Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Contents
May 2018
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 10
24-25
[24-25]
On the Cover:
Green Basements & Remodeling
32-33
Finding Fortis
44-45
Becoming Beach-Body Ready
]] [32-33 [44-45
04
.......................... Perspective
06
............................. Calendar
13
.................... Community Life
18
................... Senator Speaks
20
........................ Public Safety
19, 22
Follow Us >>>
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27
........................ Book Review
34
........................ Taste of Life
38
.............. Community Partner
41
........... Roswell Photographic Society
42-43
[44-45]
47 Family Life Publications
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
............ Mayor’s Minute
familylifepublications
................. Artist Profile
................... Ribbon Cuttings @FamilyLifeMags
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
© 2018 All rights reserved.
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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Forgiveness is one of those intangibles in life that means so much, yet there are many variables and dynamics that surround it. It can be consuming beyond the simple aspects of giving and receiving. We often judge ourselves so critically when we have hurt another that it’s tough to accept an apology even after we’ve asked for one. In the future, when someone finds it in their heart to forgive us and give us the grace we have so longed for, we should try harder to accept it. It makes the forgetting, on everyone’s part, so much easier. After all, forgiveness is one of the sincerest forms of love — and we can all use more of that.
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.
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Ah forgiveness, there’s a good one. Each of us has been in a situation where we needed to seek, ask, or hope for forgiveness. There have been other situations where we may have struggled with granting forgiveness to another. It can be a difficult situation when we are on the wronged side of the equation.
You may be expecting me to toss a cliché quote in here, and I’m trying really hard not to do that. There are so many to consider, so I’ll leave it up to you to delve into those to supplement this piece.
M AG A ZI
N
fter years of writing these perspectives, I must admit that I sometimes find myself struggling to find topics that motivate me enough to begin tapping the keys. Of course, working in an office where your coworkers are often anxiously waiting on you, so they can edit and design around your ponderings to meet an already extended deadline, adds to the stress and freedom of thoughts that the “squirrels at a party” inside my head have already scattered. On a few occasions, I’ve resorted to jumping on the web and typing in a random character trait out of curiosity to see what inspires me. I do hope you’ll forgive me.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Mayor Mike Bodker, Cyndi Braun, Marianna I. Chaet, Jim Cheatham, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Hillary Gallagher, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Amanda Howard, Mayor Joe Lockwood, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Hannah Olson, Carrie Patterson, Jennifer Pucket, Jill Rowlands, Mark Russell, Heather Terry
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Children
When your child is home sick, a pet can make them feel better just by lying with them. In hospitals, therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort to sick children. So, it makes sense that your family pet would have a similar effect.
By Christy Noll
Having a pet gives your child responsibilities. Children can help feed, wash, and exercise the family pet (and, of course, your child will also get exercise). If you have a pet in a cage, barn, coop, or tank, your child can help keep the pet's habitat clean. Often, if children really want a pet and the parents are not convinced, they will do chores to earn allowance and save their money to pay for adoption fees or to buy necessities to care for their pet, which helps them learn to be responsible with their finances.
Pets need to be taken care [HomeLife] of, but the love you receive in return is well worth the work. The benefits of owning a pet can be especially great for children; here’s why: Pets have an instant calming effect. Have a moody toddler? Put a friendly dog in the mix, and you have instant laughs and cuddles. If your child comes in tired or down because of something that occurred at school, the greeting they receive from their pet can provide instant relief.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Additionally, research published the Journal
of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that children tend to develop stronger immune systems overall when they are exposed to pets early. Certain animals can be a trigger for people with allergies, however, growing up in a house with a pet makes children less likely to develop allergies over the course of their lives. For those with more severe allergies, hypoallergenic pets can be a great alternative. Some say just petting a dog or cat can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have been thinking of adding a pet to the family, consider what type of pet would be best for your lifestyle. Knowing all the positive benefits of pet ownership makes that decision even easier!
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Calendar MAY Ongoing Alive in Roswell — On the third Thursday of each month, April – October, this FREE, family-friendly festival features live bands, food trucks, kids games, face painting, balloons, etc. Enjoy participation from the many boutiques, small businesses, and restaurants surrounding the venues. 5:00-9:00pm, Canton Street and the historic Town Square. 678-591-2610.
Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market — Every Saturday through October, this local farmers market is a one-stop-shop for fresh produce and handmade goods. It also features dog adoptions, yoga classes, chef demos, and baking contests. Held rain or shine. FREE! 8:00am-12:00pm, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 404-4929938. RoswellFAM.com Alpharetta Farmers Market — Shop local at the Alpharetta Farmers Market, featuring food vendors including produce, grass-fed meats, cheese, baked goods, and more. 8:30am-1:00pm, 1 South Main, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com
AliveInRoswell.com
Roswell Riverside Sounds — The first Saturday of each month, May through October, bring your own picnic, or purchase food at the food trucks on site then sit back, and enjoy some fantastic live music. The Leah Calvert Trio will be performing this month. 7:00-9:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-6413705. RoswellRiversideSounds.com
First Friday Art Walk — The first Friday of each month, discover world class art right in Roswell! With eleven premier art galleries within walking distance of each other, Roswell is one of the best art destinations in Georgia. 6:00-9:00pm, Roswell. RoswellArtDistrict.com Take-a-Peek Tuesdays at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage — Each Tuesday, take a quick peek at building collections, and hear about preservation and research efforts. Heritage staff and docents are on site. This is a FREE family member benefit, with $2 donation for non-members. All ages
are welcome; children must be accompanied by a parent. 12:00pm, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. AutreyMill.org/take-a-peek-tuesday/ Bike Roswell! Saturday Morning Ride — This is a no-drop, 25-mile recreational bike ride through Roswell and along the river, featuring some difficult climbs followed by flats. This route is for experienced riders. 9:00-11:00am, parking lot next to Roswell North Elementary, 10517 Woodstock Road, Roswell. LWalker@bikeroswell.com. BikeRoswell.com
Alpharetta Food Truck Alley — Each Thursday through October 11 (except May 3), this weekly gathering 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. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta. Ga.us Family Food Truck Fridays — Every fourth Friday of the month, May-September, you’ll find an array of different food trucks as well as entertainment and fun for the whole family. 6:00-8:30pm, Riverside Park, 75 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-594-6158. RoswellGov.com
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Fitness in the Park Series — Each Saturday morning, instructors will help guide you through Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and boot camps. Enjoy an hour of fitness for all ages and levels. This will take place at various Roswell parks. FREE! Check website for locations and times. RoswellGov.com/wellness ProAlliance — Every Wednesday, enjoy early morning networking! There will be a light breakfast, casual networking, and a break out into small groups for a powerful time of connecting. This format allows you to share information about your business/work in a non-threatening environment, develop leads for potential new business, and help others reach their goals. Members - $5; Nonmembers - $10. 7:30am, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Office, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Building 400, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 770-9938806. GNFCC.com Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) Business After Hours — On the last Thursday of every month, business owners gather for networking opportunities. This event is free for ABA members and $10 for guests. 5:30-7:00pm, Harry Norman Realtors, 7855 North Point Parkway, #100, Alpharetta. 678-865-6608. AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com Better Together — The Better Together Committee, which is composed of interested citizens from the City of Milton, meets the second Monday of each month. The goal of Better Together is to build a welcoming community in Milton where residents of all abilities can participate. All are welcome to become a part of this group, ranging from high school students to senior adults. The committee plans and arranges projects covering subjects of interest to the community. 6:30-7:30pm, Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678242-2512. CityOfMiltonGa.us Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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10th Annual Down Home Derby — At this great fundraiser, enjoy a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby, bid on live and silent auction items, play fun games, and hear live music by The Relix. 5:00-9:30pm, Shannondale Farm, 2395 Birmingham Road, Milton. 770-992-4006. CDAKids.org
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Home By Dark Concert — Michael Logen and JP Williams tell the stories behind their songs in this songwriters-in-the-round concert event that often proves how just one song can change your life. 6:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-314-3735. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com
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Matilda’s Spring/Summer 2018 Concerts — May’s artists include Michelle Malone (5/5), Breeze Kings (5/12), Dead Affect (5/19), and The Indies (5/26). 8:3010:30pm, Matilda’s, 377 South Main Street, Alpharetta. 770-754-7831. MatildasMusicVenue.com
Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-704-7464. CFVC.org/get-involved/ fundraisers/galloping-against-violence/
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A Novel Idea — Five award-winning authors will gather to read excerpts from their scary stories. Door prizes will be given away. This event is FREE and open to the public. 6:30-8:30pm, Alpha Soda, 11760 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta. 770-442-3102.
