Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Contents
November 2017
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 4
24-25
[24-25]
On the Cover:
St. George Village
33
Gift Guide 2017
36-37
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
40-41
Christina Semeria A Spark in the Dark
[33]
[40-41]
[36-37] [32-33] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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.......................... Perspective
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............................. Calendar
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................... Senator Speaks
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.................... Community Life
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........................ Book Review
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.................... Mayor’s Minute
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......................... Taste of Life
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......................... Artist Profile
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................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
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s I’m writing this, there is a cool breath of fall air sailing through a six-inch opening in my bedroom window. A pair of wet birds are exchanging chirps while sampling seeds from the feeders on the back deck. For the first time in many months, the raindrops are joining together, as they fall over the edge of the metal roof. All those little pieces of leaves and debris that were left after months of procrastinating to clean those gutters were now riding a tiny stream to the downspouts. Closing my eyes in a moment of dreary morning joy, I hear the water falling through the pipes, and I am reminded that what I hear now will soon join a babbling brook not too far into the wood. Such a simple little pleasure, this was a sweet gift for a chore that I had put off too long. Let’s be real; there are not too many of our friends who enjoy cleaning gutters. It’s dirty, a little dangerous, and it eventually becomes an obligation — especially when the trees growing in them begin to create leaves, too!
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 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. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2017 All rights reserved.
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630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
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Like so many things in our lives, little pieces of debris can really pile up and become daunting, as they grow into larger tasks and obligations, overflowing into other places they shouldn’t. Whatever your personal gutters may be collecting, I hope you find the motivation and encouragement this month to take the necessary steps, and make your life flow a little smoother, cleaner and more freely. Once you get that flow to go with, all the little things wash away so much easier, and that, of course, is Jack Tuszynski, Publisher something we all can be thankful for.
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.
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Thankfulness
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Leads to
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Thankless Task
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Michael Buckner, Samantha Canuel, Kim Chastain, Michael Consoli, Kristi Estes, Lisa Ethridge, Dotty Etris, Hillary Gallagher, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Jessica Helms, Marianna Ilina, Amanda Kossick, Joe Lockwood, Jamie Mackrell, Chris Miller, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Philip K. Robb, Mark Tolbert, Alexander S. Voljavec
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Calendar NOVEMBER
3-12
Morning Side — This shrewd and razor-sharp play from award-winning playwright Topher Payne takes you to a sunny, spring afternoon in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta where different generations are thrown together to test the bonds of family and friendship. Imagine a baby shower, nine women with secrets, and a case of champagne. This is about to be the MOTHER of all baby showers. The Women meets Steel Magnolias meets The Real House wives...what could possibly go wrong?” Thursday-Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 2:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770641-1260. GET.org
4&5
Elegant
The Elf Elegant Elf Marketplace — This festive, upscale gift market features more than 85 carefully selected local and regional artists, craftsmen, gourmet food purveyors, and unique gift vendors. Saturday 9:00am5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm. Lake Forest Elementary School, 5920 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. 404-9337806. SandySpringsSociety.org
6-17
Thanksgiving Break Recycled Animal Contest — Use recycled objects to create your own animal of Georgia. Entries will be on display through November 30. Please note, animals are to be completed at home with your own materials. Judging is based on use of recycled objects, creativity, and quality. The winner will be announced 11/17. Nature Center hours, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Chanukah Palooza — This annual fundraiser for the Mitzner Family Religious School begins with a Chanukah sing-a-long followed by lunch, a raffle, games, vendors and crafts. Don’t miss this afternoon of fun! The $5 ticket includes lunch, games and crafts. Children under 3 eat free. 12:30-1:30pm, Temple Kehillat Chaim Social Hall, 1145 Green Street, Roswell. 770-641-8630. Twitter.com/tkcroswell
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Veterans Day Breakfast & Milton Literary Festival — The Veterans Day breakfast will be immediately followed by the Milton Literary Festival where more than forty best-selling authors are scheduled to appear in various panels, with audience participation. 8:00am, Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678-242-2512. MiltonLiteraryFestival.weebly.com
10, 24 & 12/1
Live Music on the Lawn at Crazy Love Coffeehouse — Enjoy live music performed by local artists. Bring blankets and/or chairs to enjoy the festivities on the front lawn. 7:30-9:30pm, Crazy Love Coffeehouse, 1088 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-545-8228. CrazyLove.coffee
4, 5, 11 & 12
Fall Colors Canoe Trip — Take in the vibrant colors of the trees before they fade into winter. Paddle quietly along the Chattahoochee River, taking in the sounds of the river and its wildlife. Registration is required; ages 6+, $30 general public/$25 CNC members (per person). 3:00-6:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
12-12/30
Christmas at the Roswell Visitors Center — All Aboard! As the Roswell Garden Club celebrates the holidays with a vintage train and village around the old Christmas tree. Stop in to enjoy the tiny scene, and reminisce about your train village. During your visit, pick up printed materials to help you enjoy the city. 12/2 – hours will be extended until 7:00pm for the Lighting of
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
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Local Attorney and Emerging Author Jason Sheffield — Celebrate Bookmiser’s 19th Anniversary with an author bookselling and signing. Reservations are required. 6:00-7:30pm, Bookmiser, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Roswell. 770-993-1555.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot to collect your donations. Blessings in a Backpack is an organization that focuses on feeding elementary-age children on the weekends. The Cumming location is completely student led. 8:00am, Kids R Kids, 3855 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek. FiveStarNTP.com/turkey-trot-2017.html
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Artist Show with Inam and Wendy Norton — Kick-off the holidays with this wonderful artist show. Friday 6:00-9:00pm, Saturday 1:00-4:00pm & 6:00-9:00pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, Vinings Gallery, 10 Elizabeth Way, Roswell. 770-299-1122. ViningsGallery.com
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Bulky Trash Amnesty Day — Drop off large furniture, electronics, grills, lawnmowers (fluids drained). Please see the website for a complete list of acceptable items. You must present proof of Milton residency (utility bills preferred). 8:00am12:00pm, Roswell Public Works, 1810 Hembree Road, Roswell. 678-242-2509. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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Turkey Trot — There will be four different races to choose from: 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathon. Representatives from Lambert High School’s Blessings in a Backpack student organization will be on hand at the
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Georgia Gives Day — Help make Georgia’s biggest day of giving even bigger: Show your love on this date — and together, we’ll do a lot for the causes we care about. Whether you can donate ten dollars or ten thousand, it adds up to another incredible day of support for the nonprofits that meet urgent needs, enrich lives, and build thriving communities across our state. GaGives.org
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STARLAB — Enjoy this inflatable planetarium, and get a front-row seat to observe the fall sky. Learn about many constellations right before your eyes. This is included with general admission, free to CNC Members. MondaySaturday 10:00am5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
Christmas Tree & Dreidel Illumination — The jolly old elf himself makes an early appearance at this festive party highlighted by the traditional illumination of a giant dreidel and 30-foot Christmas tree. Children can give Santa their holiday wish list and participate in a variety of kids’ activities. Hot chocolate, holiday treats, and live music make this is a fun-filled family event. Local elementary school choruses accentuate the festive air with a selection of seasonal favorites before the mayor throws the switch! 6:00-8:00pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov continued on
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Town Square. Please call to verify hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. MondayFriday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday 12:00-3:00pm, Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770640-3253. VisitRoswellGa.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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DECEMBER
1-3
The Art of Dr. Seuss Annual Holiday Exhibition — Grinchmas returns with a compelling selection of artwork from The Art of Dr. Seuss collection. Art from Seuss bestknown children’s books and his Secret Art collection will be featured. Friday & Saturday 12:00-8:00pm, Sunday 12:005:00pm, Ann Jackson Gallery, 932 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-993-4783. AnnJacksonGallery.com
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10th Annual Christmas in Crabapple & Milton Tree Lighting — This year, Milton has combined two great events to usher in the holiday season! Milton’s Tree Lighting ceremony will have sing alongs with local choirs and a big countdown to the lighting of the tree. This quaint holiday tradition has become a Milton staple including Santa photos from Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts, caroling, s’mores, crafts, hot cocoa and fun! After the tree is lit, visit Milton’s growing downtown Crabapple area for dinner and shopping! 2:00-6:00pm, Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton. 678-2422500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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Christmas Tree Lighting — Come together to create special
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
memories with your family at this holiday extravaganza! Enjoy children’s activities, refreshments, photos with Santa, and watch as 10,000 bulbs light up! 5:009:00pm, downtown Alpharetta. 678-2976000. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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Back-to-Nature Holiday Market — Shop local this holiday season at CNC. Explore over forty vendors who have unique, handcrafted and/or eco-friendly gifts for the holiday season. You’ll find art, jewelry, candles, children’s gifts, bath products, food, nature gifts and more. Admission is FREE. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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15th Annual Glass Show/ Toys for Tots Fundraiser— Three of the south’s most celebrated glass artists, Robert Burch, Licha Nicholson, and Pam Smith will be in attendance at this highly anticipated annual event. Original fine glass sculptures to functional works in glass are featured. For every new, unwrapped toy brought to the gallery, or
$10 donation, receive a raffle ticket to win an original glasswork by each artist! Enjoy mimosas, hot apple cider and spectacular art while meeting the artists and raising awareness for a wonderful cause. 2:00-5:00pm, Taylor Kinzel Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Way, Roswell. 770-993-3555. TaylorKinzelGallery.com
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Breakfast with Santa — Enjoy a yummy breakfast along with crafts, face painting, dancing and, of course, SANTA! Each person must be registered to attend, and all children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Pictures with Santa will be available for purchase, $14 Roswell residents and $21 non-residents. 9:00-11:00am, Roswell Area Park – Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com
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Roswell’s Annual Holiday Celebration on the Square — This family event includes carolers from local schools, the lighting of Town Square, a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before
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Church Listings First Baptist Ros
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ell 710 Mimosa Bo ulevard, Roswel l 770-587-6980 FB Roswell.org December 3, 6: 30-7:30pm Greening Servic e - FBR prepares for Christmas wi decorating of th th the e Sanctuar y. Ch ild ren’s choirs will singing, and ther be e will be a spec ial performance of “O Holy Night.” December 10, 7: 00pm ristmas - Visit th e FBR Sanctuar y for their orchestra’s perfo rmance of belove d Christmas song s.
