WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
1
Contents
August 2016
VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1
20-22 On the Cover:
St. George Village
24-25
Sportsmanship More than the Game
26-27
Game Time North Fulton HS Football Schedules
[20-22] [24-25] 04
.......................... Perspective
06
............................. Calendar
10
........................ Book Review
11
....................... Business Life
12
................... Senator Speaks
18
.................... Mayor’s Minute
30
......................... Artist Profile
36
............... Community Partner
38
................... Ribbon Cuttings
Cover photo: Byron and Nancy Safstrom
2
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
3
Publisher’s Perspective
S
ome days, sitting in my office, it can be hard to concentrate on one of the many items on my task list. As my fellow employees would truthfully tell you, I may, at times, get completely off task altogether. There seems to be an abundance of “squirrels” in the life of Jack, so I find myself deferring to the needs of my trusty dog, Riley, for a reason to step out, enjoy the outdoors and reset in order to move forward. Supposedly, that puts me in the same category as an out-of-date computer in need of an upgrade or one that has too much information spinning across the drive. One of the best things about having this canine in the office is that she never complains about taking the blame for anything. As CEO, canine executive officer, if she needs to go for a walk, that’s what we do. If Riley wants to go outside, we go outside. Riley may need to go meet with other office-working dogs nearby, and we will gladly make that happen. Recently, Janet even asked where my “Perspective” column was, and I let her know that I had left a message with Riley about that, and she had yet to get back with me. Riley lets no worry or blame bother her. She helps me find time within the puzzle of my plans. I’ve grown very appreciative of the lesson. When Family Life started just over three years ago, we actually put a rule on the books for each of us to get outside each day, for at least ten minutes, and enjoy something that we all share — the outdoors. There is peace and renewal that can only be had when we set the daily hustle aside and spend time within our personal space. Plan time to escape; get distracted by the wonders each day provides. There will always be more to do; create opportunities to change it up a bit. Be sure to embrace the beauty and simple wonders around you. Enjoy every hour in some small way. You may find that more patience, understanding and kindness fill your heart, and more peace fills your day.
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com Rachel Sprouse, Intern Rachel@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Mayor Mike Bodker Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Amanda Kossick, Fred Hawkins, Robbie Matiak, Christy Noll, Brent Pickens, Debra Robinson, Mark Tolbert, Keely Woodford
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of 25,000, direct mailing over 23,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton.
4
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
E
IS
E R EC Y C
M AG A ZI
N
TH
© 2016 All rights reserved.
AS
LE
Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
PLE
The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
A Birthday Gift FOR YOUR
18-Year-Old By Debra Robinson If someone you love is about to turn eighteen, that’s the age a child becomes a legal adult in Georgia. An eighteen-year-old may be graduating from high school, starting a first job, headed off to college or just having fun. The future is exciting and unknown, and no one is thinking about bad things that might happen. However, bad things do happen. People have accidents or fall ill. If something happens to a young child, the parent or guardian has the
legal right to make medical decisions. But what most people don’t realize is that as soon as someone turns eighteen, under Georgia law, that eighteen-yearold is an adult. Under the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) privacy laws, health care providers are prohibited from disclosing an adult patient’s private medical information unless authorized by the court through a legal guardianship or authorized by the adult in writing. It doesn’t matter if you are a relative, even if you are the mother or father. In a Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care, an agent is named to make all health care decisions if the injured or ill adult is unable to communicate his wishes, and the agent is authorized under the HIPAA privacy laws to have access to all private medical information.
families find themselves in court, filing for guardianship. That process is expensive, delays access to needed medical information and causes additional distress for a family already going through a difficult time. The solution is simple. Before an eighteen-year-old heads off to college or out of the family home to an apartment, give him the gift of knowing his family will still be able to take care of him if he needs help. Have him sign an Advance Directive for Health Care. Having the document won’t prevent tragedy from happening, but it will enable a young adult to know he’ll have the protection of those who love him quickly available if it’s ever needed.
Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com
Without this important legal document,
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
5
Calendar
,
13
Movies at Newtown Park — FREE outdoor family fun, centered around a featured movie, presented on a huge, outdoor screen. Pre-show activities include inflatable moonwalk, face painting, children’s activities, give-a-ways, entertainment, food and drinks. 7:00 pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-521-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov
AUGUST Ongoing
Food Truck Alley — This weekly gathering (each Thursday) will take place on Old Roswell Street with a variety of rotating food trucks, music and fun children’s activities. Approximately six to eight food trucks will roll out some amazing eats with seating available on the street. 5:30-8:00 pm, parking available at 37 Old Roswell Street, Milton Center on Milton Avenue and 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta. 678297-6000. Alpharetta.Ga.us Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday morning through October, shop local at the Alpharetta Farmers Market, featuring food vendors including produce, grass-fed meats, cheese, baked goods and more. 8:30 am, 21 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com Johns Creek Farmers Market — Each Saturday morning through September, the market features more than 25 local farmers and vendors with organic and/ or sustainable foods and produce. 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200. JohnsCreekGa.gov Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market Each Saturday through October, shop local at the Roswell Farmers Market, featuring local artists and locally grown produce as well as other locally produced food items. 8:00 am-12:00 pm, City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. 404-492-9938. RoswellFam.com
14
Sundays on the River: The Bonaventure Quartet — The Bonaventure Quartet (BVQ) will be performing 100% Georgia grown music by Georgians for Georgians! 7:00 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
18 12
Lunchbox Gallery Artist Talk featuring Michael Dillon Michael Dillon is the artist of Avian, which is located at the Roswell Area Park Lake. This event is FREE and open to the public. 12:00 pm, Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. ArtAroundRoswell.com
13
Area 13.1/ Terrestrial 5K Proceeds from the Area 13.1/ Terrestrial 5K races support the Matthew E. Russell Foundation and Life Connection Ministries which provide help to the people of South Africa through education, feeding programs, educational libraries and much more. The Matthew E. Russell Foundation was created to honor the life of Matthew E. Russell and to continue to carry his legacy of the giving lifestyle. 7:00 pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. AlienHalf.com
13
Yoga at Town Square — This event is FREE and open to the public! 9:00-10:00 am, Town Square, 610 South Atlanta Street, Roswell. RoswellGov. com
6
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Alive in Roswell — This FREE festival features live bands, food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, balloons, etc. and enjoys participation from the many boutiques, small businesses and restaurants surrounding the venues. 5:00-9:00 pm, Historic Canton Street and Historic Roswell Town Square, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
20
Touch a Truck Alpharetta Every child’s imagination will soar as they explore the parking lot filled with trucks of all shapes and sizes including a fire truck, limo, dump truck, school bus, 18-wheeler and police vehicles! Kids can bounce around in inflatables, participate in interactive games, watch animal balloons be made and get their face painted! T-shirts and concessions will be available for sale. Please bring cash for food vendors. Parking and admission are free. 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway. 678-297-6130. Alpharetta.Ga.us
20
Bulky Trash Amnesty Day — Residents from Roswell and Milton can bring items such as tires, sofas, tables, refrigerators, chairs, washers and dryers, televisions etc. 8:00 am-12:00pm, City of Roswell, Public Works Division, 1810 Hembree Road, Roswell. 770-641-3715. RoswellGov.com
21
Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’, Benefitting the Drake House — Taste more than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream; dive into ice cream eating contests; enjoy live music, and let the kids work off their energy in the Kid’s Korner. 2:00-4:00 pm, Roswell Square, 600 block of Atlanta Street, Roswell. MissMarysIceCream.org/
25
Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K Run and Block Party — This is the 20th annual running of The Mayor’s Corporate Challenge. Come join in the fun, and experience Alpharetta’s walkable downtown, and enjoy the very popular Food Truck Alley & Live Music sponsored
by the City of Alpharetta. Race check-in begins at 5:30 pm, Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-557-1329. MayorsChallenge.com
25
