North Fulton Family Life 6 14 by Family Life Magazines

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Contents

June 2014

Volume 1 | Issue 11

[28-29]

28-29 On the Cover:

Super Slow Zone

18-20

Fresh from the Farmers Markets

37-42

Health & Wellness Guide

[18-20]

[37-42] 2

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

............................. Publisher

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

....................... Business Life

.................... Mayor's Minute

....................... Scoop of Life

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

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

............. Community Partners

......................... Artist Profile

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

............................. Chamber

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Publisher’sPerspective

ust the other day I was pondering why many historic courthouses, churches, cathedrals and city halls were built of granite or marble, as the 1927 courthouse next door to our offices. Of course, durability and longevity of those materials make them an excellent choice for structures that are meant to endure time. But, maybe it is deeper than that. Consider some of the characteristics of granite and marble. Each are quarried, raw stones that are cut into large blocks, shaped and polished with purpose, then assembled to stand the tests of time. They are solid and hard, with strength that rivals anything ever created by man. They are very non-porous materials and highly resistant to discoloration. The piercings of outside forces, such as heat, wind and rain, fall shy against granite and marble walls. Many of these buildings made of granite and marble still serve as meeting places of community leaders; vestibules of honor and dignity, places where justice is served. There could also be some correlation between marble and factual “God honest” truth. They originate from deep within; are durable and created to stand tall; tough to stain, keeping their original purity. Impossible to burn, they retain their cool. Resistant to pressure, truth remains firm and solid and just won’t budge. Truth just is. Have you ever wondered where the term “cold hard truth” originated? Well, maybe we’re on to something.

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Michelle Martin Michelle@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Tiffany Atwood Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Mayor Mike Bodker, Ron Bradley, Crystal Bryant, Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Arlene Dickerson, Susan Elisha, Lisa Ethridge, Catherine Groves, Susan Hale, Fred Hawkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Michelle Knapp, Dr. Amanda Kossick, Dr. Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Debra Robinson, Laura Stalemark, Suzanne Taylor, Keely Woodford

Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications North Fulton Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher.

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North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

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Calendar JUNE

Alpharetta Youth Fishing Derby The pond will be stocked with catfish for this special “catch and release” youth fishing derby for ages 4-12 (accompanied by an adult). Prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught and the longest fish. Participants must provide fishing gear and bait (i.e. worms, crickets, etc.), and are encouraged to bring chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, and water. Participant check-in will begin at 7:45 a.m., and pre-registration is also required. 8:00 a.m., Brookside Office Park, Old Milton Parkway. 678-297-6143, Alpharetta.Ga.us

Free Cardiovascular Screening Northside Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute will offer free screenings to determine risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, or CVD. CVD remains the number one killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association. The comprehensive screening will be administered by healthcare professionals and will include

a risk assessment, blood pressure reading, total cholesterol (HDL, ratio of TC/HDL) and glucose testing, body mass index (BMI) analysis, and a oneon-one consultation with a healthcare professional. The screening is free, but registration is required. Call 404845-5555 and press “0” to schedule an appointment. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Northside Hospital Doctors’ Centre, 980 Johnson Ferry Road, 3rd Floor, Atlanta.

financial assistance and support for families with newborns in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. In lieu of paid admission into the zoo, guests attending the birthday party are encouraged to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank by bringing a donation of canned goods, diapers and/or wipes to the event. 6:308:30 p.m., Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta. Give.Northside.com/ BabyAlumni

Northside Hospital Birthday Party Northside Hospital will host its baby alumni at Atlanta’s largest birthday party. All families of children ever born at Northside Hospital in Sandy Springs, Northside Hospital-Cherokee in Canton and Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming are welcome to attend. The event will include free access to the zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, a DJ, dance contests, refreshments, and more. All activities are free to participate; however, family photos with the giant birthday cake will be available for purchase ($5 for two photos). Photo and souvenir proceeds will benefit Miracle Babies at Northside Hospital, a fund that provides

June 2-7: Frisch Marionettes Presents “Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli’s Fire” June 9-14: Frisch Marionettes Presents “Puppets Kapow!” June 16-21: Tanglewood Marionettes Presents “Cinderella” June 23-28: All Hands Productions Presents “The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man” June 30-July 3: Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” Presents “Aesop’s Fantastic Fables” 10:00 a.m., Monday-Saturday; 1:00 p.m., Wednesday & Friday, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232, RoswellPuppets.com

Alpharetta Brew Moon Summerfest Gather your friends and celebrate summer with beer, wine and delicious food from some of Alpharetta’s best restaurants. Part of downtown will open for one big street party! 6:30-11:00 p.m., 35 Milton Ave., Historic Downtown Alpharetta

Roswell Riverside Sounds — This free outdoor concert series includes food trucks on location (beginning at 6:00 p.m.). This month’s concert will feature Kristin Diable & The City. 7:00-9:00 p.m., Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. RoswellRiversideSounds.com

The Second City — Drawing on classic material from The Second City archives and scenes ripped from the morning headlines, The Second City’s “Happily Ever Laughter” is your chance to see comedy stars in the making in an evening of smart, cutting-edge comedy. *For mature audiences/strong language. Call or visit the website for ticket information. 7:00 & 10:00 p.m., Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232, RoswellPresents.com

Alpharetta City Band Concert Enjoy a patriotic musical performance by the Alpharetta City Band, co-sponsored by the Golden Age Club. 3:00 p.m., Alpharetta Adult Activity Center, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6143, Alpharetta.Ga.us continued on

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Library Events AFPLS.org Alpharetta

238 Canton St., Alpharetta, 770-740-2425

Northeast/Spruill Oaks

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820

Ocee

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

Roswell

115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

Rocky the Rhino Reads Fun Science Books June 9, 11:00 a.m., Ocee Rocky the Rhino will teach martial arts and how to use physical science to improve your power. Rocky will show how you can have superhero strength using speed and reaction force. Ages 3-5. Reptile Wrangler with Ken Panse June 10, 10:30 a.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Live animal show. Ages 3 and up. Hip-Hop Dance Workshop 101 for Teens June 10, 2:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Teens will participate in an introductory-level hip-hop dance class presented by Forefront Arts. Dance is a fun way to exercise and also involves science and math. Teens will learn various hip-hop dance movements in a fun-filled class environment. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Teen Comic Book Drawing Workshop June 11, 2:00 p.m., Roswell Learn the basics of drawing comics, steps to becoming a skilled artist, what it takes to stay motivated and opportunities to share your talents. Ages 11-18. Registration is required. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Reading Kickoff: Fizz, Boom, Read with Todd Key June 11, 2:00 p.m., Ocee The Summer Reading Program Kickoff will feature a fun-filled juggling show! Space is limited to the first 75 attendees. Ages 4-12. Tickets will be given out one hour prior to the start of the program. Summer Break for Teens: the GSU Bio-Bus Presents Biotechnology (Forensics) June 12, 2:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks Teen sleuths will participate in a 90-minute program about how police use fingerprinting, blood typing and DNA analysis to solve crimes. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Jewelry Making Workshop June 16, 2:30 p.m., Roswell Make some sparkle in this workshop where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create your own jewelry. Materials will be provided. Ages 11-18. Registration is required. Filmmaking 101 for Teens June 17, 2:00 p.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks From writing a script to the importance of preproduction planning to actually shooting a film through to postproduction (editing, effects, and distribution), teens will learn about it all, as well as how engineering, math and technology are utilized in the filmmaking process. Ages 12-18. Registration is required.

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Library Continued . . .

Preschool Puppetry Playshop June 18, 10:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m., Northeast/ Spruill Oaks The Center for Puppetry Arts will visit the library for reading activities, songs, finger plays and puppet-making. Ages 2-4 and their adult caregivers. Teen Summer Reading Craft: Spark a Reaction June 19, 2:30 p.m., Ocee Make your own scented candle and spark a reaction of your very own. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required. To register, send an email with your name and age to: Marcia.Divack@FultonCountyGa.gov. Include “candle” in the subject line. Ages 13-18. Children’s Summer Reading: Curious Moon Puppets June 21, 2:00 p.m., Ocee Curious Moon Puppets will showcase: FIZZ, BOOM, Bugs and Machines. All ages. Tickets will be given out one hour prior to the start of the program. Atlanta Authors 2014 Series with Betty Brown June 22, 2:00 p.m., Roswell The Roswell author will discuss her book, “There and Back.” Physical Science in Action June 23, 11:00 a.m., Ocee This fun-filled class will uncover how science is one of the most important elements in martial arts. Ages 5-12. Inflatable Zoo with Adam Komesar June 24, 10:30 a.m., Northeast/Spruill Oaks This fun-filled safari will keep young children laughing on the musical, magical and interactive program. Ages 3-6. Edible Science June 25, 1:30 p.m. (ages 3-10) and 3:00 p.m. (teens), Alpharetta Don’t just play with your food, learn from it! Learn the science behind the food we eat. Ages 3-10 and teens. Children’s Summer Reading: Big Thinkers Science Show June 25, 2:00 p.m., Ocee Come out for the kickoff to the Summer Reading Science Program: Fizz, Boom, Read! Ages 5-12. Tickets will be given out one hour prior to the start of the program. Curious Moon Puppet Theatre June 26, 10:30 a.m., Roswell Come for Fizz Boom Bugs and Machines, a twist on “The Grasshopper and the Ant” story. Ages 3-8. Teen Summer Reading: Science Fiction Trivia Contest June 26, 2:30 p.m., Ocee Think you know everything there is to know about science fiction books and movies? Test your knowledge against other sci-fi fans! Snacks and prizes will be provided. Ages 13-18.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Job Fair — Roswell United Methodist Church will host a “Mini Job Fair” with its June Job Networking meeting. The last job fair was attended by 31 companies with more than 1,000 job opportunities. RUMC Job Networking meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and provides the tools necessary for job seekers in today’s marketplace. Visit the website for complete agenda details. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-261-1700 RUMCJobNetworking.com

Super CPR Saturday Johns Creek firefighters and paramedics will offer free certification life-saving classes on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use automated external defibrillator (AED). Attendance at one of the three classes is required for certification. Reservations are required and can be made with the online CPR certification form or by contacting Lt. Tom Johnson. 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., Fire Station #62, 10925 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek. 678-512-3221, Thomas.Johnson@JohnsCreekGA.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov

Movies at Newtown Park This free outdoor movie series will feature inflatables, face painting and other children’s activities, entertainment, food and drinks. Movie will start at dusk. 7:00 p.m., Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200, JohnsCreekGa.gov

Alive After 5 — Come out to the streets of Historic Roswell for a night of fun, entertainment, and shopping! Alive After 5 will take place on the third Thursday of each month through October. The free trolley will run from Magnolia Street through the district and to the City Hall parking lot. 5:00-9:00 p.m., Canton St., Roswell. AliveAfterFiveRoswell.com

Free Skin Cancer Screening According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly 2,000 cases of melanoma, the most dangerous

type of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in Georgia this year. As with other cancers, early detection is important. The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute would like to help you get ready for the sun with a free skin cancer screening. Medical professionals will provide skin assessments in a private setting. Qualified Spanish interpreters will be available by request. Appointments are required. Call 404-845-5555 and press “0” to register. 6:00-8:00 p.m., Northside Hospital Cancer Center, 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, Atlanta.