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Business After Hours — This event is an informal and fun networking opportunity hosted each month by a Greater North Fulton Chamber member in their place of business. Locations include some of the hottest restaurants and entertainment venues across greater north Fulton. 5:30-7:30pm, Troy University, 2855 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 678-397-0556. GNFCC.com
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Galloping Against Violence — This fundraising event benefits victims of domestic violence. Tickets are $50, and sponsorships from $500 to $5,000 are also available. Tickets include the polo match, unlimited food buffet and beverages, and there also will be a silent auction. 1:00-5:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo
Military Spouse Appreciation Day — Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, many United States citizens take this day to acknowledge the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of members of the Armed Forces. Each year, the U.S. President normally commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech and proclamation. [continued on page 8] WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Lollipops for Breakfast — Go along with Sylvie, as she and her trusty pet bird search for missing ingredients, wrestle with giant candy machines, and get lost in a magical pop-up cookbook while on a quest to make the most amazingly perfect lollipop. Friday 10:00am and Saturday 10:00am & 1:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellGov. com
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National Police Week Coffee with a Cop — Kickstart National Police Week by having a coffee with your Milton cops. Stop in to say, “hi,” or discuss your concerns or quality-of-life issues. 8:00-10:00am, Laurel & May, 12630 Crabapple Road, Milton. 678-242-2570. Facebook.com/ MiltonGaPoliceDepartment/
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Act1 Theatrical Performance — Come out, and support the arts! Enjoy live theatre in an outdoor setting. 7:00pm, Brook Street Park, East Lawn, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta.Ga.us
Milton Police Explorers Chipotle® Fundraiser — Chipotle® will be donating 50% of their profits towards Milton Police Post 2570. The funds raised will be used towards training, new equipment and uniforms, and competition fees. To participate, mention the Milton PD Explorer Program. 4:008:00pm, Chipotle, 5250 Winward Parkway, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection — Please visit the website, or call to see a list of acceptable items. 9:00am-12:00pm, Public Works/Transportation/Fire Facilities, 1810 Hembree Road, Alpharetta. 770-6413715. RoswellGov.com
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Adaptive Recreation Summer Kick-Off Picnic — Families that have an individual with a disability are invited to attend for food, music, entertainment, and games. FREE! 11:00am-1:00pm, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park - Park Place event lawn, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
Sundays on the River — Blair Crimmins and the Hookers perform ragtime and 1920s style Dixieland jazz. End your weekend under the stars listening to live music with friends. Nature will provide the perfect backdrop for the evening. 6:00-9:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, x238. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Secret Gardens Tour of Johns Creek — Patrons will be able to tour 8 scenic, unique, and private gardens. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, koi ponds, sculptures, and just a little bit of whimsy! 10:00am-4:00pm, Johns Creek. 470-655-6559. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
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Southern Trilogy Historic House Museums Mother’s Day FREE Open House — Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable item or canned good, which will be donated to North Fulton Charities. 1:00-4:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive; Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue; Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. RoswellGov. com
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3rd Annual Back the Blue Blood Drive — In honor of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, donate blood at this event. Sign up on the website, and use sponsor code MPD. 3:00-7:00pm, Stonecreek Church, 13540 Highway 9, Milton. 678-242-2500. RedCrossBlood.org
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Roswell United Methodist Church Job Networking — This event includes job networking, dinner, a keynote speaker, a mini job fair, and other additional activities. 12:30-9:00pm, Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. 770-9936218. RUMCJobNetworking.com
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FREE Active Shooter Safety Seminar — Several Milton Police Department instructors will be on-hand to teach this course, which will cover life-saving strategies to help in an active shooter situation and to raise awareness of behaviors that represent pre-incident indicators and characteristics of active shooters. 6:00-8:00pm, Milton Police Department, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107F, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
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#ProtectYourPrivacy FREE Shredding Event — This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of any documents containing personal, financial, or medical information. 3:00-6:00pm (or until the truck is full), Milton Police Department, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107F, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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Milton Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony — Join the Milton Police Department as they recognize several personnel for their outstanding achievements over the past year. 6:00-7:00pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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TGIF Concert Series – Divas — Enjoy an evening full of familiar songs by powerful female vocalists. 8:00-10:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-314-3735. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com
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FREE Family Health and Wellness Expo — 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. Face painters and inflatables will be on hand to entertain the kids. Wear your workout clothes because the fitness demonstrations are for everyone to enjoy. Door prizes will be given away. 9:00am-1:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-5946134. RoswellGov.com
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Alpharetta Art in the Park — This monthly event (May-September) features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art, and much more. 9:00am-4:00pm, Corner of Main Street & Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. 678-2962829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
[continued on page 10] Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Ceremony & Picnic — This is Georgia’s largest Memorial Day Celebration. There will be military displays, a military ceremony, and a concert on the lawn. Roswell City Hall, Roswell. 10:00am, 770640-3253. RoswellMemorialDay.com
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Emory Johns Creek Hospital Scrub Run 5k and Community Health Festival — In addition to the run, FREE health screenings will be available including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) calculations. This family friendly event will also include face painting, a bouncy house, FREE food, music, and access to dozens of community vendors. 8:00am, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek. 678-4748018. EmoryHealthCare.org/johnscreek
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3rd Annual Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute to Honor Fallen Heroes — If you are looking to honor those who paid the highest price in establishing and protecting our freedoms and liberties, then this event is for you. 9:30am, Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta. Ga.us
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Touch-a-Truck — This event features construction equipment and fun activities for the whole family! The Johns Creek Veterans Association will hand out hot dogs and water and will accept donations. FREE! 10:00am12:00pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
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Movie Music of John Williams Enjoy a free evening of music under the stars presented by the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra! Bring a chair or a blanket and listen to music from your favorite movies including ET, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and more! 6:00PM, Lawn and Pavilion behind Alpharetta City Hall. 678-740-3554. www. AlpharettaSymphony.com
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Alpharetta Arts Streetfest — Festivallovers 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. 10:00am-5:00pm, Milton Avenue between Main Street and Roswell-Canton Street, downtown Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta. Ga.us
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Eggs & Enterprise — These monthly breakfast sessions feature distinguished keynote speakers addressing timely topics and issues facing the region. From education to economic development, to public policy and political advocacy, the topics addressed each month have an effect on local business
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
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Milton Memorial Day Ceremony — This annual event honors the men and women who have bravely served our country. 9:00-10:00am. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us
JUNE and on the quality of life in north Fulton. $30 admission fee. 7:30-9:00am, King’s Ridge Christian School, 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta. 770-993-8806. GNFCC. com
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Johns Creek Summer Concert Series - Rumours — Enjoy this Fleetwood Mac tribute band at this FREE show! 7:00pm, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
purchase. 6:00-11:00pm, Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. CandaWood@bellsouth.net. AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com
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Flying Colors Butterfly Festival — Enjoy live butterfly releases, butterfly encounters, a plant sale, and many more fun activities at this important fundraising event. Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm and Sunday 12:005:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-9922055, x238. ChattNatureCenter.org
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Home By Dark Concert — Billy Montana and Jill Paquette DeZwaan tell the stories behind their songs in this songwriters-in-the-round concert event that often proves how just one song can change your life. 6:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-3143735. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com
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Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest — Downtown comes alive for this annual beer fest with great food, beer, and live music. Bring your own chairs, or tables are available for
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 404-613-6735
MILTON
855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402
ART WITH RHEA Saturdays, 10:00am, Alpharetta Learn how to draw using graphite and colored pencils. Space is limited to the first fifteen participants. This is for ages 8-12. MOTHER’S DAY STORYTIME May 9, 10:30am & 11:15am, East Roswell Hear stories about the special woman in your life to celebrate Mother’s Day. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. This is for ages 2-5. JOHNS CREEK ART - SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY ART PROGRAM May 9, 6:00-7:30pm, Ocee Johns Creek Art Center has a fun Mother’s Day story and craft planned. This is for ages 5-9. Registration is required. DISCOVER CRIME SOLVING SCIENCE May 9, 4:00pm, Milton Join friends from Discover Science Center of Roswell for this fun, hands-on, STEAM program. Kids go through CSI training and learn to analyze DNA, study fingerprints, and create a crime solving notebook they can take home. Then, the crime-solving agents use these scientific methods to solve a mystery. This is for ages 6+. Space is limited; registration is recommended.
NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
OCEE 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897
When should you start taking social security? Do you get more money if you take it at 63, 65, 67, or 70? Are you entitled to your ex-spouse’s social security? What are the tax consequences if you work and take social security? Registration is required. This is for ages 50+. FOOD IN JARS — HEALTHY AND PORTABLE MASON JAR MEALS May 19, 12:00pm, East Roswell Only a few years ago, mason jars were pretty much strictly for canning. Now, thanks to social media, they’re as trendy as green juice and coconut oil. They make portable, portion-controlled meals a cinch — some don’t even need to be cooked! Think ovenbaked bacon and eggs, chicken pot pies, no-cook oatmeal, or any variety of salads. Reservations are required, adults only. SPEECH FACTORY — PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR TEENS May 20 & 27, 2:30pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Facilitated by Toastmasters International, this program will teach teens the basics of public speaking. An advanced member of Toastmasters will discuss topics including creating goals and developing a personal mission. This is for ages 1218. Reservations are required.
ROSWELL
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075
EAST ROSWELL
2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
FOREIGN FILM NIGHT May 24, 5:30pm, Alpharetta The film will be shown in the library’s auditorium on the lower level. All are welcome. Children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult. MOVE IT TO LOSE IT! May 25, 11:00am, Roswell This new program will guide you on how to strengthen your muscles and improve mobility. The class is for those who may have difficulty moving or want a gentle work out to improve overall strength and health. This is for adults and seniors. SUMMER READING KICK-OFF May 30, 1:00pm, East Roswell Enjoy face painting, balloons, tasty treats, storytelling, special guests, and much more as you discover how awesome the library is, as you enjoy summer reading. This is for all ages. KICK OFF SUMMER READING WITH THE LITTLE RED BARN MOBILE PETTING ZOO May 31, 10:30am, Alpharetta See animals at the library with the mobile petting zoo. All families are welcome.
