North Fulton Family Life 3-18 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Contents

March 2018

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 8

[42-43]

[24-26]

24-26 On the Cover:

Crabapple Physical Therapy

32-33

Women Firefighters

42-43

Artist Profile

[32-33]

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........................ Taste of Life

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

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Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Publisher’s Perspective

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

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 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.

E R EC Y C

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

As you gear up for travels on the road this spring, prepare yourself, and even your family, to be open to new experiences. Of course, I’m not suggesting anyone intentionally miss a flight reservation or run late for a cruise; however, that would be a fun prank to play on the family if you think you would survive it. I would like to suggest some spontaneity, something off the spreadsheet and timeline of the tightly woven vacation schedule. As hard as it can be these days to get lost on a map, by opening our eyes to new and unplanned adventures, we possess the opportunity to get lost in the moment. Plan some time to be unplanned. May new discoveries find their way into the path, heart, and memories of you and your fellow travelers. Drive carefully, and enjoy the ride.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Michael Consoli, Hayley Echols, Lisa Ethridge, Hillary Gallagher, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Michele Ice, Mayor Joe Lockwood, Chris Miller, Tracy Morton, Vishant Nath, Hannah Olson, Christy Noll, Mark Russell, Mark Tolbert

When people travel with an open mind and open spirit, they can learn a lot from not only those on similar flights of fancy, but also those who are “in their place.” As many of you may recall, there was no GPS on the market twenty years ago. I took the fullest advantage of getting lost on my journeys, and I typically built time for it into my schedule. Being on the road

has always meant more to me than being in transit. Being on the road was to be in the moment, to see the sights, to get distracted, to get lost while finding. People are what make communities, towns, and cities. It’s a combination of their individual styles, their history, and their stories.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

hen I first got started working with magazines back in the mid-nineties, I was doing quite a bit of traveling around the southeast. Driving from town to town provided ample opportunities to meet people of many different walks of life. One day I might find myself in a chicken house antique shop on a backroad in Carrollton, Georgia, rummaging through a box of dusty, leather-bound, pre-Civil War books, and on another day I might be pulled over on a gravel patch next to Lake Eufaula to take a few casts at a largemouth bass and chat with a local before zipping off to sell an advertisement based on some random concept that I thought up while changing lures. Being on the road has always had a way of making me think. There was always someone somewhere with a story to tell that made me feel at home wherever I happened to be.

Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Get Lost

ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Calendar MARCH Women’s History Month — Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. WomensHistoryMonth.gov Live Music Thursdays — Come hear and support live music each week. 6:30-8:30pm, From the Earth Brewing Company, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-910-9799. FTEBrewing.com

Take-a-Peek Tuesdays at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage — Each Tuesday, take a quick peek at building collections, and hear about preservation and research efforts. Heritage staff and docents are on site. This is a FREE family member benefit, with $2 donation for nonmembers. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by a parent. 12:00pm, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

1-18

Georgia Ensemble Theatre Presents A Comedy of TENORS — The theatre world has waited thirty years for comic genius Ken Ludwig to deliver this companion to the hilarious, Tony Award-winning Lend Me A Tenor. This time around, we’re in 1930s Paris. One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends, and a soccer stadium full of screaming fans. The stage is set

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

ONGOING and Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. AutreyMill.org/take-a-peektuesday/ ProAlliance — Every Wednesday, enjoy early morning networking! There will be a light breakfast, casual networking, and a break out into small groups for a powerful time of connecting. This format allows you to share information about your business/work in a non-threatening environment, develop leads for potential new business, and help others reach their goals. Members - $5; Non-members - $10. 7:30am, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Office, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Building 400, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 770993-8806. GNFCC.com Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) Power Breakfast — On the first Tuesday of every month, enjoy a networking meeting at Smokejack. You will have an opportunity to present information about your company to other Alpharetta business professionals. The fee is $10 for ABA members and $15 for guests/ non-members. Reservations are required. 7:30-8:30am, Smokejack BBQ, 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta. 678-865-6608. AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com

for the concert of the century, as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife Maria from causing runaway chaos. Monday-Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 4:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday 2:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. GET.org

Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) Business After Hours — On the last Thursday of every month, business owners gather for networking opportunities. This event is free for ABA members and $10 for guests. 5:30-7:00pm, Harry Norman Realtors, 7855 North Point Parkway, #100, Alpharetta. 678-865-6608. AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com The Sons of Norway Norskevenner Lodge Meeting — Every third Saturday of the month, various lecturers speak at meetings on different aspects of Viking culture. They also have a book club that reads different areas of Norwegian history, literature, and popular fiction. 5:00-7:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 404-953-2525. SofNNorskevenner@gmail.com High Museum of Art Fulton County Free Saturdays — Walk-up admission is FREE for Fulton County residents on the first Saturday of each month until 1:00pm. Tickets are subject to availability. Acceptable I.D. includes valid driver’s license, utility bill, or student I.D. from a Fulton County school. 9:00am, High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4550. High.org

3,10, & 17

Georgia Ensemble Theatre Family Stage Presents Miss Nelson is Missing! — Miss Nelson’s class is the worst behaved in the whole school. But the students of room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson turns up missing and is replaced by scary Viola Swamp. 11:00am, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. GET.org

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9-18

Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show — For 36 years, this event has delighted quilt enthusiasts who create or simply appreciate and enjoy the art of quilt making. 10:00am, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. 770992-1731. BullochHall.org

Car Seat Safety Check — Help your child stay protected, and have your seat checked for FREE by one of Milton Police Department’s certified car seat technicians. 9:00am-1:00pm, Walmart, 5200 Windward Parkway, Milton. 678-242-2527. CityOfMiltonGa.us

A Novel Idea — Five local authors will meet to read from their novels. The theme is scifi/fantasy/ paranormal. Hear bestselling authors Zachary Steele, Connie McKee, Lauren Karcz, T. J. Morris, and Marsha Cornelius while you enjoy your favorite beverage, and sample the food. Door prizes will be awarded. This event is FREE and open to the public. 6:30-8:30pm, Alpha Soda, 11760 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta. 770-442-3102.

Roswell United Methodist Church Job Networking — This event includes job networking, dinner, a keynote speaker, a mini job fair, and other additional activities. 12:30-9:00pm, Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-9936218. RUMCJobNetworking.com

13-3/30

Spotlight Art - Words and Images — Artist Jane Haessler has created this all-woman art exhibit, which will convey the different stages in a woman’s life through the theme, “Lies, Truth, and Heart”. Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center Lobby, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellGov.com

And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank — A powerful multi-media performance that tells the story of the hidden children of the Holocaust. Two childhood friends of Anne Frank, Eva

Schloss and Ed Silverberg, recount their stories via video as professional actors portray them on stage. 6:30-9:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

Luck of Avalon — Calling all lads and lassies! Enjoy an evening full of live music, dancing, Irish flair, and of course, green beer! 6:00-10:00pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. ExperienceAvalon.com/events

The Michael O’Neal Singers — Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the full chorus teams with the Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance to present a program of true Irish favorites in both song and dance. 8:00-9:30pm, Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-594-7974. MOSingers.com

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Virtuoso Strings — Enjoy a special matinee show featuring the string section in an intimate performance of inspirational music. 3:00pm, Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. 678-748-5802. JohnsCreekSymphony.org

Chamber Music Concert — This concert features the iconic Brahms “Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor,” and Schoenfield’s “Cafe Music,” which captures the style of music one could hear in a Parisian cafe. The concert is followed by a fantastic wine and cheese reception, included with admission, where you can meet the musicians. 3:00-4:15pm, Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North, 11420 Crabapple Road, Roswell. 770-992-3949. UUMAN.org

Joe Gransden and His 16 Piece Big Band — Joe and his band are back for Swingin’ at the Haven big band jazz concert. 8:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-641-1260. GET.org

[continued on page 8] Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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[continued from page 7]

Household Paint and Chemical Collection — Open to Milton residents only, pre-registration is required. Disposable items include latex and oil-based paint, lawn and garden chemicals, pool chemicals, cleaning products, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and flammables. 9:00am-1:00pm, Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Road, Milton. 678-242-2509. CityOfMiltonGa.us

Roswell Reads Sponsors a Luncheon with Author Rebecca Burns — Author of Burial for a King: Martin Luther King’s Funeral and the Week that Transformed Atlanta and Rocked the Nation, Burns will speak about her book. In addition, there will be a MLK walking tour, writing workshop, family program, and more. 11:00am, Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. RoswellReads@gmail.com. RoswellReads. com