Craft Beer Festival & 5K Road Race — More than 100 craft beer vendors from around the country will line the streets of Downtown Alpharetta for the huge street party, also featuring live music. Food will be available for purchase from Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, along with non-alcoholic craft sodas from Naughty Soda. The Craft Beer Festival 5K Road Race will begin at 8 p.m. at the Corner Deli. All runners will receive a race T-shirt and a free beer to celebrate their finish. 6:00-11:30 p.m., Milton Avenue and Main Street, Downtown Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Movies under the Stars — This is a free “dive-in movie,” so watch from your favorite pool raft or lawn chair. Food and drinks can be purchased at the concession stand. The featured movie will be “Monsters U” (PG). 9:00 p.m., Roswell Area Park Pool, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705

26-30

Judson’s Women’s Leadership Conference & Legends Tour Event — The Women’s Leadership Workshop was created by The JCI Foundation to provide positive mentorship and education for young women, to help young women still in college or just entering the workforce to become leaders in their respective fields. Among the all-star lineup of speakers are: Karen Kaplan, CEO of Hill Holliday, the

Calendar 14th largest full-service communications agency in the country; LaJean Gould, founder and president of The Women in Golf Foundation Inc.; Becky Blalock, managing partner at Advisory Capital in Atlanta; Hala Moddelmog, former president of Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group and first female president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; Lisa Bonner, senior vice president at Roberts Golden Consulting Inc.; Erin Wolf, a nationally recognized speaker, executive coach and consultant; and Jackie Cannizzo, director of instruction at the Country Club of Roswell. The Legends Tour event will include the Judson Collegiate & Legends Pro-Am Challenge, an LPGA Legends Tour tournament, and a three-day collegiate stroke-play competition. The event is hosted by 13-time LPGA and six-time

Legends Tour champion Rosie Jones, an Atlanta resident. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; proceeds from the Women’s Leadership Workshop will benefit The JCI Foundation. The Women’s Leadership Workshop will take place June 26, 11:30 a.m.5:30 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. JudsonGolf.com

28-29

Alpharetta Art in the Park Presented by Gallery 35, this free event will feature artists creating masterpieces right before your eyes at the outdoor market. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., June 28; 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., June 29, Old Milton Park, 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta.

JULY

July 4th Festivities and Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends and enjoy inflatables before the The Alpharetta City Band’s medley of patriotic favorites, followed by rock ‘n’ roll favorites by Serious Business. The spectacular fireworks display will begin at dusk. Food vendors will be in the park beginning at 5:00 p.m. 6:0010:00 p.m., Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

July 4th All-American Celebration Tony Award-winning Broadway vocalist Debbie Gravitte, the U.S. Army Chorus, and post-concert fireworks will highlight the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s All-American celebration. 8:00 p.m., Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta.

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Business The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) hosted the second-annual

Women in Business Luncheon May 7 at Atlanta Country Club. More than 300 women (and men) attended the event, which included a reception and roundtable discussion with featured speaker Janet Sherlock, senior vice president and chief information officer for Carter’s Atlanta. Sherlock encouraged women to go after what they are passionate about and to “own it. Gain the skills and experience required to win the position and have confidence in the process.” In addition, the GNFCC announced the establishment of the Jen Lan Rising Star Award. The award is named for Jennifer Lan, a young professional and GNFCC member who passed away in 2013, the first year of the Women in Business luncheon. Each year, the GNFCC will honor a young professional who demonstrates the qualities of a born leader; is relentless to reach her professional goals; and Pictured (left to right): Jennifer Lan’s parents, Ken and Pam Harms, and former boss, Aaron Clark, sales manager, Paychex

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

triumphs over obstacles with the Jen Lan Rising Star Award.

Ciara Montalbo

Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce has hired Ciara Montalbo as its new director of communications and member services. In her new role with the Chamber, Montalbo works directly with Chamber President/CEO Hans Appen. Responsibilities include the management of all communication with members, overseeing member services, and assisting in new project development. Montalbo lives in Cumming and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a B.F.A. in Performing Arts. In addition to her role at the Alpharetta Chamber, she is also the owner and educator of Kindermusik with Ciara, LLC, a leading provider of music and movement programs for young children in the metro Atlanta area.

North Fulton Hospital in Roswell has been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures Honor Roll. North Fulton Hospital is one of 23 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Trustee category, one of the highest on the list. The honor roll is based on clinical data provided by the Federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The data was collected from October 2012 to September 2013. Hospitals are required to submit care data to CMS, which details how well a hospital’s caregivers adhere to a list of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) core measures. These measures are the clinical processes of care that are known to be the most effective methods of treatment for surgical patients and patients who have suffered heart attacks, pneumonia and heart failure. North Fulton Hospital also received an “A” in The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2014 Hospital Safety Score. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score rating system is designed to give consumers information they can use to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves or a loved one. “We are committed to continually monitoring and improving the care we provide,” said Debbie Keel, CEO of North Fulton Hospital. “Patient safety is the top focus for us — one that requires diligence with every patient, every day.”

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North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Mayor’s Minute

How Will You Enjoy Summer in Johns Creek? By Mayor Mike Bodker

After a long and chilling winter, summer has finally arrived in North Georgia.

plan this summer to spend some time traveling, but I know that there are a few dates when I will be right here in Johns Creek enjoying my hometown. On June 28, we will cut the ribbon on a new amphitheater at Newtown Park and host its grand opening with the launch of a summer concert series featuring our own Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. This venue is one that has been requested over and over by our community and I can’t say how pleased I am that we will be coming together to celebrate this milestone. Other concerts planned include a Jimmy Buffet midsummer celebration and, once everyone is back in town for school in August, an exciting new talent from Nashville will take the stage. A quick look at our website at www.JohnsCreekGa.gov will tell you there are plenty of activities to choose from around town. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center has a full menu of camps and programs and its Heritage Village allows for a step back in time that makes for an absolutely delightful family visit on a quiet summer evening. The ever-popular Farmer’s Market is back for a third season at Newtown Park and as I have warned

in the past, you will want to get there early in the morning for the best selection. The city has been busy this past year building running and walking trails at Shakerag Park. Often folks overlook this beautiful acreage over on our eastern border, which now boasts several miles of trails and beautiful new playing fields for all. The new playgrounds at both Ocee and Newtown Park are complemented by additional shade structures to help keep the entire family comfortable and safe. Movies at Newtown Park remain as popular as ever, so be sure to check the website for feature films and updates on everything happening in the City. Finally, I would like to remind everyone of two of the most valuable resources we have in Johns Creek: our libraries. Thanks to the work of dedicated staff and the Friends of the Library, we have two of the most active, heavily used regional libraries in Fulton County. Summer reading is at the top of my hit-list, not just for our children, but for all of us. If you haven’t recently visited, please take the time to stop in and see the incredible offerings at the Spruill Oaks and Ocee Libraries. Meanwhile, from all of us at City Hall, it is a pleasure to wish you a safe and restful summer break. As always, I welcome your questions or comments at Mike.Bodker@ JohnsCreekGa.gov.

Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200, Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.

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Scoopof by michelle Knapp

If you’re always looking for fun, unique places for a Girls’ Day Out, try these Scoop OTP suggestions. The stars have aligned so that you and your friends can finally enjoy some “girl time” together. One of Alpharetta’s can’t miss shops is Sis & Moon, located downtown at 24 Milton Ave. Owners (and sisters) Christine Vogt Tamisin and Wendy Vogt showcase curated new and vintage art, jewelry, clothes, home décor, gift and other items by local artists. We love walking around and seeing how they have creatively repurposed so many vintage items. While there, check out UB4Me Apparel next door, at 28 Milton Ave., owned by Jennifer Manisco. The store features women’s clothing, including unique T-shirt designs that help support local charities through sales proceeds.

Sis & Moon

SisAndMoon.com, UB4MeApparel.com

Canton Street also has many great gift and clothing shops,

UB4Me Apparel

and Scoop OTP loves to support products made OTP, like Gifted. The artist market and gift

Now that you have worked up an appetite,

boutique, located at 944 Canton

head over to Canton Street in downtown

St., features unique products

Roswell. Nine Street Kitchen at 982

from a variety of vendors with

Canton St. offers great outdoor patio

individual booths. Go With The

Go With The Flow

dining for people-watching and catching

Flow, located on a side street

up with friends. Try the gourmet grilled

at 4 Elizabeth Way, offers everything from kayaks and canoes to T-shirts, footwear,

cheese, a healthy salad or any of the

summer dresses and cover-ups. GoWithTheFlow.com, GiftedMarket.com

great selections from the full menu. NineStreetKitchen.com

After your long day of shopping, enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious cupcake from Roswell Provisions at 955 Canton St.; or, try a margarita from

Ceviche Taqueria and Margarita Bar at 963 Canton St. RoswellProvisions.com, CevicheTaqueria.com

Roswell Provisions

Ceviche Taqueria and Margarita Bar

Scoop of Life finds are compiled by Scoop OTP owners Michelle Knapp and Suzanne Taylor. For more Outside The Perimeter “Scoop,” visit ScoopOTP.com.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Community Feature Florio to Lead Milton Conservation Project In its ongoing effort to pursue smart growth strategies and conservation of the city’s unique rural character, Milton’s City Council has approved an agreement securing a long-time conservation professional to help create the city’s first “green print” land use plan. Laurel Florio, a Milton resident, brings to the city decades of experience as consultant, legal counsel, land specialist and educator for a host of environmental protection organizations. Among that wealth of experience was six years as an attorney and land specialist for Ducks Unlimited Inc., the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. “At the City of Milton, we are dedicated to finding the right balance of environmental conservation and the preservation of land owners’ rights in an environment welcoming smart, measured business and residential development,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. “Laurel Florio, who we are truly blessed to have right in our backyard, is perfect to help us realize this tremendous opportunity.” Laurel Florio

Florio said she’s excited to help her hometown craft its first green print land use plan, which will help Milton conserve the unique and precious rural character of the city. In the role, Florio will lead all initiatives, including finding a firm to craft the green print. “I’m here because city council and staff agree that Milton’s residents deserve a town unlike any other — one that features a heart of good business, great schools, and growing economic opportunity with the soul of unparalleled access to nature,” she said. “This is simply too important to leave to chance.”

