Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Contents
May 2017
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 10
[28-29]
28-29 On the Cover:
St. George Village
44-46
Georgia’s Swimming Holes & Rock Slides
50-51
Honoring the Fallen
[44-46]
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Family Life Publications
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
.......................... Perspective
06
............................. Calendar
12, 43
[50-51] Follow Us >>>
04
........... Senator Speaks
13
....................... Business Life
18
.................... Mayor’s Minute
34
............... Community Partner
37
......................... Artist Profile
41
........................ Book Review
42
......................... Taste of Life
54
............................ Quotables
55
................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com
Grace — It’s Enough. at least up until the moment when Mom would be pushed to her breaking point, and then she would enlist Dad to do her bidding. We knew when we were not being proper young men; we understood why and accepted the consequences. We also knew we were forgiven and would be graced with more opportunities to learn along life’s winding path.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Jessica Asbell, Senator Brandon Beach, Cyndi Braun, Michael Buckner, Rick Cheney, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, Lisa Ethridge, Annell Gerson, Chef Hillary Gallagher, Ann Hanlon, Jessica Helms, Marianna Ilina, Amanda Kossick, Joe Lockwood, Jamie Mackrell, Tina Morris, Tracy Morton, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Mark Tolbert
Because our parents taught us lessons with patience, understanding, an occasional attitude adjustment and always with a hearty helping of grace, we knew they loved us. It provided us with an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger, better, wiser. Grace is one of the blessings we receive in life that isn’t earned through our works and actions; grace is a gift, an attribute of love. When we are concerned over what we have done or failed to do, where or how we fell, it is good to remember that there is always His grace to give our mistakes purpose, lift us up, brush us off and help us carry on with our lives.
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 over 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
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M AG A ZI
N
If there was one thing my mother had that helped her the most in raising a pair of rambunctious country boys, it was grace. She needed it, of course, but not nearly as much as my brother and I did. We were not overly wild, as we had respect for our parents, others and God, but in the days of, “Go outside; stay there, and be home before dark,” we had our share of mischief. Most of the time, our father was calm and collected,
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
PLE
E
very now and then, being the younger, forever smaller sibling, I would end up in the shadow of my big brother’s angry side. Vic was six-feet tall in seventh grade. To this day, he still outweighs me by two large bags of dog food. On a couple of occasions, I wound up in need of medical attention, but most of the time, I was just a little bruised. In retrospect, I ended up being the one who used size to my advantage; it just sometimes took Mom a little longer to save me than I hoped, and then Dad would handle the rest. Often, being the little guy, one must be resourceful.
Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
By Jessica Helms
Temperatures are hot, and we are all preparing for a spicy summer! If you are already having troubles with your air conditioning unit, then you may be wondering, “Should I continue to repair my system, or should I replace it?”
Consider the following when making this decision: • The age of your system – if your unit is over fifteen years old, you should consider replacing it. Think of a vehicle; once a vehicle gets past a certain mileage, it is not worth investing money into costly repairs. You are better off purchasing a new ride and forgoing the repair costs. • Have you recognized that your utility bills are increasing but your energy provider has not increased their rates? This is an indicator that you could benefit from replacing your current system with a more efficient system. • Are you planning to move or retire any time soon? If you plan to stay in your current home for several years, it may be worth your initial investment to replace your system entirely. This will save you the headache of costly and timely repairs. In the same regard, if you are planning to retire, the last thing you want to have to worry about during your retirement is constant repairs to your unit. • Contact a contractor you can trust to Jessica Helms is an executive assistant/ give you an honest, comprehensive communications director for R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917opinion of the condition of your 1795. RAndDMechanical.net system, which will help you determine what is best for your family.
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Calendar Ongoing
MAY
Alpharetta Farmers Market— Each Saturday morning through October, shop local at the Alpharetta Farmers Market, featuring food vendors offering produce, grass-fed meats, cheese, baked goods and more. 8:30am, 21 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market— Each Saturday through October, shop local at the Roswell Farmers Market, featuring local artists and locally grown produce as well as other locally produced food items. 8:00am12:00pm, City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 404-492-9938. RoswellFam.com Johns Creek Farmers Market— Each market features more than 25 local farmers and vendors with organic and/or sustainable foods and produce. Saturdays, 8:00am12:00pm, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreek.gov
Ongoing
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2017 Down Home Derby— Come for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Iron Horse in Milton. This signature event benefits the Child Development Association, and it includes a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby, games, cornhole tournament, dancing and great food and beverages. 5:00pm, Iron Horse, 16470 Westbrook Road, Milton. 770-992-4339. CDAKids.org
Food Truck Alley— This weekly gathering (each Thursday through October 19th) will have a variety of rotating food trucks, music and fun children’s activities. 5:00-9:00pm, parking available at 37 Old Roswell Street, Milton Center on Milton Avenue and 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta. 678-2976000. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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Roswell Photographic Society Exhibit— The Roswell Photographic Society will showcase their 14th Annual Heritage Exhibit. This is a juried photo exhibit presenting many different perspectives of Roswell. 9:00am-5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell. RoswellPhotoSociety.org
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Roswell Historical Society Exhibit: Heritage Days— Over 800 photographs from the King family of Barrington Hall are preserved and stored in the Roswell Historical Society/City of Roswell Research Library and Archives. The collection, which represents over 150 years of photographic history, is the source of this exhibition. 9:00am-5:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell. 770-992-1665. RoswellHistoricalSociety.org
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Special Needs Summer Kickoff Picnic— Families who have an individual with a disability are invited to come for food, music, entertainment, games and visits from the Johns Creek Police and Fire Departments. 11:00am1:00pm, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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Milton Hometown Jubilee— This signature festival kicks off the spring festival season in Milton and celebrates
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the best of the Crabapple historic district. Come for live music, food and drink pairings from a variety of local restaurants, shopping, old fashioned games for kids and even a firetruck pull! 4:00-9:00pm, Milton/Crabapple historic district, 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
attend a Summer Concert event. Food is available for purchase from food trucks. 7:00pm, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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Rockin’ at the River— Enjoy an evening of food, music, drinks and dancing on the beautifully lit grounds of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 6:3011:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-9922055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Alpharetta Community Chorus presents its spring concert: On My Journey—3:00pm, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta. AlphaChorus. Wordpress.com
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Summer Concert Series: Gump Fiction— Multiple familyfriendly concerts are FREE and open to the public. Tickets are not needed to
Bulky Trash Amnesty Day— Residents from Roswell and Milton can bring bulky items for disposal. A list of accepted items can be found on their website. Proof of residency is required. 8:00am-12:00pm, Public Works/Transportation Building, 1810 Hembree Road, Alpharetta. 770-641-3715. RoswellGov.com
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Twinderella— We’ve all heard the story of Cinderella a thousand times, but we’ve never heard about Bob, her long lost twin brother! 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 770-641-3987. RoswellGov.com
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Sundays at the River Concert— Enjoy a night out with family and friends, and listen to the smooth jazz
sounds of Bob Bakert and his six-piece band. 6:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Alive in Roswell— This is a monthly, family-friendly, FREE festival. The festival features live bands, food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, balloons, etc. and enjoys participation from the many boutiques, small businesses and restaurants surrounding the venues. 5:00-9:00pm, Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-641-3727. RoswellGov.com continued on
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Family Music and Wellness Expo— Various vendors from around the community will offer health and wellness services. Chiropractors, physical therapists, dentists, health insurance companies, rehabilitation device services, hospitals, wellness grocery stores, and many more will be onsite to answer questions and showcase their services. There will also be FREE screenings for blood pressure and more. Face painters and inflatables will be on hand to entertain the kids. 9:00am-1:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-594-6406. RoswellGov.com
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Back to the Chattahoochee River Race & Festival— Paddlers of all ages and skill levels will take to the water for the 15th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival. This is a FREE and family-friendly event. Racers and others will enjoy live music plus an array of exhibits that include local artisans and farmers market vendors. 9:00am-2:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 404-352-9828. Chattahoochee.org
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Touch-a-Truck— The Johns Creek Public Works Department presents this annual event, featuring construction equipment and fun activities for the whole family! 10:00am-12:00pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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35th Annual Field Day— This event is for all developmentally disabled persons ages 16 and up. Come for a day filled with entertainment, field games, food and prizes. 9:45am-2:00pm, Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-641-3950. RoswellGov.com
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Georgia Brass Band— Fresh off a three-city tour through Alabama and Tennessee, the Georgia Brass Band returns to Roswell for its final performance of the season. The program will feature a wide variety of works by prominent American composers. 8:009:00pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. GeorgiaBrassBand.com
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Sunset Sips: Heidi Pollyea— Atlanta-based singer/songwriter
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Alpharetta Art in the Park— This outdoor artist market features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Come enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art and much more. 9:00am4:00pm, at the corner of Main Street & Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
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Roswell Remembers— The Largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia, this is a non-political, non-commercial ceremony honoring veterans and the sacrifices they have made in protecting our freedom. 10:00am, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 770-640-3253. RoswellMemorialDay.com