Sunset Sips: City Mouse — City Mouse is the collective spirit of Atlanta-based talent, Brian Revels and Jenna Mobley. Born in the latter part of 2012, City Mouse is a spawn of too many nostalgic nights of conversations about a shared sense of appeal for the Americana music movement. 6:30-9:30 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org
26
Roswell Family Series Presents: Big Bang Boom! — Just in time to shake off the back-toschool blues, Big Bang Boom! will perform a high-impact, high-energy show that gets kids up and moving. This band consists of three talented dads – Chuck Folds (younger brother of Ben Folds), Steve Willard and Eddie Walker – who will play their original music that mixes alt-rock, hip-hop, punk and country, along with an array of Big Bang Boom-ified classic tunes. 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell. 770594-6232. RoswellCAC.com
27
MLB Play Ball — Mayor Mike Bodker will host Johns Creek youth as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) support of Major League Baseball’s “Play Ball” initiative. Participants will play in baseball activities during the event. FREE! 10:00-11:00 am, Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGA.gov
27
features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Come enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art and much more. 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Main Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com
27
Summer Concert Series: Savannah Jack — Enjoy live music during the Summer Concert Series at the Newtown Park Amphitheater. Multiple family-friendly concerts are free and open to the public. Food is available for purchase from food trucks.7:00 pm, Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200. JohnsCreekGA.gov
SEPTEMBER
2
Roswell Art District’s First Friday Art Walk — The galleries are all within walking distance, but for your convenience and enjoyment, a complementary trolley is offered! Please join RAD in celebrating the arts every First Friday. The Roswell Art District is home to over 8 art galleries! RoswellArtDistrict.com
3
Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series: Stephane Wrembel — The annual FREE Roswell Riverside Sounds concert series is on the first Saturday of each month, from May through October. There will be at least two food trucks on location for each concert. 7:00-9:00 pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, in Roswell. 770-6413705. RoswellGov.com
Alpharetta Art in the Park — This outdoor artists market WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
7
LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org ALPHARETTA
OCEE
10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-740-2425
5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770360-8897
MILTON 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402
ROSWELL
NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS
115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075
9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820
FICTION WRITING SERIES Wednesdays, August 3 to September 14, 6 -7:30 pm, Milton Local author Anju Gattani facilitates a workshop on how to write fiction. MIDDAY AT MILTON BOOK CLUB August 5, 12:00 pm, Milton This month’s book is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski. BOOK AND MOVIE SHARING SESSION
EAST ROSWELL
2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
August 6, 1:30 pm, East Roswell Have you read and/or watched anything good lately? This get together will let participants share their favorite book and movie titles, and get some names of new titles to experience. EARLY RISER STORYTIME FOR TOTS August 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10:15 am, NE/ Spruill Oaks Come for our weekly story time. Children will play, learn and explore through
interactive stories, songs, and finger plays. STORYTIME VISIT WITH THE TOOTH FAIRY August 9, 10:30 am, Ocee Come for a fun-filled story time with a visit from the tooth fairy. COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN PALLIATIVE/HOSPICE CARE August 9, 11:00 am, East Roswell Explore meanings of complimentary, alternative therapies in palliative hospice care. MILTON ASTRONOMY CLUB August 9, 6:00 pm, Milton This month will cover both Uranus and Neptune. KAISER PERMANENTE’S EDUCATIONAL THEATRE PRESENTS: MUMFERD’S SAFETY TALES August 10, 11:00 am, Milton Come in for another fun and interactive presentation as you help Mumferd learn how to stay safe! This is for ages 3-7. LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA August 11, 12:30 pm, Milton Laurey Sherman’s ACE series continues with this month’s topic and tells how to make peace with the here and now. 6 RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OPTIONS EVERY RETIREE MUST KNOW: PICKING THE RIGHT ONE AFTER YOU’VE LEFT YOUR JOB August 13, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, NE/Spruill Oaks Certified Financial Planner Elbert McWilliams provides a superb presentation, with no information about specific products or companies. SMART START HOME BUYING SEMINAR August 13 & 27, 10:30 am, Milton
8
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
A monthly class designed to calm the nerves with knowledge by explaining what you should expect when purchasing a home. FRIENDS OF THE ROSWELL LIBRARY BOOK SALE August 18-21, library hours, Roswell Come support the library by shopping at the Friends’ book sale. GREEN CLEANING August 18, 10:30-11:30 am, Ocee This is an informational program on how to make homemade cleaning supplies. HYPERTENSION August 18, 2:00 pm, Milton You’ll learn about hypertension, how to deal with and avoid it. Kristen Sumpter facilitates the session. WOMEN’S DIVORCE BOOT CAMP August 20, 10:00 am, Alpharetta A workshop designed to help women navigate through the process of divorce. Financial planners and other experts will speak and take questions. MYSTERY READERS’ BOOK CLUB August 23, 6:30 pm, Roswell What the Dead Know, by Laura Lippmann ETHICS OF HEALTH: FOCUS ON EMPATHY August 30, 1:00 pm, Roswell Medical professionals are not strangers to ethical dilemmas, but what role does empathy play in ethical decision making? In this informative presentation, you’ll learn about the factors that influence medical ethics. MEDICARE OPTIONS August 30, 6:00 pm, Milton Keith Nabb, president of Affordable Medicare Solutions and of the Gwinnett Senior Council, discusses this very important topic.
Is It Wiser to Keep Them or Remove Them? By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D. Many patients come into our office with retained wisdom teeth, and many of those patients are able to keep them healthy. For these patients, there’s typically no benefit to extracting their wisdom teeth. However, there are some reasons why it may be “wiser” to have them removed. In young people who’ve just completed orthodontic treatment, or are in the middle of it, wisdom teeth can cause misaligned teeth to reoccur. After the financial and time commitment of orthodontics, undoing that effort would be frustrating for the child and parent. Therefore, wisdom teeth should be extracted to prevent overcrowding, which could negatively affect your orthodontic work. Wisdom teeth are in the very back part of our mouths. It makes sense that we’d have a harder time keeping them clean. An accumulation of bacteria will cause cavities to form. These teeth are typically hard to access, making a filling or crown very difficult to restore to the ideal, healthy standards. Also, once a tooth has been restored, there is an additional margin (where the tooth and restoration meet) for more plaque to get stuck and cause further decay. So you end up investing a lot of money and time into teeth that are usually not necessary for proper oral functioning. In addition to cavities, wisdom teeth can be hot beds for periodontal bacteria. Since these teeth are very difficult to brush as well as the rest of our teeth, inflammation may occur without proper plaque removal. If this inflammation, or gingivitis, worsens and develops into periodontal disease, then bone loss may occur. These bacteria may affect adjacent teeth and cause an otherwise healthy tooth to become diseased as well. These are just a couple of common reasons why your dentist may recommend that it’s wiser to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Have your dentist perform an evaluation to decide if they are causing you more harm than good.
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010. DeMercyDental.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
9
Book Review BY ANNELL GERSON
In USA Today bestselling author and long-time Marietta resident Wendy Wax’s newest summer read, Sunshine Beach, Maddie, Avery and Nikki become friends out of necessity, as each has lost everything in a Ponzi scheme masterminded by none other than Nikki’s own brother. Prior to this economic hurricane, Maddie was a happy, suburban, stay-at-home mom. Avery, worked with her husband on a home improvement TV show, and Nikki was a jet-setting, upscale matchmaker. Now, without the curtain of financial security hiding the reality of their emotional lives, each must examine who they really are, and how they will survive. Despite their diverse backgrounds, or perhaps because of them, the women forge a tenacious friendship and work doggedly to rebuild not only their economic stability, but also their shattered emotional lives. Sunshine Beach finds the three friends and Maddie’s daughter, Kyra, in Pass-a Grille, Florida, anxiously hoping to begin their fourth restoration. This time, they’ve found a beachfront hotel left neglected since its heyday in the 50s. The owners of the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club are still living, but have left the hotel abandoned, partly because they’re haunted by childhood memories surrounding the tragedy that occurred there many years ago, and partly because they hope that modern science will one day help solve the mystery surrounding that same tragedy. Maddie, Avery and Nikki must first figure out a way to convince the owners to allow the renovation then raise the money for the construction. Then, they must find workers and a designer willing to work for almost nothing and hopefully, convince a television network to purchase the filming of the restoration. They’re talented, optimistic, creative and determined, but will it be enough to pull off their biggest restoration yet? Sunshine Beach is the fourth book in the Ten Beach Road series; however, each book easily stands on its own.
Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net
10
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Reid Trego recently opened Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®
Business
to help you navigate spectacular vacation experiences! *As part of the number one brand in travel, they promise to supply advice you can trust. They’re more than trained experts. Their vacation consultants are also passionate travelers and cruise enthusiasts who can share their experiences to create the best vacation experience for you. They also supply the best choices and prices, offering every cruise option, from the fantastic value of the most popular lines, to luxury and river cruises. Additionally, many vacation packages come with an Expedia®bonus (onboard cash credit, Expedia®Exclusive Staterooms, reduced deposits, free upgrades or special offers).
With over a decade of medical experience, medical director and board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon Anand K. Shah, M.D. recently founded Eye Associates of North Atlanta, LLC to bring to life his vision of treating every patient as though they are a member of his family. Dr. Shah is also fellowship-trained in cornea. Eye Associates of North Atlanta is currently accepting new patients, and they look forward to welcoming you to their practice. Their services include comprehensive eye care, annual eye exams, cataract evaluation and surgery, astigmatism correction, corneal disease and treatment, glaucoma diagnosis and management, age-related macular degeneration
You can count on them for every vacation possibility over land, sea and air, including customized trips, coach and rail tours and insurance. Drop by and let them create the best vacation experience for you. They are located at 725 West Crossville Road, Ste. 154, in Roswell— near Kings Road. For more information, call 770-415-1030, or visit CruiseShipCenters.com/ roswell. *Source: CruiseShipCenters.com/en-US/Roswell/why-book-with-us
evaluations, dry eye treatment, diabetic eye exams and laser procedures. They are located at 5755 North Point Parkway, Ste. 94, in Alpharetta. For more information, please visit EyeAssociatesOfNorthAtlanta.com, or call 470-767-8287.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
11
Senator Speaks
Positive Impact By Senator John Albers
D
uring the 2016 Legislative Session, we dealt with a number of significant issues and passed several pieces of legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of our citizens. The growth and success of our education system remains a top priority. We made progress in ensuring that teachers and students are evaluated properly this past session. Senate Bill 364 reduces the percentage that student growth accounts for in the evaluations of teachers. Also, multiple, formative student assessments will now be used in place of an end-ofgrade assessment. Growth in student achievement is critical to the future of this great state. We must do all we can to ensure that educators and students are evaluated with a fair system, and that we eliminate excessive testing. Several pieces of legislation were passed to increase money saving opportunities for disabled citizens and veterans. House Bill 768, the ABLE Act, provides tax-free accounts for disabled persons. In an effort to help those who are disabled
12
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
and also served our country, House Bill 862 expands the definition of “disabled veterans” for purposes of qualifying for the homestead exemption, motor vehicle exemption or free license plate program. Additionally, House Bill 991 addresses penalties and interest for late ad valorem tax payments by military service members during combat zone deployment. This bill waives penalties and interest for those who fail to pay ad valorem taxes due to deployment. Once the military service member returns home, they have 60 days to pay the balance of the outstanding taxes. In order to promote economic growth and to bring money back to taxpayers, tax reform measures were addressed and passed. Senate Bill 258 allows any individual or corporation who makes contributions to rural or critical access hospitals to receive an income tax credit worth 70 percent of what is donated. This is critical in the effort to keep rural hospitals open and running. An incentive like this will promote contributions and increase funding. Access to health care is
TAXPAYERS EDUCATION DISABLED CITIZENS VETERANS CURRENT MILITARY
important to citizens and businesses, and if it is accessible, economic growth will rise within the community. In addition, Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 802 assist individuals with property taxes and contributions. SB 258 addresses initial assessment values for properties and updates the terms on which the value of any property may be frozen or increased. This will help citizens avoid overpayment and issues when dealing with property taxes. HB 802 raises the limit from $2,000 per beneficiary to $4,000 for married joint filers who deduct for contributions to a 529 college savings plan. With this new incentive, parents will be able to put away more for their children’s college fund to ensure they have the proper funding to further their education. L Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State and Local Government Operations Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. 404.463.8055. John.Albers@Senate.Ga.Gov.
Time Management Skills for Mark Students ByTolbert Make a plan. It’s never too early to start planning study time for each of your classes. The very first day of class is the best time. Enter all the assignments—including weekly assignments, quizzes and exercises or short papers—into your electronic or print calendar. Then, develop a plan and stick to it! Extra Pointer: Be sure to schedule time for sleep. No matter how much homework you have, you still need seven or eight hours of sleep. Divide and conquer. Break up larger projects, research papers and finals into manageable chunks, and spread the work over a reasonable number of days.
Keep a log. You should track how long it takes you to do the homework, prepare for quizzes and tests and write short papers for each class. Knowing this will help you plan future work. Tip: Adjust your study plan as the semester progresses. Typically, you’ll find that some courses get harder as they go, some projects take longer than planned, and that the workload is divided unevenly over the semester.
Do your homework on time! Reading assignments before class, studying for quizzes as they come along and memorizing facts weekly are all strategies that will increase your efficiency and reduce overall study time. It’s tempting to blow off homework when there’s no test looming, but the fun will quickly disappear when you have an entire novel to read two days before the test. Learn to focus. You’re used to getting your content in 140-character units, in 20-second bursts or with lots of video. However, school isn’t Twitter, YouTube or Hulu. In school, whether in class or doing homework, sustained attention is needed. Learn to focus—without breaks or additional stimulation—for 15 or 20 minutes.
If your child seems lost in class, homework is a battle, or grades are subpar, don’t wait a to get help. Individualized tutoring programs are the perfect solution to help your child build the academic skills essential to succeed in school. Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
13
Community Feature Local Illustrator Announces Children’s Book Publishing Deal Butterpup & friends™ is pleased to announce they have accepted a publishing contract for their children’s book series with Canadian publishing house Promontory Press. The books, created by Atlanta-based husband-wife team Miles Davis and Merissa Davis, revolve around the central character, Butterpup, a whimsical puppy with butterfly wings, and are set to release in spring of 2017. Although the four stories are set to release in 2017, a limited number of first edition copies of the initial book, Butterpup Meets Allie, along with a selection of handcrafted, character-based art, gifts and apparel are available for purchase online at ButterpupAndFriends.com and at a few area boutiques. The brand was recently on exhibit during the Roswell Cultural Arts Center’s 2016 Summer Puppet Series. Butterpup & friends™ is a children’s character brand that focuses on teaching valuable life lessons in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The Atlanta company hopes to engage children’s imaginations within the realm of outdoor exploration and creative play.
14
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Aloha to Aging, Inc. 5th Annual Aloha Auction to Benefit Aloha to Aging, Inc. The 5th Annual Aloha Live and Silent Auction benefitting Aloha to Aging, Inc. will take place on Saturday, August 20, at 6:30 pm, at the Mansour Center (995 Roswell St. NE, Marietta). Tickets for the fundraiser are $40 in advance or $45 at the door and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment from the Parrot Island Band. A cash bar will also be available. The evening will feature a silent auction and a live auction. Auction proceeds will benefit Aloha to
Aging, Inc. programs including: Wellness Programs — Tai Chi, Ageless Grace, Zentangle, Healthy Brain Game Day Support Groups — for families dealing with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other age-related illnesses Educational Programs — Aging Sensitivity Simulation Training, Dementia 24/7, Caregiver Stress Aloha Day Club — therapeutically structured adult day respite program for those 55+ who have mostly stopped driving Tickets for the Aloha Auction can be purchased at AlohaToAging.org or by calling 770-722-7641. For those who are unable to attend, but would like to support the organization, donations can be made online or mailed to Aloha to Aging, Inc., 4608 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068.
