North Fulton Family Life 7-19 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

July 2019

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 12

24-26 On the Cover

All Pro Window Tinting

30-31

Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student

[24-26]

One Family’s Experience

40-41

Q: What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree? A: Almost Anything You Want

[40-41] [30-31]

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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

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

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

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

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

................. Mayor’s Message

........................ Milton Notes

............................ Quotables

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

......... Roswell Photo Society

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

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

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

The only thing we know about the future is the mere fact that, most likely, it is coming. Our path leading up to this point has been filled with hints and clues as to what may lie ahead, but nothing is certain. The best we can hope to achieve is a readiness toward our expectations. Little thoughts, near solutions that didn’t work, and mental connections that we reuse precede what we do next. We have a growing familiarity with our life and the circumstances within it that set us up for our next steps. We pool our insight and leverage what is already there to make things happen. By remembering both, consciously and subconsciously, we can do better next time.

630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

E R EC Y C LE

We live to learn, and we learn to live. Chances are, your past is telling you something. That little voice you’ve been blessed with is your own. Trust it.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

Last month, I was at a photo shoot for one of our cover stories. It was a beautiful sunny day, with comfortable temperatures and a gentle breeze. As I set up my fill flash on a stand with an umbrella to soften and reflect the strobe, I knew I had to keep an eye on it. Umbrellas, like kites, tend to catch wind. A small tent stake that I keep with my gear would typically hold it down; however, I was set up on the pavement, so that wasn’t an option. As I peered through the lens, a short breeze flowed toward me. My subject gasped, as she saw the stand and strobe slamming to the ground. I said to myself, “I told you so” and set it back up with a smile. Fortunately, the umbrella saved the flash, and the bulb did not break. So, an Amazon order for a replacement umbrella and a new sandbag to add to my gear is on the way. Lesson learned.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Laura Bentley, Marianna I. Chaet, Michael Consoli, Marsha Cornelius, Andrea Cottos, Lisa Ethridge, Jim Gilvin, Jonathan Good, Kevin Head, Jamie Mackrell, Mandy Marger, Gabriel Morley, Vishant Nath, Christy Noll, Hannah Olson

M AG A ZI

e all have those moments when we think about bringing a raincoat, packing an extra set of clothes, or double-checking to be sure we have our keys. When reality sets in, we wish we had listened to that inner voice. Everyone makes mistakes, but those “Oh, I knew it!” ones usually leave me laughing at myself after all is said and done. I’ve never been one to get upset over a problem. Chances are, I could’ve prevented the consequences from raining down on me; I probably knew better in the first place.

PLE

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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[HomeLife] The long days of summer are the perfect time to reap the physical, social, and psychological benefits of connecting with nature. It’s estimated that the average child spends five to eight hours a day in front of a digital screen. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, uses the phrase “nature deficit disorder” to describe the problems associated with the “epidemic of inactivity” among today’s

Fresh Air for All By Lisa Ethridge

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

youth. Make it a point to plan some quality time outdoors for every member of your family this summer. There are plenty of reasons to help your family thwart inertia. Outdoor activity improves fitness, and exposure to the sun helps prevent vitamin D deficiency, which can cause weak bones and make children more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. Lively outdoor play, which improves creativity, can also reduce levels of hyperactivity and stress. Youth who spend time outdoors do better in school because exercise improves cognitive function. Physical exertion and exposure to natural light also improve sleep quality. The health benefits are endless. Research shows that families that prioritize spending time in nature get along better with themselves and others. Hiking, camping, backpacking, and other outdoor challenges provide unique opportunities

for bonding. Everyone “unplugs” from technology and learns to work together. If you need to release tension and improve family harmony, head to the woods. City planners in north Fulton strive to attain and improve green space, so families can make the most of their time outside. Camps and all manner of outdoor programming to help adults and children engage with nature are offered throughout the summer. Go to your city’s website and look for activities offered by the parks and recreation department. Opportunities to learn about and experience nature and promote outdoor play abound. So, this summer, breathe deeply and, as William Wordsworth suggested, “Let nature be your teacher.”

Lisa Ethridge is a member of the award-winning Roswell Garden Club and a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net

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Do I Really Need to Floss? By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] How much of a difference can flossing make? Isn’t brushing twice a day (and always right before bedtime when bacteria really like to go crazy) enough? How many times have children asked these questions? But let’s face it, flossing is just as important as brushing — they go hand in hand. One is not very effective without the other if the goal is to have a clean bill of oral health at twice yearly dental visits.

•

Remember the following next time your child complains about flossing: • •

Your mouth is not clean unless you are flossing daily. As much as onethird of the plaque on your teeth can only be reached with floss or floss

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

picks. Plaque is a mass of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. If left on your teeth, the plaque will do one of two things: (1) It becomes tartar (a crusty deposit), which can only be removed by a dental professional. (2) It becomes acidic, in which the plaque demineralizes the teeth, which then leads to cavities. Cavities that occur between teeth are much more difficult to treat than other cavities. Flossing can help prevent bad breath. A clean mouth is less likely to be smelly. If you do not floss, or only floss rarely, your gums are more likely to become sore, inflamed, and may even bleed. For pain-free gums, floss daily. Flossing daily is likely to be good for your wallet in the long run. Having great oral hygiene will help prevent the need for expensive dental treatments.

So — just to review — floss, floss, floss! Preach this to your children and remember to set a good example by doing it yourself. Some would say that flossing is even more important than brushing. Oftentimes, people use hard, crunchy foods, or even chewing gum to clean debris off tooth surfaces. But when it comes to the areas between tooth surfaces and at the gum line, flossing is the only way to clean these areas. So, don’t delay, floss today!

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

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Calendar JULY

3, 24 & 31

Barrington Hall Wednesday Evening Lectures — Lectures cover areas of interest to residents. 7/3 “The American Revolution, Part 4,” 7/24 “Ghost Towns and Mill Towns of the Atlanta Area,” and 7/31 “U.S. Flag History.” Reservations are not necessary but are appreciated. $5 per person (suggested donation) per lecture. 7:00-9:00pm, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855. RoswellGov.com

5&6 1-6, 8-13, & 15-20 Roswell Cultural Arts Summer Puppet Series — Bring the whole family to enjoy 7/1-6 The Pied Picker, 7/8-13 The Giant, the Beanstalk, and Jack, and 7/15-20

The Fairy Tailor. Tickets are $5. MondaySaturday 10:00am with a Wednesday/ Friday matinee at 1:30pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellCAC.com

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Britton Cameron and Kaci Bolls — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you’ll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark.com

ONGOING Sunset Sips Concert Series — On the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through September, grab a friend and enjoy live local music, a cash bar, and feel free to bring a picnic dinner. 6:309:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Butterfly Encounter — Through 7/31, get up close and personal with hundreds of native butterflies surrounded by colorful nectar plants. Photo opportunities abound, so be sure to bring your camera. Open daily until 6:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

Sundays on the River — On the second Sunday of the month through September, bring a picnic, blanket, and plenty of food to share in this Chastain-style night of fun. Table and lawn seating are available. Visit the website for artist information as it becomes available. 6:00-9:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

Roswell Riverside Sounds — On the first Saturday of the month through October, enjoy FREE live music by talented, critically acclaimed musicians, focused on original songs. Artists include 7/6 Moves, 8/3 Family and Friends, 9/7 Birdtalker, and 10/5 Front Country. Beer, wine, and sangria will be available for purchase at each concert as well as various food and snack options. 7:00pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. RoswellRiversideSounds.com Ongoing Roswell’s Music On the Hill — On the second Friday of the month through October, enjoy a casual BYO environment and unwind from the week while listening to FREE live music. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase on-site. Artists

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

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include 7/12 Joe Gransden & His Big Band, 8/9 Jeff Pike & A1A, 9/13 Karla Harris, and 10/11 Bumpin’ the Mango. 7:00-9:00pm, City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 770-594-6271. RoswellGov.com Friday Night Zen Rides — On the first and third Friday of the month, meet other cyclists to ride the Greenway. The overall loop is 16 miles, but riders can bike shorter distances. Meet up for a beer after the ride (around 6:30pm) at Jekyll Brewing. Feel free to bring a snack to share. 5:30pm, Jekyll Brewing, 2855 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta. 678-362-6228. BikeAlpharetta.org

lebrate on — Ce ti ra b ds. le e ly C and frien 4th of Ju h family it w y a D t ence s will hos Independ and Park n o ti ’s a n re re c d a Re d chil Alpharett ment an in a rt haretta te lp n A g of e ehind b ld e fi d an evenin wn an r firework on the la pectacula s a activities h it w r m, Wills ity Cente 0-10:00p :0 6 ! Commun k s u d 78-297begin at aretta. 6 h lp A , display to d a Ro 925 Wills om Park, 11 haretta.c lp A esome w A . 0 3 1 6

