Contents
April 2017
Volume 4 | Issue 9
28-29
[28-29]
On the Cover:
Thomas Eye Group
38-39
Northside Heart Quality Cardiology Care
44-46
Springtime SoirĂŠe Outdoor Dinner Parties
49-50
Thriller, Filler, Spiller Container Gardening
[38-39] [49-50] 2
North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
[44-46]
04
.......................... Perspective
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............................. Calendar
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....................... Business Life
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................... Senator Speaks
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................... Senator Speaks
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.................... Mayor’s Minute
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............... Community Partner
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......................... Taste of Life
52
......................... Artist Profile
54
............................ Quotables
55
................... Ribbon Cuttings
26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com
Find Your Pace in the Race.
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A 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 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 e r ec y c as permission from the publisher.
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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© 2017 All rights reserved. Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
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Have you ever stopped to consider that your perfect competitor and coach, the one who pushes, encourages and strengthens your resolve to be better than you were yesterday is, well, you? Looking inward is the best way to discover who we really need to become. Escaping the shadows of what others may desire for our life is how we find our brightest path and move toward what we truly want for ourselves. Spending our time wisely, doing good work and serving others are just a few ways to succeed. The best rewards often come in the end. Until then, enjoying the run will make life easier and happier, and you’re worthy of that.
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The crazy race of life we find ourselves running can sometimes seem like a competition against an unbearable mass of athletes that seems to just “have it.” All too often, we find ourselves judging our
“If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” ~Max Ehrmann
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It’s important to be honest with myself. It has never been my goal to win a road race; I’ve never even trained to run, but I do enjoy racing the clock to try to beat my previous personal best each time. In general, when the goal I’m striving for is one I’ve set for myself, whether in service, my career or volunteering, it’s much easier to focus, move in a positive direction and maintain a course of improvement.
personal performances against throngs of competitors, amidst overwhelming odds, in race that seems never-ending.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Mike Bodker, Paul Bodrogi, Cyndi Braun, Tiffani Brown, Michael Buckner, Rick Cheney, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, Lisa Ethridge, Joshua Fuder, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Amanda Kossick, Haroon Mian, Tina Morris, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Debra Robinson, Mark Tolbert
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few years back, I began running local 5k races, not so much as a hobby, but more to check my personal fitness level. I’ve noticed that my friends are getting older, which means I’m aging as well and need to be aware of my personal energy levels and stay on top of my health. Many of us have found that “acting our age” may not comply with how we think or feel.
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here!
d for Are You Prepare mer? m u S ia rg o e G r Anothe By Tiffani Brown
We all know that Georgia weather can be unpredictable, and with the mild winter we had this year, are you sure that your unit is ready for another hot Georgia summer? It is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a certified heating and air specialist for a system checkup before they get inundated with calls from customers who don’t discover their units don’t work properly until they are sweating in their homes in ninety-degree temperatures. This means that there is no time like the present to get your cooling visit scheduled. This will allow your family to have an in-depth look at the condition of your unit before the extreme temperatures move in and wreak havoc on your system. Don’t find yourself stuck in the heat of summer with a condemned unit. The goal of any good heating and cooling provider should be to provide top-notch, professional system recommendations, not as a way to sell you something, but as a necessary customer service to ensure the utmost safety and continued comfort for you and your family. After all, heating and cooling is simply about being completely comfortable in your home.
Tiffani Brown is a Customer Service Representative at R&D Mechanical Services, Inc., 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net
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Calendar april
6-23
1-2 & 7-9
Annual Spring Native Plant Sale— Attract butterflies, pollinators, birds and more to your garden by adding native plants. Going native provides a wealth of benefits to your space including privacy, beauty, blossoms, food and homes to our wide diversity of animals. Horticulturists and knowledgeable volunteers are on site to help you. FREE Admission to the green house area. 10:00am-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
GA Ensemble Theatre Presents: Million Dollar Quartet— This play is about the legendary jam session with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis at Sun Records. Wednesday-Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 2:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell.
1-5/31
Forest Fairy House Trail—Back by popular demand, fairies have been busy building all new fairy houses for the Homestead Trail and Kingfisher Pond Trail this spring. More than a dozen whimsical works line the trails. Slow down as you search for the fairy houses made from tiny natural objects. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Home School Science Monday— Explore wonderful wetlands at CNC along the river. Learn how wetlands are formed, their benefits and the plants and animals that call them home. Enjoy a mini-lesson followed by hands-on activities and a take-home project. This is for ages 5–13. 11:00am-12:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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RUMC Job Networking— Job networking events offer a great deal of information via workshops and a keynote speaker. 12:30pm, Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-261-1739. RUMC.com
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Spring Break Family Canoe Day— This introduction to canoeing is a great way to spend time together. Registration is required, ages 5+. 1–2:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-9922055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Roswell Azalea Festival This event includes plant sales, high tea, art exhibitions, musical performances, farmers and artisans market and all things azalea! It is held at various times and locations in Roswell throughout the month of April. For more information, visit RoswellAzaleaFestival.com
on the day of class; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 9:00am, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park & Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512320. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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N2N Band— N2N takes the stage to keep you dancing until midnight! Expect a great mix of classic rock, oldies, country and R&B. This event helps support both veteran and active duty military projects. 8:00pm-12:00am, Club 201 at American Legion, 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 404-579-9676. Club201Dance.com
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Free Outdoor Fitness Classes— Classes are taught by certified instructors, and all fitness levels are welcome. Must be 16+
Food Truck Alley—This weekly gathering (each Thursday) will take place on - October Old Roswell Street with a 2017 variety of rotating food trucks, music and fun children’s activities. Approximately six-to-eight food trucks will roll out some amazing eats with seating available on the street. 5:308:00pm, parking available at 37 Old Roswell Street, Milton Center on Milton Avenue and 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta. Ga.us April
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Alpharetta Farmers Market— Each Saturday morning through October, shop local - October at the Alpharetta Farmers 2017 Market, featuring food vendors including produce, grass-fed meats, cheese, baked goods and more. 8:30am, 21 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com April
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Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market—Each Saturday through October, shop local at - October the Roswell Farmers Market, 2017 featuring local artists and locally grown produce as well as other locally produced food items. 8:00 am12:00pm, City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 404-492-9938. RoswellFam.com April
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Brunch with NY Times Bestselling Author Karen White— Celebrate Karen White’s new book, The Night the Lights Went Out, by having brunch with the author. $49 includes brunch and a copy of the book. 10:30am12:30pm, The Public House, 605 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-993-1555.
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Alive in Roswell— This is a FREE monthly, family-friendly
20-23
Designing for a Difference Clarity Farm Showcase Home and Tour— This event will help future generations of children in the Milton community. The show home is raising much needed funds to build an all-inclusive play park project in the city of Milton. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Thursday & Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am8:00pm, Sunday 1:00-6:00pm, Clarity Farm, Clarity Road, Milton. 404-217-4643. ChildrensCharitiesGA.org
festival featuring live bands, food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, balloons, etc., and enjoy participation from the many boutiques, small businesses and restaurants surrounding the venues. FREE, regular trolley service connects the two venues. 5:00-9:00pm, Historic Canton Street and Historic Roswell Square, Roswell. AliveInRoswell.com
22-30
Roswell Cycling Festival— A weeklong celebration of all things cycling in the first Georgia city to receive the prestigious League of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly Community designation. Recreational rides, educational events and thrilling races highlight this exciting, action-packed event. For a complete list of events, times and locations, visit RoswellCyclingFestival.com
23, 30 & 5/7 RAD Women’s Self Defense Course— The Milton Police Department offers a
rape and aggression defense class, suitable for ages 13 and up. This is a 12-hour course and requires attendance on all 3 dates to complete the course. $40. 1:30-5:30pm, City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E. 678-242-2570. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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NY Times Bestselling Author and Historian: Andrew Carroll Andrew Carroll is the creator of the Legacy Project, which archives wartime correspondence, and War Letters, which sold more than 300,000 copies and inspired an acclaimed PBS documentary. Other New York Times bestsellers include Letters of a Nation and Behind the Lines. Carroll’s Operation Homecoming inspired an Emmywinning documentary. FREE! Please RSVP. 1:30-3:00pm, Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton. 404-613-4402.