Instrumental Ch
December 17, 7: 00pm Adult Choir Mus ical, Jesus - Visi t the FBR Sanctu hear the Adult Ch ar y to oir’s singing of th e composition, Je sus, composed by M ar y McDonald. December 24 Worship Service - 10:30am Family Christmas Eve Service - 5: 00pm Candlelight Chris tmas Eve Servic e - 11:00pm
Christmas by the mayor, and a special visit from Santa Claus! Pictures with Santa are available. Holiday shuttle buses are available to Santa’s Secret Gift Shop. 5:00pm, Intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 120, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com
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Johns Creek Holiday Parade — Kick-off the holiday season in Johns Creek! Some of the parade highlights include musical groups, local neighborhoods, schools, community organizations, civic clubs, and businesses. 10:00am, State Bridge Road between Kimball Bridge and West Morton Roads, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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Santa’s Secret Gift Shop — The shop opens immediately after the lighting of Town Square! Take the holiday shuttle bus to the Adult Recreation Center. Children ages 12 and younger will enjoy shopping for relatives, making arts and crafts, and face painting. On Saturday, you can park at the Adult Recreation Center, and ride the holiday bus for FREE to the lighting Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
of the Square. The shuttle starts at 4:00pm. Pictures with Santa are available on Sunday from 1:004:00pm at the Adult Recreation Center (no shuttle on Sunday). Gifts are priced affordably, and proceeds benefit the Roswell Ramblers senior club. Concessions are available for purchase. Saturday 6:008:30pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com
2&3
Vinings Gallery on Canton Street Welcomes Thomas Arvid — Join
Vinings Gallery for their beloved annual holiday gathering with Atlanta’s (and the world’s) favorite painter of wine, Thomas Arvid. Saturday 6:00-9:00pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, Vinings Gallery, 938 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-545-8887. ViningsGallery.com
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Caroling on Canton — Residents and visitors are invited to stroll up and down Canton Street to listen to their favorite holiday tunes while sipping hot chocolate, warming up by the community bonfire, and enjoying the seasonal celebrations of local merchants. 5:00-7:00pm, Mayor’s Corner, along Canton Street, Roswell. 770-594-6271. RoswellGov.com continued on
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LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-740-2425
MILTON
855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402
NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
OCEE 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897
HOW TO REDUCE KNEE PAIN
LEGACY AUDIOBOOK CLUB
November 8, 1:00pm, Roswell Dr. Josh Davis explains the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee, discusses common injuries that can lead to pain and knee replacement, and how to treat your knee pain. Learn ways to reduce stress on the knee joint without reducing activity.
November 14, 2:00-3:00pm, Ocee This trailblazing audiobook club is open to the adult and senior community. This book club doesn’t just read, they listen! Attend for thoughtful discussion about inspiring books that inform and connect us to each other. This is for ages 18+.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY SIDE DISHES
November 8, 6:00pm, East Roswell Chef Lynn Ware will review glazing vegetables, creative winter squash dishes, tasty dishes incorporating seasonal fall fruits and side dishes using holiday leftovers. Reservations are required.
MAKING HEALTHY TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN
November 15, 10:30am-12:00pm, East Roswell Join this free support group for women, by women, with empowering and effective tools and results-oriented handouts used by successful professionals and businesses around the world. This is presented by Sona Tank, certified life coach from Life Purpose Institute.
LIBRARY AFTER DARK: MOVIE NIGHT
November 9, 6:00-10:00pm, Alpharetta View Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 at 6:00pm and Wonder Woman at 8:00pm on the big screen in the auditorium. Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. SMALL, SMALL WORLD: EXPLORING ART AROUND THE GLOBE
November 9, 10:30am, Northeast/Spruill Oaks During each 40-minute session, participants will journey to far-off locales where they learn about children around the world through music, movement, art and literature. This is limited to twenty participants; registration is required, ages 2-4. FOUNDATION CENTER’S FUNDRAISING WORKSHOP SERIES
November 13, 6:00pm, Alpharetta Help turn your dream of being your own boss into a reality! All adults are welcome. To register, please email Michael. Salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov
FINANCIAL SECURITY WORKSHOP
November 15, 3:00pm, Roswell Join Ayisha Phillips, as she offers insight on building a basic financial education. Learn new ways to build a better financial future for you and your family at any economic level. DATABASE CRASH COURSE WITH MR. JOHNSON — RESEARCH USING EBSCO DATABASES
November 16, 6:00-7:00pm, Ocee A topical crash course featuring AFPLS databases with adult services librarian, Mr. Ryland Johnson. Learn how to navigate EBSCO databases for research. This is great for high school students, college students and professionals! First-come, first-served. Laptop users are welcome, ages 17+. AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING — KAREN WHITE
November 16, 6:30pm, Alpharetta Karen White is a New York Times bestselling author who lives near Atlanta. She has published over 20 books, including the popular Tradd Street series set in Charleston, South Carolina. Her most recent book, The Night the Lights Went Out, was published in April 2017. Her books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. All adults are welcome. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY WITH GENERATION INFOCUS
ROSWELL
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075
EAST ROSWELL
2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
STEAM and how you can transform the things you wear. Registration is required and is limited to twenty participants. This is for ages 8-13. SPEECH FACTORY — PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR TEENS
November 19 & 26, 2:30pm, Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Facilitated by Toastmasters International, this program will teach teens the basics of public speaking. An advanced member of Toastmasters will discuss topics including creating goals and developing a personal mission. Registration is required; this is for ages 12-18. MONEY SMART KIDS — UNDERSTANDING CREDIT
November 21, 4:30-5:30pm, Ocee When looking for extra cash, credit cards can easily seem like the best option for teenagers. Attend this workshop to learn about making wise credit decisions, choosing a credit card, your credit score, and the importance of understanding how spending today will affect you in the future. This is aimed at middle and high schoolers. YOGIC MEDITATION
November 25, 3:45pm, Roswell Join Heartfullness Meditation for this in-chair meditation session to learn to relax the mind. STORYTIME AND CRAFT WITH MS. SHERRY ELLIS
November 29, 10:30am and 11:15am, East Roswell Attend this event for a gross and messy storytime with Ms. Sherry Ellis, local children’s book author and musician. Children will get to make a fun craft. This is for preschoolers. RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE
November 29, 10:30am-6:30pm, Milton Visit the library for some friendly competition as they challenge the Post Road Library in Forsyth County to a blood drive to see which branch can collect the most pints of blood for donation to the Red Cross. Remember, 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives. Call to reserve your spot! This is for ages 17+.
November 18, 1:00pm, Milton Learn about renewable energy resources, as we explore
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Does My Will Contemplate That? [HomeLife] What happens if you sign your will and then get married, or have a child, or get divorced and then pass away without having signed a new one? The first question to ask is whether or not you specifically contemplated or predicted the life event in your will. If the life event was mentioned as a possibility in the will, then the instructions in the will are carried out as they are written. However, if the life event was not explicitly contemplated, then Georgia law takes over.
If someone signs a will that does not mention a future marriage, then a future spouse can claim the same share that he or she would receive had the decedent died “intestate” or without a will. The same concept applies to children. If a decedent signs a will that mentions two children, and then a third child is born after the will was signed, then that third child can also claim an intestate share of the decedent’s estate if the third child’s birth was not contemplated at the time the will was signed. What if an ex-spouse is named as a beneficiary or an executor of a decedent’s will? If the will was signed after the divorce, then the decedent’s wishes would be carried out as directed by the will. However, if the will was signed before the divorce and a future divorce was not contemplated in
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
By Marianna Ilina, Esq.
the will, then Georgia law treats the ex-spouse as having predeceased the decedent. In other words, the will is still valid and can be admitted to probate, but the ex-spouse does not get to serve as executor, nor would he or she receive a share of the decedent’s estate. This means that if the backup executor named is a relative of an ex-spouse, the ex-spouse is excluded, but his or her relative has the first right of refusal to administer your estate. To be safe, it is important to include language in your will contemplating certain life events. Otherwise, state law dictates what happens.