INCOME PLANNING WITH PHIL CALANDRA May 15, 6:00pm, Milton Phil Calandra, CEO and advisor of Calandra Financial, leads a discussion on income planning and retirement. This is for ages 18+. ART CLASS WITH SHARON CRUMLEY May 17, 11:00am, Roswell Learn a unique art or craft. Class is limited to ten participants. Registration is required, adults only. SOCIAL SECURITY WORKSHOP May 19, 1:00pm, Milton Join Debbie Dorman and Curt Spinney as they lead you in discussion about social security.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Community Roswell, Inc. Releases 2017 Annual Report The report includes an overview of 2017 recruitment, expansion, and retention efforts, and highlights major projects, key industry spotlights, and industry support programs.
Key Highlights
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• Supported sixty business attraction and recruitment projects, 34 expansion projects, and 26 retention projects with a total of 1,633 jobs created through those initiatives. • Generated an estimated $720,000 of annual City revenue and an estimated total of more than $1.35 million in one-time City revenue through business attraction and recruitment, retention, and expansion programs. • Secured two business class hotel deals off Westside Parkway — Home 2 Suites® by Hilton and a Springhill Suites® by Marriott. Both hotels have a combined capital investment of $25 million and will annually generate $412,900 in City revenue. Announced several large projects including Roswell Exchange (Highway 9 and Sun Valley Development), Delta Dental®, Tap & Six, and Kamstrup — a North American headquarters deal. Collectively, these projects create more than 650 jobs and generate $90 million in capital investment. Celebrated the opening of Variant Brewing™ Company and From the Earth Brewing Company©, which now makes Roswell tied for second in the state of Georgia for the highest number of microbreweries — a noteworthy accomplishment since helping the City create its first microbrewery ordinance in 2012.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Fulton County School District Celebrates Dedicated Volunteers The 2018 awards luncheon honored volunteers from schools across the District. School leaders selected the volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education. Here are this year’s winners:
Elementary Schools
Mountain Park Susan Westbury
Elkins Pointe Laura Calvert
Alpharetta Kim Worsencroft
New Prospect Andrea Cueny
Haynes Bridge Matthew Easter
Barnwell Jennifer Yammout
Northwood Lisa Hubbert
Holcomb Bridge Tony Kirk
Birmingham Falls Amy Sherrill
Ocee Danelle West
Hopewell Shelley Suco
Cogburn Woods Lindsey Johnson
River Eves Stephanie Rogers Joyce “Sunshine” Smith
Northwestern Becky Jones
Crabapple Crossing Curtis Martin Creek View Patti White Dolvin Kim Hochman Hembree Springs Kimberly Washburn Hillside Lynn Floum Esther Jackson Vivian Hixon Lake Windward Ashlee Few Manning Oaks Natalia Kramer Medlock Bridge Robin McPherson Mimosa Stacy Harmon
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Roswell North Farrah Ryan Shakerag Kavitha Naidu Alexandra Bohorquez
Webb Bridge Valerie Barrett
High Schools Alpharetta Lee Wagner Cambridge Julie Hink
State Bridge Crossing Amy Rice
Centennial Kristin Sharpe
Summit Hill Lisa Whalen
Chattahoochee Suzie Stagmeier
Sweet Apple Pastor Mirek Hufton Christine Beldowicz
Independence Jamal Cornelious
Vickery Mill Lyndsey Coates
Middle Schools Autrey Mill Kim Kayes
Johns Creek Bill Abely Milton High Melanie Davis Roswell Jane Kragh
Local Students Matched with Industry Leaders for Cyber Challenge The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) recently hosted a Technology Summit. Company executives and other attendees engaged forty students from Georgia State, Gwinnett Tech, and local high schools including Cambridge, Centennial, Johns Creek, and Northview to work through a cyber challenge threat analysis activity where they evaluate which fictional employees are a security threat to their companies based on specific criteria. Chamber leaders provided an update on Talent Coalition lead initiatives, development efforts, and results to date. GNFCC’s Talent Coalition is a crossdiscipline initiative of the Chamber that brings together education and business, which develops workforce strategies that fill jobs in the region, particularly in the technology and healthcare industries.
Ronald W. Pontius of U.S. Army Cyber Command
IT Summit attendees and participants included high-level technology, education, healthcare, and other industry leaders to discuss maintainable workforce tactics. The keynote speaker was Ronald W. Pontius of U.S. Army Cyber Command. He is a senior Army advisor on network operations, and is a leading voice in the U.S. Dept. of Defense’s development of cyber capabilities and defensible network architecture.
Crabapple Nicole Gordon
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Creek View ES Raises Funds for Holland East ES Students at Creek View Elementary in Alpharetta recently participated in a fundraiser to raise money for Holland East Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Holland, MI, where over 75% of the students receive free or reduced lunch. The goal was to purchase the book Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, for every fourth and fifth grade student at the school. Creek View partnered with the principal of Holland East, Nick Cassidy, who taught in Fulton County for several years before moving to Michigan. For one week, students paid $1 to participate in daily dress up themes, which included dressing like a superhero. Creek View raised $ 1400 for the school to purchase the books.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
15
Community
Milton Fire Receives $19,000 Grant
Sen. John Albers recently recognized the STAR House Foundation with a Point of Personal Privilege in the Senate Chamber and the presentation of Senate Resolution 973 in the Capitol.
The family members of public safety personnel often spend sleepless nights thinking about the safety of their onduty loved ones. Those concerns are magnified when first responders are working an active shooter incident. Thanks to the generosity of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Milton’s firefighters are now equipped with bullet resistant helmets and vests.
“This foundation allows students who may need a little extra help to receive that attention and care that all of our students deserve. The leaders in this foundation commit themselves to these students not only through academia, but also serve as overall role models,” said Sen. Albers.
“Last year’s incident in Las Vegas reinforced the need to protect our personnel during an active shooter situation,” said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. “We need to respond to the injured quickly, and in doing so, we need to know our firefighters are protected.”
The STAR House Foundation helps build upon students’ education and achievement by providing after-school tutoring and a mentoring program.
With a rise in mass casualty events, there is an increased need for rapid triage and treatment of patients before law enforcement can completely secure the situation. More than $19,000 dollars of custom equipment will provide the added protection firefighters need while responding in an active environment. The special design increases personal safety, but allows the flexibility firefighters need when providing emergency medical services to the injured.
Sen. John Albers Recognizes STAR House Foundation at the State Capitol
The grant funds provide helmets and vests for every front-line apparatus in Milton, including three engines, one ladder, a rescue, and the battalion chief. Each firefighter will then have access to a ballistic vest and helmet while on duty.
