North Fulton Family Life 9-16 by Family Life Magazines

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Contents

September 2016

Volume 4 | Issue 2

24-25

[24-25]

On the Cover:

SuperSlow Zone

30-31

Behind the Curtain Take a Peek Backstage

Roswell Arts Festival Celebrating its 50th Year!

[30-31]

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

[38]

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

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

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

.................... Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minute

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Publisher’s Perspective

nspire someone. Help someone grow. Help them rise above a period in their life whether or not you understand their situation. Discover the power of empathy as an incredible resource and the strength that may manifest from it. An essential ingredient of our daily life is kindness, and it needs to show in all of our actions if we truly want to succeed. It’s imperative to know that becoming an inspiration is our way of paying it forward because making any one person’s life better improves the overall wellness of society. Be that beacon of light for someone who may be struggling in darkness, if only to afford them the opportunity to see a glimmering flash. For in that, they may find hope.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” ~ M. Scott Peck

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, Marianna Chaet, Michael Consoli, Arlene Dickerson, Lisa Ethridge, Hillary Gallagher, Annell Gerson, Kevin Head, Sami Jackson, Amanda Kossick, Robbie Matiak, Scott Miller, Christy Noll, Mark Tolbert, Keely Woodford

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

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

e r ec y c

m ag a zi

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

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.

Growth is jumping into something that can bring out the best in you. Someone who wants to rise above soon discovers that leaving their comfort zone is the best way to achieve happiness. If we find a way to support someone as they grow, we, too, will flourish. When we help another, we learn more about ourselves. We learn that sharing our story, good or bad, may help another achieve a goal or overcome what they may see as a great obstacle. Often, just playing our kind part in the victory of another can feel good to our soul. For that, it is wise to be cheerful. Happiness is the only thing that truly depicts success. Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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.

Ple

We each have battles within us, whether waging at this time or those valiantly fought in our past. We have stood before aggression, despair and confusion, and we’ve been victorious or defeated. From each conflict, we have learned a lesson. When the opportunity comes for us to use our life lessons, we may be beneficial to others. Knowledge consists of what we have learned. When placed into action, knowledge becomes wisdom. Be mindful of others. When we listen, see, feel…we each can grow.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Calendar

september

North Fulton Community Charities’ Forks & Corks — Mix and mingle with friends, family and the community in support of “our local neighbors” as this inaugural event is celebrated, which includes fine food and fine wine for a great cause. For tickets and additional information, please visit the website. 7:00 pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 678-387-4459. NFCCHelp.org 2:00 pm, Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell. AtlantaAuthors.eventbrite.com.

10-17 10

Pup-a-Palooza — Bring your furry friend to the annual Pup-aPalooza for a tail-wagging good time. The event features local pet vendors, food, live music, activities, entertainment and more for the whole family. 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-5123200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

STE(A)M Truck Maker Mobile — Make something great with Community Guild, Inc.’s STE(A)M Truck. Through high-interest, hands-on, collaborative work, the Community Guild, Inc. engages with students to create a lasting interest and foundation in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) content and practices. 12:00– 5:00 pm, Don White Park, 925 Riverside Road, Roswell. Community-Guilds.org/ steamtruck

Trudy Nan Boyce to Speak at Roswell Library — Boyce draws on her 30-year career in the Atlanta Police Department for her riveting crime mystery, Out of the Blues, which takes readers to familiar locations in and around Atlanta.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

3rd Annual Alpharetta Restaurant Week — The event, open to all restaurants in the City of Alpharetta, is designed to showcase the best the city’s eateries have to offer as well as giving customers great deals. Restaurants are encouraged to participate by offering coupons on the Restaurant Week Card through sponsorship. 11:00 am9:00 pm, Alpharetta. 404-445-8223. AlpharettaChamber.com

9/11 Ceremony — The Roswell Rotary Club, in partnership with the City of Roswell, hosts a ceremony to honor the heroes and souls lost on September 11, 2001. 1:30 pm, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. ThePatriotFlight.com

Sundays on the River: Montana Skies — These award winning musicians delve into music from Pink Floyd and Rush to Vivaldi as well as their own originals. While the music defies simple categorization, it is a fusion in the truest sense of the word. It’s been called everything from chamber rock to psychedelic strings. 7:00 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Alive in Roswell — This FREE festival features live bands, food trucks, kids’

games, face painting, balloons, etc. and enjoy 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

Divas of Swing — Three of Atlanta’s best female vocalists are back by popular demand. 8:0010:00 pm, Chukkar Farm, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-833-1283. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com

Grilling and Gridiron — Benefiting the Lionheart School, enjoy SEC tailgating, which is at a level above every other conference in the country. There will be SEC matchups on the giant LED screen, cornhole, craft beer and tailgating favorites provided by area restaurants and community groups. 3:30-8:00 pm, Old Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 770-772-4555. TheLionheartSchool.com

17-18

European Market — For 2 days only, you will find some of the best local artisans and gatherers in the area, showcasing an eclectic ensemble of vintage style home decor and furniture, beautiful works of art, handcrafted jewelry, one-of-a kind finds, fashion (both adult and children’s) clothing and accessories, gifts & unique treasures. 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Milton Avenue, between Main Street and Roswell/Canton Street. EuropeanMarketOnMilton.weebly. com/index.html

17-18

Horse Show Ventures Fall Festival Hunter/Jumper Horse Show — Equestrians of all ages will compete in Hunter and Jumper classes. Free! 8:00 am, Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Road. Alpharetta. 770-8270175. HSVShownews.com

and head over for live, local music and a cash bar. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner. This is the last Sunset Sips of the season; don’t miss it! 6:30-9:30 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

17-18

50th Annual Roswell Arts Festival — Enjoy artists and local entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks and a healthy dose of small-town charm. See page 38 for more information. 10:00 am5:00 pm, Historic Town Square, Roswell. RoswellArtsFestival.com

Alpharetta Art in the Park Creativity hits the park in charming, downtown Alpharetta. This outdoor artists market features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Come enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art and much more. 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Main Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. 678-2962829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

24 18

Family Fun Day: Outdoor Skills Day — Enjoy fire building classes, crafts, story time, games, tree identification hikes, outdoor cooking demos, wildlife encounters, classic camping skills and canoeing. Mon-Sat 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sun 12:00-5:00 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Ironkids Alpharetta — This is the largest youth triathlon in the country. IronKids Alpharetta allows children ages 6 to 15 an opportunity to test their strength with a swim, bike and run competition. 7:00 am, Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 504-454-6561. IronKidsAlpharetta.com

Sunset Sips: Old Chattanooga Just like the band’s name, Old Chattanooga has the old sound of traditional folk music. Grab a friend,

Free Estate Planning Workshop Attorney Debra Robinson teaches you about estate planning in this workshop that covers frequently asked questions and common misconceptions regarding Wills, Trusts, giving your “stuff” to your kids, avoiding probate, protecting your IRA and more! Registration is required. 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Alpharetta Public Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 770-817-4999. DebraRobinsonLaw.com

Summer Concert Series: The Shadowboxers — This familyfriendly concert is 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. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGa.gov

Inaugural Patriot Flight — Modeled after the successful Honor Air Program, the Patriot Flight is to recognize and thank our first responders (fire, police and EMS). The Patriot Flight will bring our first responders to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Meet at the corner of Woodstock Rd./Canton St. to

cheer and give a hero’s departure. When they return, we need another large crowd to welcome them home. 9:45 pm, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. ThePatriotFlight.com

Courage to Speak: Drug Awareness and Prevention This FREE presentation by nationally known author and lecturer Ginger Katz provides parents with information to identify and prevent substance abuse in their children, teens and young adults. 6:30 pm, Birmingham UMC, 15770 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 678-942-1600. CourageToSpeak.org

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Circuit brings the best of independent film to communities across the South. Each film is feature-length, and will be shown in-full, followed by a Q&A with each filmmaker. 7:00-10:00 pm, Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell. SouthArts.org

october

Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series: Ed Roland & the Sweet Tea Project — The annual 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. Free! 7:00-9:00 pm, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road in Roswell. 770-641-3705. RoswellGov.com

Crabapple Knoll Pets for Adoption — You may view available pets on Adoptapet.com and Petfinder.com. 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Crabapple Knoll Veterinary Clinic, 12604 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta. 770-475-8272. YourCKVC.com/adoptablepets.html continued on 8

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

AFPLS.org

Library Events

Calendar

Alpharetta

10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 770-740-2425

Memoir Writing Tuesdays, September 6-27, 6:00 pm, Milton Suzanne Rosenwasser teaches you how to put your life into words. Join her for lessons in memoir in a small class setting.