Marianna Ilina, Esq. is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com
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Senator Speaks
What it Means to be a
Public Servant By Senator John Albers
W
hen I think of what it means to be a public servant, I think of men and women who want to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of others. They want to do the best they can for the people who elected them and who they represent at different levels of government. People who put their name on the ballot to run for public office are volunteering for a position that will allow them to give a voice and power to their fellow community members. They truly believe they can make a difference for their local community, state and nation. We recently held city elections and a special county election. I believe all the candidates who put their name on the ballot should be thanked. As a serving Georgia Senator, I know running in an
election can take a toll on our families, personal lives, businesses and finances. Even with these concerns, those who run for public office do so because they want to further the public good and bring important issues to light. Elections can often become a battleground — not of ideas — but negative comments, rumors and misrepresentations. Let’s focus on the substance; be professional; and work together to solve problems. This includes candidates and voters. Elected officials want to represent the best interests of those who elect them. Public servants at the local, state and national level need to learn compromise and find common ground. We need to be less divisive and work together. There is an opportunity for everyone to agree to
disagree, and also to disagree without disapproving. This applies at every level of government, including cities. The city council and mayor’s ability to work together and bring solutions is the winning formula. As President Ronald Reagan said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” To those who were elected, congratulations, and I urge you to be magnanimous. To those who fell short on votes, your journey is not over. There are countless ways to serve your community and stay engaged. As we head into the 2018 legislative session, I encourage our newly elected officials and all of our citizens to stay engaged and informed. By keeping lines of communication open, we can ensure each level of government is involved and informed on issues impacting our communities. I look forward to working with each of the cities, county, school system and fellow legislators to correct the Fulton County Property tax issue this coming January once and for all. More information will be coming soon on this issue and others we might be addressing during the upcoming legislative session. I encourage anyone with questions or comments to contact my office at any time. As always, I am honored to represent you in the 56th Senate District. L
Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. 404463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John. Albers@Senate.Ga.gov
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Community Roswell Rec & Parks Brings Home National Gold Roswell has become the first city in Georgia to be awarded the prestigious National Recreation and Parks Association’s (NPRA) Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. The City received this honor in the Class III category (population 75,001–150,000) at the NRPA conference in New Orleans. Only one other agency in Georgia has won this award, Gwinnett County; however, Roswell is the only municipality to have earned this honor.
(L-R) Rusty Pruitt, Park Services Manager; Rick Dreger, Roswell Recreation Commission; Jimmy Yanulavich, Administrative Services Manager; Nancy Diamond, Roswell City Councilmember and Liaison to Rec & Parks; Debra Ewing, Chair of Roswell Recreation Commission; Jeff Pruitt, Interim Director of Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs Department; Jay Small, Roswell Recreation Commission; Theo Keyserling, Roswell Recreation Commission; Steven Malone, Recreation Services Manager; and Katie Troline, Community and Facilities Manager.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
“The City is thrilled and so proud of our Rec & Parks Department. Each day, our staff goes above and beyond to offer the best recreational experiences and facilities to our residents and visitors. Receiving the Gold Medal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and their commitment to our citizens,” said Mayor Jere Wood. “And of course, we want to thank the citizens, the Roswell taxpayers, for supporting our Rec and Parks Department. None of this would be possible without them.” Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.
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Northside Hospital Offers Free Mammograms for Women in Georgia
Community Angel of Hope Monument Unveiled in Arlington Memorial Park to Honor Babies Lost Too Soon On Saturday, September 30, the TEARS Foundation in partnership with Dignity Memorial unveiled an Angel of Hope Monument at Arlington Memorial Park, in Sandy Springs, GA. This monument will be an everlasting memorial for families in the surrounding community who have lost a baby too soon due to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is currently offering no-cost screening mammograms and other breast diagnostic procedures for qualified women who cannot afford them. More cases of breast cancer are diagnosed and treated at Atlanta’s Northside Hospital than anywhere else in the southeast. Early detection of breast cancer saves the lives of thousands of women each year. However, medically underserved and uninsured women often lack access to care. At Northside, financial assistance is available for screening
Standing five feet tall, the Angel of Hope holds a baby with two butterfly memorials next to her that list names of babies who are loved and remembered. Since 2012, the TEARS Foundation has continued to unveil these monuments around the United States to serve as a quiet place for families and visitors to reflect and honor loved ones.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies and other breast diagnostic procedures for uninsured women who meet specific eligibility requirements. In 2016, more than 1,200 underinsured women in Georgia received breast cancer screening and diagnostic services through the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. Funding is made possible through generous grants from the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, and the Northside Hospital Foundation. Services are available at select Northside Hospital imaging locations across Georgia, as well as aboard Northside’s ScreenAtlanta mobile-mammography van. For more information, or to schedule a mammogram, call 770-667-4400.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Discount Tire’s Driven to Care Awards Drake House Career Program Discount Tire and their Driven to Care program awarded The Drake House $19,500 to support the expansion of the Career Services Program. The Career Services Program expansion will allow Drake Village clients as well as alumnae to receive ongoing support to continue to improve employment and incomes. Kathryn Woerner, Career Coach for The Drake House, said, “The generosity of Discount Tire through Driven to Care will enable us to provide the specialized attention that is needed for our residents to improve and increase their employment.” Founded in 2005 and funded by regional tires sales, the program makes grant monies available to the wives of Discount Tire’s regional vice presidents and assistant vice presidents. These dedicated and passionate women volunteer their time to research important local issues and give to charitable organizations that make a difference in their local communities.
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Community Milton Fire-Rescue Launches Ready Milton The City of Milton-Fire Rescue Department recently launched a new emergency management program aimed at helping prepare residents in case of an emergency. The Milton community is invited to participate in the Ready Milton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a new citizen training program. The Ready Milton CERT Program is based on a national training program developed by FEMA to educate citizens about disaster preparedness. The training prepares citizens to rely on each other when first responders who provide fire and medical services are unable to meet immediate needs. Course participants learn what to expect in terms of emergency services, individual responsibility for preparedness, and lifesaving skills. For more information, contact the Milton Fire Department at 678-242-2541 during normal business hours or email Ready.Milton@ cityofmiltonga.us.
The tennis chair for enAble of Georgia’s recent event recommended personalized awards for the tennis winners at this year’s fundraiser. It was too much fun watching Shawn, Jessie, Lisa and Laura make the awards for the tennis champions at this year’s enAble Golf & Tennis Tournament. Lisa Cauley, Taylor Hartzler and All Fired Up provided much help and support in this painting session. The ladies painted ceramic plates, which were given to the top players in the tennis tournament. This year’s event offered round robin tennis style, accompanied by contests, food, beverages, prizes, dessert, a silent auction and tons of FUN. For more information about this event or future fundraisers that will benefit the individuals supported by enAble, please visit enAbleGa.org.
This year’s Party Around Roswell event had a great turnout, raising enough money to keep four ArtAround Roswell sculptures in the community, which is double the acquisition from last year. Thanks to the sponsors, supporters and artists in attendance, the event was successful and well received by everyone. ArtAround Roswell, an initiative of Roswell Arts Fund, features ten sculptures on loan to the city by their artists, along with two additional sculptures purchased from the 2016 sculpture tour. ArtAround Roswell is a partnership between the City of Roswell and Roswell Arts Fund, which was initiated to bring the benefits of public art to the city, including community involvement and enrichment. North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Johns Creek Ranks Fourth in America’s 50 Best Cities to Live Recently, USA Today reported that 24/7 Wall St. announced that out of the fifty cities that were ranked, Johns Creek was the fourth most livable city in America. The reasons Johns Creek ranks so high is because of the importance it places on quality education, which can have wide-reaching effects in terms of financial prosperity and personal well-being. The population of Johns Creek is one of the most highly educated in the country. “While 31% of U.S. adults have a bachelor’s degree, well over 60% of Johns Creek adults do. High schoolers in the Atlanta-region city also have the highest average test scores of any city in Georgia,” (USAToday.com). Additionally, Johns Creek has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants, recreational centers, and movie theaters in the United States, which also makes the city very desirable to its residents.
50 BEST
Party Around Roswell
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enAble of Georgia is All Fired Up
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Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON
Seeds are often planted in our thoughts at unexpected times. They grow silently, and then one day, there they are, front and center, no longer small and insignificant, but now giants, directing us toward our next endeavor. As a young boy in the 70s, Daren Wang encountered such a seed when his family purchased an old farm in Town Line, New York. Remodeling began quickly, and a book dealer came to retrieve the many shelves of old books found in the barn. In the packing, the dealer showed Wang a copy of a diary, a woman’s diary, complete with beautiful handwriting, a broken clasp, old recipes and yellowed news clippings. It is revealed that Town Line, a small city outside Buffalo, is the only town north of the Mason Dixon line to secede from the Union, and Wang’s family’s newly purchased farm belonged to the family of Mary Willis. Mary Willis was part of the Underground Railroad, and the old barn, where the books were found, was where she hid slaves — in the loft or a rear shed — until it was thought safe enough for them to travel the fifteen miles to Canada. As the founding executive director of the Decatur Book Festival, Wang has met quite a few authors and tried fervently to get one of them to tell the story of Mary Willis. Turns out the story of Town Line and Mary was meant for Wang to tell. The result is his debut novel, The Hidden Light of Northern Fires. Though the novel is set during the Civil War, this is not a novel of military battles. Instead, it’s a powerful story of the battles of humanness fought in this consequential period of history. And it is Mary’s courage, heart, perseverance and enduring belief in equality that make this novel an unforgettable. Daren Wang will appear at the Milton Library on December 12, 2017, from 6-7:30pm, as part of the North Atlanta Author Series Initiative, a collaborative effort sponsored by Bookmiser and The Milton Library.
Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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17
Shedding Light on Common
Financial Questions By Jamie Mackrell
[Lifestyle] Managing your finances can be a complicated and stress-filled responsibility. If you’re like most people, you have plenty of questions along the way. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked:
1
How much emergency money should I have? The answer depends
on your life and your expenses, but a good rule of thumb is to have three to six months’ worth of your total living expenses (rent, food, transportation, monthly bills) saved for emergencies. That way, if you suddenly face an unexpected hardship like a job loss, you can maintain your lifestyle without incurring significant debt.
2
Should I utilize savings or investments to pay off my mortgage early? First, look at the percentage you’re earning after tax on investments, and compare that with the interest you’re paying after tax on your mortgage. With mortgage rates as low as they are, your money could be working
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
harder right where it is. Making additional principal payments over time, rather than liquidating your portfolio, might be the better way to chip away at your mortgage balance.
3
How important is my credit score? In a word, incredibly. Your
credit score is a three-digit number that tells prospective lenders how likely you are to repay debts in a timely manner. It is likely one of the most important digits that will ever be attached to your name. Why? For starters, a poor credit score can affect your ability to get a mortgage, auto loan or credit card. In addition, it affects the interest rate you pay on a loan — so a poor credit score can end up costing you a lot of money. Finally, your credit score can affect your ability to rent an apartment, how much you pay for insurance and more. If your credit score is less than 700, it’s important to begin the steps to repair it.
4
How do I improve my credit score? Basically, there are three main
steps to improving your credit score. First, request a copy of your credit report, and read through it. It’s not uncommon for your report to contain errors that could hurt you. Secondly, be diligent about paying your bills on time. Set up payment reminders or automatic payments to help you. Lastly, pay down your debt. Not only will this save you costly interest, it will also provide you with a sense of achievement.
5
Should we wait to take Social Security? There is no single answer
for everyone, but in general, it’s best if you can wait until full retirement age to start receiving benefits. If possible, the spouse who has reached the highest income levels should wait until age 70 to earn delayed retirement credits. L
Jamie Mackrell is the Roswell Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union. 1010 Mansell Road, Roswell. 770-424-0060. JamieM@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org
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days when he was in love with this girl. He wanted to marry her, so he prayed that God would bring them together. That wishful prayer did not come true, and now, years later, the man sees “Happiness the girl he was in love isn’t about with in high school. He describes in the getting what song how the years you want, had not been kind to it’s wanting this young lady, so he what you’ve sings from the depths got.” of his soul, “One of God’s greatest gifts/is Garth Brooks unanswered prayers.”
Una nanswered Prayers By Kevin Head, Ph.D.
[InGoodFaith] The other day, I was bored listening to my usual radio stations, so I did something I rarely do — I began scanning through different listening options. As I scanned through the variety of talk programs and music, one song caught my attention. I don’t usually listen to country music, but I recognized a country song I had not heard in several years. The song was Garth Brooks singing “Unanswered Prayers.” The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man reflecting back to his high school
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
November is the month for Thanksgiving. I don’t know what you’re thankful for this year, but maybe you, too, are thankful for God’s unanswered prayers in your life. Maybe you prayed for a relationship, but God knew it would not be a healthy one for you. Maybe you prayed for relief from a painful situation, but God knew
that situation would build character and patience in your life. Maybe you prayed for a particular job, but God knew the company was not a good fit for you. A few years ago, Garth Brooks was asked about the meaning of the song, “Unanswered Prayers,” and he said, “Every time I sing this song, it teaches me the same lesson. Happiness isn’t about getting what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.” What a great thought and attitude for us to adopt, as we approach Thanksgiving this year. I hope you can pause during this busy time of the year to reflect upon God’s gracious gifts in your life, maybe even your own unanswered prayers.
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, RKevinHead@FBRoswell.org
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Mayor’s Minute
eading into the holiday season, I am reminded how much I have to be thankful for — family, friends, health, my faith and the Milton community. Looking back over the year, I see not only the events that challenged our nation and community, but I see our humanity and our resiliency. This year, I find myself particularly reflective, as this is the last year that my wife Dawn and I will have a child at home. Our youngest, Charlie, is a senior and will be headed off to college next fall, officially making us empty nesters. Just as every year has seasons, our lives also have seasons. Often times, rather than enjoying the season we’re in, we’re longing for what comes next. The same way we rush those cold winter months for spring’s arrival or long for those
dog days of summer to come to an end, we sometimes find ourselves rushing through life from one milestone to the next. This is one season of life that I don’t plan to hurry. I’m also thankful that life’s seasons are ever-changing, offering us one memorable moment after another. I still remember that fall day when Dawn and I went for a drive in north Fulton, discovering the property that would eventually become our Milton home. So much has changed since that day, but so much has stayed the same. We grew our family with Charlie; Dawn and I built our family home; our community gained its independence by incorporating; I made the decision to run for mayor; we saw our two oldest children leave for college; and in March, I proudly helped open Milton’s new City Hall. As one chapter of our life ends, a new one begins. That’s true for all aspects of our life, both personal and professional. As mayor, I’m thankful for all that we’ve
accomplished in Milton, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do more. We are blessed with residents who care about their community and get involved. We also have a dedicated City staff that works daily to make sure Milton is the best it can be. Working together, we’ve accomplished so much as a community, and it’s exciting to see what the next season, our next decade, will bring us. On a personal level, the coming months will be a mixture of emotions in our house, and we are grateful for the last few months with our son at home. And while we’re sad this chapter is ending, the best part is that Dawn and I have all these new memorable moments to look forward to with each other, our children, and our community. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! L
Joe Lockwood is the mayor of the city of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us
By Mayor Joe Lockwood
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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Viking Names Prominent
NASA Astronaut as Upcoming Ship’s Godmother By Michael Consoli [Lifestyle] Viking® recently announced that American chemist, emergency room physician and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher will be honored as godmother to its fifth ocean ship, which will debut in July 2018. The new ship has been named Viking Orion® after the prominent constellation and in honor of Dr. Fisher’s contributions to NASA’s Orion exploration vehicle project. The 930-guest Viking Orion recently reached a major construction milestone when the ship met water for the first time during her “float out” ceremony at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. Dr. Fisher attended the ceremony and assisted with several maritime traditions. Viking Orion will spend her maiden year sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean before making her way to Asia, Australia and Alaska. Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, have 465 cabins and accommodate 930 guests. Viking Orion, formerly known as Viking Spirit, is the fifth of eight ocean cruise ships currently planned for the fleet. Viking’s ocean fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design. Highlights include the following: Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
• All veranda staterooms with king-size beds with luxury linens, large showers, luxury toiletries, heated bathroom floors and large interactive flat-screen LCD TVs with movies on demand. • Fourteen Explorer suites, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft., offering sweeping views from wraparound verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard. • In addition to the main pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ships feature a firstof-its-kind, glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination. • In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, the LivNordic Spa onboard is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind, which Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 named one of the “5 Best Cruise Ship Spas.” • The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are located at the bow and designed for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows. • Viking’s ships offer multiple restaurant locations and food choices, which offer everything from fine dining, to international fare and regional specialties, to Italian favorites, to intimate dining
experiences at The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu complete with wine parings. Additionally, The Kitchen Table focuses on regional dishes from market to table. • Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking in creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” Instead of casinos and water slides, guests are offered Viking’s Culture Curriculum®, which includes world-class lectures on history and art; personalized opportunities for learning with the Viking Resident Historian program; tasting of vintage wines from their destinations; restaurant menus inspired by local cuisine; informative port talks; enriching destination performances; and an onboard cooking school. Onboard Viking Orion, guests will also enjoy lectures on astronomy and space exploration. • Designed with the environment in mind, Viking’s ships meet the strictest environmental regulations. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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Eyelid Lift Skin Resurfacing Injectable Fillers Facelift
Cosmetic Facial Procedures
on the Rise By Philip K. Robb, M.D.