Free Biometric Screening at The Exercise Coach®, August 15-16 Are you aware that your health insurance not only provides a wellness screening as part of each annual exam, but also covers another preventative wellness screening each year via a simple finger prick? The Exercise Coach® is pairing with OnSite Health Solutions of Atlanta to provide biometric screenings and assessments, at no cost to most insured clients, family and friends, during a two-day event. Screenings will be done on site with a free consultation by a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant and only takes fifteen minutes. For more information or to schedule your screening, contact The Exercise Coach® at the Roswell (770-857-3269) or the Johns Creek location (770-212-9568), or visit ExerciseCoach.com.
Congratulations to our July “7 Differences” winner, Karen Sims!
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
15
Community Feature First Lady Sandra Deal Visits Northside Library for Toddler Storytime with Patrons Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Northside Library patrons had a wonderful surprise when Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal recently stopped by to read to the branch’s youngest patrons during Toddler Storytime. The children enjoyed the story Boomer’s Big Day and even got to see a service dog during the First Lady’s visit. Deal’s visit was during the Library System’s Summer Reading Program, which encourages people of all ages to read 10 books (15 for our younger patrons) during the summer months. The program also helps ease the “summer slump” many students experience when they are away from school, teachers and homework assignments and is geared toward keeping minds active and engaged.
Approved Budget Supports District Priorities and Pay Raises for Staff The Fulton County Board of Education recently approved the FY 2017 budget, granting pay raises for teachers and staff for the 2016-2017 school year. The approved budget also aims to keep millage rates the same – 18.502 mils – for FY 2017, which means no increase in school taxes for most property owners. Superintendent Jeff Rose was ushered into his first school board meeting with the approval of the $1.3 billion budget. “This is an amazing accomplishment that deserves recognition. I’m proud to be part of the staff that presents this budget to the taxpayers and citizens of Fulton County,” Dr. Rose said. “Having a sound, balanced budget says a lot about the quality of our business processes and the fiscal transparency we provide to our public.” The approved budget focuses heavily on employee compensation to ensure that schools are staffed with the most qualified teachers and support personnel. A 5% raise will be granted to employees paid on the teaching salary schedule and a 3% raise is set for all other district staff. Those who teach special education, an area in high demand both locally and nationally, will receive an additional $3,000 supplement to their FY 2017 salary. Eligible employees in the district also will receive a step increase as they transition to the new budget year.
16
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
67% of the $952 million budget is devoted to instruction, with the remaining 33% budgeted for pupil transportation, maintenance and operations and other administrative functions. The budget also keeps class sizes the same and does not include any staff reductions or furlough days for employees. Other highlights include extended work calendars for counselors, social workers and psychologists and funding for flex positions at each elementary school.
Breakdown of the FY 2017 Budget:
General Fund $952,134,657
School Nutrition Fund $42,078,921
Debt Service Fund $16,436,834
Special Revenue Fund $48,662,890
Capital Program Fund $252,489,588
Pension Fund $33,231,270
Student Activity Fund $16,459,736
Total All Funds
$1,361,493,896
q Alpharetta’s New Bike Share Program! By Christy Noll
A convenient, affordable way to travel locally has been introduced to Alpharetta residents through Zagster’s Bike Share program. This new mode of transportation not only increases health/ wellness opportunities, but from an environmental and road traffic perspective, it offers multiple advantages! The first 3 hours are FREE! And after three hours, the cost is $3 per hour, and up to $24 per ride. An annual pass can be purchased for $20, which cuts the cost to $2 for each additional hour. The bikes are Zagster 8 cruisers, with a basket to store groceries or personal belongings. The bikes are always well maintained by Zagster. Membership is open to all members of the public who are 18 years of age and older. Simply enter the bike’s code in an app to open a lockbox, swipe your credit card, and off you go! Once you
unlock the bike and ride the bike to your destination, make sure to return it to a designated Alpharetta Bike Share Station. If you make any stops along the way, make sure to lock your bike. There are four bike sharing stations in the Alpharetta area: Avalon (Central Deck), Big Creek Greenway (North Point at 6698 North Point Parkway), Rock Mill Park (3100 Kimball Bridge Road) and the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA (3657 Preston Ridge Road). “Zagster developed public bike sharing systems to provide quick and fun connections between popular locations in the community that are too far for walking and too close for driving, so accessible bikes are the perfect gobetween.” *For more information, check out Zagster.com/alpharetta. It is nice to see different options for transportation
as our community continues to grow, especially ones that are economical! By utilizing this program, you’ll be setting a good example for your children about ways to preserve the environment and the importance of staying active to protect one’s health. On your mark, get set, ride! *Source: Zagster.com/public-bike-sharing/
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
17
Mayor’s Minute
Billboard Update By Mayor Mike Bodker
A
s you drive around our city, I’m sure you’ve taken notice of new billboards beginning to pop up. As a matter of history, this issue predates Johns Creek as an incorporated city. Originally, a number of billboard companies applied to Fulton County for 75 billboard sign permits, and each were denied. The companies then began the process of suing Fulton County for the right to erect billboards. Johns Creek joined the lawsuit after it was incorporated in 2006. The lawsuit was resolved by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2011, with the finding that the Fulton County sign ordinance was unconstitutional, and that the billboard companies were entitled to erect up to 75 billboards, including 31 billboards at 27 locations within Johns Creek. In order to mitigate the impact of 31 billboards, Johns Creek negotiated an agreement with the billboard companies to erect only 10 billboards in 10 locations. Five of the 10 allowable billboards have been erected, with two more in various stages of the construction process. Once those two are erected, we anticipate that the billboard companies will move forward with adding the remaining three. 18
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Johns Creek isn’t in a position to appeal the ruling since the Georgia Supreme Court is the final authority in the state. We did our best to limit the number of billboards and to space them out throughout the city, so that the majority were placed on the outer edges of our city to have the least impact on our residential community. Nine of the billboards will be LED, while one will be static. We understand that studies show that LED lights actually distract young drivers less than older drivers. However, to minimize potential distractions, the settlement agreement prohibits LED billboards from flashing, moving or sparkling. The LED lights will also automatically dim as night comes. Additionally, we’re keeping a close eye on the types of advertising that is displayed. We’ll notify the billboard company if it identifies any advertisement that is not in compliance. Advertisers have agreed that no sign will be utilized to post messages advertising adult entertainment establishments, adult video or book stores or similar businesses; abortion services; any activity or product that’s illegal under Georgia or federal law; any
material that’s obscene as such term is defined in Georgia statute; pawn shops; hookah bars; payday loan businesses and advertising that promotes terrorist activities or groups. Please don’t hesitate to report any potential violations to Code Enforcement at City Hall, and we’ll immediately address any issue. Most citizens share in your frustration over this ruling, and the city has tried to do all we can to minimize the impact on Johns Creek. We’ve made a significant amount of information regarding this issue front and center on our website and interior pages, and we’ll continue to keep the city up-todate as the remainder of the billboards are constructed around town through our website, JohnsCreekGa.gov
Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Mike.Bodker@JohnsCreekGa.gov, JohnsCreekGa.gov.
What Makes a
Good Service Company? By Fred Hawkins
Good customer service is the life force that keeps any business alive. You can offer discounts and promotions to gain new customers, but you will never gain a solid customer base or be profitable unless new customers come back a second or third time. If you don’t take care of the customer, someone else will. Competition is great, but to be a great service company, you must be better than the competition. Always answer the phone. Answer the phone with a smile — customers can tell. If you’re not in the office, forward calls to a live person. Customers don’t want to talk to a machine. Listen
with genuine concern. Customers are the lifeblood of your company. Make sure the person answering the phone understands that customers are doing the company a favor by calling. After all, they could’ve called any other company for service. Keep the clients updated. If you have to move or cancel appointments, always let customers know in advance of the scheduled time for service. Let customers know about potential safety concerns on products, services or code changes. Keep customers in the loop on new products and energysaving technology. After completion, thoroughly explain what was done and why, so the customers understand why they needed the service. Answer any
concerns or complaints that customers may have. A quick way to lose a client is to ignore their concerns or not correct mistakes. Always offer a warranty, and honor it with prompt service. Train your staff and technicians. Teach them to be helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Drug test and background check all employees. Provide the office staff and field technicians with the proper information and tools to do a great job. Dress your staff to succeed; employees should take pride in their appearance. The same is true of company vehicles, as they’re also a reflection of what kind of company you are and the service you provide. Do the right thing — be honest Fred Hawkins is and trustworthy. the owner of H&H Ultimately, you and Electric and Security, your company will LLC. 770-735-1136. HHElectrician.com benefit.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
19
Living Well in Retirement — It’s Your Choice
P
lanning for retirement can be an exciting time. You want to live well and enjoy those “golden years.” And that requires a wise choice, one that takes into consideration your current interests and needs as well as what the future may hold. Located on twenty, beautifully landscaped acres close to Roswell’s historic district, St. George Village is situated on a campus that includes St.