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Night Hike & Campfire— Celebrate Earth Day at night. Join expert naturalists for a night hike through the forest. You’ll explore the sounds and sights of the forest floor. Your evening also includes an animal encounter and a relaxing campfire. Registration is required. 7:30-9:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org continued on
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Fulton Golden Games— The cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and - May 31 Sandy Springs join forces 2017 to bring this event to local senior citizens, which attracts over 500 adults, ages 50 years and older, who participate in athletic and recreational events including hiking, running, bowling and much more. An awards luncheon is featured at the end of the month with medals and prizes. 10:00am-3:00pm, Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us April
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Sunset Sips features Wes Yoakam— This is a laid-back, family-friendly concert series. April’s opening act is Wes Yoakam, who will be sure to have you on your feet and singing, or at least bobbing your head along to some of the best acoustic, covers of everything from current pop to classic rock. Concert is included with general admission/CNC members free. 6:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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The Nature Club: Weather with National Weather Service Meteorologist Dave Nadler— Dave Nadler will talk specifically about the hazardous weather that can impact much of north and central Georgia every year. Potluck dinner starts at 7:00pm; the speaker begins at 7:30pm. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
Walter Reeves— As part of the 2017 Roswell Azalea Festival, the Georgia Gardener, Walter Reeves, comes to Roswell to present “Landscaping for Spring Color” and holds a questionand-answer session immediately following. Bring in your plants, weeds, photos and questions. FREE! 11:00am, Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-640-3253. VisitRoswellGa.com
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Sprouting Gardeners— Participants will plant in the Unity Garden raised beds and create artwork to display, ages 5 – 10. Registration is required. 10:30am-12:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Garden Faire— This event features a variety of vendors, greenhouse plants and pass-along plants raised by master gardeners, great food, informative seminars, a flea-tique thrift booth, music and more. 9:00am-3:00pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. NFMG.net
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Free Estate Planning Workshop— Attorney Debra Robinson presents frequently asked questions regarding wills, trusts, giving your “stuff” to your kids, avoiding probate, protecting your IRA and more! 10:00am and 1:00pm, Debra Robinson Law Group, 11030 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 208, Johns Creek. Registration is required by calling 770-817-4999 or visiting DebraRobinsonLaw.com
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Cornhole Challenge at Town Square— Gather your best team of four, and come out to the inaugural cornhole challenge. All teams will be competing for a free cornhole set, free entry to next year’s tournament and of course, bragging rights. Music, food trucks and other vendors will be on site. $40 per team. 1:30-5:00pm, Town Square, 610 Atlanta Street, Roswell. 770-594-6134. RoswellGov.com
may
2
PRIDE Teen Driving Safety Class— This program addresses the driver’s attitude, knowledge and behavior, rather than technical hands-on driver training course material. It focuses on seat belts, crash dynamics, Georgia’s teen driving laws, parental influence and peer pressure. It complements driver’s education and training; thus, it is not a replacement for these courses. 6:308:30pm, Milton Police Department, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E, Milton. 678-413-4281. RideSafeGeorgia.org
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Party on the Plaza— Celebrate the opening of Milton’s new City Hall building with a grand party! There will be guided tours and an evening dinner will be served, followed by dancing on the plaza to music from The American Flyers. 1:00-10:00pm, new Milton City Hall, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us
Taste of Alpharetta—Mark your calendars to dine in downtown Alpharetta at over sixty restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities for all ages and entertainment to please every palate. FREE admission; you may purchase food tickets on site at ticket booths for $.50 each. 5:00-10:00pm, Milton Avenue and Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6048. Alpharetta. Ga.us
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april
Easter Events
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Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza— Enjoy face painting, balloon art, the Red Barn Petting Zoo and rides on a trackless train. Be sure to bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. An egg hunt for ages 3-6 will start at 11:00am. Instead of a hunt area, a special goody bag will be given to the first 250 children ages 2/younger and 7/older. 10:00am-12:00pm, North Park, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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Milton Community Egg Hunt— Grab your Easter baskets, and get ready for a day of fun! There will be egg hunts for all ages as well as games, face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Food trucks will be at the park with treats for sale, and the Milton Police and Fire Departments will be on hand to display their vehicles and equipment, FREE! 10:00am-12:00pm, Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Park Party— The City of Johns Creek is egg-cited to host the 2017 Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Park Party for youngsters 10 and under. This is a FREE event, which features 15,000 eggs filled with goodies and toys. 10:00am-1:00pm, Shakerag Park, 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt— Enjoy a fun spring afternoon with games, activities, an Easter Egg Hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Adaptive Recreation Programs & Events are designed to expose participants to new experiences, enhance self-esteem, self-confidence and independence and promote community involvement. Registration is required. FREE! 10:00am, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
Church Easter L istings Mount Pisgah
April 14, Good Friday Service, 7:00pm April 15, Easter Egg Hunt with over 25,000 eggs, 9:00am-12:00pm
First Baptist Roswell
April 16, Easter Services, 8:30am and 11:00am
April 16, Easter Services, 6:30am, 9:00am and 11:00am
710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-587-6980. FBRoswell.org
2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-336-3000. MountPisgah.org/easter
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Library Events AFPLS.org Alpharetta
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-740-2425
MILTON
855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402
Meditation Class Tuesdays, 12:00pm, East Roswell Every class will include guided meditation. Group leaders cover different topics such as the details of the energy centers, subtle system and more. English as a Second Language Tuesdays, 10:45am-12:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Beginning and intermediate levels with experienced instructor Terry McManus. Free. Free Yoga or Zumba Tuesdays, 10:30am, Roswell The techniques of Yoga are taught in a light, joyful and thorough manner — suitable for different levels of Yoga students. Free ESL Classes Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm, Roswell Conversational English for all levels. Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, 10:30am or 11:15am, East Roswell Stories, songs and activities your whole family will love. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. ESL Conversation Class Thursdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, East Roswell Practice speaking English with other ESL learners and new English speakers in an informal and friendly group setting. Drop-In Needlecraft Group Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Roswell Get together with like-minded crafters to socialize while you work on your projects. Small, Small World: Exploring Art around the Globe April 6, 10:30, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Children will explore the world through music, stories and art.
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North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
Northeast/Spruill Oaks
Roswell
9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075
Ocee
2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897
east roswell
Happy Tails/READing Paws April 8, 10:30-11:30am; April 20, 3:30-4:30pm, East Roswell Children can sign up to read to Bentley, a trained and registered therapy dog. Work on reading skills with a great listener that loves hearing all kinds of stories. A caregiver is required to stay in the room with child.
Spanish Classes for Children April 11, 4:00pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks The National Spanish Honor Society offers free Spanish language classes for children.
Teen Manga and Cartooning Workshop April 8, 12:00-1:30pm, Ocee April 19, 5:30-7:00pm, Milton This monthly session will teach the techniques and secrets employed by modern-day, professional artists. Teens will start their journey into the world of drawing anime and manga illustrations.
Coding April 12 & 26, 6:00-7:00pm, Ocee Learn basics of Java, including basics of programming, conditions, “loops” and arrays. Java is an essential and popular programming language used to make mobile applications in Android.
CAST Free Math Tutoring April 9, 2:00-4:00pm, Ocee Tutors will provide math instruction. Bring an assignment or a math topic you’re struggling with. AP Test Prep Classes @ Roswell April 10, 6:00-7:30pm, AP U.S. Government April 17, 6:00-7:30pm, AP Human Geography April 24, 6:00-7:30pm, AP World History Join C2Education as they help you get prepared for your AP Exams. Music for Babies & Preschoolers with Miss Gail April 11, 10:30am, Ocee Babies and preschoolers, with their parents, learn how music teaches early literacy skills, improves motor function and deepens the bond between baby and parent. Introduction to Microsoft Excel April 11, 1:00pm, East Roswell An introductory class to familiarize computer users with Microsoft Excel.
Creative Arts Teen Meet-up April 12 & 26, 5:30-7:00pm, Milton Come for a fun arts-and-crafts project.
STEM April 15, 4:00-5:00pm, Ocee For elementary students, this initial program will be a hands-on demonstration of the basics of electricity and science. Young Artists April 15, 4:30-5:30pm, Ocee Learn the basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design and cartoon/ anime drawing. Bilingual Storytime with Lingual Kids April 19, 11:00am, Milton Have fun with songs and an interactive story perfect for the imaginative learner. Creative Writing Club for Teens April 23, 2:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Explore your own inner writer with your peers in a relaxed, informal setting. Money Smart Week: Guest Author Mary Becker April 24, 4:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Mary will read from her finance books for children, The Debt Monster and Dazzling Dollar Dude.
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Atlanta Liver & Pancreas Surgical Specialists recently opened its doors, providing cutting-edge treatments for patients with benign and malignant disorders of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Dr. Eddie K. Abdalla, who specializes in the diagnosis and multimodality treatment of problems of the liver and pancreas, will lead the practice. He has received national and international recognition for his work using innovative, advanced and integrated surgical techniques, allowing for excellent outcomes on many patients with difficult tumors, tumors involving critical blood vessels and patients with multiple masses in the liver. Atlanta Liver & Pancreas Surgical Specialists is now accepting patients at 980 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 170, Atlanta. For more information, visit AtlantaLiverAndPancreas.com, or call 404-300-2140.
Business Apex Signs & Graphics recently merged with Signs of Significance to better serve the business community in north metro Atlanta. The merger builds on a thirteen-year tradition of creating top-of-mind awareness through visual marketing and custom signage. They are located at 740 Hembree Place, Roswell. Dave Coulter founded Apex Signs & Graphics in 2004, and Jim Tardif opened the doors of Signs of Significance in 2015. Coulter says, “When I decided it was time for my life’s next adventure, it was important that Apex Signs & Graphics merge with a company equally as dedicated to serving the north metro Atlanta business community by delivering sign products of the highest quality along with excellent customer service.” Tardif added, “We look forward to expanding relationships, educating businesses and building on the reputation that Dave and Apex built over the years, as we continue to serve the business communities in Fulton, Forsyth, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Cherokee counties.” For more information, visit Apex Signs and Graphics’ new website ApexSignsGa.com, or call 678-7950775.
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Senator Speaks
By Senator John Albers
A
s elected officials, our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our constituents, whether it is financial, legal or physical. I believe the best way to do this is by supporting local law enforcement. These brave individuals answer the call no matter the time of day or night, and we, as citizens, owe them our gratitude. We can do this in a couple different ways, and I take pride in sponsoring legislation to protect our finest and in being able to recognize these brave citizens by honoring the best of Georgia’s law enforcement with Senate Resolutions. These Resolutions recognize these brave men and women in the Senate chamber, thereby codifying their dedication to our great state. No one deserves an honor such as this more than our law enforcement officers who put everything on the line, every single day, for perfect strangers. Last month, I had the privilege of honoring one of these incredible officers. With Senate Resolution 44, the efforts of Gary D. George, director of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, shall be forever known to the people of Georgia. In his position, Director George oversaw fire, police and all emergency services for the City of Alpharetta. Between the U.S. Army
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North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
and law enforcement, he has served the people of the United States for over fifty years, fifteen of which he’s dedicated to Alpharetta. During his tenure, Alpharetta was rated one of the top departments worldwide for police, fire and 911. Prior to that experience, he served at several ranks in the Independence, Missouri Police Department, where he became their chief of police in 1997.
allow private citizens to rest easy at night knowing that someone in their neighborhood is there to protect them. We never know when or where the next attack is going to take place. We pray it doesn’t happen, but it’s in these times when we must rely on public safety and the military to keep us safe. Across this state and nation, our law enforcement families make tremendous sacrifices to protect our nation, and we must do all we can to support them. We can never thank them enough, but we can ensure that their commitment and sacrifices are never forgotten. Presenting this honor to Director George is the least I can do, and I look forward to doing more. Gary George is a true American hero.
He’s also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development course (LEEDS) and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Individuals such as Director George serve as role models in our communities. They show us how to act as civil members of society and how to protect those we care about. Their dedication and sacrifice
I encourage all my constituents, and all the people of Georgia and the United States, to thank our friends in blue. L
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State and Local Government Operations Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. 404.463.8055. John.Albers@Senate.Ga.Gov.