[HealthyLife] In 2016, seventeen million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the U.S. alone! The “exclusive stigma” of cosmetic surgery has vastly diminished, and people are seeing that these procedures can be for anyone who wants to improve upon their appearance. Cosmetic procedures are becoming less invasive, and the recoveries are quicker and easier than ever before.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Technology continues to drive minimally invasive procedures that leave real and lasting results. With the blast of social media into our lives, we’re confronted with our insecurities now more than ever. Here are some of the most popular procedures that don’t steal days from your calendar and effectively reverse the clock on your facial appearance: 1. Eyelid Lift - This procedure creates youthful and rejuvenated eyes by removing excessive skin and hooding, resulting in stunning outcomes that turn back the clock on your appearance an average of 10-15 years. Inferior eyelid bags or “puffiness” as well as dark circles can also be treated through various methods. 2. Skin Resurfacing - Laser technology smooths and erases sun-damaged skin, restores skin tightness, removes sun and age sports, shrinks pores,
and targets fine lines and wrinkles, permanently removing them. 3. Injectable Fillers - Restore volume, and fill wrinkles with this immediateacting treatment requiring no recovery. These treatments last an average of 1-2 years and can be used in cheeks, lips, nose, temples, brows, or any scar or facial depression. 4. Facelift - “Turkey neck” and neck bands are removed; the neck is sculpted; and jowls are removed from the jawbone to create a youthful neck and jaw area that is smooth and natural. There are many more procedures available for facial rejuvenation; to learn more about any of the above, or others please visit RobbFacialPlastics.com. Dr. Robb is a board-certified head, neck and reconstructive facial plastic surgeon at Robb Facial & Plastic Reconstructive Sugery, 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building C, Suite 570, Alpharetta. 470-336-1850. RobbFacialPlastics.com
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The Personality of Chronic Pain in Your Family By Kim Chastain [HealthyLife] There are people of every age who are living in chronic pain every single day. But pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Technology in natural therapies is truly becoming more and more amazing. Light laser therapy is one such technology. Skeptical patients are often brought to practices by concerned, loving family members who want to help. These patients enter with the expectation that nothing can be done to help them and are often amazed when they feel much better after only one or two visits. These patients are often encouraged to never again believe that suffering chronic pain is “just the way it is” or “old age.” Chronic pain is never normal. Chronic pain can ruin marriages when one spouse has back pain or pelvic pain from trauma or surgery, which may make intimacy impossible. Chronic pain frequently makes a person selfcentered, moody and intolerant, and they may take their pain out on their family by being snappy and sometimes even aggressive. The moral of the story is that if you have someone in your family or circle of friends who has been in chronic pain, try to show
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
empathy and patience, as it goes a long way. Then, strongly encourage them to try another natural alternative because persistence often pays off.
Kim Chastain, BS, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, founder and CEO of Crabapple Physical Therapy located at adjacent to the new Milton City Hall. 770-6863700.CrabapplePT.com
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COVER STORY
W
hen Jim and Mary Beth Devers and Judy and Jerry Prophitt became neighbors at St. George Village, they certainly weren’t strangers. The two couples, who had previously been neighbors for years in a nearby community of townhomes, along with a fellow neighbor, Darla Auer, became neighbors all over again in their choice of retirement community. While the group didn’t consciously
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
make a joint decision to move to St. George Village together, they found that the community fulfilled the items on each of their wish lists. The Deverses and Prophitts had certain criteria that had to be met by the retirement community they chose. For the Prophitts, stability and a plan for the future weighed heavily in their decision. “We liked the stability of St. George Village, that it is and always has been owned by the Catholic Archdiocese. Many retirement communities are
constantly being bought and sold,” said Jerry. “Additionally, we liked the fact that St. George Village is a LifeCare community, committed to providing a lifetime of care. We wanted the assurance that if one or both of us need healthcare, we can afford it.” The Deverses were looking for a community that offered an active, independent lifestyle that would fit their needs at this stage of their retirement and beyond. “If we were going to make this kind of change, we felt it was important to do it while we were young enough to adjust and enjoy it,” said Mary Beth. “Also, it was nice that we could make the decision for our own future and Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
not leave it for our children to make in the event of an emergency.” For Jim, who walks the family dog, Willy, all around the St. George Village grounds, a pet-friendly community was one of the most important items on his checklist. “It was important that Willy would be welcome here!” he said. Both couples express their happiness at having a full schedule of activities from which to choose, and that they have enjoyed making friends with their neighbors throughout the community. From hopping on the bus for day trips to destinations like the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers and Tellus Museum in Cartersville, and working out in exercise classes and the fitness center, to volunteering as hallway safety monitors and serving on the activities and grounds committees, the Deverses and Prophitts have quickly acclimated to the community.
“Everyone who lives and works here is so welcoming,” said Judy. “People are not clique-ish.” Jerry adds that it only takes talking to a neighbor here and there to make new connections. “The people really make this place,” he said. “The residents have a million interesting stories.” The group agrees that they all appreciate the neighborhood feel of St. George Village. “We have no regrets about moving here, ” said Mary Beth. “It just feels like home.”
giving them opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities and events they enjoy, strengthen their existing connections, and foster new friendships. From fitness classes and planned travel, to educational workshops and volunteer projects, there is always something new, exciting, and fun to do with neighbors here who share your interests. We cordially invite you to come see why life at St. George Village is neighborly! Experience our warm and welcoming environment; take a tour; and stay for lunch. Call 678-987-0402 for a confidential appointment. Find more details about our community, lifestyle, and residents online at StGeorgeVillage.org, and on Facebook and Pinterest.
At St. George Village, we recognize the value of having a strong social network, and that providing an atmosphere that promotes neighbors helping neighbors strengthens our entire community. Part of our mission as a Life Plan community is to encourage our residents to engage fully in life by
And they all say it’s been pretty easy to do so.
Hardscrabble
King Rd.
92
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11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-645-2340, or toll free 866-826-3400
StGeorgeVillage.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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M I S S I N G T E E T H and the Damage Spaces Cause By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D.
[HealthyLife] So, your dentist informed you that you must have a tooth extracted. Now what? The oral surgeon and dentist have mentioned tooth replacement options. You see the treatment plan and the price tag associated with it, and you are less than eager to start the process. Try not to let the price tag deter you because the alternative can be worse for you in the long run. When you’re missing a tooth, your mouth tries to fill that space by allowing teeth to tip and drop into the void. When teeth shift, our mouths become much more unbalanced, which can cause major challenges in the digestion process. The bite and occlusion (how teeth come together) changes, causing chewing food to become difficult. This makes your
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
digestive system work harder to break down your food. Paired with salivary enzymes, chewing to break down food is the initial step of digestion. In addition to digestion being affected, as your chewing contacts change, some teeth start to incur more force. The power of your masticatory muscles bringing your jaws together used to be shared evenly amongst your teeth. As you start to lose teeth, that force is no longer evenly distributed. Some teeth take more of a beating, which causes them to break down and crack. Also, heavy occlusion can cause bone loss and recession to occur at a higher rate.
gaps can trap additional food, which can increase your risk of decay, not to mention the irritation of having to clean out your teeth after each meal. It can also cause your front teeth to shift, creating spaces and crowding in some scenarios. In summary, the idea of paying a lot to replace a back tooth may not seem important because “you can’t really see it anyway.” However, the function of your mouth is much more important to your overall health.
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010. DeMercyDental.com
Teeth shifting can also cause gaps to form in between other existing teeth. These
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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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27
The Transformative
Power of Music By Michael Buckner
[HomeLife] Music is amazing. A song can make a person cry hundreds of years after it was written. Remember how you felt when you heard “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of someone you loved? Or a single trumpet playing “Taps?” Music evokes the most primal emotions within our soul. A simple drumbeat can make a crowd of 50,000 move in rhythm, as if they were all family. Music is so universally beloved that nearly every society on Earth holds their most successful musicians in high regard. The Queen of England has even awarded knighthood to a few of the country’s best musicians. Can you imagine what it must have been like to hear music and electricity at the same time, for the first time?! As we hear musicians perform phenomenal cover renditions of famous songs, it’s interesting to ponder how astounding it must have been to hear the original version for the first time, especially if you grew up in a quiet, southern town, and went to your first concert to hear certain songs on live electric guitars. Wow. We have so much
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
in this world to be thankful for that we sometimes take really major things like this for granted. Only in the last ultra-short blink of history have we been able to even store a song and play it back. The fact that we now capture the moment in time when an artist pours his or her soul out in a song, and we can replay that moment anywhere in the world is nothing less than spectacular. While many of us are certainly spoiled when it comes to food, transportation and creature comforts, rationalizing the purchase of a luxurygrade stereo can be easy when you consider that a nice stereo pays your family emotionally rewarding dividends for years and years. Music has the ability to change people’s lives.
Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com
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Holidays … Happy or Horrific? [HealthyLife] With holidays approaching, there are so many exciting things that children look forward to … Santa, presents, parties, trees, lights, music and much more! It’s a very happy time of year for most children. However, if your child has sensory processing difficulties or Autism Spectrum Disorder, this time of year can turn them into the Grinch, as their typical routines and day-to-day expectations are completely altered. Holiday gatherings, school parties, added stimulation and routine changes can cause anxiety and emotional/behavioral meltdowns. Sensory processing is the ability to make sense of all the information coming in through your senses (smell, touch, vision, movement, taste, etc.). For example, some people can handle an itchy holiday sweater, while it would drive someone else crazy. Some people can handle crowded stores, while others want to hide under a rock. Attending parties with a variety of different, “strange” food can be very upsetting for
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
By Kristi Estes
picky eaters. Those with sensory processing difficulties cannot take all this information in and manage it appropriately. Therefore, these individuals may have emotional meltdowns, isolate themselves, become aggressive, withdrawn or act out of character. Here are some suggestions to consider when moving into the holiday season: • Bring familiar food to parties so that there is something your child will eat. This is one thing that is stable in an unfamiliar setting. • Notify friends and relatives that your child may not like hugs or people in their personal space. Suggest high fives, handshakes or waves across the room. • Find a quiet place or room away from the chaos to where your child can retreat. Allowing them the permission to take a break is a big stress relief. • Know your child’s sensory triggers (noise, crowds, lights, smells, etc.), and try to avoid situations where these may be present. It’s better to take a child
•
•
shopping on a weekday when crowds are smaller, rather than on the weekend. Dress your child in textures that are comforting to them, rather than fancy holiday outfits or uncomfortable shoes. Prepare your child for what’s to come. Talking through difficult situations can help decrease negative behaviors. Consider Occupational Therapy to help your child work through these challenges.
