North Fulton Family Life 1-20 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Contents

January 2020

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

20-21

[20-21]

On the Cover

St. George Village

28-29

20/20 Vision The Inexact Science of Predicting the Future

32-34

Best of Life 2020 Winners

[32-34] 2 0 2 0 A W A R D S

[28-29] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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

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

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

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

................. Mayor’s Message

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

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

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

.............. North Fulton Scene

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

........................ Artist Profile

.............. 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 ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

After learning from our parents, teachers, and mentors, it is our individual selfdiscipline that gets stronger, as we use it more. This makes us more responsible stewards of our own path as well as the paths of those who learn from us. We often are persuaded by convenience, pleasure, or peers to look the other way. We each know what is the “right” thing to do; our good conscience tells us that. Be kind to each other, the planet, and yourself. Next year, when I look back on 2020, I hope my actions will have provided a good example for many, inspiring them to make positive personal changes, too. This is the first month of the rest of your life. Let’s do this for everyone.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Albers, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Jim Gilvin, Kevin Head, Mandy Marger, Chris Miller, Jim Morrow, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Julia Padgett, John Robison, Ellen Samsell Salas, Heather Terry, Jacqueline Yokley

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.

E R EC Y C LE

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

Discipline isn’t a friendly word, but we should be mature enough to embrace it and grow from it. In our youth, discipline is prescribed to help us learn the basics of what is right and what is wrong. As adults, it is our responsibility to turn that knowledge into wisdom to share with others.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

Of course, it takes a special kind of discipline to make this happen. And yes, I know “discipline” is a scary word to many of us. It may make you think of a crabby teacher who just never understood your sense of humor or level of energy, or perhaps it brings back memories of when you and a buddy got a bit too curious about something to do with physics and then had the misfortune of becoming the unlucky landing zones of the broad side of a paddle. Oh, the fond memories we share of an adventurous youth well spent in the pursuit of learning.

Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

elcome to 2020, a year I’m sure we will be looking back on for some time to come. As we enter this new decade fresh and ready to move forward, it’s time to consider what we can do for ourselves to make it a better year for everyone. It’s time for a little bit of self-investment. If we each make a better “me,” then we see vast improvement and healthier growth together, as “we” evolve. After all, we are a group of individuals who strive each day to become better people for our families, our communities, and our planet.

Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Primary teeth shift and change quite a bit. During this phase of change, a child may experience an abnormal bite that might feel odd to them, which can lead to teeth grinding at night. Most children who experience teeth grinding at a young age will outgrow it when their 6-year molars come in. Once a more permanent bite pattern is established, the teeth grinding tends to stop.

Teeth Grinding in Children By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] Teeth grinding is quite common in children. Depending on the age of your child, the cause can vary. Children younger than 7-8 years old still have many of their primary teeth.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

In older children and teenagers, teeth grinding can be caused by stress. If you notice teeth grinding in older children/ teens, try talking with them to see if they are especially worried about something. Teeth grinding can become severe in some cases. If steps are not taken to protect the surfaces of the teeth, the grinding may wear down the enamel, chip a tooth, and increase temperature sensitivity. Extreme cases can even lead to facial or jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint disease, more commonly known as TMD.

For the most part, in primary teeth, the dentist will simply wait for the child to outgrow the grinding, as permanent teeth come in. In cases of grinding with permanent teeth, the dentist may recommend that the child wear a mouth guard at night for protection. These are similar to the mouth guards worn in sporting events. They can be specifically molded to fit the individual’s mouth for the best and most comfortable fit. Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months is a great way to keep up with any changes you may notice with your child’s teeth or mouth. Staying on top of these changes can help ensure your child’s oral health.

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

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Fun With Brain Teasers! By Christy Noll

[HomeLife] January is International Brain Teaser Month. A brain teaser is a form of riddle or puzzle that requires focus and, sometimes, a think-outside-the-box approach to solve it. These puzzles and riddles are a fun way to exercise, strengthen, and stimulate our mental muscle power. To celebrate this monthlong event, challenge yourself and your family with a daily brain teaser.

Here are a few examples to get you started: • I am a six-letter word. My first three letters refer to a form of transportation. My last three letters refer to a household animal. My first four letters are a type of fish. All my letters spell an item that is found in your room. What am I? (Carpet) • What day would yesterday be if Thursday was four days before the day after tomorrow? (Friday) • If a chicken says, “All chickens are liars,” is the chicken telling the truth? (Chickens cannot talk.) • I have forests but no trees. I have lakes but no water. I have roads but no cars. What am I? (A map) Take some time this January to solve a few brain teasers. Maybe you will decide to continue the challenge even after January is over. It’s a great way to test your family’s problem-solving abilities and keep everyone sharp.

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

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Calendar JANUARY

1-10

Spotlight Exhibit: Roswell in Winter — This inaugural exhibit showcases photographs submitted by the people who live and work in Roswell. FREE! Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

1-14

Joys of the Seasons — Browse a display of lovely original artworks celebrating all the seasons of the year. Every piece was created by local artists in various mediums and sizes, and all are attractively priced. Admission is FREE. Fridays 10:00am-1:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm. Roswell Art Center East, 9100 Fouts Road. Roswell. 404-376-6228. VisitRoswellGa.com

1-26

Avalon on Ice — Lace up your skates and enjoy this Rockefeller-inspired ice-skating rink. $18 per person includes skates, $14 for children 9 and younger. Monday-Friday 3:00-10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 12:00-7:00pm, holidays (December 22-January 3 and January 20) 10:00am-10:00pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com

ONGOING January Is International Creativity Month — This month, be sure to acknowledge people who work in different creative industries and take time to appreciate how creative and cultural infrastructures provide new ideas and address challenges across different sectors. Creativity can solve many problems. While honoring folks who think outside the box, challenge yourself to do the same.

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

2-6

Ongoing Modern Colors — Explore Alpha Arts Guild member art, including abstract and realistic painting, sculpture, 3-D art, photography, textile art, and paper art. Monday-Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm and Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6165. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

2-19

She Rocks: The Women of Rock — Multi-talented musician Tara Vaughan takes attendees on a rockin’ ride through the 60s, 70s, and 80s with the hits of the world’s greatest female rockers. Backed by an all-star band, Vaughan performs music from artists like Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, Heart, and many more. Wednesdays 7:30, ThursdaysSaturdays 8:00pm

Enchanted Woodland Trail — Fairies and gnomes have been busy building all new homes for CNC’s Enchanted Woodland Trail. Whimsical works line the trails, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for fairy houses made from tiny natural objects. The structures will be on the trails through February 29. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 12:005:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org ArtAround Roswell’s “Museum Without Walls” Tour — Through February 29, 2020, this collection features 10 new sculptures and nine permanent sculptures at various locations throughout Roswell. For more information, visit RoswellArtsFund.org

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4-18

Schoolhouse Rock Live — This pop culture phenomenon moves from your 1970s TV to the stage in brilliant color and all the catchy musical numbers you remember. Saturdays 11:00am and Sundays 7:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

with an additional 4:00pm show on Saturdays, Sundays 2:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

7-2/27

Continuing Education Classes for Seniors — Seniors Enriched Living (SEL) offers classes in eight-week sessions. Topics include history, creative arts, theology, art history, government, and music among others. A $55 online registration fee covers as many classes as you would like to take on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Times vary by class. Seniors Enriched Living (SEL), 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-5873750. SELRoswellGa.org

13-3/31

Spotlight Exhibit: The Photography of Jim Alexander — Enjoy Jim Alexander’s award-winning

Walk With a Doc — On the second Saturday of each month, the City of Johns Creek and Emory Johns Creek 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 oneon-one questions with the participating physician. 10:00am, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. WalkWithADoc.org

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

documentary. A photojournalist, teacher, activist, media consultant, and entrepreneur, Alexander has amassed an impressive collection of images of black culture and human rights photographs. Artist reception and book signing offered on January 26 from 3:00-5:00pm. Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

Family Night Hike and Campfire — Explore the sounds and sights of the forest. On the hike, keep your eyes and ears open for owls hooting and bats swooping down to feed on insects. Your evening also includes an animal encounter and a relaxing campfire for roasting marshmallows. $12/$10 CNC members. Register by January 9 and save $2. 7:00-9:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

The Post Offices of Alpharetta and Old Milton County — Historian Connie Mashburn, along with researchers Mike Buchanan, Barbara Latham, and Ed Malowney, will discuss the early post offices in Alpharetta and Milton County and the communities they served. 7:00-8:00pm, Mansell House & Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-667-5736. AOMCHS.org