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Warning, Acidic Foods Can Wreak Havoc on Your Pearly Whites! By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D. Sugar is horrible for our teeth. We all know this, so many of us attempt to avoid it to try to improve our oral health. So, you are staying away from soda, candy and cookies. You visit your dentist, and they are still finding cavities!! Why?!?!! Well, there’s a another culprit— acid. Acid can be consumed in many different ways. Fruit can be extremely acidic; pair that with its natural sugars, and it can spell disaster for tooth enamel. It’s not advisable to avoid fruit altogether; just make sure you’re smart about consuming it. Examples of the more
acidic fruits include lemons, limes, blue plums, grapes, pomegranates, grapefruits, blueberries, pineapples and apples. Drinks are also a sneaky destroyer of enamel. Sports drinks, juices, smoothies, flavored coffee beverages and energy drinks can cause damage. A current, popular trend is to drink lemon water. While lemon water may make your mouth feel fresh, after long-term exposure to the acidity in lemon juice, it melts your enamel away. There are alternatives and solutions to preventing these acidic foods and drinks from increasing the likelihood of cavities. You do not have to consume highacidic fruits to get your vitamin C. Cantaloupe
has some of the highest levels of vitamin C, but its pH is much higher, meaning it has lower acidity. Honeydew melons, watermelon and bananas are also less acidic. You should never suck on lemons, limes or other highly acidic fruits. Use a straw for acidic drinks, which avoids direct contact. Rinse with water after you eat high-acidic foods, and wait thirty minutes to brush your teeth. A way to balance the acidity in your mouth after consuming acidic fruits or drinks is to eat a piece of cheese. This helps balance the pH in your mouth. It also increases saliva flow to help move debris and acid particles out of your mouth.
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010. DeMercyDental.com
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Community Feature New Initiative: Milton Nonprofits A new and exciting nonprofit initiative was recently launched by Community Outreach Manager Courtney Spriggs. Spriggs stated, “We’re always exploring ways to connect our residents with opportunities to serve their community through City-sponsored programs, boards and committees, and now, we’ve expanded those efforts to include Milton nonprofits.” Just as the City is committed to its economic development efforts to help
From Alpharetta to the Big Top: Alpharetta Students Win Big in Las Vegas Circus Arts Competition Four local performers recently took home distinguished awards from VivaFest International Circus Competition. Students from Akrosphere, Alpharetta’s new aerial and circus arts school, traveled to Las Vegas to compete in various circus acts against students from circus arts programs around the U.S. and Canada. In the Aerial Silks and Rope category, 16-year-olds Natalie Shih and Harper Doherty took first and second place, respectively, with Celia Dizon, 13, claiming runner-up in the Aerial Hoop category and 13-year-old Yasha Jeltuhin scoring fourth in Trapeze. The students and coaches alike were surprised at the extreme success from the less than five-year-old school! Not only were students judged on their skills, but their participation in VivaFest gave them an opportunity to receive invaluable input from circus professionals from around the world.
Congratulations to our March “7 Differences” winner, Neda Nikoui! 14
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Milton businesses succeed, they’re equally committed to helping Milton nonprofits succeed. For several years now, the City has been connecting with volunteers across Milton through an online volunteer application. The City is taking that a step further by connecting with Milton nonprofits through an online registration form. Milton nonprofits can register their organization, free of charge, and outreach staff will work to connect volunteers and community resources based on a nonprofit’s needs.
Milton
Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta Named in Top 20 of Georgia’s Safest Cities To come up with its list, The National Council for Home Safety and Security reviews the most recent statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Report (January - June 2016), along with its “own population data and internal research.” Cities with populations under 5,000 and those that failed to submit complete crime reports to the FBI were eliminated from consideration. Those remaining municipalities were ranked based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape and robbery) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larcenytheft and motor vehicle theft) per 100,000 people. These variables were then weighted, with violent crimes accounting for seventy percent of the total (due to their severity) and property crimes accounting for thirty percent. Finally, the Council shifted the decimal point “over a few spots” to show rates per 1,000 people.
Cities in the Top 20 1.
Johns Creek
2.
Milton
3.
Braselton
4.
Perry
5.
Tyrone
6.
Peachtree City
7.
Port Wentworth
8.
Flowery Branch
9.
Grovetown
10.
Holly Springs
11.
Roswell
12.
Alpharetta
13.
Kennesaw
14.
Hampton
15.
Jefferson
16.
Canton
17.
Woodstock
18.
McRae
19.
Richmond Hill
20.
Auburn
The National Council for Home Safety and Security is a national trade group that provides education and knowledge about the home safety and security industry to consumers.
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Community Feature King’s Ridge Selected to Participate in the Georgia High School Thespian Conference
Recently, 31 King’s Ridge students, cast and crew, performed two sold-out performances of Guys and Dolls in the historic Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia to an overwhelming ovation. Four Superiors were awarded to all those who participated and were adjudicated by top theater professionals in the individual evaluations: • Ella Welch, Solo • Lucy Martin and Tomas De La Rosa, Duet • Ella Welch and Lucy Martin, Duet • Caleb Raines, Cole Arnold and Ben Reardon, Trio Over 5,000 Georgia High School thespians attended the three-day conference filled with master classes, workshops, shows, college auditions and competitions.
Riverwood Athletic Director and Baseball Coach Named GHSA Region 5A Athletic Director of the Year
Crabapple Middle School Students Perform in All-State Chorus Two students from Crabapple Middle School were chosen to perform as part of the Georgia AllState Chorus in Athens. Annie Lane and Sean Robertson were among 400 middle school 7th and 8th grade students. Georgia Music Educators Association organizes and carries out the All-State performing program to allow select students the opportunity to work with other students of equal caliber under the direction of a highly qualified conductor. This event brings together approximately 1400 middle and high school students each year from across the state of Georgia. Selection to the All-State Chorus is a recognition of excellence in musical knowledge, technique and interpretation.
Riverwood International Charter School’s Athletic Director and Baseball Coach Mike Santoro has been selected as Athletic Director of the Year from all 58 Georgia High School Association Region 5A schools. Previously selected as a Regional Athletic Director of the Year, Coach Santoro was recently honored at the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association convention in Savannah.
Crabapple Middle School Announces MLK Humanitarian Award Winners There were three categories: student, staff and community member. The purpose of this program is to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice and equality and to recognize individuals in the community who have made outstanding humanitarian contributions. Student: Julia Haley Julia has always gone out of her way to make others feel welcome, lend a hand, a smile or a kind word. Where others often make an effort to help others in order to fulfill “service hours,” Julia does what she does because she wants to make a difference. She thinks about who needs
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safe haven where students are equal no matter who they are. She may not yet have impacted the whole world, but she has impacted everyone who has ever stepped foot into her room.
MLK Humanitarian Award winners: staff winner Lorraine Connor, student winner Julia Haley, community winner Liz Rains
help, and works with those around her to make things happen. Staff: Lorraine Connor Ms. Connor has turned her room into a
Community: Liz Rains Liz Rains is wholly dedicated to many parts of Crabapple MS, including the “Learn and Serve” Garden. Generating more than 1,400 pounds of produce a year, this garden provides fresh fruits and vegetables to North Fulton Community Charities. As a leader, Liz is an inspiring example of compassion and service to others.
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Your Taxes are Done—What’s Next? By Debra Robinson
Many of us have spent time these past few months gathering together the information needed to get our 2016 income tax returns filed. When that process has finally been completed and the returns sent in, what’s the next task on the to-do list?
power of attorney and Advance Directive for Health Care. It may need to include a trust as well, either irrevocable or revocable, possibly both.
Much of the information that you’ve just searched through filing cabinets and folders to assemble for your taxes is the financial information you would need to put together an estate plan. While the accounts and investments are fresh in your mind, why not take the next step?
A good estate plan requires review of how all assets are titled, which often reveals things that need to be changed. For example, when two people own real estate in Georgia, unless the deed specifically states that they own it jointly with right of survivorship, each of them owns fifty percent of the property. That means when one dies, fifty percent does not go to the survivor, but must go through probate and be distributed according to the decedent’s will, or according to state law if there is no will. Many a surviving spouse has been stunned to learn that half their residence is owned by their step children.
Your estate plan should include a will,
A good estate plan also requires review of
How about estate planning? How about finally getting the will done that you’ve put off all these years, or updating one that you did when the kids were young, and now they have kids of their own?
beneficiary designations. It’s not uncommon for someone to name a spouse as beneficiary of life insurance or an IRA, get divorced, remarry and then die without changing the beneficiary. The ex-spouse ends up collecting the proceeds. Now that you’ve dealt with taking care of Uncle Sam and the State of Georgia, how about putting those you love next on the to-do list, and get your estate planning done.
Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com
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Mayor’s Minute
Continued Progress By Mayor Mike Bodker
T
he first quarter of our transformational calendar year is in the books, and the City Council and City staff are eager to engage with you as planning and actions on our strategic goals are either underway, on the horizon or in need of additional input. I was very pleased that several residents have attended our various Town Hall meetings and Public Information meetings. We will continue to do our best to address questions and ensure continued transparency.
reviewing the City’s Comprehensive Plan a year ahead of schedule, more work and input is needed before we can complete this task. The City hosted a 3-day workshop in January that included residents, City staff and consultants. In addition to transportation, the plan also touches on future development, opportunities and is used to provide a framework for our community’s future. At JohnsCreekGa.gov/CompPlanUpdate, you may review where we’ve been and where we’re going, take the online survey, and contact us directly anytime with your thoughts and ideas.
We have many projects in the pipeline; many of the projects were planned not long after the City incorporated in 2006 and have been included in a number of planning documents such as the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the North Fulton Transportation Plan and prioritized in the City’s Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or TSPLOST list JohnsCreekga.gov/Residents/ Public-Works/Future-Improvements/ TSPLOST-(1)/TSPLOST.
Other projects that will begin later this year include the buildout of our five new parks and the refurbishment of our four existing parks. Our expanded recreational amenities will provide something for kids and families, young adults and seniors of all abilities. There’s still time for you to provide input to our parks design plans. For more information, visit JohnsCreekGa.gov/RecreationandParks/ Parks-Design-Project.