Georgia General Assembly Fully Funds Quality Basic Education For the first time in recent history, the Georgia General Assembly fully funded the Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula and eliminated austerity cuts in its final passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Budget, House Bill 684. The FY19 budget fully funds the QBE formula and eliminates austerity cuts by allocating more than $167 million to the Department of Education for additional funding in K-12 schools. The budget also includes $15 million in new spending to purchase nearly 200 new school buses and $16 million to fund school safety grants throughout the state. To review the entire FY19 Budget and Senate tracking document, please visit Senate.ga.gov/sbeo/en-US/AppropriationsDocuments.aspx.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
17
Senator Speaks
D
uring the 2018 Legislative Session, the Senate worked diligently to improve the lives of Georgians across the state. This year, we made history and passed the largest income tax reduction in over 75 years through House Bill 918. These updates to Georgia’s tax code will be the first to the individual income tax rate since 1937 and the first to the business rate since 1969. Over the next five years, HB918 is estimated to place an additional five billion dollars into the pockets of the taxpayer. The income tax rate will be reduced in tiers, with the first decrease taking effect on January 1, 2019, decreasing the current 6% rate to 5.75%. The second tier will be effective on January 1, 2020, which will further decrease the 5.75% rate to 5.5%. This additional decrease is subject to approval by the Georgia General Assembly. In addition to income tax rate reductions, the legislation will also double the standard deduction for taxpayers of all statuses. For example, a single person filing would see their deduction increase from $2,300 to $4,600, and a head of household and married person filing a joint return would increase from $3,000 to $6,000. Once in place, these reductions will allow families across the state to keep more of the hard-earned cash they deserve. A family of four with a household income of $50,000 will see a 16% income tax cut, and a family of four with a household income of $150,000 will see a 10% income tax cut. I want to thank Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, and all my fellow legislators who worked day and night to pass
this legislation into law. Placing a focus on saving the individual taxpayer a little more money can go a long way, and I am proud of each of our state’s elected officials who played a part in making this tax cut a reality. This year, and for the fifth consecutive year, Georgia was named the “#1 state to do business” in the country. It is such an honor for our state to hold this distinction, but we did not gain this title by accident. Implementing pro-business policies with a focus on economic growth has been a top legislative priority for many years, and especially since the 2008 recession. I am glad that our policymaking has made such a considerable impact, and I am sure that Georgia has nowhere to go but up from here. While our time under the Gold Dome in 2018 may be in the rearview, that doesn’t mean our legislative work stops. Throughout the interim, we will be working in study committees to evaluate ways to better serve you in 2019, and I look forward to doing so. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the members of the 56th District, it is truly my honor. If I can ever be of assistance, or if you have any suggestions to solve the issues facing our community, please do not hesitate to contact me — my lines are always open. L
Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. 404-463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John.Albers@Senate.Ga.gov
Senate Passes Largest Income Tax Reduction in Over 75 Years By Senator John Albers
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Mayor’s Minute
Johns Creeks’ Great Outdoor Amenities By Mayor Mike Bodker
A
s our warmer and normal spring-time temperatures have finally overcome the winter chill, it’s that time of year to take our active lifestyles outside again, and enjoy all that our city has to offer. Between Johns Creek’s four parks, three national park recreation areas, and thirteen miles of the Chattahoochee River, outdoor opportunities abound. The City staff is continuing to move forward with construction documents and design concepts on five new parks as well. Please be on the lookout for document access notifications on the City’s Facebook and Twitter sites, on your neighborhood NextDoor platform, and via the City’s monthly electronic newsletter. One of the great attributes of our exceptional city is the active lifestyle our community both enjoys and looks to maintain. It has become such an identity
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
of ours that the “iHeart Johns Creek” resolution was passed, which recognizes the strength of our city to become a healthcare innovation and wellness destination of choice. You may view resolution details at iHeartJC.com/. The iHeart Johns Creek resolution also highlights the City’s desire to seek a unique identity that builds on preserving its residential footprint, enhances opportunities for community engagement, and supports business development and innovation opportunities. It also intends to leverage the City’s existing strengths and assets to create a lasting legacy for its residents. With the adoption of iHeart Johns Creek, the City Council has directed the staff to incorporate health and wellness into strategic planning framework and facilitate collaboration and partnerships with local business and residential organizations,
neighboring cities, and other related organizations. Please continue to remain engaged with the City online, and periodically take a look at the City’s calendar (JohnsCreekGa.gov/Calendar.aspx) for all the great outdoor activities we have planned, as we head into summer. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or ideas you have regarding our recreation and parks offerings, or any other topics regarding Johns Creek you would like to discuss. L
Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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By Jim Cheatham
N
obody wants to be the victim of a crime. Sometimes, we make it easy by leaving valuables in plain sight and leaving our doors unlocked. The act of locking your doors seems pretty straight forward. However, time after time, citizens call about valuables stolen out of vehicles that were parked in their driveway overnight with the doors unlocked. Computers, purses, brief cases, guns, and jewelry left on the front seat. This is not an isolated problem, and we want to encourage better habits for our community. We utilize social media as a way to engage in a community conversation. Our Facebook page is @ AlpharettaPublicSafety, our Twitter account is @AlpharettaDPS, and our Instagram is @AlpharettaDPS. We have a YouTube channel, and we also participate in NextDoor. Social media is a changing landscape, and our eyes are on the horizon, looking for the conversations of tomorrow. We end many of our social media posts with #BeSafeAlpharetta. Safe is a state of mind that makes one less likely to
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
be harmed. We say this as a salutation, so our community will be aware and conscientious of the actions they can control to prevent themselves or others from being harmed or victimized. This hashtag would include trying to prevent your valuables from being stolen, but it may not be as easy to see the connection, so we are adding #9PMRoutine. The #9PMRoutine was started by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in Florida. It was started to engage the community in crime prevention. It has become popular all across the country, and if you are an avid social media user, you have probably seen #9PMRoutine numerous times. Some agencies have included the question, “Do you know where your children are?” This is a throwback to public service announcements from decades ago, which were broadcast to address rising crime rates. We want you to join us in the #9PMRoutine. We will send out messages regularly on our social media channels reminding the community to secure their surroundings. Lock your doors; put away your valuables;
know where your family members are (especially your children); and ensure that they are safe. It’s time to wrap up our day, and sleep easily knowing our community does not make it easy for criminals. When you complete your #9PMRoutine, tell your community by posting it on your social media outlets with the #9PMRoutine hashtag, and feel free to tag the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. Of course, for those criminals who persist, call 911, and we will be glad to help arrange accommodations for them for the night.
#BeSafeAlpharetta #9PMRoutine
Jim Cheatham is the chief public affairs officer for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. Alpharetta.Aa.us/ publicsafety
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Why Music Matters By Jennifer Puckett, LPMT, MT-BC [HealthyLife] Parents often ask questions like, “Why would I enroll my child in a music class?” or, “My child already goes to story time, preschool, and plays soccer in a local league. Why music class?” Here are a few reasons why you should enroll your child in a music class taught by a boardcertified and licensed music therapist. It is important for the class teacher to identify individual student needs as well as encourage group cohesion. Music therapists have extensive training utilizing music interventions to foster the development of motor, communication, cognitive, and social abilities in children. They plan each class and curriculum specifically to promote age-appropriate
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
development and self-expression as well as creativity.
classes to feel their maximum comfort in the new environment.
Today’s children live in a stimulating, loud world with technology constantly at their disposal. Music is intrinsic, and it’s important to provide children with a natural avenue to build creativity and self-regulation. Due to their wide variety of training, music therapists have experience working with children of all abilities, and they have effective strategies to meet each student’s individual needs. Live music is evidence based and research backed to be the most effective developmental tool for the young developing brain.
There are also music therapy groups specifically designed to meet the needs of differing disabilities. Music therapists can assess your child and provide the best class options to meet his/her individual needs. Music therapy groups help children learn skills/songs they can generalize outside of the music therapy class to help in daily routines.
Music classes offer time to shut off the phone and have intentional, uninterrupted time between a parent and child. Classes also provide opportunities for your child to learn social interaction skills and enhance communication skills with peers in a semi-structured environment. It’s important to give your child up to three
So, why take a class taught by a music therapist? Music therapy adapts music teaching styles to the child’s needs to create a successful learning experience with peers and an important bonding time for parents.
Jennifer W. Puckett is a L.P.M.T., M.T.-B.C. at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Mayor’s Minute
Fill Your Summer with
Family Fun By Mayor Joe Lockwood
A
fter a cold winter and rainy spring, I’m looking forward to the warmer summer months, spending time outside with my family. Though I have to admit, the rain has been a real plus — it’s nice to see Georgia’s lake levels back up and the Level 1 drought restrictions lifted after several years. Spring is always a busy time around the Lockwood house because this is when I’m preparing to plant my garden. I typically plant beans, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. I plan to add corn this year. I’ve even purchased thirteen baby chicks, so our family is looking forward to some much healthier and tastier eggs. Since moving to this area in 1994, I’ve had a garden almost every year. It’s just one of the many reasons why I love living in Milton. Where else can you bring Santa to town on your personal tractor in the morning, and then go out to a four-star restaurant for dinner that night? Another thing my wife Dawn and I are looking forward to this summer is spending some quality time with our graduating senior before he heads off to college in the fall. It’s still a little hard to believe that we’re officially going to be empty-nesters, but just like a garden grows — so do our children. There’s no doubt that life with little ones can be chaotic with school, sports, dance, and so many other extracurricular activities. Looking back, I can definitely say that some of our best family memories were made during the summer months, spending time with our kids on the lake, taking a family vacation, or just being outside in the backyard grilling. So, take it from this “experienced” dad, get outside this summer, and make some memories with your family. North Fulton and the metro-Atlanta area are filled with all sorts of fun, family-friendly activities, or visit a local park like Milton’s Providence Park. Coming this summer, Milton will have a brand new park, The Green, opening in the heart of downtown Crabapple, just across from Milton City Hall. Or even better, join us on June 16 at Beach Bash at Bell Memorial Park for an evening filled with music from A1A, the official and original Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Whatever your plans for the summer, make sure they’re filled with lots of family fun! L Joe Lockwood is the mayor of the city of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Gifts with Strings Attached By Marianna I. Chaet, Esq.
[HomeLife] The word “trust� in the context of estate planning is a polarizing one. A trust is a way to hold assets for a designated beneficiary or multiple people with strings attached. A person can put as many or as few strings around the assets held by the trust as they would like. The instructions to the holder of the assets (the trustee) can be general in nature, giving full discretion on how to use the assets, or they can be precise down to a specific amount to be distributed monthly or annually. Some people find trusts intimidating, and others see them as a form of asset protection or a solution to all of their life’s problems. Many people come in to an estate planning meeting thinking that they want a lifetime trust, but in reality, lifetime trusts are simply not useful for many Georgia residents. However, testamentary trusts within wills that spring up after death are much more common.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Testamentary trusts are useful in many different situations, most commonly for the benefit of minor children. They can also be used for the care of an elderly parent or for the benefit of a surviving spouse. When making an outright gift or bequest, you are giving assets to someone, and then they are free to do with them what they please. However, when using a trust, you can decide where the remaining assets go after the lifetime of the beneficiary. For example, clients may leave a percentage of their estate to a support trust for a parent or a spouse, but the client can designate any money that does not get used at the death of the beneficiary to someone else. That way, the client can make sure that their loved one is taken care of during his or her lifetime, but then the client has a final say on who receives the remaining assets. Testamentary trusts are versatile tools that are great alternatives to outright gifts.