Peter Chanel Catholic Church along with Queen of Angels Elementary and Blessed Trinity High Schools. It’s a place where you can experience smalltown cordiality along with invigorating opportunities to delight your mind, body and spirit — and on-the-go neighbors who share your interests. The community offers an energetic, carefree and independent retirement lifestyle, enhanced by an unrivaled slate of first-class amenities, activities
iel er vices Dan Culinary S of r to t a ec ir th l, D ensure Adrian Hil t Almaraz utive Chef r Montserra ge a n ice and an a (L-r): Exec rv M quality se ing Room h it in w D d d te n a n rese Shaffer dents are p d routines. Village resi lifestyles an of y et St. George ri a v ta oices that fi array of ch
20
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
and cultural offerings. Everything in the community has been designed exclusively for the enjoyment and comfort of its residents, from its warm and welcoming staff who provides housekeeping and maintenance to a 24-hour security service and scheduled transportation. A well-equipped fitness center, indoor pool, putting green, walking trail and exercise classes beckon those who like to stay fit, while a full schedule of activities and travel offers something of interest to everyone, providing opportunities for educational, social and intellectual engagement. Charter residents Forrest and Marian Jones said that moving to St. George Village brought a whole new dimension to their retirement lifestyle. The couple takes full advantage of the many amenities and activities, including planned excursions, games and special events. They also enjoy staying fit, making use of the fitness center and walking trail, and have used the community’s garden space to plant their own vegetables. “We had to leave our old neighborhood behind, but we soon made 150 new friends here,” Marian said. Forrest agreed, adding, “We
n t and Maria dents Forres e rg eo Charter resi G . St to at moving ension Jones say th le new dim ho w a t gh Village brou yle. rement lifest to their reti
really enjoy all that is offered. There’s no excuse for being bored here.” Additionally, St. George Village believes in offering its residents delicious dining options that contribute to a healthy, energetic lifestyle. While residents can enjoy cooking their meals in their own fully-equipped kitchens with stateof-the-art appliances, they may also choose from customized dining plans that feature delicious fare, cooked up by a talented executive chef and kitchen staff. The Village Bistro offers a daily selection of delicious, homemade soups, salads, juicy burgers, hot and cold deli sandwiches and hearty BBQ ribs in a casual setting, while the elegant Lakeside Grille features a more upscale menu with items like soup du jour, fresh salads and fruit, entrées such as butterpoached lobster tail and grilled
California transplant Dottie Heu grounds of slein has co St. George ntinued h Village. er love of ga rd
ening on th
chicken breast and a selection of fresh vegetables. And for everyone’s sweet tooth, both dining rooms offer a daily selection of freshly prepared desserts.
“Our cuisine is continuously evolving around input from our residents and new trends in cooking and in the restaurant world,”
Recent residents Byron and Nancy Safstrom said they appreciate not only the superior quality of the food and service, but also the flexibility of dining options offered at St. George Village.
e
“The food in both dining rooms is outstanding. We have first-rate chefs here,” said Byron. “But what we enjoy most is the flexibility of the dining plan we chose, where we only pay for the meals we eat. We applaud St. George for offering a choice of plans.” Director of Culinary Services Daniel Shaffer says one of his primary goals is to ensure that dining options offer not just great nutrition, taste and presentation, but also flexibility of choice that suits a variety of palates and lifestyles. “Our cuisine is continuously evolving around input from our residents and new trends in cooking and in the restaurant world,” he said. “We strive to incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cook them in a deliciously healthful way. Additionally, we plan menus that vary daily and seasonally, and we offer multiple dining environments, each with its own unique ambience. We’re pleased
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
21
to present our residents with dining choices that fit in with different lifestyles and routines.” Choice is also the rule when it comes to living spaces at St. George Village. Luxuriously appointed, independent living residences come in a wide range of one- and two-bedroom floor plans with either a sunroom or screened porch, plus a choice of upscale design features. An in-house consultant is on hand to assist new residents with every aspect of the moving process, from downsizing their previous homes and coordinating the actual move to selecting all of the features that will make their new residence feel like home. And, as a Life Plan community, St. George Village offers a strategy for a secure future. Independent living residents have the assurance of priority access to a continuum of healthcare, including assisted
living, memory care and nursing care, if and when needed. Last, but not least, because St. George Village is a nonprofit entity, its residents also enjoy superb estate protection through plans that offer 80% or 90% refundable entrance fees, along with predictable monthly service fees. To learn more about how you can live well in retirement — with a variety of choices, plus peace of mind — visit StGeorgeVillage.com, or call 678-987-0402. 11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, Georgia 30075
770-645-2340 or toll free
866-826-3400 stgeorgevillage.com Hardscrabble
King Rd.
92
Rd.
d.
ock R
dst Woo
22
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
23
Winning More than the Game By Brent Pickens
s
portsmanship is demonstrated through polite and fair behavior while participating in a game or an athletic event. It’s doing your best, no matter the outcome. In any form of competition, everyone desires to win, but when someone practices good sportsmanship, they’re always a winner. Sportsmanship is defined by many different words, but three of the most important are leadership, humility and integrity.
Leadership
is not always about ordering others and having a strong will. More importantly, it’s about being able to pull a team together to focus on a shared goal. A leader does not ask their teammates to do anything that they aren’t willing to do themselves, and they know how to bring the best out in each player to make a stronger team. Leaders are respected by their teammates because of their passion, knowledge, commitment and spirit.
24
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Humility is another key part of
sportsmanship. Those who are often considered to be “good sports” are not recognized by bragging about their own superior abilities, but rather by the fact that they do not seek the spotlight. Boastful players are irritating to be around, and they can cause friction within a team. Good sportsmanship requires a certain amount of humility. Even if you’re the best player on the field, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one out there. You might be the league leader or the MVP, but you did not achieve that alone. Good sportsmanship means acknowledging the role others have played in your journey and respecting them for the ways in which they’ve contributed to your success.
integrity
Finally, is crucial to displaying good sportsmanship. No one likes to lose. A win or loss can have a major impact on the team’s overall season. Whether a team loses by a wide margin or by a single point, the loss still hurts. But
one of the most important characteristics of good sportsmanship is being able to handle the loss. Some respond to a loss with anger, by refusing to acknowledge the other team or even by blaming their own teammates for the loss. However, a good sport will hold his or her head high with dignity, and recognize the skill of the other team. A good sport realizes that a loss doesn’t diminish the skill of their team, and that winning and losing are a part of life. Sportsmanship is about being a good winner and a good loser. In addition to learning sportsmanship from coaches, it can (and should) also be taught at home. Parents can teach their children that it’s okay to lose sometimes, as long as you tried your best. Kids can be shown how to display good sportsmanship and treat everyone fairly. If you’re good sportsmanship is practiced, it’s okay to sometimes come up short on the winning side. Parents and coaches must be good role models for the kids who are entrusted to them. In the long run, children are more apt to follow your example than your command. If a child is pushed too hard by their parents to win at any cost, then chances are, good sportsmanship will be lost along the way. A good sport will always shake hands and congratulate the winner and then move on from the loss. Sportsmanship is the most important aspect of the game. Games can sometimes become intense, heated and personal. Thus, sportsmanship must be well-ingrained in order to be practiced in sticky situations.
