances. If your budget allows, granite or quartz countertops and tile backsplashes are an affordable, worthwhile addition to your kitchen. Bathroom Updates After kitchens, bathrooms are a close second in terms of selling points to most home buyers. Minimal improvements such as

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Public Safety

TAX SCAMS How To Protect Yourself From Becoming the Next Victim By Dr. Rich Austin

BE WARY OF PHONE CALLS FROM THOSE CLAIMING TO BE WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

s the chief of the Milton Police Department, it pains me to read reports of citizens who have been scammed out of money due to falling for the increasingly bold and aggressive schemes perpetrated by sophisticated and usually offshore networks of criminals. These schemes often take advantage of the victim’s good nature and his/her willingness to be compliant with the law. Since we’re in the heart of tax season, people may be more apt to believe a random call would be coming from the IRS or other federal agency, as scammers often claim. Here is some information to help you protect yourself from these types of crimes.

Typically, if you are suspected in a crime or there is some other problem, an IRS agent or law enforcement officer will contact you in person. Also, if there is a problem with your taxes, you would normally be mailed information about whom to contact at the IRS. End the call immediately if the person threatens you with arrest if you hang up. Law enforcement does not work in that manner.

HOW DO THESE SCHEMES WORK?

BE WARY OF ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ALTERNATE PAYMENT.

In a recent local case, an elderly lady received a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent, who was seeking to collect on years of back taxes. The caller was very aggressive and assured her that if she hung up, she would be arrested and brought before a federal court judge to answer charges for tax evasion. Terrified, the victim stayed on the phone with the scammer, listening and obeying his every direction. He instructed her to go to a local big box store to purchase several thousand dollars of Google Play and Apple gift cards to submit as payment.

Legitimate government agencies do not accept forms of payment such as Apple gift cards, Google Play gift cards, Green Stamp cards, or Western Union transactions. These forms of payment are how scammers take the victim’s money without being detected.

Fortunately, when the lady reached the checkout, the cashier was very astute and contacted store security, who intervened on the call and ceased the transaction. Unfortunately, others have not been so lucky. Each year, U.S.

citizens lose billions of dollars due to various scams. Read on for a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of these types of crimes.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

BE WARY OF CALLERS ASKING FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO “VERIFY” YOUR IDENTITY. If a government agency has business with a person, it will already have the citizen’s information. A frequent technique of scammers is to rattle the person with the threat of arrest and then pelt them with questions about their identity. The person who would not typically share information now has his or her guard down and complies in the spirit of cooperation to resolve the matter. These are but a few of the techniques that scammers use to trick unsuspecting citizens into parting with their hard-earned money. Education and preparation are key when confronted by these scammers. For more information, visit IRS.gov/newsroom/how-to-know-itsreally-the-irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your-door. L

Rich Austin is the chief of police for the City of Milton Police Department. 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E, Milton. 678-242-2500. Rich.Austin@cityofmiltonga.us. CityOfMiltonGa.us

More through the door!

MEDICAL PODCASTS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; An Efficient

Way To Obtain Important Health Information In 2019, I began a medical podcast. In order to reach as many people as possible, this seemed like a terrific new vehicle for educating my patients and the rest of the general population about important medical issues.

By Jim Morrow, M.D. [HealthyLife] Over time, technology has changed how we obtain and learn new information. In recent years, more and more people are turning to podcasts for education and entertainment. Many enjoy listening to podcasts because they are concise and easy to enjoy while exercising, working, or traveling. Most are fairly brief, dispensing a great deal of information in a short period of time.

Thanks to John Ray at North Fulton Business Radio X, I was able to begin creating podcasts twice a month, which are broadcast live on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 1:00pm, as they are being recorded for future download. Topics have ranged from emphysema to vaccinations, and the response has been fantastic. New topic ideas are always welcomed; please send them to

DrJim@toyourhealth.md or through Twitter @toyourhealthmd. Each episode lasts about 30 minutes, and you can easily access them at MorrowFamMed.com. There is a podcast player on the homepage. Feel free to check them out, leave a comment, or send in thoughts or ideas. Most importantly, be sure to subscribe, so you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss an important episode.

Jim Morrow is a family medicine physician at Morrow Family Medicine. 12970 GA-9, Milton. 770-781-8004. MorrowFamMed.com

ENTER THE

contest Please submit your original short story about a family friendly topic for a chance to win a gift certiicate and publication in one of our July 2020 magazines. There are two age divisions: High School and Adult. Please see below for rules and additional information: Story can be no more than 500 words, including title. Submit as a Word document to Contest@FamilyLifePublications.com. Only one submission per person. Story must not be published elsewhere in a print or electronic format. Include the following information at the bottom of your story:

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

April 1, 2020

*Contact information is for award notiication purposes only and will not be published in the magazine.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Kristie Brooks-Paige Creating Spiritual Richness Through Shapes, Lines, and Colors

ainter Kristie Brooks-Paige has always had an artist’s eye. On family road trips, Brooks-Paige eagerly soaked up the passing rural and urban landscapes. “My father would drive us to New York,” she said. “I was fascinated with buildings, with brownstones. I just love the shapes.” Today, her childhood fascination with shapes and colors finds expression in BrooksPaige’s paintings. In a style she calls “urban folklore,” she conveys an uplifting, childlike innocence and optimism. Through the whimsical interplay of active shapes and lines and muted as well as vibrant colors, the scenes come alive — even the buildings seem to be moving. The viewer is treated to a snapshot of city streets and suburban avenues and their inhabitants. Brooks-Paige’s first expression of this subject grew from a trip to Cleveland where, sitting with a friend, she could see children on a playground. “They were stick-like silhouettes, and I thought it was just beautiful,” said Brooks-Paige.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Returning to her home in Staunton, Virginia, Brooks-Paige couldn’t wait to capture those figures, and although she exhibited the painting of the children on the playground, she wouldn’t sell it. While her urban folklore style paintings are her most frequently requested, Brooks-Paige’s studies of people also evoke human connection and emotion. Set against boldly colored backgrounds amid simply rendered settings, the figures, which mirror her silhouette figures but are larger and fill the foreground, communicate mood and feeling. “I’m not doing straight realism. I’m doing something that came out of me in a divine moment,” Brooks-Paige explained. “Sometimes, when I wake up, I’ll see that’s how I’m going to paint. It will come to me.” Deep connection to her subjects and her art is apparent. “At the start of the day, I know I want to do something uplifting, and that’s the feeling I get when I paint,” Brooks-Paige said. Painting daily is essential, often in the solitude of early morning and late at night. “I find energy for my art. It’s automatic. When it’s time to paint, it’s time to paint. I feel relaxed and free when I paint,” said Brooks-Paige. Brooks-Paige has painted for as long as she can remember. “From the time I was a small child, my father would paint, and I would paint whenever he did. I watched him and asked questions,” she said. It was her high school art teacher, Dorothy Dunnings, who planted the idea that she could make art her career. Heartened by Dunnings’ encouragement, Brooks-Paige enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she majored in fashion illustration/graphic design. The chance to design apparel graphics brought her to Georgia and led to a successful 13 years in that field. Brooks-Paige has exhibited her work extensively, including at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, the 2011 Art is King exhibit in Atlanta, and the 2018 Douglasville Vine Cafe and Market Exhibit. Currently, she is preparing for a juried exhibit to be presented in the metro Atlanta area. She is also painting for an exhibit at the Artisan’s Loft in Staunton and volunteers as a docent at MOCA Georgia. Brooks-Paige’s work can be seen at KristiesArt.com.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Community Partner

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about women’s experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCA’s efforts. “Due to a lack of screening tests and clearcut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness,” said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. “Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed.”

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Joseph’s Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of women’s health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founder’s dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages. On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeast’s premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alive’s Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment. “The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming,” said Barron. “The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts.”

For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to

ShakenNotStirredGala.com. For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512 Atlanta, GA 30328 404-255-1337 GaOvarianCancer.org

More through the door!

11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-993-8806 GNFCC.com

Grand Openings

Loyal Trust Bank 11675 Medlock Bridge Road Johns Creek 678-783-8018 Bank

Starbucks 609 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell 470-622-9562 Coffee Shop

Ribbon Cuttings

Knockouts Haircuts For Men 24 E. Crossville Road, Suite 120 Roswell 678-373-3195 Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hair Salon

Home2 Suites by Hilton Alpharetta

Improving - Atlanta

12075 Morris Road Alpharetta 470-479-6699 Lodging

11675 Rainwater Drive, Suite 100 Alpharetta 770-623-5734 IT/Support

Hotworx Alpharetta

GSquared Group

Open Systems Inc

869 N. Main Street, #205 Alpharetta 470-567-9679 Fitness

223 Roswell Street Alpharetta 404-698-1810 IT/Staffing

6495 Shiloh Road, Suite 310 Alpharetta 770-752-8600 IT/Engineering and Staffing

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Advertiser Index Akrosphere Aerial & Circus Arts

Alpharetta Farmers Market

Athletic Republic - Roswell

Camp Invention

Code V Performance

Cruise Planners

Inside Front, 6

Debra Robinson Law Group

DeMercy Dental

Inside Front

Freshii 22 Glitter Under the Big Top

GrassRoots Turf

Cover, 20-21

Idylwilde

28, 29

InCommunity 3 Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, P.C.

LGE Community Credit Union

The Lionheart School 5k

The Mauldin Group

Mr Handyman

Morrow Family Medicine

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center

Back Cover

North Atlanta Women’s Care

Inside Back

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

and Dentistry at Milton Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2020

Inside Back

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

Roswell Beer Festival

Roswell Moves!

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037

POSTAL CUSTOMER