Friday Night Zen Rides — On the first and third Friday of the month, meet other cyclists to ride the Greenway. Meet up for a beer after the ride (around 6:30pm) at Jekyll Brewing. Feel free to bring a snack to share. 5:30pm, Jekyll Brewing, 2855 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta. 678-362-6228. Facebook.com/BikeAlpharetta

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce ProAlliance — Each Wednesday (excluding 1/1), 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

JANUARY

CNC Service Day — Help restore the woodlands and wetlands during this afternoon of service by working to remove invasive plants in and around CNC’s 127 acres to encourage native plant restoration. Please call to reserve a spot for your family or group (ages 5+). Registration required and open until January 13, or until the event has filled. 1:00-4:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

20-29

Roswell Restaurant Week — Attendees can choose to dine at 43 different Roswell restaurants. This event, which is the largest restaurant week in the Atlanta area, aims to cultivate and promote the diverse culinary experiences the city has to offer. Enjoy prix fixe menus at your favorite Roswell restaurants or discover a new place to dine. RoswellRW.com

Roswell Garden Club Meeting — Speaker Marjukka Trumbauer of Autumn Hill Nursery will discuss “Growing Fabulous Roses.” Visitors are welcome. 9:30am fellowship/10:00am speaker, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 678-3151012. LREthridge110@gmail.com. RoswellGardenClub.com

Mario “the Maker Magician” Marchese — As seen on Sesame Street and Sprout, Mario “the Maker Magician” Marchese is a children’s performer known for his DIY robotic creations, handmade props, and signature slapstick character. Mario’s show is an upbeat, hilarious, interactive experience that leaves children and families inspired to nurture their own creative paths. Tickets $10. 10:00am and 1:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

State of the City 2020 — Attend the 2020 State of the City, as Mayor Lockwood highlights Milton’s annual accomplishments. Preliminary Program 6:00-6:45pm and Meet & Greet 7:00-8:00pm, Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us

FEBRUARY

Saturday Brunch Lecture: Texas Brigadier to the Fall of Atlanta, John Bell Hood — Lectures cover areas of interest to residents. Complimentary brunch style food will be available. Reservations are not necessary but are appreciated. $5 suggested donation per lecture. 10:00am-12:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855. RoswellGov.com

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

The Color Purple: A Concert — Actor’s Express debuts on the Roswell stage with this concert version of their 2018 hit musical, The Color Purple. Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning triumph bolts joyously to life with soaring music and unforgettable characters. Tickets $35 ($30 for seniors, students, and military). 8:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 404607-7469. Actors-Express.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

(Temporarily Closed for Remodeling - Financial Information Network is temporarily at East Roswell Library.) 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

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

OCEE

MILTON

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

VISIT AFPLS.ORG For More information

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

BARRE ABOVE CLASS Mondays, January 6-27 (no class on 1/20), 11:00am, East Roswell This class delivers a fusion of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training. Beginners are welcome, and mats are required. This class is for adults only. SLOW FLOW AND STRETCH YOGA CLASS Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am, Alpharetta Participants should be able to do both sitting and standing poses. This class is for adults only. No registration necessary. MEDITATION CLASS Tuesdays, 12:00pm, East Roswell Every class will include guided meditation. This class is for adults only. LINE DANCING Tuesdays, 1:00pm, Alpharetta Please wear dance sneakers or tennis shoes. This class is for adults only. No registration necessary. SAHAJA MEDITATION Thursdays, 6:00pm, Alpharetta Learn and practice meditation in a supportive group setting. This class is for adults only. No registration necessary.

YOGA CLASS Thursdays, January 9-30, 11:00am, East Roswell Learn the fundamental poses of yoga. Please bring a mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing. There is a limit of 20 adults for this class. The instructor will close the doors once the limit is reached. FRIENDS OF THE ALPHARETTA LIBRARY BOOK SALE January 4, 10:00am, Alpharetta Proceeds benefit the library and library programs. For more information, please email Jeffrey. Stinson@fultoncountyga.gov. TODDLER PLAYDATE January 7 & 21, 10:30am, East Roswell Bring your baby and toddlers to play with sensory toys. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. This is for ages 3 and younger.

SENIOR BOARD GAMES January 15 & 29, 10:00am, Milton Seniors can enjoy playing one of the library’s classic board games (or bring one from home), as space will be provided for attendees to congregate and play checkers, chess, Jenga, and other fun games. WEDNESDAY MORNING YOGA January 15, 22, & 29, 10:30am, Milton Enjoy a midweek, relaxing yoga session. Please bring your own mat. PAPER SHREDDING January 18, 10:00am-2:00pm, Milton Are your personal papers piling up at home? Bring your bulk papers to be shredded on-site. MOCK SAT January 18, 10:30am, Milton Join C2 Education, as they proctor a full-length practice exam. Registration is requested for limited seating; please contact C2 at Avalon to register at 770-343-9950. This is for ages 14+.

MEET AUTHOR J.T. ELLISON January 14, 1:00pm, Milton New York Times bestselling author J. T. Ellison will discuss her latest novel, Good Girls Lie. Books will be available for purchase and signing through Bookmiser. Reservations are requested via Bookmiser’s website and Eventbrite website for planning purposes. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE January 15, 1:30pm, Milton The 2019 Milton Library blood drives helped save over 300 lives. Please consider donating in 2020 (there will be six blood drives throughout the 2020 calendar year). Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is requested via the American Red Cross webpage.

PRACTICE SAT TEST January 18, 10:30am, Alpharetta Full-length proctored SATs enable you to see where you stand on the test without the pressure of an official score. For information on how to register, email Erin.Parks@ fultoncountyga.gov. [continued on page 12]

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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[continued from page 11]

ADULT ART CLASS January 18, 2:30pm, East Roswell All levels are welcome. The class is presented by Out of the Box Art Studio. Reservations required, adults only. LET’S DO ART January 22, 3:30pm, East Roswell Come in from the cold to create your own pastel snowman. Visit Eventbrite.com/e/lets-do-arttickets-77908050075 to register. PRACTICE ACT TEST January 25, 10:30am, Alpharetta Full-length proctored ACTs enable you to see where you stand on the test without the pressure of an official score. For information on how to register, email Erin.Parks@ fultoncountyga.gov.

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

LIBRARY EVENTS ASTROKIDS AND MILTON ASTRONOMY CLUB January 25, 2:00pm (AstroKids) & 3:15pm (Astronomy Club), Milton Join Mr. Jeff or Mr. Phil, as they lead attendees on a journey through the stars in this exploration of the universe. AstroKids is for children ages 8+, who must be accompanied by a parent. STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER January 28, Milton Enjoy this ongoing stuffed animal sleepover. Registration is required. After registering, library staff will send a Google doc for parents to fill out to help them select a handful of books for your child to check out the day after the sleepover. The staff will also provide some fun photos of the stuffed animal’s sleepover. OVERDRIVE, HOOPLA, AND DIGITAL MAGAZINES January 28, 11:00am, East Roswell Find out how to access hundreds of audiobooks, television shows, books, and more. Bring your smartphone, tablet, reader, and/or other device. Registration is required.

FLORAL ARRANGING — IKEBANA CLASS FOR BEGINNERS January 29, 11:00am-12:30pm & 1:00-2:30pm, East Roswell Ikebana is the more than 700-year-old Japanese art of arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers. All materials will be provided. Adults only, registration is required. MYSTERIES OF MIGRATION January 29, 3:30pm, East Roswell Learn about birds’ migration and see if you can survive in the migration challenge! Please register at Eventbrite. com/e/mysteries-of-migration-tickets-77910419161. MEDICARE MADE CLEAR January 29, 6:00pm, Milton Join Peter Horvath from Horvath and Partners, as he guides attendees through the ever-changing Medicare system.

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Get the Shot — NOT THE SHINGLES By Jim Morrow, M.D.

[HealthyLife] Several years ago, a vaccine for shingles was approved and released. People were thrilled. No one wants the shingles, and almost everyone is susceptible to getting them. Anyone who has had the chicken pox is likely, at some point, to get the shingles. And they are wicked. Ninety-five percent of American adults had chicken pox before the age of 18, which means they are at risk for getting the shingles.