While we continue to progress on
Last month, the City took a giant step
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forward with the effort to grow our parks system when it received the highest possible credit rating from the nation’s largest rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poors (S&P) Global Ratings. The Aaa and AAA ratings, respectively, enable the City to move forward with securing its $40 million bond for parks construction, which the residents overwhelmingly approved on the general election ballot last November. The high ratings positioned the City to receive bonds with the highest credit quality at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayer dollars. I’m also very encouraged about the next step we’re taking to restore the old Rogers Bridge across the Chattahoochee River, connecting park facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in Johns Creek to Duluth. We continue to work on this project in partnership with Fulton and Gwinnett Counties and Duluth. It’s a transformational year, as we continue to plan and move forward with projects that will modernize our premiere residential community. I encourage you to remain engaged throughout the process. Let’s work together to keep Johns Creek the exceptional city it has become by using 2017 as a springboard into our next decade. L Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.
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Packing Tips for Summer Sleepaway Camp By Christy Noll
:
d Items
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Recom
t) t blanke
, ligh t, pillow heet se (s g in f each) d o - Bed wels (2-3 to h c a e - Bath/b rts, irts, sho ing bag , ear, t-sh rw e - Sleep d n irt/pants ks, u sweatsh ing (soc e shirts, v - Cloth r e le te -s a g ,w and lon sandals short, hat, jacket, athrobe t, warm b e k s, c a ja m ja a p rain s, e o tennis sh its) shoes, thing su and ba s e ss la sung lla ncil ressed) - Umbre pen/pe ed/add al with (stamp s e p lo - Journ r, enve g pape - Writin t h - Flashlig orant, e, deod reen othpast to , - Sunsc sh o p o) thbru p, sham ies (too ick, soa st - Toiletr p a h c /brush, comb money g in d n - Spe s goggle - Swim llent e p re t - Insec
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Whether this is your child’s first summer or third summer of sleepaway camp, a packing list is always important, so you’re assured your child has all the essential items for their week away. Here is some information to help make sleepaway camp less stressful. Check the camp’s website to see if medical/health forms are due before or upon arrival. If your child will be taking medication at camp, make sure to have all the medication and paperwork prepared by the doctor ahead of time. For emergencies, you’ll want to be sure to provide insurance information, driver’s license and alternate contacts in case you can’t be reached.
Label your child’s belongings with his/ her name or initials. It’ll be much easier to identify a lost item if your child has their name/initials on it. It’s wise to pack enough clothing to last one and a half times the number of days he/she will be at camp. Involve your child in the list making and packing of items. This will also help your child remember what they are bringing. You may also want to pack a garbage bag for dirty laundry. Encourage your child to hang their wet swimsuit and towel over their luggage or trunk, so it doesn’t soak their other items. Consider the weather and amount of rain expected, and pack accordingly. Be respectful of the camp’s rules and suggestions of what not to bring.
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
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Crystal Partners with Canadian Expedition Experts for Second
By Michael Consoli
LIFESTYLE Following the success of its first-ever Northwest Passage sailing in 2016, Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity will again traverse the waterways this August. Aboard the vessel will be a comprehensive team of Arctic experts from Canadabased Arctic Kingdom, global leaders in Arctic travel, who will share their knowledge and passion for the region’s unique culture, wildlife and geography as well as lead discovery expeditions ashore. The 32-day voyage departs Anchorage/ Seward, Alaska for New York City on August 15th, and sails through some of the previously unpassable, remote areas of the polar region. Crystal Serenity’s 2017 Northwest Passage Explorer will mark the final voyage for a classic Crystal ocean ship to sail through the Arctic region. Allinclusive cruise fares start at $21,855 per person and are now available for booking. Crystal’s “Crystal Clear Choices” promotional savings offers additional value for bookings made by April 30th. Local Inuit guides, northerners, marine biologists, archaeologists, expert divers, conservationists, photographers and wildlife experts 22
North Fulton Family Life | april 2017
round out Arctic Kingdom’s team of expedition leaders and speakers for the epic voyage. Besides the many environmental perspectives of the Arctic, there are several cultural nuances to be explored during the historic passage with visits to Ulukhaktok, North West Territories, Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut. Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO and president says, “Planning and collaboration with top experts and authorities is a must to ensure the safety of our guests and crew. We continue to work closely with the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, Transport Canada and a myriad of federal, state, provincial, territorial and local government agencies.” In addition to carefully crafted Crystal Adventures, the ship’s captain will safely position the ship to take advantage of impromptu “unexpected adventures,” supported by Arctic Kingdom, including zodiac outings to view glaciers, kayaking in protected bays, trekking the tundra with an expert guide and helicopter flights to view the Arctic landscape from the air, favorable weather conditions permitting. Likewise, expedition
teams will be scouting for wildlife, including polar bears and whales, throughout the voyage. Specialized, on-board equipment will allow incredible viewing opportunities from the comfort of the vessel. Just as it was last year, Crystal Serenity will be accompanied through the Canadian Arctic by an escort vessel, providing enhanced safety, and both vessels will use low-sulphur, marine gas oil fuel, exceeding environmental regulations. The escort vessel will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment as well as personnel specifically trained in its use. In addition, it will serve as a platform for two helicopters, for ice reconnaissance and flight seeing, and zodiacs for landings in areas without a port facility. Both vessels will be manned by highly trained crew members and Canadian ice pilots experienced in all aspects of operating safely in the Canadian Arctic. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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Book Review By annell gerson
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wo of Atlanta’s favorite women’s fiction authors both have new novels out this month! Wendy Wax’s 10 Beach Road series continues with the sixth installment in the lives of Maddie, Avery, Nikki, Kyra and newest member of the sisterhood, Bitsy. One Good Thing reminds us that despite the heartache of wayward teens, uncertainties of second chances at love, the hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy, realities of life with the rich and famous and the ever-looming cloud of financial uncertainty, there is always something good to appreciate. The load-bearing beam of this series is friendship, and though these women begin their relationship as strangers, each comes to realize how much support they give and receive from each other. Karen White’s The Night the Lights Went Out is also a book about the unlikely friendship between Sweet Apple, GA residents— a crusty, 93-year-old Sugar Prescott; working mom and recently divorced Merilee Talbot and gated-community, “all that” mom, Heather Blackford. When Merilee’s husband leaves her for their daughter’s third-grade teacher, she and her two children rent a small cottage on Sugar’s property. Through blogs by an anonymous Sweet Apple observer who seems to know everybody’s business, as well as character revelations, readers delve into secrets, sorrows and revenge... and learn a few “southernisms” along the way. It’s not until a violent tornado hits Sweet Apple and knocks out electricity on Sugar’s property that the truth and true friends are revealed. Such is life; it’s often while in darkness that we see the light. There will be a luncheon for the release of Wendy Wax’s One Good Thing on April 26th, 11:30am-1:30pm at Bookmiser in Roswell. A brunch for the release of Karen White’s The Night the Lights Went Out will be held at the Public House in Roswell on April 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net
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Whole Home Audio By Rick Cheney
Having speakers throughout your home can be a convenient option. Many new homes are prewired for speakers. Prewiring is a great way to plan ahead, so you can easily install speakers without having to cut any holes in your finished drywall. There are many types of speakers available to fit most home décor styles. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers are very popular, and they are flush-mounted, allowing just the grills to be seen.
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Most in-wall or in-ceiling speakers come in white, but can be painted to match the color of the room. These speakers come in a variety of sizes, qualities and prices and are usually installed in pairs. If your home isn’t pre-wired, an experienced low-voltage electrician can retrofit wires in your home. Aside from the speaker wiring and the speakers, you’ll need some type of amplification as well as something to play through the speakers. There are many options available to power the speakers; the simplest option is to play one source of music throughout the home, and have volume controls located in each room, so the volume can be adjusted individually in each area. Another option is a multi-room / multi-source system, which allows for several different music sources playing throughout your home simultaneously, all at different volumes. Many of these
systems are able to be controlled via your smartphone, eliminating the need for remote controls or volume control knobs on the walls. Keep in mind that many of these systems require a strong wireless internet connection in your home. No matter what your speaker needs are, a qualified electrical company is a good place to begin. A technician will discuss your needs and make recommendations as to what locations may sound better as well as which locations will be the easiest to install wiring, thereby minimizing the possibility of drywall damage. Installation time varies from house to house, but many systems can be installed in one day.
Rick Cheney is in the purchasing department at H&H Electric and Security, LLC. 770-735-1136. HHElectrician.com
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Procedure:
Ingredients:
-Add ice and water to a martini glass to chill. -Add ice and all remaining liquid ingredients and one sprig of thyme to a cocktail shaker. Depending on how tart you’d like it, alter the amount of lime juice. It should have enough lime juice to balance out the sweetness. -Shake until the cocktail shaker is ice cold. -Empty the ice and water from the chilled martini glass. -Strain through a cocktail strainer into the chilled martini glass. -Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
2.5 oz. dry gin .75 oz. elderflower liqueur .25-.5 oz. fresh lime juice 2 sprigs thyme Ice and water to taste
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We Cannot Solely Rely on the Internet to Teach Our Children By Mark Tolbert Recently, Khan Academy announced that it will make online SAT test preparation available for free. Now, all students—regardless of socioeconomic status—will have access to high-quality tools that will help them prepare for the redesigned SAT. However, there are limits to what digital learning technology can do, and we have to remember that great teaching has always been a primary driver of academic growth. As teachers have long understood on a gut level, if they have the opportunity to provide a student with continued, personalized instruction, they can instill learning alongside confidence. Using these two key strategies—individualized instruction and confidence building—teachers can help many students go from well below national average on standardized tests to the top of the score chart.
Great teachers consistently interweave individualized instruction with confidence. By individualizing instruction, a teacher can identify precisely where a student is struggling and provide him the right concept and practice, so he can learn the idea. For example, if a student can’t do an algebra problem with two equations and two unknowns because he doesn’t fully understand fractions, the teacher can teach fractions and then teach algebra. The student starts getting the fractions questions right, and the teacher celebrates that student’s hard work and growth. When the student revisits algebra equations, not only does the he have the necessary foundational skills, but because he has figured something
out that he struggled with before, he tackles the problems with confidence. This personalized approach allows students to master foundational concepts and develop a deeper understanding of the curricula. The way technology is changing the classroom is exciting, and it provides students with access to needed learning tools and resources. Although providing universal access to academic tools and resources will make a difference for many students across the country, it is ultimately the student and teacher working together that yields the deepest learning and growth.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
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COVER STORY By Cyndi Braun
The Roswell doctors include: Larry Heit, M.D.; Stuart Newman, M.D.; Stephen Lipsky, M.D.; David Sackel, M.D. and Nhora Abril, O.D.