Marianna I. Chaet, Esq. is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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RY TO S R
y n e a v mp i t a o v C o n ign n I s t e s o dD Showroom M s an ’ a t ing n la del t A mo e R e VE CO By
m o H W
hatever your remodeling needs, when it’s time for your next big project or custom job, it’s time to visit Green Basements & Remodeling. With a showroom in Roswell and an office in Woodstock, Green Remodeling offers convenience and quality that is unmatched by its competitors. Established seventeen years ago, this family-based business specializes in basement finishing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, custom furniture, self-fabricated countertops, outdoor living, commercial remodeling, new home construction, and pretty much any project you can imagine. Employees refer to themselves as “Team Green,” and this teamwork mentality is
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
di Cyn
un
Bra
•
When customers are ready to design a project, after meeting with an estimator in-home, the next step is to visit the Showroom in Roswell to meet with designers to select everything needed for the project. Customers appreciate the convenience of the Showroom, which allows them to see multiple products together under the same light without having to travel all over town.
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Trained designers work with customers to provide a photo-realistic rendering of the proposed project. After customers select everything they need for their job, the designers enter selections – cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, even furniture – into design software, so customers can see exactly what they’re getting before work commences.
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“It is so much cheaper to change something in a design drawing than to put it in your house and then think – Oops! I thought I was going to like that, but I don’t,” said Green. “Before we get started on any project, customers sign off on the design.”
reflected in all aspects of the business, with energetic Owner Laura Green pitching in at all levels.
Why Choose This Company? Green Remodeling employs more than seventy people including an operations manager, sales manager and staff, showroom manager, project managers, designers, licensed and insured workers, master plumbers, and office staff. Their goal is to keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently by keeping everything in-house when it comes to ordering product and scheduling workers. The company has a residential and light commercial contractor’s license, which enables it to pull permits with the county. This means projects are built to code, thus ensuring quality workmanship and reducing homeowner liability. In addition, the company provides several unique services:
3-D Design
Granite Countertop/Slab Yard •
Green Remodeling has in stock more than 250 color patterns of granite, quartz, marble, soap stone, etc. Customers can select countertops in the Showroom, or they can visit the Woodstock slab yard and select the countertop they like. The slab yard also contains remnants for those looking to save money. The service is less expensive and more convenient than ordering a slab from a home improvement store and having the slab cut off-site.
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“We have a lot of remnants that are very reasonable in price. Our own in-house designers select the slabs on display. We have all the latest colors and styles,” said Green.
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Custom Cabinet Shop •
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Located at the Roswell Showroom, the custom cabinet shop offers another level of service for customers with unique design needs. Skilled carpenters are ready to take on a variety of custom projects in homes, garages, and outdoor living spaces. Some past custom projects include a home elevator disguised on the exterior as a chimney, custom barn doors, built-in seating with concealed storage, a mahogany dining room table with a built-in lazy susan, custom coffee tables, and other furniture designed to fit the space and family. “I like to show people stuff they didn’t know they wanted until they see it,” said Green. “Anything custom that someone wants, we can figure out a way to do it, whether it’s custom cabinets or carpentry. We’ve even installed a dumb waiter that provides convenience for an upstairs master suite.”
Woman-Owned, Family-Run Owned by Laura Green, the company is team-focused and familyoperated, with Laura’s oldest son running granite Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
shop operations, her mother as office manager, an aunt scheduling estimates, a cousin handling countertop sales, and another cousin overseeing accounting. Originally from Pensacola, FL, Green has lived in Georgia since 1999. She is married with five sons, ranging in age from eleven to 22. If you’re looking for a company
to handle your next remodeling project or a special custom job, consider Green Basements & Remodeling.
Showroom 836 N. Atlanta Street Roswell
Countertop Slab Yard 13987 Highway 92 Woodstock 678-445-5533
GreenRemodeling.com Facebook.com/BasementsAndRemodeling/ WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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By Michael Consoli Royal Caribbean International is inviting adventure [Lifestyle] seekers to break out of their ordinary routine and take their weekends to new heights with the debut of the reimagined Mariner of the Seas. After an extensive, $90-million makeover, Mariner will offer the chance to do, see, and experience more than any quick getaway has ever done before. Beginning in June 2018, adventurers can enjoy three- and four-night Bahamas escapes from Port Miami to Nassau and CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island destination – where they will experience a variety of new thrills, heart-pumping nightlife, and exotic culinary creations. Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss Sky Pad, a new virtual reality bungee trampoline experience. Guests will strap in and don their virtual reality headset to transport them to another time and planet to bounce over moon craters or compete in intergalactic games. The out-of-this-world experience is for guests of all ages.
Mariner will see the addition of several recent Royal Caribbean innovations following the extensive modernization including The Perfect Storm, a duo of racing waterslides called Cyclone and Typhoon; and a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience where friends and family can team up to play “Battle for Planet Z.” Mariner will offer Puzzle Break: The Observatorium, a new escape room experience where competitors can put their minds to the test, working together to find hidden clues and solve a series of high-tech riddles to unravel a mystery. Guests will also have the chance to catch a wave with another added Royal Caribbean favorite — the new forty-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator.
Bamboo Room, an all-new Polynesian-themed watering hole found only on Mariner, is a retro lounge that will heat up the ship’s already vibrant nightlife scene with its tiki-chic décor. Guests can sip their favorite handcrafted cocktails in this kitschycool, uniquely styled space. For sports fans, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is the place to be on game nights to enjoy all the biggest live sporting events over ice-cold brews, wings, sliders, and more. For those looking for an adventure of the taste buds on their getaway, Mariner will not disappoint with new culinary offerings added to its lineup. Jamie’s Italian offers Chef Jamie Oliver’s rustic Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients including delicious pastas made in-house daily. Caffeine junkies will be able to get their fix at Starbucks® even at sea, and sushi fans can enjoy Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, offering exotic made-to-order hot and cold dishes á la carte. The 15-guest deck Mariner of the Seas will continue to offer an array of signature Royal Caribbean experiences including a Studio B ice-skating rink, a forty-foot rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course, three pools, a full-sized basketball court, and “dive-in” outdoor movie nights poolside. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
The adventure doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON
E
ven in their spare time, teachers never stop teaching. Cobb County elementary teacher Rosalind Bunn knew she was spending far too much of her day tying shoelaces. So, in her spare time, she co-wrote Sophie May and the Shoe Untying Fairy, a frolicking tale, complete with a catchy rhyme that teaches kids the steps to follow in order to tie their own shoes. The writing duo went on to write two additional books. Now, Rosalind and her daughter, Maggie have collaborated on what will be Bunn’s sixth book.
Once Upon a Zoo gently navigates an important message relevant to both children and adults. The heroine, a young Princess dressed in overalls and tennis shoes, loves animals. In fact, she has tons of stuffed animals — but they are not the same as having a real pet. Her stuffed friends can’t jump rope, play hop scotch, or dress up; they can only sit there and watch. So, the Princess asks the Queen for a real pet. The Queen summons her subjects to bring animals of all types to the castle. Before long, the castle resembles a zoo. It becomes overrun with giraffes, monkeys, flamingos, pigs, geese, alligators, toucans — it’s all too much. Thus, the Queen insists her daughter pick just one. The Princess has no idea how she will decide, but when she does, she reveals a nugget of wisdom worth remembering. This magical story comes to life with Cartersville, GA native Keller Pyle’s richly hued illustrations. Once Upon a Zoo will delight kids (and their parents) — after all, who can resist an animal story starring a Princess in overalls? Rosalind and Maggie Bunn are crisscrossing the south, promoting their book. A list of appearances can be found at DeedsPublishing.com/bunn. Autographed copies of Once Upon a Zoo as well as all other titles by Rosalind Bunn are available at Bookmiser locations.
Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
27
Pediatric Dental
Emergencies By Vishant Nath D.M.D.
[HealthyLife] The upcoming summer months are sure to include lots of fun playtime, which can often lead to accidental injuries. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the best way to react to certain injuries, so you can respond appropriately. If your child has an injury that causes a tooth to become knocked out, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. If the tooth is a baby tooth, the emphasis will probably not be toward saving the tooth. However, it’s still important for your child to be seen by a dentist, so he/she can check for damage to any adjacent teeth.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
If your child loses a permanent (adult tooth), it’s much more critical that every effort is made to save the tooth. Find the tooth, and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub it with soap, use only water. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket, and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth. If your child chips or fractures a tooth, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent
infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the tooth fragment, bring it to the dentist. If you do not already have a pediatric dentist for your child, make finding one a priority. Most pediatic dental offices have off-hour emergency call services, which can provide much needed care and advice should issues arrive outside of regular business hours. All of these emergency scenarios require the immediate attention of a dentist. Time is truly of the essence. Having a pediatric dentist who is familiar with you and your child can greatly assist you in nursing your child back to great dental health.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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(Serves 6)
Bacon-Wrapped Prime Meatloaf Ingredients • 1 lb. ground Wagyu beef • 1 lb. ground veal • 1 lb. ground pork • 1/4 lb. unsalted butter • 1 cup yellow onion, diced small • 1/4 cup minced garlic • 1 teaspoon celery seed • 6 whole eggs • 3 egg yolks • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce • 1/4 cup half & half creamer • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard • 1/3 cup chopped parsley • 2 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs • 9 strips Applewood smoked bacon • 13x4” bread loaf pan • Wax paper • Parchment paper
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Tangy Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients • 1/2 cup veal demi-glace •1/4 cup ketchup • 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika •1/4 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Bacon-Wrapped Prime Meatloaf Procedure - Drain all ground meat. - In a small pot, melt the butter, and sweat the onions until translucent. - Add the garlic and celery seed, and cook for 5 minutes. - Set the mixture aside, and allow it to cool. - Puree the eggs, egg yolks, half & half, Worcestershire, Dijon and parsley together with an immersion blender. - Place the ground meat into a large bowl, and mix together with your hands. - Add the egg mixture and the cooled onion mixture to the meat, and blend very well with your hands. - Add the panko breadcrumbs, and blend well. - Cut strips of wax paper to the size of the bread loaf pans. Use pan spray to stick one layer to the bottom.