[
A good sport will always shake hands and congratulate the winner
]
Athletics is a passion shared by many people. Everyone can benefit from the lessons taught out on the field. These lessons can be applied to all areas of our lives— such as the workplace, school and personal relationships. Leadership, humility and integrity are all disciplines that, when adhered to, can make great men and women. Practicing good sportsmanship makes great players and even greater people. Brent Pickens is the umpire in chief of Certified Baseball Umpires for several of the baseball programs in Cherokee County. He has been an umpire for 31 years.
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
25
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Home Game
26
Away Game
ROSWELL
MILTON
ALPHARETTA
8/19
@ Buford
(McEachern Stadium — day game)
8/19
@ Alpharetta
8/19
Milton
9/02
Central Gwinnett
8/26
@ North Gwinnett
8/26
@ Gainsville
9/09
Colquitt County
9/02 Cambridge
9/09 Centennial
9/23
@ Archer
9/16
9/16
@ Northview
9/30
@ Milton
9/30 Roswell
9/30
North Atlanta (Grady Stadium)
10/07 Lassiter
10/07
West Forsyth
10/07 Pope
10/14
@ Walton
10/14
@ South Forsyth
10/14 @ Johns Creek
10/21
@ Etowah
10/21
Forsyth Central
10/21 Cambridge
@ Etowah
10/28 Woodstock
10/28 Lambert
10/28 @Dunwoody (North DeKalb Stadium)
11/04 Cherokee
11/04
11/04 Chattahoochee
CHATTAHOOCHEE
CAMBRIDGE
CENTENNIAL
8/19
@ Pickens
8/26
8/26
@ Wheeler
8/26
Rockdale County
9/02 @Milton
9/02
South Forsyth
9/09
@ Cambridge
9/09 Chattahoochee
9/09
@ Alpharetta
9/16
North Atlanta
9/16
@ Pope
9/16
Johns Creek
9/23
@ Dunwoody (North Dekalb Stadium)
9/23
@ Centennial
9/23 Cambridge
9/30 Centennial
9/30
Johns Creek
9/30
10/07
10/07
@ Dunwoody (North Dekalb Stadium)
10/07 Northview
Johns Creek
@ North Forsyth
Creekview
@ Chattahoochee
10/21 @Pope
10/14 Northview
10/14 @ North Atlanta (Grady Stadium)
10/28 Northview
10/21 @Alpharetta
10/22
11/04
11/04
10/28 Pope
@ Alpharetta
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
North Atlanta
@ Dunwoody (North Dekalb Stadium)
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
BLESSED TRINITY 8/19 @ St. Pius X 8/26 Marietta 9/02
@ Dublin, Ireland vs. St. Peter Prep, NJ
9/09 @ Creekview 9/16 Hart County 9/23 @ McCallie, TN 10/07 @ White County 10/14 Chestatee 10/21 @ Marist 11/04 West Hall
JOHNS CREEK
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN
KING’S RIDGE
8/19
@ Lassiter
8/19
Atkinson County
8/19
@ Glascock County
8/26
North Forsyth
8/26
@ Mt. Paran Christian
9/02
Strong Rock Christian
9/09 Pope
9/16
Our Lady of Mercy
9/09
Whitefield Academy
9/16
9/30
St. Francis
9/16
@ Mt. Paran Christian
9/23 Northview
9/30
@ Walker
9/30
Mt. Pisgah Christian
9/30
10/07 Whitefield Academy
10/07 @ Pinecrest Academy
10/07 @ Chattahoochee
10/14 Pinecrest Academy
10/14 @ St. Francis
10/14 Alpharetta
10/21 @ Mt. Pisgah Christian
10/21 Walker
10/28 @ North Atlanta (Grady Stadium)
10/28 @ King’s Ridge
10/28 Fellowship Christian
11/04 Dunwoody
11/04 @ Region 6-A Play-In
11/04 @ Region 6-A Play-In
NORTHVIEW
MT. PISGAH CHRISTIAN
ST. FRANCIS
8/19
8/19
@ Holy Innocents’
8/26
Holy Innocents’
9/02 Winder-Barrow
8/26
Rabun County
9/02
North Cobb Christian
9/16 Alpharetta
9/02
@ Whitefield Academy
9/16
@ Fellowship Christian
9/23
9/09
@ Walker
9/23 Walker
9/30 Dunwoody
9/23
Pinecrest Academy
9/30
@ Whitefield Academy
10/07
@ Centennial
9/30
@ King’s Ridge
10/07
@ Mt. Pisgah Christian
10/14
@ Cambridge
10/07
St. Francis
10/14
King’s Ridge
10/21
North Atlanta
10/21
Fellowship Christian
10/21
@ Mt. Paran Christian
10/28
@ Chattahoochee
10/28
Mt. Paran Christian
10/28
Pinecrest Academy
11/04
@ Region 6-A Plan-In
11/04
@ Region 6-A Play-In
@ Centennial
@ Cambridge
@ Lanier
@ Johns Creek
11/04 Pope
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
27
the fact is that these techniques are not that difficult. You can use elements of texture, shape and pattern to create winning combinations for your home. The key to your success is careful planning.
Get Into Decorating!
By Keely Woodford
LIFESTYLE Set a mood! Accent space! Create your own style! By using a few tried and true decorating techniques, and spending a little time doing some pre-planning, you can definitely express your own unique tastes, and help shape the interior of your home. Professional decorators’ techniques for using texture, shape and pattern are often well-kept secrets. However,
28
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
For example, texture can be used for contrast. Can you visualize the texture combinations of bricks and silks? Texture can be found in drapery and upholstery fabrics, wall coverings, area rugs, tapestry wall hangings, metal sculpture and iron work accents — just to name a few. It’s the artful combination of mixing unique textures together in a room that give that room its distinct personality! Utilizing pattern in your room’s overall design scheme can be just a bit trickier. A large pattern will make walls in a smaller room seem even smaller. Fabric patterns can add a strong accent in any room. Rich floral patterns, in lively colors, will add
pizzazz and surprise when used in upholstered furniture pieces. Shape, too, will change a room. A round or oval area rug could add just the right touch to a living room seating arrangement. Window treatments can also be designed to add interesting shapes to your windows and ultimately, to your entire room. Careful planning lets you use the elements of shape, pattern and texture to their maximum effect! When teamed with color, you can create a distinctive look for your home. It’s fun. It’s easy. “I guarantee you’ll be thrilled with your new look!” L
Keely Woodford is a franchise owner of Decorating Den Interiors. 770-926-0383. Keely.DecoratingDen.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
29
Balancing performing with a teaching load of 30 students a week, Jody Hughes of the Jody Hughes Trio is a full-time musician and music instructor. Originally a chemist with a degree from Kennesaw State University, Hughes has had a passion for music since the age of 13. “It was just something I’ve always been drawn to, the creativity side of it,” Hughes said. Despite only being a full-time musician for the last decade, Hughes has performed in several groups and won the 2006 Merlefest Banjo Competition. Beginning with the guitar, he played more hard rock and listened to Metallica. Hughes said he didn’t know what bluegrass was nor had any aspiration to play the banjo until the day he went to the flea market with his grandfather. “I was talking to my grandfather, and come to find out, one of my grandfather’s dreams was always to play the banjo,” Hughes said. “He never got to do that.” Hughes’s grandfather told him he’d buy him a banjo if he learned to play something on it. “I was the typical teenager, listening to Metallica, and I really didn’t think I would have anything to do with bluegrass or the banjo,” Hughes said. After listening to the music for a while, Hughes said he could relate to how fast the music was, and he became absorbed into the world of bluegrass. “I found myself wanting to play the banjo more and more,” Hughes said. “[I] found some local people to play with and started going to the jams.” Hughes taught himself how to play the mandolin at the bluegrass jams. “There would be three or four other banjo players there, and some of them played the mandolin as well, so if they were playing, I would just kind of ask them [how to play],” Hughes said. “I started playing the mandolin on the side as kind of a necessity to contribute to the jams.” Hughes said he believes music genres can be intermixed because many have similarities. “I think that bluegrass and jazz, in particular, are a good mix because they both involve improvisation,” he said.