The original vaccine worked pretty well. Most who got it have not gotten the shingles, and those who have usually had a milder-than-normal case. Now, a new vaccine is available for individuals over age 50. The data shows that it is much more effective and more likely to last a lifetime than the original vaccine. But it is in short supply. Call your pharmacy and get on a waiting list, if necessary, so you can get this vaccine and establish your immunity sooner rather than later. Should you get the shingles, go directly to your healthcare provider. If you are not sure what you have, go anyway. If you get any sort of painful rash, don’t just assume it is poison ivy or eczema, go see a medical professional.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

There are very effective treatments for the shingles, but they are most effective when started within the first 48 hours of the start of the rash. So, don’t say the five most dangerous words in the English language, which are, “Maybe it will go away.” In short, if you are age 50 or older, get the new shingles vaccine as soon as you can. If you get a painful rash, see your doctor. If you are not sure what to do, ask. You do not want to get the shingles.

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

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Senator Speaks

The 155th Georgia Assembly — Part II By Senator John Albers

n Monday, January 13, legislators will reconvene for the second half of the 155th Georgia General Assembly. Legislation that did not receive final passage during the 2019 session could be taken up during the second half of the biennial. Some of the pending issues address surprise medical billing, transportation updates, marketplace fairness, and tax infrastructure assessments, among others. Along with addressing pending issues, I want to present additional priorities during the upcoming session. Even though we’ve made positive strides to address the needs of our first responders, as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, I will continue to work with committee members, state agencies, and first responders to secure proper additional funding for salaries, training, and retirement services. While protecting all citizens is always a priority, recent discoveries around the state have put senior citizens at the top of the list. An investigation into upscale senior citizen homes in the state has found 600 cases of neglect and 90 cases of abuse. A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation uncovered cases in which “seniors were left in urine-soaked briefs, emergency calls for help went unanswered for hours, and residents with dementia wandered away unnoticed. Others fell repeatedly, suffering bruises, bloody faces, and broken bones. Some suffered in pain for days without treatment.”

In addition to addressing protection for our senior citizens, we will continue to review measures that protect Georgia’s families, specifically children. I will continue my work from last session to ensure that Georgia’s children are not only safe in our school buildings but also while they are traveling to and from school. Safety for our citizens is critical in the physical sense, but also regarding jobs and financial stability. I am proud that Georgia was once again named the No. 1 state in which to do business, for a record seven years in a row. Currently, 90% of Fortune 500 companies have operations in Georgia, while 18 of these companies have made Georgia their world headquarters. Though these accomplishments are wonderful for Georgians, we will continue to increase economic and job growth throughout the state. I will work with my colleagues to pass legislation to incentivize businesses to not only come to Georgia, but also to stay here and expand. These are just a few of the priorities I will work on during the 2020 session. While there are issues pending from the first year of the biennial, new ones will inevitably arise. I will continue to keep you all informed and hope you will reach out with any questions, feedback, or input. My door is always open, and I am here to help. From the Albers family to your family, we wish a very Happy New Year!

These findings are horrific and unacceptable. I will work with my colleagues to address any and all necessary measures to improve care for our senior citizens in the nearly 400 facilities around the state that should always be providing quality service.

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

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Community North Fulton Community Charities Recognizes Partners of the Year

Southern company in 2017 after a 40-year career. He quickly found himself looking for his next project. He started as a food recovery volunteer in the NFCC Food Pantry with his wife one day a week, and he now spends up to four days a week volunteering at NFCC. Owens also serves on the NFCC Advisory Board.

North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) recently recognized Partners of the Year, including a business partner, civic partner, faith partner, and volunteer of the year. The Business Partner of the Year was awarded to DataScan, a technology company based in downtown Alpharetta that has been volunteering and partnering with NFCC for more than 10 years. Matt Powell, DataScan’s CFO, serves on the NFCC Board of Directors. DataScan’s parent company, JM Family Enterprises, donated $50,000 to NFCC last year in recognition of the good work DataScan has done with the charity in the community. The Civic Partner of the Year was awarded to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC). NFCC has worked with the GNFCC from the beginning.

^ Cross of Life Lutheran Church

NFCC participates in and is a beneficiary of their Leadership North Fulton program and enjoys the many opportunities to connect the charity to other partners. The Faith Partner of the Year was awarded to Cross of Life Lutheran Church, which has been a supporter and donor of NFCC since the 1980s. The church volunteer “Geaners” pick up and deliver recovered food from area grocers for the NFCC Food Pantry. Cross of Life has been one of the primary partners of the North Fulton Warming Center. The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Mark Owens. Owens retired from Norfolk

NFCC Executive Director Barbara Duffy was surprised at the end of Mark Owens ^ the breakfast when she was presented with a proclamation from Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, honoring her as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen. Roger Wise presented the proclamation to Duffy. North Fulton Community Charities serves as a human service agency dedicated to building self-sufficiency and preventing homelessness and hunger for residents in north Fulton in the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.

< Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

City of Milton Welcomes

Engine 42 and Engine 43 to Community Service at Fire Station 43

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Community Local Equestrian Receives National Award Officials with the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) recently honored lifelong horsewoman Sunny Stevens of Ball Ground with the Jane Marshal Dillon lifetime achievement award at the organization’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado. The award was created to recognize equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders in the hunter/ jumper riding discipline. Stevens, owner of Stevehaven Stables, has been involved in the sport for more than 50 years and has been based out of several farms in north Fulton and Cherokee County. She has focused her time on teaching, coaching, and developing students into well-rounded horse people. Throughout her career, Stevens has helped to improve countless riders while providing them with a positive experience in the show ring and beyond, as they progress from novice to national level riders.

Roswell Garden Club Names Writing Competition Winners The award-winning Roswell Garden Club recently sponsored a Blog-Post Writing Competition for high school students. Three Roswell High School students took top honors in the competition: 1st place, Emma Guglielmo; 2nd place, Ana Clara Ferreira; and 3rd place, Ava Weinreb. The winners received cash prizes, and their entries will be posted on the Roswell Garden Club’s website (RoswellGardenClub.com). The prompt for the persuasive piece was inspired by 16-year-old Greta Thernberg’s speech to the United Nations and the National Garden Club, Inc.’s Conservation Pledge “…to protect and conserve the natural resources of the planet earth and promise to promote education, so we may become caretakers of our air, water, forest, land, and wildlife.” Students were asked to write a blog post exploring how the citizens of Roswell can become better stewards of the environment and our natural resources. The topic, “Moving from consumers to caretakers of our air, water, forest, land, and wildlife,” lent itself to a variety of

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

USHJA President Mary Babick (L) and Sunny Stevens

perspectives. Students were encouraged to blog about ways communities, organizations, families, and/or individuals can make a positive impact on the world. The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. features a variety of opportunities for youth. Please visit GardenClub. UGA.edu/youth. html for more information. Also, National Garden Clubs, Inc. offers numerous awards, (L-R) Emma Guglielmo, Ana Clara Ferreira, and Ava Weinreb grants, contests, programs, writing, and art competitions for students policies relating to the environment, and in all grade levels (GardenClub.org/ encourage study of the importance of youth). These amazing activities are conservation and sustainable practices. designed to educate and motivate young people to explore the natural world, For more information about the Roswell increase awareness of dangerous legal Garden Club, visit RoswellGardenClub.com.

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Community Visit Roswell Launches New Destination Website Visit Roswell, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Roswell, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website VisitRoswellGA.com, which is now live. Last February, Visit Roswell bid out the project to five creative agencies. The winning company, Tempest Interactive Media, worked together with the Visit Roswell team to ensure a cohesive creative vision on the destination’s positioning statement and the website’s visitor user experience. The highly visual website features a wide variety of destination photography with concentrations on true Roswell experiences. The site also includes the integration of CrowdRiff, which allows the

Visit Roswell team to infuse authentic user-generated content from its Instagram followers who use the organization’s hashtags. Additionally, the website is filled with robust content, recommendations, and motivation for visitors considering planning a first-time or repeat trip to Roswell, or those looking to hold a meeting or special event in the city. From a functional perspective, the website has been simplified with a concise navigation menu and comprehensive search function. When any of Visit Roswell’s partners are featured in editorial mentions or blog postings, the feature is automatically imported into the respective partner’s listing on their page.

The site also features an elevated “Film Roswell” webpage that links to the City’s ReelScout system, which includes business and property owners open to films being produced within their homes, businesses, or on their properties. “Our goal was simple here. We worked with Tempest to create a beautiful website that elicited a lot of positive emotion — enough to influence someone to say, ‘Wow, we have to check this place out.’ We also wanted it to be particularly easy to navigate, so that our viewers can quickly get to the information they desire,” said Andy Williams, executive director of Visit Roswell.