JUNE
25 Heidi describes her special brand of music as “funky folk.” She performs on both piano and guitar and is influenced by jazz, gospel, pop, R&B and country. 6:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
TAG North Metro 2017— This monthly program brings together some of Georgia’s top executives, experts and thought leaders, as they discuss their own experiences as well as current topics and important issues affecting the state’s technology community. 11:30am-1:30pm, Pampas Steakhouse, 10970-D State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. 770-993-8806. GNFCC.com
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Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest— Downtown comes alive for this annual beer fest with great food and beverages for purchase. Bring your own chairs, or tables are available for purchase. 6:3011:00pm, Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. 404402-5389. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
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Youth Fishing Derby— The annual Youth Fishing Derby is for children
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Alpharetta Arts Streetfest— Festival lovers and art enthusiasts will have the chance to experience a wide variety of original art, music, amazing food and FREE hands-on art activities for children. More than 95 artists from across the U.S. will be featured. 10:00am-5:00pm, Milton Avenue between Main Street and Roswell-Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6048. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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ages 4 to 12 years (accompanied by an adult). Bring your fishing gear, bait and other outdoor supplies, and enjoy a fun morning of fishing! 8:00-11:00am, Brookeside Office Park Lake, 3625 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-297-6130. Alpharetta.Ga.us
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18th Annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival— The Flying Colors Butterfly Festival delights everyone all weekend at the Chattahoochee Nature Center when the air fills with the beating wings of hundreds of beautiful butterflies! There will also be plants for sale, food trucks, crafts, face painting, art and live entertainment. Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-7402425
MILTON
855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404613-4402
NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
THE ALPHA WALKING CLUB Every Monday and Thursday, 1:00pm, Alpharetta Come join others to walk through downtown Alpharetta. Please dress for the weather! MEDITATION CLASS Tuesdays, 12:00pm, East Roswell Every class will include guided meditation. Group leaders cover different topics that include the details of the energy centers, subtle system and more. Each class is different, fun and interactive. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE Tuesdays, 10:45am-12:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Free beginning and intermediate level classes with experienced instructor Terry McManus. FREE ESL CLASSES Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm, Roswell Conversational English for all levels. NOONDAY NOSH BOOK CLUB & MYSTERY READERS BOOK CLUB Every third Tuesday of the month, 11:00am-12:00pm, Noonday Nosh, Roswell Every fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:00-7:00pm, Mystery Readers, Roswell Come discuss the month’s book
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
OCEE
5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897
ROSWELL
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770640-3075
EAST ROSWELL
2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
selection with other readers of the community. SPANISH STORYTIME Every second Wednesday, 11:00am-12:00pm, Roswell Designed for all young ages, this storytime hour is in Spanish and explores stories and rhymes. BABY SIGNING TIME Wednesdays, 11:30am, Alpharetta Weekly sessions feature stories, rhymes, songs and, of course, baby sign. Designed for children under 2. FOREIGN FILMS Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:30pm, Alpharetta Foreign films will be shown in the library’s auditorium. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 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. Groups are led by a native English speaker. TEEN GAVEL CLUB: LEARNING THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING Second and fourth Sunday of each month, 2:00pm, Alpharetta
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Help your teenager communicate effectively. Members of the Alpharetta Toastmasters chapter facilitate this club. SPANISH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN May 9, 4:00pm, Northeast/ Spruill Oaks The National Spanish Honor Society offers free Spanish language classes for children. FAMILY MOTHER’S DAY ART PROGRAM May 10, 6:00pm, Ocee Celebrate Mother’s Day with Johns Creek Art Center. A trained instructor will help you create an art project to take home. TEEN MANGA AND CARTOONING May 13, 12:00-1:30pm, Ocee Techniques and secrets employed by modern-day professional Manga, aka, Game Concept Artists and Animators will be taught. Teens will start their journey into the world of drawing anime and manga illustrations. YOUNG ARTISTS May 13, 4:30-5:30pm, Ocee Learn the basic techniques of drawing, painting, elements of art, principles of design and cartoon/ anime drawing. CAST FREE MATH TUTORING May 14 & 21, 2:00-4:00pm, Ocee Tutors will provide math instruction. Bring an assignment or a math topic you are struggling with. TEEN MANGA AND CARTOONING WORKSHOP May 17, 5:30-7:00pm, Milton In partnership with Johns Creek Arts Center, this monthly session will teach the techniques and secrets
employed by modern-day professional artists. BILINGUAL STORYTIME WITH LINGUAL KIDS May 17, 11:00am, Milton Lingual Kids invites friends to travel the world without leaving the library. Have fun with songs and an interactive story perfect for the imaginative learner. NORTH FULTON COMMUNITY CHARITIES (NFCC) MOBILE OUTREACH BUS May 24 & 31, 10:00am-4:00pm, Ocee NFCC provides emergency assistance via the mobile unit, particularly for families with transportation challenges. This is by appointment only. For more information or to schedule, visit NFCCHelp.org, or call 770-6400399 (ext. 463). CREATIVE WRITING CLUB FOR TEENS May 28, 2:30pm, Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Explore your own inner writer with your peers in a relaxed, informal setting. 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.
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11
“It is the Sol
Senator Speaks
Memorial Day 2017 By Senator John Albers
O
n Monday, May 29th, we take a break from our busy lives to remember our greatest heroes, those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedom and liberty. This day, we pause as Americans to remember and give thanks. Each year, Memorial Day fills me with emotion and pride. The Roswell Remembers event is hosted by my rotary club as well as many other patriotic events in Milton, Alpharetta, Woodstock and across the nation. Come join me and my family at Roswell City Hall, starting at 10:00am, for the largest ceremony in the southeast United States. Attending a Memorial Day event is one way to honor our soldiers and nation. During the ceremony, I swell with pride when the bag pipers begin playing, and the national anthem is sung. During “Taps,” I hold back tears. I think of my family and friends who have served us in uniform. I pray for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families who lost loved ones.
I am often reminded of a favorite quote this time of year, “A Soldier is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life.” Many people cannot comprehend this type of bravery and sacrifice; yet, we all enjoy the freedom it brings. Please go out of your way to thank all of those who have served our country in uniform, and pray for those we’ve lost. I love the following poem. It is an important reminder for all of us. May God bless the fallen and the United States of America. L
By Charles M. Pr
dier”
ovince
It is the Soldier, not the minister Who has given us freedom of religio n It is the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of the pres s It is the Soldier, not the poet Who has given us freedom of speech It is the Soldier, not the campus orga nizer Who has given us freedom to protest It is the Soldier, not the lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair tri al It is the Soldier, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote It is the Soldier w
ho salutes the flag Who serves beneat h the flag And whose coffin is draped by the fla g Who allows the pr otester to burn the flag
Freedom is not free; it has been paid for by our veterans.
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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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Business LyfeWell, LLC, an affordable, oneof-a-kind wellness center, is bringing E-HBOT to North Fulton. E-HBOT (Enhanced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) combines the treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), allowing patients to experience the benefits of enhanced blood flow and increased oxygenation. This revolutionary treatment is conducted under the supervision of certified technicians. The exciting benefits have been scientifically proven to improve several illnesses, enhance athletic performance and combat aging. LyfeWell, LLC is the brainchild of Larry New Missions is an organization that provides children with an education,
Butler. Larry is dedicated to educating
food and medical care, so they can grow strong and make an impact on their
the community on the benefits of
community. New Missions has been in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic
alternative healthcare through E-HBOT.
for over thirty years, establishing local churches and Christian schools. They currently have 10,000 students who attend school each day, and they serve which benefits not only the children within their program but also children in
Northside Family Medicine and Urgent Care in East Cobb
surrounding communities. Last year, they were able to collect over 17,000
announced their move to a new suite
shoeboxes to distribute.
in the Northside/East Cobb Medical
two-million meals annually. Each year, New Missions hosts a shoebox drive,
building, roughly a mile south from Last year, a local company, R & D Mechanical, sponsored its first annual
their previous location.
shoebox packing party, and they were able to put together over 100 shoeboxes. This year, R & D Mechanical would like to blow that figure out of the water,
The newly renovated suite is located at
and that’s why they need your help! They need local business partners
4800 Olde Towne Parkway, Suite 150.
and individuals to help collect items for shoeboxes. Right now, they need a
The family medicine and urgent care
commitment that your business would be willing to collect one specific item (ex.
phone and
flip flops) or a group of items (ex. school supplies).
fax numbers remain
Your business would determine when to collect the items; all items just need to
the same.
be collected by October 1, 2017. R & D Mechanical will provide your business
Northside
with the necessary marketing materials. Once they get commitments from local
Family
businesses, they can help determine what each one will collect.
Medicine and Urgent Care provide comprehensive, patient-centered care
To learn more about New Missions, please visit NewMissions.org. To volunteer
to patients of all ages and offer a full-
your business or to make an individual contribution, please call 770-917-1795,
range of medical services. For more
or email Jessica@RAndDMechanical.net.
information, call 770-509-1025, or visit NorthsideUrgentCare.com.
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Community Feature as 47 degrees, enough to bring on hypothermia and hamper efforts to swim to shore. The Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Buford Dam during weekday afternoons, unless there are unusual downstream water demands or especially heavy rains. In those situations, unscheduled water releases can come in the morning and on weekends.
Be Safe, Check the Water Release Schedule Before Entering the Chattahoochee River Viewed from a distance, the Chattahoochee River looks like a languid, easy-going river, but its appearance can be dangerously deceptive. When the Corps of Engineers releases water from Lake Lanier, the resulting surge of water
can cause the river to rise several feet in a short amount of time. During a release, the Chattahoochee can rise as much as eleven feet in minutes. The water can be as cold
The Corps gives notice, but the announcements vary from a few minutes to a few hours before the releases. People can call 770-945-1466 or listen to 1610AM. River users may also find the daily schedule for releases at LakeLanier.com. Four warning sirens are placed between Buford Dam and State Road 20. Releases occur within minutes after the sirens stop.