ArtAround Roswell’s “Museum Without Walls” Tour — This collection will feature 10 new sculptures and nine permanent sculptures at various locations throughout Roswell. For more information, visit RoswellArtsFund.org Alive in Roswell — Every third Thursday of the month, enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, family-fun activities, and drinks in downtown Roswell. 5:00pm, Roswell. VisitRoswellGa.com

Honoring Theodore Roosevelt Exhibit — Through August, items from Teddy Roosevelt’s 1905 Tour of the South and his stop in Roswell to visit his mother’s childhood home will be displayed. President Roosevelt’s original itinerary for this trip is included as well as other memorabilia and artifacts. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children, free for members. Last tour begins one hour before closing. MondaySaturday 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. 770-992-1731. BullochHall.org

[continued on page 10]

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6 Calendar continued from page 9

Farmers Markets Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy the season’s freshest locally grown produce and artwork created by local artisans. 8:00am-12:00pm, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. VisitRoswellGa.com Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy farmfresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers as well as music, baked goods, and health and beauty products. 8:30am1:00pm, Village Green by Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com

Alpharetta Food Truck Alley — Each Thursday through 10/10, enjoy a variety of 6-8 rotating food trucks each week while listening to some great music. 5:00-9:00pm, 37 Old Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-2976000. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

Alpha Jazz Band — Enjoy a FREE evening of live music with family and neighbors. 7:30-9:30pm, Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-2972811. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

6 & 20

Matilda’s Music Under the Pines — Enjoy outdoor concerts in this intimate setting. Upcoming artists include 7/6 Hank, Pattie, and the Current, and 7/20 Jeff Crosby and the Refugees. Bring your own food and drinks. 8:30-10:30pm, Matilda’s, 850 Hickory Flat Road, Milton. 678-480-6932. MatildasMusicVenue.com

13 & 27

Home By Dark Concert Series — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind, FREE music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you’ll always remember: 7/13 Caeland Garner and Marcia Ramirez, 7/27 Ernie Halter and Danny Mitchell. 7:30pm, Brooke Street Park East Lawn, Academy Street, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark. com

Movies at Newtown Park — Enjoy a free outdoor familyfriendly movie presented on a huge inflatable screen. Preshow activities include an inflatable moonwalk, face painting, children’s activities, giveaways, and music. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, but no alcohol or pets please. Food trucks will be available for food purchases. Movie titles will be announced a week prior to each event and are rated G or PG. Movie starts at dusk, pre-movie activities begin at 7:00pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Food Truck Fridays — On the fourth Friday of the month through September, enjoy an array of food trucks, live bands, adult beverages, and fun for the entire family. 6:00-8:30pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. VisitRoswellGa.com

Slip-n-Slide Extravaganza — Bring out the whole family to enjoy this FREE event that will offer three different age-appropriate slides (150 feet, 100 feet, and 50 feet). Enjoy slides, food, music, and fun! Bring your towel and an inner tube (optional). Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to sign a waiver on-site. Free parking is available on-site. Donations are welcome and will

AvalOM — Each Wednesday through October, enjoy a free yoga, barre, or Pilates class presented by Athleta Club Pilates, Flywheel Sports, and lululemon. Bring your own mat. 6:00-7:00pm, Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 678-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com Smith Family Collection Basket Exhibit — Through December 31, this collection highlights Native American and African baskets, teaching about the materials, methods, and styles that characterize their weaving traditions. Tours begin on the hour 10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Saturday and 1:00-3:00pm Sunday, Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. 770-641-3978. RoswellGov.com

Punchline Comedy Night — Through October, enjoy some hearty laughs on the first Monday of the month. Punchline Comedy features live comedy acts, drink specials, and more. The performances last

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benefit Roswell’s Adaptive Camps for Kids with Disabilities and Star House. 1:00-4:00pm, Garrard Landing Park, 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com

Community Skin Screening — The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is offering a FREE community skin cancer screening to emphasize the importance of skin safety. Medical professionals will provide a brief skin assessment in a private setting. Exposed areas such as your face, arms, hands, neck, and feet will be examined. The screening is open to adults ages 18+. Recommended screening attire includes shorts and T-shirt. 6:00-8:00pm, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology – Forsyth, 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 140, Cumming. Katherine.Watson@northside. com. Northside.com

Roswell Free Family Movie Series Presents Mary Poppins Returns — Bring a picnic along with your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening under the stars filled with great music, playground fun, and a family movie. Food and drinks may be purchased at the concession stand. Movies begin at dark, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-594-6158. RoswellGov.com

about 90 minutes and are recommended for ages 13 and older. 7:30-9:00pm, Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com Walk With a Doc — On the second Saturday of each month, the City of Johns Creek and Emory Johns Creek Hospital encourage residents to take a step toward better health with this walking program that brings doctors and patients together. Every walk will feature a different health topic, each selected to provide information and the opportunity for walkers to ask one-on-one questions with the participating physician. 10:00am, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. WalkWithADoc.org

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Adaptive Recreation Young Adult Bingo Night — Parents are encouraged to drop off young adults to enjoy an evening of bingo, pizza, drinks, prizes, and fun. Special needs recreation programs and events are designed to expose participants to new experiences; enhance self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence; and promote community involvement. All ages are welcome. $12 per person. 7:00-9:00pm, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Alpharetta Art in the Park — This outdoor artist market features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Come enjoy pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art, and more. 9:00am-4:00pm, Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Two Scoop Tuesday — Enjoy FREE ice cream while supplies last, sponsored by LGE Community Credit Union. 11:00am-1:00pm, LGE Community Credit Union at Avalon Crossing, 2855 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. LGECCU.org

AUGUST

Sip, Shop, and Stroll — Gather your friends, sip some beverages, and shop and stroll through the boutiques and restaurants of downtown Alpharetta. Light appetizers and beverages will be served by participating merchants. This event is sponsored by the Alpharetta Chamber. 5:00-8:30pm, downtown Alpharetta. Business.AlpharettaChamber.com

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Better Together — On the second Thursday of each month, the Better Together committee, composed of interested citizens from the City of Milton, meets to discuss ways to build a welcoming community in Milton where residents of all abilities can participate. All are welcome to become a part of this group, ranging from high school students to senior adults. The committee plans and arranges projects covering subjects of interest to the community. 6:30pm, Community Place at Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce ProAlliance — Each Wednesday, enjoy early morning networking with fellow business leaders. This format allows you to share information about your business/work in a non-threatening environment, develop leads for potential new business, and help others reach their goals. 7:309:00am, GNFCC Office, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Building 400, Suite 100, Alpharetta. 770-993-8806. GNFCC.com

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LIBRARY EVENTS ALPHARETTA

OCEE

10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 404-613-6735

(Temporarily Closed for Remodeling) 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897

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

ROSWELL

MILTON

(Temporarily Closed for Remodeling) 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS (Temporarily Closed for Remodeling) 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820

TEEN GLASS MOSAIC ART July 8, 2:00pm, East Roswell Presented by My Clayground, teens will decorate glass mosaic art to take home. Reservations required. This is for ages 12-18. COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID July 9, 6:30pm, Milton Join Atua Emu from the Georgia Student Finance Commission, as she explains the intricacies of college financial aid. Topics include Georgia’s Zell Miller and Hope Scholarship programs. This is for ages 15+. HISTORY OF THE APOLLO SPACE PROGRAM July 11, 3:00pm, Milton Join Steve Jones, Hopewell Middle School STEM teacher and NASA Solar System Ambassador, as he leads attendees in an exploration of the Apollo space program. This is for ages 8+. BRIGHT STAR THEATER PRESENTS ONE SMALL STEP July 12, 2:00pm, Milton This tale marks the history of flight and space travel from the ancient tale of Icarus, to the first flights of the Wright Brothers on the beaches at Kitty Hawk, to the Great Space Race of the 1960s and beyond! Young aspiring pilots and astronauts will be thrilled to learn about historical individuals who took “one small step.” Seating is limited. This is for ages 8+. THE HISTORY OF TIME TRAVEL IN SCIENCE FICTION July 13, 4:00pm, Alpharetta Presented by Dr. Lisa Yaszek, School of Literature, Media and Communication at Georgia Tech, attendees will explore the history of time travel as it has been imagined by science fiction artists across media for the past 150 years. This is a ticketed event (tickets are free). Visit Facebook.com/events/561443517698682/ for tickets. EXCEPTIONAL HUMAN EXPERIENCES July 18, 6:00pm, Alpharetta Blynne Olivieri, head of special collections at the Univeristy of West Georgia’s Ingram Library, will share examples

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

NOTE: While the Roswell Library is closed for renovations, the Financial Information Network is being housed at the East Roswell Library. NGOs and students can use this network to search for financial aid.

from the archival materials and rare books she curates of exceptional human experiences — from the incidental to the purposefully sought — and some major life insights that might be drawn from considering our own experiences and what other people have documented. This is a ticketed event (tickets are free). Visit Facebook.com/ events/406788206546958/ for tickets. SELF-PUBLISHING WORKSHOP July 20, 2:30pm, East Roswell Presented by BookLogix, this workshop covers the elements of the book itself, having ideas for the book’s look and feel, and answers questions related to editing, construction, and marketing. It is recommended for anyone who is preparing to begin self-publishing — even those who are still in the writing process. Reservations required. DEMONOLOGY AND SPIRITUAL PROTECTION July 20, 4:00pm, Alpharetta Internationally recognized exorcist Bishop Bryan Ouellette, as seen on Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, is a leader in the field of demonology, paranormal investigation, exorcism/deliverance ministry, spiritual problem resolution, and spiritual protection. This is a ticketed event (tickets are free). Visit Facebook.com/ events/801408176911135/ for tickets. ADULT COOKING CLASS - SUMMER SALADS July 27, 12:00pm, East Roswell Join Chef Lynn Ware of Custom Gourmet Solutions to make a collection of delicious summer salads. Reservations required. UFOS OVER GEORGIA July 27, 4:00pm, Alpharetta Join Scott Cantrell, MUFON (Mutual UFO network) field investigator and Georgia’s state director, to explore the reality of UFOs, including reports of local sightings and an overview of the investigative body that looks for prosaic solutions for reported sightings and collects data for those sightings that defy current known explanations. This is a ticketed event (tickets are free). Visit Facebook.com/ events/2522564751106586/ for tickets.