Roswell Arts Fund Wants To Thank You! In 2019, Roswell Arts Fund accomplished the following: • Brought the ArtAround Sculpture tour to new heights by adding nine engaging temporary sculptures that join the 10 permanent works of art that Roswell Arts Fund gifted to the City of Roswell. • Added functional art to Roswell’s pathways with artistic bike racks. • Facilitated creative conversations between artists and city planners through the new Artist Around the Table initiative. • Completed the final phase of the Performance Venue Feasibility Study. With the support of the community, Roswell Arts Fund will continue to develop art projects in Roswell, adding to the vibrancy of the city, driving tourism to local businesses, and sparking creativity and innovation.

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Mayor’s Message

ALPHARETTA’S

EXCITING YEAR AHEAD By Mayor Jim Gilvin

or the City of Alpharetta, 2019 was another extraordinary year. As our nation’s economy grows, the State of Georgia continues to provide an outstanding business climate, and unemployment levels remain at historic lows. Alpharetta has also grown and evolved in ways we could have only imagined just a few years ago. Downtown Alpharetta offers an exciting place for our community to come together. An area many people once considered a ghost town in the evening has become a place filled with people, music, and laughter. Nearly every week, new restaurants and shops open, and now that the second parking deck has been completed on the west side of downtown, there is plenty of room for people who want to join in the fun. In 2020, we are excited about the opening of the new Innovation Academy High School in the heart of downtown (where Milton High School once stood), which will provide unique opportunities for Fulton County students to focus on the fields of study that interest them. And just around the corner, the new hotel being built on Milton Avenue promises to bring even more tourists and activity to our vibrant city. Also, North Point Mall will begin creating Alpharetta’s next great place to live, shop, work, and play during 2020. Adapting to the “age of online,” the vast sea of asphalt where Sears used to be will be broken up for green and play spaces in a unique environment designed to attract shoppers, diners, and people from all over the region. Of course, Alpharetta’s evolution reminds us that redevelopment of our City roads, parks, walking trails, and infrastructure is critical to not only support our growth and advancement but to also preserve the balance that made our community so desirable in the first place. For such reasons, we look forward to completing the first section of the Alpha Loop this year, which will connect downtown Alpharetta to Avalon, following along the creek bed that runs parallel to Thompson Street. Once completed, the City already has plans to continue the Alpha Loop through green spaces along Haynes Bridge Road, and we are currently exploring ways to cross over Georgia 400 to connect to the Big Creek Greenway, which the City anticipates extending all the way to Forsyth County in the near future. Lastly, Alpharetta’s first community center on the east side of Georgia 400 will open. The facility will be housed within the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA building, conveniently located off North Point Parkway along the Greenway. So, while 2019 was an exceptional year for Alpharetta, we expect 2020 to be even better. Thank you for your tremendous support of our community. May you and yours have a wonderful new year.

Jim Gilvin is the mayor of Alpharetta. 678-297-6010. JGilvin@alpharetta.ga.us, Alpharetta.Ga.us

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Destination Gardening By Lisa Ethridge

[HomeLife] If you are passionate about plants, consider a destination-gardening getaway for this year. The best way to do this is to plan an adventure around a flower or garden show. It’s the perfect vacation for anyone building a house or thinking about a landscape redesign this year. Ideas and inspiration abound at these events. The best time to start planning is now. Most horticulture shows take place early spring to early summer — a great time to gather ideas for your own space. Upon researching “flower and garden shows” online, you’ll find there are amazing venues all over the world. A destinationgardening vacation provides the chance

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to see a garden exposition beyond your wildest dreams, visit a wonderful city, and tour the countryside at your leisure. The U.S. claims the longest-running horticultural event in the world, the Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS), which began in 1829. It’s the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world — 33 acres. For 190 years, PFS has introduced the newest plant varieties, shared the latest design concepts, and emphasized sustainable practices. Besides garden displays, the show includes competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging. A ticket to the show also includes access to a massive indoor marketplace and a schedule of expert speakers, presentations, and demonstrations. Flower shows are family friendly. The sensational displays and showy garden

designs are memorable and captivating for all ages. Planners have added music and other entertainment, chef demonstrations, book signings, celebrity appearances, children’s activities, and giveaways to interest visitors of all ages. All the latest ideas and products for gardening, garden design, hardscaping, garden decor, and more are on display, and the experts are there to give advice and guidance. Photographers are welcome, and photography is encouraged. There’s a festival atmosphere at many of the shows, and attending is educational and relaxing. This is the year for a destination-gardening adventure. Attractive package deals are available for all the big shows, which will help ignite or expand your interest.

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

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COVER STORY

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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A Wise Retirement Choice Preserves Independence I

n 2005, three seniors made a thoughtful choice that resulted in their ability to live actively and independently 14 years later. Charter residents Jewel Lamica, Joyce Nunn, and Maurice Turcotte — now with an average age of 96 — made the decision to move to St. George Village while they were in their early 80s. Today, they are reaping the benefits of that conscious decision to plan for their retirement futures by moving to a community that supports active engagement at every stage of life. Jewel Lamica, 95, moved to St. George Village from nearby Alpharetta in early 2006. “I’d heard that St. George Village was going to be built and knew the location was perfect for me,” she said. “In fact, the Publix where I shop now is the same store where I shopped before!” Lamica quickly acclimated to life at St. George Village, and says she has had opportunities to learn new things, such as technology, that she never expected at this stage of life. She enrolled in one of the basic technology classes sponsored by St. George Village, which teaches residents how to use and make the most of their iPads, and she enjoyed it so much that she went on to buy an iPhone and take additional classes in how to use her devices. “The technology classes have been such a gift to me!” said Lamica. “I love to read, and I always thought I would have to be holding an actual book. But now I even download Kindle books to my iPad. It’s easy!” Joyce Nunn, who turned 98 years young in December, says she has never regretted her decision to move to St. George Village. “One night, I was at home eating dinner on a TV tray and suddenly realized I was tired of living alone. I wanted to be doing things with other people, but I also wanted to maintain my independence,” Nunn said. “At the time, I lived just a couple of miles from St. George Village and watched it being built. I called my son that night and told him that’s where I wanted to move. Believe it or not, I’m still living in the same residence I moved into in 2006!”

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Although she’s had to give up driving and playing bridge due to vision problems, Nunn continues to do many other things she loves such as baking. She especially loves to make cakes and other sweet treats, which she delivers to her friends and neighbors throughout St. George Village, including those in assisted living and memory care. Nunn rejoiced when her oven was recently replaced with a newer model. “I’m back in business!” she said. Dr. Maurice Turcotte moved to St. George Village in late 2005. “I put my money down before they dug the first hole,” he laughed. A career anesthesiologist, Turcotte moved from Connecticut to Atlanta, where he first worked at South Fulton Hospital and then at the Veterans Administration Hospital before retiring. He moved with his first wife to St. George when caring for their large home became too much. The continuum of care and skilled staff at St. George Village was a blessing during Turcotte’s wife’s illness and subsequent death. Later, after he married again, that same care became an even bigger blessing during his second wife’s illness. Having outlived two wives, Turcotte is still agile at 96. He credits his health to regular walks around St. George Village’s outdoor trails, and he especially enjoys strolling around the lake. “I’ve had a little setback in my physical health that requires me to use a walker these days, but I’m still walking!” he said. Lamica, Nunn, and Turcotte are perfect examples of the impact that making a wise choice can have over time. Their decision to move to St. George Village, a Life Plan community where every aspect is designed to help residents experience an active lifestyle, has provided them a confident and independent retirement. For more information about St. George Village, please call 770-645-2340 or visit StGeorgeVillage.org.

St. George Village 11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075

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Book Review BY JULIA PADGETT

Good Spiritual Vision By Kevin Head, Ph.D. [InGoodFaith] Well, 2020 is finally here. If you’re like me, it doesn’t seem that the turn of the century was 20 years ago. But here we are, two decades later, starting another new year full of possibilities and opportunities. The number 2020 often makes us think of vision. If someone has good vision, they are said to have 20/20 vision. The connection of the number of this year to the concept of vision brings up a great opportunity to focus on just that.

Author Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere follows two families and the brief, but significant, intermingling of their lives. On the surface, it seems to be a book that is about and for women. Do not be fooled; this is a book about life, the decisions we make, our passions, and what defines family. There are moral issues that are worth exploration and contemplation. Ng does a wonderful job of refraining from judgement and presenting a picture of mothers, husbands, sons, daughters, and the various issues that arise in life. She pulls readers into a character-driven world and makes them care about, relate to, and cheer them on. Indeed, it would be a challenge for anyone to not be able to see a reflection of him/herself or a dear friend in at least one of the characters.

