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17 Publisher & Co-Owner Brian Meek Executive Editor & Co-Owner Michelle Meek
Brain Balance Achievement Centers Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net
editorial Editor Cherryl Greenman Social Media Delaney Young
art Graphic Designer Tiffany Atwood Graphic Designer Candice Williams
sales
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Senior Market Director Janet Ponichtera Market Director Kimberly Starr
JANUARY 2011
Advertising Designer Ashley George
contributors Photographers Jack Tuszynski
My Community Favorites Cast your vote for your favorite businesses, services or restaurants online or use the ballot inside this issue!
A New Start, Weight Smart
Volume 1 | Issue 3
January may be coming to an end, but you still have time to make your resolution count.
Science Go Round
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In Every Issue
4 My Alpharetta 6 Community news 10 Celebrations 12 Calendar 14 SPORTS 23 school information 24 School news 39 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Directory Listings
34 religious services 35 Local Officials 36 clubs & Organizations 40 Advertiser index 2
My Alpharetta | january 2012
Writers Richard Becker, Ronald Bradley, Carol Brazier, Michael Consoli, Allison Davison, Anna Dukes, Brett Gluck, David Belle Isle, Dan Jape, Charles E. Martin, Michelle Martin, LaCretia Munroe, Vishant Nath, Susan Traxler, Laurie Troublefield
113 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 204 Canton, GA 30115 tel. (770) 720-7497 fax. (770) 720-1329 editor@myalpharettamonthly.com admanager@myalpharettamonthly.com www.myalpharettamonthly.com My Alpharetta Monthly magazine is your monthly community magazine and a publication of Footprints Publishing, LLC. The magazine’s mission is to bring relevant, positive stories and timely information to its readers and to provide local businesses with a premium outlet for community based advertising. Each month, more than 15,000 copies are distributed free by mail and through local businesses in the Alpharetta area. Please contact us or visit our website for a current list of locations where copies of the magazine can be found. My Alpharetta Monthly welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. 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. My Alpharetta Monthly magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher.
Š 2012 All rights reserved. My Alpharetta Monthly is printed using soy-based inks and paper stocks that are at least 25 percent recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
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ALPHARETTA Community — Home
by Cherryl Greenman, editor@myalpharettamonthly.com
Schakolad Chocolate Factory, 5530 Windward Pkwy, is scheduled to move into its new facility in the Kings Plaza in Roswell in mid-January. Schakolad Chocolate Factory offers hand-made European style chocolates for corporate gifts, custom molded corporate logos, gift baskets, favors for weddings and special occasions, sugar free chocolates, and more. Store hours: Tuesday — Friday from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m., Monday and Saturday from 11 a.m. — 5 p.m. and closed Sunday. Contact Andrea and Bill Werkheiser at (678) 297-3000. The Therese Lynn Johnson Agency, Nationwide Insurance — On You Side GA, 640 West Crossville Road, Suite 14, located across from Kohl’s, specializes in home, auto, and small business insurance needs. With her insurance expertise, Therese is able assist residents in Alpharetta and Roswell. This is the year to save up to 20% on bundled insurance. Give Therese a call for your personal policy review over the phone, in person, or on-line. (770) 862-4352, www.onyoursidega.com
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Left to right: Louis Erste, director of the Georgia Department of Education’s Charter Schools Division; Linda Schultz, school board presiden t; Mar tha Greenway, deputy superintendent for Organizational Advancement; Laura Stowell, FCS char ter schools liaison; Arthur Mills, project manager ; and Dr. Robert Avossa, superintendent.
The Fulton County School System (1) recently became the largest school system in Georgia to submit a petition to become a charter school district. “This is the culmination of nearly two years of intensive study, dialogue with parents, staff and the community, and research into the best practices that will help all kids be successful,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa. “We’ve received excellent feedback from the Georgia Department of Education and look forward to receiving their final recommendation.” With the final application now submitted, the Fulton County School System now waits for direction from the Georgia Board of Education, which is expected to make a decision in the spring.
Mike Buchanan, Alpharetta resident and co-author/screenwriter, is scheduled to have a feature film released January 3. “The Fat Boy Chronicles” is the inspiring story of an overweight and bullied 9th grader who loses weight and wins the girl of his dreams. Bullies took everything from him, except his courage. “The Fat Boy Chronicles” novel is a must read for educators, students and parents, it was also a winner of the 2010 Mom’s Choice Gold Award. Read more about the movie and novel at www.thefatboychronicles.com
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Champia Real Estate Inspections (2), a small real estate inspection company located in Alpharetta, has recently hired new home inspectors to its team. Vince Tidwell joined Champia Real Estate Inspections as a real estate inspector. In that capacity, he is an active member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Prior to the real estate inspection business, Vince received his BME at Georgia Institute of Technology and his MBA at Georgia State University. Champia Real Estate Inspections has been serving the Atlanta area with real estate inspections for 24+ years. (770) 953-0767 or www.champia.com. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park has welcomed some of the top performing acts in pop, rock and country music and the award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for four fantastic seasons. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau will be giving away two prime seats for the full 2012 season, including parking and VIP Club access. To enter, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com and sign up for the Alpharetta CVB newsletter. One winner will be drawn from the contestants who sign up between January 1 and March 31, 2012. One entry per person, the winner will be announced April 1.