Calendar continued from page 11

2&3

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Cindy Morgan and Tony Arata — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you’ll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark.com

Old Soldiers Day Parade — Alpharetta’s historic parade marches on as a tribute to veterans of all wars. Enjoy floats, marching bands, military units, classic cars, clowns, and candy. The parade ends at American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road where there will be free hotdogs, drinks, and lots of activities. The City band will begin at 9:15am, the memorial service is at 10:00am, and the parade begins at 10:30am, Roswell Street, Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Johns Creek Summer Concert Series Presents Edwin McCain — While food and non-alcoholic drinks may be brought in, contracted vendors provide a variety of catered food and beverages, including beer and wine. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome on the terraced lawn. The concerts are FREE. Doors open at 6:00pm, concert begins at 7:00pm, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

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[InGoodFaith] Wow — is it ever hot! During summer months, it is not unusual for the temperature gauge in my car to register over 100 degrees. In the winter, I usually find myself wishing for warmer weather. But by the middle of the summer, the heat gets tiresome. Even swimming pool water feels like a hot tub in these sweltering temperatures. As I complain about the weather, I am reminded of the many times in scripture when God’s faithful people complained in similar fashion. In the Hebrew scriptures, the people often complained the weather was too hot. They complained when it rained too much or too little.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Weather Complaints They griped when a lack of rain created a famine, and sometimes they complained in good weather because there was too much harvest work to be done. Jesus even taught, “God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” He said this, in part, because the people complained about where God was causing the rain to fall. I guess people have always complained about the weather. In an editorial in the August 24, 1897 edition of the Hartford Courant, the following quote appeared: “A well-known American writer said once that while everybody talks about the weather, nobody seems to do anything about it.” Whoever said these words (possibly Mark Twain) knew something about human character — we are usually hard to please.

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

In an age when we have everything we need and most of the things we want, it seems rather petty to complain about the weather. It may be over 100 degrees outside, but most of us live in cool, airconditioned homes. It is easy for me to criticize those hard-headed, self-obsessed people in scripture, but it’s much more difficult to see that I am often very much like them. “God, forgive me for complaining when you have given me so much! Thanks for the heat and the cold, the wind and the rain. You are indeed a good and gracious God!”

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

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Senator Speaks

2019 Session Education Legislation By Senator John Albers

he 2019 session ended April 2, 2019, and since then, the governor has been reviewing what received final passage, so he can sign or veto the legislation. Overall, the Georgia General Assembly passed 130 general bills and resolutions addressing a variety of issues. A topic that remained a priority is properly funding education and ensuring our school systems have every resource possible to educate Georgia’s students. While the work to ensure our education system continues to thrive is never over, I believe we made positive strides. The following are some highlights of funding that was appropriated for education and legislation that passed that will impact Georgia’s education:

Appropriations in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget: • $530.8 million to address a $3,000 pay raise, which will begin July 1, 2019, for Georgia’s teachers and other certified school personnel including counselors, social workers, psychologists, special education specialists, and technology specialist. • $1,500,109 in lottery funds for a 2% salary increase for assistant teachers. • $15,003,985 in lottery funds to increase salaries for certified pre-K teachers and certified employees by $3,000 effective July 1, 2019.

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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$1 million for additional high school counselors and programs for Title I schools. An increase of 25 cents to $15.50 per month for each year of service for the benefit utilized by noncertified school employees like school bus drivers through the Public School Employees Retirement System.

Legislation signed by Governor Brian P. Kemp May 2, 2019: • Senate Bill (SB) 48 instructs the State Board of Education to develop a policy of dyslexia screening for all kindergarten students in addition to proper referrals for students with identified dyslexia characteristics in grades one to three. Along with addressing the needs of students, the Georgia Department of Education would implement guidance and training in all schools regarding teaching students with dyslexia. Under SB 48, a three-year pilot program will be implemented to address the requirements in this legislation before they go into effect in 2024. • SB 60, the “Jeremy Nelson and Nick Blakely Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act,” will require the Georgia Department of Education website to have guidelines and relevant information on the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest. This will be posted and available for students participating in interscholastic athletic activities, their parents or guardians, and coaches. • SB 108 requires courses in computer science to be provided in middle and high schools through a phase-in process beginning with the 20222023 school year and ending at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. At that point, every high school in a local school system must offer a course in computer

•

science. Additionally, $750,000 was appropriated in the FY20 Budget for professional development grants for teachers who wish to teach computer science courses. House Bill (HB) 12 requires public schools, including local and state charter schools, to post a sign containing the toll-free telephone number for the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) of the Department of Human Services to report child abuse or neglect at any time. The sign must be posted in a clearly visible location in a public area of the school.

These are just the highlights of the actions taken during the 2019 session to improve education in Georgia. While the session might be over, my work on your behalf is never done. Please reach out to my office with any questions, concerns, or comments. L

Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of north Fulton County. 404-463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John.Albers@Senate.Ga.gov

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[HomeLife] July is Picnic Month, which gives us one more way to celebrate summer! What is a picnic, and how did it originate? The tradition dates to hunting expeditions in the Middle Ages (late 1600s) where hunters would partake in a day of sport and bring a meal to enjoy in the great outdoors (TheParkCatalog.com).

By Christy Noll

Summertime is family time, which, for many, means outdoor fun and picnics. July also brings an abundance of sun-ripened vegetables and warm fresh air, providing more reasons to celebrate by dining al fresco. So, grab a basket, tablecloth/blanket, and your favorite food items to meet up with friends and family.

Celebrate Summer With a Family Picnic

Children can help plan/pack a picnic as well as assist in choosing the location. By participating in the planning and preparation details, children feel a sense of accomplishment. Since many children are more tech savvy than their parents, encourage them to investigate fun picnic locations on their computers. Help them select a park or other interesting spot where there are activities everyone will enjoy. Be sure to give them a list of things to look for in their research: Are there picnic tables? Do you need to reserve space? Are there shaded areas? Places to put down blankets? Is there a playground? Clean public restrooms?

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

Children can also research menu items and help with food shopping and prep. Outings are much more fun when all are involved with the planning from beginning to end. Have a great summer!

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

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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Community A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Roswell Arts Fund is a powerful voice and advocate for the arts, strengthening the scope, quality, and diversity of the arts, and striving to fully integrate the arts into the social and economic fabric that is uniquely Roswell. The organization was established in September 2014 as a direct outcome of the “Imagine Roswell Arts & Culture 2030” study.

Roswell Arts Fund Announces National Search for Executive Director Roswell Arts Fund, the designated arts agency for the city of Roswell, has announced its national search for a new executive director to lead the organization through its next phase of innovation and growth. Roswell Arts Fund is seeking a dynamic professional who will provide leadership to board members, staff partners, and other stakeholders.

Visit Roswell Welcomes New Group Sales Manager Visit Roswell is proud to announce the hiring of its first-ever, full-time group sales manager, Ted Basco. Basco joins the Visit Roswell team with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry. Beginning this month, Basco will be responsible for leading all sales efforts of the convention and visitors bureau, focusing on social, military, education, religious, fraternal, corporate, and association markets. Additionally, he will serve as the lead contact on any film production leads the organization receives.

In three short years, Roswell Arts Fund has transformed the conversation on the arts in Roswell. The organization has ignited new ways of thinking about the arts, inspired new ways of doing art, and impacted the city of Roswell economically and socially. The executive director will be charged with taking Roswell Arts Fund to the next level by securing implementation and adoption of 2016’s “Public Art Master Plan” and revenue generation that operationally liberates Roswell Arts Fund. For more information, please visit RoswellArtsFund.org.