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
- With a rolling pin, roll the bacon flat between parchment paper. - Carefully layer the bacon in the bread loaf pans, making sure to overlap the pieces and alternate ends. - Place the meatloaf into the pan, and pack it down with your hands. - Wrap the bacon over top of the loaf, and use pan spray to attach the top layer of wax paper. - Bake the loaf at 325 degrees for 90 minutes, rotating once. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. - Remove from the oven, and allow it to cool. - Carefully invert the pan, and cut into 8-ounce pieces.
Tangy Meatloaf Glaze Procedure - In a pot, place all ingredients together, and heat until sugar is dissolved.
Plating Place a slice of meatloaf on each plate, and drizzle with glaze. Serve with your favorite two side dishes, shown here with Milton’s Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Broccolini.
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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By Carrie Patterson Photos by Robin Cooper
W
hen Fortis came into our lives in February of 2016, she was broken — literally broken. She had been used as a breeding dog for several years. She was malnourished and afraid. It was surmised that she had been thrown from the window of a moving car and left for dead on the side of the road. The local road crew came by
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
with a shovel to pick her up, and when they realized she was alive, they took her to the local shelter. My husband and I met Fortis through Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (AAUPR). We had been interested in fostering for several years, but we
hadn’t taken the leap because we were afraid of the unknown. On Superbowl Sunday, I was on my computer when I came across a beautiful dog that needed a foster
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on the AAUPR Facebook page. The next morning, I received an urgent Facebook message plea from a woman I’d never met who would later become a dear friend and mentor. Her message was a video of Fortis trying to walk in the shelter, but she was dragging her back legs. With a simple plea — “Please help me save her.” That was all it took for me. However, my husband Chris took a bit more convincing. He agreed to meet the AAUPR volunteer at the emergency hospital where Fortis would be treated for her broken back. He planned to walk in, take one look at her, and say, “No way. We aren’t fostering.” Instead, Fortis took her first look at him, and it was love — complete, immediate, and total love. She dragged herself over to him, scooted behind his legs, licked his hand, and looked at him as if to say, “Finally — my person is here. I’ve been waiting for you.” Everyone who saw Chris and Fortis together knew it was love at first sight. They knew we would “foster fail” this dog (an amusing, loving term for adopting your foster). But there was no way. We weren’t going to be one of those first-time fosters who foster failed. We had a responsibility! Our responsibility was to heal Fortis’ body and spirit, so she could trust again and be a perfect companion for someone. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
We even had the perfect type of adopter in mind. We were just waiting for Fortis to get better, so we could begin searching for that perfect person for her. We saw Fortis through the treatment for her broken back. This treatment required us to help her walk, go to the bathroom, and take turns sleeping downstairs on an air mattress until we purchased an old sofa off Craigslist. The treatment also required us to help her through a spay surgery that almost killed her, followed by another surgery to remove masses from her spleen. Fortis had five tumors removed, and then she had a consultation with an oncology specialist, dermatologist, internal medicine specialist, and a neurologist — all with the support of AAUPR, which was made possible by donations to the organization. My husband realized that not only was it love at first sight for Fortis, it was also love at first sight for him. With more difficult treatment down the road, we realized that there was no way we could let Fortis go. She had unconditionally trusted us with her life and her care for almost a
year. We were more than happy to accept the responsibility for Fortis for the rest of her days — no matter how few or how many they might be. We officially adopted Fortis in November of 2016. After nine months of caring for her, we realized what she had known all along — that she was finally home. The story of Fortis IS the story of rescue. AAUPR is the largest fosterbased organization in the southeast. Without people willing to open their homes to shelter pets, there would be no way to save the lives of dogs like Fortis. Fortis would not be here today if it weren’t for AAUPR. Since Fortis came home to us, we have fostered over thirty more dogs including litters of puppies, severe medical cases, and cases where criminal charges have been filed against the former owners. We continue to support the organization and encourage others to foster whenever possible. The truth is simple — fostering saves lives. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Tasteof BY HILLARY GALLAGHER
(serves 4-6)
Baby Spinach, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad Ingredients
*Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
• 1½ avocados, sliced • 2 whole grapefruits, cut into supremes • 2 crisp apples, peeled and cut into strips (or grated) • 1 lb. baby spinach • ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette* • Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 oz. red wine vinegar • 2 oz. balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • ½ teaspoon honey • 6 oz. extra virgin olive oil • 6 oz. vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) • 2 tablespoons minced herbs of your choice (chives, parsley, basil, or thyme) • Salt and pepper to taste
Baby Spinach, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad Procedure - Put the baby spinach in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss with enough balsamic vinaigrette to lightly coat the spinach leaves. - Arrange the spinach in individual bowls or a large salad bowl. - Arrange the avocado slices on top of the spinach. - Arrange the apple and grapefruit segments neatly. - Serve as is or with a piece of grilled salmon, chicken breast, or shrimp.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
*Balsamic Vinaigrette Procedure - In a medium bowl, combine the vinegars, mustard, and honey. - In a separate bowl, combine the oils, and then slowly whisk them into the mustard mixture. - Season with salt and pepper. - Whisk in the herbs, and serve immediately (or refrigerate for later use).
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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Mental Health Is Receiving Increased Focus in Schools By Amanda Howard [AcademicLife] Life as a student can be challenging, and being a kid can be hard. Increasingly, Fulton County Schools are offering on-site counseling programs to address possible mental health concerns. These programs are treated like any other student appointment — with parents completing an appointment and billing process. Many of the programs, such as those offered through Summit Onsite, provide fee assistance through outside funding and offer increased opportunities for support that students may not otherwise be able to access. Currently, on-campus counseling services are provided by multiple organizations
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
throughout the District such as Chris 180, Families First, Family Ties, Hands On Atlanta, Kaiser, Oak Hill, Odyssey Counseling, Pathways Transitions, and Summit Onsite. In the case of Summit Onsite, counselors’ schedules are continuously at capacity. There are plans to increase the number of counselors, as well as the number of schools, with additional funding being raised through partnerships with local foundations. “We are increasing the accessibility of services to kids,” says Candace Ford, executive director of counseling, psychological and social work services for the Fulton County School District. Many schools are working on creative ways to address mental health issues and to reduce the stigma related to seeking help. Summit Onsite is branching out into support groups, teaching students to help each other. Pathways Transitions works with students to hone impulse control and
social skills as well as hosting workshops and support groups for parents. Odyssey Counseling offers multiple services including art, play, and family therapies. Fulton County Schools hosted events in March and April, alerting parents to the signs of depression and anxiety, along with sharing management tips. Parents were also invited to the screening of a documentary called Angst, as well as participate in panel discussions with students, parents, and various experts. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), family-based treatments often have a higher success rate for treating teenage mental illness. It is important for family, friends, teachers, and the community at large to work together to support today’s children.
Amanda Howard is the communications specialist of Fulton County Schools NLC, 450 Northridge Parkway, Sandy Springs. 404-5938982. FultonSchools.org
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5
Things to Know Before Hiring a
Tree Service By Mark Russell
[HomeLife] To get the service you deserve, here are some things you need to inquire about when hiring a tree service company:
1. Credentials The tree care industry has the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and the TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) that offer education programs, such as ISA-Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. These credentials are important because it shows that the company is up to date on the latest standards in proper tree care.
3. Pricing For pruning, make sure that you’re comparing “apples to apples.” The type of pruning the company plans to perform should be documented in the quote. You should know the size of the cuts, how far out on the limbs are they going, and the diameter of the dead branches they guarantee to prune. For removal, it’s less complicated. Just make sure to verify what your yard will look like after the tree removal is done. Are they going to keep your yard in pristine condition, or are they going to drive heavy equipment that will disrupt your lawn and landscaping? A super low price on removal often leads to a lot of damage because the company is trying to get the work done quickly.
Tree Care After Snow 2. Customer Reviews
Reviews are the great equalizer. There are many options to look up such as Google , Facebook, Angie’s List, By Mark Russell and Yelp. First, pay attention to how many reviews they have and whether the feedback is positive or negative. Secondly, if there are negative reviews, how does the company respond? Do they welcome negative feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement? Or, do they argue with their customer? This may be a good indicator as to how you may be treated if the job doesn’t go as planned.