Be the first to find the photo where these pieces belong! Please email art@familylifepublications.com to submit your answer. Be sure to include the magazine title, your name and contact information (address, phone & email). Only emailed answers with full information will be accepted. Individuals can win only once per calendar year. Happy Hunting!

Congratulations to our May winner, Lynn Carman!

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Community Feature Local Rotary Clubs Win District Honors The Alpharetta and Roswell Rotary clubs were recognized as District 6900 Club of the Year at the annual conference held in San Destin, Fla. Each club was acknowledged for its achievement and service to the local and international communities. Roswell Rotary Club President Dave Schmit, along with 70 other Rotarians from Roswell, were present to accept the Club of the Year award. In addition, Roswell Rotary Club was named Best Community Service Project, Best International Service Project, Best Vocational Service Project, Most New Members, and Best Overall Public Relations. Alpharetta Rotary Club President Dan Merkel and other club members also attended the conference. In addition to winning the Club of the Year, the Alpharetta Club was awarded Best Community Service Project, Best International Service Project, Best Club Administration, Best Overall Public Relations, and Best Vocational Service Project, to name a few. Both clubs have a long and storied place in the North Fulton communities. The Rotary clubs of Alpharetta and Roswell have been involved with assisting the homeless, helping children learn to read, caring for the sick and injured, providing food and shelter to the needy, serving our soldiers, and being a resource to those in need of work. Both clubs have truly lived the Rotary motto, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Service Above Self.â&#x20AC;?

Members of Alpharetta Rotary Club (upper photo) and Roswell Rotary Club celebrate both being named District 6900 Club of the Year.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

SenatorSpeaks

2014 Legislative Session:

Forging A Path to

Prosperity By Senator John Albers

he Georgia General Assembly conducted efficient business at the Gold Dome this year, wrapping up the 2014 Legislative Session in mid-March. I am proud to highlight the following bills that passed during the 2014 session, many of which have already been signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal.

should be focused on healing rather than fulfilling a heavy tax obligation. This year, the Georgia General Assembly worked to ease this pain through the passage of HB 658, which, on July 1, effectively will eliminate the death tax.

Senate Resolution 415:

Drug Testing for Applicants and Recipients of Public Assistance Under this legislation, all electronic benefits transfer, or EBT cards, must contain the cardholder’s photo ID. This legislation also encourages welfare recipients with drug problems to seek help and prevents the misuse of funds intended to help feed, clothe and shelter families who have fallen on hard times.

Capping the State Income Tax Senate Resolution 415 proposes an amendment to the state constitution that will prohibit the Georgia General Assembly from raising the state income tax. If the amendment is approved by a state referendum in November, the legislature will not be able to raise the state income tax above 6 percent.

House Bill 990: Transitioning the Power to Expand Medicaid Eligibility to the Legislature With the passage of HB 990, the decision to expand Medicaid eligibility now rests in the hands of state legislators. The passage of this legislation will enable legislators to work together toward a more sustainable solution to Georgia’s Medicaid program and save taxpayers money.

House Bill 658: The Elimination of the “Death Tax” After the death of a loved one, families

House Bill 772:

SR 736: Calls for Convention of States for a Balanced Budget SR 736 calls for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution, specifically to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress. I am proud my colleagues saw the potential of this resolution to secure our nation’s economic prosperity.

HB 697: Zell Miller Grant Scholars The passage of House Bill 697 makes a reasonably priced education a reality for students seeking degrees from an institution within the Technical College System of Georgia. By maintaining a cumulative 3.5 grade point average, technical students are now eligible to receive full-tuition scholarship grants.

House Bill 60: Safe Carry Protection Act HB 60 allows places of worship to specifically opt-in or state that worshippers can carry in the sanctuary or on church grounds; grants immunity to licensed gun-owners who claim “Stand Your Ground” in self-defense; protects individuals who transport locked firearms in private passenger motor vehicles; and makes it unlawful to restrict possession of registered firearms in rental properties. To learn more about a particular bill and whether it has been signed into law, visit Gov.Georgia.Gov/Bills-Signed/2014.

Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton county. 404-463-8055, John.Albers@Senate. Ga.Gov

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You don’t have to be a “foodie” or an experienced cook to appreciate local farmers markets. While popular for their fresh, locally grown, organic fruits, vegetables and other foods, farmers markets offer something for virtually everyone — artisan crafts and jewelry; bath soaps and candles; flowers, plants and herbs; homemade jams, jellies and sauces; cooking and gardening demonstrations; children’s activities; live entertainment; and so much more! Farmers markets contribute to the local economy by supporting independent, local vendors. And, farmers markets have a special way of creating “community” within the community. As local organizers explained, “The connection between customers and farmers is an experience unique to farmers markets, not something you can find at grocery stores. Farmers markets are a great way to bring local farmers, families, friends and neighbors together.” Visit your local farmers markets to experience a “fresh” approach to food and fun! 18

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market

Photos courtesy of Alpharetta CVB

8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturdays, through October Old Canton Street, Downtown Alpharetta AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com At least 1,000 people flock to this popular farmers market each week for its great selection of local vendors, offering a wide variety of fresh produce; organic foods; grass-fed beef and hormone-free pork; fresh-squeezed lemonade; flowers and plants; sauces; jellies; and much more. The market is family-friendly and dog-friendly, with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, live music, and a picnic area.

Farmers Market at Sweet Apple Village 3:00-7:00 p.m., Thursdays 12030 Etris Road, Roswell choodcree@gmail.com Open year-round, this market offers seasonal items, including fresh seafood from the Georgia coast; fresh breads and crepes; grass-fed beef and local pork; Hawaiian barbecue sauce; sprouted butter; Vegan soaps and lotions;

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and much more. Vendor space is still available. The market partners with Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market in hosting special tasting events, a fall harvest dinner with local farm-to-table restaurants, and a kids’ passport program to encourage children’s interest in gardening.

Johns Creek Farmers Market 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturdays, through September 6 Newtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More than 25 local vendors are expected each week at Johns Creek Farmers Market. Many sell produce that is certified organic, naturally grown, or sustainably grown. In addition to vegetables and fruits, market items include allnatural cheeses; honey, homemade jams and jellies; fresh breads, pastries and pastas; and more. Local chefs will hold cooking demonstrations for adults and kids on the first and third Saturdays. The market also features live music, children’s activities and other entertainment each week.

Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturdays, through September 27 Parking lot behind Roswell City Hall 38 Hill St., Roswell RoswellFAM.com Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market is a producer-only market that draws from the best vendors within a 100-mile radius. Seasonal offerings include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; flowers and herbs; breads and pastries; salsas and cheeses; eggs; grass-fed meats; jams and jellies; cookies; bath products; and much more. Regular activities include live music, mini workshops, children’s programs and chef demonstrations. Patrons can eat while enjoying the market’s entertainment in a relaxing bistro area.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Community Feature

Trilogy of Homes Scavenger Hunts Earn Girls Scouts Silver Award Roswell Girl Scout Troop 11485 hosted three “History Hunts” recently to educate local Girl Scouts and area residents about Roswell’s historic Trilogy of Homes, The Smith Plantation, Barrington Hall and Bulloch Hall. The “History Hunts” tours were coordinated as the Girls Scouts’ Silver Award project, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (Girl Scouts in sixth, seventh and eighth grades) can earn. Through the project, the Girl Scouts learned how to manage projects, how to speak in public, and Hannah Bettinger (left) and Allison Ehrenhalt how to work from Roswell Girl Scout Troop 11485 check with community in guests for the Trilogy of Homes special leaders. scavenger hunts.

New Program Invites Community to ‘Discover Downtown Alpharetta’ Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Alpharetta First Committee, and the Alpharetta Business Association have joined together in sponsoring a new program to encourage attendees at Food Truck Alley on Thursdays to visit Downtown Alpharetta merchants. The “Discover Downtown Alpharetta” program began in May and continues until October 23. At the beginning of each month, participants can pick up a Discover Downtown Alpharetta card at any of the 38 participating businesses and at the Alpharetta Tours booth during Food Truck Alley. Participants simply get the card stamped by a minimum of 20 participating merchants (no purchase necessary) and turn the card in at 8 p.m. at the Alpharetta Tours booth at the last Food Truck Alley of each month. Everyone who submits a stamped card each month will be entered to win a $250 VISA gift card. A new Discover Downtown Alpharetta card will be issued each month. Participants can visit participating businesses 5:009:00 p.m. during Food Truck Alley and during regular business hours to get their cards stamped. For official rules, visit AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com/DDA.

Roswell CVB Presents Annual Community Awards More than 250 Roswell businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations attended the 23rd Annual Meeting and Community Awards for the Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors, held May 6 at Andretti’s banquet facility. The CVB board of directors is the governing organization for the tourism and economic development programs for the City of Roswell. The Roswell CVB board of directors is comprised of 37 members, representing all aspects of the community. The highlight of the event was the much-anticipated community awards. Robert ‘Bob’ Hagan received the “History Maker Award,” recognizing more than 25 years of continuous service to the Roswell community. “This year’s recipient has been devoted to building a better Roswell community for 30 years, through charitable giving, thousands of volunteer hours, countless meetings and numerous sponsorships of nonprofit events and activities,” said Roswell CVB President Ken Davis. Hagan has served on the board of directors for many Roswell charities and organizations, including: Roswell Historical Society, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Star House Foundation, Child Development Association, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Bulloch Hall, The Cottage School, and Homestretch.

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Tasteof

Ingredients 3 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted 1 (10-ounce) can Cream of Mushroom soup or Cream of Chicken soup ½ cup sour cream ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 2 cups each shredded yellow squash and shredded zucchini ¼ cup shredded carrot ¼ cup finely chopped onion

Preparation

Recipe is from the “At Your Service: Southern Recipes, Places and Traditions” cookbook, produced by the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties (JLGNF). Since 1986, JLGNF has been serving the women and children of Gwinnett, North Fulton and South Forsyth counties. The mission of JLGNF is to strengthen the community by creating and implementing collaborative volunteer projects, including programs aimed at building self-esteem in girls ages 5-8. In addition to the cookbook, JLGNF’s fundraising efforts include an Attic Sale in the fall and the “High Heels High Times” fashion and shopping event in the spring. JLGNF.org

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Mix the stuffing mix and butter in a bowl. Reserve ½ cup of the stuffing mixture. Place the remaining stuffing mixture in a 2-quart baking dish. Combine the soup, sour cream and Cheddar cheese in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the squash, zucchini, carrot and onion. Spread over the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle with the reserved stuffing mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Electrical Panels & Systems on Your Home By Fred Hawkins Your home is one of the most expensive investments you will ever make. Just as your body needs routine checkups by a professional, your electrical panel and electrical system need to be inspected each year by a professional. The panel box is one of the most important parts of a home’s electrical system. With proper maintenance by a licensed electrician, the panel box can last for many years without problems. Some points to check include: • All connections on the panel box should be tight. • Panel should be protected by a main breaker (of appropriate size). • Panel and house should be grounded properly.