Power of Breath Women’s Fashion Luncheon — Guests will be inspired by women working to change outcomes in the health industry and working to influence change in lung cancer and lung disease. Attendees will be treated to complimentary wines and specialty cocktails, bid on silent auction items, and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and desserts. This event is focused on women leadership and Empowerment and will raise funds to educate women about lung disease and fund life-saving research

for the 33 million Americans living with lung cancer, asthma, COPD, and lung disease. 11:00am-3:00pm, The Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 770-544-0529. PowerOfBreathWomensFashionLuncheon. eventbrite.com

23-24

Dinner Theatre, Barefoot in the Park — Watch this Neil Simon classic, and enjoy a delicious dinner. Friday 6:30pm, Saturday 5:30pm, Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 678-871-7766. RUMCActingUp.Webs.com

Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra’s Solos of Spring Concert — This concert features four soloist finalists from the Youth Concerto Competition: Elise Park, Ava Posner, Qilin Tong, and Sarah Williams. Music selections will include the works of Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, and Stravinsky. 5:30-7:00pm, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta. 678-740-3554. AlpharettaSymphony.com

Cemetery Cleaning Day — Volunteer to help clean this historical cemetery. 9:3011:30am, Old Roswell Cemetery, 100 Woodstock Street, Roswell. 770-992-1665. RSVP to Jan Johnson at JFJ518@hotmail.com

Easter Egg Dash — The City of Johns Creek is egg-cited to host the Easter Egg Dash and Spring Park Party for youngsters 10 and under. This is a FREE event, which features 15,000 eggs, filled with goodies and toys. Children will be divided by age with differing start times. 10:00am-1:00pm, Shakerag Park, 10925 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek. 678512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Special Needs Easter Egg Dash — Enjoy a fun spring afternoon of games, activities, an Easter Egg Dash, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny! FREE! 10:00am, Park Place Event Lawn, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza — Activities include a petting zoo, photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera), and face painting. Egg hunt is for ages 3-6 only. Children under 2 and over 7 will receive goody bag. 10:00am12:30pm, North Park Softball (fields 1-4), 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678297-6140. Alpharetta.Ga.us

Flashlight Egg Hunt — Hunt for treasures in the dark with nothing

Roswell B eer Festiva l— There will b e over 300 beers, grea t food, and killer live music. 100 % of the pro ceeds from this e vent will be nefit Star House Fou ndation, a program fo at-risk kids r . 2:00-6:00 pm, Roswe Town Squa ll re, 512 Atl anta Stree Roswell. R t, oswellBee rFestival.c om

ic d help cure cyst e eat, drink, an m Co — re d Cu an ra nds, ShamRockin’ fo food, amazing ba filled with great t gh d giveaways. ni a an , th ils wi ta s fibrosi er, wine, cock be , od fo e, e ud cl on Amphitheatr r tickets in -11:00pm, Veriz dancing. Regula 00 7: .com n. re io ct Cu au ckinForA be a silent 3-5010. Shamro 73 There will also 440 . ta et ar rkway, Alph 2200 Encore Pa

24 8

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

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but flashlights! Be sure to keep an eye out for one of the golden eggs to redeem for a basket of prizes. Light refreshments will be served before the event begins. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available. Registration is required. 7:30-9:30pm, East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-541-3705.

There’s plenty to play with while you learn at these STEM stations. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Milton’s Bulky Trash Amnesty Day — Visit the website to see a list of items that you may bring to throw away. 8:00am-12:00pm, Roswell Public Works, 1810 Hembree Road, Roswell. 678-242-2509. CityOfMiltonGa.us

Rose Animal Hospital Spring Carnival — Kids can enjoy games and prizes as well as snacks, drinks, and tons of fun! There will also be adoptable dogs and puppies if you’re looking to add a new member to your family! 3:00pm, Rose Animal Hospital, 362 South Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-594-9731. RoseAnimalHospital.com

Flying into the Future — This event includes a flighted birds of prey show where visitors will be able to learn about these incredible animals and have opportunities to get up close as well. 12:00-4:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

25-5/31

ECO-TINKER Interactive Exhibits — Enjoy five stations where you can experiment and explore. These exhibit stations focus on the science of water.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

1-30

Roswell Azalea Festival — Numerous activities, exhibits, receptions, and events take place at various times throughout the city. Roswell. RoswellAzaleaFestival.com

2-6

Camp Kingfisher Spring Break Camp — Spring Break Camp is a five-day camp experience filled with exciting animal encounters, outdoor play, and educational hikes exploring 127 acres. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Water Drop Dash 5k and Family Water Festival — This Peachtree qualifier encourages metro Atlanta residents to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems during the annual EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week March 19 – 25. The post-race Water Festival will be full of giveaways, activities, and face painting. 7:00am, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055 x238. WaterDropDash.com

APRIL

Smith Plantation Easter Egg Hunt — Spend the morning finding candy-filled treasures on the grounds of this historic home. Children should bring their own baskets. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available. Space is limited. $5 registration is required. 10:00am, Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. 770-641-3978. SouthernTrilogy.com

30-31 & 4/6-7

Spring Native Plant Sale — Going native provides a wealth of benefits to your space, including privacy, beauty, blossoms, food, and homes to Georgia’s wide diversity of animals. There will be over 120 species of plants available with FREE admission to the garden area. 10:00am5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

30-31

Roswell Youth Theatre Presents Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. — Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Friday 7:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm & 7:00pm, Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-6413987. RoswellGov.com

Church Listings Journey Christian Church 11125 Houze Road Roswell 770-993-4617 JourneyRoswell.org

April 1 Easter Service at 9:30am

First Baptist Roswell 710 Mimosa Boulevard Roswell 770-344-0319 FBRoswell.org

March 25 Easter Egg Hunt at 12:00pm March 29 Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00pm April 1 Easter Sunday Service at 8:30am and 11:00am

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LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA

10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 404-613-6735

MILTON

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm, Ocee AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free, in-person tax assistance. For more information, please visit AARP.org/taxaide. Registration is required. FREE ESL CLASSES Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm, Roswell Learn conversational English. All levels and ages are welcome. FREE YOGA CLASSES Tuesdays, 10:30am, Roswell The techniques of Yoga are taught in a light, joyful, and thorough manner – equally useful and suitable for all levels of Yoga students. This is for adults. YOUNG ARTISTS March 3, 17, & 31, 4:00-5:30pm, Ocee Learn the basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and cartoon/ anime drawing. AMAZING REPTILES! DEMONSTRATION WITH THE AUTREY MILL NATURE PRESERVE March 7, 4:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks This interactive presentation will include the story, Miles and Miles of Reptiles, a creature feature (with a snake), and show and tell with animal artifacts. Reservations are required. This is for ages 5-11. CONCERT HARPIST — LISA HANDMAN March 9, 10:30am, Milton No school for Fulton County students! Spend the morning at the library with music from local harpist Lisa Handman. This is for ages 5+. TEEN GAVEL CLUB — LEARNING THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING March 11 & 25, 3:00pm, Alpharetta In an exciting partnership with Alpharetta Toastmasters, teens can learn how to improve their public speaking skills. Gavel Club is for teens ages 12-19. No registration is necessary.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820

OCEE 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897

LINE DANCING WITH JEAN CHEN March 13, 20, & 27, 11:00am, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Have some fun with a variety of line dances that exercise all parts of the body! Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This is for adults and teens. MAKING HEALTHY TRANSITIONS FOR WOMEN SUPPORT GROUP March 14 & 28, 10:00am, Northeast/Spruill Oaks This 90-minute support group for women is led by a certified life coach using a step-by-step, easy, and concrete plan for exploring any lifestyle change. Reservations are required. EARLY SPRING INTEREST IN THE GARDEN March 14, 6:00pm, East Roswell This will be a fun and interactive evening, as we spring into spring!” A brief presentation will include early spring bloomers for Georgia, what to do in the garden now, and natural spring arrangements. Afterwards, try your hand at a spring bouquet! Bring your questions and creativity. This is presented by North Fulton Master Gardeners. Reservations are required. PYSANKY EASTER EGG CRAFT March 17, 11:00am–2:00pm, Milton Design a traditional Ukrainian Easter Egg! Hot wax will be used, and a strict age minimum of 12+ will be in effect because of the medium used to design the eggs. There is a limit of limit of 25 participants. Registration is required.