4. Insurance In tree work, there are two types of insurance: general liability and workers compensation. General liability covers your house or property if the tree goes in the wrong direction. Workers compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker gets injured on your job site. It’s important to not just take the company’s word for it. Call the insurance agent that is listed
on their paperwork to verify that the policy is in effect prior to starting the job.
5. Equipment There is specialized equipment that can not only make the job more efficient and safe but can also save your landscaping in the process. For example, Bobcats® are good unless they have wheels, and it has been raining. Wheeled Bobcats® tend to sink in wet ground. Tracked Bobcats® are much more expensive, but they do much less damage in certain cases. Also, grapples on the Bobcats® that swivel can cost over $15k, but when the machine approaches a pile of brush, their swiveling action means that the 8000-pound Bobcat® does not need to spin and tear up your grass to pick up the pile. Having a well-equipped tree service oftentimes indicates a company that has invested in the right tools for the job. To see a video about these tips, visit Bit. Ly/5treetips or YouTube.com/watch?v=NT XFLeyd9qA&feature=youtu.be.
Mark Russell is an ISA T.R.A.Q/Certified Arborist SO#6098-A and the owner of 770-Arborist Tree Health Care in Canton. 770-272-6747. 770Arborist.com
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
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Be a Good Host this Summer By Lisa Ethridge [HomeLife] This spring, you will see countless butterfly garden articles using words like “nectar,” “pollinator,” and “flowers.” What you might not see in these documents are words like “native,” “habitat,” and “caterpillar.” While providing pollen is laudable, you are not being a very good host if you don’t provide food for the butterfly through all four stages of its life cycle: egg, larva, chrysalis, and adult.
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
The butterfly has been poetically called, “a flying flower.” In reality, it is an insect, which, in its adult stage, lives 2-6 weeks. Nectar-rich plants like Echinacea, Coreopsis, and Lantana attract the beautiful, fluttering adult. However, the challenge is to provide specific foods for the caterpillar, the larval stage of the butterfly. The caterpillar eats voraciously for 9-14 days in order to grow and molt five times before it attaches to a host plant where the pupa skin hardens to form the enclosure where metamorphosis takes place. Host plants to include in pots and beds this summer are parsley, dill, fennel, and passion vine. However, the most important host plant to include is milkweed, which is critical to the survival of the monarch butterfly. It’s the only plant the monarch larvae eat, and the only plant they will lay their eggs on. Make your garden monarch/butterfly-
friendly by planting butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa), common milkweed (asclepias syriaca), or swamp milkweed (asclepias incarnate), which can be grown from seed or purchased from nurseries. Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants says, “Because life is fueled by the energy captured from the sun by plants, it will be the plants that we use in our gardens that determine what nature will be like 10, 20, and 50 years from now.” Make your contribution to the future; plant native milkweed to help ensure the survival of the butterfly. Get a good start by reading Circular 975 at Extension.UGA.edu/publications.
Lisa Ethridge is a member of the award-winning Roswell Garden Club and a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net
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Community Partners
ngels Among Us Pet Rescue (AAUPR) began in February 2009 in Cumming, GA. Two friends and neighbors, LuAnn Farrell and Val Addington, realized there was a crisis in the southeast, and so many animals were finding themselves in high-kill animal control shelters with little chance of making it out. They decided it would be AAUPR’s mission to “Rescue One Until There are None.” After receiving 501c3 status, the growth of AAUPR began.
A
While AAUPR was formed to help save the lives of homeless animals and find them loving families, the rescue efforts have profoundly influenced human volunteers and adopters as well. AAUPR has become known as the Angel Family, and it truly is. AAUPR is a community of nearly 1,000 caring, loving, wonderful humans who foster animals, volunteer, or often — both. They reach out and help one another, attend family events, share joy along with the heartbreak of losing some of our very best friends, both animal and human, far too early. Rescue organizational structures are as varied as the types of dogs, cats, and assorted other animals they save.
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
AAUPR is foster based, which means once the dog or cat is picked up from the shelter, it is vetted and goes to live in a loving foster home. Here, the animal receives love, training, and often learns what it’s like to be a family member for the first time. AAUPR doesn’t currently have a physical facility, and with only four employees, it is primarily run by volunteers. Most of the funds that are raised go directly toward vetting costs. The majority of funding has been made possible by using social media. AAUPR was one of the first rescues to use Facebook and write in the voice of the dogs and cats. AAUPR is an all-breed rescue — no breed discrimination. They take in all ages from puppies and kittens to seniors. From the beginning, AAUPR has tried to focus on the shelter animals that others overlook, or the medical cases that other rescues can’t afford to treat. AAUPR’s greatest reward is seeing these happy dogs and cats in their new homes and the joy they bring to their new family. The organization often receives holiday cards from adopters proudly showing their new family member sleeping by the fireplace without a care in the world. The difference between these photos and what the rescued animal looked like in the shelter is usually worlds apart. AAUPR is the bridge between what was and what can be. Every dog and cat have a family out there somewhere. It is AAUPR’s goal to help them find each other. Fosters are needed in the greater Atlanta area, but if you own a computer/smart phone, many other volunteer opportunities can be done from virtually anywhere in the U.S. For information about fostering, adopting, volunteering, and/or donating, please visit AngelsRescue. org, email Info@angelsrescue.org, or write to P.O. Box 821, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Recognizing Christ By Kevin Head, Ph.D. [InGoodFaith] After Jesus’ death, two of his followers left Jerusalem and began walking back to their hometown of Emmaus. They were heartbroken and depressed. But as they walked this lonely road, Jesus appeared and began walking with them. The three travelers talked and discussed scripture as they walked, but the two men did not recognize Jesus. When they got to Emmaus, the two travelers invited Jesus to eat with them, so Jesus entered the house, took the bread, broke it, and gave the bread to the men to eat. At that moment, the two men finally recognized Jesus. When I read this passage, I find myself wondering why they did not recognize Jesus earlier. He was their Lord. They
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
were His followers. How could they not recognize that this traveler who walked with them and discussed the scriptures with them was Jesus? Was their grief really that powerful? Were they distracted by their overwhelming sadness? Why did they fail to recognize their risen Lord? They were not alone, of course. In the resurrection stories in the Bible, the disciples of Jesus consistently failed to recognize him. Mary Magdalene, as she stood at the tomb on Easter morning, believed Jesus was a gardener. The disciples who went out on the water fishing thought Jesus was simply a random guy walking the shore. Most of the time, the disciples failed to recognize Jesus after the resurrection. Is it possible we do the same today? Jesus said when you feed someone who is hungry, give water to one who is thirsty, offer kindness and compassion to a stranger, care for those who are sick and in prison, or give yourself in any way to
another person, then you are serving Christ Himself. In other words, we are seeing and recognizing the risen Christ in the eyes, hearts, and lives of those we help. Some Christians feel that Jesus is far away from them — a distant reality in their lives. Could it be that Jesus is all around us every day, but we just don’t always recognize Him because He doesn’t look like what we expect?
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, RKevinHead@FBRoswell.org
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Congratulations to the March Winners LANDSCAPES
First Place - Digital Fish Eating Creek - Bob Zell
Second Place - Digital California Cedar - Gittel Price
Fourth Place - Digital Jenny Lake - Michael Amos
First Place - Print Sky Fire Over the Desert - Travis Rhoads
Third Place - Digital Tremont Cascades Travis Rhoads
Honorable Mention - Digital Sognefyord Norway - Scott Smeal
Second Place - Print American Landscape - Robin Canty Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
Third Place - Print Tillewood - Jim Meloy
The March theme was LANDSCAPES, with guest judge – RPS member and accomplished landscape photographer Carl Fredrickson.
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ArtistProfile BY HANNAH OLSON
M
B A L A N CIN G A R T A N D L I F E
ary Booth Cabot was standing in her apartment in Tennessee forty-six years ago when she received her life’s calling to be an artist. She remembers hearing a voice ask her, “What are you doing?” For Cabot, that was all the prompting she needed to quit her job as a secretary and move home to Atlanta where she established Wren Hill Gallery and her now nationally recognized private garden. Cabot has harbored an affinity for art and nature since childhood. She enjoyed helping her mother and grandmother care for their gardens and drawing pictures for her mother of the birds that often visited. It was not until college, however, that she began seriously cultivating her skills through formal classes in painting. She took evening and weekend classes in oil painting when she could spare the time. Cabot recalls one German teacher in particular who would call her up if she ever missed a painting class and convince her, no matter how tired, to come to class. Despite this strong encouragement and her own passion for the art, Cabot gave up painting for a while to focus on the demands of work and school. The night her life changed forever, Cabot took a leap of faith to follow
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Mary Booth Cabot
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
her passions for art and gardening. “I didn’t know how to be an artist,” said Cabot. “That was forty-six years ago.” Cabot began painting race cars on commission and now works primarily with subjects from her garden — birds and flowers. She has worked with a variety of mediums including oil and acrylic paints, clay, inks, pastels, and watercolor. Watercolor is by far the most challenging medium for Cabot, and it’s also her favorite. Even the smallest choice you make in watercolor can dramatically affect the overall painting. “It is a mind game, like chess,” Cabot stated. “You have to make the moves further out.” Much of Cabot’s artistic inspiration comes from the luscious private garden she tends in her own backyard. From December blooming Camellia and variegated fatsia, to Hydrangeas that blossom June, Cabot enjoys an abundance of beauty year-round. Her garden received national recognition in 2011 when the American Hydrangea Society included it on their annual June tour. Today, Cabot offers private tours of her garden and encourages patrons to call for an appointment. She also teaches watercolor classes in her home and offers framing services at less than wholesale prices.