Larry Heit, MD and Stuart Newman, MD
It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. If so, that’s all the more reason to pay attention to eye health. When your vision is fuzzy, it’s time to bring your world in focus. Whether you need routine eye care or have a more serious vision problem, Thomas Eye Care can help. Founded in 1974, this full-service eye care provider has locations throughout Atlanta including an office on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell. The Roswell office provides eye care for the whole family, specializing in pediatric ophthalmology, cataract surgery, LASIK, vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic services. In addition, the group is committed to patient care, starting at the front desk and continuing through examinations and any necessary procedures. “I am always impressed with Thomas Eye Group and how professionally they run their business. From check-in to final check-out, the service is great,” said patient Elliott Dahle.
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Larry Heit, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. He has successfully performed more than 10,000 cataract and refractive surgical procedures in his career. “When we perform cataract surgery, we are able to change the whole focus of the eye, so it’s functional without glasses,” said Dr. Heit.“I enjoy performing surgery. It’s very rewarding to do a procedure, get a great result and have the patient experience a remarkable improvement in their vision.” Stuart Newman, M.D., is a boardcertified ophthalmologist specializing in dry eye and comprehensive medical care of the eye. Dr. Newman is celebrating his 29th year at Thomas Eye Group. “I have a special interest in dry eye because I have dry eyes myself. Dry eye affects vision and comfort and gets progressively worse if you don’t address it. And dry eye is no longer something only older people suffer from,” said Dr. Newman, adding that he performs diagnostic screening, so
treatments are tailored to the specific type of dry eye the patient is experiencing. Stephen Lipsky, M.D., is a boardcertified ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. Dr. Lipsky treats eye misalignment, tear-duct obstruction, eyelid abnormalities, cataracts and glaucoma. He also performs routine eye care including glasses and contact lenses. “One of the most important things when meeting a child is to remember to address the child with a smile. Children pick up on subtle cues,” said Dr. Lipsky. “Parents are often more apprehensive than the children. If they give us an opportunity to work with their child, they’ll find that the child has a great experience here.” Patients and their parents respond well to Dr. Lipsky’s approach. “Thomas Eye Group has been my children’s eye provider for eight-tonine years. We have always enjoyed the
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professionalism and kindness shown over the years. My daughters have always had a great experience with Dr. Lipsky and his staff,” said Lynelle Perry. David Sackel, M.D., is a boardcertified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. He treats patients with a wide variety of corneal pathology including corneal infections, ectasias and dystrophies as well as dry eye disease and cataracts. “The ability to transform patients’ lives by allowing them to regain vision via corneal transplantation and/or cataract and refractive surgery is truly a rewarding experience,” said Dr. Sackel. “I am humbled each and every day to have the opportunity to interact with patients
in order to help meaningfully improve their vision.” Nhora Abril, O.D., is a board-licensed, bilingual optometrist, born in Colombia and trained in Pennsylvania. She assists people of all ages including a growing number of Spanish-speaking patients. “From the front desk, to the technicians, to the doctors— we work together as a team,” said Dr. Abril. “I enjoy meeting patients and getting to know them. I like helping people see, especially children who have no idea they need glasses and don’t know what the world is supposed to look like until they get their first glasses. I also get great professional satisfaction from assisting those who communicate in Spanish.”
Thomas Eye Group has established a strong reputation for highly experienced doctors, state-of-the art facilities, commitment to procuring leading-edge surgical and diagnostic equipment and delivering superior, quality patient experiences and results. With a mission to improve the quality of people’s lives by compassionately providing a lifetime of outstanding eye care, it’s no surprise that Thomas Eye Group has been awarded the Consumers’ Choice Award for ten consecutive years. If you’re looking for an eye care provider in the Roswell area, consider Thomas Eye Group.
Roswell Office 11690 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, GA 30076
770-475-5515 ThomasEye.com
Stephen Lipsky, MD
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Mark Your Calendar:
Men’s General Health Screening Benchmarks By Dr. Haroon Mian
Every year, regardless of age: Flu vaccine— A flu shot protects you, your family and your workplace from developing severe illness.
Since life can get busy, it’s easy to forget to schedule your health screenings. One way to remember to schedule an annual health screening is to mark your calendar a week before or after your birthday to make your appointments. The following are some general health screening benchmarks to add to your calendar. Many professional medical organizations differ in the specifics of their recommendations, so it’s best to consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate screening schedule based on your personal and family medical history.
It’s up to each of us to take care of ourselves. It’s important to be your own advocate when it comes to health screenings. Tell your doctor right away if you notice anything unusual or if new symptoms arise. For more information, visit Northside.com/healthtools.
Dr. Haroon Mian is a board-certified physician in family medicine at Perimeter North Family Medicine, 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 170, Canton. 770-721-9170. PNFM.com
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Beginning at age 20:
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Heart disease, diabetes and stroke— Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It cost an estimated $316.6 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity in 2011. Check your blood pressure every two years; get a diabetes screening every three years, and get a cholesterol screening every 4-6 years. Skin cancer—The cost of skin cancer treatment is about $2 billion every year in the U.S. Skin cancer is treatable when detected early, but otherwise, it’s potentially deadly. Schedule a head-to-toe dermatology exam every three years.
40 and older: Eye exam— From age 40 to 54, have an eye exam every 2-4 years. From ages 55 to 64, have an exam 1-3 years. If you have vision problems, glaucoma risk or family history of macular degeneration, you may need more frequent exams.
Beginning at age 50:
40 50
Prostate cancer— Whether and when to screen for prostate cancer, including digital rectal exam (DRE) and/or prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a matter of debate within the medical community. Consult your physician. If your father, brother or son had prostate cancer before the age of 65, you may be at increased risk. Generally, African-American men should be screened starting at age 40.
50 years and older:
50
+
Colorectal cancer— Colorectal cancer screenings include an annual DRE and a colonoscopy every ten years, or as an alternative, but not a replacement for a colonoscopy, Cologuard DNA testing can be performed every three years. Discuss earlier screenings if you have a family history of the disease or have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
Lung cancer— Want to save on your health insurance and about $1,000 cash each year? Quit smoking. If you currently smoke or have a history of smoking one or more packs a day for ten years, you may be eligible for a low-dose chest CT scan screening for early lung cancer detection.
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It Can Change Your Whole Look By Jyl Craven When was the last time someone suggested you “change your tone?” Only in your local hair salon can this phrase bring about feelings of newness and transformation. Yes, choosing a drop-dead-gorgeous hair color is one thing, but choosing the best tone can sometimes be difficult. While hair color is measured in levels ranging from one (darkest black) to ten (lightest blonde), tone refers to how warm or cool the hair appears. By changing the tone instead of the actual color level, you can make hair appear a few shades lighter or darker. Warm tones are lighter and will appear red, copper or gold, while cooler tones are more blue, green and violet. LIFESTYLE
There are four main hair colors: blonde, brunette, black and red, and the tone of these colors can all be changed slightly to create a unique, stylish look. Your skin tone and eye color are important features that will help determine the ideal tone for your hair. There are some modern tones in each hair color that may leave you thinking it’s time for a change. For blondes who want a change, there are plenty of options. To warm up your blonde strands, consider adding some golden, beige or caramel tones. If your complexion is warm, these options will really make your appearance glow. To cool down your look, for a softer, more subtle appearance, consider opting for pearl blonde or icy blonde. Brunettes have as many options as blondes when it comes to changing their tone. When brunettes match
the perfect hair tone with their skin tone, the results can be stunning. Caramel, auburn and reddishbrowns look flattering on warmer complexions, while rich mahogany and burgundy are fashion-forward looks that appear striking on cooler skin tones. Black hair doesn’t have to be drab. It can appear quite alluring with the proper cool and warm tones. Warm black shades, ranging from espresso to ash, to blue/black, will fare well if your complexion is warm/olive. Cooler tones, like black-matte and neutralblack hues, can have a dramatic effect on pale/cooler skin tones. Natural redheads look stunning regardless of skin tone. But if you want to “test your tone,” those with warm skin tones can spice up their look with medium-copper or golden-copper tones to create a
head-turning effect. To cool down your appearance, think about deeper reds or a dark cherry color for an alternative effect. For your finished look to appear natural and balanced, it’s important that your skin and hair tone are in complete harmony. For a quick selfassessment, consider your current look with a few shades lighter or darker. Of course, for a more complete recommendation on which tone is best for you, always consult your local salon professional. So, the next time you hear the words “change your tone,” perhaps you’ll get excited about a beautiful new look coming your way. L
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
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TV is About to
YouTube TV for $35/ mo. These services are phenomenal at getting your TV bill down to almost nothing, but with caveats. Most people spend between $150 and $200 per month for TV. With Dish and DirecTV’s new plans, you only get the service on a smartphone or tablet, then you have to “airplay” it to an AppleTV. For some, this is easy, but not everyone will agree. Amazon is working on adding Dish’s SlingTV app to their FireTV boxes. The main thing for you to understand is that it’s possible to get the new Dish and DirecTV service on your TV, but it’s not as simple and seamless as you’d prefer. You’ll likely have to spend a little cash on new equipment, and learn a few steps on how to watch TV this new way.
Get Cheap By Michael Buckner Are you considering “cutting the cord?” In the past, it seemed unlikely because most of us watch live sports and news, and all cheap or free options have had little to offer in this area. This is no longer the case. DirecTV Now and Dish Network SlingTV have now released $20 packages that have internet-based TV programming, and Google just announced something coming called
Google’s YouTube TV is still a few months away, so no one truly knows the ins and outs, but they are stating that you’ll get forty channels for $35/ month. So far, it includes all major networks, all three ESPN’s, Fox News and more. It would be surprising if this service is not available on any device that has the YouTube app, which is basically every smart TV, AppleTV, Roku and/or internet-connected BluRay player. In other words, the day they pull the trigger, there will already be millions and millions of devices ready to hit play, and chances are, you already own whatever is needed and will start saving over $1,000/year on your TV bill.
Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com
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Community Partners Songs For Kids Foundation exists to give kids battling serious
illness opportunities to be creative and express themselves through music. This Foundation brings music into hospitals all over the U.S. They also run regular programs in children’s hospitals in five states. Songs for Kids musicians perform mini concerts in hospitals for entire floors of patients as well as making individual bedside visits for kids who are not well enough to leave their rooms. Songs For Kids is not there to just play a couple of songs, provide a distraction and leave; their goal is to form the kinds of meaningful relationships that are necessary to help kids cope with their illnesses through creativity. Songs For Kids musicians are dedicated artists, trained in hospital procedures, and they don’t let illness get in the way of kids having a good time. They’ve played guitars wearing latex gloves and scrubs, sung classic rock anthems from behind surgical masks and provided the soundtrack for physical therapy exercises in rehab gyms. In addition to hospital performances, Songs For Kids provides opportunities for songwriting and recording to give kids the chance to put their experiences into words and feel a sense of accomplishment. How many people can say they’ve written and professionally recorded a song in the midst of medical procedures, chemo, checkups and tests?
500 Songs For Kids Dates & Venues: March 24-25 Smith’s Olde Bar March 31-April 1 Venkman’s April 7-8 Smith’s Olde Bar April 14-15 Smith’s Olde Bar April 21-22 Venkman’s April 28-29 Smith’s Olde Bar
Songs For Kids artists have been bringing music into the lives of these amazing kids for ten years, and they’ve performed in nearly every children’s hospital in the U.S. This year, the Foundation will be taking that work one step further by launching a one-on-one music mentorship program that will be available to kids both in and out of the hospital. Kids who join the program will work with their own Songs For Kids musician on a dedicated music project. Whether that means songwriting, singing lessons or learning an instrument, it will be exciting to witness and showcase the awesome work they do together. Songs For
Tickets: Pay what you want! That’s right, you can pay what you want at each show. Your contribution is appreciated.
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Kids is honored to rock with the kids who need them most. One of Songs For Kids largest and most notable fundraising events is their annual 500 Songs For Kids. 500 Songs For Kids takes place every year in Atlanta, GA and features hundreds of volunteer bands and solo artists who perform one of 500 songs over twelve nights. There have also been many famous musicians who’ve volunteered at 500 Songs for Kids over the years such as Cee-Lo Green, Arrested Development, Butch Walker, Gavin DeGraw, Edwin McCain, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Janelle Monae, Shawn Mullins and the Zac Brown Band, just to name a few. This is the eleventh year for 500 Songs For Kids, each year has a musical theme; this year’s theme will be the “500 Greatest ‘Feel-Good’ Songs of All Time.” If you are a musician who would like to volunteer to perform at 500 Songs For Kids, visit SongsForKids.org/500SongsForKids for more information and to apply.
1579 Monrow Drive, Suite F-927 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-541-9231 • SongsForKids.org
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Clearly, Two Great Options for Orthodontic Treatment By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
There have been significant strides made in options for orthodontic treatment over the past two decades. Clear aligners are one of the most notable developments. Currently, there are a variety of brands of clear aligners on the market; two of the most common are Invisalign™ (developed in 1997) and Clear Correct™ (developed in 2006). These products are very similar; the basic idea is that a patient’s teeth are moved in small increments by wearing a series of clear, plastic aligners. The aligners are worn nearly 24 hours a day and are only removed for brushing, flossing and eating. The aligners are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique orthodontic needs; however, not all orthodontic cases can be managed using these clear aligners. A consultation with your orthodontist will
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reveal whether they are an option for you or your child. Besides the most obvious advantage (they offer invisible orthodontic treatment), there are other advantages to this type of system as well. They are a great option for anyone who might be allergic to metal. The aligners can be easily removed and cleaned, and this also allows for normal brushing and flossing of the teeth. Oftentimes, there are fewer trips to the office, as the patient can progress through the different aligners on a prescribed schedule provided by the orthodontist. Once a patient works with their orthodontist to decide upon clear aligners as a treatment course, the patient takes on a different sort of ownership with this type of treatment as compared to traditional braces. The patient must be
careful not to lose any of the aligners. The patient must also commit to wearing the aligners as prescribed (i.e. for a set number of hours each day). If the recommendations are not followed, the desired result will not be achieved. There are many things to consider when deciding the best orthodontic treatment course. It’s important to take time to speak with your orthodontist to decide what might be the best option for you or your child.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
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Bringing Quality Cardiology Care Close to Home — By Cyndi Braun —
N
orthside Heart’s Cumming office provides convenience and quality care to residents of North Fulton and Forsyth County. The practice is conveniently located on the Northside Hospital Forsyth campus. Northside Heart is one of the largest cardiology practices in the north Atlanta area, with locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee/Johns Creek and Woodstock. Physicians treat a wide range of cardiovascular disease. They are boardcertified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear and interventional cardiology. Full-Service Cardiology in Cumming The Cumming location is a full-service
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cardiology office, which means patients may receive preventative medicine care, diagnostic procedures and cardiac electrophysiology evaluations. “We evaluate and treat people with all forms of cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Thomas Jordan, who is one of six physicians seeing patients in Cumming. “That includes something as basic as high blood pressure, which is the most common medical problem that any physician sees, to complex congenital heart disease.” Patients visit the Cumming location for routine exams and diagnostic testing such as EKGs, echocardiograms, rhythm monitoring, nuclear and non-nuclear stress tests. “With Northside Hospital Forsyth and
Northside Heart in Cumming, you have Atlanta-based physicians right here in your community,” said Patricia Tyson, administrative director for the Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. Partnering for Your Care Northside Heart formed in 2016 after Cardiovascular Physicians of North Atlanta and Northside Cardiology, two well-respected cardiology groups, partnered to serve the communities throughout greater Atlanta with the highest standard of cardiovascular care. Northside Heart now brings together a team of sixteen cardiologists and eight locations, with a newly-opened office in Canton and an additional office in Marietta opening in the coming months. With so many doctors on staff, the practice is committed to offering 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
patients something smaller practices cannot — collaboration with other highly experienced members of the team. Doctors consult with each other to provide the best possible care for patients.
“Northside Heart’s physicians hold the belief that they should not just care for patients;
Dr. Jordan says doctors often meet with each other to consult about a particular patient. Getting input from other doctors improves patient care.
they should care about them.”
Compassionate, Quality Care At each of the locations, Northside Heart’s physicians hold the belief that they should not just care for patients; they should care about them. From office personnel to technicians, nurses, medical assistants and the rest of the medical team, the practice is committed to patient-centered care. Some patients have been with the practice so long that they have become like family. “I’ve seen patients now for almost 25 years, who I’ve seen since day one. They keep coming back, and that’s a great part of this type of practice. You can do all these procedures, and then you get to know the people, and learn about them and their families, and see them over the years,” said Dr. Jordan. “You don’t just do one procedure, and never see them again; you are taking care of them for the duration.” Northside Heart is committed to making sure patients get quality time with the physicians. Doctors spend as much time as needed with each patient to conduct a thorough exam and to get to know them as well as address any concerns that the patient may have. Good News About Heart Disease In the past fifty years, death rates due to cardiovascular disease have declined significantly. This decline has been attributed to a variety of factors including advances in treating heart disease, better medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the existence of cardiac care units such as those at Northside Hospital. In fact, all three Northside Hospitals have been recognized by the American Heart Association as providing “gold standard” cardiovascular care. “Cardiovascular disease is actually one of the few diseases where the mortality is going down. There are more people with cardiac problems, but the number of people dying from heart disease has actually gone down compared to most other diseases,” said Dr. Jordan. “We’ve really done well in helping control risk factors, improving patients’ lives, getting them to live longer and hopefully better, too.” Patients who have risk factors for heart disease or have already been diagnosed should monitor and treat their condition with the assistance of cardiologists such as those at Northside Heart.
Northside Heartcumming 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 3600 Cumming 770-343-8565 NorthsideHeart.com
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The Power
of Easter By Kevin Head, Ph.D.
The power of the Easter story is simply indescribable. We do our best to craft words around this incredible account, but all our words pale in comparison to the true meaning and significance of Easter. There is transforming, life-changing power in the words of the story of the
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cross and the empty tomb.
Easter was all about.”
Recently, a man reflected on an experience he had when he was in high school. He shared that as he finished his paper route early one Easter morning; he rode his bicycle past a church in his small town, just as the sun was coming up. He didn’t intend to go to worship that Sunday because he was tired of church and just didn’t feel interested.
There are times in life when the cross, the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ simply cannot be explained; instead, they must be experienced. That’s the amazing, transforming power the story of Easter can have in our lives. So, on Sunday, April 16, we are once again given the opportunity to experience the message and the power of Easter.
But then, it happened! The sun hit the big silver cross in front of the church. He couldn’t take his eyes off it. Its fiery brightness made him think about how the apostles must have felt on that very first Easter. The young man experienced an unseen force directing his feet up the church steps, and before he knew what was happening, he found himself going inside the church, kneeling and praying. He ended his story by saying, “For the first time in my life, I understood what
J. S. Whale once said, “The gospels do not explain Easter; Easter explains the gospels.” This year, I am looking forward to the indescribable power of experiencing the Easter story again. I hope you are, too!
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, RKevinHead@FBRoswell.org
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Taste of
by chef Paul Bodrogi
*LEMON FILLING INGREDIENTS:
• 7 oz. water • 3 ½ oz. sugar • 1/14 oz. cornstarch • 4 egg yolks • 1 oz. sugar • Pinch of salt • ½ oz. butter • 1 raspberry • 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
LEMON FILLING PROCEDURE:
1. Whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks and 1 oz. of sugar in a mixing bowl. 2. Bring the water and 3 ½ oz. of sugar to a boil. 3. Whisk the sugar-water mixture into the egg yolk mixture. 4. Return to the stove, and bring to a boil while constantly whisking. 5. Pour the boiling mixture into a clean bowl. 6. Whisk in the butter followed by the fresh lemon juice. 7. Cover and refrigerate.
Assembly:
1. Place the raspberry in the bottom of a martini-style glass. 2. Place the pie dough circle atop the raspberry. 3. Spoon on a layer of lemon filling. 4. Pipe on the meringue. 5. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.