ROSWELL

115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

EAST ROSWELL

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

WORLD OF TURKISH COOKING. March 17, 12:00pm, Alpharetta Representatives from Alpharetta’s Istanbul Center demonstrate their favorite (meat and vegetarian) Turkish recipes. Free samples will be given to all participants. Registration is suggested. All adults are welcome. MAXIMIZE YOUR JOY SEMINAR March 17, 11:30am, East Roswell Explore the three keys to a purpose-filled life: find your joy; find your purpose; live life with expectancy. This is presented by Shoner Johnson, speaker and author of This Joy That I Have: Life After the Storm. There will be a book signing afterwards. Reservations are required. FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS WORKSHOP — CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR HOME March 18, 3:00pm, Alpharetta Join professional realtors Briana Gordon and David Waxman for an informative hour. Registration is suggested. All adults are welcome. MEET AUTHOR DOROTHY ST. JAMES March 24, 2:00pm, Milton Dorothy St. James will discuss her latest book, Playing with Bonbon Fire: A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery. Books will be available for sale and signing afterwards through Bookmiser. This is for ages 18+. BIRDHOUSES YOUTH ART March 28, 3:30pm, East Roswell Create a piece of artwork to take home with Out of The Box Art studio using mixed art mediums. Reservations are required. This is for ages 6-11. PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION March 31, 11:00am-12:00pm, Ocee Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. You will be able to ask questions about this service, and gain tips to guide you through the application process. This is for teens and adults.

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[HomeLife] Georgia rarely gets snow like we did this past year, and that snow affects the trees. With heavy

snow comes breaks and fractures. So, it’s a great idea to have an ISA-certified arborist, preferably one that’s T.R.A.Q. (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified via the ISA) certified to come out and assess your trees. There are a lot of ways that trees can fail or pre-fail. Having a trained arborist visually inspect your trees helps prevent unwanted consequences from unexpected future tree failure. Here is what an arborist will look for: 1. Broken Branches - Broken branches need to be pruned. When a tree breaks, it will attempt to heal the wound by growing callus wood over the broken area. However, trees don’t break clean. Breaks leave splinters that the tree has to grow around. Pruning broken branches provides a smooth-cut face, which allows the tree to quickly heal and compartmentalize against further decay encroachment. 2. Bent Branches - Trees have no mechanical ability to contract stretched fibers. Once they are stretched, they stay stretched. Next, the bent area of the tree will grow thicker to support the tree’s new

load imbalance. This is called response growth. However, in the short run, a tree that has been bent over by a storm will have a higher propensity for failure. Evaluating the probability of failure plus impact on a defined target is the job of a tree risk assessor.

3. Fallen Trees - Trees that have been

blown over typically have reached the end of their life. This is for two reasons: First, if a root ball comes out of the ground, most of the time it is in a moist environment where the water will cause erosion into

the hole under the root ball. Once this hole fills up with dirt, it prevents the tree from being fully stood back up. Secondly, guy wires are not the best solution. As stated earlier, trees grow in response to the pressure put on them (response growth). Often, we are tempted to install guy wires to help support a tree that has been blown over. However, because guy wires support the tree, the roots don’t. Thus, over time, the roots will not respond and grow as needed. So, once the guy wires are removed, the roots will fail again. Therefore, in full blow-over situations, removal and replacement is typically the recommended approach.

Tree Care After Snow By Mark Russell

Mark Russell is an ISA T.R.A.Q/Certified Arborist SO#6098-A and the owner of 770-Arborist Tree Health Care in Canton. 770-272-6747. 770Arborist.com

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Senator Speaks

By Senator John Albers

e are currently in the midst of the 2018 legislative session. In the coming months, I will have more specific updates on the bills and resolutions that passed and may impact you. This month, I have focused on our community and serving others. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?“ Volunteering in our community is a passion of mine. It is an honor and privilege to use my God-given talents for the sake of others. North Fulton is full of great communities, and the opportunities to get involved are abundant. I serve on dozens of charitable organizations and boards, and I find an intense joy in making a positive difference. As a fourth-generation volunteer firefighter, I serve side-by-side with my fellow public safety professionals protecting life and property. Active firefighters must complete continuous training and remain physically fit. It is a unique opportunity to give back. Not everyone has to run into burning houses to help. Others support our firefighters and police officers with our Public Safety Foundation by raising

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

money and taking care of our heroes in their time of need. We have several great organizations that help our military heroes, everything from care packages to wonder warriors. No matter your talent or desire, we have a place for you. Both of my sons are Eagle Scouts. This is a tremendous accomplishment of which we are proud. Will’s Eagle Scout project many years ago aided a local Roswell charity, EnAble of Georgia, and will bring benefits for decades to come. My younger son built tables at church for outside seating. It’s never too early to get your children involved in serving others and their community. Volunteering as a family is time very well spent, and it builds life memories. I love to volunteer, and which allows me to lead by example inspire others for generations to come. I have enjoyed serving at church since my childhood. Decades of serving has ranged from delivering meals, providing medical care, building houses, job network coaching, mission trips, computer help, governance, fundraising, painting, teaching, and simply listening. I am blessed to be a member at Roswell United Methodist Church, and I encourage

you to explore your faith and service to others. Roswell Rotary is a shining example of so many doing so much good and living up to our motto of “Service Above Self.” You may be asking why I would want to spend my spare time helping the community, even after my position as an elected official. A better question would be, why not? You will never regret missing an hour of TV, but you will treasure positively impacting your community, state, and country. You will network, learn new experiences, and become a better person. Believe it or not, you will be the biggest benefactor of your volunteer time. In summary, please consider serving others joyfully and more often. If you’re looking for ideas, please drop me a line at John@SenatorAlbers.com. I do love serving you as your Georgia Senator. 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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Community Revved Up Kids Hopes to Train More Youngsters to Protect Themselves from Predators from Shamrock ‘n Roll will help Revved Up Kids move toward its goal of training 1,000 young people a week by 2020. Revved Up Kids is selling tickets and sponsorship packages via its website. Already signed on as sponsors are Black Dog Signs, Kaiser Permanente, Grimes Insurance, and Choices to You. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets or sponsorship packages, see RevvedUpKids.org/shamrock-n-roll, or contact Alli Neal at 678-526-3335 or Contact@revvedupkids.org.

A north Fulton nonprofit that teaches young people how to recognize sexual predators, avoid dangerous situations and, if necessary, escape attackers wants to expand the number of kids it equips to protect themselves, particularly those whose families cannot afford to pay for such training.

The organization decided to host Shamrock ‘n Roll because, although private donations and grants have helped it reach disadvantaged communities, a fundraising event offers an opportunity for supporters to come together in celebration of accomplishments while also laying the foundation for future impact.

With that aim in mind, Revved Up Kids is undertaking its first fundraising event, Shamrock ‘n Roll, on March 16, to be held at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. It promises to be a fun evening, featuring gourmet food and drinks, music and dancing, casino-style games, a wine/ spirits pull, and raffle prizes.

Revved Up Kids was founded in 2010 after Alli Neal and her husband David realized a need facing Atlanta children. Since Revved Up Kids’ launch, almost 12,000 children and teens throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia have been trained to protect themselves from sexual abuse and exploitation. Proceeds

EVENT DETAILS WHAT Shamrock ‘n Roll WHEN Friday, March 16, 2018, from 7:00-11:00pm WHERE Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive Johns Creek TICKETS $75 General, $125 VIP EVENT SPONSORSHIP PACKETS RevvedUpKids.org/ shamrock-n-roll/

Creek View Receives Gift from the Gladiators Creek View Elementary students were excited to receive a special visit from Clyde Patterson of the Gwinnett Gladiators who handed them a check for $1,607.40. Late last year, the Creek View Elementary Chorus sang the Canadian National Anthem before the Gladiators took the ice against the Kansas City Mavericks, and several students participated in the “High- Five” tunnel. Proceeds from tickets sold by Creek View students and families went to support the school’s music and physical education programs. These funds will be used for Creek View’s Project-Based Learning initiatives and for new technology for the students. (L-R) Rishi Thakre; Jennifer Wilson, assistant principal; Emily Douglas; Dayna Ross; Mikayla Shedrawy; Addison Murphy; Caroline Ambrosetti; Rajeswari Anand; and Elizabeth Crane, music teacher.

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Community Atlanta Tech Startup Spins Food Waste into Coveted Compost They say that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” And in regard to the banana peel you routinely throw away, it is true. Banana peels and other food waste can be transformed into compost, a natural substance treasured like gold by farmers and gardeners everywhere for its unmatched ability to enrich the soil. Conversely, when that same banana peel is discarded along with other household trash, it frequently ends up in a landfill. There, lacking the necessary oxygen to break down into compost, it creates methane gas — a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere.