In Proverbs 29:18, the Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but the one who keeps the law, happy is that person.” We all want to be happy in this new year. Of course, these words are focused on spiritual vision, not physical sight. It seems scripture teaches that having good spiritual vision — being able to see as God wants us to see — is critical for being happy and experiencing the life God wants us to have. So, what does it mean to have this kind of spiritual vision?

The two mothers on whom the book focuses are brilliant combinations of similarities and contrasts. Little Fires Everywhere starts with an act of destruction and tells the story of where that flicker of wild recklessness stems from, and how it can happen in the town of Shaker Heights. It is set in the glory days before cell phones, and some readers may feel a longing for the simplicity of the 90s.

In Romans 8:24-25 we read, “Hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” These verses remind us that, as we walk the journey of faith, we don’t always know what is around the next corner. We are not sure what life has in store for us. These things “we cannot see.”

Shaker Heights is a backdrop of normalcy and planning, and a lovely counterpoint to how sometimes life is messy. Ng’s writing, her ability to let the story and characters speak for themselves, and her insight into some of the more complicated aspects of human nature make this an exceptional read for anyone.

But believers have hope even when they cannot see. 20/20 spiritual vision is believing in God’s goodness for us even when we don’t know the future. Faith and trust in God are the keys. This kind of 20/20 spiritual vision gives us hope and will keep us happy all through this new year.

Julia Padgett is a librarian at Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075. AFPLS.org

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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

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Make 2020 Extraordinary by Traveling the World By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] How many places on your bucket list did you check off last year? Why not embark on the journey of a lifetime? How about a world cruise?

•

Viking’s 2020-2021 World Cruise itinerary visits dozens of the planet’s preeminent cities, which will span 161 days, six continents, and 75 ports, with overnight stays in 13 cities. Viking’s Culture Curriculum offers additional enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment such as Viking’s Resident Historian program, which provides highlevel historical and cultural education specific to your journey.

Highlights include the following: •

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Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii (NEW) - Guests can enjoy everything from historic landmarks to world-class shopping as well as visit Pearl Harbor. Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii (NEW) Nicknamed Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” guests will explore the lush vegetation and wildflowers while in port.

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•

Moorea (Opunohu Bay), French Polynesia (NEW) - This tropical island is famous for unprecedented beauty and cuisine as colorful as its landscape, drawing on influences from both European and Chinese settlers. Hue (Chan May), Vietnam (NEW) Discover this ancient imperial city, which is a rich repository of palaces and temples and has been the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for 150 years. Sydney, Australia - Guests will sail into Sydney’s magnificent harbor, the world’s largest, and enjoy an overnight stay allowing ample time to explore this culturerich city. Mumbai, India - Formerly Bombay, this bustling city is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India. Istanbul, Turkey - An overnight stay gives guests more time to experience this historic city that straddles two continents across the Bosporus. London (Greenwich), England - Guests will end their sailing in this historic royal borough on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Those who have traveled on Viking’s world cruises in the past often select a second cruise to see the countries they missed, and they choose to travel with Viking again because they appreciate the learning opportunities and workshops offered onboard.

The Viking Sun is an all balcony ship with business class air included along with these World Cruise exclusives: •

• • • • •

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Ground transfers to and from the ship; private car transfer for Owner’s Suite or Explorer’s Suite All onboard gratuities and service fees Silver Spirits beverage package, including virtually all drinks on board Complimentary visa service Free luggage shipping services for embarkation $2,000 per person shore excursions credit, which can be used toward optional shore excursions or overland tours $1,000 per person shipboard credit, which can be used toward onboard spa services

These features and services are also included in this Viking cruise: • • • • •

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One excursion in each port Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge Access to top-rated spa and state-of-theart fitness center Self-service launderette available to all guests; laundry, dry cleaning, shoeshine, and pressing available based on stateroom category Port taxes and fees

When you think about the voyage including 161 days, 74 guided tours, and 33 countries, the value is incredible. Take that, bucket list! L

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

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Public Safety

ADPS

Enhancing Quality of Life in Alpharetta

By John Robison

“Protect and serve” and “service above all” are two of the most well-known missions or mantras associated with public safety services. The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety (ADPS), which includes police, fire, and 911, also strives to keep Alpharetta citizens safe through service.

The organization strives to uphold these three simple — yet vitally important — values:

However, ADPS goes beyond ensuring the safety of those living in, working in, and visiting Alpharetta. Specifically, the organization’s mission states:

Courage is a necessity in public safety. ADPS employees fully understand the risks that are involved in this type of profession. However, they are expected to demonstrate courage in all scenarios, especially through adversity. This can mean persevering while facing extremely dangerous and difficult situations, but it can also encompass having the courage to do what is right regardless of the circumstances.

“The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety exists to enhance the quality of life of those that live, work, and play in the City of Alpharetta.” The three key words in the ADPS mission statement are “quality of life.” All aspects of the work done by police officers, firefighters, 911 communication officers, and administrative staff are done with the goal of enhancing the quality of life of the Alpharetta community. ADPS personnel understand and appreciate the high level of support provided by wonderful citizens, business owners, employees, and people visiting Alpharetta. Therefore, Public Safety staff members consider it an honor to meet this mission and serve such a wonderful community.

1. COURAGEOUS SPIRIT The risks of the job are real: persevere in the face of adversity.

2. SELFLESS SERVICE Put the welfare of the public and the team above all. Add value to others. The goal is to strive to have an outward mindset, which entails considering the challenges, needs, stresses, and struggles of others. This way of thinking applies to those being served as well as to fellow ADPS employees within the organization. 3. EXCELLENCE WITH INTEGRITY Do what is right and do it well. Every task performed by ADPS employees must be executed upon a foundation of integrity. Anything less is unacceptable. The goal is always to be the best. ADPS wants to set the standard for effective and innovative police, fire, and 911 services. The Department of Public Safety will continually look for opportunities to enhance the quality of life of people in Alpharetta and provide the best service possible for the greatest city in America.

John Robison is the public safety chief for the City of Alpharetta. 2565 Old Milton Parkway,Alpharetta. 678-297-6342. Alpharetta.Ga.us

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Does My Will Expire?

By Chris Miller, Esq. [StrategicLife] Every now and then, a person will die with a will that was signed long ago. The Georgia Probate Code recognizes this possibility and gives executors and the lawyers they hire a path to admit old wills to probate. A change of circumstances does not automatically revoke a will. If a Georgia resident gets a divorce and dies before changing his/her will, then the former spouse is treated as deceased for the

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purposes of interpreting the will, but the other terms of the will are still respected. That means a former spouse’s relative might still be an executor or beneficiary of the will. If a person gets married and dies before changing his/her will to include the new spouse, then the new spouse is entitled to claim the same share as if the decedent had no will. However, the rest of the will, including the choice of executor, is still a valid instruction and remains in full effect. If a person has a new child and doesn’t mention that child in his/her will, then that child has a right to claim a part of the estate, even if a spouse survives and inherits the estate while the other children receive nothing. People who might have children should make sure that their wills include a sentence that contemplates future children. That way, the future children will be treated the same as children named in the will.

An old will can still be used to control a person’s estate. If it is accompanied by a Self-Proving Affidavit, which is a document showing that both witnesses were in the same room as the person signing the will, and the person signing the will knew what he/she was doing and was acting on his/ her own, then probate can flow smoothly. Alternatively, the executor can either track down one of the witnesses, or if they are both unavailable, then supply affidavits from two people who can attest to the decedent’s signature. This alternative honors the wishes of someone who signed a will and then lived a long and interesting life. L

Chris Miller is an attorney 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

Meals on Wheels Delivers More Than

Just Nutrition By Heather Terry

argaret, an Alpharetta resident for 40 years, has never been an early riser. She starts her day around 9:30am. With no energy for a full shower, she takes a few minutes to wash her face and brush her teeth. She starts her coffee and clicks on the TV to watch the end of Live with Kelly and Ryan. “Just not the same since Regis left,” she thinks to herself. During a commercial, Margaret’s large bookshelf catches her eye. The shelves hold cherished photos — a college graduation picture of her son, an old photo of a family trip to Disney World, and a yellowing black-and-white wedding picture of her and George, her love of 60 years, who died five years ago. Not long after George died, a job moved her son and his family out of state. She hopes he can keep his promise to visit with the grandkids this summer. Late in the morning, Margaret hears a car door close in her driveway. She looks forward to this visit, which happens several days a week, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Today, Angela is delivering her Meals on Wheels, and she has extra time to talk! Margaret’s story is not unlike many older adults in our community. Senior citizens represent the fastest growing population segment in the U.S. According to Meals on Wheels America, the number of seniors will double by the year 2050. With increased life span comes difficulty for many older adults to prepare meals for themselves, or to continue to afford food on their fixed incomes. For nearly 30 years, Senior Services North Fulton (SSNF) has delivered meals to senior citizens who have difficulty getting to the store or preparing meals for themselves. People might be surprised to learn the nonprofit delivered around 42,000 meals to seniors in north Fulton in 2019. Executive Director Ron Harlow leads SSNF, which not only operates the Meals on Wheels program, but also has a senior transportation program and seven senior centers.