Vince Tidwell 4
My Alpharetta | january 2012
S.J. Gorowitz, 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 37, a full service CPA firm specializing in working with small businesses, entrepreneurs and women of wealth with financial complexities recently celebrated its 20 years. (770) 740-0797
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COMMUNITY NFCC Annual Community Breakfast
More than 120 supporters from the civic, faith, business, and community attended the NFCC annual Community Breakfast to help celebrate the community’s impact on the lives of families in North Fulton, and recognize award winners. Faith-Based Partner of the Year: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church; who has partnered with NFCC for over 20 years, contributing monthly from the mission budget and providing volunteers, food and program support. Civic Partner of the Year: Roswell Rotary; who has supported NFCC every year with donations of food and funds. The club funded NFCC’s walk in Cooler/Freezer which allows NFCC to participate in food recovery programs of restaurant and prepared food and since 2003 has contributed a total of $92,000 to NFCC. Business Partner of the Year: Coupon Mom. Stephanie Nelson aka The Coupon Mom has supported NFCC for 11 years. She started donating food to the pantry through her church, Roswell Presbyterian, and began to multiply her donations by using coupons. She was soon teaching others to save money using coupons and has grown a successful national business known as Couponmom.com.
Left to right: Faith-Based Partner of the Year: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Barbara Duffy, Ollie Wagner, Sue White and Jim Shevlin.
Left to right: Civic Partner of the Year: Roswell Rotary. Barbara Duffy and Director of the Roswell Rotary Foundation Jim Coyle.
Reza Khalaj, owner of RK & Co. Jewelers in Alpharetta, recently presented Northside Hospital with another check for the hospital’s Breast Care Program. Since October 2010, with every jewelry item sold in his store, Khalaj has donated a percentage of the sale to Northside; not just in October, but all year long. To date, more than $3,750 has been donated to the hospital for education, treatment and support for breast cancer patients. “My family was directly impacted by this horrible disease when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002,” said Khalaj. “She ultimately lost her courageous battle. As a tribute to her memory, I wanted to give my store a greater purpose and give back to some of the programs that already do so much in the fight against breast cancer, like Northside Hospital.” More cases of breast cancer are treated at Northside Hospital than at any other community hospital in the Southeast. “We are very grateful for the ongoing support from RK & Co.,” said Patti Owen, director of oncology services, Northside Hospital. For more information about RK & Co. Jewelers, visit www.rkcojewelers.com. For more information about Northside visit www.northside.com. Left to right: Lisa Kelly, Northside Hospital Network of Hope (NOH) volunteer and breast cancer survivor; Reza Khalaj, owner, RK & Co. Jewelers; Susan Casella, breast health coordinator, Northside Hospital; NOH volunteers and survivors Lauralee Alger, Sue Saban, Janis Altshuler and Jeanette Napp.
Hospital Holds Safety Fair
Left to right: Business Partner of the Year: Coupon Mom, Stephanie Nelson and Barbara Duffy.
Volunteer of the Year: George Berekashvili. George stops by NFCC every day to tidy up around the back of NFCC’s building, especially the dumpster area. NFCC generates a lot of trash which can quickly get out of hand without constant attention. 6
Jeweler Supports Breast Care Program
My Alpharetta | january 2012
The focus of Safety Week this year was to reiterate what each employee can do on a daily basis to help make North Fulton Hospital the safest in America. Everyone from nursing to environmental services to administration is constantly working to make sure they are providing a safe environment for those entrusted in more on page North Fulton Hospital safety fair booth. their care. 8
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COMMUNITY
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Breaking Boards to Raise Funds
daVinci® Si™ Surgical System at Emory Johns Creek Hospital
Emory Johns Creek Hospital has completed its first cases using the new Drs. Ingrid Reyes and John Reyes with daVinci® Si™ surgical specially trained surgical team. system. The patients representing these first cases underwent complex gynecological surgeries using the new system. Because the daVinci system allows physicians to perform advanced surgeries in a less invasive manner, the patients returned to their normal activities significantly faster than with traditional surgery. The first cases were performed by John Reyes, MD, and his wife, Ingrid Reyes, MD, both obstetricians and gynecologists at Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology and Emory Johns Creek Hospital. www.emoryjohnscreek.com
STS Top 20 Listings
Two of Alpharetta’s most popular special events have been selected as Top 20 Events for 2012 by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). Alpharetta Arts StreetFest will be featured in the Top 20 listing for the month of April and Taste of Alpharetta will be featured for the month of May. “We are thrilled that these two great events have been selected to appear in the STS Top 20 listings for 2012,” says Janet Rodgers, Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO. “Both events have always been extremely popular locally, but we feel this designation will help us spread the word about them throughout the Southeast and across the country.” Alpharetta Arts StreetFest, in its 8th year, is a celebration of the arts in Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Outdoor galleries along closed downtown streets are filled with fine paintings, photography, pottery and jewelry as well as textile, glass, wood, metal and paper art. Taste of Alpharetta, the largest “Taste of” festival in the South, features food samples from over 60 area restaurants, chef competitions, culinary demonstrations and live musical performances. Visit www.awesomealpharetta.com.