Kristi Estes, Occupational Therapist. Kristi and Jennifer Puckett are co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com
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Ingredients
• 3 extra-large eggs • ½ cup red & yellow bell peppers, diced small • ½ cup grape tomatoes • ½ cup buckboard bacon, diced/chopped large • ¼ cup scallions, chopped • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • ½ oz. clarified butter • Salt & pepper to taste
Procedure - - - - - - -
Crack the eggs into a tall container, like a drinking glass, and puree with an emulsion blender until smooth. In a nonstick frying pan sauté the bell peppers and buckboard bacon in the clarified butter on medium heat (about 1 minute). Add the tomatoes and scallions to the frying pan, then add the eggs. With a rubber spatula, push the outside edges of the eggs toward the middle until a flat foundation is formed, and season with salt and pepper. Next, carefully flip the omelet over in one motion, and allow it to finish cooking (about 2 minutes). Spread the cheddar cheese over half of the omelet, and fold the eggs over the cheese. Serve with a simple green salad
and fried potatoes or grits.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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Get the Kids Involved This Thanksgiving! [HomeLife] Thanksgiving can be made more special by bringing the kids into the decorating, meal planning and prep! Here are a few ideas to incorporate the kiddos into this special day: Turkey Centerpiece Materials • 1 summer squash for the turkey head • 1 pineapple for the body • 1 artichoke, cut in half lengthwise for the back legs • 2 cloves for the eyes • Flowers/feathers/etc. and floral picks for the plumage • Platter to put under your turkey Turkey Centerpiece Instructions - Start with the pineapple on its side. - Insert one end of a floral pick into an artichoke half, and connect the other end to the pineapple to hold the “legs” in place (may need to sharpen the pick to stick in the pineapple)
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
- Attach the squash to the bottom end of the pineapple with the picks. Insert cloves into the squash for the eyes. - Wrap flowers/plumage or other decoration around additional picks, and insert into the pineapple. The finished product is your own beautiful masterpiece to display during Thanksgiving! House Prep Cleaning the house and having all the platters and dishes ready can be a daunting job. The kids can help ahead of time by pulling out and rinsing dishes that may not have been used since the last holiday. Meal Planning Ask the family if they would like the traditional Thanksgiving food items, and/or if they would like to try something new. Make
By Christy Noll
the grocery lists, and have the kids help you gather the items at the grocery store. Meal Prep/Assistance If you have a lot of veggies or fruit to cut up or potatoes to peel, older kids can help with these tasks. Younger kids can assist with easier recipes. For example, they can assist with pecan pie by smashing pecans, pouring in the Karo syrup and adding in sugar. When kids are made a part of something, especially as a family, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing they contributed to something special, so get them involved this year!
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
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Appreciation Event 2017 It was a beautiful day to celebrate another successful year of Family Life magazines with our friends, community partners and advertisers. We enjoyed seeing each of you, and we are grateful that you joined us! Special thanks to Alpine Bakery and Trattoria, AngelFire7 Barbeque, Arranged to Eat, Chukkar Farm Polo Club and Event Facility, and Stouts Growlers for helping to make sure this event went off without a “hitch.�
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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ChoicesToYou.com
The holidays are upon us, and with all the additional tasks that brings, wouldn’t it be great to leave the cooking to someone else? Give the gift of a delicious meal to yourself, your friends, and your family, delivered right to your door. Visit ChoicesToYou.com! 678-765-8989 ChoicesToYou.com
Nothin g Bundt Cakes
Celebrate and appreciate your friends and clients this holiday season with simply the best cake you will ever taste. Nothing Bundt Cakes make an exquisite presentation as corporate gifts and are the talk of all the holiday parties. “Go ahead, and make their day” with Nothing Bundt Cakes! 5230 Windward Parkway, Suite 102, Alpharetta, 678-366-1445 NothingBundtCakes.com
Equinozio The Spa Celebrate this holiday season with BABOR’s Advent calendar containing a variety of 24 ampoules for a power-packed surprise. What is an ampoule? It’s a supercharged serum with highly active, concentrated ingredients! Stop by Equinozio the Spa to give the gift of pampering to a loved one or yourself! 12020 Etris Road, Suite B110, Roswell, 30075 470-639-1599, EquinozioTheSpa.com
LaVida Massa ge
Best. Gift. Ever! “Best of Life” award winner, LaVida Massage is taking some of the stress out of holiday shopping by providing limited time gift card offers for massage and facial services. Buy $150 in gift cards, and get an additional $50 in bonus cards. Open 7 days a week, and conveniently located in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and East Cobb. 12460 Crabapple Road Alpharetta 770-740-0654 LaVidaMassageAlpharetta.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
10945 State Bridge Road Johns Creek 678-624-9091 LaVidaMassageJohnsCreek.com
4880 Lower Roswell Road East Cobb 770-973-6385 LaVidaMassageMarietta.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Tasteof BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER
Ingredients
Procedure
• ¼ cup olive oil • 2 lbs. mushrooms, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped • ½ cup dry sherry • ¾ cup goat cheese (6 oz.), at room temperature • 1 tablespoon chives, minced • 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 5-6 phyllo dough sheets • 1 stick butter, melted • ¼ cup sour cream
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Serves 6 Appetizer Portions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the mushrooms in small batches, cooking them until they turn golden brown, and then remove them, and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the shallots and garlic until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add back the sautéed mushrooms. Reduce the heat to medium, and deglaze the pan with sherry. Add any reserved mushroom juice, and cook until the liquid reduces, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a medium bowl, and cool to room temperature. Mix in the goat cheese, chives and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Remove the phyllo dough from the box, and keep the sheets covered with plastic wrap and a damp cloth to prevent drying. For each strudel, brush 1 sheet of phyllo dough with butter. Repeat to build 5 or 6 layers. Spread the filling over the top sheet of phyllo, and roll tightly — starting on the long side to form a log. Place the strudel seam side down on a cookie sheet. Brush the top of the strudel with melted butter. Repeat all previous steps if there is enough dough and filling; the strudel will freeze nicely unbaked. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown and crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Slice the strudel into six appetizer portions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary. Gallagher@ChattahoocheeTech. edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Expert Advice
on Proper Recovery After Running a Marathon By Dr. Alexander S. Voljavec
After taking part in a high[HealthyLife]
While there is no exact time to rest after a marathon, start by taking off three-toseven days. Enjoy your accomplishment, and give yourself the recovery break that can return you to optimal performance. You may return to running with brisk walking or shorter runs, as this helps rebuild endurance. Stretching, weighttraining exercises for leg muscles, cross training with low impact exercise such as biking and swimming, and stress-relieving activities such as yoga and meditation can be helpful in aiding recovery.
endurance activity such as a marathon, you must give your body and the muscles involved adequate rest to help prevent any overuse-related injuries. While there is little scientific evidence behind exactly how long recovery should be, the amount of time needed for adequate rest depends on multiple factors, which include how aggressive you ran the race, athleticism, your willingness and any health factors.
A well-balanced diet is vital to your recovery, as food affects our physical and psychological health. Immediately after your race, consume carbohydraterich food, as this helps enhance muscle glycogen storage. Consumption of protein also assists with muscle glycogen storage and repair. Eat adequate amounts of greens, fruits, proteins and high fibers;
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
keep yourself well-hydrated before, during and after strenuous exercise; and be sure to get good sleep. Pain and discomfort may sometimes linger after the rest period. If the pain is persisting, take two-to-five additional days off. It may be due to inadequate rest, a poor training technique or even the presence of a chronic condition such as arthritis or other health concern. If your injury is inflamed or you’ve experienced loss of function, try ice, heat and antiinflammatories. If it persists, please see your primary care physician.
Dr. Voljavec a board-certified physician in internal medicine. 770619-5100. RoswellMed.com
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35
By Julie Senger
Mac ‘n Cheese
(HappyHealing.com)
• 9-12oz. / 250-350g gluten-free macaroni pasta • 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes OR ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1½ cups cauliflower • 1½ cups sweet potato, diced • 1 cup nutritional yeast • ¾ cup almond milk • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 clove garlic (optional) • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds • ½ teaspoon paprika
Procedure - In a medium pot and steamer, bring water to a boil. Steam sweet potato and cauliflower until soft, (about 10-15 minutes). - Cook pasta according to packet directions; drain; and set aside. - While pasta is cooking, add everything except the parsley to a blender, and blend until smooth. - Combine cooked pasta, blender “cheese sauce,” and parsley in the pot or a large bowl. - Serve, and enjoy!
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, or bringing a dish to someone else’s home to share, you or other guests may have
certain dietary restrictions due to health concerns or humanitarian reasons. The following recipes are vegan, gluten-free and delicious!
Apple, Quinoa and Kale Salad (NaturalGreenMom.com)
• 1 green apple, chopped • ½ cup cooked and chilled quinoa • As much kale as you think your crowd will eat • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • zest and juice of ½ lemon • 1 tablespoon mustard • Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure For the dressing - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mustard, and salt and pepper. For the salad -In a large bowl, combine apple, quinoa and kale. -Toss with dressing, and serve.