• Breaker should match the panel and meet current code requirements. • All aluminum wires should be tightened and an antioxidant substance like No Lox applied. • Breakers should match the wire size so they will trip before the wire burns.

The home’s general electrical system should also be inspected and maintained yearly by a licensed electrician. Electrical issues to check include: • Does the home have GFI and Arch Fault Protection in all required areas, and are they operating properly? • Are there tamper-resistant outlets in all required areas to protect the safety of small children? • Are there smoke and CO2 detectors in all required areas, and are they operating correctly? • Are electrical outlets and switches grounded to prevent electrical shock? • Are all outlets and switches (including lights and ceiling fans) operational, have

protective plates, and wires are tight? • Is there any exposed or spliced wiring in the attic or basement? Note: Do not use extension cords for wiring, as this could pose an electrical hazard. • Are there two circuits for your kitchen outlets, and are they on GFI protection? Any outlets within six feet of a sink or tub require GFI protection. • Do the microwave, dishwasher, furnaces, air conditioners, washer, dryer and disposal have dedicated circuits to operate properly?

Routine yearly maintenance by a licensed electrician can save you money and provide peace of mind that your home and family are safe.

Fred Hawkins is owner of H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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Community Feature Creek View Student to Compete at World Youth Chess Championship

Arthur Guo

Arthur Guo, a second-grade student in Daphne Hamrick’s class at Creek View Elementary School, will represent the United States at the 2014 World Youth Chess Championship in South Africa this September. Arthur began chess tournament competitions two years ago; in 2012 he was the 1st Grade National Co-Champion, and in 2013 tied for 2nd place in the national competition. Currently, Arthur is ranked in 1st place for the Age 7 and Under division. Arthur also will be honored at the 2014 National K-12 Championship in Orlando, Fla., in December and has been selected to the 2015 All-American Chess Team.

Milton High Senior Named Presidential Scholar Meghana Nallajerla of Milton High School has been named a participant in the 2014 Presidential Scholars Program. Being named a Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors for high school students. Application is by invitation only, based on academic or artistic scholarship, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. Only 141 participants were named nationwide. Meghana, along with the other finalists, are invited to Washington D.C. to participate in National Recognition Week, which includes enrichment activities and culminates with the presentation of the Presidential Scholars medallion during a special ceremony at the White House. The program was established in 1964, by order of the U.S. president, to recognize and honor the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors.

RTMS Student Wins Google Art Contest for Georgia Christine Jeong, a sixth-grader at River Trail Middle School, is the Georgia winner of the national “Doodle 4 Google” contest. Young artists throughout the country submitted doodles on this year’s theme: “If I Could Invent One Thing to Make the World a Better Place...” The national winner’s doodle will appear on the Google.com homepage on June 9, and the national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for the school. River Trail Middle School student Christine Jeong displays her winning design in the ‘Doodle 4 Google’ art contest.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

North Fulton Students Named Georgia Scholars Twelve seniors from North Fulton high schools have been recognized as 2014 Georgia Scholars, the Georgia Department of Education has announced. Students eligible for Georgia Scholar recognition are high school seniors who exhibit excellence in all phases of school life, in community activities, and in the home. Georgia Scholars are students who have carried exemplary course loads during the four years of high school; who performed excellently in all courses; who successfully participated in interscholastic events at their schools and in their communities; and who have assumed active roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools. The 2014 Georgia Scholars include: Mirah Alix, Esther Hwang, Deeksha Malhotra, Keely Smith and Michelle Tam, Alpharetta High School; Jesse Couch and Will Whitaker, Centennial High School; Nichola Hyman, Milton High School; Daniel Muehring, North Springs Charter High School; Parker Cutler, Northview High School; and Lauren O’Connell and Shadman Uddin, Roswell High School. Each Georgia Scholar receives a special seal on his or her diploma.

Power Tools By Laura Stalemark

LIFESTYLE Purchasing a new appliance for your hair sounds easy until you encounter the overwhelming number of choices in the hair care isle. The price range can also be astonishing. There are a few things to consider when selecting your new hairdryer, flat iron or curling wand/iron.

Hairdryers come with different options that all seem beneficial for your hair. Ceramic is a composite material usually made of clay. It can be used in the body of the dryer, the heating element, or as a coating on its internal parts. It creates a far infrared heat that actually penetrates the hair shaft, preserving hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural moisture and shine. The benefit of ceramic is that it heats up quickly and evenly across its surface. Ions refer to any particle with a negative or positive charge. Negative ions interact with wet hair by breaking up the water molecules, allowing the smaller droplets to penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft. Ionic technology reduces hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface tension, which will leave hair shiny and frizz-free. This is great for someone who has natural curls. Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral (gemstone) that generates only negative ions when heated. Internal parts of dryers may be molded of tourmaline, or some parts may just be coated with a mineral compound. Tourmaline can help dry the hair up to 40 percent faster than other types of hairdryers. Flat irons are among the most commonly used styling appliances these days. Less expensive ones usually do not have ceramic or tourmaline used during production. Pricier ones usually are made of tourmaline or ceramic and include a digital display for temperature control. I would recommend one of these irons for daily use on curly hair to protect the hair and to give a great look. Irons and wands now are also being coated with tourmaline and ceramic. The curls are much more even from root to end. Many of these rods also come with heat control. Research which one would be best for you by asking your stylist or checking reviews online. L

Laura Stalemark is owner of Tryst Hair Salon & Boutique in Alpharetta. 770-772-7007, AlpharettaHairSalon.com

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in the

A ny decorator will tell you that kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in a home to remodel. It’s because a big part of getting the new look means time-consuming removal and replacement of countertops, bathtubs, vanities and tile. Miracle Method of North West Atlanta’s surface refinishing process eliminates the need to remove worn and dated bathtubs, tile and kitchen countertops. “Refinishing is the smart money alternative to expensive and messy demolition and replacement,” says Mike Simmons, owner. Despite it being 2014, metro Atlanta and surrounding areas have their share of gold, green and pink bathtubs. For more than 35 years, Miracle Method has

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been changing colors, repairing chips and making worn, old tubs look like new again. “Our customers are amazed at the transformation, and it just takes a day or two,” Simmons says. Simmons, a custom homebuilder in the Atlanta area for more than 30 years, opened his Miracle Method franchise in September 2012. Miracle Method Surface Refinishing is the nation’s largest bathtub, tile and countertop surface-refinishing network, providing surface refinishing services to homeowners, property managers, colleges, hospitals and hotels. He is assisted by his wife, Kay, and son, Zachary, in this family-operated business. The Simmons’ franchise represents one of

limelight

more than 130 Miracle Method locations nationwide and in Canada. Each store has the support of the company’s 35-year reputation of quality and service. Refinishing is the affordable way to add style to your kitchen and bathrooms. In just two days, worn and outdated tubs, countertops, vanities and tile walls will have a durable, like-new look and feel – and you’ll save up to 75 percent over the cost of replacement.

To learn more about surface refinishing, visit the Miracle Method showroom at 4710 Ecton Drive, Suite E, Marietta; or call 678-809-7866 for a free estimate.

Community Feature

Top Teacher, Principal Named for Fulton County Schools Fulton County School System (FCS) has announced its top educators: Jennifer Sweigart of Hillside Elementary School as 2014 Teacher of the Year, and Kindra Smith of Roswell North Elementary School as 2014 Principal of the Year. Sweigart and Smith each were honored with a bouquet of flowers and a special recognition banner in surprise presentations at their schools. “Your impact on students will live long after they leave your classroom or your school,” said Robert Avossa, FCS superintendent. “You have created a legacy — you’ve inspired them, nurtured them, and taught them to love learning. You embody all of the ideals of an outstanding, caring educator who lives up to our school system’s motto, ‘Where Students Come First.’” The Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year will serve as examples to their FCS colleagues for the next academic year. A formal recognition gala, the Legacy of Excellence, November 7 at the Georgia World Congress Center, will celebrate their accomplishments, as well as those of other Employees of The Year who were

selected by their local school communities. Before joining the Hillside Elementary faculty in 2009, Sweigart taught at New Prospect Elementary and Alpharetta Elementary schools. She has taught third and fourth grades, as well as EIP (Early Intervention Program) reading and Pictured (left to right): Rob Anderson, incoming area math classes that span superintendent of the Northeast Learning Community; Patti kindergarten through fifth Blalock, assistant principal of Hillside Elementary School; grade. She also has been a Maisha Otway, principal of Hillside Elementary School; Jennifer Sweigart, 2014 Fulton County Teacher of the Year; Teacher of the Year finalist, a Luke Sweigart, son; and Scott Muri, deputy superintendent member of the Local School of Academics Advisory Council, and has represented her school at the district’s Summer Summit for Teachers over her 19-year career have equipped her and Title I Boot Camp. Her experience as a with the skills to lead a student-focused teacher-leader has assisted her peers, as learning environment while also driving she also has served as a Common Core school improvement. She prides herself Georgia Performance Standards facilitator on helping her staff create a school and a School Quality Review team member. culture that encourages success for all. Sweigart said an atmosphere of creativity, respect, balance and community makes her third-grade classroom special and unique. “I value cooperation and collaboration among the students, as well as in my relationships with parents and colleagues,” she said. “At the same time, I value individual achievement attained through high expectations and perseverance. I believe that teaching blesses us with the privilege of growing the next generation of leaders.”