Thanks to a new, local tech startup, Cyrcle Compost, consumers and businesses now have a choice about what to do with their banana peels, other food and yard waste, and non-recyclable paper. For a low monthly fee, Cyrcle Compost (CyrcleCompost.com) will come to your home or business, collect the food waste that you accumulate in a special, odorless, compostable bag they provide, and deliver it to a local farm or facility that will convert it to nutrient-rich compost. “We want to make it extremely easy for people to choose to recycle their food waste, keep it out of landfills, and subsequently convert it

into a much-needed resource,” says Cyrcle Compost Cofounder Rebecca Weizenecker. “Unlike most commercial fertilizers that feed plants a few primary nutrients, compost feeds the soil, restoring essential microbes and micronutrients often depleted by traditional agribusiness practices.” Recycling food waste is clearly the best choice, and Cyrcle Compost’s stated mission is “To make it easier to be better.” Cyrcle can also be the best financial choice for restaurants and other food-service industries. “They will pay far less for us to collect their food waste than for their current sanitation company to collect their mixed trash that includes food waste. It makes sense for the planet and for their bottom line,” says Weizenecker. For more information, contact Rebecca@cyrcle.io.

Congratulations to our February “7 Differences” winner, Gwen Darling! 14

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

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Chattahoochee Senior Named a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate Chattahoochee High School senior Puneet Singh has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2018. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

City Springs Announces Programming and Tenants The Performing Arts Center will open its 2018-2019 season with a line-up including respected and nationally recognized arts organizations. The Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera, leading figures in Atlanta’s performing arts community, are currently finalizing details for performances at City Springs for spring 2019. In addition, City Springs Theatre Company, the metro area’s newest professional theatre company, will present five productions during its inaugural season. The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs features the Byers Theatre, a main stage with seating capacity of 1,070; a 5,000-square-foot, flexible space studio theater; conference center; and city green. Construction is expected to be completed this summer. For more information, visit CitySprings.com.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, call 507-931-8435, or email PSP@ scholarshipamerica.org.

Alive in Roswell Makes $10,000 Donation to Historic Roswell Business Association The ever-popular Alive in Roswell street festival already benefits the community by attracting thousands of Roswell residents and visitors to historic downtown Roswell each year, but now, event organizers are giving back to Roswell in a different way by presenting the Historic Roswell Business Association (HRBA) with a $10,000 donation to invest in the City’s downtown district. Atlanta Plays It Forward, which organizes the event in partnership with the City of Roswell, presented the $10,000 check to the HRBA at the recent City of Roswell’s Mayor and Council Meeting. The funds represent the remaining proceeds from vendor and sponsorship dollars Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

after the costs of running the event are calculated. Organizers credit the support of the community, sponsors, vendors, merchants, and the 2017 presenting sponsor, Gate City Brewing Company, for paving the way for a successful 2017 season, which made the significant donation possible. HRBA Chairman Rand Cabus accepted the check on behalf of the non-profit organization and said the donation will be vital to the ongoing success of the HRBA’s work to promote the growth and prosperity of Roswell’s historic district. “This money is essential for the HRBA to

continue administrative support for our activities, for marketing materials, for the ExploreRoswell.com website maintenance, and for other collateral needed to effectively represent our historic district businesses both to visitors and to our elected leaders,” said Cabus. In addition, Cabus says this money will help continue to nurture several projects the HRBA has shepherded over the past year. These projects include parking in historic Roswell, the Historic Roswell Beautification Project, outdoor lighting projects at Roswell Town Square and in Heart of Roswell Park, and promoting the Historic Roswell Trolley Murals around Roswell. For more information about Alive in Roswell, visit AliveInRoswell.com. For more information about the Historic Roswell Business Association, visit ExploreRoswell. com. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Roswell Arts Fund Gifts Three New Sculptures Closing their second year of the ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour, Roswell Arts Fund is thrilled to gift three sculptures to the City of Roswell. Reception, Sweet Pops of Brilliance, and Sentience will all remain permanently in Roswell thanks in part to generous donations by local businesses and residents. Steady has also been purchased by The Hagan Family Foundation. The sculptures will join two other permanent pieces purchased from the 2016 ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour, Smoke in the Historic Roswell Square and Oak Leaf Triptych in Roswell Area Park.

Alive in Roswell Returns in April Roswell’s much-loved, monthly street festival, Alive in Roswell, returns to energize downtown Roswell once again this April. Alive in Roswell is held on the third Thursday of each month from April through October, from 5:00-9:00pm, and runs concurrently on Canton Street and at Historic Roswell Town Square as well as at the Interactive Zone at City Hall. Free trolley service connects the venues. The festival features live bands, hundreds of interactive vendors, and kids’ games and entertainment — and it enjoys participation from the surrounding boutiques, small businesses, and restaurants. Hosted by the City of Roswell in conjunction with Atlanta Plays it Forward, Alive in Roswell offers unique opportunities for sponsors and vendors to showcase their businesses and services — and their commitment to the community — to thousands of residents and visitors. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels. To discuss opportunities, contact Tom LaDow at 678-591-2610 or TLaDow@ AtlantaPlaysItForward.com. For more information, visit AliveInRoswell.com.

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Johns Creek Fire Department Unveils New Fire Engine The Johns Creek Fire Department (JCFD) recently unveiled its new fire engine at Station #61, 10265 Medlock Bridge Parkway. The 32-foot-long, custom, Pierce Enforcer Pumper has 2,000 gallons per minute pump capacity and weighs more than 38,000 pounds. The new engine has an enhanced motor and braking system, along with various operational improvements such as an integrated light tower that can be raised and positioned remotely, making it useful in fire scenes, accident scenes, and police investigations after dark. The truck also enables firefighters with more attack hose capacity and includes specialty emergency medical services (EMS) equipment compartments. JCFD held a “push-in” ceremony during the unveiling, which is a tradition of fire department personnel moving the truck into the fire station. The new fire engine replaces the ten-year-old engine that was in service at Station #61, which will be added to the reserve fleet. Typically, engines are replaced every ten years or 100,000 miles and are then placed on reserve. Currently, the department operates three frontline engines and one reserve. The fire engine cost $563,656.

Spring Registration Date Set for Kindergarten & Pre-K Students The Fulton County School System announced its spring kindergarten registration dates: Wednesday, March 28, 8:00am-4:00pm, and Thursday, March 29, 8:00am-7:00pm. During these two days, parents of incoming kindergarten students, as well as other new elementary students entering school in August, can register their children for the 2018-2019 school

year. Registration will occur at all Fulton County elementary schools. To register new students, parents should visit the school their child will attend in the fall. In addition, over 1,700 spaces in prekindergarten classes are available at 45 elementary schools throughout the county. Pre-kindergarten registration dates vary by school, and enrollment is handled by a lottery system. Parents also can visit the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s website, Decal.Ga.gov, to determine the availability of other privately funded pre-kindergarten program providers.

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Grow a Plant with Super Powers By Lisa Ethridge

Here are some sure-fire growing instructions that will turn your brown thumb green: 6.

[HomeLife] Aloe vera, one of the easiest plants to grow, is both beautiful and beneficial. Every home should have one. The plant is a green succulent with fleshy, arm-like leaves with serrated edges. Aloe vera is a tough plant that needs little water and is known for its healing qualities.

The simple reason everyone should have an aloe plant is because it provides a handy home remedy for burns and common conditions such as rashes, bug bites, sunburn, cold sores, and other itchy or inflamed skin and scalp problems. Treatment is simple, and relief is quick: break off a leaf, and squeeze the gel on your skin.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

4. 5.

Your plant needs bright, but not direct, sunlight. To grow big and strong, water once a week if the soil is dry. Do not drown it. Fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer once a month. You can use the fertilizer spikes available at garden centers — very easy to use with no mess. Read the directions. Aloe plants like to be outdoors when there is no danger of frost. Next April 15, put it outside where it gets light and humidity — no direct sun. Continue to water and fertilize. Next summer, your aloe will sprout new plants. Next fall, before November 7, carefully repot your aloe and tenderly remove

the new sprouts. Pot the sprouts, and give them to your friends. They will smile. Do not allow your friends to say, “thank you” for the plant. They should only say, “I will give this plant a good home.” That’s just gracious plant etiquette. Your repotted aloe will enjoy the sunny winter days but not the cold. You must bring it inside for the winter, and place it in bright, indirect light until the spring.