Students, ages 3 to 12, of The Dojo American Karate Centers of Crabapple teamed up with North Fulton Community Charities to host a “Break-A-‘thon” fundraising event and raised $4,296 to aid families in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell. On November 19 more than 900 boards were broken for dollar pledges during a spectacular five hour exhibition at the Dojo. Each Dojo student got a chance to break up to 20 read wood boards to held “Break through Hunger.” For three weeks leading up to the event, the students volunteered their time and contacted family, friends, and neighbors to ask for pledges. The donors promised a dollar amount for each board that was broken that day. According to Vonda Malbrough, the Development Director for NFCC, “We are very grateful to the Dojo and its students. This is a sizable donation for a small business and it’s the first donation from any martial arts school in the 28 year history of the organization.” NFCC sees an average of 115 families a day to provide aid with rent, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, and other basic needs on an emergency basis. In 2011, NFCC provided over $1,116,000 in financial assistance to more than 5,089 families. Dojo will continue to partner with NFCC in 2012, director of the Crabapple Dojo, Teron Harvey, stated, “The martial arts are more than just kicking and punching. It’s about giving back, not only in teaching, but also to our communities.” Over the years the Dojo has supported the Roswell area with annual food drives, Toys for Tots, silent auctions, and volunteered time to many local schools and churches. For more information about NFCC visit www.nfcchelp.org. For additional information about The Dojo American Karate Centers visit www.teamdojo.com.
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WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO IN OUR CELEBRATION SECTION? Birthday, Anniversary & Wedding Announcements are Free!
My Alpharetta Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Dr., Suite 204, Canton, GA 30115 or art@myalpharettamonthly.com Deadline is January 10th for the February Issue!
Babies, Birthdays and Anniversaries
Grayson Turner
Age 10 on January 2 Officially Double Digits! Happy Birthday! We love you so much! Mom & Dad
Lydia Grace Lord
Age 7 on January 29 Happy Birthday to our amazing Grace Grace! You make us so very proud! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Will and Lily
Austin Perales
Age 10 on January 11 Happy 10th Birthday Austin! We love you, Dad, Mom and Mitchell
Christian Cole Engelhart Age 8 on January 13 Happy Birthday, Christian. We love you so much, Dad, Mom, Cameron and Sydney
Myles & Chase Quandt
Myles: Age 7 on December 21 Chase: Age 9 on January 30 Happy Birthday! Love, Mom & Dad
Farrah Elizabeth Nixon
Born on November 11, 2011 7lbs., 13oz. Mommy & Daddy love you!
Knox Anthony Chanudet
Born on December 7, 2011 at 12:44 a.m. 7 lbs., 1 oz., 20 inches long Proud parents are Bryn & Anthony Chanudet 10 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Gavin Smith
Age 3 on November 20 We love you, Mommy & Daddy
Tracy Evans
Age 25 on January 8 Mother of Aiden Evans Happy Birthday!
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January
Things to do in Alpharetta
January 1 — 31 •
January 27•
CREATURE FEATURE
YH2O STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
During January, join a CNC naturalist to uncover some of the interesting names of animals that call Georgia home. Thursdays and Fridays at 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. for all ages. www.chattnaturecenter.org
High school students don’t forget CNC’s 2nd Annual YH2O Film Contest; deadline is January 27 at 5 p.m. What is your vision for the future of water in Atlanta? Show it in the 2nd Annual YH2O Student Film Competition sponsored by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Comcast and Play It Again Sports. Film festival dates are February 25 — 26 in the Cowie Weiss Theater. Cash prizes for 1 — 3 places. www.chattnaturecenter.org
WINTER SCAVENGER HUNTS Walk every trail at CNC this winter. Pick up your official CNC trail hiker passport in the Nature Exchange and receive a stamp for every trail you hike. Completing all six trails earns you something special from the Nature Exchange. www.chattnaturecenter.org
January 2 — 6 • CRAFT WEEK Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, will help you beat the boredom and blahs during winter break. A different craft each day, using reused and recycled items for ages 4 and up from 11 a.m. — 12 p.m. www.chattnaturecenter.org
January 2 — 5 • YEAR OF THE BAT Celebrate the Year of the Bat with CNC and explore its fun bat trunk. Ages 5 — 12 from 1:30 — 3 p.m. www.chattnaturecenter.org
January 12 • Relay For Life of Alpharetta Kick Off The kick off for the annual Relay for Life, Alpharetta, will be held at First Citizens Bank, 11575 Haynes Bridge Road, at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be for those who want information on forming a team of five to 15 — teams can be friends, family or co-workers. The Relay event will take place on April 20 — 21, 2012 at Milton Center Stadium (Old Milton High School). www.relayforlife.org
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January 14 • STAR FILLED NIGHT HIKE Winter is a wonderful time to explore the sky, join a CNC naturalist on a night hike and finish off the night with a warm campfire and marshmallows. 7 — 9 p.m. www.chattnaturecenter.org
January 29 • MRS GEORGIA AMERICA PAGEANT The annual Mrs. Georgia America Pageant will be held at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street at 6 p.m. (612) 804-2128
January 29 • ON THE RUN IN NAZI BERLIN
Join members of North Fulton Drama Club for a hilarious and exciting romp through some of your favorite scenes from Shakespeare. Discover the animals of Shakespeare’s plays and do a little acting of your own during this unique and live interactive performance! All ages, held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road from 1 — 2 p.m. www.chattnaturecenter.org
The memoir of Bert Lewyn in which he vividly tells about growing up in Nazi Germany during the war, co-authored by his daughter-in-law, Bev Saltzman. In 1942, the Gestapo arrested Bert and his parents. His parents were deported to a concentration camp, and 18 year old Bert was forced to work in a weapons factory. His book is the story of his escape and courageous struggle to survive underground. The Lewyn family will discuss “On the Run in Nazi Berlin” at 2 p.m. at Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green Street, Roswell. Free, but reservations appreciated; contact nnrose@comcast.net.