Northeast/Spruill Oaks 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820

Graphic, ink. September 14, 4:30 pm, Milton Young adults — this graphic novel club has returned! Whether you’re new to graphic novels or are already a fan, this is the place to be. Registration is required. This is for ages 13 and up. Library Tote Bag Craft September 14, 5:30-7:00 pm, Ocee Families are invited to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month by decorating your own tote bag — perfect for carrying your library books. Registration is required. Beginning Couponing September 17, 11:00 am, Roswell Join Aimee Brittain, The Pretty Frugal Diva (PrettyFrugalDiva.com) as she leads a beginning coupon class. Learn coupon basics, how to organize your coupons, store rules for the major Atlanta grocery stores, store rules for the drugstores, and learn to maximize your savings with coupons. Reservations are requested. College Admissions 101 September 19, 6:00 pm, Roswell Get the scoop on the college admissions puzzle from the experts at C2Education. Reservations are requested. The Library Zoo September 21, 3:30 pm, East Roswell This 90-minute interactive program brings the zoo to you! The session includes activities with

Ocee

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

CAST Free Math Tutoring September 11, 18 & 25, 2:00-4:00 pm, Ocee Tutors will provide math instruction for children in grades K-12th. Please bring an assignment or a topic with which you are struggling. Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required. Women’s Health Workshop — Heart Health & Stroke September 13, 6:00 pm, Milton Dr. Kim Richards will explain heart disease and stroke in women and discuss risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Learn what you can do to change your risk level as well exercises to enhance heart health.

continued from page 7

MILTON

855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402

Roswell

115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075

east roswell

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

4 different animals and a Q & A session. All interactive experiences are designed and delivered by a Georgia Certified Educator. It’s for ages 4-10. A reservation is required. Foreign Films September 22, 5:30 pm, Alpharetta Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. All are welcome. In September, join us for a showing of Life is Beautiful, rated PG-13.

Friday Night Frights September 23, 6:30 pm, Alpharetta Come to the auditorium for PG-13 horror movies. Younger children may attend; however, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As this is an after-hours event, please enter and exit through the exterior auditorium door. September’s movie is The Ring.

Writing with the Memoir Mavens September 24, 10:30 am-12 pm, Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Linda Hughes and Kathryn Gray-White will walk you through the steps of writing a memoir that brings your story to life. You’ll pen a captivating story others will want to read! Registration is required. Teens and adults welcome! SAT Math Workshop September 24, 10:30 am-2:30 pm, East Roswell Solutions to official SAT practice tests will be provided during the session. This is open to all high school students. A reservation is required. Children’s Book Author Sydney DuBose September 26, 4:00 pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Come for an afternoon of mystery, adventure and trains! Children’s book author Sydney DuBose will read from her new picture book, A Birdie Ate It. This is for ages 3-8.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Crabapple Fest — This is a massive destination festival, featuring local arts, live music, food and antiques. 10:00 am-5:00 pm, downtown Milton, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton. 678-242-2533. CityOfMiltonGa.us Alpharetta Brew Moon Octoberfest Gather your friends and celebrate fall with beer, wine and delicious food from some of Alpharetta’s best restaurants. 6:30-11:00 pm, Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Concert in the Park: Bogey and the Viceroy — Pack a picnic and enjoy the party and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit area pets, veterans and first responders. 6:00-10:00 pm, Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 770595-3656. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

7-8

Wire and Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival —Talented artists perform their own songs while interacting with the audience. Listeners will learn the stories behind each song and may recognize some of the tunes that are played by their favorite musicians. Selected as one of the Top 20 Events in October 2015 by the Southeast Tourism Society! 5:00-10:30 pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 404-377-9900. WireAndWoodAlpharetta.com/

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Business Fountainhead Art Space will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 16th at 11:30 am, followed by Open Studios all weekend during the 50th Anniversary Roswell Arts Festival. They will also be joining Roswell’s First Friday Art Walk. Fountainhead Art Space was founded by three Atlanta artists: Rae Broyles (Roswell), Andrea Costa (Milton) and Penny Treese (Decatur). They’ve created a group whose focus is on mentoring local artists and giving them opportunities to attend workshops, network with other artists, show their work and more. “We are located above SODA Salon on Historic Roswell Square. The space is perfect for inspiring local artists to find their voice,” says founder Rae Broyles. “We are offering a service to the community that has been needed for quite some time. Studio space has been at a minimum, and the opportunity for artists to network, explore unique painting techniques and push themselves beyond the status quo has been next to impossible to find. Artists tend to work alone, and there is a real benefit in being able to connect with other artists.” Founder Rae Broyles’s work has been shown nationally including exhibits in Los Angeles, Miami National Airport, Michigan, Cincinnati and New York City. They are located at 595A Atlanta Street in Roswell. For more information, visit FountainheadArtSpace.com, or call 770-714-8841.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Highland Rivers Health is a non-profit provider of treatment and recovery services for mental health, addiction and intellectual/developmental disabilities in a 12-county region of northwest Georgia. It was created in February 2002 by the consolidation of Georgia Highlands Center and Three Rivers Behavioral Health Services and has become the second largest public safety net provider in the state of Georgia. Highland Rivers Health provides services to 14,431 children, adolescents and adults who have mental illness, addiction or developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to provide superior, community-based neurobehavioral health care services and resource collaboration for individuals and families to improve quality of life. Their vision is to be a community-based system of care focused on strengthening personal recovery through the advancement of a healthy lifestyle for mind and body. For more information, visit HighlandRiversHealth.com, or call 706-270-5000.

Aloha to Aging, Inc. is offering an Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caregiver Support Group on September 12, from 10:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:30 am. It is open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one both inside and outside of the home. Helpful tips and resources provide comfort and encouragement. Free respite care is provided for your loved one during the meeting, but you must call 770-722-7641 in advance to reserve care. The program is held at Aloha to Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta. In addition, they are also holding a Healthy Brain Game Day on September 15th, from 11:00 am-12:30 pm. Engage and stimulate your brain while having fun! Light lunch will be provided. Donations for Aloha to Aging, Inc. will also be accepted. This event will be held at the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA at 1055 East Piedmont Road in Marietta. The program is open to both YMCA and non-YMCA members. The registration deadline is September 13th. Call 678569-9622 or 770-9775991 for reservations or more information.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Mayor’s Minute

Johns Creek’s Award Winning Schools By Mayor Mike Bodker

s we are well under way with the new school year, I want to take the opportunity to thank our school administrators, educators, staff and parents for all their hard work and dedication throughout each year to provide the best educational and extracurricular opportunities possible for our students. The schools that serve Johns Creek are not only consistently known as some of the best in the state, they’re also routinely recognized for excellence on a national level. I’m well aware that this is no small feat. One of the top reasons families and businesses choose to relocate to Johns Creek are the schools, and as we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary as an incorporated city, I’m more encouraged than ever about the future based in large part from what I hear and see from the young people in our community. As a parent, I take great comfort in knowing that my children attend one of the best public school systems in the nation. The schools are notable for their amazing run of achievements over the years. They’ve been named: Schools of Excellence, Blue Ribbon schools, Governor’s Cup schools and AP Honor schools. They’ve been listed among U.S. News and World Report’s “Top 100 High Schools,” Newsweek’s “Top 500 High Schools,” Washington Post’s “Best High Schools” and Siemen’s Award for Advanced Placement. They’ve been state champions in almost every sport, including football, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, cheerleading, tennis, golf as well as debate and chess. They’ve produced hundreds of Governor’s Honors finalists, National Merit Scholars and won top honors in state and national contests for languages, visual arts, music, even stock market competitions. They truly embody the City’s motto, “Be the Exception.” The educators are dedicated, experienced and motivated. They’ve received district, state and national recognition. And our parents are engaged. Parent-Teacher-Student Association participation is exceptionally high. Our parents have high expectations of their kids, their schools, their City and themselves. They attend meetings, games, concerts and plays. They support extracurricular activities, volunteer and encourage responsible behavior.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Our students are also important contributors to our City. The City Council regularly recognizes our Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Star Award recipients for their projects that benefit the community. Our young people routinely volunteer at food banks, shelters and perform other valuable public services. They give up their time, they raise money, they sweat, and in turn, they learn lifelong lessons about the virtue of being a part of something bigger than oneself. As I’ve said many times, our young people may not be 100% of our population, but they are surely 100% of our future. We should all be proud to support our youth at every level of their development. So enjoy the school year, and also, keep safety at the forefront. Many students will be driving for the first time, so please remain patient, alert and continue to look out for one another.

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

Social Media Etiquette By Rachel Sprouse

LIFESTYLE Social media is like a conversation. We must remember that there are unspoken rules and guidelines we should follow to prevent a social gaff or blunder. Try keeping these easy tips in mind when posting to social media.

Keep it Conversational Just like a conversation, social media posts should be brief, to the point and relevant. If you recently went on a vacation, it’s appropriate to post photos from your trip. Or if a friend recently experienced something great, like an engagement or graduation, it’s appropriate to write a congratulatory comment or post.