Roswell Soccer Team Celebrates State Victory Roswell Soccer Program’s Santos 14U Girls Blue Team recently won the Georgia Soccer State Cup. The girls finished their season with 10 wins and one tie. By winning the state cup, the team advanced to the 2019 US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “This team has worked so hard over the last 10 months. I’m very proud of this group, and it’s been a pleasure to watch them grow as soccer players and people,” said Coach Mark Lomas. Team members include Lauren Connelly, Kelsie Crosier, Caroline Curry, Laurel Edge, Olivia Gowin, Teller Gucky, Molly Henderson, Taylor Keller, Lara Kennedy, Reghan Lednik, Joelle Miller, Ella Parker, Siyona Raina, and Rachel Williamson. For more information about the City of Roswell’s soccer programs, visit RoswellGov.com/register.

“Ted is joining us during a time when the bureau is experiencing great momentum and growth. An important and substantial amount of our energy will go into the solicitation of group business for the Roswell community. Those overnight attendees will dine in our restaurants, shop with our retailers, experience our cultural assets and history, and, hopefully, turn into repeat visitors,” said Andy Williams, Visit Roswell’s executive director. “Roswell has a strong core that supports local business and cherishes the arts, culture, history, and new spirit of the city. I look forward to promoting the destination throughout the south and across the country,” said Basco.

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Roswell’s Mimosa Hall & Gardens to install Historic Solar Panel

Solar panels on the White House, 1979 Image Credit: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library/NARA

Community President Carter’s legacy has a special connection to Mimosa Hall, as Carter’s aunt, Emily Dolvin, lived across the street in what is known as the “Roswell White House.”

The City of Roswell and Friends of Mimosa Hall recently installed a solar panel at historic Mimosa Hall, which was originally used in the White House during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The solar panel is on loan from Unity College.

In 2019, Friends of Mimosa Hall & Gardens entered into a long-term loan agreement with Unity College, so this original, stillfunctional White House solar panel can be displayed at Mimosa Hall & Gardens as a beacon of inspiration.

The event marks the 40-year commemoration of the original installation in the White House in 1979 and symbolizes progress, community, and continued efforts in alternative energy.

As part of the sustainability efforts for Mimosa Hall & Gardens, Roswell Architect Simone du Boise, principal of Cadmus Construction, is implementing restoration designs to integrate solar power into

City of Johns Creek Appoints New Fire Chief Johns Creek City Manager Warren Hutmacher announced the appointment of Chris Coons as the new fire chief for the City of Johns Creek. Coons has served as assistant fire chief for Johns Creek Fire Department (JCFD) since 2012 and brings more than 26 years of professional experience to the position. “Chris is a thoughtful leader and a talented professional who brings an intimate understanding of what it takes to run a fullservice department along with an appreciation for the exceptional level of service Johns Creek residents expect and deserve,” said Hutmacher, who conducted a thorough nationwide search to ensure the city maintained exceptional direction and leadership for all operations and oversight of the JCFD. “The members of our City Council and I are familiar with the outstanding commitment and dedication Chris has shown throughout his tenure in our city’s fire department,” said Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker. “He is a tremendous asset to our organization. Our fire department is in very capable hands thanks to his experience as a leader and his vision for success.”

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Mimosa Hall’s roofline. The new roof will feature thin solar panels (about the thickness of a credit card) that will provide 100% of the building’s energy. Once the new roof is installed, Mimosa will be “the oldest net-zero building in the United States,” enabling the property to generate as much energy as it consumes – saving the City of Roswell approximately $5,000 per year. About the Historic Solar Panel Forty years ago, President Jimmy Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House roof, designed to use the sun as an energy source to heat hot water. In 1986, during a renovation, the panels were dismantled and placed in storage until 1991, when Unity College, America’s Environmental College in Unity, Maine, gave them a second life by refurbishing them and placing them atop the college’s cafeteria roof, where they heated water for many years until renovations were made.

Georgia’s 50 Safest Cities Ranked for 2019 The home security website, Safewise, has released its rankings of the 50 safest cities in Georgia, topped by Senoia, which is known by fans everywhere as the home base of the AMC TV show The Walking Dead. While the safest cities are scattered across the state, the following north Fulton cities made the list: Milton (No. 3) Johns Creek (No. 5) Alpharetta (No. 7) Roswell (No. 18) Only two cities on the SafeWise list had more than 100 violent crimes, and 70% of the safest cities had no murders. Survey respondents ranked digital security as the top safety concern in Georgia; 26% reported personal experience with digital security issues in the past year, which is two points higher than the national average.

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Community

Alpharetta and Johns Creek Bring Waze Carpool to Local Residents and Employers

The cities of Alpharetta and Johns Creek recently announced a partnership with Waze Carpool, a service offered by Waze that connects riders and drivers for easier, more affordable commutes. Through August 5, residents can upgrade their commutes to work by enjoying $2 flat-rate rides via Waze Carpool.

Waze Carpool connects drivers and passengers with similar destinations by pairing them together to share commutes on the most optimal routes. Commuters can use the Waze Carpool app to choose a rider or driver based on the user’s personal profile and select filters, including gender, co-worker or classmate, and proximity to a preferred route. Waze Carpool drivers manage routes through the app, which can be customized to schedule rides up to seven days in advance. Drivers will also receive the full ride-fare payments during the promotional period. “Our goal is to help address the traffic congestion we witness on a daily basis in the north metro area by taking cars off the road and providing commuters with convenient and cost-effective options for getting to work or wherever they need to go,” said Johns Creek City Council Member Chris Coughlin. Georgia Commute Options (GCO), a program managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, is working with employer partners in the north Fulton area to promote this limited time program. The GCO team works with employers, commuters, and schools around the entire metro Atlanta region to encourage drivers who ride alone to make the switch to a sustainable commuting alternative like carpooling, teleworking, or taking public transit. For additional information on Waze Carpool, to download the application, and to sign up to be a rider or a driver, please visit Waze.com/carpool. For more information on Georgia Commute Options, please visit GaCommuteOptions.com.

First Woman President Set to Lead North Fulton Community Charities’ Board of Directors North Fulton Community Charities’ (NFCC) board of directors recently welcomed a new president and five new members for the 2020 fiscal year. The election of Mary Good as president is the first time in the 36-year history of the organization that a woman has led the board. Good has been a longtime community volunteer and has served on the NFCC board of directors since 2012. New board members include Bill Brower, Ken Davis, Gina Daunt, Julie Haley, and Matt Powell. Founded in 1983, NFCC serves as a human service agency dedicated to building selfsufficiency and preventing homelessness and hunger for residents in north Fulton in the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

The Drake House Turns 13 and Welcomes a New Executive Director Thirteen years ago, June 12, 2006, the first family moved into The Drake House. A mother and her teenage son had lived in a local extended stay hotel for almost two years, so that he could continue to attend Roswell High School. Mom worked downtown and was able to take MARTA to and from work, but she could never accumulate enough money for rent and utility deposits. The hotel was their best option. The family flourished at The Drake House, and the mother was finally able to save enough for those deposits after a 90-day stay. Since that time, The Drake House has served 476 mothers and 864 children, with a success rate of over 85%. The recent renovation of The Drake Village will help the organization continue to grow, provide more services, and assist families as rent steadily increases. Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Roswell are flourishing. The Drake House works with residents of these cities to ensure continued support for those who struggle to live in these communities. The Drake House also recently welcomed new executive director, Nesha Mason. Mason is an experienced nonprofit executive director, who has successfully led an educational foundation in the metro Atlanta area. In the past, Mason has served as an elected city mayor, an early childhood program director, a special education support lead teacher, as well as the operations director and employee relations director for a family business located in Kansas. She also cofounded and served as a longtime board member of a youth center in Kansas that is flourishing to this day.

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Community

The City of Roswell recently launched Together Roswell, a robust communityengagement effort, with the primary goal of developing a strategic plan for the City based on its residents’ vision and shared goals. The Together Roswell public engagement phase kicked off with a series of “Get Together Roswell” listening-and-learning

sessions. During these sessions, the City’s consultants, Planning NEXT, gave a brief presentation introducing the process, with most of the time dedicated to small group discussions and activities. The listening-and-learning sessions were held to receive critical feedback from Roswell residents and business owners. Public input collected throughout the Together Roswell process will serve as the foundation for the strategic plan.

“Planning processes like Together Roswell represent good stewardship. But for the city to know the community’s priorities, we must ask them,” said Gary Palmer, city administrator. “This plan will be driven by public engagement and supported by the conclusions drawn from these discussions. It’s critical that everyone get involved and help shape the future of Roswell.” To learn more about Together Roswell, please visit TogetherRoswell.org.

InCommunity’s most recent fundraising event was attended by 350 supporters and raised almost $300,000 for the organization, which will continue to support their mission of “partnering to enrich and sustain the lives of individuals who have disabilities, their families, and their communities.” Visit InCommunityga.org for more information.