MERINGUE INGREDIENTS:
• 4 oz. sugar • 1 oz. water • 2 oz. egg whites
MERINGUE PROCEDURE:
1. Put egg whites in a mixer with a whip attachment. 2. Combine the sugar and water, and heat to 240 degrees. 3. When the sugar mixture reaches 230 degrees, turn the mixer on medium speed, and start to whip the egg whites. 4. When the sugar mixture reaches 240 degrees, add it to the whipping egg whites, and continue to whip until cool.
*Pie Dough Ingredients: • 5 oz. all-purpose flour • 3 oz. butter • 1 ½ oz. ice-cold water • Pinch of salt • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 egg, beaten
pie dough procedure:
1. Sift all the dry ingredients into a bowl. 2. Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until the butter is the size of small peas. 3. Add the water, and mix until combined. 4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 5. Roll the dough onto parchment paper to ⅛ inch thick. 6. Using a fork, poke small holes in the dough. 7. Use a cookie cutter to cut 1 ½ inch circles out of the dough. 8. Give the dough an egg wash, and bake at 375 degrees until golden brown. *This recipe can be simplified using store-bought pie dough and your favorite lemon filling.
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Paul Bodrogi is a pastry chef, Pastry Live event producer and instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College.
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“If you build it, they will come.” While this is a popular quote from the movie Field of Dreams, it has certainly been true for Cashin’s Sculpture Garden in Alpharetta. Jack Cashin, owner of Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, had envisioned an outdoor sculpture garden on the property for some time. Jack is a serial entrepreneur and creator of many commercial enterprises. As a passionate supporter of the arts, he always felt large sculptures along the trail through the forest made sense. The response has been wonderful. Many people visit the farm each year to attend weddings, corporate outings and concerts or to watch a polo match, take riding and polo lessons and now, to partake in “Nature’s Cathedral” by walking Cashin’s Sculpture Garden trail. Cashin’s Sculpture Garden is located on the 100+ acres of Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, which hosts a vast array of events and activities, drawing a diverse crowd of many thousands of visitors each year, so they can be immersed in the charm and gorgeous surroundings
that make up Chukkar Farm. The grand opening of the Sculpture Garden took place in May of 2015. The installation is along an existing horse riding trail that gently meanders through a spectacular hardwood forest. The sun dapples through the leaves, setting the stage for wonderment. There are 26 large-scale sculptures, including a great variety of art styles, from abstract to representational. The artist roster includes many well-known professionals from Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Chukkar Farm also offers the facility for fund-raising events by non-profit organizations, and they include a polo match as the entertainment feature. Whether you are planning a wedding, looking for a great location for your company outing,
planning a fund raiser, want to attend a concert, try your hand at polo or are looking for a peaceful, soul-enriching walk in the woods, pairing art and nature, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility is the place to go. When you visit for an event, you can add the Sculpture Garden to your activities. If you are just visiting for the Sculpture Garden, it is only open by appointment with a group of eight or more. More sculptures will be added in phases, and current sculptures will be replaced with new ones from time to time. All sculptures are on consignment and for sale to the public. In 2017, Mr. Cashin wants to add a variety of programming that would allow the Sculpture Garden to be open more to individuals who want to enjoy the art. For more information, or to see their calendar of events, check out ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com. .
1140 Liberty Grove Road Alpharetta 770-664-1533 770-833-1283 ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Hooray!
Springtime has
officially arrived, ushering in warmer temperatures and more daylight hours. So, before we roll
You’re Cordially Invited:
in to the sticky-hot, humid days of summer in Georgia, now is the perfect time to plan an outdoor dinner party for friends and family. Here’s what you need to do to pull off the perfect springtime soirée.
Let’s Get This Party Started! Thematically Speaking: The first thing you need to do is decide on a theme. The best way to decide this is to consider the reason you’re gathering people together for an outdoor meal. Some popular spring themes for outdoor dinner parties include: Easter dinner, little league baseball, bridal/baby showers, wine-and-cheese/chocolate tasting, small plates/appetizers, garden party, spring harvest, block party, Cinco de Mayo Mexican fiesta, rustic BBQ, low-country boil, farm-to-table, Hawaiian luau, ethnic food (Moroccan, sushi, Italian, etc.), murder mystery, and and and…. you get the point; the possibilities are endless!
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If your theme is less formal, your invitations can be as casual as a phone call, face-to-face conversation, a flier posted in the break room at work or a group invitation in social media/ Messenger. However, if your theme is more formal, you’ll want to order or create traditional invitations to send out via regular mail. Your invitations should hint at your theme. In other words, if you’re having a garden dinner party, you may want to select an invitation with a delicate floral pattern. If you’re having a murder-mystery dinner party, your invitations might have fingerprints or a magnifying glass depicted on them. In addition to date, time, theme and location, be sure to let your guests know what to expect, so they can come prepared. If your theme requires that your guests dress a certain way (formal/ casual attire, costumes, etc.), make sure to indicate this on the invitation. You will also want to let your guests know if they need to bring anything (BYOB, a side dish/dessert to share, whiteelephant gift, games/sports equipment, etc.). 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Ambiance — Set the Stage. That’s Music to My Ears: Unless your dinner has another planned form of entertainment (outdoor movie night, spoken-word poetry readings, etc.), you’ll need to decide what type of music to have at your party. You can hire a DJ or live musicians, or you can run your digital music app of choice (Pandora, Spotify, etc.) through speakers you have set up outside. Make sure that your music compliments the theme you’ve chosen. For example, if your theme is sports-related, you might want to select a stadium/arena rock station on your music app. If you’re having a wine-and-cheese/chocolate tasting, you may consider hiring an acoustic band or solo artist to play mellow, mood music in the background. Make sure that you’re considerate of your neighbors and aware of local noise ordinances.
I’ve Seen the Light: Though many people don’t give it much thought, lighting is very important when it comes to setting the mood for your outdoor dinner party. If you’re having a Hawaiian luau, you may want to set up lots of tiki torches around the area. A sushi dinner party might call for paper lanterns, or a Moroccan theme would be best illuminated by colorful, ornate, glass lanterns. String lights or twinkling fairy lights draped from tree branches or adhered to nearby bushes or fences are always a lovely choice that can complement many different themes.
Table Decor: When setting/ decorating the table where your guests will dine, in addition to sticking with your theme (Ha! Are you noticing a running “theme” here?), be sure that your centerpieces are low enough so as not to obstruct the flow of conversation. Lots of tealight candles floating in water in short glass bowls or short vases and/or votive candles in various types of decorative candle holders are always a safe choice. Short flower arrangements, plants or succulents bring fresh life to the table.
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continued from page 45 It’s always a good idea to set up a separate table or three so that your guests have plenty of space to eat on the dining table; set up one table for drinks, one for your main course and side dishes and one for desserts. The exception to this would be if you’re planning a low-country boil, in which case you’d use a disposable table cloth and dump the delicious food right down the middle of the butcher-paper table runner. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!
Food! Get in Muh’ Belly! What’s for Dinner? While your theme will likely dictate your menu, you don’t necessarily have to prepare the food yourself. Catering is a wonderful option for those short on time or for parties planned on short notice. There are many local restaurants that can accommodate you. For
example, if you’re using a farm-to-table theme, Milton’s Cuisine has got you covered; many of their farm-to-table dishes can be ordered for your event. If you need a delicious dessert, Alpine Bakery has a vast variety from which to choose. When preparing the food yourself, if you’re not preparing items that will be consumed right when they’re served, consider making dishes that will be palatable at room temperature, so you don’t have to worry about being close to a kitchen or other heat source, and guests can snack throughout the evening. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a way to cover food items while they’re not being eaten in order to keep out the bugs.
Other Things to Consider… Extra-Curricular Activities: If you’d like to be considered the “host(ess)-with-the-most(ess),” plan to have a few activities for guests to enjoy once the meal has concluded. Cornhole, horseshoes, Slip ‘n Slide, Twister®, hulahoops, jump ropes, karaoke machines, badminton/volleyball nets, sprinklers, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and movies projected onto an outdoor screen are fun ideas, many of which are great for adults and children alike.
Climate Control: Springtime in Georgia can be a bit unpredictable. Plan to have fans (electric and hand-held) in case it’s still really hot when the sun goes down or a fire pit, campfire or bonfire in case it gets chilly. If it has been awhile since it last rained, make sure there are no current bans on outdoor burning in your area before igniting your flames.
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April is National Gardening Month By Lisa Ethridge Due to the enthusiastic support from gardeners and municipalities, what began as a National Gardening Week during the month of April in 1987 was extended into National Gardening Month in 2003. It’s probably no accident that Earth Day and Arbor Day also fall during April. Everyone’s thoughts turn toward Mother Nature during spring. Atlantans are passionate about gardening. We enjoy the seasonal changes in weather and a preponderance of sunny days. A lovely assortment of butterflies and birds delights us no matter where we go. Nurturing plants, expressing creativity and beautifying your yard and
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community is fulfilling and gratifying. In zone 7, April is a busy month for planting. Early in the month is a good time to add perennial plants and herbs to the landscape. After April 15th, it’s safe to plant flowers of all kinds as well as warm-weather vegetables. The UGA Extension website, Extension.UGA. edu/publications, provides a wealth of information for spring gardening. This year, why not try to make your garden more eco-friendly? Pamphlet B 1456 provides important information needed to attract pollinators, beneficial insects and other natural predators to your yard. By all means, get on the bandwagon to save the monarch butterflies. Plant
milkweed, genus Asclepias; without it, there can be no monarchs. The native plant society reminds us to plant only species of milkweed that are native to our region; avoid the tropical variety. It can have an adverse effect on monarch migration. Milkweed is sold in most nurseries and at locations that sell native plants. April is a great time to attend one of the garden-centered festivals or native plant sales. The North Fulton Master Gardeners sponsor Garden Faire on April 29th. The event features a variety of vendors, greenhouse plants and passalong plants raised by master gardeners, great food, informative seminars, a fleatique thrift booth, music and more. Stop by from 9:00am-3:00pm to get inspired. Lisa Ethridge is 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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How to Design and Grow Dramatically Beautiful Container Plants By Joshua Fuder ontainer gardening can serve as a terrific first step into gardening for the novice; it’s also ideal if you’re limited on time or space. Additionally, it’s excellent for aging gardeners or anyone with limited mobility because it puts the soil at a height that is more easily accessible.