But if there is a random topic or person you have not communicated with recently, it may come across as odd or rude to post to their timeline. Spell/Grammar Check Everything The Internet is forever, which means grammar and spelling mistakes will be also. Bad grammar and misspells reflect poorly on the user and can lead to misinterpretations of the post. Grammarly is an auto-correct app that can be added to your web browser’s toolbar. Know When to Post and How Often When talking to someone, there’s an established flow of give and

take in the conversation. The same rules apply in social media. It’s okay to post at least once per day to keep your digital presence going, but know when to stop posting. Over-posting can overwhelm your friends’ digital feeds and cause some to mute your posts. No one wants to be the person who hogs the conversation. Check Your Privacy Settings Before posting anything, know your privacy settings. Are they set to friends only? Public? Friends of friends? It’s important to know who has access to view your posts. Deleting a post doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone forever. Be Friendly No one likes a “Negative Nancy” at a party, so keep this in mind before posting. When putting a post out, think about who will see it. If someone could be offended by your post or comment, it’s best not to share it. L

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Why Dehumidify? By Robbie Matiak

Thanks to living in Georgia, we’re familiar with that muggy, sticky feeling of summer air in the south. Experts agree that homes should have a humidity level of 40-60%. Newer constructed homes are built tightly, which is great for insulation value and energy efficiency, but that same insulation prevents the exchange of stale air for fresh outdoor air, trapping moisture from showers and baths, cooking and more. Also, outside air can cause issues in older homes when air seeps through cracks in electrical outlets, floors and around doors and windows. Excessive humidity can make you feel miserable in the one place that should offer the ultimate in comfort, your home. Summer energy consumption and costs can increase dramatically as the thermostat is adjusted to a lower and lower temperature to help off-set that muggy feeling, resulting in your home’s HVAC system running almost non-stop. There are also health concerns with excessive humidity. When humidity exceeds the recommended level, the air in your home becomes a breeding ground for insects, dust mites, mold and mildew. This can destroy furniture, create an unpleasant aroma, and potentially trigger breathing issues for those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “As many as 10% of the general population and

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

90% of people with allergic asthma are sensitive to dust mites.” Modern HVAC systems offer a level of dehumidification, but for those experiencing an excessive moisture problem, the Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification System is a wholehouse solution. While there are portable, single-room dehumidifiers available on the market today, they require daily emptying of the collection

receptacle to prevent overflow. They also use more energy to operate and only affect the room in which they are running. The Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems are integrated directly into your home’s HVAC system(s), eliminating the need for manual emptying of the water collected, offering relief throughout the home, with an increased capacity for dehumidification.

Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems also provide energy savings. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homeowners can save up to 6% on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is turned up. Since air with less humidity feels cooler, TrueDRY™ helps reduce energy costs because you can turn your thermostat up, and run the HVAC system less often. In addition, TrueDRY™ uses significantly less energy than your HVAC system. Enabling Honeywell’s RedLINK™ Wireless Technology and their fullsuite of wireless-enabled comfort systems will provide an even greater efficiency by putting the control of your home environment in the palm of your hand, even when you are away, via the web portal or the mobile app. You’ll be able to remain connected to your home from anywhere in the world. As your system operates, every RedLINK™-enabled component is communicating, allowing your system to learn as it operates, optimizing itself for comfort and efficiency based on your family’s needs.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net

Community Feature Roswell Hosts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers at Cultural Arts Center The City of Roswell’s Historic & Cultural Affairs Division is partnering with South Arts, a nonprofit, regional arts organization in Atlanta, to bring the Southern Circuit tour of six independent films and their filmmakers to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. The series includes five documentary-style films and one narrative film. Films were reviewed by a panel of industry experts, with final selections determined by screening partners who will present

films in their communities. Invited films and filmmakers were chosen from 412 films submitted from across the country. Each event starts at 7 pm and runs approximately 2.5 hours. Each film is feature-length and will be shown in full, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. The Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts and is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the

National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about tickets or the films that have been selected, visit SouthArts.org.

Congratulations to our August “7 Differences” winner, Diane Dillow!

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature Johns Creek is Safest City in GA ValuePenguin has named Johns Creek to the top of its “2016 Safest Places in Georgia” list. The list was compiled based upon 2014 FBI crime statistics by city.

Johns Creek

2. Grovetown 3.

Flowery Branch

4. Milton 5. Tyrone 6.

Peachtree City

7. Braselton 8.

Holly Springs

9. Auburn 10. Folkstown

Sample Classes with Roswell Adult Aquatic Center’s “Class Pass” “Test the waters” in several different aquatic classes with the City of Roswell’s new “Class Pass.” The City’s stateof-the-art Adult Aquatic Center, opened in spring 2016, offers many different types of water-based exercise classes for individuals who are 50+ years of age. The “Class Pass” includes 10 visits to any class and can be used at any time. Classes include Aqua Fusion, Aqua Aerobics, Hydro Mix, Aqua Flex, Aqua Sculpt, Basic Aquatics, Ai-Chi and Aquatic Joint Conditioning. Each class is 50 minutes in duration. In addition to the Class Pass, the Roswell Adult Aquatic Center offers 10-week sessions of each of the previously mentioned classes. The facility also offers open swim and therapy classes in their brand-new, five-lane therapy pool, which features a zero-depth entry ramp. In addition, Silver Sneakers members can partake in open swim and Silver Sneakers Splash classes with their membership. The Class Pass is $60 for residents and $90 for nonresidents. To purchase the pass, visit RoswellGov.com/ register, call 770-641-3982, or sign up in-person at the Roswell Adult Aquatic Center, 200 Dobbs Drive in Roswell.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Master Gardener Certification Can Upgrade Your Hobby to 5-Star Status By Lisa Ethridge Membership in the North Fulton Master Gardeners’ Association (NFMG) and certification through UGA as an Extension Volunteer require community service that includes educating and encouraging gardeners of all ages and maintaining public gardens for the edification and enjoyment of visitors. While that may sound like a daunting task, it’s a fun and relaxing way to expand your gardening horizons, enjoy the outdoors, and make new friends. If that’s not enough, there’s the added pleasure of giving back and making a valuable contribution to the quality of life in the community. Being a Master Gardener (MG) is a 5-Star hobby with

plenty of benefits. Starting the certification process is easy; call the FC Cooperative Extension Office at 404-613-7670 to get an application. An interview and a background check are required. Prep classes last all day and take place once a week, beginning in January. Topics of study include plant physiology, soil composition and nutrition, vegetable gardening, woody ornamentals and trees, pest ID and management, weed ID and more. There’s a fee for class materials. After completing the course and passing a test, volunteers are required to complete 50 hours of service to earn the MG designation. To retain the certification, volunteers must complete 25 hours of service each calendar year.

Membership in the NFMG Association is open to any certified MG. Once the requirements are completed, the fun begins. Both MG organizations send regular e-mails with project and calendar updates. Meetings are held throughout the year to discuss projects and to listen to interesting speakers. Educational and volunteer opportunities abound in North Fulton and beyond. All the metro counties have MG associations, and there are even options to get involved on the state level (GeorgiaMasterGardeners.org). North Fulton’s Association is an active and diverse group of people. For more information, visit NFMG.net.

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

Community Feature Two North Fulton High Schools Named

to Newsweek’s “Top Schools” List

This 2016-17 school year has started off with a bang for Northview High School and Chattahoochee High School, which were both named among Newsweek Magazine’s list of top-ranking public high schools. The annual list spotlights high achieving schools that continually challenge students with advanced curriculum offerings. Of the 11 schools listed from Georgia, Northview was ranked #132 and Chattahoochee was ranked #281. Only 500 schools nationwide are spotlighted in the report. The Newsweek ranking highlights the best public high schools that have proven to be the most effective in turning out college-ready graduates. The list’s ranking is based on six components: 3 College acceptance rate (25%) 3 Graduation rate (20%) 3 Average Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate scores (17.5%) 3 Average SAT/ACT scores (17.5%) 3 Changes in 9th-grade to 12th-grade enrollment rates (10%) 3 Counselor-to-student ratio (10%)

#132 NORTHVIEW #281 CHATTAHOOCHEE

To be considered for the ranking, schools must complete a questionnaire from Newsweek. The entire report is online at Newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2016.

Community Rallies Around a Young Girl Battling a Rare Form of Ovarian Cancer care, Campbell was sent home. A few days later, her mom discovered a tiny knot above Campbell’s belly button. Eventually, she ended up at Children’s Hospital at Scottish Rite in Atlanta. Campbell was admitted for further testing. After several tests and two surgeries, doctors removed a five-pound ovarian tumor, larger than a football, out of Campbell as well as four large lymph nodes. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with an extremely rare, advanced stage 3 germ cell ovarian cancer.

Campbell Fretz is a vibrant, fun 12-yearold girl who loves to swim, sing, do gymnastics and spend time with her twin sisters. In April, her mother noticed she was running a fever with no other symptoms. After a visit to urgent

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Through it all, Campbell has maintained a smile. She’s brave and assures everyone she’s a fighter and will win this battle. On days she doesn’t feel strong, she asks her family and friends to help her fight and be strong for her. The community has now rallied around

Campbell and her family. As Campbell fights for her life through treatment after treatment, and yet another upcoming surgery, they’ve found support from so many friends, family and people they have never met. A Go Fund Me page and a Facebook page have been established to follow Campbell’s progress: GoFundMe. com/274ep7w Facebook.com/ CampbellsCrusade/?fref=ts In addition, t-shirts are being sold to help fund Campbell’s care: Booster.com/campbells-crusadeagainst-ovarian-cancer?utm_ source=facebook&utm_ campaign=desktop-dashboard-campaignv1&utm_medium=social&ref=facebook_ social_desktop-dashboard-campaign-v1

In the Dining Room,

pleasant dining surroundings. Yellow is its usual gay and sunny self. Neutrals tend to liven up dining rooms when used with positive and effective color splashes.