A Record High Fundraiser for InCommunity

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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Book Review BY GABRIEL MORLEY

Grizzly bears are one of America’s most mysterious creatures. Outsized and mythic, they hold a vaunted place in the predator hierarchy. In Down From the Mountain: The Life and Death of a Grizzly Bear, author Bryce Andrews tries to describe the dangerous – and mundane – life of one mother bear and her cubs, as they weave through Montana’s Mission Valley. Grizzly bears have been in a struggle for survival amid the loss of their natural habitat, but the bears are attempting a comeback out west in Montana’s Mission Valley, where a swath of protected wilderness allows the bears to live unencumbered – for the most part. Sometime in early 2002, a female grizzly wandered into the valley ominously close to a dairy farm, lured by the scent of ripening apples. Bears have a heightened sense of smell and will often walk for miles to find a good meal. The bear’s foray into town set off a years-long chain of events, and it provides the story arc for Andrews’ book. Millie, as the bear became known, was soon to have cubs of her own. Their tragic story unfolds over a single season in the Mission Valley, framed against the backdrop of an encroaching and developing world. Andrews, who works for a conservation group, is immersed in the story himself. His personal account of navigating the divide between protecting society from bears and protecting bears from society mimics Millie’s own confusing journey. For example, food is plentiful and easy to get in town, but it is also fraught with peril. Down From the Mountain will take readers on a journey through Big Sky country, but also offers an intimate glimpse into the vast ecosystem we share with all creatures.

Gabriel Morley is the executive director for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-730-1700. AFPLS.org

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Mayor’s Message

Alpharetta’s Current Success and Bright Future

By Mayor Jim Gilvin

lpharetta is a special place, and this fact has never been more obvious than over the last 12 months. Our community offers a unique blend of the perfect environment for building successful businesses along with a friendly, hospitable atmosphere to live and raise a family. Such a combination inspires people from all over the world to call Alpharetta home. As great as this city is now, the future is even brighter. The much-anticipated City Center project, approved by voters in 2011, finally opened last year. The restaurants, shops, and special events now accessible in our downtown attract countless families, neighbors, and shoppers to share in the exceptional sense of community Alpharetta has to offer. With new shops and restaurants opening all over downtown every week, more is still to come. Thankfully, the new west side parking deck on Milton Avenue will soon provide additional parking spaces for those who visit downtown every day. Also, Alpharetta’s progress is not limited to downtown revitalization efforts. Our professional staff members are working closely with the owners of North Point Mall and neighboring properties to help write the next chapter. Plans for an exciting new district where people will be able to live, work, play, and shop have been recently approved. The new development

will be another highly walkable environment in Alpharetta where asphalt parking lots give way to public green spaces and walking trails. The evolvement in and around the North Point Mall area brings Alpharetta a renewed sense of energy, thus continuing to attract people and businesses looking for the ideal combination of technology and green space. As all these exciting projects start to take shape, the City is making tremendous progress on the transportation plans needed to support them. Improvements for Rucker, Mayfield, and Morris Roads are already underway. We are working closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation to relieve congestion on GA 400 with four new flex lanes that will assist in enhancing the flow

of traffic and give transit a chance to improve mobility throughout our region. Lastly, collaboration with the State and neighboring communities is in process to increase capacity on our major east and west corridors such as Old Milton Parkway, McGinnis Ferry Road, and Haynes Bridge Road. Yes, the last 12 months have been amazing. The future of Alpharetta is very bright, and we look forward to another extraordinary year. L

ALPHARETTA Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Jim Gilvin is the mayor of Alpharetta. 678-297-6010. JGilvin@alpharetta. ga.us, Alpharetta.Ga.us

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COVER STORY By Marsha Cornelius

Let the

Sunshine In “Let the sunshine in.” That’s the mantra of today’s homeowner. Contemporary houses now have expansive floor-toceiling windows, twostory window walls, and skylights. But what is all that sunlight doing to your interior? It’s disheartening to spend thousands of dollars on furniture only to have the colors fade in just a few years. And what about those hardwood floors and fabulous area rugs that tie the room together? They all can lose their luster and color to ultraviolet (UV) light. Those UV rays are the culprit that damage furniture, floors, paint, and wallpaper. The only solution used to be blinds, sheers, or sheers and heavy drapes, and then valances and tiebacks. The list goes on, and the cost mounts up. Even those expensive drapes can be damaged by the sun. And let’s not delve into the last time you dusted those blinds or had your drapes professionally steam cleaned.

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

It’s ironic that the window treatments utilized to block those harmful UV rays are also blocking your view of the backyard, the pool, or the lush shrubs and garden area you so painstakingly planned. Want an alternative that blocks out 99% of the UV rays but not your view? Consider having your windows professionally tinted. No, not that film that wrinkles and bubbles and peels off, but state-of-theart nanoceramic window films offered by All Pro Window Tinting. Chris DeLuca is the owner of All Pro Window Tinting, a business he started in 2007. DeLuca received extensive training in the tinting process and made sure his staff was professionally trained as well. He has been working with window tinting since he was 11 years old, helping with the family business after school and during summers, so he knows what he’s doing. “I have lots of years of installations,” DeLuca says. “We work for all different client types, including some very high-end customers, who are meticulous about what they want. This has made me and my company the ‘quality-over-quantity’ company for the last 10plus years.”

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It’s not just the UV. Temperatures in the Atlanta area can reach the 90s during the summer months. By tinting your windows, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs appreciably. Tinting can make your home 20 degrees cooler depending on the glass type and films used. How often do you close your blinds while watching your favorite TV show? By tinting, you will reduce the glare on your televisions and computer screens. Tinting will also enhance the value of your home and increase your privacy and safety. What about my business? Why offer window seating if customers suffer from the heat and glare of that harsh morning and afternoon sun? Are you constantly adjusting shades or blinds to keep your customers comfortable? Or paying to run ceiling fans that must be dusted frequently? Consider tinting those windows. Not only will your customers appreciate your thoughtfulness, but you’ll save money.

Look at all the benefits of tinting:

Deters vandalism Provides privacy from onlookers Keeps carpet from fading Prevents computer damage Protects furnishings/artwork/hardwood floors Saves on heating and cooling costs

Can All Pro tint my car windows? Definitely. All Pro Window Tinting is a full-service company. Professional installers will be happy to service your car at their shop in Canton. They offer expert installation and provide several different shades of tint. This tinting will reduce glare for a safer ride, block out heat to increase comfort, prevent fading of your interior by blocking 99% of UV rays, deter vandalism, and provide privacy from onlookers. The tinted surface can even keep glass together when damaged.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Not only will All Pro tint your windows, the company can actually protect your car’s paint finish with smart-surface science that protects your entire car. All Pro’s Crystal Serum Ultra gives matchless levels of gloss and surface slickness, along with swirl and chemical resistance.

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Testimonials “I had window tinting done on all my family room windows in 2003. The film became streaky, and so the windows always looked dirty. I had mentioned this to a friend who recommended All Pro Window Tinting. Chris came out promptly and gave me a reasonable price for both removing the old film and applying a new, much better-quality film to the family room windows and also to my kitchen windows. Chris helped me pick the right tint for the job, and the installation was flawless. I tinted the windows to reduce sun exposure on items in the house and reduce the glare on our TV screen. I am thrilled with how much better the view is with the addition of the tinting. Chris was professional, friendly, and prompt, and I would definitely use their services again.” Trisha – Cumming, GA

“Quality is our reputation.” Chris DeLuca may be the owner, but he’s not sitting in an office. He’ll personally show up at your residence or business to discuss your tinting needs. “We have a solution for every problem,” DeLuca says. “That’s because we do things differently.”

“I selected All Pro Window Tinting for my beach house. Wish I had done it years ago, but all I can say is thank goodness I finally got around to it. What a difference; you could feel an immediate drop in temperature inside the house. I didn’t think the view of the beach could be any better, but honestly, looking through the tinting, the colors are brighter, and everything just looks clearer. The product is amazing, but equally important was the quality of service. Chris and the whole team were so responsive. They worked around my schedule and made the entire process so easy. I was so impressed that I have recommended them to my place of business, and I think that says it all.” Denise – Atlanta, GA

“I have done business with All Pro Window Tinting for the past five years and have truly enjoyed my experiences with them. They handle themselves professionally, show up on time, and do great work! I would recommend them in a heartbeat. I’m a very happy customer.” Lynne, Blinds by Design, LLC – Ellijay, GA

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

Don’t let his shorts and colorful polo shirt fool you. His casual demeanor is meant to put you at ease, but it certainly doesn’t mean he’s not a professional. “I may have a sales call at nine o’clock, but my next stop might be at a site we’re installing. I could be working right alongside my crew to insure we do the best job in a timely manner.” DeLuca will spend plenty of time listening to your needs and wants before he makes recommendations to suit your situation. “For one thing,” he says, “darker is not better. Our products are designed to give you back the rooms you love without adding unnecessary darkness.” Once you have determined what you need, DeLuca will hand you an estimate right then and there. It’s all a part of his hands-on approach to customer service, whether it’s your home, your business, or your vehicles.