30
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Jody Hughes of the Jody Hughes Trio: From Metallica to Merlefest Hughes has played banjo and guitar in A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass, a production by Tim Sharp, executive director of the American Choral Directors Association. This production mixes bluegrass and choir music and has been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Ryman auditorium. But his favorite place he performed at was Merlefest, which he describes as the “second most prestigious kind of banjo contest in the country,” behind the National Banjo Contest. Hughes said one of the great things about Merlefest is that they invite the competition winners to come back the next year to judge the contest. “That gave me a lot of perspective on what a judge hears out in the audience,” Hughes said. One of the songs Hughes likes to perform is an original song called “The Path.” “I’ve written a lot of tunes, but I’ve found that audiences respond to that one pretty well,” Hughes said. “It’s not your straight, typical bluegrass kind of song; it’s something that has a little bit of a rock tinge to it.” When he’s not performing, Hughes teaches about 30 students a week. He gives online lessons to those with preexisting experience with the banjo, using Skype and Google Hangouts to connect with students. He started
By Rachel Sprouse
offering online lessons after seeing another person post about it on Banjo Hangout, an online discussion forum for banjo players. “There are all these people across the world who live in remote areas, or they live in some area where they just don’t have access to the instructor, so the technology really allowed me to reach those people,” Hughes said. He has students in Canada, one in London and has taught students as far away as Thailand in the past. He’s even had students in Georgia that prefer online lessons to in-person. “I had a guy that lived in Georgia that took online lessons simply because he didn’t want to drive,” Hughes said. Hughes said he does not take pure beginners for online lessons because he believes there are things a person can only be taught in-person. “There’s certain things you can’t just teach through the computer [like] exactly how to hold the instrument,” Hughes said. “You can direct them, but it’s not as good as hands-on.” Hughes said the best advice he could give aspiring musicians is to be consistent with practicing. “You have to try to play the instrument every day, whether or not that’s five minutes or three hours,” he said. “As long as you’re consistent with things, you’ll make progress.”
Wireless Stinks By Michael Buckner
an AT&T VP was wired, and he got an amazing 999 mb/sec on his fiber connection to his home, but only if it was wired. Using the same connection to his Sony TV allowed him to get stunning clarity and performance from Netflix and Amazon 4K content. Wireless was only 300 mb/sec. In terms of security systems, if you get a wireless unit, you’re going to have to replace batteries all the time. The bigger the house, the more often you’ll have to change the batteries. Your security keypad will beep at you until you change them.
‘Tis the season for residential real estate. Everyone seems to be buying, selling, building or doing all three. Many builders and electricians are telling buyers not to worry about wiring for security, data and speakers in their home because, “Everything is wireless these days.” However, is wireless the best, most reliable choice for you? The answer is: wireless stinks. If you can get a wire to your electronics, you will most certainly appreciate the better quality. If you have a wire, speakers sound better, security systems are safer, and the internet is faster. Now, that last item is tricky. Currently, there are some amazing whole-home Wi-Fi systems being installed that cover even the largest of mansions (even the 12,000+ square foot homes). But even then, a wire is nearly three times faster. Recently, the home of
With speakers, Sonos has gotten really close to superb sound quality using wireless technology. But even then, interference occasionally knocks the speakers out, which will force you to pull a wire to the device to solve an issue. The bottom line is, if a builder or an electrician tells you not to pull wire because “wireless is king,” you should get a second opinion. Call a local, low-voltage person, and wire your house for any potential future upgrades. You’ll be glad you did.
Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
31
In the Palm of Your Hand:
Control Your Home’s Comfort from Anywhere
By Robbie Matiak
More home devices and systems are designed to work together than ever before, largely due to an increasing homeowner demand for connectivity. Honeywell’s Lyric™ product line is perfect for families who have busy, unpredictable schedules. They are designed to offer easy installation and set-up; plus, as a homeowner, in addition to being aware of your home’s environment, you are able to control your home’s comfort and be alerted about any concerns related to possible water issues. The Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat is designed to function and operate according to “now.” There are no programs, schedules or complex menus to navigate with the Lyric Round™. The Lyric Round™
32
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
thermostat’s function is to simply provide you comfort when you are home and savings when you are away. When using the Lyric™ mobile app, control on-the-go gives you location-based temperature control by utilizing your smartphone’s location to adjust the temperature settings in your home. By establishing location parameters, you can arrive home to your customized temperature setting, and your home will be more energy efficient because your system will not be running when you are outside your home location parameters. The Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat will also send you maintenance notifications and alerts about extreme conditions in your home to help maintain efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC equipment.
In addition to the Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat, homeowners can also utilize the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector. Leaks and frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your home. According to the American Insurance Association, the average water leak causes approximately $7,000 in damages for homeowners. The Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector provides peace of mind with a water sensor and can also detect temperatures that could freeze pipes as well as humidity that could damage valuables. The detectors are placed near potential trouble spots such as water heaters, washing machines and underneath sinks. They are battery operated, lasting up to three years before needing to change the batteries. Each detector links directly to your home’s Wi-Fi, with no need for hubs or gateways. Each detector comes with a 4 foot sensor cable, and additional cables can be joined for up to 500 feet of coverage. The entire cable is water-sensing. As a homeowner, you would receive alerts regardless of where you were via the Lyric™ mobile app, allowing you time for action while the problem is still measured in drops instead of inches of water. As we continue to lead fuller, more enriched lives, we no longer have to sacrifice our family’s comfort. Honeywell’s Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat and Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector allow you to remain connected and manage your home’s comfort without the hassle of programs, while also providing peace of mind during your active lifestyle.
Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net
Crystal Cruises Announces
Historic 2017 Northwest Passage Cruise By Michael Consoli Ports-of-Call: Anchorage/Seward, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Nome, Alaska; Ulukhaktok, NW Territories; Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut; Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Nuuk, Greenland; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island and New York, New York. Waterways: North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Bering Strait, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Amundsen Gulf, Dolphin and Union Strait, Coronation Gulf, Dease Strait, Queen Maud Gulf, Victoria Strait, Larsen Sound, Franklin and Bellot Straits, Peel Sound, Parry Channel, Barrow Strait, Prince Regent Inlet, Lancaster Sound, Croker Bay, Navy Board Inlet, Eclipse Sound, Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Labrador Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.
LIFESTYLE Beginning August 15, 2017, Crystal Cruises’ awardwinning ocean ship, Crystal Serenity, will sail a 32-day expedition-style voyage traversing the Arctic Ocean from Anchorage/Seward, Alaska to New York City via the legendary route (500 miles north of the Arctic Circle), first completed successfully by Roald Amundsen more than 100 years ago. The announcement comes shortly after the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line’s plans to reposition Crystal Serenity’s 2017 voyages during the spring and summer to Alaska and coastal itineraries. “We are thrilled to offer intrepid luxury travelers a second opportunity to explore this historical sea passage,” said Crystal’s CEO and President Edie Rodriguez. “Given the tremendous response to our inaugural northwest passage sailing in 2016, it’s clear that discerning travelers continue to value rare and
memorable experiences as much as they prize unmatched luxury.” In 2017, Crystal will again partner with Expedition Voyage Consultants (EVC, formerly known as EYOS), providers of bespoke expeditions to the most remote regions on earth in safety and luxury, for the planning of the itinerary’s shoreside adventures. Additionally, the line has diligently gathered information and resources from field experts, going so far as meeting with the Inuit Elders of the Arctic, to create an expedition voyage that is rewarding and thrilling for guests while also remaining respectful to the local lands and cultures. Following in the footsteps of intrepid explorers, the journey through once unpassable waterways employs new or enhanced approaches to itinerary scheduling, destination visits, onboard offerings and safety standards. The first call in the
Canadian Arctic is planned for the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, a settlement of just a few hundred people on the shores of the Amundsen Gulf, just 1,400 miles from the North Pole. Crystal Cruises is the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more “World’s Best” accolades than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 22 years, and they have been voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for twenty consecutive years. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
33
34
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
Sweet Asian Vinaigrette* Ingredients:
• 2 cups sweet chili sauce • 1 cup soy sauce • 1.5 teaspoons Sriracha sauce • ½ cup rice wine vinegar • ¼ cup Dijon mustard • ½ cup water • 1 cup olive oil • 2 tablespoons sugar • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped • ¼ cup fresh lime juice • ¼ cup sesame oil
Procedure:
• In a bowl, combine all ingredients, and whisk until smooth.