Pictured (left to right): Vic Shandor, area superintendent of the Northwest Learning Community; Kindra Smith, 2014 Principal of the Year; Margaret Pupillo, executive director of the Northwest Learning Community; and Scott Muri, deputy superintendent of Academics

2014 Principal of the Year Kindra Smith joined the Fulton County School System in 1995 as a teacher at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School and then became an assistant principal at Northwestern Middle School. She was named Roswell North’s principal in 2010. The experiences

“The strength of our school lies within the richness of our diverse population, which mimics the world in which we live,” Smith said. “We seek to create a warm, studentcentered environment that engages students with high-quality instruction. Our values are built around a unified purpose of strengthening their ability to problemsolve, communicate effectively, think critically and collaborate.” Smith also credits Roswell North’s success to the loyal support of the community, as well as a high-quality teaching and support staff. “Students come to school with various abilities, unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds. This calls for us to provide a quality support and enrichment program that is designed to maximize learning opportunities for students across the learning continuum. Our mantra is, ‘If we can dream it, we can do it!’ as long as it enhances the learning and experiences for all.” WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY

For many busy adults, health and fitness can become an afterthought as they juggle the many demands of work and home. Increasingly busy schedules make it difficult to squeeze in even an hour-long workout routine several times a week. SuperSlow Zone, now open in Milton, is changing how adults work out. In only 20 minutes of personal strength training, once or twice a week, the SuperSlow Zone workout can help adults get fit — for life! 28

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Owners Luis and Rachel Quiles, who live in Roswell, opened SuperSlow Zone because they know firsthand how important fitness is to overall health. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Luis made a commitment to improve his health and work out regularly.“As I saw the results and how much better I felt from working out, I became passionate about it,” Luis says. “When we found SuperSlow Zone, we knew it was the real deal and wanted to bring it to North Fulton so others could experience the SuperSlow Zone workout. It’s more than a workout; it’s a lifestyle with life-changing results.” SuperSlow Zone in Milton is part of a national and international network of 78 franchise licenses; the Milton center is the first in the metro Atlanta area. SuperSlow Zone is a slow-motion, accredited, personal strength training

workout program. Its unique approach to total-body fitness follows a slow, fluid weight-lifting movement of 10 seconds up and 10 seconds down. Grayson Hunt, a SuperSlow Zone certified instructor, explains this “loading” process is designed to momentarily fatigue the muscles quickly. “This stimulates the body to make more muscle,” he says. “SuperSlow Zone utilizes a qualitative, rather than quantitative, workout method. In only 20 minutes, it gives you a safe, total body workout that engages all of the targeted muscles while also benefiting the cardiovascular system.” The exercise protocol was developed with the help of scientific research as part of a $3.2 million osteoporosis study at the University of Florida, School of

Medicine. The SuperSlow Zone exercise system will properly and safely build muscle and increase resting metabolism to allow the body to burn more calories. Although appropriate for anyone, SuperSlow Zone is ideal for busy adults age 40 and above. “As we age, bone density and muscle strength decrease significantly, which can affect mobility and overall quality of life,” Luis explains. “SuperSlow Zone can improve bone density; cardiovascular fitness; muscle strength and tone; energy, endurance and stamina; and metabolism. The results are noticeable, which keeps adults motivated to continue the workout program regularly. We work with people who have minor to major health challenges, those who have not exercised in a long time, or ever, and exercise enthusiasts.” SuperSlow Zone uses medical-grade equipment from Nautilus. “Our exercise system, continuously improved over the last 10 years, affords unparalleled results,” Luis says.“Nationally, 68 percent of clients stay 2 to 10 years, 71 percent of new clients are from referrals, and of referrals, 21 percent are from physicians. Clients come, stay and refer because it works.” SuperSlow Zone accredited, certified instructors, including Hunt, work individually with clients to develop an exercise program that suits their unique needs and fitness levels. Typically, individuals work out (under an instructor’s supervision) for approximately 20 minutes on five to seven different machines that target specific muscles.“SuperSlow Zone takes safety and satisfaction seriously,” Hunt says. “Working one-on-one continuously with an instructor essentially removes the risk of injury and guarantees results, because we’re experts in understanding how the machines work and how the body will respond to them.” Over time, individuals progressively get stronger. SuperSlow Zone instructors capture and store clients’ individual workout data with Cloud software, so they can precisely track each workout and produce accurate reports of

progress. “It’s very rewarding and motivating when clients see for themselves how they’ve improved,” Luis says. In addition to fitness, SuperSlow Zone offers a 12-week group (or individual, if preferred) nutrition program designed to teach strategies for building a lifestyle of balanced nutrition and fitness. Rachel Quiles, a Registered Dietitian, explains, “Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. SuperSlow Zone exercise will efficiently stimulate muscle growth, and proper nutrition will fuel the body and provide the substrate to build lean muscle. One step at a time, clients learn to eat a more balanced diet. It becomes a habit.” SuperSlow Zone also offers a specially designed product line of vitamins and supplements to complement its exercise and nutrition programs. Another distinctive feature of SuperSlow Zone is the atmosphere. “This isn’t your typical gym,” Luis says, explaining that SuperSlow Zone is designed with a spa-like atmosphere — free of distractions like loud music, mirrors, bold colors and lighting. “The SuperSlow Zone workout requires focus, so we create an atmosphere where individuals can concentrate, receive one-on-one attention from their instructor, and not feel intimidated.” The temperature, set at 65 degrees, and fans in the training area keep clients comfortable during their workout, so they don’t have to be inconvenienced with showering and bringing a change of clothes. “SuperSlow Zone is an ideal workout

12540 Broadwell Road, Suite 2103, Milton

678-691-2969 SSZMilton.com 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday

20-minute workout Twice a week Cardiovascular fitness and overall health Muscle strength and tone Energy, endurance and stamina Strong bones Metabolism

that busy professionals and parents can do early in the morning, between appointments during their day, during their lunch hour, or on their way home,” Luis says. “We understand that it’s hard to make time to work out, so we make it easy. SuperSlow Zone provides an effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life!” WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Get a Picture-Perfect Smile for Your Wedding Day By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D.

As summer rolls in this month, a lot of weddings will be taking place. Atlanta offers beautiful weather this time of year; everything is green and colorful, providing a gorgeous backdrop for the special day. As brides finalize details for their weddings and envision themselves standing in front of their husbands-tobe, some may wonder if their smiles are picture-perfect. Dentists can offer many aesthetic improvements to help brides (and grooms) put the finishing touch on their smiles for their big day. The easiest way to improve your smile is through bleaching your teeth. There are several options

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

with bleaching. You can buy at-home whitening strips, or opt for in-office bleaching that many dentists offer. The at-home whitening strips can effectively whiten your teeth, but it can take several months of diligent use before you see results. Through the use of prescriptionstrength bleach and trays, you can achieve a whiter smile at a slightly faster rate. Then, to give yourself that extra whitening boost for the big day, you can add the in-office portion of bleaching to make those pearly whites really sparkle. Traditionally, using a lesser concentration of bleach for six to eight hours will

help you achieve those whiter shades for a longer period of time with fewer touch-ups. This varies among patients, so consult your dentist to determine which bleaching system would be best for you. In addition to bleaching your teeth, your dentist can improve your smile by changing out old fillings that have started to look dingy over the years. Or, maybe you chipped your tooth while nervously biting on your nails (during the proposal or planning stages?) and have been meaning to get it fixed. There are numerous restorative improvements that can be done to give you the confidence you need for a big smile! Visit your dentist today to discuss your options to getting that picture-perfect smile for your wedding day.

Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010, DeMercyDental.com

Community Feature

TopGolf Alpharetta Now Open Golfers in the North Fulton and metro Atlanta areas have a new premier facility to enjoy the game of golf. TopGolf Alpharetta celebrated its grand opening May 20 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony with TopGolf executives, community leaders and professionals. TopGolf also hosted a private VIP party on May 19, with entertainment from DJ Jeremy Ladd; a live art demonstration from local Red Bull artist Sara Nguyen; prize giveaways, complimentary food and drinks; and special guests, including former Atlanta Braves pitchers Chipper Jones and John Smoltz, and former Chicago Bears and UGA kicker Kevin Butler, among others. TopGolf Alpharetta, located at 10900 Westside Parkway, is the first TopGolf center in Georgia. The 60,000-squarefoot golf and entertainment facility features 102 TopGolf bays that can accommodate up to six players each. Players can choose from seven different exclusive TopGolf games — TopGolf, TopScramble, TopChip, TopScore, TopPressure, TopDrive, and TopPutt — using TopGolf balls that contain computer microchips to track accuracy and distance for scoring. Climate-controlled hitting bays allow players to enjoy TopGolf year-round.

Infrared heaters keep the chill out during colder months, while fans and water misters provide a break from the heat in the warmer months. The hitting bays also feature comfortable, club-like seating, flat-screen TVs, and food and beverage service from TopGolf’s full menu. Corporate Executive Chef Seve Delgado created TopGolf’s menu from family recipes and culinary inspirations, using fresh ingredients, bold flavors and artistic presentations. Signature dishes include Pickled Fried Chicken, the Mac Daddy mac

‘n’ cheese burger, and Mushi Mexicanstyle sushi, along with a variety of salads, sandwiches, Tasty Teasers, Shareables, and delicious desserts. TopGolf Alpharetta also has three bars that serve signature cocktails, wine and beer. Other features of TopGolf Alpharetta include a rooftop terrace with fire pits and 3,000 square feet of private event space. TopGolf is the perfect venue for hosting children’s birthday parties, bachelor parties, corporate events and other private events. In addition, TopGolf Alpharetta has planned a variety of events for golfers of all ages and skills. “It’s going to be an amazing summer at TopGolf,” said Bob Dodson, director of operations for TopGolf Alpharetta. “We will be hosting golf tournaments, daytime clinics for kids, Monday evening leagues, themed costume parties, and live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night on our rooftop terrace. Even if you don’t play golf, there will be no shortage of things to do at TopGolf.”

TopGolf Alpharetta 10900 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta 770-217-0513 TopGolf.com/US/Alpharetta WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

New River Cruise Ships & Itineraries By Michael Consoli Viking River Cruises has announced new ships and itineraries for 2015. The two additional ships on order for 2015 will be designed specifically for the Elegant Elbe itinerary. They will join the recently refurbished Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane, doubling Viking’s capacity on the Elbe River in 2015. LIFESTYLE

Hosting 98 guests in 49 staterooms, sister ships Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla will be the newest and most modern ships sailing the Elbe River. Smaller than Viking Longships, with customized hulls and engines specially designed to navigate this unique river, these ships will tout many of the same popular features, including an Aquavit Terrace; a wide variety of stateroom choices; hotel-style beds; energy-efficient hybrid engines; on-board solar panels; an organic herb garden; and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. A 10-day cruise tour with hotel stays in Berlin and Prague, Elegant Elbe is Viking’s only itinerary offering the unique opportunity to sail through eastern Germany. Featuring stops in Magdeburg, Wittenberg and Dresden, this itinerary offers the quintessential blend of urban culture, history and scenic cruising, 32

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Berlin, Germany including sailing past the cliffs of Germany’s “Saxon Switzerland.” It also includes visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites. Viking will also introduce two new itineraries in 2015, both of which will showcase scenic treasures along the Rhine River during the springtime. Details of the itineraries include:

Legends of the Rhine: This eightday journey between Amsterdam and Frankfurt provides a window into some of the historic eras and events that have shaped northern Europe. Cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, lined with dozens of medieval castles, and take walking tours of castles and cobbled streets. Marvel at the soaring carved interiors and stained-glass windows of Cologne’s iconic Gothic cathedral, and sample the local beers. Stop in Remagen, the site of World War II’s Operation Market Garden, and Nijmegen for a guided visit to the Overloon War and Resistance Museum. Spend a full day enjoying the delightful Golden Age city of Amsterdam, including a canal boat tour. Prices start at $2,356 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May.