AllProWindowTinting.com

| 770-479-8468

3025 Holly Springs Parkway

1100 Peachtree Street NE, #200

205 Hembree Circle Drive

Canton, GA 30115

Atlanta, GA 30309

Roswell, GA 30076

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Milton Notes

The

“Burning Hams” Crossroads T

By Laura Bentley

ravelers in the mid-1800s passed through a little community now known as Birmingham Crossroads and remarked that they were often greeted by the aroma of meat cooking in nearby log homes. They described the scent as “burning hams.” According to an article written by a roving reporter in 1960, that is how many old-timers believe the Birmingham area of Milton got its name.

In the article, Wade McCurry denied that the area was named for Birmingham, Alabama, or Birmingham, England. The small farming settlement got its name and post office soon after the Civil War. The community was a popular stopping place for farmers from the mountain regions on their way to sell their produce in Atlanta. McCurry described pitched tents that looked like a campsite. Back then, everyone in the area grew cotton. The community included a school, a store, and a Baptist and Methodist church, which are still located on their original sites. Another center of activity in those days was an old home in the middle of the community that served as a boarding house, hospital, post office, and livery stable. The restored structure, now called the Newton house, sits on the southwest corner of the Birmingham Crossroads.

Charna. For decades, the McCurrys have lived near the Buice’s Store, which was built in 1930. Many businesses have called the old store “home.” Over the years, you could find plows, harrows, bush hogs, trailers, firewood, snorting pigs, feed, seed, or antiques at the old store. In more recent years, you might have enjoyed a cup of gourmet coffee in the old store. As of May 2019, it’s home to a locally owned restaurant. The McCurrys have seen profound changes to their neighborhood, yet remain welcoming and cheerful. The basis for their positive outlook is that change is inevitable. They also believe that sometimes new things enhance the specialness of a community. The mini-sized grocery store, commonly referred to as “baby Publix,” and the restoration of historic structures for a restaurant and modern-day offices are examples of good change. “These things are an outgrowth of natural progress and enhance the uniqueness of the Crossroads and benefit the entire community,” Doug said.

Doug and Charna McCurry

back in those days at the Birmingham Crossroads, he spoke of an old-time frolic dance, stating, “The fiddlers were wonderful; it was the most fun we ever had. I’d like to go tonight.” So, the next time you pass through the Birmingham Crossroads, slow down, wave to the McCurrys, and imagine the aroma of burning hams and the echo of frolicking fiddles from years past. The modern-day Birmingham Crossroads is pretty special, too. L

Laura Bentley is a councilwoman for District 2/Post 1 for the City of Milton, Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678-242-2495. CityOfMiltonGa.us

When Doug’s grandfather was asked by a reporter what they did for entertainment

In 1981, Doug McCurry, the grandson of Wade McCurry, returned to live on his grandfather’s turnof-the-century farm and continues to reside there with his wife,

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Dealing With the Beach Condo

By Marianna I. Chaet, Esq.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

[StrategicLife] We all like to get away. Many people purchase out-of-state vacation properties to do just that. They often consider the tax consequences of the purchase but do not give much thought to the effect it will have on their estate planning. If a person passes away with real estate in his or her name, then his/her executor may have to get authority to act on behalf of the estate in that state. Some states accept the doctrine of “muniments of title,” which means they accept the home state’s probate and do not require a new probate for the executor. Other states require the executor to open a second probate matter. In either case, the executor must deal with multiple attorneys in multiple states to transfer the property. A common way to fix this problem is to create a trust, and record a deed placing the out-of-state property into the trust.

The property owner still has full control of the property during his or her lifetime as trustee of his or her trust. However, when the property owner passes away, the property flows outside probate because it is in the name of the trust. The trust’s successor can then deal with the property without having to open multiple probates. If a person owns property in multiple states without a trust, then the executor’s job becomes exponentially more expensive and time consuming, as he or she must get court permission to act in multiple states. Putting out-of-state property into a trust saves that person time and stress.

Marianna I. Chaet is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, P.C., 11800 Amber Park Drive, Suite 130, Alpharetta. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com

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Exchange of Heart

Our Year With Maite

By Mandy Marger

ike most good things, sponsoring an exchange student was not planned. A local Facebook group published a post

looking for a family to take in an exchange student in our school district. The year had already started, and her first family had not worked out as expected. After reaching out to ask for how long, my family quickly made the decision to help.

Approval Process & Preparation

Because of the emergency situation, the approval process was pretty rapid, but it was still extremely thorough. The application was detailed and extensive but not tedious. My husband and I submitted background checks and scheduled an in-person home visit. Taryn Evans, the local coordinator for EF (Education First) Exchange was very helpful and addressed all our questions and concerns. As we moved through the process, though we felt called to move forward, the doubt of feasibility was ever present. We believed ourselves to be “very busy” with our own sixth-grade twins, work, and other sport and social engagements, and we wondered how we could layer another active life into our family schedule. In talking to Taryn, we discovered that she had a full-time job and five children (including twin toddlers and a special-needs teen), and she took in two exchange students at the same time. Thus, we had no excuse to not be able to make this work.

Maite & Dave

Since we had recently redecorated our guest bedroom, our house was ready. Soon, a 16-year-old girl from the Basque region of northern Spain would move into our home. For many reasons, we were apprehensive. After her shaky start, we expected a scared, wounded young girl. But instead, brave Maite showed up, and after a brief welcome and house tour, she began folding the family underwear alongside me on the couch.

Getting to Know Our Exchange Student

We were on our best behavior in the early days — keeping things neat, being courteous to one another, eating healthy home-cooked

Welcome home!

Flags around the world ney ents Phin r a p t s o H Maite dy with n a M d n a

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

“Sisters” on Cumberland Island

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meals, and acting as a family “should.” We also got to know Maite’s parents via Facebook and FaceTime, and of course, we quizzed her about her home and culture. However, real life couldn’t wait long, and the usual stresses of a dirty house, inevitable family conflicts, and our casual everyday way of living reemerged. What I thought would be awkward, Maite made easy. One night, after she had lived with us a short while, she was headed downstairs to her room for the evening, and we wished each other a good night. I thought of my own children, and how I still tucked them in every night. If my kids were far away, I’d hope someone would give them that physical reminder of love, so I went downstairs. I told Maite I could no longer send her to bed without a hug, and so we did.

School Life

Because of her outgoing nature, Maite was quick to make friends. She was also a great student. EF brings in all students as juniors, so they may participate in upperclassmen activities, and the organization has strict academic expectations. She was also a successful member of the varsity swim and track teams. As the year went on, Maite had more opportunities for typical American teen activities and attended parties and hung out with friends. Having been unexpectedly thrust into parenting a high school teenager, my husband and I found ourselves worrying about unfamiliar things like new friends, teen drivers, and staying out too late. Tragically, a fellow student was killed in an accident. Maite had met him on a few occasions and had become close to some of his friends. She found herself a stranger, thousands of miles from home, surrounded by kids who were affected in ways they were too young to understand or handle. We, too, were unprepared, but we connected with Maite’s parents from afar and rallied around her to provide support.

Part of the Family

From the beginning, Maite was great at making herself a part of our family. She became a true sibling to our twins, both supporting and ribbing them in good measure. Many other exchange students in the area had host siblings or fellow exchange students in the house that were close to the same age, whereas Maite only had our 11-year-old twins to keep her company. One evening, I apologized that we didn’t have any friends in the house like other exchange students had. From her heart, Maite replied, “I do have friends; they’re upstairs sleeping.” My husband and I have grown to feel the same protective instinct for Maite as we do for our biological children. I’ve enjoyed many mature talks with her about her perspective on life, her culture, and her future. I kept hugging her good night every evening, and I sent her away each morning with a kiss on the cheek and a “love you.”

What’s Next?

As the end of the school year drew near, we avoided talking about what came next. We felt the impending loss – we were going to lose a family member. We were lucky that Maite could join us on one final family trip, and we enjoyed a week at the beach as one big happy family. Two days later, we packed up a year’s worth of memories into bulging suitcases, said tearful goodbyes, and sent our “daughter” home. We’re already making plans to visit Maite and her family in Spain in a year. What began as a casual Facebook comment became such a good experience that we decided to do it again for the 2019-20 school year. This time, we’re bringing in a “brother” named David, with whom we already video chat – Maite included. By design, he’s also from northern Spain, so in future travels to see our EF kids, we can enjoy large family reunions near the Bay of Biscay. For more information about hosting a foreign exchange student with EF Exchange, contact Taryn Evans at 678-448-8631 or EvansFamilyInGa@aol.com. You can also visit EFExchangeYear.org.

Host siblings P.J. & Arliss

Swim team friends

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The Way I See It —

Milestones and Interventions By Andrea Cottos, M.S., O.T.R./L

[HealthyLife] Visual perception and oculomotor deficits are prominent problems that are frequently overlooked and mislabeled as behavior issues, disinterest, inattention, and/or learning disabilities in children. As most early vision tests indicate, visual perception (VP) is more than just 20/20 vision. It is the skillset used to gather visual information, integrate it with our other senses, and derive meaning from what we see. It is vital to reading, understanding directions, copying, visual memory, hand-eye coordination, and much more. It has three components. If you suspect a visual perceptual or oculomotor dysfunction, contact an occupational therapist for assistance.