Congratulations to our April “7 Differences� winner, Michele Pratcher! 14
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Bucket Brigade Sculpture Installed at Local Fire Station No. 4
•
River Safety Ti ps:
Call ahead to le arn when releas es are scheduled. It’s also a good id ea to call just befo re entering the riv er . Always wear a flo tation device. • Keep an ey e on the water level - note the water level on a solid fixture , such as a bridge suppor t, and ch eck it periodically. If the water level ha s risen, it’s time to get out! • Just becaus e you’re in a bo at, don’t assume you’re safe. • Make sure someone know s where you are. If you get in to trouble, som eone can find you an d aler t authoriti es . • Pay attentio n to where you are - there are mile-markers along the river. If you have to make an emergency call, you can tell authoriti es where to find you.
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Recently, the Roswell Arts Fund hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the installation of Bucket Brigade, a sculpture by Peter Reiquam, at Fire Station No. 4, on Old Alabama Road. The new sculpture will welcome staff and visitors with a work of art that salutes and affirms the rich history of firefighters. The sculpture is based on the familiar, old-time method of fighting fires with a line of people passing water-filled buckets, hand-to-hand. Bucket Brigade illustrates this same tradition by using a series of buckets as individual frames in a sort of stop-motion animation, like pages of a flipbook. As such, the Art Selection Panel recommended Bucket Brigade as a meaningful contribution to the people of Roswell and the firefighters who continue to keep that tradition alive. A simulated splash molded from thermoplastic material will appear to spill from the first bucket in the line, and a large volume of polymer water, illuminated by LED lights, will appear to be thrown from the largest bucket at the end of the line. For more information about Bucket Brigade or the Roswell Arts Fund, please visit RoswellArtsFund.org.
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Community Feature Crabapple Middle School Celebrates 3rd Annual International Night
There were 36 countries represented this year! Each world language class from all grade levels researched a specific country and presented a tri-fold at the event. Students were also encouraged to bring cuisine from the country they researched.
North Fulton Schools Doing Cool Things and Receiving Honors and Awards Centennial High School students recently received the Award of Distinction at the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) Conference in New York. Students competed against the world’s best Model UN teams, leading the way in leadership, collaboration, coalition building, problem solving and research. The conference featured 2,000 students from 110 schools and more than twenty countries. It offered future leaders an opportunity to interact with high-profile, relevant United Nations figures. Chattahoochee High School’s Economics Bowl Team recently won the State Grand Championship at the Federal Reserve
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
Bank in Atlanta. The team defeated the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology in the semi-finals and then defeated Marist in the finals to take the firstplace trophy. Congratulations to students who were on the winning team: Kalen Patton, Tej Guttikonda, Michael Sawchuk and Abhinav Kumar.
to promote students’ social-emotional competence and self-regulation at Hembree Springs, Roswell North and Vickery Mill elementary schools.
Teachers at three north Fulton County schools will receive additional training and resources to support students’ social and academic success, thanks to another Second Step grant in the amount of $104,000 from the Governor’s Office for Children and Families. The grant will pay for classroom kits and online training
The Tenth Annual Hovercraft Competition for Fulton County Schools was recently hosted by Northview High School. Using a hovercraft completely engineered, designed and built by students, participants were challenged to navigate two laps of an established course. The competition dates back to 2007.
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17
Mayor’s Minute
Milton’s New City Hall
Represents Its Solid Sense of Community By Mayor Joe Lockwood
I
t seems I have a reoccurring theme with my columns as of recently— milestones. In my December column, Milton was officially celebrating its 10-year anniversary and looking forward to all that 2017 had to offer our great city. We recently had another milestone to celebrate— the March 13th opening of Milton’s new City Hall at 2006 Heritage Walk and our April 29th grand opening celebration, Party on the Plaza, where we hosted building tours, dedicated the building with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrated with dinner and dancing on the City Hall plaza. Located just one block off Crabapple Road, behind several restaurants and shops, we believe Milton’s new City Hall will serve as an anchor for what we hope will become the heart of our city center. If you haven’t had the opportunity to stop by and visit the new building, I hope you will take the opportunity to do so very soon. From the moment you walk through the front doors,
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you’ll experience the “wow” factor. However, it’s not because the building is ostentatious or excessive; it’s because you immediately feel like you’re home. You’ll be amazed by how the city architect and designers perfectly captured the essence of Milton in the building design, while also creating a modern work space that promotes collaboration, increases efficiency and helps us attract the next generation workforce to our great city. The building’s unique design is what sets it apart from more recent local government facilities built in Georgia and across the U.S. From its rustic looking exterior, to the City Council chamber ceiling that replicates the old Milton County Courthouse, to the adjacent community building designed after area farm houses— Milton’s City Hall is steeped in tradition and salutes our rural heritage. For older, historic Georgia cities, the sense of community is often ingrained through its infrastructures, and at times, it may even be taken for granted by
its residents. Georgia’s newer cities don’t have the luxury of time, but our desire for greater local control is a direct outgrowth of an existing sense of community. It’s that sense of community that resulted in our incorporation, and I have no doubt that Milton’s strong sense of community is why our city has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Having a permanent City Hall for our residents, staff and elected officials to call home helps solidify our sense of community both literally and figuratively, and it actively demonstrates our commitment to the City’s vision to promote a high quality of life, create a strong sense of community and place, respect for our heritage while guiding our future and be the best place to call home! L
Joe Lockwood is the mayor of the city of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@ CityOfMiltonGa.us
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19
HELP!
My Baby is Graduating and Moving Out! By Christy Noll
As graduation nears, many families will have a child leaving for the next phase of their lives to attend college or begin a career. It can be hard for younger siblings once their older brother or sister is out of the house, and the thought of a child moving out is daunting for many parents. However, there are ways to prepare for the change
in your family’s in-home dynamics. Many of us have watched our friends go through a myriad of emotions when their child moved out of their home. Our friends are excited for their child, but at the same time, they can’t begin to fathom what their new daily life will be like. Depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation are common amongst many empty-nesters. To help avoid the onset of negative emotions, perhaps you can try to plan plenty of family outings together before your child moves out of the house. Make memories that everyone will remember; take a trip, or do the special things that your family has always cherished together. Encourage siblings to have one-on-one time to strengthen their bond. Remind
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
the kids that even though this changes the in-home dynamics, it doesn’t mean they will never see each other again; it just won’t be as often. Make plans for family visits, so everyone will be reunited. Parents can make a point to spend time with their other children, so they don’t feel all the attention is being given to the child who is moving out. If necessary, seek professional help for advice on the best way to handle any of the emotions that are associated with these changes. Finally, family members should be careful to maintain their identity by continuing to practice their individual passions. Also, feel free to find new passions and hobbies to enjoy!
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
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Medical History: The Importance of Being Accurate and Honest By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D. Forms, forms, forms! Why do all my health care providers need me to fill out these forms? It can seem repetitive and unimportant, especially if you think you’re healthy. It’s just as important to report to your dentist that you’re diabetic or on blood pressure medication as it is to report that information to your primary care physician. Your mouth is the entry way to the rest of your body, and it can be directly affected by your overall systemic health.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure can affect your gum and periodontal health. Also, a history of certain types of cancer may put you in a higher risk category for oral cancer. Certain cancer treatments dictate dental treatment planning, so it’s crucial to divulge them in detail. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are other key factors in your oral cancer risk evaluation, so be honest with your dentist about the use of these items. Also, be sure to tell your dentist about all of your allergies to avoid the risk of the use of certain products or prescriptions that may cause an allergic reaction. Medications can drastically affect our oral cavity. Many prescription medications cause dry mouth, which can contribute to decay and increased cavity risk. Some medications cause gum inflammation. If you fail to tell your dentist that your gum inflammation is due to medication, he/
she may assume you have another issue. It’s also very important to report the use of blood thinners, so your dentist can take proper precautions to keep any potential bleeding under control. In addition, be sure to report all medications you are taking, including supplements and over-the-counter medications, so you can avoid being prescribed something that may not interact well with your current medication(s). There’s no such thing as too much information. Please allow your dentist to take care of you in a comprehensive way. Don’t assume that your teeth can be isolated from the rest of your body.
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010. DeMercyDental.com
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Start Them Young! Teach Your Children Healthy, Money-Saving Habits By Jamie Mackrell
LIFESTYLE Saving is one of life’s most important skills to master, the younger the better. Building sound financial understanding skills will help children throughout their lifetime. However, according to Forbes, up to 74% of parents are hesitant to discuss financial advice with their children. Whether you’re a parent of a small child or a teenager, here are some ideas to get your offspring on the right path to saving.
Elementary School Children:
Teenagers:
Ideas for a Child of Any Age:
1. Open a savings account. Young children can start to understand the value of saving when they are as young as three or four. This knowledge can teach them about patience and waiting for things they truly want. 2. Use games and math to help them understand. Traditional games like Monopoly® or apps designed for this purpose can get kids to think about the value of money, along with ideas like saving for future events. 3. Take advantage of teachable moments. Taking a trip to the grocery store can be a great time to teach your kids about saving through cost comparisons or about the basics of credit cards.