Rhine Rhapsody: On this unique new cruise tour, spend 10 days amidst the timeless elegance of Paris and the breathtaking scenery along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. Take a guided tour of the French capital and its historic landmarks, then explore the neighborhoods, museums and cafés. Scenic cruising takes you to the heart of smaller European towns like Trier, Rüdesheim and Cochem, where there is so much to discover, right through the Rhine Valley, famous for its many riverside castles. Stop in Strasbourg, the perfect marriage of French and German cultures (and cuisines), and explore the market squares of Basel’s charming Old Town area. Prices start at $2,906 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May. In addition to the new Viking Longships and new vessels in Portugal, the company’s first ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Star®, is currently under construction and will set sail in early 2015. L

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

DIY

Gifts for Father’s Day

By Christy Noll

Help your kids show Dad how much they love him by making a do-it-yourself (DIY) keepsake gift for Father’s Day. Think of some things that your husband would appreciate and involve the kids in making it happen. The gifts that you and your kids make now will create memories for a lifetime, and you all will enjoy looking back at the creative keepsakes that expressed your kids’ love and appreciation for Dad.

Collage of Pictures: Collect family photos from past to present. Glue photos on construction paper and have the kids personalize them, then place the photos in a photo album. Or, print a photo and glue it to a pot filled with a beautiful flower. Poem Keepsake: Write (or type) this poem keepsake from FunHandprintArt.Blogspot. com and laminate or frame it. “Walk alongside me, Daddy, and hold my hand. I have so many things to learn that I don’t yet understand. Teach me things to keep me safe from dangers every day. Show me how to do my best, at home, at school, at play. Every child needs a gentle hand to guide them as they grow. So, walk alongside me, Daddy. We have a long way to go.”

Handprint Gifts: Make adorable handprint or footprint gifts on canvas or construction paper for Dad’s office. He can look at it every day as a reminder of his precious children. Family Fun Time: Take a hike or bicycle ride, visit a local park, play kickball in the yard or play fun watersports in the pool. Or, plan a full day of fun out at Lake Lanier Islands or Stone Mountain Park. However you celebrate together, may you and your family have a wonderful Father’s Day! Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partners

Senior Services

North Fulton

enior Services North Fulton is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to provide programs and services for the older adults who live in North Fulton communities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. The mission of Senior Services North Fulton is:

“We care” “We build” “We serve”

Meals on Wheel — Deliver pre-packaged meals to seniors weekly, monthly or on occasion. Senior Services North Fulton also welcomes groups and businesses to fill in as substitutes on routes as needed. Meals on Wheels for Pets — Deliver premeasured pet food in plastic air-tight containers to seniors and their four-legged companions on a monthly basis. Friendly Visitor Program — Be paired with an older adult in need of companionship. This special relationship makes a dramatic difference in seniors’ lives.

… about older adults, their quality of life, independence and continuing potential; … programs, services and relationships to meet the needs of this growing population; and … the community by empowering seniors, assisting families and enhancing lives.

Senior Services North Fulton is the only nonprofit in north metro Atlanta dedicated to serving older adults. Senior Services North Fulton is the Meals on Wheels provider for the six cities in North Fulton, operating senior centers in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs. The Care Management staff coordinates care for clients, including Meals on Wheels, transportation and supportive inhome services, such as personal care assistance, homemaker services and respite. All clients are served regardless of ability to pay. Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of the North Fulton population. Between the 2010 Census and 2013, the total population in North Fulton grew by approximately 3.9 percent, while the 60-plus population grew by 15 percent. That population is projected to increase by 46 percent over the 2010 count by 2018. Senior Services North Fulton is here to help. 34

Senior Services North Fulton volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization. Volunteers’ time, talent and resources help make life better for thousands of seniors each year. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and the staff will work with you to find a job that matches your schedule, interests and abilities. Consider making a difference in the life of older adults.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Occasional Helper Program — Assist a senior on a one-time or short-term temporary basis with a special project, grocery shopping, errands, planting, yard work, organizing or small repairs. Accept assignments as they fit your schedule. Senior Center Volunteer — Help at one of the senior centers located in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

Office and Staff Support — Provide office or phone assistance, help with special projects or event committees.

Group Volunteer Opportunities — Host a day of service for an older adult, or volunteer at one of the senior centers. Sponsor a special needs’ drive, assist with the Angel Tree Holiday gift program or Senior Services North Fulton’s annual fundraiser. Senior Services North Fulton relies on the community for support and welcomes donations from individuals, community groups, faith-based organizations, corporations, and foundations. Donations enable Senior Services North Fulton to provide programs and services for older adults who live in North Fulton. Learn more about gift, donation and volunteer opportunities online, or visit one of Senior Services North Fulton’s senior centers for a tour.

770-993-1906 SSNorthFulton.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

give small objects or objects with little tone contrast less weight or impact. And, have you ever noticed that some parts of an empty room appear heavier than others because of the architectural features in those parts of the room? For example, a fireplace, doorway, window, built-in bookshelf or darkpaneled wall will look heavier than an unbroken expanse of wall in a pale color. In the same way, a dramatic window treatment will look heavier than a softly subdued window treatment.

Is Your Room Visually Balanced? By Keely Woodford Have you ever walked into a room that seemed to tilt to one side even though the floor was perfectly level? Having had the opportunity to work with many clients through the years, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen this situation often. The problem is simply one of visual weight. Did you know that your eyes assign greater weight to objects that are large and have a high degree of tone or color contrast? Conversely, your eyes seem to

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

When planning the placement of furniture in your rooms, keep in mind the visual weight of the pieces you own. Groups with larger pieces and

individual large pieces should be placed first. Smaller furniture pieces can then be easily used to fill in the room, each one selected and placed to create visual balance with all others. As you begin arranging your furniture pieces, you should also look for a place to establish as a focal point or center of interest. A focal point could be a structural element, such as a fireplace, a tall piece of furniture, or even a window treatment. Once you decide on your focal point, try your best to call attention to it as you place your furniture. Above all, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to arrange your furnishings in such a way that you achieve visual balance in each room.

Keely Woodford is a franchise owner of Decorating Den Interiors. 770-926-0383, Keely.DecoratingDen.com

PAID ADVERTISING SECTION

38 39

Northside Hospital

Mosquitoes: The Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth

41 42

DeMercy Dental

Dealing with Dental Anxiety in Children

Northside Rheumatology WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Northside Hospital-Forsyth Women’s Center

Northside Hospital

orthside Hospital continues its commitment to the community by balancing clinical excellence with safe, high-quality, compassionate care. In fact, the healthcare system has been recognized for doing just that by the nation’s leading health care organizations. Throughout an expanding network of state-of-the-art medical facilities across Georgia, Northside offers a wide variety of services, including cardiology, emergency, cancer care, radiology, surgery, women’s services, and much more. Award-Winning Patient Care In 2013, Northside Hospital, Northside Hospital-Cherokee and Northside Hospital-Forsyth each were named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission. The hospitals were recognized for their exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. All three hospitals also were named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability Core Measures Honor Roll, Chairman’s category, the highest on the list. Excellence in Cancer Care The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute diagnoses and treats more cancer cases than anywhere else in Georgia and, for the fifth consecutive year, has been reported as having among the best survival outcomes in the country for bone marrow transplants. 38

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

In 2013, the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons granted Northside Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation. The Cancer Institute also qualified for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN) Affiliate Research Project as a community-based associate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center — one of just 23 NCCN Member Institutions. Through this partnership and others like the National Cancer Institute and DanaFarber Cancer Institute, Northside is able to offer patients access to the very latest cancer treatment and prevention advances, allowing them to receive state-of-the-art clinical expertise and compassionate care close to home. Booming Maternity Care Since it opened in 2008, more than 12,200 babies have been born in Northside Hospital-Forsyth’s Women’s Center. To better accommodate the increasing number of deliveries, Northside recently was approved to offer a four-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in addition to its existing 17-bed Level-II unit. The designation allows highacuity babies to remain at Northside Hospital-Forsyth rather than be transferred to Northside Hospital in Atlanta to receive Level-III NICU care. Northside also opened a new fourstory, 100,000-square-foot medical office building, adjacent to the south side of the Women’s Center. The facility is home to a variety of

physician specialties and practices supporting the growing Women’s Center. Excellence in Cardiac Care The Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute’s board-certified cardiologists and vascular surgeons have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and circulatory system. The Institute offers a full-spectrum of diagnostic, treatment and support services, with locations in Forsyth, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cherokee, Atlanta and East Cobb. Each of Northside’s three hospitals is accredited as a Chest Pain Center and an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and has achieved the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Receiving Center Quality Achievement Award, in recognition of quality heart attack care.

Northside.com

Dealing with

Dental Anxiety in Children

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

he dental office can be an intimidating environment for adults, so you can imagine the anxiety it can cause in some children. Fortunately, pediatric dentists have specialized training during their two-year residency, which includes various tactics for creating a calm, happy dental visit for children. Most pediatric dental offices offer enjoyable distractions for children, including television, video games, and childfriendly décor. Pediatric dentists use child-friendly jargon to explain to young patients what will occur during the dental visit. Many will utilize the “Tell-Show-Do” method. An example of this would be

the dental procedure.

to name a dental instrument, then to show how it works (possibly by placing against the child’s hand), then to use the instrument in

Another technique that is used is “modeling.” In this technique, an anxious patient is paired with a non-anxious patient of the same age. Any time the patient responds in a cooperative manner, the dentist and staff praise him or her. Dental rewards are often given to the child at the end of the visit to further reinforce a positive experience. The goal is to create as many positive experiences as possible to ease any anxiety. It is best to begin creating these experiences at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first

dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or at the age of 1 (whichever occurs first). These early experiences serve to introduce young patient to the dental office. The first visit may only involve the dentist counting the child’s teeth, but it can help the child develop a positive attitude about the dentist. As a parent, you can help to prevent the need for dental treatment by instilling great oral hygiene in your child. The simple act of brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help to prevent your child from developing dental anxiety. Studies show that parents with good oral hygiene habits pass these habits along to their children. So, practice what you preach and be a good role model for your child!