January 15 •
February 4 •
January 14 • BARD OWL
RUN FOR COVER 5K
HOB NOb WITH THE WINE SNOB
The Milton Boys Lacrosse team will host this 5K beginning at 3 p.m. at the Milton High School football stadium parking area, 13025 Birmingham Hwy. All participants are requested to bring an article of winter clothing and/or one non-perishable food item for donation to the NFCC. www.miltoneagleslax.com
Join Barnsley’s “Wine Snob” for a casual and entertaining wine tasting featuring six of his favorite wines. www.barnsleyresort.com
February 9 • LOVE BIRDS FOR VALENTINES Children and their parent/adult guest will create
beautiful love birds using cut-outs and lots of imagination! For ages 3 — 6 with adult. Free, pre-registration is required. (678) 297-6165, arts@alpharetta.ga.us
February 10 • FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE Dads and daughters are invited to join ACC programs for dessert and dancing to celebrate Valentine’s Day! You must pre-register for this event. $20 per person Alpharetta resident; $30 per person non-resident. (678) 297-6100, accprograms@alpharetta.ga.us
February 10 & 11 • VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND Enjoy a romantic special Barnsley’s menu at the Rice House; carriage rides between the Rice House and the Historic Ruins. www.barnsleyresort.com
February 11 • ART FROM THE HEART A gala charity champagne reception and formal dinner with dancing will be held at the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, benefitting Senior Services North Fulton from 6:30 — 11 p.m. (770) 993-1906, www.ssnorthfulton.org
My Alpharetta Monthly
Contest Corner
Find the hidden picture
Hike for a Cure If you love adventure and crave a new challenge, then CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Ultimate Hike is for you! On April 21, 2012 participants will hike 26.5 miles of the Foothills Trail, in one day, while raising funds for pediatric cancer research. The Ultimate Hike is a one-day event in which ordinary folks complete an extraordinary feat on trails around the country. Each hiker is required to attend one information session held around Atlanta and a registration donation of $100 will be required. RSVP to join one of the following information sessions to learn the entire scoop about Hike Weekend, Hike Training and Fundraising:
Tuesday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. High Country Outfitters (Buckhead) Tuesday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. REI, Perimeter Wednesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. REI, Buford Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. REI, Kennesaw Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. Alpharetta Outfitters Friday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. Halfmoon Outfitters Saturday, January 28 at 10 a.m. Red Top Mountain State Park To register for an Ultimate Hike information meeting visit www.ultimatehike.org/atlanta
We had no winner for December’s contest corner. Don’t miss your chance to win In January! If you find the hidden picture, be the first to email: art@myalpharettamonthly.com *Only emailed answers will be accepted. Contest participants are able to win one time per calendar year
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SPORTS Alexander Signs with UGA
Rivers Academy’s alpha-omega high school student, Amira Alexander (pictured), will begin playing golf at University of Georgia in the fall. Amira received a full scholarship to UGA. Rivers Academy provided Amira with a condensed school week and an accredited college prep diploma, allowing her to increase her training time without sacrificing the academics required for entrance into a division 1 school. Amira recently won the USGA Women’s State Team Championship. “Amira could not have accomplished her goals without the flexibility and support of her teachers and schedule provided at Rivers Academy,” says John Alexander, father and cheerleader.
Watson Signs with Young Harris
King’s Ridge Christian School’s senior, Molly Watson, was the first student-athlete to sign a National Letter of Intent to play NCAA Division II softball. Molly signed with Young Harris College. “What a memorable day this will be,” states athletic director Rob Weltz. “Molly is a great representation of what King’s Ridge Christian School is all about. I am extremely proud that she will continue her softball passion and leadership at the next level. Molly has left her mark on the softball program.” Surrounded by faculty, friends, former coaches and the high school student body, Molly signed her commitment letter with a huge smile — it was a special day for a variety of reasons; it was also her 18th birthday!