By Keely Woodford

In the presence of food, stick to clear, lighter shades of green. I also recommend avoiding shades of purple, such as lavender and violet, as they tend to be appetite suppressants. Likewise, using drab colors in your dining room décor are rarely successful.

Choose Your Colors Wisely! LIFESTYLE Color psychology takes on added significance in the dining room because research clearly shows that color profoundly influences appetite. Did you know that changing a restaurant’s color scheme has been known to turn a failing restaurant into a success, without making any changes to the food menu? Clear colors have the same stimulating effect on appetites as they do on atmosphere. Blue is particularly restful, encouraging leisurely meals. Full-strength red is exciting and should be used with discretion, but lighter shades, such as rose or pinkish hues, make for

Since most dining is done at night, it’s important to test colors under artificial light. It turns some colors muddy and would ultimately make food look less appealing. Lighting should be flexible to allow different levels of brightness for many activities. A central chandelier can be controlled with a dimmer switch. L

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Your Prostate Playbook Understanding Prostate Cancer By Dr. Scott Miller For American men, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, behind only lung cancer. It affects one in seven men. Fortunately, new research and improved treatment plans are yielding better outcomes and enabling patients to continue enjoying active, productive lives.

Know your risk.

No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer, but research indicates several common factors that may increase a man’s risk of developing the disease: • Age — Odds of developing prostate cancer significantly increase if you are over the age of 50. • Family History — Having a father or brother with the disease more than doubles your risk. • Race — You are more likely to develop cancer if you’re African-American. • Diet — A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy may increase your risk.

Start the discussion.

Early detection is key in successfully treating many cancers. Beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing prostate cancer should begin to discuss screening with their doctor. Men at high risk for developing prostate cancer should begin discussing screening even sooner, around 45. Typical prostate screenings include a rectal exam and a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test. If a suspicious lump or area is found during the rectal exam, or if a PSA test reveals higherthan–normal results, a biopsy of the prostate may be performed to confirm if cancer is present.

Spot the signs.

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. Any symptoms that appear should be reported to your doctor right away. Symptoms that may occur include: • Blood in urine or semen • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, ribs or upper thighs • Trouble having or keeping an erection • Pain or burning during urination • Weakness or numbness in the legs

Explore your options.

Every case of prostate cancer is different, and treatment options can vary. Several factors play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment — age and health, stage of the disease, and benefits and side effects of each treatment. In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly. So men diagnosed with the disease usually have time to consider all available treatment options, gather additional opinions and, with the help of their doctor, determine which option is best for them.

Dr. Scott D. Miller is medical director of the advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery program at Northside Hospital. Northside. com/prostate.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Small retailers that try to maintain high employee-to-client ratios have been fighting hard to stay in business against online retailers like Amazon. Buying from a small business is nice because of the oneon-one service with an expert to help you with product selection, design choices, compatibility issues, etc. This sometimes comes at a higher cost for the products than Amazon, especially when compared to the grey market. Electronics manufacturers have two kinds of prices. There’s Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and Minimum Advertised Price (MAP). However, there’s also the “Grey Market Price” (GMP). Knowing which price to pay is extremely important. MSRP is best known as “full-pop.” Retailers usually charge this price when there are no holiday sales going on or if the product’s in high demand. MAP is the lowest price allowed by the manufacturer on a given product. This

Electronics Pricing Structure By Michael Buckner

MSRP MAP GMP

Retail Price or “full-pop” 10-15% Below MSRP NO Guarantee/Warranty

is usually 10-15% below MSRP and is typically charged during Labor Day sales, etc. Ultimately, you should always buy from an authorized retailer that will sell to you for the MAP price. This price ensures that you get a brand new product with a full warranty. If you can get it from a store at MAP, you should prioritize this over online purchasing because you can talk about the product

with an employee to make sure it’s right for you. More importantly, in the event of an issue, an in-store purchase allows you to go in and troubleshoot or make an exchange. Finally, GMP is pricing you may see on a few random, sometimes shady-looking websites or individual sellers’ sites within eBay and Amazon. Buyers beware! These sites are often on a “forbidden retailers” list on the manufacturer’s website. You’re not getting any real guarantees on brand new products, and/or they don’t have a warranty, even if the company says differently on their site. The retailers typically charging this price are doing so because they don’t Michael Buckner is owner of Audio fund the support Intersection, a provider network needed to of audio and video in provide service after Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com the sale.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Senator Speaks

Come Together

Stand United, Not Divided By Senator John Albers

struggle with words to describe the grave events happening in America and around the world this summer. I fell to my knees to pray on several occasions. Investigations will be conducted, and we’ll look for answers, but no answer will change the past. I reject the notion that a few bad people will divide our nation, the pundits and press sensationalizing every moment, creating additional controversy, and the leaders and groups who will use these tragedies for personal gain. We’ll mourn those who lost their lives, take a deep breath, and move forward. We are citizens of the greatest nation on earth, and with great resolve, better days are still ahead. May God bless the fallen. It’s time to drop the labels; we’re all Americans and part of the human race. Physical features should not define us. It’s foolish and divisive. During the memorial service for five Dallas police officers, Former President George W. Bush accurately stated, “Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions.” This month is the 15th anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack our nation has ever seen. The days following 9/11 proved our country’s resolve and unity was strong. Perfect strangers helped each other; people lined up to give blood, and a rush of new recruits enlisted to serve our country’s military. Remember how you felt on 9/11 and the days after? Did you thank a police officer or give blood? Did you have a tear in your eye when you passed a fire station? Did you rethink your priorities or just hug your family and say, “I love you” more often? Did you get on your

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

knees and pray for those who lost their lives and the families who were left behind? Did you proudly display the American flag? During and after the Vietnam War, our soldiers were treated poorly. It was wrong, and as a result, people got smarter, and the American spirit got stronger when our soldiers were called to active duty to serve in Desert Storm, the War on Terrorism and other actions. Yellow ribbons were proudly worn, and “welcome home” events became the special celebration they deserved. This same respect and honor needs to be shown to our police officers now. They need our support and prayers. First responders are the heroes of our community and put their lives on the line every day. To all the critics and pundits, if you really want to make a difference – go fill out an application; go through the academy; put on a badge, and help serve your community. As my friend and hero, Colonel Mike Steele, says, “Patriotism without action is counterfeit.” We are America, the greatest nation in the history of earth. It’s time to renew our spirit, and be part of the solution. May God Bless America! 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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY

Owners Luis and Rachel Quiles, who live in Alpharetta, opened SuperSlow Zone because they know firsthand how important fitness is to overall health. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Luis made a commitment to improve his health and work out regularly.“As I saw the results and how much better I felt from working out, I became passionate about it,” Luis says.“When we found SuperSlow Zone, we knew it was the real deal and wanted to bring it to North Fulton, so others could experience the SuperSlow Zone workout. It’s more than a workout; it’s a lifestyle with life-changing results.”

For many busy adults, health and fitness can become an afterthought as they juggle the many demands of work and home. Busy schedules make it difficult to squeeze in even an hour-long workout routine several times a week. SuperSlow Zone Milton is changing how adults work out. In only 20 minutes of personal strength training, once or twice a week, the SuperSlow Zone workout can help adults get fit — for life! 24

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

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

safely build muscle and increase resting metabolism to allow the body to burn more calories. Although appropriate for anyone, SuperSlow Zone is ideal for busy adults ages 40 and above.“As we age, bone density and muscle strength decrease significantly, which can affect mobility and overall quality of life,” Luis explains.“SuperSlow Zone exercise can improve bone density, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and tone, energy, endurance and stamina and metabolism. The results are noticeable, which keeps clients motivated to continue the workout program regularly. We work with people who have minor to major health challenges, those who have not exercised in a long time, or ever, and exercise enthusiasts.” Al Taylor, age 73, says,“Since my retirement in 1998, I had let myself go. I gained weight and developed arthritis in my hips and knees. I realized that if I didn’t make some significant lifestyle changes, my quality of life would be miserable.” “SuperSlow Zone provided me exactly what I was looking for. My objective was to increase core strength, improve balance and strengthen my skeletal muscle to take stress off my knee and hip joints. As a surprise bonus, everyone at SuperSlow Zone is extremely well-versed in metabolism control and nutrition. As a result, I’ve taken off more than 35 pounds; my body fat is down 7%, visceral fat down 5% and muscle density up 3.5%. In addition, my doctor has taken me off of my blood pressure medication, and my blood sugar is now down to normal. Life is good.” Clients come, stay and refer because it works. SuperSlow Zone accredited, certified instructors, including Grayson Hunt and Brandon DeRitis, work individually with clients to develop an exercise program that suits their unique needs and fitness levels. Typically, individuals work out for about 20 minutes on five to seven different machines that target specific muscles.