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Mosquitoes: The Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth By Susan Elisha

osquito-related diseases have killed more people than all the wars in history combined. Malaria, although rare in the United States, is well known as a mosquito-carried disease. Despite global efforts like “World Malaria Day” and organizations like Malaria No More, Malaria still infects and kills hundreds of thousands of people every year. In fact, more U.S. soldiers have died from malaria throughout the last 100 years than have died in combat. Today, the risk of developing encephalitis, meningitis and other diseases from mosquitoes is a bigger threat in the United States than malaria. Included in these viruses are St. Louis encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus, the most common virus in the United States from mosquitoes. West Nile Virus is caused by a bite from an infected mosquito (not all mosquitoes are infected). Mosquitoes are the transfer agents of West Nile Virus between birds, animals and people. Most people who become infected from West Nile Virus only suffer mild flulike symptoms that do not get reported. Typically, less than 1 percent will actually develop a more severe disease, including invasion of the central nervous system

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

“Mosquitoes are a health risk to you and your family. Protect your family and control your mosquito populations.”

no vaccine available to prevent, or medicine to treat, the Chikungunya virus. It is rarely fatal, but can cause high fever and intense joint and muscle pain. Travelers should wear insect repellent to avoid the disease and its spread.

or inflammation of the brain and the membrane around it. It is believed that West Nile Virus first made its way to the United States via New York in 1999, and has since spread to 47 states.

Besides transmitting diseases, mosquitoes are dangerous in other ways. I’ve had clients tell me that their child scratches mosquito bites so much they develop a staph infection. Some people are just allergic to the bites and develop large welts.

Dengue Fever is another virus carried by mosquitoes. Millions of people are infected every year and more than onethird of the world’s population is at risk. It is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. Although it rarely occurs in the United States, Dengue has been a worldwide problem since the 1950s and now is an epidemic in Puerto Rico and many popular tourist destinations in Latin America. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness that has had outbreaks in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Indian and Pacific oceans, and Caribbean islands in December 2013. While it has not yet reached the United States, there is a risk that travelers will import the virus here. There is

Mosquitoes aren’t just dangerous to humans. Dogs and cats also are vulnerable to viruses from mosquitoes. The heartworm virus is transmitted to dogs and cats by mosquitoes, although pets can survive heartworm with proper treatment. Mosquitoes are a health risk to you and your family. Protect your family and control your mosquito populations.

Susan Elisha is owner/operator of Mosquito Squad of Alpharetta. 770-807-7791, Alpharetta. MosquitoSquad.com

eMercy Dental in Roswell has been providing quality, personal dental care to North Fulton families for 28 years. Jeff DeMercy, D.D.S., and his daughter, Amanda Kossick, D.M.D., who joined the practice last July, are proud to serve the community that they call home. Dr. DeMercy became interested in dentistry by the example of his own childhood dentist. “I remember how kind and personal he was,” Dr. DeMercy recalls. “Ultimately, the trust I had in my dentist influenced me to become a dentist.” Growing up around dentistry influenced Dr. Kossick to follow in her father’s footsteps. “I grew up here at the dental office,” she says, explaining that she would greet and talk to patients before she was old enough to take on more official duties. “I saw firsthand how the patients love and trust him. As a result, most of our patients have been with us for many years.” “Family” is at the heart of DeMercy Dental — not only in their approach to patient care but also in day-today operations. Tammy DeMercy, Jeff ’s wife and Amanda’s mother, is a former dental hygienist and now works as office manager. In addition, Jeff ’s niece and Amanda’s cousin, Allyssa, is a dental hygienist there. Dr. DeMercy and Dr. Kossick’s personal approach to patient care has helped them build patients across the generations. “Our patients know we genuinely care about them. They trust us and feel comfortable here,” says Dr. Kossick, who has been a part of the family dental practice since she was born. “Some patients grew up here with me and bring their own children here now. This is ‘home.’ It’s our privilege to take care of our patients. We treat them like our friends and family — and they are.” DeMercy Dental provides general dentistry and specialty services for patients of all ages, including regular checkups and cleanings; one-visit crowns, fillings and implants; veneers; and whitening. In addition, Drs. DeMercy and Kossick offer the latest

DeMercy Dental advancements in dental technology for a positive, comfortable patient experience. Dr. Kossick has received extensive training in the new Laser Periodontal Therapy, which utilizes a free-running pulsed laser in treating gingivitis, periodontitis and other types of gum disease. The addition of Dr. Kossick last year allows DeMercy Dental to serve even more patients without sacrificing individual care and quality of service. With two doctors and at least one always in office, patients have more scheduling options to fit their busy schedules. The father-daughter team continues to accept new patients as well. Dr. Kossick hopes to bring on more children as patients now that she’s joined DeMercy Dental. “I’ve always

had a passion for children and enjoy working with them. It’s important to me to help children build a good foundation of oral health and hygiene at an early age that they will continue as adults.”

10930 Crabapple Road Suite 140 Roswell, 30075 770-641-8010 DeMercyDental.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Northside Rheumatology provides a caring environment with a focus on patient education. “There are more than 100 types of arthritis alone,” says Dr. Chung. “I’ve focused my career on helping patients with rheumatic disease, accurately diagnosing their problems and, together with my patients, discovering their best course of treatment.”

Get relief and enjoy the simple things in life again. Dr. Chung understands the importance of relieving patients of their pain as quickly and safely as possible and putting them on the road to recovery. Northside Rheumatology offers short wait times and same-day appointments whenever possible, and is committed to clear and timely communication. Dr. Chung and the Northside Rheumatology staff strive to see all patients within 15 minutes of their arrival.

Northside Rheumatology

re you suffering from pain and inflammation of the muscles, joints and/or bones? There are more than 200 types of rheumatic diseases, some of which can be very serious and difficult to diagnose. Northside Rheumatology can provide relief. Dr. Eun Chung is board certified and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Get relief and enjoy the simple things in life again.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, Dr. Chung has practiced since 2007. She received her medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, pursued her internal medicine residency at Staten Island University Hospital, and completed a fellowship at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has special interests in general rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma and osteoporosis.

Dr. Chung is on the medical staff at Northside Hospital and works closely with the full network of physicians that Northside has to offer. Dr. Eun Chung She and the staff at Northside Rheumatology look forward to serving you.

1265 Upper Hembree Road Suite 205 Roswell, 30076 770- 521-1587

Father’s Love By Crystal Bryant

I didn’t celebrate Father’s Day much as a child. By the age of 7, I was fatherless, in the literal sense. However, I was very close to my grandfather. He helped raise me, gave me a place to live, food to eat, and even bought me a flute for band and a dress for a dance. As an adult, I often think back to the bad example my grandfather had. He had one toy his entire life — a teddy bear — and regularly was beaten by his father and eldest brother. If you mentioned God, or, heaven forbid, got caught with a bible, it was another beating.

Yet, as an adult, my grandfather never raised his hand to anyone. He was kind to everyone and everything that crossed his path. He provided for his family and was gracious in ways most people couldn’t understand. He was the best example I could ever imagine of a good father, and grandfather. He expected me to perform any tasks he gave me to the best of my ability, without whining or complaining, and there was no such thing as “allowance.” He corrected me when I said or did something wrong, and made it clear what his expectations were. But, I never doubted his authority or his motives. My grandfather told me only once, when I was 3 years old, that he loved me. My grandmother told me I’m the only person she knows of, including herself, to whom he ever said that. In the harsh environment in which he was raised, a person’s actions spoke the clearest — and every day he made it clear that he loved me. Although we

didn’t talk about issues of faith, he was one of the best examples of Christ I’ve ever known. He spoke volumes through his silence. He expressed love in his patience and investment of time. Happy Father’s Day to all the men who express care and value in ways no words can truly express.

Crystal Bryant is the wife of Pastor Chris Bryant at City On A Hill United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She is involved in women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Cut the Cable TV Cord! By Michael Buckner

Mechanics drive smoking cars. Shoemakers’ kids run around barefoot. For me, an A/V guy, my TV is the last to get repaired when it goes out. I was the recent victim of a nasty windstorm that damaged some wiring coming into my home. Since I install TVs for a living, I refuse to let anyone touch my satellite or its wiring, so I won’t have TV service again until I decide to get on the roof and make the repair myself. I have to say, though, this has proven to be a great experiment! I have been without service for about two

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

weeks, and it has been interesting. Of course, living without traditional cable or satellite for two weeks was easier because of my AppleTV. For years now I have been writing and explaining to clients about how news and sports programming make it difficult to cancel regular cable and satellite TV subscriptions. Fortunately, consumers have more choices now. AppleTV carries Bloomberg network, which includes great international news and local weather. If you want local news, a simple antenna (I recommend MOHU brand) can bring you the local channels without a subscription. If you don’t want to go to the trouble of installing an antenna, or if a mountain is between you and Atlanta (like me), you can subscribe to Aereo.com. For only $8 per month, Aereo.com offers

all local channels with DVR service. Add an $8 monthly Netflix account to this mix and you’ll have pretty much everything except ESPN. To watch ESPN with AppleTV or Roku, you will need a login and password from Comcast or Dish Network. So, if you’re up for the challenge, cutting the cable TV cord is “doable.” It’s not quite as streamlined as just sitting down with a remote and channel surfing, but it’s pretty darn close. With some very small investments, you could save more than $1,000 per year. For me, I’ll fix my TV service one of these days. Until then, my AppleTV is keeping me entertained. Isn’t that the point anyway?

Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000, AudioIntersection.com

itty Davis signs her paintings ‘CHDavis,’ in reference to her beloved aunt, Catherine Hickson Buff, who instilled a love for painting in her. “My aunt was a wonderful artist herself,” Davis says. “I am her namesake, and I think of her often when I paint.”

Artist Profile

Davis grew up in Perry, Ga., where the rural environment greatly influenced her subject matter. “From my earliest memory onward, I shared my life with a succession of dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish, bunnies or any other form of wildlife that strayed by my home. I learned what a unique personality each animal has.” After graduating from Georgia Southern University with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Art Design, Davis worked in the architectural field, drafting layouts for RVs, school buses and the Piggly Wiggly grocery stores. However, her passion for animals and her love of art intensified while she raised her two kids on a small horse farm in Alpharetta. Davis began to study with masters in portrait art to turn her passion for animals into a career.

Kitty Davis: Quiet Observer of Nature By Heike Hellmann-Brown

Davis is especially fond of horses and has spent several years studying their anatomy, bone and muscle

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Artist Profile structure, expressions, body language and social behavior. “Horses are magic creatures,” she says. “As a child, I roamed the pinewood forests near my Perry home on my quarter horse, later volunteered with therapy horses, and now have the privilege of living in an equestrian subdivision.” Often she takes her camera and watches her subject matters to capture those precious moments when their personality surfaces.