Front row (left to right): Ken Watson (Father), Molly Watson and Sheila Watson (Mother). Back row: Headmaster David Rhodes, high school principal and academic dean Bob Montague, athletic director Rob Weltz, and associate headmaster Lowrie McCown.
14 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Under the
DOME
by Representative Charles E. “Chuck” Martin
Unlimited Opportunity for Georgians As we start the New Year let’s look back, take note, and be cautious as we move into a year that brings unlimited opportunity. 2011 -- Tolls, Hot Lanes, and TSPLOST I’m sure you may have heard and read enough about these subjects this year, but as we start a new year I want to do a recap and recommend that we all remain vigilant. I guess the “toll” debacle on Georgia 400 was technically perpetrated on Georgia in 2010, but it is worth mentioning in the context of the “2011 Hot Lane” mess and the impending 2012 vote on the TSPLOST. Basically, I see it this way: • The continued toll on GA 400 breaks an implied promise, if not an absolute one, at minimum the GRTA “hid the ball” from the taxpayers and honestly, the legislature. • The “HOT Lanes” are as they say a “hot mess.” They are indefensible except for those who say, “Wait they will eventually work.” Well if you beat an animal long enough the animal will obey — Georgians deserve better! • Now comes the 2012 SPLOST, and no one seems to really like the project list or perhaps they believe that a “belt line” in Atlanta will help congestion during rush hour. The comment I hear is, “This is all we have and so you better support it.” This is how Washington does it, I say again — Georgians deserve better!
the Capitol, remain cautiously optimistic, but will continue to watch spending. 2012 Legislative Session As you read this, the 2012 Legislative Session will be underway. Since this is an election year, a presidential election year, this session is sure to be full of rhetoric. I am hopeful this year will be different and we can focus on long-term solutions for Georgia. I would like to see the General Assembly work on: Tax Reform — I want a real discussion to create a simpler system that is fair and that Georgians can trust and believe in. I want a system I can understand and explain; a system that will service Georgia now and into the future. Cost Saving in the University System — I want to embrace Chancellor Huckabee’s plan to consolidate components of the University System, to deliver higher education more efficiently with an eye on value to our students. Justice System — I want to address our Criminal Justice System to provide better outcomes and better value. K-12 Education — I want to get government out of the way and let learning happen. I know this sounds simple, it is not, because education is institutional, and change is hard because people try to protect their turf. Accounting for Fees — I want to see our budget account for fees being collected for specific programs. Basically, over the years the General Assembly has implemented fees for stated purposes and those monies have not been spent as they were intended. At minimum, the monies should be identified and accounted for. In many cases the fee collection should be stopped if the programs are not to be funded. Empowering Business — I don’t believe government creates jobs, but I do believe government can hinder job creation. I want to see the General Assembly work toward allowing Georgia businesses to compete and succeed. As I go into this Session of the General Assembly I will not forget that the voters of my district have loaned me their voice and I will work to ensure their voice is heard.
State Budget: An Update As I communicated last month state revenues are continuing to increase; on paper at least, with a rise of 7%, representing $88M in November collections. While the increase is good news, individual refunds were down by $26.5, accounting for a large portion of the net increase of $88M, so I don’t think we are out of the woods as yet. I, along with many at
Representative Chuck Martin District 47 417 State Capitol Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-5064 Fax: (404) 463-2249 Email: chuck.martin@house.ga.gov Website: www.martinforgeorgia.com Twitter: Martin4GA
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COVER
d i s K g n i v i G By Michelle Martin
For nearly four years, Pam Willis and her husband, Robert, of Powder Springs, watched almost helplessly as their son, Tyler, now 8, grew increasingly aggressive and distracted. What started as simple focusing issues quickly escalated to temper tantrums — and it only got worse. “Tyler’s behavior was out of control,” she says. “Whenever he didn’t get his way, he would have a meltdown and run away from us. It was very embarrassing when we were out in public and had family at the house. They just thought we didn’t discipline Tyler properly, but we knew there was a real problem.” Willis says Tyler has always been very bright and curious, but by the time he was 4 years old she noticed that he couldn’t sit still and couldn’t concentrate on one thing at a time. “He was just all over the place — touching everything and watching TV, listening to music, playing video games and working on the computer all at the same time,” she says. “But, Tyler’s pediatrician didn’t seem worried about his behavior, because she said many ‘high achievers’ have similar issues. Plus, we thought Tyler might just be going through a phase, like the ‘Terrible Two’s.’” The Willises decided to home school Tyler for kindergarten and — after an unsuccessful entry into public school in first grade — later in the Georgia Cyber Academy, a chartered public school program that allows students to attend class online much the same as in a regular classroom. “Being on a schedule seemed to help Tyler relax and to focus,” Willis says, “and being at home allowed us to take a break when needed. But, there were still some serious issues.” In fact, Willis says Tyler’s behavior became so aggressive and out of control that it was dangerous. “Tyler would run out of the house and ride his bike with his head straight down, or take the ladder and climb on top of the house. We worried that Tyler would hurt himself if we didn’t get him the right help.” Willis did some research on her own and realized that Tyler had many of the classic symptoms of ADHD, but the doctors and psychologists told her that they couldn’t give an official diagnosis until Tyler was 7 or 8 years old. “They recommended medication in the meantime, but we were against that kind of treatment.” During Tyler’s annual check-up with his regular pediatrician, Willis read an article about Brain Balance Achievement Centers. “I checked out the Brain Balance website and immediately knew it was the right program for Tyler because it was based on sensory-motor activities and dietary recommendations rather than medications,” she says. Willis also attended a Brain Balance parent orientation session led 16 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Hop e For The Future We all have to do our part, to give the necessary time and effort into the program. But Brain Balance is more than a program; it’s a lifestyle.
Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net
by Dr. Peter Scire, executive director of the centers in Atlanta, Suwanee and Peachtree City. “Dr. Pete talked about how left brain and right brain deficiencies affect behavior and learning, and everything indicated Tyler was rightbrain deficient. I signed him up right after orientation.” Tyler met with the Brain Balance nutritionist and underwent tests for allergies, which indicated he was allergic to dairy. Tyler was put on a very strict dairy-free and gluten-free diet — essentially reducing his sugar intake by 80 percent, Willis says. “We saw a big change in just two weeks. Tyler could focus better and he wasn’t all over the place. He noticed the change in himself, too, and that it was a result of his diet. But Tyler would be the first to tell you that it’s not a diet; it’s a lifestyle.” Dr. Scire developed a program combining at-home exercises and in-center sessions designed to strengthen Tyler’s core muscles and upper-body strength, as well as sensory motor activities to stimulate his right brain. These included
jumping jacks, sit-ups and stretches; making snow angels on the floor; pencil push-ups in which Tyler used only his left eye to follow a pencil until he saw a double image and then a single image again; listening to Brain Balance music through headphones that only used the left ear; and wearing clear, plastic goggles that covered the right eye so that Tyler used only his left eye while doing school work, watching TV, working on the computer or playing video games. Willis says the at-home exercises helped Tyler to focus better on his school work, but the weekly in-center sessions were a big adjustment for him. “During the first few weeks, Tyler would have meltdowns and would run outside from his coaches,” she says. “Dr. Pete explained that Tyler’s behavior was like a social anxiety and that social skills were linked to his rightbrain deficiency. He suggested we limit left-brain activities like watching TV and playing video games and do more rightbrain activities to help acclimate Tyler to the in-center exercises.” Tyler became more comfortable with his Brain Balance coaches and successfully completed the 12-week in-center sessions, followed by another six weeks of in-home exercises. As a result of his work with Brain Balance, Willis says Tyler’s handwriting is better, he can focus more easily, and he’s working approximately two to three grade levels higher for his age. “Before, Tyler’s behavior didn’t allow him to reach the potential we knew he could, but now his reading, comprehension and math skills are on a sixth-grade level. Plus, Tyler has a greater sense of responsibility
and is just more mature overall. We feel like we have our sweet, fun-loving son back. Even Tyler’s doctors noticed the difference and said they would recommend Brain Balance as a nonmedical treatment for ADHD.”
While Willis credits Dr. Pete with giving them the tools to help Tyler, she acknowledges that it is an ongoing process. “We all have to do our part, to give the necessary time and effort into the program. But Brain Balance is more than a program; it’s a lifestyle.”
Brain Balance Achievement Centers 30 E. Crossville Road, Suite 150 Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 650-8010 780 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 400 Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 614-4790 www.brainbalancecenters.com www.footprintspublishing.com 17
CITY HALL Transition and Tradition
by Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle As I write this article sitting in the back corner of a Starbucks, we are busy preparing for the transition of the office of Alpharetta Mayor and a new City Council. Over the past several weeks, I have been meeting with our new and returning council members, our expert staff, the Mayors of our neighboring cities, community leaders and business leaders. We are running. . . and this January 3rd, we hit the ground. In Alpharetta, our council has always been a tremendous example of how a diverse team pulls together and strives for a common purpose; sometimes differing as to the method, but never as to the goal. I believe our new council will continue in this tradition. Nevertheless, a “new” council it will be. To put it in perspective, excluding Councilman Aiken and myself, our council members will have a combined total of four years in public office. Yet, what this council may lack in years of elected service, it more than makes up for in real-world professional experience.
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New Councilman Michael Cross is a local attorney with significant relationships within our Alpharetta business community and a serial volunteer. He has already served Alpharetta in multiple capacities, most recently as chairman of our Development Authority.
Going forward, it is our hope that you will not be for us but with us, shoulder to shoulder, as we seek to make your city an ever better place to call home.