For more information, go to Extension.UGA. edu/publications and read brochure B1318, Growing Indoor Plants with Success.

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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Parental Guidance Suggested

Conversations About Late-in-Life Transitions By Tracy Morton

We plan for birthdays, [HomeLife] weddings, and vacations, but how many of us plan for and discuss the financial, legal, and logistical issues with our loved ones that come late in life when transitions are inevitable? It can be a very awkward and uncomfortable conversation, so it’s no wonder that many of us, young and old, avoid thinking about and discussing it with our families.

housing and financial transitions. These wishes should then be legally recorded. If you are the adult child/caregiver of an elderly parent, or the elderly parent wanting to engage your adult children, here are some pointers for starting this conversation: • •

With a little planning and communication, aging parents and their adult children/caregivers can save thousands of dollars and avoid stress and family disagreements by making their wishes known regarding late-in-life

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•

Be respectful and non-judgmental of your loved one’s wishes. Begin by letting them know your interest in understanding where they are in their planning (or maybe no planning) is coming from a place of love and caring for their wellbeing. If the situation allows, break these conversations into small,

manageable pieces. Being attuned to the fact that talking about selling a house or discussing money might be very stressful triggers for your loved one is important. Tracy Morton is a senior real estate specialist with Harry Norman Realtors, 404-784-6970. For a more in-depth look at what should be discussed and planned for, visit her six-part video series available online at Youtube. com/c/TracyMortonAtlantaRealtor.

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Academic Summer Camp — The Smart Choice By Mark Tolbert [AcademicLife] According to experts, a child’s learning should not come to a screeching halt when the school year ends. In fact, many education experts recommend children attend summer academic camps to continue to engage the mind in new and creative ways. Academic summer camps are a fantastic way to keep your child’s learning skills sharp and ready to start the next school year stronger than ever. Summer is the perfect time for children to keep their minds nimble and sharpen reading comprehension and writing skills, or get ahead in advanced subjects like chemistry or algebra.

their minds active and engaged for myriad reasons,” explains Alexandra McMullen, director of the Junior Leadership Academy this summer at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, RI. “Summer academic camps can promote engagement from a variety of angles, as they help to promote the growth of critical thinking and collaboration skills through a diverse set of opportunities that are often a departure from what they experience in a traditional classroom.” The pace of learning in a summer camp environment is also less rigid, which lets children absorb knowledge at a different pace. “Summer programs are useful in keeping students engaged with academics, but a relaxed pace allows them to change their perspective, not just about the material, but can also be used to try new learning approaches,” says Manbir Sodhi, professor of engineering at the University of Rhode Island and part of the school’s summer programming. “Students need down time, but mixing fun and learning with summer sunshine can refresh the students for the new academic year.”

Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com

“During the summer months, it is vital for students to keep

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Adaptive Music Lessons â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

When Work Feels Like Play By Hayley Echols, LPMT, MT-BC [HealthyLife] Children are motivated to work in many ways. A physical therapist may use a scooter to motivate a patient to use the muscles in his arms and legs to move his body along, thus improving muscle tone. An occupational therapist may provide a patient with a marker and white paper to motivate her to work on

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fine motor skills. But what if there are other ways that children can be motivated to work? What if it were possible to make work feel like play? Adaptive music lessons can do just that.

of self-expression, which is intended to provide motivation for a child to practice, and practicing develops not only better musicians, but also helps each child reach their individual goals.

In an adaptive music lesson, a music therapist will do a full evaluation on a new client to develop goals for the client, just like a physical therapist or an occupational therapist would. If possible, a music therapist will even communicate with other therapists to find out what the child is working on in their related therapies. As soon as a music therapist has discovered the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths and weaknesses and has established a set of goals, he/she will begin addressing those goals through musical play.

Whether your child is learning to play the piano, guitar, or drum kit, you can bet that his/her brain is working hard. Attention, memory, fine motor, eye-hand coordination, or auditory processing difficulties may make music lessons more challenging, but while your child is learning a new instrument, he/she is actually working on these areas. If you have been hesitant about your child taking music lessons for various reasons, just remember â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in adaptive music lessons, work can feel like play!

For example, if a patient has difficulty opening their hand and controlling movements in the arm, a music therapist might teach the client to strum their favorite song on a guitar or ukulele while the therapist sings along. Music is a form

Hayley Echols is a board-certified professional music therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-3452804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy. com

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Mayor’s Minute

What Makes

MILTON So Special? By Mayor Joe Lockwood

arch is always an exciting time for families. Local schools are more than halfway through the school year, and spring break is just around the corner. Just like many families are checking off annual financial tasks, it’s also a key time financially for local government. The City of Milton is halfway through its fiscal year, and it’s at this point that we begin the early steps of budget planning. This fiscal year has been a little more challenging for schools and cities alike because of the delayed property tax assessments from Fulton County. Despite those difficulties, I’m proud of how our City staff responded to keep citizens informed, and the proactive approach our finance department has taken in helping us shift how we report tax revenues going forward. As you may know, the City completed its first greenspace purchase in January, acquiring the Milton Country Club, with 139 acres of greenspace located in the heart of Milton. While the future of the property hasn’t been decided, we hope our residents will take part in the ongoing community planning conversations to help determine long-term needs and priorities for this new community asset. This was just the first purchase of what I am confident will be a continued successful execution of the Milton Greenspace Bond Referendum — success that can be largely attributed to the efforts of Milton’s citizen-appointed Greenspace Advisory Committee. Looking back over the last several months, it’s amazing to see what we’ve accomplished from a community planning standpoint, and it’s equally exciting to see all the things on the horizon — the update to the Milton Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a new master plan for Providence Park, an updated Milton Trail Plan, and now — a brand new planning effort underway with the Milton Country Club. There’s no doubt that it’s going to

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

be an exciting time in Milton over the next few years, as all of these efforts begin to take shape, and it’s incredible to see the positive impact being made on the overall quality of life in Milton. A citizen recently commented about her experience as a Milton resident, “I feel like I am part of a village, not a large, high-end suburb of Atlanta.” I don’t believe I’ve felt more proud as Milton’s mayor than I was at that moment. From day one of Milton’s incorporation, the goal was to achieve greater local control through an

increased sense of community by focusing on the things that were most important to our residents. With each new community planning effort, I’m more convinced than ever that we’re staying true to our reasons for incorporation and remembering what makes Milton so special — it’s residents. L

Joe Lockwood is the mayor of the city of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us

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hen Nancy O’Brien, a retired RN, arrived at Crabapple Physical Therapy a couple of months ago, she was clutching the September 2017 issue of the North Fulton Family Life magazine that featured Crabapple PT’s grand opening. As Dr. Chastain walked her into the treatment area, Nancy stated, “I’ve had PT before, but it got me curious when I read that you were a ‘high-tech private practice with a hometown touch.’” Halfway through her treatment course, Nancy told Dr. Chastain, “You know, this place really is high tech and also very down to earth and friendly. You have

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

machines here no one else has, and you’ve used treatments that I have never had before, and I feel better than I expected I would feel. Even on the first day, I went home feeling better. The staff here really make me feel so comfortable, and they make me laugh.” Nancy continued, “I came here with bad pain from my neck all the way into my hips that was getting worse and worse. The combination of what they do to my back and neck with their hands, core exercises, hi-tech machines like the LASER therapy, and the neck and back decompression is what has really

worked for me, and I am so much better.” Kim Chastain, DPT has earned recognition and respect from physicians and patients over the past 23 years while in private practice in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Having earned high trust from the medical community, Georgia’s largest hospital healthcare system reached out to Dr. Chastain to be the executive director of their new outpatient rehabilitation division while also acquiring her practices in January 2012. Dr. Chastain then developed a strategic Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