In her oil paintings, Davis brings her subjects to life. Through color and composition she creates mood, conveying the attitude, shyness, and aggression that govern the interactions between the horses, as well as the quiet communication between horses and humans. “I strive to create natural settings and subtle expressions that capture the unique bonds we have with our animal companions. I see 46

myself as an observer of nature. I would want for a ‘non-horse’ person to understand horses through my paintings.” While Davis earned a reputation in the local horse community for her soulful horse portraits, her main focus now is on landscapes. “I still might put a few horses into the background,” she jokes. “But, my main goal is to showcase my appreciation for nature.” One of the artists who highly influenced her in this aspect is Butler Brown, who is from Hawkinsville, close to her own hometown. “My mother is an avid collector of his magnificent paintings,” she says. “I was surrounded by Brown’s work when I grew up. Today, I am a country girl living in the city, but his landscapes always remind me of home. I hope my paintings will remind

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

“I see myself as an observer of nature. I would want for a ‘non-horse’ person to understand horses through my paintings.” Kitty Davis

SummitViewStudio.com

someone of the community they grew up in, of their carefree childhood memories, just like Brown’s works do for me.”

Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Are Your

Passwords Secure? By Arlene Dickerson The recent Heartbleed bug reminded us that we should change all of our passwords immediately, if not sooner. Changing a password can be overwhelming because we all want to make sure it is something we can remember. Changing all of our passwords is even more daunting. You may have created a system to help you remember your passwords, or even used the same password with a different number or character on the end for each site. Even without the Heartbleed bug, creating passwords like that is not secure. Here are some tips to help you create strong passwords: • Make sure your password is more than 8 characters. The longer your password is, the harder it is to crack. • Do not use your name or user name as your password. • Include uppercase and lowercase letters. • Include at least one number, but shy away from the obvious 0 in place of the letter “O.” Hackers are on to that. • Include a special character like ~!@#$%^&*, etc. • Do not use words that can be found in the dictionary. • Use unusual capitalization.

Once you’ve created new passwords using these guidelines, a mnemonic phrase can help you remember them. For example: My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh No Pluto. This is a modern variation of the phrase that many of us learned in school to help us memorize the names and order of the planets. Creating a little rhyme or story like this can help you to remember each of your passwords. Another way to keep track of your passwords is to use a service like LastPass. Services like this create a “vault” to store your passwords. As you change or update passwords, the service keeps a record of them, which will help to ensure that you do not fall into a rut of using “Pa$$word1” and then change it to “Pa$$word2” a few months later. Changing passwords is necessary to keep your information secure. While nothing is failsafe, adopting a few tricks will help ensure that you have good, secure passwords, and that you will remember them, too.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491, TechnicalRS.com

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Better than

By Ron Bradley, D. Min.

A king asked his three daughters how much they loved him. Two of them replied that they loved him more than all the gold and silver in the world. The third and youngest said, “I love you better than salt.” The king was not especially elated with her remark and dismissed it lightly as an indication of her immaturity. But the cook, overhearing the conversation, left salt out of the king’s breakfast the next morning, and it tasted awful. The king was thus confronted with the deep meaning of his daughter’s remark. Essentially, she said her love for her father was even greater than his love for salt: “I love you so much that nothing is good without you.”

Salt

It is amazing what a pinch of salt will do to bring out the flavor of a food. How unpalatable a bowl of oatmeal is when one forgets to add salt. We especially come to appreciate this quality in salt when the doctor orders us on a salt-free diet. Foods we have loved before, when properly seasoned, become most undesirable without salt. Christianity is to life what salt is to food. Jesus said, “You (Christians) are the salt of the earth.” Followers of Jesus give flavor and seasoning to life. How “salty” are you?

Ron Bradley is the pastor at First Baptist Church Roswell. 770-587-6980, Ron@RFBC.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Book Review by Catherine groves

“Missing You,” the latest novel by bestselling author Harlan Coben, takes readers into the world of online dating, to a place far too sinister to find love. While NYPD detective Kat Donavan is scrolling through profiles on a dating site set up for her by a well-meaning friend, she happens upon a face from her past — and a heartbreak from which she’s never recovered. The photo is of her ex-finance’, Jeff, from whom Kat hasn’t heard and hasn’t seen in 18 years. Knowing in her heart she’s never quite gotten over him, Kat reaches out to him. She quickly comes to realize that something dark and terrible is going on, and she has no idea to what extent Jeff may be involved. What she does know is that too many people have gone missing, and Kat knows she must find the monsters

‘Missing You’ that are luring innocent victims into this sinister web of greed — all in the name of love. Coinciding with this investigation is Kat’s own, personal search, for answers regarding the murder of her father long ago. She is faced with decisions of the heart, involving so many of those with whom she’s the most closely involved.

As heart-pounding and intricate as any Coben novel to date, “Missing You” is sure to provide readers with all they’ve come to love and expect from his previous books: the ride of their lives! “Missing You” can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.

Just as she’s been for so long now, Kat finds herself alone again. As more bodies turn up, she knows she’s racing not only against terror but also time. Kat knows she has gone too far to turn back, and she clings to her undying love for Jeff to find the courage to continue plunging deeper into this unknown world of evil.

Harlan Coben’s new book illustrates how online dating takes a sinister turn for many people searching for love. Catherine Groves has lived in Georgia for 15 years and has lived in the South for considerably longer. An avid book collector (owning more than 5,000 books) and just as avid of a reader, she (as her children have said) “lives and breathes her books.” Catherine studied psychology, is working on an English degree, and is writing her first novel.

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Is Your Estate Plan Out of Date? By Debra A. Robinson

If you’ve signed a Will, you’ve accomplished more than many other folks. But, before patting yourself on the back, ask yourself some questions: How long ago did you sign it? Has anything in your life changed since then? Reviewing and updating your estate plan is just as important as creating it. You should pull out your Will and other estate planning documents, such as your Power of Attorney for finances and your Health Care Directive, at least every three to five years, and read them through. The review should be sooner if there’s a major change in your life, such as divorce, death of a spouse, or death of a child. A Will signed 15 years ago when your children were under age 18 is probably not the same Will you would sign today when they are all adults. If your son is now a responsible 31-year-old business executive, wouldn’t it make more sense

to name him as Executor instead of your sister, who is burdened with caring for your elderly mother? Think about the people you named as Executor, Guardian of your minor children, and healthcare agent. Is the person you named as Executor still living and able to serve? Did the couple you named as Guardians get divorced? Is your oldest child now mature enough to be your agent for healthcare decisions? Does your Will provide that your child with substance abuse problems will receive his share of your estate outright at age 25? Wouldn’t it be better to create a trust for him, now that you know the issues he faces? Your review should include more than just the legal documents. Look at the beneficiary designations for

your life insurance, IRAs and 401(k)s, and whether you’ve added joint owners or payable on death designations to any of your accounts. Those are all important pieces of your estate plan. Lives change as the years go by. Your estate planning speaks to your circumstances at the time the plan was created. If circumstances change, the plan needs to change as well.

Debra Robinson is an attorney with Robinson & Miller. 770-817-4999, RobinsonMiller.com

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Lunch Connection June 4, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta Join GNFCC on the first Wednesday of each month for Lunch Connection. The format will include 30 minutes of interactive networking emphasizing the exchange of critical information about you and your organization. Lunch will be served and content delivered as selected speakers share valuable insight on various local and national business trends.

Salon Lofts 760 North Point Drive Alpharetta

Hazel Family Eyecare 930 Marietta Hwy., Suite 400 Roswell

LAN Systems 4711 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Berkeley Lake 52

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014

Snappy Kitchens Atlanta 2612 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 110 Alpharetta

Benton House of Alpharetta Senior Living Community 762 N. Main St. Alpharetta

North Main Animal Hospital 562 N. Main St. Alpharetta

ProAlliance June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 7:30-9:00 a.m. GNFCC Office Join GNFCC every Wednesday for early morning networking! Enjoy a light breakfast and casual networking before breaking into small groups. This format allows you to share information about your business/work in a nonthreatening environment, develop leads for potential new business and help others reach their goals. Eggs & Enterprise June 24, 7:30 a.m. Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek 770-448-2166 Monthly breakfast sessions feature distinguished keynote speakers with timely topics and issues facing the North Fulton region. From education to economic development, to public policy and political advocacy, this is the place to be to stay on top of the issues and meet the leaders making the decisions and, at the same time, make valuable contacts. Also, Visit GNFCC.com for information about the Emerging Leaders Program and nominations for the GNFCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Business Person of the Year Award.

North Fulton Seniors Receive National Merit, National Achievement Scholarships By Susan Hale

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. recently announced that 21 North Fulton seniors have received National Merit Corporate-Sponsored and National Achievement Scholarships as part of its 2014 awards program. Receiving 2014 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships are: Chattahoochee High School: Siddharth R. Duddikunta, Suryabrata Dutta, Sunidhi Ramesh, Joy C. Xu and William Z. Yang; Centennial High School: Dorothy A. Cannella; Johns Creek High School: Gordon Y. Li and Shohini Rakhit; Milton High School: Naganavya S. Ravoori; North Springs Charter High School: Adam G. Berger, Jacob A. Busby, and Daniel M. Muehring; Northview High School: Samar Abdelmageed and Rohan K. Doshi. These National Merit scholarships are sponsored by corporations that designate awards for finalists with career plans the sponsor wishes to encourage; for children of their employees; or for residents of a community where a company has operations. They may be renewable for four years of undergraduate study or be granted as one-time awards. In addition, the organization announced the Fulton County seniors who were named winners in the 50th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program, an academic competition for African-American high school students. Each student won a $2,500 cash prize or an equivalent scholarship from one of the 31 corporations underwriting the National Merit program. Receiving the 2014 National Achievement Scholarships are: Centennial High School: Evan S. Johnson; Chattahoochee High School: Lorin J. Crear; Johns Creek High School: Peyton B. Smith; Milton High School: Arianna M. Brown and Brenna C. Fromayan; Riverwood International Charter School: Christina N. Rhaney and India M. Smith. National Merit Scholarship Corp. conducts the annual National Merit Scholarship and National Achievement Scholarship programs. Qualifying students were identified through exceptionally high scores on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, were endorsed by their principal and earned high SAT scores. Scholarships awarded through the programs are underwritten by business organizations and higher education institutions, as well as by the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own funds. Susan Hale is manager of media relations for Fulton County Schools. 404-763-6830, FultonSchools.org

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Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

2014 Annual GNFCC Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gala

North Fulton Family Life | JUNE 2014