1. Get a job. Part-time jobs can teach the value of earning money and how it can quickly accumulate. Younger kids can do chores or neighborhood jobs. 2. If your kids don’t already have a bank account, now’s the time to open one. Many financial institutions have mobile banking through phone apps, so your kids can track their balance at any time. This will help them feel in control and gain much needed financial independence. 3. Come up with a plan for saving. Creating a plan such as “save X amount every Y weeks” will prepare them for saving for college, a home and retirement. It also helps them learn to budget their money by having preset amounts already set aside for future uses. After all, $1,000 invested now at an 8% return rate will be $20,000 in 40 years if left alone.
1. Allowances are a fantastic tool for building money management understanding. Small amounts will teach savings habits when your kids are younger, whereas earning from chores will help them feel valued during their teenage years. Visualizations, such as charts monitoring their progress, are great tools to motivate them. 2. Matching the amount can be a great incentive towards saving. If your child is saving for a specific item or event, matching the amount they save will go a long way towards teaching them good savings habits. L
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Jamie Mackrell is the LGE Community Credit Union Retail Manager in Roswell. 1010 Mansell Road — next to Hennessy Porsche. 770-424-0060. JamieM@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org
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F u n W a ys
to Keep Your Child’s Brain Active this Summer! By Mark Tolbert Brain drain, or summer learning loss, is nothing new. It’s the reason behind the year-round school movement and why high-performing schools send their students into summer vacation with backpacks filled with math packets, summer reading lists and essay assignments. Summer is a great school break, but it shouldn’t be a break from learning. Here are some ideas to keep your child’s brain engaged over the summer: •
Set up a bird feeder with your child. Watch the feeder, and build writing skills by keeping a journal of the birds and their behavior. Encourage your child to research the birds. Think like a scientist: Does changing the seed attract different birds? Do different birds feed at different times?
•
Learn Georgia history by visiting Kennesaw Battlefield. Interested in Geology? Sweetwater Park has a rangerguided geology hike, or pan for gold in Dahlonega then visit the gold museum. Don’t forget to visit Fernbank Museum and the Georgia Aquarium!
•
Kids lose more math skills than any other skill over the summer. Ask your child to help you bake, but double the recipe, and ask for the new amounts. While at the store, your child can keep track of the total cost and calculate the change. Dining out? Ask your child what tip to leave.
•
Help your child plant a small garden. Record how many days it took each flower to germinate. Did the different flowers take the same amount of time to germinate? Record and graph the plant heights. Observe which insects visit the plants. Count daily butterfly visits, and graph the number. Develop writing skills by keeping a daily journal of the garden as well as researching the plants and their insect visitors.
•
Consider a summer academic program. Struggling kids can get help from these programs. Summer academic programs can also enrich and accelerate learning in order to get ahead next year.
•
Finally, keep lots of books around, and make regular trips to the library. Local libraries schedule special summer events for kids.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Homes these days are filled with tons of electronics. With so much money tied up in these devices, many people are choosing to protect their investment with surge protectors. Some surge protectors can be purchased and installed easily behind sensitive electronics such as your DVD player or computer, but what about your home appliances and everything else that’s plugged in without a surge protector? One great option is a whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel. A whole-house surge protector is typically hardwired into your home’s electrical panel by a licensed electrical contractor and can usually be installed in about one hour. No one surge protection device is foolproof, and if your home takes a direct lightning strike, only luck will keep anything that is plugged into a receptacle
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
from being destroyed. However, weighed against the damage that even everyday power fluctuations can cause, wholehouse surge protection is an investment well worth the cost. The gold standard is a two-tiered system: a whole-house surge protective device (SPD) installed at the circuit breaker box coupled with plug-in SPDs on individual outlets. A whole-house SPD can protect against up to 40,000 amps of current flowing into your home from the outside; normal household power is 200 to 300 amps. When a sudden surge occurs, such as from a lightning strike or damage to a power line, the device detects the excess current and safely diverts it through the house’s grounding path. For the most sensitive electronics, such as computers and home entertainment systems, a second layer of protection is recommended in the form of point-of-use SPDs. These can be purchased at most any retail electronics store.
Whole-Home Surge Protectors By Rick Cheney Additionally, you may want to look at surge protectors for your phone, TV and data lines coming into your home. These lines are often left unprotected and can lead to damaged computers, TVs and more. If you’d like more information on how you can better protect your home from power surges, contact your local electrical contractor for an estimate on installing a whole-home surge protector.
Rick Cheney is in the purchasing department at H&H Electric and Security, LLC. 770-735-1136. HHElectrician.com
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MEMORIAL DAY
HONOR OUR FALLEN HEROES By Lisa Ethridge
People tend to think of Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, as the beginning of summer and give little thought to the true meaning of the holiday, which is to honor and remember those who died in military service.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Before the end of the Civil War, women’s groups began placing flowers on soldiers’ graves. After the Civil War, families began the tradition of gathering in the spring to picnic and decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags. Eventually, May 30th became the official date for the remembrance. On Memorial Day in 1868, 5,000 citizens decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition is alive and well in north Fulton, where citizens have a long-standing tradition of honoring military veterans and those who died in the service of our country. Each community in north Fulton has strived to build a memorial of one kind or another to veterans. Private donations are responsible for most of the monuments. Alpharetta boasts two beautiful sites. One is located behind City Hall, and the second is
located by American Legion post 201. The Alpharetta Walk of Memories, comprised of more than 7,000 bricks, features a tank, a helicopter and a Navy gun. Located in Newtown Park, Johns Creek has the impressive 4-acre Veterans’ Memorial Walk, and Milton has Freedom Park at Deerfield Parkway and Webb Road. Roswell has a long-standing program called Roswell Remembers, which features military participants, speakers, live music and picnicking. Be sure to take some time to plan an outing during May to enjoy the beauty of nature, and remember the soldiers who died in the service of our country.
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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COVER STORY By Cyndi Braun
When Bev Langhorne and her husband, Jack, moved to St. George Village in 2011, she knew it was the right place for this time in their lives. Bev already knew several people who lived in the community; they were contacts from her years of volunteering at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. Additionally, she and Jack quickly made new friends as soon as they moved into their new apartment.
a neighborhood — a really safe, secure neighborhood.” Bev attributes some of that comfort level to moving from her former twobedroom apartment into a smaller, yet still spacious, one-bedroom home. “I wasn’t planning to move, but I noticed a one-bedroom apartment with a screened porch that had become available just down the hall,” she said. “The porch sold me! The apartment is not so big that I can’t take care of it, and I’m still on the same floor with my same neighbors. I really feel very safe and comfortable here on my own.” If you, like Bev, are a single senior seeking a lifestyle that is comfortable and secure, free of the worry of maintaining a house and yard, St. George Village offers a vibrant solution.
When Jack passed away, Bev says that she knew, yet again, that St. George Village was the right place for her. “I have so much support. My wonderful friends and the staff have been very good to me,” she said. “It’s like living in
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• Would you like an elegant home that’s just the right size for you? St. George Village’s one-bedroom Dover apartment is the perfect space. With features like an open floor plan, 10foot ceilings, beautiful crown molding, spacious bedroom, bath with walk-in, porcelain-tile shower and frameless
glass door; and a well-equipped kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and tiled backsplash, the affordable Dover offers maximum space and maximum value. St. George Village’s first-rate amenities and services — from housekeeping and maintenance to a 24-hour security service and scheduled transportation — plus professional designers to assist you with interior finish selections and furniture placement, all work together to ensure the worry-free lifestyle of your dreams! • Would you like the opportunity to be active, and make new friends? St. George Village is a place where you can experience a wide variety of opportunities to enrich your mind, body and spirit with neighbors who share your interests. The opportunities to make new friends are endless here: attend one of their exercise or educational classes; work out in the fitness center or pool; walk the trails, or put in a raised-bed garden; play bridge, or join with other residents on a community volunteer project. • Would you like a secure plan for your future? St. George Village can help you plan in advance for your needs, as you navigate the aging process. As a Life Plan community, St. George Village presents the option to live independently and
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11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, Georgia 30075
770-645-2340 or toll free
866-826-3400 StGeorgeVillage.org Hardscrabble
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To learn more about how you can live securely and comfortably as a single senior — with a variety of choices, plus peace of mind — call 678-987-0409 for a confidential appointment. Visit for a tour; stay for lunch. You can also find more details about St. George Village, its lifestyle and its residents at StGeorgeVillage.org as well as on its Facebook and Pinterest pages.
King Rd.
elegantly, with the peace of mind that you will have access to every level of healthcare, if or when you need it. Additionally, you’ll have the security of knowing that your financial investment will be protected — because St. George Village is a nonprofit entity, its residents also enjoy superb estate protection through plans that offer refundable entrance fees, along with predictable, affordable monthly services fees.
St. George Village’s one-bedroom Dover apartment is the perfect space.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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isa Copeland began working in design many years ago, helping neighbors and relatives decorate their homes. She made their curtains, painted their walls, refurbished their furniture, and she realized that it was something she loved, was good at, and it made her feel accomplished to see her finished products. After gaining her education and experience in the corporate design world, Lisa decided to follow her own “dream” and started Dream Design.
L
(
Lisa stated: The word “dream” was inspired by my customers and friends along the way; we all dream of what we want our surroundings to look and feel like. It’s very important to me to get to know each client and not only interview them, but also get to know their family. Having the opportunity to ask questions helps me solve the design challenge set forth by each client.