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plan and significantly expanded their outpatient rehabilitation footprint in Georgia. However, Dr. Chastain missed the private sector and working hands-on with patients. So, she took her extensive experience as an orthopedic physical therapist, and stated, “I came up with new models of treatment utilizing cutting-edge technology to improve patient results and lessen the length of treatment for patients.” Dr. Chastain also stated, “I was very ready to immerse myself into a ‘mom and pop,’ hometown-style clinic, which could partner with community businesses, schools, and families. I found my business and personal home in Crabapple. Downtown Crabapple is the perfect location because it is central to Alpharetta, Milton, and Roswell residents.” Patient Carolyn Turner had severe migraines and dizziness. Her postconcussion syndrome had severely affected her quality of life, sometimes rendering her incapacitated. Carolyn said, “I had been treated by Kim Chastain in the past in Kennesaw, and when I wasn’t getting better having tried three other PTs, I sought out to find Kim. I was so happy to learn that she was back in private practice. So, I drove from west Cobb to north Fulton Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

to see Kim without hesitation because she is truly one of a kind.” Within three of the recommended six sessions of treating Carolyn’s upper neck and using LASER treatment, she stated, “My condition was greatly improved. I feel normal again for the first time in years.” After Annette, a surgical nurse, fell at work and seriously hurt her back, she tried PT elsewhere and felt that she got worse, so she stopped and remained in pain. After reading about Crabapple PT, she decided to try PT one more time. Annette stated, “For the first time, someone was looking at me as a whole person. I wasn’t just a checklist of exercises left waiting on the table. They completed an extremely thorough assessment of what was wrong and gave me very specific instructions of what to do and not do. At every visit, my back would be reassessed, therapy would be performed, and then I’d be asked to walk around to see if I felt better. If it wasn’t 100%, then I would receive more therapy until I was just right, despite how long it took that day.” BJ Hopper came to Crabapple PT after having both knees replaced. The

knee replacements resulted in severe, debilitating back pain, forcing her to use crutches to walk. Dr. Chastain used the LASER and the MedX™ Lumbar Extension Machine, among other things, and within only one week, BJ went from severe pain to “almost gone!” Dr. Chastain has learned that patients want to feel better very fast and be heard fully. “I am amazed at the tenacity of some patients when they have been through so many invasive procedures and are so worn down from pain and medications. I wish they had seen us first before going through all of that, and it is something I would love to WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

help change in the current healthcare culture,” she said. Being an empathetic and resourceful therapist herself, Dr. Chastain stated, “I take great care in hiring only genuinely empathetic and attentive staff members, so patients are comfortable discussing any issue, and they always feel cared for and heard.” So, as the Crabapple community embraced Dr. Chastain’s private practice, it was time to add another physical therapist to accommodate growth. Blake Pugh came aboard in November 2017 as the clinic director. Not only does Blake have extensive, advanced training, but his approach and way of treating patients is much the same as Dr. Chastain’s. Dr. Chastain stated, “I had the great pleasure of working with Blake previously. Blake has a huge heart and spends a lot of time listening, designing, and rechecking all of his patients results and responses to various treatments. Blake believes it is important to always be ‘adjusting the sails’ each visit, so the patients are always getting treated for only what they need and not wasting time doing things that they have already surpassed. He agrees that having access to the best technology in physical therapy can be a game changer for patient success.” For example, Jillian DiMarco, a varsity

athlete on the Milton High School tennis team, has repeatedly sprained her ankle. Treatment with the deep tissue LASER sped up her recovery time and brought pain levels down faster. Blake noticed that Jillian had a

balance issue that he felt contributed to her repeated re-injuries. He utilized the hi-tech, computerized Biodex Balance System™ to pinpoint her exact balance problem. “The LASER and balance treatments are helping me so much,” said Jillian who also exclaimed that, “They (Crabapple PT) take great care of me, and I can even swing by after school, and Blake tapes my ankle before practices. I am so grateful to Blake for getting me back on the court, so I didn’t lose my position on the varsity team!”

Crabapple Physical Therapy was designed by Dr. Chastain for patients of every pain level, which is why there is aquatic therapy on site, so even patients in severe pain can succeed without fear of increased pain with treatment. Crabapple Physical Therapy treats patients of all ages with orthopedic and neurological issues, work injuries, athletic injuries, new onset of chronic pain, pre- and post-surgical issues, and older adults with balance issues.

Kim Chastain BS, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, is the Founder and CEO of Crabapple Physical Therapy. Kim is a 1986 graduate from Hunter College in NY and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010. She is also certified in dry needling and has been board-certified in orthopedics with the American Physical Therapy Association for twenty years.

Crabapple Physical Therapy is currently accepting and scheduling new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit CrabapplePT.com, or call 770-686-3700. You can also email questions or inquiries to Kim: Kim@crabapplept.com 12220 Birmingham Highway, Building 10 in downtown Crabapple, adjacent to Milton City Hall 26

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in the

limelight

he Dykstra & Kemp Allstate Insurance Group has been providing insurance to customers in Georgia since 1962. It is a family owned business, and since its inception, its primary mission has been to provide property and casualty insurance as well as financial services to its customers. Over the years, the Group has been named an Agency of Excellence and has also earned the Allstate Financial Leader Award, the Chairman’s Conference Award, and the National Conference Award. These awards have placed the agency in the prestigious Honor Ring and Chairman’s Circle with Allstate. The Dykstra & Kemp Agency loves to stay connected to the community through its involvement in the North Fulton and

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Dykstra & Kemp Insurance Alpharetta Chambers of Commerce, its active membership in the Alpharetta Rotary Club, and its volunteer work with the North Fulton Charities organization. Dykstra & Kemp Allstate Insurance Group knows what life is like in north Fulton – that you choose your car and your home to fit your lifestyle and your budget. They also know how important it is to do the same when it comes to insurance. When you want to explore your options for protecting your home, personal property, or financial future, they are available to answer your questions. If you are already a customer, the staff is ready to review your coverage, so you can make any necessary adjustments

to fit your changing needs. Their agency is conveniently located in downtown Alpharetta on North Main Street, and it is home to a staff that has over 65 years of combined insurance experience. Call today to protect your family and property.

770-442-9909

DykstraKempIns@Allstate.com 284 North Main Street Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

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North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

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Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON

In 2005,

Ann Siebert began One City - One Read in her Roswell community. The program, now called Roswell Reads and propelled by a volunteer steering committee, continues to expand and utilize literacy as a means of sparking conversation. Roswell Reads allows readers the opportunity to “collectively examine relevant issues, establish bonds, and forge a better understanding of their community and society.” As 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., the committee’s current selection, Burial for a King: Martin Luther King’s Funeral and the Week that Transformed Atlanta and Rocked the Nation, is most fitting. Written by Rebecca Burns, former editor of Atlanta Magazine, current publisher of The Red and Black, and parttime instructor at UGA, the book meticulously chronicles the historical sequence of events beginning the morning of April 5, continuing to April 10, 1968. From the perspective of family, civic leaders, celebrities, MLK’s inner circle of friends, and SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) members that spanned the nation including happenings inside the White House, Atlanta’s Governor’s Mansion, the King home, Atlanta’s airport, churches, universities, and the streets of some of the 110 cities overcome by riots, Burns creates a frame-by-frame recreation of the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated through the day following his burial. The world aimed its camera on Atlanta, home to the man Walter Cronkite would call “...the apostle of nonviolence.” Atlanta would need to navigate its own grief while simultaneously playing host to nearly 150,000 mourners — representing the largest funeral ever held for a U.S. Citizen — from all over the globe. The city dubbed “too busy to hate” lived up to its reputation and emerged as “a new kind of southern city.” Roswell Reads will sponsor a luncheon with author Rebecca Burns at 11:00am on March 17 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center. In addition, they have organized a MLK walking tour, writing workshop, family program, and more. Visit RoswellReads.com for details and to purchase luncheon tickets.

Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net

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The Truth About Gum Disease By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] Though more common in adults, gum disease can occur in children in the form of gingivitis. It’s important to begin gum disease prevention in children, so they will carry good hygiene habits into adulthood. Gingivitis is the swelling of the gum tissue. It is caused by the surface buildup of bacteria and food particles on teeth, which leads to the development of a sticky substance called “plaque.” If not removed, plaque hardens to form tartar, which causes the redness and swelling of the gums that may sometimes bleed during brushing and flossing. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

chronic bad breath or the loosening of the teeth. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, see a pediatric dentist for treatment. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment can vary from a professional dental cleaning to a deep oral cleaning and antibiotics. Gingivitis can be prevented with good oral hygiene and twice yearly dental cleanings. As your child enters the teenage years, good oral hygiene becomes even more important. Teenagers are more susceptible to the development of gum disease since the gums become more sensitive with the hormone changes of adolescence. As gums become more

sensitive, your teenager may be less likely to want to brush and floss daily. As previously noted, gum disease is much more common in adult teeth, and the treatments and prevention differ from that in children. In adult teeth, the treatment can include scaling and root planing, which is deep dental cleaning that is performed to remove plaque from below the gum line. Normal brushing will not remove plaque that gets trapped in pockets below the gum line. Keep your children’s teeth healthy with disciplined daily hygiene as well as twice yearly visits to the dentist. These are the best tools you have to keep gum disease away.