Tropical Fruit Salsa** Ingredients:
• 1 cup mango, diced small • 1 cup pineapple, diced small • 2 tablespoons shallot, minced • ¼ cup poblano peppers, diced small • ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced small • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Procedure:
• Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, and toss.
Tuna Poke Chips Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Ahi tuna, diced • 5 pieces wonton chips, fried • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted • 1 head of lettuce, shredded • 2 oz. Sweet Asian Vinaigrette* • 3 oz. Tropical Fruit Salsa**
Procedure:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, sesame seeds and Sweet Asian Vinaigrette, and toss. • Place a bed of shredded lettuce on a plate; put the wonton chips down, and top with the tuna mixture. • Top the tuna mixture with the Tropical Fruit Salsa • Drizzle extra vinaigrette over the plate, and serve. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
35
Community Partners In 2010, Suellen and Steve Daniels found themselves in a state of need. As friends and family stepped up to support the couple while they got back on their feet, a desire to do the same for others began stirring in Suellen’s heart. Later that fall, while managing 7 part time jobs between them, the Daniels volunteered for a service day at their church, Grace Chapel Church of Christ in Cumming, where warm clothes, blankets and food were being distributed. The church had reached out to more than 50 families, but Suellen was dismayed when fewer than half that number showed up. She was surprised to learn that in outwardly affluent Forsyth County — which ranked among the top 10 wealthiest counties in the country — more than 44,000 children and families went to bed hungry every night. Meals by Grace was created in that moment. Through school social workers, the couple was given the name of a family of three — the first family served by Meals by Grace. The next week, three more families were added, bringing the total to almost 20 people. The next week brought even more families, and Suellen knew she and Steve needed help. She used her skills as a professional corporate trainer, organizer and bookkeeper to streamline the business, establishing Meals by Grace as a nonprofit, so it could run efficiently. The program now operates as fill MINISTRIES (fM), filling needs with three separate food 36
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
support programs and other training programs under the fM umbrella. The home-delivery program focuses on delivering food to children and their families through direct referral by school social workers. The clientchoice pantry focuses on those who have transportation but just can’t make their income stretch far enough to cover everything. The third program is a mobile pantry dedicated to serving both Head Start (low-income, government-subsidized preschool) families and expanded rural areas such as newly added Dawson County. Meals by Grace serves 200+ families each week. In 2015, nearly 33,500 individuals were served, with the program distributing 141,588 pounds of food, which utilized over 7,500 volunteers. There are big plans ahead for fill MINISTRIES and Meals by Grace. Suellen notes the organization has made an offer on property in the area to serve as a “forever home,” and to help with growth beyond Forsyth County. Here, they will create an aquaponics facility to raise fish and fresh, organic produce for their families and the community. This aquaponics program will help fM and Meals by Grace fulfill the need to provide life skills and job skills training. To find out more about volunteering or donating, visit the Meals by Grace website. For questions, email Volunteer@mealsbygrace.org, or call 404-268-8924. Help today by investing in the Ultimate Filling Station for our community in need!
For additional information, please check out the following:
MealsByGrace.org fillMinistries.org Meals by Grace fill MINISTRIES
The Delight of Indoor Gardening Indoor plants can add so much to the ambience of a home. Every designer look depends on the inclusion of all types and sizes of plants. Besides adding flair to the décor, greenery purifies the air and adds moisture to the dry conditions typically found in homes. Tending plants can even improve mental health and decrease blood pressure, and a blooming plant can add a lovely fragrance to the room. Growing plants indoors is not rocket science, but it is science. To overcome “brown” thumb tendencies, one must be more like Nehemiah Grew (1641 –1712), an English plant anatomist and physiologist, aka the Father of Plant Anatomy — don’t give up after one or two dead plants; learn from failure by formulating questions to help the next experiment, i.e., plant, survive and thrive. These days, anyone can cultivate and grow indoor plants with the help of the internet and a new mindset. With some research, you can identify plants to fit your needs and level of dedication. On the easy end of the spectrum, cacti and succulents rule. They can be fascinating, and many of them flower. Read the plant tags and basic articles for plant care and feeding on the internet. As your confidence level increases, the sky is the limit; move on to the more challenging
plant specimens. There is no end to the artful and creative vibe living plants add to any home. Think of indoor gardening as a hobby or pleasurable pastime instead of a chore. It is a chance to appreciate and contemplate nature’s artistry. Success with houseplants can be quite gratifying. A few brochures of interest at UGA.edu/publications are Growing Indoor Plants with Success, (B 1318); Growing Ferns, (B 737); Care of Holiday and Gift Plants, (C 951) and Growing African Violets, (C 660).
Lisa Ethridge is a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670. NFMG.net
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
37
Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
The Bee Boutique
555 South Atlanta Street, Ste. 600 Roswell 770-713-9855 Upscale Resale Boutique
38
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
11605 Haynes Bridge Rd, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 30009 770-993-8806, Gnfcc.com
The Baby Boutique
benefitting the Pregnancy Aid Clinic 281 South Atlanta Street Roswell 470-282-1212 New & Resale Baby Items
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
39
Beginnings and Endings By Kevin Head, Ph.D. The author of Ecclesiastes may have been reflecting on the cyclical nature of life when he wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” If I had to summarize the message from these great words, I would offer this statement: “Life is full of beginnings and endings.” That thought touches a deep place in my heart, as I ponder the swift current of life’s stream. Recently, I traveled back to the small town where I was raised. My father was having surgery, and I wanted to be there to support him. But this trip also gave me the opportunity to visit the cemetery where my mother is buried. Though she died twelve years ago, I still miss her. She lived an incredible, beautiful life, and I am a better person because of her love for and influence on me. But as Ecclesiastes says, there comes a time in all of our lives for death to take the place of physical life. This reality is never easy, but we are reminded that death is a fact of life. However, Ecclesiastes also reminds us that life continues. My daughter, who has character traits that often remind me of my mother, will soon begin her sophomore year of college. Twelve years ago, our youngest son embarked on his first day of school, and he begins his senior year of high school this month. As I look into my children’s eyes and watch them grow and mature, I see amazing possibilities, hopes and dreams. Each day, they both remind me that they are gifts from God who are blossoming and growing toward bright and shining futures.
Advertiser Index
ABA Business Expo Alpharetta Foot & Ankle Specialists
38 5
Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists
11
Audio Intersection
31
Bank of North Georgia
39
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Crabapple Festival Crabapple Weekday Preschool Cruise Planners Debra Robinson Law Group
10 Inside Back 8 28, Inside Back 13
Decorating Den Interiors
37
DeMercy Dental
29
Digital First Social Media, LLC
9
First Baptist Church of Roswell Preschool
34
H&H Electric & Security, LLC
19
Huntington Learning Center
17
Internal Medicine Practice of Northside
23
Juicesupps 23 Kiddie Academy Alpharetta Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC
14 9
Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails
10
Maybe you have children or grandchildren starting back to school this month. If so, cherish this new beginning for them and you, for as God’s wisdom reminds us, life is full of beginnings and endings.
Newtown Medical Associates
39
Blessings, Kevin
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center
Inside Front
North Atlanta Women’s Care
Inside Front
North Roswell Internal Medicine Nothing Bundt Cakes Perimeter North Family Medicine Pro Martial Arts of Alpharetta R & D Mechanical Services, Inc.
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, RKevinHead@FBRoswell.org
Roswell Riverside Sounds Technical Resource Solutions St. George Village
40
North Fulton Family Life | AUGUST 2016
34 Back Cover 29 3 13 1 29 3 Cover, 20 - 22
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage
PAID
Stone Mountain, GA
Permit #1037