The process of storyboarding the design and pulling it all together excites Lisa. Installation day is the most exhausting, but it is also the most rewarding. Lisa pays attention to every detail in her designs, and seeing her clients faces in the reveal makes it all worthwhile. “If I can be any part of making a family’s home more comfortable, functional, beautiful and satisfying, then I consider myself very lucky to be in this profession. Family life is the most important thing, and I want to be a part of making a house a home for families for years to come,” Lisa said.
(
Lisa is proud of Dream Design’s exceptional team, “My team and I pride ourselves in the fact that each job is done professionally, in a timely manner and always stays within the limits of the client’s taste and budget.”
i
For a complimentary consultation, email LisaCopeland1@yahoo.com, or call 770-862-4969.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Viking Cruises Launches New Resident
Historian Program LIFESTYLE Launching on Viking Star, Viking Sea and Viking Sky this month, a carefully selected faculty of historians will provide an enhanced level of enrichment for guests onboard. They will provide guests with a high-level historical and cultural education that is specific to their journey, offering a framework for understanding the major chapters in world history. They will also conduct smaller, more intimate forums for discussion with guests. The Viking Resident Historians have been engaged to provide a history course as a refresher, which is then supplemented by onboard guest lecturers who contribute their particular expertise (art, architecture, music, etc.) of the region. The responsibilities of Viking Resident Historians include: • Presenting itinerary-iconic lectures (examples in Europe and Scandinavia include the Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, Hanseatic League and Imperial Russia) • Conducting roundtable discussions (examples include the Elgin Marbles, Women Explorers and Venetian Naval Power) • Hosting history-themed dinner 32
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
discussions onboard • Holding daily “office hours” for one-on-one time with guests • Being available for guest questions and interactions outside lectures and office hours throughout the itinerary The Viking Resident Historian lectures are exclusively produced by Viking, under the tutelage of Chief Viking Resident Historian Dr. Charles Doherty. The lectures are standardized as a core curriculum to guarantee consistency throughout the fleet, regardless of which Viking Resident Historian is lecturing. Additionally, each lecture will be filmed and made available for guests on the in-room entertainment system. The series is also currently being professionally filmed in-studio, and in early 2018, it will be available in its entirety on-demand through the in-room entertainment system on all Viking river and ocean ships. Charles Doherty, PhD, has lectured in more than sixty countries for The National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Doherty received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and attended the Courtauld Institute in London as a Fulbright Scholar.
By Michael Consoli
The first three Viking Resident Historians that will be featured onboard Viking’s three ocean cruise ships this spring are: • Dr. Mark Callaghan is a specialist in 20th century European art and culture and will serve as the Viking Resident Historian on Viking Sky on sailings of Empires of the Mediterranean this spring. • Lt. Colonel Tony Coutts-Britton lectures on the social and political aspects of European military history and will serve as the Viking Resident Historian on Viking Sea on sailings of Empires of the Mediterranean this spring. • Dr. Fenella Bazin is a specialist in the Age of the Vikings and modern Norway and will serve as the Viking Resident Historian on Viking Star on sailings of Empires of the Mediterranean this spring. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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As a minister to children and families, many parents often ask how they can help their children engage in worship. Children learn so much by imitating; they learn how to speak by imitating our words. They learn how to act by imitating us. One of the ways they learn how to worship is by watching their parents worship. They learn by imitating. But, it can be frustrating to have a squirmy first grader sitting next to you in worship. It can be hard to worship when your child is constantly asking questions and moving around. One way to help both of you worship is to bring a worship bag to church with you. Fill it with drawing paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, Play-Doh® and other art supplies. These things can keep your child busy and help them engage. Have your child draw (or write down) something that struck them in the
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
How Can I Help My Child
Engage in Worship? By Jessica Asbell
sermon. If the scripture is a story, ask them to illustrate it using the paper, Play-Doh® or pipe cleaners. Have them write down any questions they have during the service, or ask them to remember them. Then, spend some time on your way home answering their questions. If your child needs help paying attention, tell them before the service that you’ll be asking questions about it afterwards. Whichever child gets the most correct answers gets to
pick the restaurant for lunch. During times when music is playing and no one is singing, have your child imagine that music as a backdrop for a movie. What might God do with that kind of music (create mountains, crash the ocean into a beach, etc.)? Help your child follow along in the Bible when scripture is being read. If baptism or communion is happening in the service, use the time before the service begins to explain these events. By using tools like these, you can help them pay attention and understand what is happening in worship.
Jessica Asbell is a children’s minister at First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980. RKevinHead@FBRoswell.org
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Community Partners Founded in 2016, Kind Bikes is the brainchild of co-founder Jimmy Stubbs. Drawing from his experience as a participant and then cycling coach with Team in Training, Jimmy realized that there was a huge obstacle preventing thousands of people from participating in charity cycling races and triathlons — the cost of the bicycle. With entry-level road bikes averaging around $1,000, participation in these types of fundraising events is often limited. To promote the sport of cycling and to remove the costly hurdle for those interested in improving their health and supporting their favorite charities, Jimmy developed the idea of Kind Bikes. Kind Bikes provides affordably priced rental bicycles and related cycling equipment to individuals participating in charity cycling events. Rentals include a road bike, transportation rack, pump and lock. The rental also includes a drop-off of the cycling equipment by Kind Bikes’ volunteer staff. This allows them to ensure a proper fit and provide oneon-one training. Today, Kind Bikes proudly serves the greater metro Atlanta area and a growing number of other communities throughout the United States. Its fleet of bicycles and related cycling equipment is working hard to raise awareness and money for local and national charities such as the Kiwanis Club, American Diabetes Association, Camp Twin Lakes and Action Cycling Atlanta. As Kind Bikes continues to serve those who care about the community, they hope to inspire individuals to find creative, healthy ways to support the charities they hold dear. Since January of 2016, Kind Bikes has helped raise awareness and funds for the causes its riders care about the most. Last year, Kind Bikes outfitted thirty riders who pedaled more than 478 miles for five different charity events, raising a little over $13,690 for their favorite charities and nonprofits. Some riders traveled from as far as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts to participate in charity rides. While Kind Bikes riders have already made a significant impact for their favorite causes, they hope to continue their momentum of positive impact while helping many others achieve their charitable goals in the years to come. Kind Bikes is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Alpharetta. If you are interested in learning more about Kind Bikes, how to become a charitable partner, or ways you can become involved, please visit KindBikes.org. 34
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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DOWNSIZING What to Consider By Tracy Morton “The house is too big; the yard is too big; I want a property that I can just lock up and go; I don’t want to climb stairs to get to my bedroom; I’m lonely and want to live in community with others.” These are just a few of the reasons expressed by many people who decide to sell their home. For many, this is as much of an emotional decision as it is a practical one. Homes have memories as well as the burden of a lot of the stuff we have collected over a lifetime. Here are some basic steps for exploring your readiness for downsizing. Room by room, closet by closet, go through your belongings, and
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ask yourself, “Is this something that currently serves me? Is this something that is necessary for my day-to-day living?” If it is, keep it; if it isn’t, place the item in one of four categories:
•Donate •Storage •Discard or recycle •Give away to family/friends Purchase some large, stackable, clear, plastic storage containers for organization. Remember, anything you keep, you will have to eventually move, so less is best.
Start to see your home as a stranger would when you walk through the door. Do the paint colors need to be updated? Are the window treatments more than ten years old? Is the carpeting stained or worn? Are there maintenance issues on the exterior of the home or in the home systems that need to be addressed? Be honest with yourself, and if the answer is “yes” to any of these, consider seeking the advice of a real estate professional to help you prioritize, and make the right choices. Realtors with the SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) accreditation are your best choice, as they are trained to work with clients aged 55+ and can help make downsizing a less stressful, more rewarding transition.
Tracy is a realtor®, relocation specialist and senior real estate specialist with Harry Norman, Realtors®, 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 678-461-8700. Tracy.Morton. HaryyNorman.com
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Photo cour tesy
of Ashley Busc
h
Artist Profile
By Tina Morris
Peachy Pyron’s debut album, Worth the Burn. was released when she was only fourteen years old and included several self-penned tracks. At that time, her music decidedly fell into the country music genre. As she matured, her sound transformed to an eclectic mix of indie singer/songwriter with a bluesy tone and an acoustic style. Whichever genre, Peachy has a soulful voice that can mesmerize the listener. Her creativity has always been evident. As a toddler, she asked her parents to call her “Peachy.” In that moment, a star was born. It is this type of unwavering support from her parents that cultivated the creativity that has shaped Peachy into the young woman she is today. She first picked up the guitar at eight years old, but according to Peachy, she didn’t immediately fall in love with it. After a few years and a change in instructors, as her song titled “In Love with My Guitar” suggests, she was re-inspired. At the age of twelve, Peachy began playing, singing and performing shows. continued on page 38
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ArtistProfile continued from page 37
Artists such as Chris Stapleton and Ray LaMontane greatly influence Peachy as she continues to create her own sound and image. She appreciates Stapleton’s ability to cross genres. She first heard LaMontane on a road trip with her family and was captivated by his sound. The rental car the family was using happened to be tuned to the “Coffeehouse Radio” station. Since that day, Peachy has attended four of Ray LaMotane’s concerts and considers him one of her biggest musical influences. Photos courtesy of Lou Ramondi
From playing the guitar and singing to song writing and performing, Peachy enjoys all aspects of the craft. Over the years, she has taken several trips to Nashville to co-write music. While she has not recorded anything lately, at age seventeen, Peachy is busy taking college courses while finishing high school and working. With all that she has going on, she wishes she had more time to write and play. Peachy still finds the time to perform, most recently playing shows at Madlife Stage and Studios in Woodstock. She enjoys giving her audience new music at every show. The creative process is important to her, though it’s always different. Sometimes, a billboard inspires her; other times, it may start with a line, title, hook or melody. Peachy calls music her outlet and finds the process of writing and playing a healing one. Even though she is young, she is poised beyond her years. Her advice to artists just starting out? “Always stay inspired.” This is what allows the creative process to keep moving forward.