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

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WOMEN FIREFIGHTERS

WOMEN FIREFIGHTERS Darlene Prem Photography

WOMEN

FIREFIGHTERS

STRENGTH UNDER FIRE By Michele Ice

The United States currently has over 6,200 full-time female career firefighters.

Firefighting requires extraordinary physical and mental strength along with a passion to save lives.

North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2018

There are over 22 female firefighters in the area.

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omen have been represented in fire service for almost 200 years. However, firefighting remains a male dominated field. The United States currently has over 6,200 full-time female career firefighters, representing about 6% of the firefighting community. In the Cherokee County and in north Fulton departments, women make up about 3% of the firefighter population. There are over 22 female firefighters in the area. What draws these women together is their love for the job of firefighting, emergency medical care, and their commitment to serve others. When people call 911 for emergencies, they don’t care what gender or ethnicity the responding firefighter is; they just want highly trained firefighters and emergency medical technicians to respond.

Firefighting requires extraordinary physical and mental strength along with a passion to save lives. But, firefighting is not just about strength; it also requires a very special mindset that includes compassion for people and a love of the job of firefighting. From a physical standpoint, of course, men and women are different. Men typically have stronger upper body strength, but women adapt and use their lower bodies to compensate for this difference. Whether it’s dragging a 180-lb. victim from a burning house or carrying a chain saw up on a roof, these women find the strength and grit to get the job done. Women do have to work harder to stay strong. They must continuously work on cardio, strength training, and flexibility — both on and off duty — to be the best they can be for the citizens of their communities.

All firefighters must complete and pass a yearly physical agility test (PAT) to remain on the trucks. The test consists of eleven stations that measure the candidate’s ability to perform tasks in a given amount of time. Regardless of whether the candidate is male or female, it is a very physically demanding test. All firefighters are held to the same standards. This is also the same test that new hires must pass. So, no matter if you have been on the job for 25 years or two years, you are still held to the same standards. Recently, two female firefighters from Cherokee County Fire Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

completed the F.L.A.M.E.S. program in Chatsworth, GA. This rigorous, 48-hour course is designed to test a firefighter’s personal limitations when working in high stress situations with a limited recuperation period. 260 Firefighters have successfully completed this course with only six women passing. That’s a huge milestone for these firefighters.

Female firefighters not only respond to fires, they also rescue people from car wrecks, provide emergency medical care, respond to hazardous material spills, inspect buildings, provide fire safety education to the community, investigate arson, complete housework, wash the trucks, provide maintenance on their fire equipment, and many other tasks. These women work 24-hr. shifts away from their loved ones. In the last 25 years, fire stations are finally being built to provide separate sleeping quarters, separate bathrooms, etc. Better fitting uniforms and firefighter gear are also being provided for the female firefighters. One firefighter said, “The hardest thing at the station is adjusting to the snoring in the bunk room.” She said she places a fan by her bed and tries to go to sleep before the others do.

Women firefighters don’t want to be treated differently; they just want to be respected. Sometimes, when they are moved to a new station or get a new station officer, they feel they must reprove themselves to their fellow male firefighters. The most frequently asked question is, “Would you be able to carry me out of a burning building?” Firefighting is a team effort; rescue cannot be done alone. Dekalb County Fire recently rescued eight children from a third-story apartment fire. This was a team effort. One of the first firefighters climbing up the ladder to get the children was a female captain. That parent didn’t care if that firefighter was male or female, he was just glad they were there to help save his babies.

Because of the low pay, increased health risks, and increased number of emergency medical calls, America is facing a serious firefighter shortage. Recruitment for firefighters is at an all-time high. Every department in the state of Georgia is hiring. Hiring qualified women is even more difficult. Candidates must be honest, dependable, a quick learner, and physically fit. The candidate must also function well as a team member as well as communicate and listen well. Cherokee County and north Fulton County have the best of the best female firefighters, and these women keep excelling as they continue their training. In addition to improving our communities, they are also making these outstanding fire departments even better.

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Photo by Kimberly Evans

Photo by Donna and Paul Grady

Community Partners

an’s Friends Foundation (IFF) was founded in 2006 by Phil and Cheryl Yagoda after their thirteen-year-old son, Ian, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of two. In the months following Ian’s diagnosis, the Yagodas visited doctors and hospitals across the country in search of answers for their son’s treatment. When they learned how little funding was being allocated to research projects conducted in the field of pediatric brain tumors, Ian’s Friends Foundation was started to fill the void for their son and the approximately 28,000 other children living with brain tumors.

funding innovative research that will lead to groundbreaking therapies and cures.

Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of death from disease in children, and nearly thirteen children in the U.S. are diagnosed with a brain tumor every day. There is an immediate need for more research to identify effective treatments and cures, so more children will survive this disease. The Yagodas quickly learned that promising research can only occur with increased public awareness and funding for these projects. And since its inception, Ian’s Friends Foundation’s unwavering mission has been to help more children survive brain tumors by

Since 2006, Ian’s Friends Foundation has raised more than $10 million to fund seventeen ground-breaking research projects at ten worldrenowned U.S. institutions including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, NYU, Cornell, Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the University of Pittsburgh. This funding leads to unique partnerships with prominent healthcare institutions and novel research that is unlikely to receive funding through other channels.

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There are only approximately 100 practicing pediatric neuro-oncologists in the U.S., many of whom struggle to secure the resources needed to conduct pediatric brain tumor research. Yet, new medical breakthroughs will save lives. Ian’s Friends Foundation donates hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support and fast-track innovative therapies and treatments for pediatric brain tumors at leading hospitals and research labs nationwide.

IFF also serves as a beacon of hope and trusted resource for families, healthcare providers, and researchers at leading hospitals and universities around the country, and it is paving the way for industry-wide collaboration that will fast-track lifesaving pediatric brain tumor research with its inaugural WhatIFF Symposium, which was held in September 2017. The WhatIFF Symposium was a Shark Tank style forum during which nearly forty renowned clinicians and researchers from all over the country presented ideas for innovative research in the pediatric brain tumor field. After a robust discussion, WhatIFF Symposium attendees voted on three projects to receive up to $125,000 each from IFF in 2018. The WhatIFF Symposium served as a platform to breakdown research barriers, identify collaboration opportunities, and support lifesaving research ideas that will lead to effective treatments and cures for pediatric brain tumors, so more children will survive.

To learn more about Ian’s Friends Foundation, visit IansFriendsFoundation.org. Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Tailor Your Estate Plan

to the New Tax Style By Chris Miller, Esq. [HomeLife] In late December, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act greatly changed the incentives built into the federal income tax system. It also lifted the federal estate tax exemption to more than $11 million per person. That exemption is the door through which someone can pass assets before his or her estate pays estate taxes. Under the new rules, only individuals who die with more than $11 million in net worth will pay estate taxes. For married couples with assets between $11 million and $22 million, “portability” provides a relatively easy way to “double up” the exemption and eliminate the tax exposure on that second $11 million. For the rest of us with less than $11 million in our pockets, the estate tax forecast is zero. The danger of this good news is that people might think that their wills are fine because there is no expected tax. However, the estate tax exemption was not always so high, and many documents written in the 1990s and 2000s were designed to trade away income tax benefits to save estate taxes. Those documents still sacrifice income tax savings, but they do not save estate taxes anymore. Words like “credit shelter trust” or “bypass trust” or “A/B trusts” are flags that complexity in your estate plan might not benefit your children, and may create more income tax exposure down the road. For example, if you buy a share of stock for $10 and die owning that stock when it is worth $48, then your estate and heirs will only pay capital gains tax if they sell it for more than $48 per share. However, in a credit shelter plan, that stock is held to the side, so that it does not qualify for this basis adjustment. The trustee then selling your stock at $48 per share after your death would still pay capital gains tax on the $38 difference between your purchase price and the sale price. To keep up with the changes in the tax rules, and to make sure that your documents do what you want them to do, now is a good time to review your will with someone who can teach you about the changes.

Chris Miller is an attorney in Alpharetta. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com

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Taste of BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER

Ingredients

Procedure

---------------Âź cup lemon juice 2 tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon sugar Âź cup extra virgin olive oil 1 lb. finely grated carrots 3 oz. golden raisins, plumped and drained Salt and pepper to taste

-------------Combine the lemon juice, cilantro, and sugar. Gradually whisk in the oil. Toss the dressing with the carrots and raisins. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great as a condiment with hummus or falafel, and it can be served as a salad component as well.