“SuperSlow Zone takes safety and satisfaction seriously,” DeRitis says. “Working one-on-one continuously with an instructor essentially removes the risk of injury and guarantees results because we’re experts in understanding how the machines work and how the body will respond to them.” SuperSlow Zone instructors capture and store clients’ individual workout data, so they can precisely track each workout and produce accurate reports of progress. “It’s very rewarding and motivating when clients see for themselves how they’ve improved,” Luis says. Another distinctive feature of SuperSlow Zone is the atmosphere.“This isn’t your typical gym,” Luis says. SuperSlow Zone is designed with a spa-like atmosphere — free of distractions like loud music, mirrors, bold colors and bright lighting. “The SuperSlow Zone workout requires focus, so we create an atmosphere where individuals can concentrate, receive one-on-one attention from their instructor and not feel intimidated.” The temperature, set at 68 degrees, and fans in the training area keep clients comfortable during their workout, so they don’t have to be inconvenienced with showering and bringing a change of clothes.“SuperSlow Zone is an ideal workout that busy professionals and parents can fit into busy schedules,”

Luis says.“We understand that it’s hard to make time to work out, so we make it easy. SuperSlow Zone provides an effective workout in a short amount of time, so you can get in, get out and get on with your busy life!”

12540 Broadwell Road, Suite 2103, Milton

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

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

A Surviving Spouse’s Dilemma By Marianna Chaet, Esq. If you get a bill in the mail that belongs to someone else, you wouldn’t pay it, right? The same is true for bills addressed to a deceased spouse. The creditor may have a valid claim to payment for goods and services provided to the deceased, but the payment should come from the estate of the deceased spouse instead of the surviving spouse, personally.

Married couples often treat each other’s individual debts as joint debts, which is a perfectly reasonable habit while both spouses are alive because they might share joint accounts and pay both individual and joint bills. However, the law does not require that level of responsibility. In the unfortunate case when one of the spouses passes away, the surviving spouse may set aside the individual debts of the deceased spouse and wait until an estate has been opened.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Once an estate is opened in Georgia, the Executor or Administrator has six months to collect the deceased’s assets and figure out all of the claims against the estate. Before that deadline, the Executor is not obligated to make any distributions out of the estate. The Executor can wait to pay the Decedent’s debts until they have determined all of the assets in the estate and the claims against it. Creditor claims take priority over distributions

to beneficiaries of the Decedent’s estate, but sometimes, there are not enough funds to pay all of the creditors. Therefore, the Executor needs to determine the priority of each claim and pay those claims that have top priority ahead of other junior claims. For example, the Georgia Probate Code considers funeral costs to be higher priority claims than debts stemming from a person’s last illness. Claims of Year’s Support from minor children and a surviving spouse are considered highest of all, so it is crucial to determine all debts of the decedent before paying any individual creditors.

Marianna Chaet, Esq. is an associate at the Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partners

or 40 years, the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) has connected people with nature. Situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, on the Roswell/Cobb County line, it offers 127 acres of native plants, gardens and wildlife to the 150,000 visitors who come each year. The property includes a river boardwalk, Discovery Center, wetland demonstration gardens and woodland trails that are home to over fifty species of native, non-releasable wildlife. The CNC takes in more than 500 reptiles, amphibians and raptors for rehabilitation each year.

“We are a place for people to explore new ideas and expand their awareness of the natural world,” said Chris Nelson, executive director of the CNC. The CNC is open year-round and hosts many events for nature lovers of all ages. The largest event of the year is the annual Butterfly Festival and Encounter. Hundreds of butterflies are released to great fanfare, while families enjoy a festival dedicated to all things fluttery and flying. Camp Kingfisher is a popular summer camp for school-age children, which exposes them to nature in fun and educational ways. Halloween Hikes have been a favorite alternative tradition for thirty years. CNC’s Unity Garden is a quarter-acre of land dedicated exclusively to growing produce and educating the community about natural foods. Everything grown in this garden is donated to North Fulton Community Charities’ food pantry. To

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

date, over thirteen tons of food have been donated. That’s a lot of food! And it’s not just for kids and families – the Sundays on the River and Sunset Sips concert series invite adults to bring a picnic to enjoy while listening to great, local bands in the pavilion. Date-night canoe trips and workshops on a variety of topics, from nature photography to bird watching, offer adults lifelong learning possibilities. As a non-profit, help is always appreciated and needed. Docents are needed in the Discovery Center. Volunteers and businesses can help with the trail maintenance and gardening. Beyond volunteering, businesses can seek taxdeductible donations or take part in campaigns such as their “40 for 40” paver campaign, selling pavers outside their Discovery Center to interested individuals or companies. For information on ways to donate or help, please call 770-992-2055 x238.

How Secure Is Your

Electronic Data? By Arlene Dickerson

Did you know that simply deleting a file or moving a file to “Trash” does not wipe it from your hard drive? Did you know that some emails contain attachments and downloads that can retrieve sensitive information from your computer or server? Or that network copiers and printers store sensitive data on their internal drives and are rarely audited during regular security scans? FACTA (The Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003) contains requirements and recommendations for credit card and debit transactions, Social Security numbers and other sensitive

information handled and stored by businesses. Among the steps your business can take to minimize security breaches are: Create a written policy regarding how to handle devices, including CDs, DVDs, USB drives, hard drives and more, on which consumer information is recorded and stored, how the information is used, who can access the information and how it is disposed of. Restrict access to sensitive data by making the information available only to those employees who need it to complete their work. Train employees on document use, securing passwords, etc., as well as on the proper protocols for handling emails, downloads and links to ensure FACTA compliance. Implement a two-step password system for every device involved

in handling sensitive data. Encrypt information, and add passwords to firewalls. Store credit/debit numbers and Social Security numbers, “hiding” all but a few digits, according to FACTA guidelines. Conduct security audits with a company familiar with your technology to ensure data is not lingering on hard drives, servers, in the Cloud, or within shared office equipment such as copiers and printers. Practicing welldefined, effective security protocols for consumer and employee financial and personal information builds credibility and trust and provides peace of mind for better business relationships.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-9289491, TechnicalRS.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Behind the Curtain… By Julie Senger

As you and your fellow audience members come into the theatre, take your seats and quietly converse amongst yourselves while awaiting the heavy curtain to be drawn open, bringing you into another world for an hour or two, there is much that has gone on behind that temporary barrier that keeps what lies behind it a mystery until show time. Months of preparation and hard work have gone into the experience of which you’re about to become a part. Part of what separates live theatre from film is its inclusivity; rather than a series of moving images for you to view, you get to feel the intimacy of what it’s like to be in the room while the action takes place. There’s always the chance that something won’t go as planned, and actors must improvise on the spot in order to try to make the show seamless. Therefore, shows are like snowflakes or fingerprints — no two are exactly the same. This is the stuff you don’t get to see:

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Auditions Depending upon the production, auditions will either be open-call or by invitation only. Open-call means anyone can audition. Actors will bring a headshot with their résumé affixed to the back, which will contain their most recent, relevant, performance experience. Auditions usually consist of a prepared monologue and a cold-read. A monologue is a solo character performance that is acted out for the casting director. A cold-read is when the actor is given a portion of the script from the play for which he/she is auditioning that they must briefly review and perform. This portion of the script is not given to the actor until just before they must perform it. If auditioning for a musical, the actor will also be asked to prepare a portion of a song which best shows their vocal range, and they will be asked to either prepare some choreography, or to learn some basic dance steps so the casting director can see how well they move.

Rehearsal

Once a show is cast, scripts are disbursed, and rehearsals begin. This is where the cast and crew spend a couple of months learning lines and blocking, as well as music and choreography if the show is a musical. Blocking is stage movement; it’s every physical action that you see an actor make that isn’t dance choreography. Blocking is the element that most people don’t consider when they think of what goes in to a performance. Most people don’t think about the fact that almost every movement, gesture, step, entrance and exit an actor makes has been strictly dictated to them by the director. Blocking must be memorized so that actors are in the right place at the right time, or so that a certain

movement or gesture is made in order to convey specific meaning. Rehearsal is where all the elements must come together to create each scene. Actors will walk around with their scripts in hand for the first few weeks, penciling in notes next to their lines as to what they are supposed to physically be doing during a scene. A few weeks before the show, the actors are expected to be “off-book,” which means they must have all of their lines, blocking, music and choreography memorized so they can perform it without their script.

Hell Week

makeup and costume. It is usually 2-3 hours before show time. Once actors are in costume, they may check with stage hands to ensure that any item they need for the show is in its proper place. Stage hands work back stage to assist actors with costume changes and facilitate set changes. Actors will want to make sure any prop they will need is where it is supposed to be for a scene, and they will want to make sure that any quick costume changes they must make are set up on the appropriate side of the stage from which they’ll enter once they are changed.

Hell week is the week before opening night. It’s called hell week because it’s where all the pieces of a show must come together, and everyone is expected to stay until it does; in other words, the actors and crew may not leave the theatre until well after midnight each night. During this week, the stage set is assembled, and actors begin dress rehearsals so they can practice any costume changes and begin to feel the flow of the entire show. Up until this point, the show has most likely only been performed as separate scenes and acts.