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

“Most people view north Fulton as completely thriving and affluent,” Harlow said. “The truth is about 1 in 8 seniors in our community worry where they will get their next meal. Senior hunger and need are right here under our noses.” Volunteers deliver more than just a meal. “Our volunteers deliver socialization, safety checks, and connections to other services,” said Michelle Williams, director of Volunteer and Meal Programs for SSNF. “Our goal is to help seniors remain independent in their homes and connect them with resources to keep them healthy.” Eligibility to receive Meals on Wheels is simple. Participants must be 60 years old or older and live in north Fulton. They must have a medical or physical limitation that makes it difficult to shop for or to prepare meals for themselves, or they must have a financial need. All programs and services are free of charge, due to support from both public and private funding including corporate and civic grants and individual donors. For more information about Meals on Wheels and other programs that support senior citizens in north Fulton, call 770-993-1906 or visit SSNorthFulton.org.

Heather Terry is the community relations director for Senior Services North Fulton, 11381 Southbridge Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-993-1906 x223. SSNorthFulton.org

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North Fulton Scene

l Peterson

al photographer Pau

Photos courtesy of loc

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By Mandy Marger

The Inexact Science of Predicting the Future

he year 2020 sounds like a futuristic fantasy, and many in the past have imagined what this year would hold. Lots of “unbelievable” predictions, such as automation and wearable technology, have become commonplace realities. Other predictions have been less accurate. Thankfully, as a new decade begins, failed forecasts can only be enjoyed in our imagination or in science fiction stories. Here is a random collection of futuristic visions you may find amusing.

1900: Ixnay on the C, X, Q In 1900, Ladies’ Home Journal published a vision of the 21st century written by John Elfreth Watkins Jr., an engineer. In the article, Watkins predicted, “There will be no C, X, or Q in our everyday alphabet. They will be abandoned because they are unnecessary.” While those three letters are still very much a part of our alphabet, Watkins’ prediction of communication with “condensed words expressing condensed ideas” could be argued to have come true with modern day abbreviated text language, emojis, and gifs.

C X

1950: Easy Cleanup Popular Mechanics predicted that the housewife of 2000 would clean the interior of her home by hosing it down. Furniture, curtains, rugs, and floors would be made with synthetic fabric and waterproof materials. After the hose had done its job, the water would run down a concealed drain, and the housewife would dry everything with a blast of hot air. Another interesting cleaning idea was suggested in 1955, when Alex Lewyt, president of Lewyt Vacuum Company, predicted that in 10 years we would be using nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners to clean up everyday dust.

1967: “Home Jeeves” – Your Ape Chauffeur In 1967, The Futurist magazine ran an exclusive report from the RAND Corp. that suggested the future would hold new opportunities for apes. RAND Corp. speculated that by the year 2020 humans might be capable of breeding intelligent animals like apes that could clean, garden, and perhaps even drive the family car. In fact, the study said, “The use of well-trained apes as family chauffeurs might decrease the number of automobile accidents.”

1947: Chomp Shop A 1947 Modern Mechanix article describes the possibility of “tooth banks,” which would operate much like blood banks. Instead of going to the dentist for artificial dentures, bridges, plates, and partial plates, patients could have real human teeth imbedded in their gums. This vision of a “tooth bank” for dental repair has, thankfully, yet to come to fruition.

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1957: Take the Long Tube Home Another article in Popular Mechanics touted the benefits of the 21st century’s tube road system. With asphalt streets “replaced by a network of pneumatic tubes,” Americans would only need to drive from their home to the nearest tube to beat rush hour traffic and be transported to their destination.

1943: Does not Compute Would this be 2020 if everyone didn’t carry computers in their back pockets? Surprisingly, techies of the past did not predict the rise in home computers and personal devices. “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers,” surmised Thomas Watson, president of IBM, in 1943. Of course, back in the 1940s, computers were about the size of a house and would not have fit on our desk, let alone in our pockets. In 1977, Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment Corp, said, “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” Ironically, within four years of his prediction, IBM proved him wrong.

1959: You’ve Got Rocket Mail In 1959, a Navy submarine used a modified rocket to send 3,000 letters to political figures including President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The letters were placed in the payload of an unarmed cruise missile. Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield was so excited by the successful delivery that he predicted “missile mail” would become commonplace. “Mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to Britain, to India or Australia by guided missiles,” the postmaster said. “We stand on the threshold of rocket mail.” Thankfully, he was proved wrong when email was developed only 12 years later.

1911: A One-Toed Baby in a Steel Cradle According to a Miami Metropolis article published in 1911, Thomas Edison envisioned the house of the 21st century would be “furnished from basement to attic with steel, at a sixth of its present cost,” including steel furniture in formal dining rooms, sitting rooms, and even the nursery. That same year, a surgeon by the name of Richard Clement Lucas delivered a lecture to the Royal College of Surgeons, in which he predicted the demise of eight of mankind’s toes. He speculated that since humans had been using their toes less and less, their outer toes would gradually disappear, and mankind would likely become a “one-toed race” in about 100 years.

While these predictions failed to become facts, the true promise of 2020 lies ahead, and the brightest future has yet to be imagined. Happy New Year!

Sources: “The 7 Worst Tech Predictions of All Time” by Robert Strohmeyer, PCWorld.com/article/155984/worst_tech_predictions, December 31, 2008. “20 Hilarious Predictions About the Year 2020 Made Long Ago” by Bob Larkin, MSN.com/en-nz/lifestyle/lifestylegeneral/20-hilarious-predictions-about-the-year-2020-made-long-ago/ssAAIbmlR?li=BBqdb1S#image=1, June 10, 2019. “The Future That Never Was” by Gregory Benford and the editors of Popular Mechanics. PopularMechanics.com/flight/g462/future-that-never-was-next-gen-tech-concept, January 27, 2011. “Mail Delivery by Rocket” by Kat Eschner, Smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mail-delivery-rocket-never-took, June 8, 2017. “Things Will Come to Pass of Which Man Little Dreams,” Miami Metropolis, June 20, 1911.

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Quotables Quotables

“My arms grew tired from the reaching, so I wra pped them around myself and allowed them to rest .” -L.E. Bowman

“What if you wake up some day, and you’re 65, or 75, and you never got your memoir or novel written; or you didn’t go swimming in warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy; or you were just so strung out on perfectionism and people-pleasing that you forgot to have a big juicy creative life, of imagination and radical silliness and staring off into space like when you were a kid? It’s going to break your heart. Don’t let this happen.” -Anne Lamott u

“Art doesn’t have to look good because the process is more important. It’s about how you came up with the idea. Artists are here to pose questions, not give answers.” -Anonymous u

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin u

“You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You will only be criticized by someone doing less.” -Unknown u

“Confidence is not, ‘They will like me.’ Confidence is, ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t.’” -Christina Grimmie

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

While many people love to make New Year’s resolutions, others have resolved never to make them again. Due to the latter, North Fulton Family Life offers this “2020 To-Do List” for those who find checking off individual tasks more manageable than larger, life-overhauling commitments. Here are 20 things to do this year that may help others while you do something fun for yourself:

1. Run a 5K, play in a golf tournament, or participate in another sporting activity that helps raise funds for a worthy cause while you complete your daily workout.

2. Shop local and support a small, independent business. 3. Utilize BOGO deals from grocery stores, then give the free items to local food banks.

4. Volunteer your time at a local charity. 5. Protect the environment by using metal straws, sustainably sourced paper towels, and reusable water bottles.

6. Take the time to meet your neighbors. You never know how much you may have in common.

7. Try a local restaurant you’ve never eaten at before. You may discover a new favorite.

8. Clean out your closets/garage and donate unneeded items. 9. Date your spouse. Plan at least one special night a month that gives you a chance to focus on each other.