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Crispy Orange Cauliflower (VeganRicha.com) • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets For Flour Mixture to Coat Cauliflower • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 tablespoons water, allow to sit until it thickens • ¹/ ³ cup water • ¹/ ³ cup corn starch • ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend or use wheat/other flour • 1 teaspoon oil For Orange Sauce • 2 tablespoons oil • 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced • 6 scallion onions, thinly sliced • Zest of 1 orange + juice of orange • 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce OR use coconut aminos to make soy-free • 2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar
Procedure For the Cauliflower - Blend all flour mixture ingredients together until a batter is formed (should be waffle batter consistency). - Heat a skillet with ½ cup oil on medium/high heat. - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure each piece is entirely covered. - Fry in oil until completely browned. - Allow the fried florets to drain on a paper towel- lined plate. For the Orange Sauce - In a clean skillet, heat oil and garlic for 1 minute. - Add green onions, zest and juice. Cook for another minute. - Add soy sauce and vinegar, and bring to a boil. - Toss crispy cauliflower florets into the skillet, and coat thoroughly. - Garnish with scallion onions and orange zest, and enjoy.
Baked Butternut Squash Risotto (VegNews.com) • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1-1 ½ tablespoons olive oil 1 small sweet onion, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon minced rosemary 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 cup Arborio rice ¹/ ³ cup white wine 3 cups vegetable broth, divided 2 cups butternut squash, cooked and puréed 1 cup chopped collard greens, stems removed 1 cup vegan mozzarella-style cheese ½ cup vegan parmesan cheese, divided 1-1 ½ cups gluten-free corn Chex® cereal, crushed
Procedure - In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until onions are translucent (about 10 minutes). Stir often to prevent burning. - Add Arborio rice, and sauté until rice is browned (about 5 minutes). Stir in white wine, and cook until all liquid has been absorbed. Reduce heat to medium-low, and keep a close eye on the rice while you begin the next step. - In medium bowl, mix 2 cups vegetable broth with the squash. - Add 1 cup of squash mixture to the rice, and let cook until absorbed, stirring continuously. - Add collard greens, and stir to combine. - Add remaining squash mixture to rice, and cook until absorbed (about 20-25 minutes). If rice is not yet tender, add in remaining vegetable broth ¼ cup at a time until desired tenderness is reached. Add salt to taste. - Remove the rice from the stovetop, and preheat your oven to 385 degrees. - Stir mozzarella and ¼ cup parmesan into the rice mixture, and transfer it to a 9 x 12-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining parmesan and Chex® cereal. - Bake the casserole for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve hot. Family Life Publications would like to wish you and yours a happy (and healthy) Thanksgiving!
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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37
L
ooking for free and fun things to do this Fall? Well Roswell is where modern spirit meets southern soul!
Canton Street, an officially designated “Georgia Great Street.” It brims with art galleries, shops, award-winning restaurants and sidewalk cafes.
Roswell offers an amazing array of tours and attractions, art, culture, and a culinary scene that is drawing acclaim far and wide. Add to that over twenty free things to do, and you will have an affordable way to spend a few hours or a few days.
If you like to immerse yourself in artistic expressions and meet artists, don’t miss the First Friday ArtWalks from 6:00-9:00pm on the first Friday of each month, year-round. If sculpture is your passion, take the
War app from the App Store or Google Play, and stroll the Mill Village, hear stories of early Roswell, the Mills, and the 400 women and children mill workers who were arrested during the Civil War and sent north to uncertain fates. Stop by the Roswell Visitors Center, and enjoy a video of the area, pick up printed maps and brochures to help you enjoy your visit, and view the Roswell Mills
By Dottie Etris
VICKERY CREEK WATERFALL Here is a sampling of the free fun stuff you will find in Roswell:
Roswell is located on the northern banks of the Chattahoochee River, so fun on the waterway abounds. Fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, and more are all along the river. Enjoy the spectacular view that Phase IV of the Riverwalk provides, as you meander this amazing boardwalk from Azalea Drive to Willeo Road.
ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour. Over a dozen sculptures are located in Roswell Parks and offer a fascinating way to spend the day. A free, downloadable app lets you browse to your heart’s content.
Hike the Old Mill Park Interpretive Trail to see the Vickery Creek Waterfall and the beautiful covered pedestrian bridge. Some say this is the most scenic area of Roswell. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Roswell has over 640 acres of vintage homes, historic sites, museums, monuments, churches and cemeteries, with 122 acres listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although there is a fee to visit the three Historic House Museums, Roswell’s Southern Trilogy — Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and the Smith Plantation Home – cell phone tours of the grounds are free (unless your personal cell phone plan charges fees).
At the heart of the historic district is
Download the Roswell Mill Village/Civil
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
exhibit, focusing on the importance of the mills to early Roswell and Georgia. Browse the shops, boutiques and antique stores you will find throughout the city, and immerse yourself in discovery for hours on end. Find an extended listing of “Fun & FREE Things to Do in Roswell, Georgia” at VisitRoswellGa.com, or call 770-640-3253.
Dotty Etris is the executive director of the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-640-3253. VisitRoswellGa.com
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5 Red Flags to Watch for This School Year By Mark Tolbert
The school year is now [AcademicLife] in full swing, and it’s natural for both children and their parents to settle into autopilot mode. Don’t! Now is the time for parents to pay attention to signs of academic struggles. The longer you ignore academic problems, the more likely they are to become worse and more difficult to correct.
Here are five academic red flags that warrant intervention: Poor grades – Are you noticing consistently low grades, or are your child’s grades dropping throughout the semester? Don’t just pay attention at report card time. Keep tabs on daily and weekly assignments and projects, and make note of any concerning patterns. Homework taking a long time – If your child struggles to do homework
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
independently or consistently takes longer than advised by the teacher to complete assignments, you should investigate. This might be a sign that your child doesn’t understand what is being taught in class or is having trouble focusing or understanding directions.
Change in personality – Keep an eye out for significant changes in your child’s attitude. Is your child slowly losing interest in school or even friends or activities he or she used to enjoy? In addition, are you noticing your child’s grades suffering? Negative self-talk – Is school “stupid?” Does your child seem pessimistic about his or her abilities? Frustration with even small challenges could signify that your child has given up on a subject — and him or herself. This is common with children who are lacking the “building-
block skills” to keep up in the classroom and acquire new knowledge.
Disorganization – Pay attention to how your child keeps track of homework and assignments and maintains his or her backpack, desk and room. Lost homework and sloppy work are signs that your child lacks attention to detail, a challenge that will become more problematic in middle and high school. Seek help sooner rather than later when you notice one or more warning signs. Your child will not magically outgrow these challenges. Recognizing that something is amiss and taking action quickly can make all the difference.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta. HungtingtonHelps.com
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39
Christina Semeria
A Spark in the Dark
Tini served on summer staff as a horse wrangler at Young Life Trail West, Buena Vista, CO. This sunflower field was right beside the barn where she worked with all the horses every day.
sure everyone felt like they belonged. This ministry eventually grew to over 200 students meeting each week. • During high school and college, Tini served a week-long summer mission trip with Carolina Cross Connection, which works with youth leaders, churches, and parents to raise compassionate, servanthearted, next-generation leaders (CarolinaCrossConnection.org). They combine the spiritual connection of a
O
n April 27, 2016, nineteen-year-old Christina “Tini” Semeria went to pray off campus with her four best friends before studying for finals. On their return to the University of Georgia campus, the driver lost control of the car. Tini and her three best friends went to be with Jesus, hand-in-hand, together that night. During her time on Earth, Christina’s heartbeat and passion was to reach the least, the lost, the last, the hopeless and the unseen, and she voluntarily gave of her time and talent in many ways to reach marginalized people. She wanted everyone to know that they were recognized, known and loved unconditionally by a God who sees them, no matter where they had been or what they had done. Here are some of the many things that Tini accomplished during her meaningful nineteen years of life:
• She and two of her friends began a
student-led ministry in high school called Ignite Milton, with the purpose of leading people to Christ and making
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
•
•
•
camp experience with the life-changing opportunities that week-long service trips offer. Tini served at Young Life as a horse wrangler during the summer in order to lead others to experience the best week of their life at camp and to help build their relationship with Jesus. She served during Youth Give Back Days including the MUST Ministries Summer Lunch Program as well as serving the homeless in downtown Atlanta. At UGA, Tini was in AXO sorority, which participated in many philanthropy events:
- UGA Greek Grind 2015 - AXO raised over $89,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America. - Barefoot on the Lawn - All money raised was donated to a local cause supporting the sorority’s national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness. - Project Safe - A non-profit organization that works to stop domestic violence through educational programs, crisis intervention, and more.
• She was on the leadership team for Tini singing “Our Father.” She sang at two weddings in April 2016. This photo is from Tini’s sister, Jessie’s best friend’s wedding, where she sang two songs. Tini’s greatest desire was and is to usher the presence of the Holy Spirit into people’s hearts. This was what she was made for.