When the director announces that the “house is open,” meaning the theatre is now open for audience members to begin taking their seats, then actors will often stretch, perform vocal exercises to warm up their voice and review their choreography, blocking and scripts backstage to make sure they are ready. When the director calls “places,” the actors will go to the position in which they open the play; the curtain will open, and the show will begin!

Hell week is also when the stage techs come in and begin setting the lighting, testing sound, and rehearsing the places in which they must use specific spotlights and supply sound effects (phones ringing, babies crying, music, etc.). These technicians must know the show almost as well as the actors in order to time everything perfectly.

After all that goes on behind the curtain, the actors will leave their fingerprint on the stage for the night. If successful, their audience will walk out of the theatre affected in some small or profound way.

On with the Show

For each performance, the director will give the actors a call time. Call time is when the actors are expected to arrive at the theatre in order to get into hair,

Take a Bow

In the theatre world, a show’s production is sometimes compared to an iceberg. Seven-eighths of an iceberg exist under the surface of the frigid water. This massive portion is equated to all of the show’s preparation that is never seen… in other words, you only see the tip of the iceberg.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

P G

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What Can We Do About It? By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D.

When you visit your dentist to have your teeth cleaned, you may notice that your hygienist is paying extra close attention to your gums. Examining the supporting tissues around your teeth is an important part of your checkup.

One of the steps to ensuring your gums are in good health is to measure your pocket depths. The “pocket” is from the top of your gum line to the attachment point of the gums to your teeth. Healthy gums measure 3mm or less. A pocket measurement of 4-5mm indicates there’s bacteria below the gum line that hasn’t been properly removed with flossing and brushing. These bacteria cause your gums to become inflamed and the pockets to bleed during the measurements. This stage of disease is called gingivitis. If bacteria continue to work under the

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

surface without proper cleanings and oral hygiene at home, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis involves bone loss, which results in deeper and deeper pockets as the bone loss continues.

. s v

So how can you prevent and treat each? Gingivitis treatment involves improving at-home oral hygiene to include flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Using an electric toothbrush can improve your gum condition because it eliminates any errors made while brushing your teeth. More frequent cleanings may be needed to control gingivitis with your hygienist’s help. Periodontitis requires more aggressive treatment to remove bacteria from the depths of the pocket. Treatment varies from scaling and root planning to periodontal surgery, depending on

the severity of disease. Scaling and root planning is a deeper cleaning that involves an anesthetic, so the buildup below the gum line can be removed without causing you discomfort. Surgery is necessary when the pockets are too deep to access without direct access to the buildup and bacteria. Periodontal disease is like cancer in the sense that it is never “cured.” Once the bacteria infiltrate your tissues, they will remain there. With proper dental care and checkups, the level of bacteria can be controlled and prevented from causing further damage.

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Tasteof

by chef hillary gallagher (Serves 4)

I n g re die nt s Salad

PRE P A R A T I O N Salad

¼ head red cabbage, cut thinly on the bias 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small jar pickled okra, cut into rounds ½ bunch cilantro leaves, washed, picked and roughly chopped 1 fresh lime, juiced 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. 2. Set the salad aside to marinate and cook the fish.

Fish 3-4 fish fillets, catfish, flounder or other firm white fish 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or light olive oil 1 cup milk 1 fresh lime, cut into 8 wedges for garnish 1 pack small corn tortillas

Fish 1. Cut the fish into strips, approximately 1x2 inches. 2. Combine the cornmeal and the salt and pepper in a bowl. 3. Pour the milk in a bowl, and dip the fish strips into the milk then roll it in the seasoned cornmeal. 4. Place the breaded fish on a plate or cookie sheet; do not stack or shingle the fish, or it will get soggy. 5. In a medium sauté pan, on medium high heat, add the 2 tablespoons of oil; you may need more depending on the size of the pan. Allow the oil to get hot, and add the breaded fish. Do not crowd the pan; if necessary, cook the fish in batches. Sauté the fish for two minutes on each side. 6. Remove the fish from the pan, and allow it to drain on a plate covered with paper towels.

plati ng 1. Place 2 or 3 corn tortillas on each plate; fill each tortilla with two or three pieces of fish, depending on the size. 2. Top the fish with the salad, and garnish with a lime wedge. 3. Serve with rice or a green salad. Additional garnish options: crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, hot sauce and/or guacamole Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

A Heavenly Opening Ceremony I’ve always enjoyed watching the Olympics. Sports have been a significant part of my life, and there was something special about watching athletes from all around the world compete against each other as they represented their country of origin. In a day and age when many professional athletes make more money in one year than most people make in an entire lifetime, it was refreshing and inspirational to watch young women and men compete with national pride and with the goal of winning a gold medal to signify that they are the best in their particular sport. A few years ago, I was talking with another pastor about the Olympics, and he shared an interesting

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

observation with me. He described how he was captivated by the Opening Ceremony that began the Olympic Games. For my friend, the Opening Ceremony was a special and significant experience, as he watched athletes from different countries, different ethnicities and from different parts of the world come together in one place for a time of celebration. As each group walked into the stadium that year, he noticed spectators cheering, and everyone present appeared to be happy and full of joy. There were even athletes from countries that were in the midst of political and military conflict walking close to each other, but for this one evening, everyone came together in peace, harmony and goodwill.

My friend said, “I think that picture was a small glimpse of the Kingdom of God — different people, from different places, overlooking their differences and coming together as one in peace, love, harmony and joy.” I think he’s correct. The Opening Ceremony for the Olympics has often been an inspirational, uplifting picture of peace and goodwill. In a world in which division, strife and chaos seem to dominate international relations and news stories, it was wonderful to experience “a foretaste of glory divine.” Blessings!

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Quotables “When you love someone, you do not love them all the time in exactly the same way from moment to moment. And yet, this is exactly what most of us demand. We have too little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror at its ebb. We are afraid it will never return.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I’ll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things.” -Lawrence Bell “We lose ourselves in the things we love, but we find ourselves there, too.” -Kristin Martz

“When you understand that what you’re telling is just a story, it isn’t happening anymore, when you realize the story you’re telling is just words, then you can just crumble it up and throw your past in the trashcan. Then we’ll figure out who you’re going to be…” -Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

“One of the best opportunities you can be given in life is to be underestimated.” -Steve Jobs

“Do not leave yourself to find someone else.” -Rune Lazuli

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” -Horace Walpole

“No one knows what’s next, but everybody does it.” -George Carlin

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

“Oh yes the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki, The Lion King

“The world praises people who say ‘clever’ things—even if they embarrass and hurt others. But that is not the kind of person I want you to be. Your words are powerful tools. I want you to use them to build up those around you, not tear them down.” -Sarah Young, Jesus Calling for Kids

Book Review By annell gerson

ilton resident and New York Times bestselling author Karen White continues her tradition of “southern women’s grit lit” with her twentieth novel, Flight Patterns. For all who love her melodic sentences, powerful sense of place, intermittent seeds of forgotten history and the ebb and flow of hope and heartache in the lives of her characters, Flight Patterns will not disappoint. Leaving secrets and family behind, Georgia Chambers flees from her hometown of Apalachicola, Florida and promises herself and her sister, Maisy, she will never come back. Ten years after her departure, James Graf walks into the New Orleans auction house where Georgia has become renowned for her knowledge of antique china. His grandmother recently passed away, leaving behind a mostly complete set of china with a unique, bee flight pattern motif, and he needs to know its value. Success matters, not only to quench the curiosity factor, but more importantly because determining the value will mean James will award the lucrative sale of the entire estate to the auction house where Georgia works. After an exhaustive search through available reference catalogs in which the mysterious design is not found, Georgia remembers she has seen the pattern before, a long time ago, in her mother’s closet—on a soup cup. Though she was just a little girl, she remembers her mother putting her fingers over her lips and making Georgia promise never to tell. She remembers it made her mother so sad that she was again “taken away.” Left with no other choice but to find the soup cup, Georgia breaks her promise and goes home. Told in the voices of the three Chambers women, Georgia, Maisy and their mother, Birdie, Flight Patterns begins its ascent into a rich plot of families and secrets, history and heroes, bees and their symbolism, mistakes and painful memories, keys and locks and the complications of their layered interactions.

Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

September 17th & 18th 10A.M. – 5 P.M. both days. Free admission

Festival funds have contrib uted to the following projects: Serenity Garden at Roswell Area Park (2016) • Adaptive field at Waller Park extension (2015) • Therapeutic pool at Adu lt Recreation Center (2014) • Outdoor fitness equipm ent at Roswell Area Park (2012) • Shade covers at spraygro und and various playgrounds (2010) • Easels for visual arts prog rams at Adult Recreation Center (200 9) • Support activities for Frie nds of Roswell Parks (2008) • Riverside Sprayground (2006-2009) • Leita Thompson Memorial Gar den (2002) • Playground equipment at Cha ttahoochee River Park (2002) • Furnishing equipment at Adu lt Recreation Center (2001) • Construction of Adult Recreat ion Center (2000) • Purchase of Trust for public land property along Chattahooc hee River (1998) • Purchase of property for Grim es Bridge Park (1997) • Purchase of property for an athletic field (1997) • Don White Memorial Fund Don ation for improvements at Hembree Park (1996) • Visual Arts Center Donation (1996) • Start-up donation for Roswell Trail System (1994) • Donation for the Visual Arts Center (1992) • Parks Master Plan (1992) • Site Plan for Sloan Street Park (1992) • Carpeting for Physical Acti vity Center (1992) • Matching funds for constru ction of the Roswell Physical Acti vity Center (1987-1988) • Phase I construction of Eas t Roswell Park, including play ground and six athletic field s (1984) • Renovation of Old Mill Dam and Vickery Creek Park (1982) • Purchase of 9.37 additional acres for Roswell Area Park (1978) • Bicentennial renovations of Historic Town Square (1976) • Construction of an athletic field at Roswell Area Park (1976) • Equipping Roswell Area Park pool (1975) • Purchase of 63 acres for Ros well Area Park (1968-1969) • Funds for 1st Recreation and Parks Master Plan (1968) • Construction of Waller Park (1967)

Roswell Arts Festival is Celebrating its 50th Year! Fine arts, original crafts, a fun lineup of entertainment and children’s activities capture the interests of all who attend. A variety of food trucks will be on site to satisfy hungry appetites. Express your artistic side by taking a turn at painting on the “community canvas.” Access to the festival is easy, and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle running from City Hall to Town Square. The shuttle will be running for the duration of the festival, and there will be plenty of room to store anything that you might purchase. Held on the 3rd weekend of September each year, the event is presented by the Roswell Recreation Association, an all-volunteer group, and raises funds that benefit the Recreation & Parks programs in Roswell. You might call it the “Festival with a Mission.” The mission is promoting the arts as an important part of community life and raising funds for recreational needs of Roswell citizens. Since 1966, this group has given over one million dollars for those recreational needs. Among its early projects, the Association built Roswell’s first tennis courts, a little league field and paid part of the salary for Roswell’s first Recreation and Parks Director. In 1966, the Association began the Roswell Arts Festival, the first arts festival held north of the Chattahoochee River, as a way to promote arts in Roswell and raise funds for recreational needs. The festival became so successful that it’s the only fundraising initiative of the Association. Over the years, the more than $1 million raised has been used to help purchase park land, playground equipment, spraygrounds, meditative gardens and many other projects that have benefited residents of all ages. Festival funds have contributed to the projects listed at right. The 50th Annual Roswell Arts Festival is THE place to be on September 17 & 18, as we celebrate the very best of our community! For additional information, please visit RoswellArtsFestival.com, or call the Roswell Visitors Center at 770-640-3253.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

•

Helping Children Become Better Writers By Mark Tolbert Writing is one of the most important skills a child will acquire as a student—and also one of the most difficult to master. Why? Good writers are also good readers with strong critical thinking, analytical and reading comprehension skills. Writing is especially challenging to children who struggle with reading comprehension.

Here are a few tips to help students develop and improve their writing: Read more. Reading helps children expand their vocabulary, understand the many different uses of language and methods of storytelling or informative writing and see grammar rules in action. It helps them appreciate the concept of voice in fiction and develop an understanding of how to share information in a clear, coherent, succinct way in nonfiction.

Brainstorm first. Strong writers often invest as much into the preparation required to write as the writing itself. Your child should ask questions such as: What’s most interesting about this subject? Who is my audience? What facts about this topic might people not already know? Get organized. Before writing anything from a two-page book report to a 15-page research paper, an outline is a must. Come up with the “big idea” and three or four supporting points. Be sure to confirm that your points answer the essay prompt. Become a better editor. Strong writers know that no article, essay or story comes out perfect the first time. Writing is a process involving rough drafts, editing, improving and repeating. Set the first draft aside for a while then re-read with fresh

eyes. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as any areas that don’t follow the outline or are unclear. Also, it’s beneficial to let someone else proofread your draft for things you may have missed. Write for fun. For many children, the mechanics of writing make it frustrating—especially since so much of what they write is required for school. Encourage your child to keep a journal. A daily journaling habit is a great way to think critically through ideas and express opinions and feelings in writing.

Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

(Feeds 4)

Ingredients: 2, 4 oz. pieces Ahi tuna 2 oz. citrus marinade* ½ cup glazed carrot puree**

2 oz. baby pea tendrils 2 oz. Marcona almonds, crushed 1 oz. pickled Fresno chilies

*Citrus Marinade Ingredients:

½ ruby red grapefruit (zested) ¼ cup basil (chopped) 1 orange (zested) 1 garlic clove (minced) 1 lemon (zested) ¼ cup olive oil 1 lime (zested)

Citrus Marinade Procedure: Combine all of the citrus marinade ingredients in a large Tupperware container. Add the tuna, and let it marinate for 8 hours.

**Glazed Carrot Puree Ingredients: 2 cups water 2 cups carrots (peeled & diced) 2 Tbls. honey 2 Tbls. sugar

Glazed Carrot Procedure: Combine the carrots and water in a small pot, and simmer until the carrots are tender. Place the contents in the pot and the remaining ingredients in a blender; puree until smooth, and season with salt and pepper.

Tuna Procedure and Plating: After the tuna has marinated for 8 hours, season the tuna with salt and pepper, place it on a hot grill and sear rare (approx. 1-2 minutes per side). After removing the tuna from the grill, allow it to cool for a moment, and then slice it. Spoon the carrot puree onto a plate, and place the shingled tuna on top. Garnish with the pea tendrils, Marcona almonds and pickled Fresno chilies.

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

in the

limelight

opportunity to develop a potent blend of strength, flexibility, coordination and balance, while learning effective and proven self-defense techniques in a fun and energizing environment. But what truly sets PRO Martial Arts apart is their innovative, exciting and proprietary programs.

PRO

Martial Arts is about far more than kicking, punching and karate workouts. From kids to adults, from beginners to experts, from karate, to kickboxing and much more – every class at PRO Martial Arts includes a core focus on building confidence, staying safe and developing character. PRO Martial Arts offers a cohesive blend of the best elements of traditional Korean martial arts. Incorporating elements of Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, the system provides the

From ages 3-17, here are the differences between PRO Martial Arts and other schools: ARMOR® Bullying & Predator Prevention is comprised of twelve weekly lessons on bully prevention and twelve separate lessons on predator prevention. These lessons were developed based on research from reputable sources, specializing in child safety, child psychology and crime prevention. Every lesson is stand-alone, ensuring students can enter the course at any time. This program is designed to ensure that students have the ARMOR® needed to

stand tall against bullying behavior and predator activity – both online and in their everyday lives. Character Education and Advanced Leadership Programs are designed to use martial arts as a direct delivery vehicle for character education and leadership messages. These interactive programs provide students with instruction to build character and leadership skills along with the tools to measure their progress and understanding. They are comprised of short, informational modules that are offered to students before martial arts instruction. The overall goal: Building Character for a Lifetime®. To learn more, please visit

ProMartialArts.com/Alpharetta or call 770-664-8000 to schedule your free trial class today! PRO Martial Arts is independently owned and operated. ®2016 PRO Martial Arts Corp. franchises are available.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Viking Ocean Cruises® Announces

New Itineraries By Michael Consoli LIFESTYLE With the newly christened Viking Sea, there are now many new itineraries for Viking Ocean Cruises® 2017 and 2018 sailings. The new itineraries will explore destinations throughout Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba: 1. Trade Routes of the Middle Ages — During this 15-day itinerary, guests will set sail from Bergen, Norway, and will explore a total of seven different countries and ten ports with storied, naval histories (Amsterdam, Paris and two ports each in England, Portugal and Spain). Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,999 per person (pp). 2. Venice, the Adriatic and Greece — Explore four countries and seven cities along the Adriatic Sea coast, as you cruise from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece. The eight-day itinerary starts with two days in Venice, where guests learn about the city’s glassmaking tradition, before calling on Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 pp. 3. Iconic Cities of the Western Mediterranean — The French Riviera and Italy’s renaissance treasures take center stage as you embark on this eightday itinerary. Explore iconic ports, including Barcelona, St. Tropez, Monte Carlo and cities throughout the rolling hills of 42

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

Tuscany, before saying farewell in Rome. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $1,999 pp. 4. Central American Shores and Cuba — Experience the diversity of the Western Caribbean during this eight-day itinerary through four countries and five ports. Spending two days in Havana, stroll the colonial streets, and engage in authentic Cuban experiences, followed by ports of call in Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize for crystalclear snorkeling opportunities or mysterious Mayan ruins. Finally, visit Key West and its historical landmarks before returning to Miami. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 pp. 5. From the Caribbean to the Amazon — On this 22-day cruise, you’ll experience a rich variety of ports throughout the Caribbean and South America, including sailing into the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. Along the Amazon River, guests will call on ports where they’ll enjoy the Caribbean island culture, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 pp. 6. British Isles Explorer — Exploring the British Isles from north to south, you’ll be immersed in its culture during this 15-day cruise, visiting

remote Viking outposts of Shetland and Orkney Islands, the Scottish Highlands, Wales, Dublin, London, Bergen and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 pp. 7. Italian Sojourn — Starting in the Eternal City of Rome and continuing on to Naples, you’ll enjoy world-famous culinary delights. In Sicily, take in views of Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bari, Italy and Sibenik, Croatia. This eight-day itinerary culminates in Venice. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,599 pp. Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value. Every cruise fare includes a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare (beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, premium dining reservations, Wi-Fi, self-service laundry, access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa and 24-hour room service). L

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

Yoga

for Stress Relief By Sami Jackson

don’t need fancy clothes or an expensive mat. Find a studio or video with a basic beginner sequence, and follow along. You will soon begin to notice changes in your body and mood. Often, when people talk about yoga, they reference the physiological benefits of increased flexibility, balance and strength along with decreased muscle stiffness. However, the mental and psychological benefits are profound.