Andrea Cottos is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

1. Visual Spatial Skills This includes understanding visual space through directions (left, right, below, etc.), as one’s body relates to the outside world/how objects relate to one another. Signs of Visual Spatial Dysfunction - Appears clumsy - Difficulty learning left/right - Makes reversals - Avoids reaching across the body 2. Visual Analysis Skills This includes identifying, sorting, organizing, retaining, and recalling visual information. Signs of Visual Analysis Deficits - Difficulty learning/remembering letters, numbers, words - Mistakes words with similar beginnings - Appears distracted or has ADD/ ADHD - Difficulty comprehending/following instructions - Difficulty understanding quantity concepts (length, volume, mass, etc.)

3. Visual Integration Skills This includes integration of visual input with other senses. The most pertinent visual-motor integration (VMI) is coordination with visual perception for gross or fine motor movements (handeye coordination). VMI is necessary for ball skills (hitting/catching), self-care tasks (tying shoes), and academia (writing, drawing, computing, and typing). Signs of Visual Motor Integration Deficits - Poor penmanship (often with an inappropriate grasp) - Frequent erasures, poor identification of mistakes - Disorganization While VP skills are necessary for learning, without oculomotor skills, the mechanism of taking in and storing information is not possible. Deficits may lead to blurred vision, difficulty following/shifting lines while reading, seeing double, burning/tearing eyes, eye fatigue, and headaches, to name a few. Three Primary Eye Movements - Saccades — moving over a stationary target (“jumping” between specific points). - Pursuits — smooth movements separate from head and body to follow a target. - Vergence — aiming both eyes together on a target, as it moves closer/farther away.

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By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] For many, July means national celebrations and summertime fun. We may have started shopping for our holiday needs, but do we really want to think about it already? The answer is yes! Well, at least for your holiday travel plans. July is the perfect time to start thinking about, planning, and booking holiday travel. Traveling during the holidays can be a beautiful way to experience this time of the year with your family and friends, but it tends to sell out quickly, so planning early is a must. For those who enjoy cooler weather and really want to celebrate the beauty of the season, nothing is better than a Holiday Markets River Cruise. During December, Viking Cruise Lines offers two different Danube itineraries for the Holiday Markets. Both itineraries allow you to take in the sights, aromas, and shopping in this picturesque part of Europe:

•The “Romantic Danube” itinerary

starts in Nuremberg, Germany, and finishes in Budapest, Hungary. Guests visit Austria with the option to begin or end with a few days in Prague, Czech Republic.

•The “Danube Waltz” itinerary starts in

Passau, Germany and ends in Budapest, Hungary. This option allows guests to spend more time in Austria and visit Bratislava, Slovakia.

The Danube offers some of the longest running Christmas markets anywhere in Europe. There is nothing like sipping on warm spiced wine while strolling through beautifully decorated grounds to shop for unique gifts. The markets offer many goods made locally such as jewelry, handblown ornaments, crystal vases, textiles, and delicious food items. Be sure to pack an extra bag for the treasures you find. Others may prefer to leave the cold behind and head to the Caribbean. Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a few different sevennight, Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises over Christmas. If you find you have more time available, there

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

is a lovely 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise that covers Christmas and New Year’s Day. Travelling over the holidays with family is a memorable way to spend the season without all the stress. All cruise lines decorate their ships in full holiday regalia. Some cruise lines, like Crystal Cruises, travel with a priest and sometimes a rabbi, which allows holiday services to take place on board. Whether you prefer a snowy holiday or a sunny one, cruising is a perfect way to spend quality time together — there’s something for everyone. And, it will feel great to have all your Christmas shopping finished! L

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

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Bringing Joy to Your Family This Summer! “We are not in the decorated cake business. We are in the joy-giving business. We give joy with our one-of-a-kind, crafted-by-hand Bundt cakes and our warm servant’s heart. We inspire our guests to give joy, to bring it proudly into every room they enter, and to know their joy will ripple forward from one circle to the next. We support, indulge, and honor this. We see opportunity for joy giving everywhere. We celebrate the small, the everyday, and the “just because” joys! And when the big moment comes, we rise to the occasion and exceed it. Smiles, hugs, tears, and laughs – this is our menu. Nothing Bundt Cakes is more than a stop on someone’s checklist. We are where you turn when you want to give a little more, so others can feel a little more. Our gift to the world does not come from an oven, our gift comes from the soul.” – Gloria Mattei - Nothing Bundt Cakes - Alpharetta

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ade fresh daily, using only the finest ingredients available, Nothing Bundt Cakes combines great taste and creative presentations that appeal not only to taste buds but to all five senses. With 11 flavors (including a gluten-free option) and four different decorated cake sizes, guests are greeted by the aroma of freshly baked Bundt cakes the minute they cross the store threshold. Phone and online orders are also available for customer convenience. Zesty lemons and sweet raspberries create this summer’s most refreshing flavor. Lemon raspberry is the perfect combination of two of Nothing Bundt Cake’s top selling flavors, making it a popular seasonal addition for guests to enjoy.

Nothing Bundt Cakes - Alpharetta 5230 Windward Parkway, Suite 102 Milton, GA 30004 678-366-1445 NothingBundtCakes.com

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

Visit the “Bundtique” for exclusive gift ideas.

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Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

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“If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them.” -Michael Bassey Johnson

Quotables

“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” -Benjamin Franklin

“Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.” -Abraham Lincoln “Better to die on one’s feet than to live on one’s knees.” -Jean-Paul Sartre

“A concept is a brick. It can be used to build a courthouse of reason. Or it can be thrown through the window.” -Gilles Deleuze

“I have found both freedom and safety in my madness: the freedom of loneliness and the safety from being understood, for those who understand us enslave something in us.” -Kahlil Gibran

“The unhappiest people in this world are those who care the most about what other people think.” -C. JoyBell C.

“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.” -Geena Davis

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ArtistProfile BY HANNAH OLSON

rom wedding coordinator to police officer, Megan Austin held a surprising variety of jobs before discovering her passion for jewelry design. As a student, she majored in computer graphics. Now, she spends 11 months out of the year crafting unique jewelry pieces and traveling to art shows across the United States. During her interview, Austin was wearing a pendant she made with her children’s birthstones set in silver. Each of the oblong, cabochon stones in the pendant were presented close to their natural shape. Unlike most commercial jewelers who order gems cut to standard fittings, Austin crafts her jewelry around the unique shape of each stone to preserve their beauty and value. Of the many varieties of gemstones Austin cuts and polishes, her expertise is ammolite, larimar, turquoise and, her all-time favorite, opal. Austin’s love for polishing stones began in childhood, but she did not seriously consider a career as a juried artist until she set up her first display in 2010 at the Woodstock Market. Since then, she has filled her calendar with a range of juried and non-juried shows as far south as Florida and as far north as New York. Austin’s jewelry-making process is surprisingly eco-friendly. She personally retrieves her gemstones from mines in Georgia and North Carolina. She is also a certified precious metal clay (PMC) instructor. Austin uses silver and gold PMC in her jewelry settings. She explains how scientists at Mitsubishi developed a way to combine noble metals from recycled computer components with organic clay to create the malleable product known as PMC. The easily sculpted PMC makes it possible for artists to craft detailed silver and gold settings for pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and other fine pieces. Once sculpted, the PMC is dried then fired in a kiln, which burns out the clay and leaves a pure gold or silver product. Austin enjoys her private collection of necklaces, including her children’s birthstones, and often wears her treasured pieces while on show tour. Her hand-sculpted mermaid pendant is especially popular among patrons who frequently request copies of the mythical sea creature. Austin was overjoyed to demonstrate how she forms a mermaid from PMC. The commissioned piece she was working on featured a dolphin and mermaid embracing the top and bottom of a large pearl. The application process for a juried art show is intense, and the submissions are an ongoing process for Austin. “For every show I get into,” she said, “I’ve applied to three that I didn’t get into.” Austin is at shows three to four weekends out of every month throughout the year. While her production schedule can be demanding, Austin enjoys the broad base of patronage and peer networking opportunities that nationwide art shows offer. For more information about Austin’s work, email Md_Design@rocketmail.com, or visit MDJewelryDesign.com.

Hannah Olson is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt. edu/Graduate/MFA-CW

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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The engineering major asks, “How does it work?” The business major asks, “How much will it cost?”

By Jonathan Good, Ph.D.

The liberal arts major asks, “Do you want fries with that?”

Most liberal arts majors have heard some version of this joke, and it’s always annoying — in part because it’s somewhat true. The joke points to the dual purpose of higher education: does it exist to preserve “the best that has been thought and said” in our culture? To teach young people how to think and about what it means to be human? To open new vistas in human understanding? Or does it exist to prepare people for paid employment? At one point, you could have both — a bachelor’s degree in any subject

North Fulton Family Life | JULY 2019

signaled that its holder was diligent and intelligent, and thus, suitable for whitecollar work. Unfortunately, at some point in the 20th century, politicians noticed that university graduates enjoyed a higher status and standard of income, so they figured that if everyone went to university, then everyone could enjoy a higher status and standard of income. They sponsored a vast expansion in higher education, both in terms of the number of university campuses built and in the number of people who were able to attend through grants and loans to help cover their tuition.