Mayor Pro Tem D.C. Aiken is a senior mortgage banker and an authority on financial markets. Among his many contributions to the city, he has worked diligently to refine our city pension plan, making it more cost efficient and sustainable. He has also been a key voice in lowering our tax rates and raising our homestead exemptions. Councilman Mike Kennedy, an expert in financial planning and markets, has been a tremendous asset in redefining how Alpharetta interacts with those who wish to build in our city. He has also been a driving force in improving our relationship with our downtown businesses. Councilman Chris Owens is a civil engineer and possesses a tremendous knowledge and practical expertise in infrastructure improvement. He has also been instrumental in helping us move Westside Parkway along and carries with 18 My Alpharetta | january 2012
him a great base of regional transportation knowledge.
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David Belle Isle is the mayor of Alpharetta. You may contact him by calling (678) 297-6020 or email dbelleisle@alpharetta.ga.us.
New Councilman Jim Gilvin is a residential real estate professional, bringing a practical knowledge of residential property and its value to our local economy. But perhaps more notable, Jim has a heart for preserving Alpharetta’s residential character.
No one perhaps has more energy, however, than new Councilman Donald Mitchell. He is a local small business owner and has already placed his thumb print on our town. Those new planters now adorning downtown are primarily the result of his efforts and those of the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association. This is truly a tremendous moment. We have a great city. Yet, as great as this city is, we have in us the potential to be greater still. As we move forward with the recently approved Downtown Plan; as we finally open Westside Parkway this spring; as we look to secure our place as the premier technology hub of Southeast; as we constantly explore ways to keep us safer, expand our sidewalks and implement more bike pathways; our future is incredibly bright. Going forward, it is our hope that you will not be for us but with us, shoulder to shoulder, as we seek to make your city an ever better place to call home.
Welcome to the “2012 My Community Favorites� contest! This is your opportunity to support the local businesses by voting for them as your favorite! We want you to enjoy this contest so please vote for your community’s favorite restaurants, service type businesses, small business retail shops, recreation services and residential places. The voting will run from January 1, 2012 and will close February 29, 2012 at 5 p.m. You will find our voting ballot on the next few pages as well as important rules of the contest and policies to follow. This ballot will be printed again in the February issue and you may also vote online by visiting www.myalpharettamonthly.com. Thank you for your participation and please let the businesses know you voted for them! Please like us on Facebook and tell all your friends to vote!
www.footprintspublishing.com 19
ALPHARETTA OFFICIAL BALLOT
*Please read Contest Rules on page 22 before beginning the voting process.
RESTAURANTS
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner _____________________________________
All Around ___________________________
Caterer ______________________________
Asian _______________________________
Chiropractor _________________________
Bakery ______________________________ Barbecue ____________________________
Cleaning Service/Maid ________________ CPA/Bookkeeping/Tax Service _____________________________________
Breakfast ____________________________
Day Care/Preschool __________________
Coffee _______________________________
Day Spa/Massage ____________________
Dessert _____________________________
Dentist ______________________________
Fast Food ____________________________ Fine Dining __________________________
Pediatric Dentist _____________________ Electrician ___________________________ Eye Doctor ___________________________
Italian/Pizzeria _______________________
Financial Institution/Bank/Credit Union
Kid-friendly ___________________________
_____________________________________
Mexican _____________________________
Hair Salon ___________________________
Seafood _____________________________ Sports Bar ___________________________
Handyman/Repair/Remodel _____________________________________ Heating and Air _______________________ Insurance Agent (Agent Name)
SERVICES
_____________________________________ Landscape Design/Installation
Attorney _____________________________
_____________________________________
Auto Repair __________________________
Lawn Care/Maintenance
Car Wash ____________________________
_____________________________________
20 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Medical Family Practice/ Internal Medicine _____________________ Nail Salon ___________________________ OB/GYN _____________________________ Orthodontist _________________________ Painter/Painting Service
Veterinarian __________________________
_____________________________________
SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS
Pediatrician __________________________
Boutique ____________________________
Pest Control _________________________
Children’s Clothing ____________________
Pet Care/Boarding ___________________
Cigar Store __________________________
Pet Groomer _________________________
Drug Store/Pharmacy _________________
Pet Trainer ___________________________
Audio/Home Theatre __________________
Photographer ________________________
Florist _______________________________
Physical Therapy _____________________
Frame Shop __________________________
Plastic Surgeon ______________________
Furniture/Home DĂŠcor
Plumber _____________________________
_____________________________________
Pool/Spa Sales/Service
Garden Center/Nursery
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Private School _______________________
Gift Shop ____________________________
Realtor ______________________________
Grocery Store ________________________
Roofer _______________________________
Hardware/Home Improvement
Travel Agent _________________________
_____________________________________
Tutoring _____________________________
Jeweler ______________________________ Ballot continued on next page
VOTE for your favorites!
www.footprintspublishing.com 21
SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS cont’d Liquor Store __________________________ Music Store __________________________ Pet Supply Store _____________________ Specialty Foods ______________________ Tire Shop ____________________________
RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT Dance Studio ________________________ Fitness/Health Club _____________________________________
CONTEST RULES Only one ballot per person please.
A minimum of 20 selections must be completed in order for ballot to count.