10. Plan a family fun night once a month. Check out North 11.

Fulton Family Life’s event calendar for ideas! Commit to having at least one meal per day as a family. It

12. Unplug from your electronics for a day and find creative, old fashioned ways to connect with your loved ones.

13. Attend a seminar or class to learn a new skill. 14. Travel to a place you’ve never been to. It doesn’t have to be expensive or hundreds of miles away. Day trips to nearby parks, historical sites, or museums can be educational and a lot of fun.

15. Write a paragraph a day — about anything! Just get your ideas/thoughts on paper.

16. Avoid eating meat for two days each week. It’s good for your family and the environment.

17. Get outside. Take a hike, ride a bike, have a picnic, or meditate in the fresh air.

18. Visit a nursing home to chat with someone who may not have family nearby. Seniors have lots of wisdom to share and may really appreciate your company.

19. Support the arts. See a play, visit a gallery, or go out with friends to hear live music by local musicians.

20. Call your momma (or your dad, grandparents, or other loved

doesn’t have to be dinner. Breakfast may work better for

ones). Sometimes, it’s just nice to hear someone’s voice

everyone’s schedules.

instead of receiving a text.

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Congratulations 20 2 0 AWA R D W I N N ERS

2 0 2 0 ď&#x201A;&#x161;A W A R D S

Best Chiropractor

Best Orthodontist

920 Marietta Highway, #300 Roswell, GA 30075 100PercentChiropractic.com 770-518-0770

540 W. Crossville Road, Suite 205 Roswell, GA 30075 Orthodontist.SmileDoctors.com 770-518-5180

100% Chiropractic

Best Dentist

DeMercy Dental 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140 Roswell, GA 30075 DeMercyDental.com 770-641-8010

Best Eye Doctor

Alpharetta Eye Clinic 2725 Old Milton Parkway, B Alpharetta, GA 30009 AtlantaEyeCare.com 770-475-1777

Best Medical Practitioner/Family/ Internal Medicine Morrow Family Medicine 12970 Highway 9 Milton, GA 30004 MorrowFamMed.com 770-781-8004

Best OB/GYN

North Atlanta Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Care 4040 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200 Alpharetta, GA 30005 NorthAtlantaClinics.com 770-771-5270

Best Medical Specialist

North Atlanta Vascular & Vein Clinic 1357 Hembree Road, Suite 240 Roswell, GA 30076 NAVascularClinic.com 770-771-5260

All winners will receive an award certificate and window emblem to proudly display at their place of business. In addition, the contact information for each winning business will be promoted as a Best of Life winner at FamilyLifePublications.com.

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Smile Doctors

Best Pediatric Dentist

Best Day Spa/Massage La Vida Massage Alpharetta/Johns Creek

12460 Crabapple Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 LaVidaMassageAlpharettaGa.com 770-740-0654

Best Fitness/Health Club

Roswell Pediatric Dentistry and Family Orthodontics

Milton Fitness Boot Camp

10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 106 Roswell, GA 30075 KidsHappyTeeth.com 678-352-1090

6300 Atlanta Highway, #104 Alpharetta, GA 30004 MiltonFitBody.com 470-330-2582

Best Pediatrician

Best Gymnastics Center

1285 Hembree Road, Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30076 NorthFultonPediatrics.com 770-442-1050

175 Roswell Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 AlpharettaGymnastics.com 678-297-6100

North Fulton Pediatrics

Best Plastic Surgeon

Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, #870 Atlanta, GA 30342 ATLPlasticSurgeon.com 404-255-2975

Best Therapy OT, PT, Pediatric, Music

Alpharetta Gymnastics

Best Martial Arts Center

Crabapple Martial Arts Academy 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 124 Alpharetta, GA 30004 CrabappleMartialArts.com 770-645-0930

Best Bakery

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

Nothing Bundt Cakes

9880 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com 770-687-2542

5230 Windward Parkway, #102 Alpharetta, GA 30004 NothingBundtCakes.com 678-366-1445

Best Dance Studio

Best Breakfast

Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

Another Broken Egg

10400 Alpharetta Street Roswell, GA 30075 TYSoD.com 770-998-0259

10800 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 501 Roswell, GA 30076 AnotherBrokenEgg.com 678-878-2210

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Best Dinner

Best Boutique/Gift Shop Findlay Rowe Designs

Scottsdale Farms

880 Holcomb Bridge Road, Building A Roswell, GA 30076 BrookwoodGrill.com 770-587-0102

1030 Woodstock Road, #3114 Roswell, GA 30075 FindlayRoweDesigns.com 678-205-3300

15639 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 ScottsdaleFarms.com 770-777-5875

Best Fine Dining

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

5575 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30004 CabernetSteakHouse.com 770-777-5955

12850 Highway 9 N, #700 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Menchies.com 678-297-0107

Brookwood Grill

Cabernet Steakhouse

Best Nursery

Menchie’s

Best Travel Agency

Cruise Planners -Michael Consoli 885 Woodstock Road, #351, Suite 430 Roswell, GA 30075 PlanMyCruise.com 770-650-7667

Best Wine and Spirits Fermented

Best Live Entertainment

Matilda’s Music Under the Pines 850 Hickory Flat Road Milton, GA 30004 MatildasMusicVenue.com 678-480-6932

Best Lunch

SMOKEJACK BBQ 29 S. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 SmokeJackBBQ.com 770-410-7611

Best Family Dining

Ippolito’s Neighborhood Italian 12850 State Highway 9 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Ippolitos.net 770-663-0050

Best Catering

Talk of the Town Catering 30 Woodstock Street Roswell, GA 30075 TalkOfTheTownAtlanta.com 404-586-4719

Best Auto Care

Roswell Auto Center 10700 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, GA 30076 RoswellAutoCenter.com 770-992-1962

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

50 Canton Street, Suite 106 Alpharetta, GA 30009 FermentedAtl.com 470-361-2091

Best Electrician Meer Electric

405 Tidwell Drive Alpharetta, GA 30004 MeerElectric.com 770-993-8028

Best Heating and Air

Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning 1233 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075 MoncriefAir.com 404-948-6110

Best Plumber

Pete’s Plumbing 2280 Justin Trail, Suite D Alpharetta, GA 30004 PetesPlumbing.com 770-442-3934

Best Landscaping Design/Installation

The Landscape Group 13120 Arnold Mill Road, #6420 Roswell, GA 30075 TheLandscapeGroupInc.com 770-649-1155

Best Realtor

Lea Johnston - Atlanta Fine Homes 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009 LeaJohnston.AtlantaFineHomes.com 404-271-3206

Best Senior/Adult Living St. George Village

11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 StGeorgeVillage.org 770-645-2340

Best Painting/ Remodeling/Handyman

Green Basements and Remodeling GreenRemodeling.com 678-445-5533

Best Pest Control

Northwest Exterminating 193 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30004 CallNorthwest.com 770-667-2323

Best Roofer

Christian Brothers Roofing & Contracting, LLC 260 E. Crossville Road Roswell, GA 30075 ChristianBrothersRoofingAtlanta.com 770-799-0299

Best Cleaning Service

The Maids in North Atlanta 408 S. Atlanta Street, Suite 140 Roswell, GA 30075 Maids.com 404-256-3200 WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

202 0 AWA R D W I N N E RS Best Insurance Agent

Best Hair Salon

1775 Woodstock Road, Suite 330 Roswell, GA 30075 JaredDavisInsurance.com 770-559-9150

1217 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075 SalonDeLaVie.net 678-461-2212

Jared Davis - State Farm 2 0 2 0 A W A R D S

Best Interior Design Black Dog Interiors

1243 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075 BlackDogInteriors.com 470-514-5414

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store Home Fashion Interiors 793 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HomeFashionCenter.com 770-285-7915

Best Art Classes Painting/ Sculpture/Mixed Media Alpharetta Arts Center 238 Canton Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 Alpharetta.Ga.us 678-297-6135

Best Music Classes

North Fulton School of Music 11775 Northfall Lane Alpharetta, GA 30009 NorthFultonSchoolOfMusic.com 770-753-0322

Best Performing Arts

The Performer’s Warehouse

Best Attorney

Hilbert Law Firm 205 Norcross Street Roswell, GA 30075 HilbertLaw.com 770-551-9310

Best CPA/Tax Service Tom Bowen, CPA

555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite E-2 Roswell, GA 30076 BowenCPA.net 770-640-5042