Stress is something that people deal with on a daily basis. Stress happens to our bodies, minds, thoughts and behavior in response to an event. Yoga is one of the best methods for reducing and controlling stress. Yoga is for every “body.” There are very few limitations to start a practice. You

Yoga involves focus on and awareness of your breath and body, which makes it an effective way to calm the mind. Breath awareness and mindfulness weave their way into your everyday life. Just wait; a positive outlook is just around the next mat! Yoga has been proven helpful in reducing stress, anxiety and depression by helping to regulate the stress response system. The heart rate drops, blood pressure falls and respiration slows and

deepens. Blood flow to the core of the body is reestablished, which promotes good digestion and support of the immune system, thus infusing us with a sense of well-being. You may sleep deeper and longer, as you are better able to clear your mind and relax. So if you are looking for an activity that can enhance the quality of your life, mind, body and spirit, give yoga a try. Meet yourself on the mat; embrace your body, and celebrate what it can do! Increased self-confidence and decreased anxiety are sure to follow! There are many styles of yoga, so look around; ask questions, and find a practice that suits you.

Sami Jackson is owner/instructor at Seva-Yoga in Ball Ground. 916-214-6535.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

ArtistProfile by rachel sprouse

rom dogs to cats, from horses to creatures of the wild, Hans Meier can make puzzles in the shape of most animals. But these puzzles don’t just resemble the animals. “[If] it’s a badger, it’ll be in the shape of a badger, but it’ll also spell ‘badger’ in the puzzle,” Meier said. “If it’s a racoon, it’ll spell racoon.” Meier makes tab-type puzzles, where the pieces spell out the shape of the puzzle. Because most of what Meier makes are puzzles, he can make most domestic and wild animals. He also creates puzzles for school mascots like the Georgia Bulldog or the Auburn Tiger. He makes them using a scroll saw, a small saw with a sixinch-long blade that typically does not have any attachments. “What you can do, because the blade is only six inches long, you’re able to drill a hole, and you can put that saw through, so you can do inside cuts,” Meier said. Meier is self-taught and has made puzzles with a scroll saw for over twenty years. He is the chairman of the Gwinnett Woodworkers Scroll Saw Group, a club of 200 people who meet once a month to discuss different topics and techniques. Although eighty percent of what Meier makes are puzzles, the other twenty

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

percent of his work consists of fretwork and intarsia. When customers ask Meier what type of wood he uses for his puzzles, he said they laugh at his reply. “They always say, ‘What kind of wood do you use,’ and I say, ‘F-RE-E,’” Meier said. “People give me wood because they’ve got these ten-inch long pieces [or] eight-inch long pieces, and they’re going to throw them away. I’ve convinced them, over a period of time, to bring them to me.” When Meier attends craft shows, he often appears in the local paper. One year, Meier attended over twenty craft shows and appeared in the local paper nineteen times. “Because I demo at the event,” he said. He also said that he will “cut free puzzles for all the kids,” and that instead of

children grabbing premade puzzles from a box, Meier has the children step up on a step stool and watch him create the puzzle. “I play with them, mess with them, and then I create a puzzle for them that’s basically about their age,” he explained. “If they’re four-years-old, it has four pieces. If they’re six-years-old, it has six pieces.” Meier makes about 300 puzzles for children at each craft show he attends. “I have crowds of fifteen to twenty [people] at a time,” he stated. “These are threedimensional puzzles, which they’ve never seen before. The expression on their face is unbelievable [when I hand them the puzzle.]” Meier prefers making puzzles for children rather than standing at the back of his booth when he attends a craft show. “I’ve got to be in my environment,” he said.

Discover Your By Christy Noll How do you know which type of art you or your child will like? Experiment at home, attend local art festivals, paint a canvas or pottery at a local art store or take classes! The City of Alpharetta events department works hard to cultivate free programs/events throughout the year, which incorporate different forms of art. The Alpharetta Arts Streetfest is an annual event held around Memorial Weekend in downtown Alpharetta. This 3-day event typically hosts more than 90 artisans from around the country. The festival features live music, cultural arts performances, entertaining childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and food. The Annual Wire & Wood festival, held in October, is increasingly popular

as singer-songwriters perform their original songs, giving music lovers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that inspired them. Typically, a wellknown, nationally recognized performer concludes the festival. Many of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events consist of some type of art form for children such as canvas painting, crafts at the Christmas Tree Lighting, music at Food Truck Alley and more. Visit Alpharetta.ga.us for more information. The Alpharetta Parks & Rec offers a variety of art classes for almost all ages! Try Clayworks for Young Sculptors, Snow Globes (for 50 years of age and older), Teen Drawing/Mixed Media, Wheel Pottery and Oil/Acrylic/Canvas painting. These are usually weekly classes, lasting several months, and are priced fairly. Local libraries also offer free events throughout the year, many of which involve art forms for all ages! The

new Alpharetta library has an ongoing art exhibit. A variety of art styles are exhibited by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists. The exhibit changes quarterly. Visit AFPLS.org or AlpharettaMoms.org for more information on these free events. Whichever medium you choose to try, make art fun, and continue to experiment! You never know what talents you may discover! Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings 46

11605 Haynes Bridge Rd, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 30009 , 770-993-8806 Gnfcc.com

Elements Massage

625 W. Crossville Road, Suite 102 Roswell 678-981-8139 Massage Therapy

Dynasis Integrated Systems

Business Radio X

11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 100 Alpharetta 678-646-6750 Online Radio Network

Spa Amore, LLC

950 North Point Parkway, Suite 300 Alpharetta 770-686-0010 IT Support and Installation

11285 Elkins Road, Suite A2 Roswell 770-521-1718 Massage Therapy

Pieology Pizzeria

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

2685 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 120 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-569-4426 Pizza Restaurant

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

2665 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-225-8611 American Restaurant/Steak House

A College Student’s

Guide to Time Management By Rachel Sprouse

College can be a stressful time. For many, it may be the first time you have had to manage your own schedule. Keeping track of deadlines, assignments and appointments can seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you can learn how to better manage your time.

Writing out tasks and appointments at the start of each day, along with an estimated time it will take to complete each task, will help you prioritize assignments and keep track of appointments. For example, you might use a small whiteboard that hangs in your work/study area to write out daily tasks and meetings. Once a task is finished, Create a daily plan. erase it, and move on to the next one.

Learn to say “No.” This is something people of all ages struggle with. It is possible to take on too much work. Instead of overloading your day and adding unneeded stress, learn to say “no” without having to give an explanation. If you’re unable to complete a task or attend something, it’s ok to say “no.”

Schedule time for yourself. This may sound silly, but how many times do we put ourselves first? Make sure to incorporate time for yourself when creating a schedule. Even if it’s just thirty minutes, make sure it’s your time. Set it aside as a breather or time to catch up. It will give you a reprieve from your daily tasks and allow you to take a moment before getting back to studying/working.

Minimize distractions. Many students study with music in the background, but listening to music on a smartphone or computer can lead to added distractions while studying. Install a toolbar in your web browser to block out distracting websites, and use airplane mode when using a smartphone for music. By minimizing distractions, you can focus on your work without feeling the need to check social media or email. With these tips in mind, go forth, and study hard.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Advertiser Index Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists Audio Intersection

3 21

Bank of North Georgia

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill

Buford Corn Maze Chukkar Farms Crabapple Festival Crabapple Weekday Preschool Cruise Planners Debra Robinson Law Group Decorating Den Interiors

9 26 9 36 19, 32 9 Inside Back

DeMercy Dental

Digital First Social Media, LLC

First Baptist Church of Roswell Preschool

H&H Electric & Security, LLC

Hill & Hill Financial, LLC Huntington Learning Center Internal Medicine Practice of Northside Juicesupps Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC

3 47 13 Inside Front 3

Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails

Newtown Medical Associates

North Atlanta Biz Expo

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center

North Atlanta Women’s Care

North Roswell Internal Medicine Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Northside Vascular Surgery Owl-o-ween Perimeter North Family Medicine Pro Martial Arts of Alpharetta R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Reproductive Surgical Specialties

Inside Back 1 Inside Front 35 5 41 Back Cover 5

Riverfest 33 Roswell Arts Festival Roswell Riverside Sounds SuperSlow Zone

North Fulton Family Life | september 2016

38, 39 48 Cover, 24 - 25

Taziki’s Café

Technical Resource Solutions

Thomas Eye Group

Wire and Wood

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037