•
•
UGA Heroes, which is the only organization in GA that exists to provide quality-of-life care to kids infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. In the summer following the accident (2016), Tini was set to serve as a horse wrangler on staff at WinShape. She attended WinShape for six summers and wanted to give back. Finally, Tini was an organ donor. She knew that if something ever happened
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to her, she would want to give life to others. Through the LifeLink organization, Christina was able to volunteer her organs, allowing her to give the ultimate gift of life to others. Tini’s personality was undeniable. She was fearless, bold, faithful, gentle spirited, and gifted with words and music. She was a woman of great influence and a compassionate heart that beat hard and fast for God. She was little but LOUD. Tini loved her friends, ALL of them. She crossed all lines, always seeking out the underdog, the lost, or the lonely. The day before her death, she was overheard by one of her friends inside a Starbucks, befriending a homeless man, chatting with him at length. That story; her uplifting blog, “Spark in the Dark;” as well as her original song, “Be Still;” can be found on her website, ChristinaSemeria.org by clicking the blog and Facebook links in the top, right-hand corner of her homepage. In closing, it seems most fitting to impart some of Tini’s own words, a quote she included in her “Spark in the Dark” blog entry, in hopes that her life will inspire you, the reader, to reach out and volunteer your
This photo was taken by Tini (selfie) on top of Mt.Yonah the afternoon before the accident. Tini and her two AXO sisters hiked Mt.Yonah together. The writing “be still” is Tini’s handwriting (she had written this on her wrist a few years back and had posted it on Instagram), and it’s the name of the song she wrote at Young Life Trail West where she served as a horse wrangler on summer staff during July 2015.
talent or your time to be in service of others: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you lightbearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide
you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16 (MSG)
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at some of the organizations that Tini was passionate about, please visit the following websites: This is Tini with her awardwinning pony, Beau, at her home and barn in Milton.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
LifeLink – LifeLinkFoundation.org Passion Conferences – 268Generation.com Young Life – NorthFulton.YoungLife.org WinShape – Foundation.WinShape.org Birmingham United Methodist Church – BirminghamUMC.org WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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will still be alerted in the event of a power outage.
How Can I Prevent
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in My Home? By Jessica Helms
[HomeLife] Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. According to the CDC’s website, during 2010–2015, a total of 2,244 deaths in the U.S. resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can closely resemble those of the flu, so it is important to pay attention to how carbon monoxide can
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
build up, and learn how to prevent high CO levels in your home.
Never use a generator in your home, basement, or garage. After hurricanes Harvey and Irma, there were several reports of families who suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to the excessive use of generators in spaces that were poorly vented. Have your furnace and entire HVAC system inspected at least once a year, especially before the winter season, which is when you will be using your furnace more than normal. A certified technician can inform you of any problems with your furnace that may be causing excessive CO production and prevent a dangerous situation for your family.
Here are a few things you can do: Install a CO alarm in your bedroom or somewhere close, so it will wake you if you are sleeping. Also, make sure to install at least one battery-powered alarm somewhere in your house, so that you
Jessica Helms is an executive assistant/ communications director for R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-9171795. RAndDMechanical.net
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Tips for Getting the Most from
Your Insurance Benefits By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] If you’re fortunate enough to have dental insurance, you have a great opportunity to engage in preventative dental care on a consistent basis. Most dental insurance company plans cover multiple hygiene (dental cleaning) visits in a year, as they know that keeping up with regular dental cleanings can eliminate the need for costly dental treatment down the road. It’s important to remember that your dental insurance represents an agreement between you and the insurance company. If you’re
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
paying premiums monthly, doesn’t it make sense to understand what you’re paying for? Many dental insurance companies provide coverage information on their websites, or you can make a quick call to them, and speak to a representative regarding your benefits. Ideally, you should find out this information at the beginning of the year. That way, you can schedule your hygiene appointments, knowing that you’ll be taking advantage of the preventative care for which you’re paying. But this time of year is also a good time to find out this information. Why? Because many insurance benefits expire at the end of the year. If you plan now, there is still time to take advantage of your benefits. In addition to monthly premiums, your insurance may have a deductible. If you
have already paid monies toward the deductible, it is to your advantage to have any necessary dental treatment done in the current calendar year, since the deductible will start over again January 1, 2018. The most important reason to have dental treatment done in a timely fashion is that the need for treatment will not go away over time. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed to get worse, requiring the need for more extensive treatment. If you know what you’re paying for when it comes to dental insurance, you’ll get the most out of your plan. So, take a few minutes to educate yourself on your dental insurance plan. Knowledge is power, and this knowledge can potentially save you and your child the need for more extensive dental treatment!
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
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ArtistProfile BY SAMANTHA CANUEL
“W
ith each project, you are always starting over. There is an old adage in the theatre that says, ‘You are only as good as your last show.’ It’s true.”
So said Robert Farley, artistic director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Conservatory (GET), who has been putting together new shows since GET’s inception in 1992. He was a founding member of the theatre and has been an influence in the Roswell community ever since. Farley founded Georgia Ensemble Theatre together with his wife, Anita Allen-Farley. GET’s productions at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center have earned numerous awards for both Farleys, including being named as Public Broadcasting Atlanta’s Lexus Leaders of the Arts. Farley stated that one of his greatest passions is selecting GET’s season of plays and musicals. The 2017-2018 season is GET’s 25th anniversary. Thus, this season will be a celebration of the success and longevity of Georgia Ensemble Theatre throughout the years.
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
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Production photos are from Once on this Island, courtesy of Dan Carmody.
GET’s first production of the season, Once on this Island, was a wonderfully successful Broadway musical, and it’s current production, MorningSide, is a shrewd and very funny new comedy that takes the audience to a sunny spring afternoon in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta, where different generations are thrown together to battle it out. Imagine a baby shower, nine women with secrets, and a case of champagne. What could possibly go wrong? Farley went on to share that his experiences in the theatre started in high school when he was recruited to operate the light board for a variety show, “In the moment, I could see the stories that light, shadow, and color could only tell, and I was hooked,” he said.
Farley’s suggestion for new actors, sound techs, set designers and all others interested in theatre is simple: “Get your education. In the theatre arts, a master’s degree is the new bachelor’s degree. It’s through that education that you discover your vision, and never let go of it.” Outside of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Farley spends time with his wife and fellow co-founder Anita. He also “spoils their three perfectly remarkable grandchildren.” For details on upcoming shows and ticket purchasing information, or to learn more about Bob Farley and the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, visit GET.org or their Facebook page.
Samantha Canuel is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-993-8806 GNFCC.com
VLink Solutions
3159 Royal Drive, #340 Alpharetta 770-508-5633 Video Marketing
Centered Recovery Program 1250 Upper Hembree Road, Suite E Roswell 770-410-4894 Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
McDowell Chiropractic
1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 550 Roswell 770-599-7139 Chiropractor
Gazal Eyecare
76 Norcross Street, Suite B Roswell 470-729-2020 Optometrist/Eyewear Designer
Butter & Cream
26 Webb Street, Suite 1 Roswell 770-998-7551 Ice Cream Shop
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North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
Crazy Love Coffee House 1088 Canton Street Roswell 770-545-8228 Coffee Shop
East Alley Project Roswell
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[HomeLife] If you want to do something positive for the environment, raise the value of your property, or welcome wildlife, plant a tree this month.
property. According to The Arbor Day Foundation, houses that are well landscaped and have mature trees can expect to add 10-20% to the value.
Ecologically, nothing Curb appeal is an beats a tree. They provide important factor in oxygen, improve air pricing a home. Trees quality, conserve water, provide privacy and and prevent erosion. reduce air conditioning Trees turn carbon costs. According to the dioxide into life-giving U.S. Forest Service, By Lisa Ethridge oxygen. Climate control “Trees properly placed is another function of around buildings can the amazing tree. Leaves reduce air conditioning absorb the radiant heat of needs by 30% and can the sun and keep it cooler save 20-50% of the in summer; cooling the energy used for heating.” air temperature reduces That’s a great selling point the greenhouse effect by keeping levels for home buyers. of carbon dioxide lower. If you plant a tree, wildlife will come. Make landscaping your next homeAnimals and other organisms depend improvement project. Planting a on trees to survive. Every part of the tree $100.00 tree this fall could bring is integral to bring biodiversity into the $1,000s in return on the sale of your landscape; the tree’s limbs, flowers, twigs,
Don’t Just Hug a Tree Plant One!
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
fruit, leaves, roots, and buds support diverse and numerous ecosystems. Check out these informative articles to help you select a tree: Native Plants for GA Part I, Bulletin 987; and Shade Trees for GA, Circular 1013, at Extension. UGA.edu/publications. If you want to add some artistic flair to your landscape, you can also Google “specimen tree for zone 7.” Gardeners love the unique form and beauty of these trees that usually provide four-season interest in the landscape. November is the best time to plant a tree. Fall planting allows the tree’s root system to become established and supply the moisture needed for next spring’s growth.
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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Advertiser Index
Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists
19
Audio Intersection
28
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill
48
ChoicesToYou.com 13 Crabapple Physical Therapy
15
Cruise Planners
3, 47
Debra Robinson Law Group
17
DeMercy Dental
22
Eyes on Towne Lake
23
Huntington Learning Center
31
In Harmony Pediatric Therapy
43
Internal Medicine Practice of Northside
5
Internal Medicine Specialists of Roswell
Inside Front
LGE Community Credit Union
1
Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
13
Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails
30, 48
Morrow Family Medicine
39
Newtown Medical Associates
Inside Back
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center
27
North Atlanta Women’s Care
26
Northside Heart
Inside Front
Northside Family Practice & Urgent Care
Inside Back
Nothing Bundt Cakes
17
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
29
Perimeter North Family Medicine
3
Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.
35
R & D Mechanical Services, Inc.
Back Cover
Reproductive Surgical Specialists
5
Robb Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery Center St. George Village
48
North Fulton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2017
11
Cover, 24-25
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