390 Winkler Drive, Suite D Alpharetta, GA 30004 PerformersWH.com 678-648-6771

Best Daycare/Preschool Crabapple Montessori

12387 Crabapple Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 CrabappleMontessori.com 770-569-5200

1010 Mansell Road, Suite 100-110, Roswell, GA 30076 2855 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 104, Alpharetta, GA 30009 LGECCU.org 770-424-0060

Best Financial Planner

Best Children’s Clothing

MOSS Purveyor of Fine Baby Goods 1140 Alpharetta Street Roswell, GA 30075 Facebook.com/ShopMossBaby 678-313-1611

Best Veterinarian

Little River Animal Hospital

Best Pet Care

Best Private School

King’s Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bend Alpharetta, GA 30004 KingsRidgeCS.org 770-754-5738

11255 Woodstock Road, #100 Roswell, GA 30075 ThatDirtyDog.com 770-993-7877

Best Tutoring

Crabapple Tutoring

599 W. Crossville Road, Suite 110B Roswell, GA 30075 VickeryCreek.net 678-387-1818

270 Rucker Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 CrabappleTutoring.com 678-240-0936

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

3960 Old Milton Parkway, #300 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Iroff.com 770-751-7222

That Dirty Dog

Vickery Creek Capital Management

Best Jewelers

Iroff & Son Jewelers

15710 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 Animal-Dr.com 770-619-1616

Best Financial Institution/ Bank/Credit Union

LGE Community Credit Union Roswell & Alpharetta

Salon de la Vie

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

KNOW THE SIGNS

Early Identification and Treatment of Autism Is Key By Jacqueline Yokley, M.Ed., CCC-SLP [HealthyLife] About 1 in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on estimates from the Centers for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. According to the national advocacy organization Autism Speaks, “One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.”

The timing and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3. Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why a professional evaluation is crucial. The following characteristics may indicate your child has an autism spectrum disorder: By 6 months • Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions • Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months • Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions

By 12 months • Little or no babbling • Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving • Little or no response to name

By 16 months • Very few or no words

By 24 months • Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age • Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills • Avoidance of eye contact • Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings • Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia) • Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings • Restricted interests • Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.) • Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors

If any of this sounds familiar, consider scheduling a screening with a pediatric specialist. Sources “Learn the Signs” (AutismSpeaks.org/learn-signs-autism) “Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder” (CDC. gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html)

Jacqueline Yokley is a speechlanguage pathologist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.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.

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Tristan Tuttle REFLECTING THE LIGHT

Stained glass creator Tristan Tuttle has always been an artist of some sort. When she was a child, she sang and played bluegrass-gospel music in her father’s prayer meetings. At 15, she started teaching guitar, mandolin, and dog-house bass. After earning a degree in English, Tuttle became a freelance writer. Now, from her home studio in Ball Ground, she shares her vibrant spirit as the artist and owner of Reflecting Light Stained Glass. Four years ago, Tuttle discovered that making stained glass is yet another way to reflect the love she believes God has blessed her with. Drawn to the medium by its beauty, she said, “I always loved glass and how the light looks through it.” Under the tutelage of her mentor, Jasper artist Tony Raxter, she learned how to enhance that light and reveal hidden beauty of glass. “You think glass wouldn’t be flexible, but it is,” she said.

“I didn’t know how it would turn out,” she said. “But everyone loved it, and then people started asking if I would do their homes.” When clients commission home portraits, Tuttle asks them to share significant details about their houses, so she can capture them. In her cabin portrait, she included the carved yard sign of the cabin’s name, and using confetti glass, she conveyed the fall leaves her mother-in-law loved so much. She even mimics a home’s textures by making her windows three-dimensional, layering textured glass on top of clear glass. If the client requests it, her husband, Jared, will make a plaque for the portrait. While she finds creating stained glass to be relaxing “as long as the glass is breaking right,” Tuttle is often impatient to see the beauty she will capture.

Working primarily in the copper foil method that allows more detail than using lead strips, Tuttle creates almost anything her clients request, from small butterflies and birds, to chandeliers, windows, and skylights.

“I love that once I solder it, I can finally pick it up and see the light shine through it,” said Tuttle.

But it is her house portraits that have a special meaning to her.

Whether she is making a home portrait or a window commissioned as a special gift, Tuttle feels “truly blessed” to share the beauty of light and glass with her clients.

“So much life happens in those walls. You build your life there. I love to commemorate that and to give that to people,” Tuttle said.

For more information about Tuttle and her work, visit

ReflectingLightStainedGlass.com Her first home portrait was a gift for her mother-in-law, a portrait of the cabin that has been in the family for generations.

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

or call

770-557-8228 Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Photos courtesy of Katie Weeks

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Art of Living Ministries A

Art Barn and Retreat House

fter exiting I-575 in Ball Ground, you travel along a road that cascades slowly through a canopy of trees to open fields. As you descend the curving road, you admire the rolling landscape before making a turn into the driveway of the Art of Living Ministries Art Barn and Retreat House. Once inside the warmth of the two-story Retreat House, located on 40 acres at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you find that the spacious Art Barn offers a welcoming atmosphere that inspires creativity. In 1994, the Art of Living Ministries was born to provide the arts as a form of therapeutic medicine for groups such as nursing homes, senior centers, veterans, special needs, drug and alcohol rehab communities, and local charities.

Since 2000, the organization’s artisans and volunteers have been offering overall wellness salvations for people throughout the region. They nurture the spirit of individuals, supplying refreshment and a pathway for restoration through art, music, recreation, and nature programs. Artisans and volunteers impart tools in the art of living to create a community of hope. Beyond the walls of the Art Barn, the Art of Living Ministries offers a mobile art studio called “VAN-GO!” that allows local artists to bring classes directly to facilities. Yes, art does heal. Founder and Therapeutic Arts Specialist Patricia Reeves knows firsthand how art heals, and that is why she is so committed to sharing art with others. “We are passionate about bringing ‘soul food through the arts’ to those who might normally have no outlet for creativity in their daily lives,” said Reeves.

Community Partner

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

The Art of Living Ministries also hosts fundraisers, such as last month’s Artwork & Pickleball Open House, during which attendees took selfies with Santa, purchased original paintings and artwork from local artisans, and enjoyed a free pickleball workshop at the picturesque tennis court and pavilion. Former Association of Tennis Professionals and Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Blake volunteered his services for the event while promoting the tennis/pickleball court. “This has been an unbelievable experience helping put together this program while Signature Tennis volunteered their resources to renovate the tennis court as well as line the two pickleball courts,” said Blake. The public can rent the courts hourly or for the day. “Having access to your own private court(s) with these views is incredible,” added Blake. Furthermore, the Art Barn/Retreat House is open for booking retreats, camping, and hiking with access to over 300 acres of trails. The Art of Living Ministries believes in using the arts to restore the spirit. “We feel we are the perfect venue for charitable organizations in ministries for restoration and refreshment,” Reeves said.

Art of Living Ministries Art Barn and Retreat House Patricia Reeves 1600 Howell Bridge Road Ball Ground, GA 770-479-6961 ArtOfLivingMinistries.org

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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings

French Gourmet Bistro

Le Macaron French Pastries

5310 Windward Parkway, Milton 470-336-7777 Bistro

1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta 678-224-1311 Bakery

Feel Beautiful Today

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ridge Christian School

Stellaris Group, LLC

1160 Oakhaven Drive, Roswell 770-757-1188 Health and Wellness

2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta 770-754-5738 Private Christian School

570 W. Crossville Road, Suite 203, Roswell 678-935-6001 Human Resources Consulting

Blooming Hites 43 Park Square Court, Roswell 770-545-8303 Florist & Event Design Company

Central City Tavern

Taekwondo Generations

19 Academy Street, Alpharetta 770-696-2052 Sports Bar

1475 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 200 Roswell 404-314-3462 Martial Arts School

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

WellStar Medical Group Family Medicine 260 Rucker Road, Alpharetta 470-956-4540 Family Medicine Practice WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Advertiser Index Athletic Republic - Roswell The Cottage School

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Cruise Planners

Inside Front, 12

Debra Robinson Law Group DeMercy Dental

3 13

Freshii 3 Idylwilde 30 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

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

Midgard Self Storage

Morrow Family Medicine

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center

North Atlanta Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Care

North Point Pediatrics

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Inside Front

and Dentistry at Milton Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plumbing, Inc. Prom-A-Palooza St. George Village ServiceWise Electric Wing & Rock Fest

North Fulton Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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