r
Success Starts with the Soil The biggest difference in container gardening vs. in-ground gardening is the soil. Commercial potting mixes are ideal for container gardening because they allow for adequate drainage and aeration. These mixes will contain a combination of vermiculite and peat moss and either perlite or ground-pine bark. Many commercial mixtures also come fortified with fertilizer. If you plan to have an abundance of containers, consider mixing your own potting soil to save money. Mineral soil (soil from your garden) can be used as long as it’s improved with organic matter to provide the necessary drainage. A mixture of two parts soil, two parts peat moss and one part perlite should be satisfactory. Container Arrangement by Kathy Stose
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Fertilizer Amendments Although commercial mixtures that come fortified with fertilizer often claim to feed up to four months, potting soils by design will not hold on to nutrients for more than a few weeks. Nutrient levels drop as plants use them for growth, and with each watering, nutrients are leached through the soil. Most commercial fertilizers contain the “big three” nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the primary nutrients required for plant growth. There are other minor nutrients required for healthy plant growth that are usually found in sufficient amounts in native soils. Since potting mixtures don’t contain real soil, they will often lack minor nutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iron. Container-grown plants may turn yellow due to lack of iron, magnesium or sulfur. A container-grown tomato may get blossom-end rot, which is a symptom of calcium deficiency. The solution is to choose fertilizers that contain both major and minor nutrients. You can also add dolomitic limestone to the potting mixture at planting time, as it contains both calcium and magnesium. Apply one tablespoon of lime per gallon of soil mixture. When mixing your own soil, it’s beneficial to add a premium-grade fertilizer. A well-
balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-15, 5-1010 or 6-12-12 at a rate of five pounds per cubic yard or 3 ¼ ounces per bushel (1.25 cubic feet). Dolomitic lime should also be added at the same rate as the fertilizer. Supplemental fertilization of plants should begin two-to-three weeks after planting. The frequency will depend on what type of fertilizer you choose. For liquid-soluble fertilizer, plan to apply it every two-tothree weeks during the growing season. For dry, granular types, apply a half teaspoon for every gallon of soil every two-to-three weeks. Slow-release fertilizers are a good option and will last up to three months. A teaspoonful per gallon of soil is generally recommended.
r
Creative Containers Containers come in all shapes and forms, from colorful, beautifully glazed pots to old rubber boots. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the function is the same. The most important consideration is whether it has adequate drainage. If you choose a pot without holes for drainage, it’s recommended to use a double-pot method. This requires that you pot in a different container that has drainage holes then place it on gravel inside the pot without holes. Container size is also important. Outdoor container plants, especially fast-growing ones, need adequate space for root development. Small pots restrict root growth, which will result in limited top growth. Containers that are tall (more than one foot) will require a large amount of
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soil. To save on soil, you can fill the bottom of containers with light-weight material such as aluminum cans or old nursery pots— placed open-end down.
r
Planting Design Designing the container planting is much like traditional garden design. Principles like form, texture, color and proper proportion are perhaps more important in containers than in a larger landscape. For a balanced look, don’t let plants be more than two-thirds of the overall height of the container. For shallow or small containers, choose smaller plants or plants with small foliage. For large or tall containers, choose plants with medium-to-tall, mature-sized plants, plants with large leaves or both. Successful plantings will pull the eye to the center to a “thriller” plant. Plants that work well in this role have compact, upright growth such as salvia, grasses and Dracaena spike. Around the “thriller,” you want to create a sense of flow, so complementary “fillers” should be used. Filler plants will have a compact, upright growth. Good examples of filler plants are geraniums, Dusty Miller and heliotrope. To get a lush, overflowing look, add additional plants that will serve as the “spiller.” Plants like sweet potato vine, verbenas, Vinca vines or Portulacas will be sure to impress. Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/ extension/cherokee
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29th Annual
Dare to Dream Gala
L
ast month, enAble of Georgia held its annual Gala at the Renaissance Waverly Atlanta Hotel. The black-tie optional event was attended by over 400 guests and hosted by Fox 5 Atlanta’s Russ Spencer. Entertainment was provided by Chinua Hawk and Party Nation, and the Gala Chairs were Mark and Kay Lewington. All of the guests enjoyed a silent auction, live auction, delicious dinner, cocktails and dancing. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to support the mission of enAble of Georgia, which is to support people with special needs, so they may lead fulfilled lives — physically, intellectually and socially. This year’s Gala raised over $250,000, and the funds raised will help maintain the eighteen group homes that enAble currently operates and bridge the gap between Medicaid funding received and the actual costs associated with fully supporting each individual. This year, an inaugural award was created to honor an individual who stands out above all others and epitomizes unwavering dedication to the people served by enAble, while maintaining their dignity and keeping their unique needs in mind. So, each year going forward, at the annual Gala, this award will be given to that one employee who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. The inscription on the award is a timely quote by Winston Churchill, who said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” The Shirley Pahl Award was presented to Shirley Pahl in honor of her thirty-plus years of work with enAble and its volunteers. In addition to sponsors large and small, Shirley has engaged thousands of volunteers and created ongoing volunteer relationships to help maintain group homes and find donors for food, gifts and supplies every year. She has sought and acquired repeated grants, and she will ask anyone for anything to benefit the people served by enAble. Over the last three decades, hundreds of thousands of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours have been given to enAble because of Shirley, and enAble is only a part-time job for her! enAble of Georgia Foundation, Inc., is the fundraising arm of enAble of Georgia, Inc. (enAble), an IRS-approved, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1979 and headquartered in Roswell. The agency was started by a group of parents concerned about the future of their adult children with developmental disabilities. Now, over 37 years later, hundreds of Georgians and their families are served by enAble programs. Primary diagnoses of those served by enAble include: mild/moderate to severe/profound intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. More than 55% of these individuals have a significant secondary disability including physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, seizures, hearing and vision impairments.
Shirley Pahl & Russ Smith WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Artist Profile by tina morris
K
enette Bethel enjoyed attending plays at Elm Street Playhouse long before she became a costume designer for them. Some may call it chance; some may call it fate, but whichever it was, it was a perfect match. While attending a play at the Elm Street Playhouse, Kenette discovered a flyer in the program that said, “looking for visionary support.� She took a chance and emailed the playhouse. Soon, she began working in the costume design department.
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Kenette grew up in Huntsville, Alabama where her parents worked as programmers for NASA. Her mother died when Kenette was only nine years old. Her father remarried a year and a half later. It was Kenette’s step mother who first introduced her to sewing when she signed Kenette up for a weeklong sewing camp when she was thirteen years old. Kenette learned a lot and loved the experience. Her passion, plus four years of home economics in high school, prepared Kenette to work as a tailor while attending Kennesaw State University.
Photos by J.A.M. Session Photography
Today, with over four decades of experience in sewing, Kenette is more than capable of costume design and creation. She began working with Cindy Flanders, the costume manager at Elm Street Playhouse, who designed the first play that Kenette worked on. Kenette enjoyed the collaboration, stating that, “Two heads are better than one.” The Little Mermaid Jr. was Kenette’s first show as costume director. Her experience and creative process helped her overcome any challenges she faced. When it comes to costume design, Kenette states that, “It is important to talk with the director first about the overall vision for each character. Next, it’s important to learn what the needs of the characters and costumes are.” For example, if characters must dance, the costume must allow for free range of motion. It sounds obvious, but it can create quite a challenge. Kenette states that, “If the director has a vision in mind, I follow that. If the director does not, then I will follow my own idea path.” Even fabrics can prove a challenge. A fabric that may look perfect at the store may wash-out under stage lights. According to Kenette, the functionality of the garments can be the most challenging task. For The Little Mermaid Jr, Ariel had to transform from mermaid to human on stage. The challenge allowed Kenette to push her creativity and design a piece that became her favorite. Kenette is enthusiastic about upcoming projects, including Annie Get Your Gun. She is not the costume director for this production, but is excited because she loves western wear. She enjoys volunteering with Elm Street Playhouse and encourages anyone who enjoys a craft to find a way to share it with their community.
Tina Morris is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Quotables “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: If there Happiness never is any reaction, both are transformed.” — Carl Jung decreases by being shared.” “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it’s — Buddha the same problem as last year.” — John Foster Dulles “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
“Never try to have the last word. You might get it.” — Robert A. Heinlein
“
“Time is a great healer but a poor beautician.” — Lucille Harper
“Which do you want, the pain of staying where you are or the pain of growth?” — Judith Hanson “When Lasater you attempt to control “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” — Yoda someone else’s life, it simply reflects “Only discretion allows intimacy, which depends on shared reticence, on what is not said — the lack of control you unsolvable things that would leave the other person ill at ease.” — Hector Banciotti have over your own.” — Daniel Chidiac “You can tell a lot about someone by the way they react to not getting what they
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want.” — Sonya Teclai
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Advertiser Index Alpharetta Foot & Ankle Specialists Inside Back Ark on Lake Lanier 47 Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists 3 Audio Intersection 33 The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill 23 Brandon Hall School 41 Camp Invention 41 Camp Juliette Low 41 Chukkar Farms 43 Cruise Planners 19, 48 Debra Robinson Law Group 13 DeMercy Dental 3 Dream Design by Lisa 37 H & H Electric & Security, LLC 24 Huntington Learning Center 40 Internal Medicine Specialists of Roswell 11 Internal Medicine Practice of Northside 15 Ken-Mark Turf, Inc. 37 LGE Community Credit Union Back Cover Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC 5 May River Dermatology, LLC 13 Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails 23, 26 Newtown Medical Associates Inside Front North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center 35 North Atlanta Women’s Care 36 Northside Heart 38-39 Northside Hospital Cancer Institute 1 Northside Heart & Vascular Institute Inside Back The Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center of Atl. Inside Front Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 27 Pete’s Plumbing, Inc. 47 Play by Play/Sports Broadcasting Camps 41 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 25 Relay for Life 21 Roswell Azalea Festival 32 Signs of Significance/Apex 19 Singleton Law Firm 56 Thomas Eye Group Cover, 28 & 29 Tracy Morton- Harry Norman 5 Vickery Creek Capital Management 17 WellStar Cardiac Network 20
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