Living life as an artist has been anything but easy for Cabot. She has never regretted the choice she made to take up painting and gardening. “Life with all its aspects is like a table with four legs,” she said. “Each of us has a spiritual leg, an emotional leg, a physical leg, and a mental leg. If one of those legs is shorter than the other or gets suddenly broken, we will not be able to live a balanced life.” For Cabot, living a balanced life meant taking a risk to follow her passion for art and sharing that passion with the rest of the world.
For more information about Mary Booth Cabot and her art, visit MaryBoothCabot. com, read her blog at DancingInTheGarden.com, or call 770-329-3380.
Hannah Olson is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-7205582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/
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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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By Jill Rowlands
T
here are many popular diets going around, and proponents of each diet will convincingly promote the one they are passionate about as a “onesize-fits-all” solution for everyone. However, the truth is that each person must figure out what works best for them through trial and error. While there is disagreement amongst nutrition professionals about dietary choices, especially extremes, most would likely agree that removing or greatly reducing your sugar intake will promote a healthier body and encourage weight loss.
Due to the addictive nature of sugar, removing it from your diet can be very difficult for many people. Initially, cutting out fruit and all starches is often recommended, but this may be too restrictive for people to maintain. However, focusing on whole, unrefined foods and specific items within a category will usually offer enough variety to help you get through the initial stages of withdrawal and keep you on track.
Eliminate the following from your diet: 1.
Sugar is a main culprit of unhealthy weight gain as well as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and other “dis-eases” within the body. Sugar is America’s number one addiction. When it’s consumed, there is an increase in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is similar to what happens with drug addiction, and the more you eat — the more you want.
Sugar (in all forms) — Honey, maple syrup, artificial and naturally derived sugar substitutes, etc. Though many practitioners approve of naturally derived stevia extracts (some are chemically extracted and grown with pesticides) or the whole herb, the goal is to get your taste buds accustomed to the natural sweetness of whole food.
It has been noted that the average person consumes around 150 pounds of sugar per year! Three-fourths of the packaged foods on the market contain added sugar. A can of soda contains about forty grams of sugar, which is equivalent to ten teaspoons!
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North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
2.
Refined Flours — Bread products are one of the most heavily consumed food categories, and they can substantially affect blood sugar, insulin levels, and weight gain. In addition, these foods can also exacerbate inflammation.
3.
Dairy — The sugar in milk is lactose. Lactose is broken down by lactase. Most humans stop producing significant amounts of lactase between the ages of two and five. Though dairy has a lower glycemic index (GI), many experts say it can stimulate insulin as though it has a high GI. Many dairy items also contain added hormones and are fed pesticide- and antibiotic-laden feed, neither of which are going to “do the body good.” For some, dairy consumption can cause digestive distress and more. Try removing it for ten days, and if you choose to add it back in, only consume organic, pasture-raised dairy products, and see if symptoms return.
4. Meat and Eggs Produced from Animals that are Fed Hormones, Antibiotics, or Beef-Fed Grains — These items produce unhealthy fats in the animal. There is a lot of play on words with “grass-fed,” and
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“free-range.” Animal products can be labeled with these terms but still be given grains, antibiotics, etc. Make sure to do your research. 4. Low Glycemic Fruits — Enjoy 2-3 servings per day. All berries, Granny Smith apples, grapefruit, lemons, limes, pears, and cherries are good choices. Avoid high glycemic choices like bananas, dates, and dried fruits.
5. Packaged Foods — These often contain added sweeteners, refined ingredients, and chemicals like artificial colors, flavors, or MSG. 6.
Soda/Beverages with Sweeteners (including alcoholic beverages)
7.
Unhealthy Fats — This includes anything hydrogenated/vegetable oils.
What should I eat? (preferably organic versions of the following) 1.
Non-starchy vegetables — You may eat an unlimited amount of these, but strive for a minimum of five cups per day.
2. Proteins — Have some healthy protein at each meal such as 100% grass-fed beef, bison, pastureraised, antibiotic-free, non-GMO-fed eggs, and poultry or wild fish. 3.
Raw Nuts and Seeds or Nut and Seed Butters — Make sure they are not sweetened.
5. Starches — Avoiding these for at least ten days may be best for most people, but if it will help keep you on track, eat no more than two, half-cup servings, preferably not at dinner time. Be sure to select whole grains. No white potatoes. 6.
Healthy Fats — Enjoy nuts or seeds, avocados, cold-pressed olive oil, organic coconut oil, flax oil (do not cook with flax oil), and omega 3s from fish.
7.
Beverages — Drink half your weight, in ounces, of filtered water per day. Try to drink one fresh vegetable juice each day. Do not drink fruit juice except freshsqueezed lemon or lime. Herbal teas, green, or matcha tea are also good choices. Limit coffee to one cup per day.
As mentioned, cutting out sugar isn’t always easy, but after a few days, cravings subside. You may notice better digestion, more energy, less pain, and clearer skin. The goal is to cultivate ongoing lifestyle and shopping habits filled with whole, unrefined foods. Limit natural sweeteners, focus on overall health, and the weight loss will follow.
Jill Rowlands is the owner of Nature’s Corner Market, 200 Parbrooke Drive, Woodstock. 678-310-2532. NaturesCornerMarket.com
Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton
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Local Nonprofit Helps Seniors and Their Pets [HomeLife]
Volunteer, Len Tinnan, 90, of Roswell has been coordinating the Meals on Wheels for Pets program for the past four years. He is pictured with Sparkles the Diva.
46
According to Meals on Wheels America, seniors with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, report feelings of loneliness, or experience illness. However, owning a pet can become a financial burden to seniors on fixed incomes, and many devoted animal lovers will feed their pet before they feed themselves. Enter Meals on Wheels Loves Pets
North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
– a grant from Meals on Wheels America aimed to help ease the cost of pet ownership. Senior Services North Fulton (SSNF) started their Meals on Wheels for Pets program in 2013. Volunteers meet the first Friday of every month to sort a month’s worth of pet food and deliver it at no cost to their clients. Michelle Williams is the volunteer program manager for SSNF who oversees the Meals on Wheels for Pets program. “We started the program five years ago and currently deliver food to 65 pets,” said Williams. “These pets are the only family some of our clients have. Without the support of this program, many of our clients would be faced with having to rehome their pets.” Len and Natalie Tennan had been life-long animal lovers dedicated to supporting national animal rescue
By Heather Terry
organizations. After Natalie passed away, Len felt that he could best honor her memory by engaging with a local animal support program. He began volunteering at Meals on Wheels for Pets. “We immediately saw his passion and asked him to serve as that program's volunteer coordinator,” Williams said. “We have Len to thank for the success of the program!” To participate in the program, pet owners must live in north Fulton, be sixty or older, and have a financial or physical need. To donate, visit SSNorthFulton.org, or call 770-993-1906.
Heather Terry is the community relations director for Senior Services North Fulton, 3060 Royal Boulevard South, Suite 130, Alpharetta. 770-9931906. SSNorthFulton.org
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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-993-8806 GNFCC.com Best Deal Movers & Storage
College Nannies & Tutors
3615 Francis Circle, Suite 700 Alpharetta 678-771-5599 Moving and Storage
4190 Old Milton Parkway, 2L Alpharetta 678-675-0303 Childcare/Tutoring
Sage Dental
Roswell Court
10800 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 180 Roswell 470-299-1955 Dentist
973 Forrest Street Roswell 770-364-3545 Townhomes
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Roswell Trolley
Linen & Flax Clothing
625 W. Crossville Road, Suite 104 Roswell 470-282-6525 Restaurant
Roswell 770-641-3727 Trolley Program
984 Canton Street Roswell 770-274-4663
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Advertiser Index
770 Arborist
1
Alpharetta Arts Streetfest
12
Alpharetta Farmers Market
48
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill
27
Coosawatte River Resort
31
Crabapple Physical Therapy
21
Cruise Planners
19, 28
Debra Robinson Law Group
17
DeMercy Dental
23
Dykstra & Kemp Allstate
31
Fantabluous Band
48
Green Basements and Remodeling In Harmony Pediatric Therapy Internal Medicine Specialists of Roswell LGE Community Credit Union Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
Cover, 24-25 37 Inside Back 29 5
Martha B. Boone, M.D.
Inside Back
Milton Summer Opener
17
Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails
27, 30
Music Matters
46
Nail Eagle Luxury Nail Salon & Spa
17
Newtown Medical
3
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center
39
North Atlanta Women’s Care
40
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
Back Cover
Northside Vascular Surgery
Inside Front
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
35
and Dentistry at Milton Pete’s Plumbing, Inc.
15
Reproductive Surgical Specialists Roswell Cultural Arts Center St. George Village Village Podiatry Centers North Fulton Family Life | MAY 2018
9 13
Tracy Morton - Harry Norman Realtors
48
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