Tina Morris is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/ MFA-CW/
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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PALATAL EXPANDERS By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. Between the ages of six and thirteen, most children lose their baby teeth, which are replaced with permanent, adult teeth. For some children, their jaw is not big enough to accommodate all of their permanent teeth. So what happens? Extraction is sometimes required. In other cases, an expander can be used to “make room� for the adult teeth to come in. The approaches differ depending on if the need is to expand the upper teeth versus the lower teeth. The palate of the upper jaw is actually formed by two separate bones, which come together in the middle. They do not typically fuse together until the age of fourteen to sixteen. So, before a patient reaches this age, it is a good time to expand the palate. The expander mimics the upper palate in that it consists of two separate pieces, which are attached in
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the middle by a screw. The screw can be adjusted on a schedule prescribed by your orthodontist to expand or widen the palate over time. Since the lower jaw is not comprised of the two separate bones, it cannot be widened. Instead, a lower jaw expander works to move the teeth themselves. The expander can slowly, over time, put pressure on the teeth to tilt them outward. In some cases, this can also be accomplished using a removable retainer. Regardless of whether or not the appliance being used to expand the palate is removable or not, it is very important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits. But having an appliance in the mouth can make it more difficult to keep teeth clean. If your child has an upper palatal expander, even though they
might be quite independent with brushing and flossing, you may need to give more attention to monitoring their oral hygiene habits. Talk to your pediatric dentist and orthodontist regarding whether or not your child might benefit from palatal expansion, as their smile grows and develops!
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
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While recently attending CES in Las Vegas, I was delighted to see how popular turntables have become. Vinyl records just might be here to stay. Even today, with digital downloads coming in hi-res, a record is still the most uncompressed way to listen to your favorite artist. With great speakers, a big amplifier and a quality turntable, you’re getting as close to the real thing as is humanly possible. In January, I saw a beautiful, red, wall-mountable turntable by ProJect that I had to have. It took
For the Love three months to arrive, but it was worth the wait. We installed it at our store, wired it back to our A/V cabinet and piped the audio to the twelve music zones. This included our theater room, which has a high-end set of Palladium speakers, with a USA-built AudioControl amp to power them.
purchase was Sturgill Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide to the Earth. First, the actual act of opening a record was amazing, as was the artwork in the liner notes. And then, hearing it on vinyl was like hearing it for the first time again. The saxophones and backup vocals lit up like an aura around the lead vocals, so much so that all three of us in the room dropped our jaws. This record was followed by Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind,” and once again, the room came alive with realism. James Taylor rounded out the taste test, and by the time it was over, I
of Music
By Michael Buckner
was already on Amazon buying more records to try on the new turntable.
Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com
Truly, I’ve not been this in love with music in years. My first
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON
For many of us, “home” includes winding neighborhood roads lined with towering pines, plush fescue lawns sprinkled with azaleas and dogwoods and roads dense with SUV’s loaded with soccer gear, children and the family dog. Compared to “home” around the globe, suburban life in Atlanta is mostly quiet, predictable and safe. But what if it wasn’t? What if the unimaginable happened in our city? What if a stadium, school or shopping center became the target for a terrorist attack? Who would do this, and more importantly, why? Rona Simmons’ newest book, The Martyr’s Brother, takes readers to the edge of such an event and presents a fictional “who” and “why.” Riveting and perfect for robust book club conversation, The Martyr’s Brother unfolds from four points of view. Since her husband’s death five years ago in a suicide bomber attack in the Middle East, Alicia has worked doubly hard to be a good mom to her son. Lupe and her twin sister pay coyotes to help them enter the United States, where they hope to reunite with their father and work to send money home. Cyril works in the Atlanta field office of the FBI, and after messing up a previous assignment, he is determined to salvage his career by creating meaningful software that will significantly help with data sorting. Shafra’s brother is the suicide bomber responsible for the death of Alicia’s husband; five years after the event, he leaves home to head to Atlanta. Simmons carefully chisels the many faces of each character. They are scared, brave, angry, hopeful, lonely, anxious, but most importantly, they are motivated— motivated by what cannot be seen, but rather by what stirs quietly in the silence of their thoughts. As good books often do, The Martyr’s Brother will linger in your thoughts, as you think about home.
Rona Simmons’ previous novels are The Quiet Room and Postcards from Wonderland. Visit RonaSimmons.com for additional information.
Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net
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Tasteof
BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER
Ingredients:
• 1 oz. bacon •2 oz. olive oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced • ½ small head green cabbage, chopped • 1, 14-16 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes • 2 qt. chicken stock • 4 oz. cooked chickpeas • 6 oz. cooked ditalini pasta or other small variety • Salt and pepper to taste • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Procedure:
• Cook the bacon over a low heat until it becomes crispy. • Add the onion, celery, carrots, cabbage and garlic; season with salt and pepper, and sweat until the onions are translucent (about 15 minutes). • Add the tomato, chicken stock, salt and pepper, and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 25-30 minutes). • Add the chickpeas and ditalini, and bring to a simmer. • Season with salt and pepper, and serve. • Garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Senator Speaks
Balancing Georgia’s Budget T
he Georgia General Assembly comes together every year to review and approve the state’s budget. Passing a balanced budget before the end of session is a constitutional requirement, which makes it a priority for both the Senate and House. We passed House Bill 44, the general budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18), which is the largest budget in state history, sitting at almost $25 billion, in March of this year. As the chairman of the Transportation Committee, I find the recommendation of allocating $1.71 billion for transportation funding in FY18 appropriate for the number of current projects throughout the state. This amount of funding consists of $54.5 million in state general funds and $1.66 billion in state motor fuel funds, which are a result of the Transportation Funding Act of 2015. This funding will allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to continue their work on improving our transportation infrastructure through road repaving, expansion and bridge repair. This will allow us to ensure the safety of Georgians and those who travel in and around our state.
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By Senator Brandon Beach
Some other recommendations from the governor include adding $133.2 million for enrollment growth and training programs at our K-12 public schools as well as adding $240 million in bonds towards new school construction and equipment. These recommendations will allow us to accommodate the population growth and the overcrowding in our schools as well as create new construction and teaching jobs. Last year, in the Fiscal Year 2017 general budget, the General Assembly provided funds for Georgia’s teachers to receive a salary increase. Unfortunately, we did not require school districts to distribute the funds to the teachers, even though the funding was there. As a result, many school districts chose not to use the money for teacher salary increases. To fix this, we allocated an additional $160.1 million in funds for 2% base-salary increases for Georgia’s teachers. This ensures they will receive the raises they were supposed to get last year. Higher education has long been a top priority for Georgia, so the recommendation of $49.2 million in additional funding for the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships is needed to ensure
that we’re building an educated and talented workforce. I’m pleased that the General Assembly continues to pass fiscally conservative budgets that result in Georgia receiving AAA bond ratings year after year. The FY18 budget includes funding for a variety of state agencies and programs including community health, criminal justice, economic development, judicial systems, statewide library renovations, homeland security and more. You can find the FY18 budget in its entirety at Senate.Ga.gov. I look forward to keeping you updated, as we continue through the 2017 legislative session. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 404-463-1378, or email me at Brandon.Beach@senate.ga.gov. I am here to serve you.
Brandon Beach is a state senator for district 21, which encompasses a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.
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By Julie Senger
A
nyone who has spent any amount of time in Georgia knows that the line between spring and summertime is often a blurry one. Georgia’s transition between these two seasons is not usually dictated by a date on the calendar, but rather by the temperature outside. Georgia frequently sees 80-90°+ temperatures while it’s still technically “spring.” So, if you’re looking for a unique way to cool off, check out some of these breathtaking waterfalls; submerge yourself in one of Mother Nature’s sparkling swimming holes, or let the kids (or kids at heart) glide down an awesome rock waterslide! Gather family and friends together, and make a day out of exploring these gorgeous Georgia locations!
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Highway 53 West, Dawsonville Latitude: 34.426321 Longitude: -84.211665
Ø
Just off the Amicalola River Trail, you’ll find an awesome swimming hole and fun rock slides! You will need to purchase a parking pass ahead of time. A day pass is $3, or you can purchase an annual pass at GeorgiaWildlife.com. The entire trail is almost three miles long, but according to a post on 365AtlantaFamily.com, you won’t have to hike the entire trail to get to the swimming hole: From the parking lot, head down the stairs to the trailhead. You’ll follow the boardwalk for about a half-mile. When the boardwalk ends, you can catch a spectacular view of the rapids from a small observation deck. Don’t stop here. Follow the rough-terrain trail for a few hundred more feet. It will split, with the Amicalola River Trail following the top split to the left. You want to take the fork to the right to reach the swimming hole. If you happen to be an advanced kayaker: You may want to take the road from the north end of the parking lot (the area furthest away from the road) to the boat ramp/handicap parking area. This is a major put-in spot for those who want to test their skill on the class IV Edge of the World rapids that are about a half mile downstream (GeorgiaTrails.com).