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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Scenic Unveils New Experiences

for Their 228-Passenger Expedition

CRUISE SHIP

By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] As the debut of the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, draws closer, Scenic is offering a bigger peek at the details of many of the shore excursions available to guests during the ship’s inaugural season of cruises. And as is the case on all Scenic cruises, Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich excursions are included in the company’s signature, truly all-inclusive fares — making choosing which excursion to take the only hard part.

and skuas that dance across the skies, and search for what will surely be a bucket list highlight — polar bears.

Among the exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime discovery activities will be the opportunity for guests to spend Christmas Day 2018 venturing close to South Georgia’s king penguins. Guests on this 21-day Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica adventure will also be able to retrace the footsteps of famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Scenic’s exclusive Scenic Enrich program provides guests with the opportunity to view the famed Fakasel Horse Show near Iceland’s Reykjavik during Scenic Eclipse’s 10-day Iceland Discovery. The 45-minute show named The Legends of Sleipnir weaves together tales of Iceland’s history and Norse mythology to tell the story of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse God Odin. The world-class production is set on the country’s largest stage and is accompanied by an original soundtrack from one of Iceland’s leading musicians. This itinerary will also feature several Scenic Freechoice activities such as a gourmet tasting tour in Akureyri with local family businesses and an exploration of the Westman Islands – home to Iceland’s largest puffin colony – allowing

In 2019, Scenic’s 11-day Ultimate Arctic journey will feature several wildlifethemed excursions by Zodiac and by foot. On land, guests will search for Svalbard reindeer and hike to the upper reaches of the Archipelago’s area to witness flora unique to this part of the world. From the ship’s fleet of Zodiacs, they will take in the islands’ thousands of Arctic terns Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Scenic will put nobility front and center on its 11-day Discover the British Isles cruise. Guests can enjoy a morning or afternoon tea with Lord and Lady Dunleath at their restored (and used in many movies) 170-year-old estate, Ballywalter Park, in northern Ireland.

guests to customize their cruise according to their interests and desired pace of travel. The 6-star, ultra-luxury, mega yacht, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctica), launches in the Mediterranean on August 31, 2018. Scenic will be the first to offer guests a level of luxury, discovery, safety, and world-class innovation never before bundled into a ship of this size. Its ten dining options, 5,900ft² Spa Sanctuary, staterooms that range in size from the generous 345ft² verandah suites to the 2,660ft² two-bedroom penthouse suite, eight spacious bars and lounges offering unlimited complimentary beverages, butler service, and numerous pools, allow for pampering usually found only in top resorts. L

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

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Striving for Perfection By Kevin Head, Ph.D. In the Sermon on the [InGoodFaith] Mount, Jesus says something I have always found perplexing. As He describes the Christian life, Jesus states, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” Wow! Perfect? That’s a huge task — an incredibly difficult responsibility! I’ve tried, but I know I cannot be perfect. What is Jesus teaching? Has there ever been a perfect Christian? Is there a perfect church? Someone told me about a church in Atlanta named “The Perfect Church,” but does the church reflect its name? A minister in London once said he sometimes dreamed about the perfect church — a church where the worship is exceptional, the problems are non-existent, and the members are always happy and content. But then the minister says he always wakes up realizing that

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the reality of church life is much different from the fantasy of his dreams. I am quite certain the perfect church does not exist. Also, I have never met the perfect Christian, and I don’t expect to ever encounter one. Perfection is a high

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” Vince Lombardi

standard. Being perfect seems to be an impossible ideal. So, why would Jesus tell us to be perfect just as God is perfect? In 1750, in a letter composed to his son, Lord Chesterfield wrote, “Aim at perfection in everything, though in most

things it is unattainable; however, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.” Vince Lombardi taught a similar idea when he said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” I think these statements reflect the point Jesus was making. Perfection is the goal we strive for and desire to obtain. We may not ever achieve this lofty ideal, but it is the attempt — the working toward the goal — that is the purpose of the Christian life. We can strive to get as close as possible to the life God wants us to live. And as we strive, God will certainly bless our efforts.

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

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ArtistProfile BY HANNAH OLSON

Quilter’s Handmade Blankets Honor Son’s Memory and Give Back

hen her twenty-two-year-old son died, Wanda Richardson looked for a way to honor his memory and restore her mind. That is when she took up quilting with her mom and sister. Together, they took local quilting classes as a meaningful way to spend time together. Since then, Richardson has made hundreds of quilts for family, friends, and neighbors. “Quilting is not just having a blanket,” Richardson says. “Quilting is a social

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event, a source of pride for the maker, and a great opportunity for gifting.” Richardson has made every kind of quilt from baby blankets and lap quilts to king-sized wedding quilts and decorative wall hangings. Some of her more memorable gift quilts have been the retirement quilts she has made for close friends and retiring teachers. Richardson, now retired, used to teach middle school science and literature. She now teaches her granddaughters and grandson the exciting craft of quilting. “It is good to have something new to learn as we age,” Richardson

says. Quilting has become a way for Richardson to stay young and give back to her community. A big way that Richardson gives back to her community is through her membership with the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, a chapter of the Georgia Quilt Council located in Cartersville, GA. Involvement with her Guild means that Richardson gets to learn more about her craft through Guildsponsored seminars and classes as well as participate in community outreach opportunities. Richardson and her fellow Guild members donate items for

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women’s shelters, blankets for children who are victims of house fires, “conquer quilts” for children with cancer, and infant supplies for prenatal units. When she is not gathering donations for those in need or sewing around the quilt circle with her friends from the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, Richardson enjoys time at home in the log cabin she and her husband built. Hanging on either side of the door in the entrance to her cabin are beautifully embroidered, decorative quilts, warmly welcoming the season and the friends who gather beneath them.

For more information about the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, visit EtowahValleyQuiltGuild.com.

Hannah Olson is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-7205582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/ MFA-CW/

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Smoked Gouda Mac n’ Cheese Ingredients

(serves 4)

Smoked Gouda Cream Sauce Ingredients • 1.5 quarts heavy cream • ½ cup veal demi-glace • ½ cup cracked mustard • ¼ cup Dijon mustard • 12 oz. smoked gouda cheese, shredded

• ¾ cup smoked gouda cream sauce (see additional recipe) • 2 cups penne pasta, cooked • ¼ cup diced Applewood bacon, cooked • 1 teaspoon snipped chives

Smoked Gouda Mac n’ Cheese Procedure - In a small pot, combine the cooked pasta and smoked gouda cream sauce together, and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. - Place in a bakeware dish, and top with the cooked bacon and snipped chives.

Smoked Gouda Cream Sauce Procedure - Gently heat the cream to a scald. - Add demi-glace and mustard, and whisk until smooth. - Add the shredded cheese, and stir for several minutes as the cheese melts. - Finish the sauce by blending it together with an emulsion blender.

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In Honor of

By Christy Noll

[HomeLife] Growing out of a smalltown school event in California, Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. In 1978, presentations were given at dozens of schools; hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest; and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa. The United States has observed it annually throughout the month of March since 1987. Through the centuries, many courageous women have stepped forward to fight inequality and to champion causes for the benefit of society. The effort by women to bring about change allowed future generations of women to have many more freedoms. Women’s History Month honors these women. As parents and caregivers, we have the responsibility to raise strong, resilient girls and boys who respect them. How children behave and react to situations comes largely from how they are raised

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and the environment in which they were raised in. What children see or hear in their own home has an enormous impact on how they feel they should treat others. It is our duty as parents to be positive role models and to ensure that our children understand the importance of being honorable and respectful towards others. As more girls believe that they are equal to boys, they will become more confident in many aspects of their lives. The more that boys understand that they are not superior to girls, the more respectful they are likely to be towards them. In the end, both girls are boys duly respect one another and value each other’s opinion regardless of the subject.

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

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Grand Openings Ribbon Cuttings

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

Frazier & Deeter

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80 E. W. Crossville Road, #420 Roswell 770-640-0023 Pizzeria

Nail Eagle

MiniMe Factory

5304 Windward Parkway Alpharetta 470-273-5754 Nail Salon

5530 Windward Parkway Alpharetta 770-797-5020 3-D Portrait Studio

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4500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 200 Roswell 770-751-2719 Physicians

Tap & Six

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Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails

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