Universities were happy to play along. In fact, it is a major reason why university tuition fees have risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past 40 years or so. Universities are not charities; they are businesses. And even though they are not-for-profit, they hate leaving money on the table. If you get a student loan, the university will make sure that it gets every penny of that loan. Someone must pay for the new football stadium. Alas, for the graduates themselves, the law of diminishing returns kicked in. Once bachelor’s degrees became both more common and more expensive, it

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meant that students could not afford to spend their undergraduate years developing a personal life philosophy and still expect that their degree would be worth something in the job market. Instead, their degree had to start paying off immediately. Thus, technical and professional majors, which prepare graduates for specific fields like business management or information technology, really started to take off. Even people who were interested in the liberal arts felt they had to major in something “practical,” out of fear for their livelihood. Now, it should be said that universities have not completely abandoned their other cultural purpose. They will generally require students to take a few liberal arts courses in such subjects as history, English, philosophy, or religion for the sake of polish or breadth. People who want to major in these subjects, however, are regularly condescended to. One guest speaker at Reinhardt University recently said, “What’s the difference between a liberal arts major and a pizza? A pizza can feed a family of four!” However, as most liberal arts professors can safely attest — based on the success of many of their past students — this view is not accurate. For one, it does no one any good to major in a subject he/she hates. Better to pursue something that you’re really

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interested in and graduate than to drop out on account of tedium. Secondly, the skills acquired in the pursuit of a liberal arts degree are transferrable to a wide range of careers. Chief among these is the ability to pull information from a variety of sources, to synthesize it, and to present it in a coherent and eloquent manner. A Reinhardt University history graduate, who is a project manager at ProSys Information Systems, says that his literacy and communication skills are “superior to almost everyone I work with,” and credits the history program for preparing him for his job. Another graduate worked as a property analyst in Atlanta. His employers were glad to hear that he was a liberal arts major because they knew he could think through problems and analyze situations. As he says, “Every day, I craft proposals and analyses that need to be articulate and persuasive.” Of course, success in the job market still depends on the exercise of a certain amount of initiative. Holding an internship in a field you’d like to enter, developing contacts there, and marketing oneself through LinkedIn are all useful. Minoring in something technical can also be a good idea. But knowing how to think and knowing how to write will stand you in good stead wherever you end up — whether that’s in business, higher education, law enforcement, public administration, teaching, ministry, or health care to name a few of the fields liberal arts graduates have found careers in. Long after

this year’s hot programming language has been made obsolete, liberal arts graduates will still have the ability to “see around corners,” in the words of Kevin Reinhart, professor of religion at Dartmouth College. Blogger Joe Asch concurs, saying that, “Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” It might take some effort to find your first job as a liberal arts major, but chances are, you’ll end up performing very well in it.

“Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” -Joe Asch, Blogger

Dr. Jonathan Good is a professor of history at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Reinhardt.edu

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[StrategicLife] Whether it’s taking weekend trips on a moment’s notice, or running in top marathons, we all want to live life our way. Typically, that requires money. In the last two articles, setting financial goals, determining a budget, and plugging spending leaks were covered – all with the idea of putting more money in your pocket to live the life you want to live. In this final installment, you’ll learn ways to save more money, which will increase your ability to pay for the things that are important to you. 1. Pay yourself first. Every time you are paid, take your budgeted savings amount out before you have a chance to spend a dime. Even easier, set up automatic transfers to your savings account, so you never see the money in your spending account. And don’t forget to choose a savings vehicle that earns a good interest rate. 2. Reduce your debt. Many financial advisers suggest that your monthly payments to debt should not exceed 20% of your net income. If you can reduce that figure, all the better. It’s no secret that compounded interest on a loan or credit card can add up to a substantial amount of money

over time. That is money that could be spent on more fulfilling aspects of life. If you have accumulated debt, your local credit union can likely consolidate it into one loan at a lower interest rate, thereby helping you pay it down faster. 3. Find ways to save. There are all kinds of ways to save a dollar here and there without feeling deprived. Sign up for every rewards program. Most retailers are willing to reward you for shopping with them. Simply set up an email account for all your rewards emails and check it regularly for coupons. Switch financial institutions. Compare fees and rates from your bank to other financial institutions such as credit unions. It’s very possible you could be saving on fees and earning more on your checking and savings accounts – all areas that add up over time. Make gifts instead of buying. Things like candles, baked goods, soap, and other goodies will be more appreciated if you made them yourself, and you’ll save money at the same time.

PART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES Use the 24-hour rule. This means waiting 24 hours before making any impulse purchase, especially those online. You’ll be surprised at how many times you change your mind. Invite friends over instead of going out. You’ll save big bucks on the restaurant and enjoy your friends all the same. In the end, it’s all about spending less money on the unimportant things in life and saving more for the important ones. We all want to live our best life. By making some simple changes, you’ll be rewarded with more money in your pocket and a more fulfilling life ahead. L

Jamie Mackrell is the Roswell Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union. 1010 Mansell Road, Roswell. 770-424-0060. JamieM@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org

By Jamie Mackrell

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta & Milton

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P atriotic / Americana Roswell Photographic Society is one of the most active photography clubs in metro Atlanta offering educational speakers, critiques, workshops, field trips and gallery space in seven venues to display your images. Members range from photographic beginners to working professionals. The club is sponsored and supported by the Roswell Adult Recreation Center through the City of Roswell. Meetings are FREE and open to anyone.

Jeffrey Mitchell

Van Redmond

Michael Amos

Carlos Jansenson

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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings

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426 S. Atlanta Street, Suite 100 Roswell 770-248-9215 Dentist Office

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Mountain Motorsports – Roswell

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10885 Alpharetta Highway Roswell 770-664-0820 Powersports Dealership

951 Mansell Road Roswell 678-878-3004 Pet Boarding

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595 Atlanta Street, Suite C Roswell 404-725-2632 Photography

135 Norcross Street Roswell 678-870-2020 Medical Professionals

Congratulations and best wishes! from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties 33 South Main Street, Suite 201 Alpharetta 770-475-0505 Real Estate

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Community Partners

The mission of the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) is to bridge the gap between hope and opportunity by educating and enriching the lives of those affected by organ transplant. GTF was founded in 1992 by transplant recipient Tommy Smith, who saw firsthand the tremendous financial impact that transplantation can have on individuals and their families. Smith gathered a team of health care professionals with the goal of providing emergency financial assistance, so that no one would ever go without the medications needed to maintain a lifesaving organ transplant.

GTF’s Financial Assistance Program awards grants for transitional, short-term support to alleviate the financial burden of organ transplantation. The average cost of post-transplant medications is $26,300 each year. The annual cost of lab work, biopsies, hospital visits, and follow-up medical care is more than $60,000. Financial assistance grants are used to fund the exorbitant costs of daily essential medications, health care insurance premiums, travel to and from the transplant hospital, and household costs incurred during the time of transplant.

Located in Roswell, GTF collaborates with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont HealthCare, and Augusta University Health to provide vital services for Georgia’s population. Seven GTF staff members assist more than 2,000 patients annually through $1.9 million in financial assistance grants and services. In Georgia, there are currently more than 18,185 pediatric and adult transplant recipients, 3,900 living donors, and 5,316 organ failure patients waiting to receive a lifesaving organ transplant.

Additionally, GTC offers patients and caregivers support programs to promote optimal health, academic successes, effective coping skills, emotional well-being, and a strong and supportive family unit.

GTF provides funding for essential post-transplant medications, health insurance premiums, housing costs, transportation to and from transplant centers, and emergency expenses. In addition to financial assistance, GTF also provides a complete range of services to Georgia’s transplant population, including statewide health care education conferences, transplant fundraising programs, career counseling and training, mentoring, tutoring, marriage counseling, and academic scholarships.

Physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, and other health care experts provide transplant patients with information on community resources and other treatment opportunities at the Trends in Transplant health care conferences, which are held in six cities across Georgia. GTC awards nine academic scholarships to deserving transplant patients to help with the costs of tuition and books. The Mentor Program pairs trained mentors with newly diagnosed patients to promote peer support. The JumpStart Program provides job readiness skills, so that patients may re-enter the workforce after a lengthy hospitalization and recovery. Today, Georgia Transplant Foundation is the primary source for transplant patient assistance and support for all solid organ transplantation in Georgia. GTF is a 501(c)(3) organization funded through the generosity of foundations like the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, corporations, and individuals. All funds raised support Georgia residents who are transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, or their families. More than 85 cents on every dollar directly supports client services. Georgia Transplant Foundation 2201 Macy Drive Roswell, GA 30076 678-514-1180 GaTransplant.org

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