Wildcat Camp Road, Dawson Swimming Hole Latitude: 34.5006580 Longitude: -84.2845210 Waterfall Latitude: 34.498855 Longitude: -84.293823 Wildcat trail is a streamlined hike along Wildcat Creek. There’s nothing quite like being able to hear the rushing water in the distance throughout your 3.4-mile hike to the reach the waterfall. It builds your anticipation of the amazing view that awaits you around an uncertain corner, as the crashing sound gets closer and closer, and the temperature in the air gets just a little bit cooler as you near the falls and the delightful swimming hole at its base. Wildcat Creek also connects with the Huckleberry, Fall, and Rocky Ford Creeks. This creek joins the Amicalola River in the Wildcat Campground, so you are welcome to make this trip an overnighter! The campground is by one of the bridges that crosses the Amicalola River. The total hike is almost seven miles long. There are a few moderate climbing spots, so this trail may not be the best choice for smaller children or those with physical limitations. There are also some areas that have ropes you can use to help you along your way. Be sure to dress appropriately because there are several areas where you will cross over the water, some are small, shallow areas, while others are nearly knee-deep streams. Many people like to hike this trail barefoot. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
7725 Pooles Mill Road, Ball Ground Poole’s Mill Park is ten acres of lovely property, boasting a charming covered bridge over Settendown Creek. The bridge was built in 1901 and refurbished in 1997. The stream alternates between gathering in small pools, providing great little swimming holes for kids to dip in the water, and areas where the water flows over rock, creating little waterfalls throughout creek. If you like to fish, be sure to bring your rod, and try your luck. There are also sloping rocks for the kids to slide down. This park has a nice playground with slides and swings as well as plenty of parking. There are a few walking trails with some great scenery along the way. The picnic areas are perfect for enjoying an afternoon lunch. continued on page 46 WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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continued from page 45
Chattahoochee National Forest 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls
Ø Be sure to wear an old swim suit. If
you’re rock sliding or sitting on rocks and sediment, you probably don’t want to wear your most expensive trunks or bikini.
Ø Wear water shoes. You will likely be
walking across rocks and other rough terrain, and you’ll want to protect your feet. Also, be careful when stepping on rocks and stones. They are often slippery, and smaller “stepping stones” may be unstable.
If you plan to hike down to Bridal Veil Falls via Sliding Rock Trail, it would be wise to arrive early, especially on nice days, as you must obtain a free permit to hike this trail, and permits are limited to only 100 per day. This is a pretty rigorous 3.4-mile hike, which may not be suitable for younger children or anyone with physical limitations; dogs are also not allowed on this trail. So, if you’re up for the challenge, when you get to the floor of the gorge, you are rewarded with a huge rock slide that lands you right in the middle of a deep, sparkling swimming hole, which is the only spot where you’re allowed to swim in the entire gorge. Even if you don’t manage to score one of the day’s 100 permits to hike Sliding Rock Trail to the slide and swimming hole, there are many other openaccess trails to traverse at this hiker’s paradise, complete with waterfalls and whitewater-filled views. There is also an impressive, breathtaking suspension bridge that ascends to the canyon’s south rim.
Ø Obey the rules. Be sure that you don’t go
past any private property signs that may be posted near some of these locations, and for your safety, be sure to adhere to all government-posted signs.
Ø Whatever you carry in, carry it back out.
Respect these beautiful areas, and the visitors who want to enjoy them after you, by not leaving any of your trash or personal belongings behind.
Ø Don’t forget the sunscreen! For more information about these and other beautiful Georgia locations, visit GaStateParks.org, AtlantaTrails.com, SwimmingHoles.org/ga.html or ExploreGeorgia.org.
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650 Watson Mill Road, Comer Just twenty minutes east of Athens, this park is somewhat of a hidden gem. Its covered bridge is the longest of the fewer than twenty covered bridges that remain in Georgia. During summer, visitors can play in or slide down the cool river shoals just below this historical bridge. Visitors can also go fishing, rent kayaks or pedal boats (seasonal), rent campsites or cabins, reserve a picnic shelter for a family reunion or other large event. Bikers and hikers will find five and seven miles worth of trails, respectively, and horse owners can reserve a stable for their horse, and enjoy fourteen miles worth of horseback riding trails.
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INGREDIENTS: 1 qt. heavy cream x 1 cup white sugar 1 cup egg yolks x 1 vanilla bean Extra sugar for sugar shell
1 pint of your favorite berries
PROCEDURE: 1. In a stainless-steel sauce pot, combine the sugar and heavy cream together. Cut the vanilla bean in half, and scrape the seeds; place it in the cream. 2. Heat the cream over medium heat, and stir until the cream is warm and the sugar is dissolved, and bring the mixture to a simmer. 3. Remove from heat, and extract the vanilla bean pod. 4. Place egg yolks in a mixing bowl, and ladle the heavy cream mixture over the eggs while whisking. Make sure to temper the cream into the egg yolks slowly, or it will cook the yolks and scramble. 5. Strain the egg and cream mixture to remove any curdled bits. 6. Pour the mixture into ramekin molds, and place the molds into a roasting pan with a ½ inch of water in the bottom to go into the oven.
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7. To prevent browning or overcooking, wrap the top of the water-bath pan with aluminum foil, so the steam will help cook the brûlées. 8. Place the pan in a 250-degree oven for 45 mins (or until the brûlées set). The brûlées should wobble like gelatin when you gently wiggle them. 9. Carefully remove the brûlées from the oven, and let them cool.
10. Once they are room temperature, set the brûlées in the fridge. 11. To dress the brûlées before serving, coat the top with a thin layer of white sugar, and use a blow torch to heat the sugar until it becomes caramelized.* 12. Add an extra layer of sugar on top to give additional color and to harden the sugar shell. 13. Serve with berries, and enjoy. *Visit Craftsy.com/blog/2016/02/howto-make-crème-brulee-without-a-torch/ to learn how to caramelize the sugar without a blow torch.
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The Importance of Beneficiary Designations By Marianna Chaet, Esq. Suppose you’ve been responsible and had a will drafted. Now, all your estate planning is taken care of, and you don’t need to worry about anything else, right? Well, not quite. Your will does not control all of your assets. Any asset that has a beneficiary designation, such as a 401(k), life insurance or IRA plan, passes outside of the will. The beneficiary designation controls the distribution of that asset. If an ex-spouse is named as beneficiary in a will, then Georgia law nullifies that bequest. This is not the case for non-probate assets. If you get divorced and forget to change your beneficiary designation on your life insurance, your ex-spouse could stand to inherit assets that you did not intend for them. It is not only important that beneficiary
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
forms are filled out, but that they are filled out correctly and returned to the company responsible for the plan or policy. Most people look at filling out beneficiary forms as a chore, but these
401(k)
Life IRA Insurance Plan
are some of the most important forms that you will fill out during your lifetime. Most forms allow for primary and secondary beneficiaries, so be sure to fill
in both, as that could be the difference between going through probate and not going through probate. Steer clear of naming minors as outright beneficiaries, as they cannot legally hold money for themselves until they are eighteen years of age. Instead, create a testamentary trust for any minor beneficiaries through wills to create a basket for those assets. Beneficiary designations work together with your will to make sure that your assets get distributed in the exact way that you would want them to be distributed, so don’t let them become an afterthought.
Marianna Chaet, Esq. is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com
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THIS SUMMER By Jyl Craven
LIFESTYLE Red hot sun and hot red hair — summer is fast approaching! Soon, the Georgia heat will have everyone paying attention to the humidity levels while relaxing by the pool. If you’re part of the 1-2% of the population who has red hair, you’re already getting attention because of your naturally brilliant ginger locks. But for those of us who aren’t blessed with fiery red strands, what options do we have? Stunning red hair has always graced the red carpet, but how can us nonHollywood elites flaunt this pretty pigment? Try one of these red hair colors this summer, and see if you can look hotter than the sun.
Warm Reds
If you have fair skin, then warm red hair color could be your best friend this summer. To make a bold, vivid statement, opt for fiery copper, which is a combination of bright orange and red. This hue, synonymous with carrot-colored hair, will make a strong and sexy statement. For a softer look, consider light auburn, which is a fusion of gold, red and brown. The Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
most natural-looking red hair color is ginger. If your aspiration is to be the typical “ginger,” like Prince Harry, then a light-to-medium reddish-brown tone will be your warm red of choice.
turn up the heat on those around you. Or how about a candy-apple ombre? On dark brown or black hair, this transition of hair color from dark to a sweet, red-apple color speaks of individuality all on its own.
Cool Reds
More than any other hair color, red is all about finding the right balance between skin tone and hair color. It seems many of our favorite Hollywood stars have flawlessly embraced red locks at some point in their careers, leaving us wondering if we could ever be “red carpet” ready. The good news is that even if we weren’t blessed with red hair at birth, we still have options. Gorgeous red hair always makes a statement and looks great yearround. But why wait?! Go ahead, and ask your hairdresser if there’s a red-hot hue waiting for you. L
When choosing a hair color, complimenting it with your skin tone is always an important first step. Just like warm reds look best with warm skin tones, cool reds are best paired with cooler skin tones. Cool red hair colors range from deep, rich red, like red velvet cupcakes, to a blending of red and black for a dark-cherry affect. If deep reds are too bold, consider a lighter cherry or red mahogany. These shades of red have a touch of brown that is subtly unique and will enhance the richness of your eyes.
Fun Reds
Throw away skin tone for a moment, and explore some of the most exciting ways to be a hot red head this summer. A sunset balayage with an amalgam of fiery reds cascading off your shoulders will absolutely
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
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W
hile all funerals are somber, special, personal and moving experiences for the family and friends who are in mourning, if you’ve ever attended a military funeral, you have experienced an additional level of respect and gratitude through the different traditions, protocols and etiquettes that must be followed by our nation’s military as they assist families in honoring our nation’s veteran and active duty soldiers. There’s nothing quite like the vision of the impeccable, white-gloved hands of the soldiers as they make each meticulous, meaningful fold of the flag. There’s nothing quite like the emotional feeling one gets as one of our nation’s soldiers kneels in front of a fallen veteran’s spouse, mother, father or child to present them with that now folded flag that had been draped across their loved one’s casket only moments before. There’s nothing quite like the sound of “Taps” being played in the distance as you sit with your head bowed, while chill bumps prickle across your skin. And there’s nothing that will jar you back into the moment quite like the honor displayed through the 3-volley firing of rifles. Why is it so important to perform these tasks? “The importance of etiquette during a military funeral/burial is
By Julie Senger
that it is a way to show reverence and respect to the fallen and their family. There is a certain protocol at each military funeral/burial that ensures that the service will be presented the same way for each of the fallen,” said Robert Wallace, chairman of the advisory council for the Georgia National Cemetery. But what do all of these things mean? What do they symbolize? 50
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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«
The 3-Volley Rifle Fire
This tradition dates to the European dynastic wars (1688-1748). The volleys were shots fired during a battle to request a pause in the fighting to allow time for both sides to remove the bodies of fallen soldiers from the battlefield. The three bullets represent the three volleys fired, and also symbolize the words duty, honor and country. Three shell casings, one for each volley, are often slipped into the folded flag before it is presented to the family. Many people often mistake a 3-volley rifle fire for a 21-gun salute. The three volleys are fired from rifles, not “guns.” In the military, a “gun” is actually a large-caliber weapon, such as a cannon.
«
“Taps”
After the 3-volley rifle fire, a bugler will play “Taps” as the flag is being folded. “Taps” originated during the Civil War. It was played to indicate to the soldiers that it was time to extinguish the lights and to go to sleep. It was later used as a figurative call in death, symbolizing the extinguishing of life, or eternal sleep.
«
Flag Folding
When a veteran or active duty soldier dies, the casket is covered with the flag, and the stars are always placed over the left shoulder of the deceased. This is due to the patriotic tradition started during the Napoleonic wars. During the Napoleonic Wars, a flag was used to cover the dead as they were taken from the battlefield on a caisson. As soldiers remove the flag from the casket, they
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make exactly twelve folds in it. Each fold has a meaning: 1. Life on earth 2. Eternal life 3. The veteran gave a portion of him/ her self for the defense of the United States. 4. Humanity’s weaker nature and American reliance of God in peace and war 5. Tribute to the United States 6. The state of the American heart 7. The United States armed forces 8. Tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death that humanity might see the light of day 9. Tribute to motherhood 10. Tribute to fatherhood 11. For the Jewish citizen, this fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. 12. For the Christian citizen, this fold represents the eternity, and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
«
Flag Presentation
When the flag is presented to the deceased’s next of kin, the blue field of stars is always facing up. The following is what is said to the next of kin during presentation, based upon to which branch of the military the deceased belonged:
U.S. Marine Corps: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to country and Corps.” U.S. Navy: “On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this country and a grateful Navy.” If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, the following may be added: “God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.” Everything about a military funeral/ burial is very deliberate. Robert Wallace assured, “The courtesies at a military funeral/burial are so that all aspects of the service for the fallen and their family are completed with honor and respect. It will impact the family members by showing them that we appreciate their service and sacrifice to our great nation, and they will not be forgotten.”
U.S. Air Force: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (service member’s rank and name).” U.S. Army: “This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.” U.S. Coast Guard: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to country and the Coast Guard.”
« Sources: VeteransUnited.com: “A Final Salute: Know the Symbolism Behind Military Funerals,” Derek Hartley. TheBalance.com: “What Do the Three Bullets Represent in Military Funerals?” & “Military Funeral Customs and Traditions” Rod Powers. MilitarySalute.ProBoards.com: Military Salute Project.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
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Creating a More Vibrant and Sustainable North Fulton By Ann Hanlon
W
hen the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) was founded in 2003 by business leaders, they were committed to maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure of north Fulton. The North Fulton CID spans from Mansell Road north to McGinnis Ferry Road along the GA 400 corridor. Consisting of commercial property owners wanting to affect change, the self-taxing business district has leveraged more than $18 million to advance more than $90 million worth of transportation and infrastructure improvements to create a more vibrant and sustainable North Fulton. Now, the North Fulton CID wants to increase their footprint by expanding the CID boundary and tax base with new projects and programs that increase mobility through public transportation and walkable community initiatives. One of its largest projects to date fits that bill. The Encore Parkway Bridge and Streetscape Improvement Project replaces the previously existing, narrow, two-lane bridge between Westside Parkway and North Point Parkway with an upgraded, wider bridge that connects to the Big Creek Greenway, a recreational park boasting trails that accommodate bikers, runners and walkers. The $17-million project includes 6-foot-wide bike lanes, 8-foot-wide sidewalks and streetscape elements such as a landscaped median, trees and lighting. In managing this project, the North Fulton CID works to ensure that all milestones on an aggressive construction schedule are met, enabling the bridge to open to traffic in time for last year’s holiday
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
shopping season and the full project to be completed this summer. In addition to the Encore Parkway Bridge and Streetscape Improvement Project, the North Fulton CID also completed the Northwinds Parkway Extension Project in 2016, which extends Northwinds Parkway from its previous end point at Kimball Bridge Road to now meet Old Milton Parkway. The North Fulton CID partnered with the City of Alpharetta, Georgia Department of Transportation and private developers to bring this $6-million investment to the area. This connection offers an alternate route for those traveling to and from the surrounding areas in Alpharetta, which include commercial, residential and entertainment areas such as Avalon. This project also benefits Gwinnett Technical
College Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus by creating a new entrance on the east side of the school with an additional traffic light at the Northwinds-Old Milton intersection. The North Fulton CID will continue to work closely with partners at local, state and federal organizations to provide more transportation connections, routes and options for everyone living or working in the community. For more information on the North Fulton CID, visit NorthFultonCID.com.
Ann Hanlon is the executive director for the North Fulton CID. 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Ste. 100, Alpharetta. 678-397-0570. NorthFultonCID.com
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Quotables “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” - Erma Bombeck
“It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to paint it.” - Steven Wright
“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” - Abraham Lincoln “It is impossible to
live without failing
at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default.” - J.K. Rowling
“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.” - Linda Wooten
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“Do not make your goal to be the best.
‘Best’ is a label. It’s something someone else decides for you. ‘Better’ is more personal.” - Mikhail Baryshnikov
“A man can fall many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame someone else.” - Unknown
“Despite how open, peaceful and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves.” - Matt Kahn
“It doesn’t matter that your dream came true if you spent your whole life sleeping.” - Jerry Zucker
“The great and curious truth of the human experience is that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.” - David McCullough Jr. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” - Anais Nin
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” - Henry David Thoreau
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 30009 , 770-993-8806 GNFCC.com Food Truck Association of Georgia 8610 Roswell Road, Suite 470 Atlanta 770-822-0022 Food Truck Advocates
Tracy Jardine, Mary Kay Cosmetics North Fulton County 678-836-1558 Independent Beauty Consultant
Blooming Hites
North Fulton County 404-665-3219 Wedding & Event Design
Pita Mediterranean Street Food 725 W Crossville Road #158 Roswell 470-282-6100 Restaurant
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Fellowship Christian School 10965 Woodstock Road Roswell 770-993-1650 Private School
Spice of Thai
690 Holcomb Bridge Road #220 Roswell 678-878-2277 Restaurant WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Advertiser Index
ABA Business Expo 15 Alpharetta Arts Streetfest 35 Appdenity 56 Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists 3 Audio Intersection 40 The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill 41 Cruise Planners 24, 48 Debra Robinson Law Group 11 DeMercy Dental 33 Diva Roofing & Construction 54 Dream Design by Lisa 31 Funeralocity 23 H & H Electric & Security, LLC 25 Huntington Learning Center 39 Internal Medicine Specialists of Roswell 3 Internal Medicine Practice of Northside Inside Back Ken-Mark Turf, Inc. 27 LGE Community Credit Union 26 Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC 17 May River Dermatology, LLC 17 Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails 41 Newtown Medical Associates 17 North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center 19 North Atlanta Women’s Care 20 Northside Hospital Cancer Institute 1 Northside Vascular Surgery Inside Front Nothing Bundt Cakes 31 The Orthopedic Sports Medicne Center of Atlanta Inside Back Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 36 Perimeter North Family Medicine Inside Front Pete’s Plumbing, Inc. 24 Photojack.net 56 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Back Cover Relay for Life North Fulton 21 Reproductive Surgical Specialties 5 Singleton Law Firm 23 St George Village Front Cover, 28 & 29 Todd Kapcsos, Humana 31 Tracy Morton, Harry Norman Realty 11
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
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