NO PHOTOCOPIES of this form may be used. The selections must be made by the person completing this form. Selections must be located in Fulton County. Only ballots with name, phone number and signature will be accepted. Please fill out the box at the end of the ballot.
Golf Course __________________________ Gymnastics Center
Return ballot by
_____________________________________
Wednesday, February 29
Martial Arts __________________________
at 5 p.m.
Birthday Party Venue _____________________________________
Mail or drop off:
REsidential Development
My Alpharetta Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Drive Suite 204 Canton, GA 30115
Apartment Community _____________________________________ Subdivision __________________________
Or submit your votes online: www.myalpharettamonthly.com
Only Signed Ballots Will Be Counted Name (required):___________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ City:__________________State:______Zip:_____________ Phone (required):___________________________________ Signature (required):________________________________
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! My Alpharetta Monthly
22 My Alpharetta | january 2012
S C H O O L
Private Schools Blessed Trinity Catholic High School (678) 277-9083 www.bttitans.org
Cottage School (770) 641-8688 www.cottageschool.org
Chrysalis Experiential Academy (770) 649-7077 www.chrysalisexp.org
Fellowship Christian Academy
Mill Springs Academy
(770) 992-4975 www.fellowshipschools.org
(770) 360-1336 www.millsprings.org
Porter School
Fellowship Christian High School
(770) 594-1313 www.porterschool.com
(770) 993-1650 www.fellowshipschools.org
High Meadows School (770) 993-2940 www.highmeadows.org
Queen of Angels Catholic School, K-8 (770) 518-1804, ext. 104 www.qaschool.org
Village Montessori School (770) 552-0834 www.vmschool.com
Public Schools Fulton County School District: www.fultonschools.org | (404) 768-3600 Elementary Schools Esther Jackson Elementary 1400 Martin Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 594-5290 Principal: Constance Coles
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary (Charter School) 1335 Northmeadow Parkway Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 410-1500 Principal: Murat Cetin
Hembree Springs Elementary 815 Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 667-2902 Principal: Kalpana Raju
Hillside Elementary
9250 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-6362 Principal: John Anderson (Interim)
Mimosa Elementary 1550 Warsaw Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-4540 Principal: Lynn Johnson
Mountain Park Elementary
Elkins Pointe Middle
11895 Mountain Park Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4530 Principal: Stacy Perlman
11290 Elkins Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 667-2892 Principal: Melinda Springman
River Eves Elementary
Northwestern Middle
9000 Eves Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-4550 Principal: Neil Pinnock
12805 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2870 Principal: Jasmine Kullar
Roswell North Elementary
High Schools
10525 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-6320 Principal: Kindra Smith
Milton High
13025 Birmingham Highway Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 740-7000 Principal: Cliff Jones
Sweet Apple Elementary 12025 Etris Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 643-3310 Principal: Natalie Richman
Roswell High
Middle Schools
11595 King Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4500 Principal: Jerome Huff
Crabapple Middle
Other Centers
10700 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4520 Principal: Nathan Buhl
Crossroads/Second Chance North 791 Mimosa Boulevard Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-6334 Principal: Dennis Kostulakos (interim)
2011 — 2012 Calendar at a Glance January 4 Teacher Workday-Students Off January 16 Holiday-Schools Closed February 17 & 20 Holiday-Schools Closed March 9 Teacher Workday-Student Holiday April 2 — 6 Spring Break May 18 Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: www.fultonschools.org/parent_connect.htm
Local Colleges & Universities Georgia Perimeter College
Strayer University
(404) 413-7878 www.gpc.edu
(770) 650-3000 strayeru.com
The Art Institute of Atlanta
University of Phoenix Atlanta Campus
(770) 394-8300 artinstitutes.edu
(678) 731-0555 www.phoenix.edu
www.footprintspublishing.com 23
SCHOOL Thanksgiving Feast at Lake Windward
Lake Windward kindergarten students celebrated the Thanksgiving season with a program and feast. The Thanksgiving feast is an annual tradition at Lake Windward. This year the kindergarten classes performed a program of Thanksgiving songs complete with themed costumes and then enjoyed a traditional holiday dinner with their families.
Lake Windward kindergarten students perform annual Thanksgiving program.
Can Drive for NFCC
Creek View Elementary School student council members promoted a canned food drive for two weeks in November that ended with the school Thanksgiving feasts on November 17 and 18. Creek View students and families donated a total of 84 boxes worth of canned food which was delivered by the student council members and parent volunteers as a field trip to North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC).
circumference in both inches and centimeters. After cleaning out the insides, the students made tally marks to count ALL the seeds. A FUN activity for the kids to learn about math!
Fire Safety House Visits Alpharetta Elementary The Alpharetta Fire Department brought the Fire Safety House to the 1st graders at Alpharetta Elementary School. Each student learned what to do in case of a fire. Students learned they should touch a closed door with the back of their hand to see if the fire is outside of the door. If trapped in a room, they should open the window and throw toys out, so the firefighters know how to find them. Students also learned how to crawl on the floor to get out of a burning building, and to have a meeting place so their family knows they are safe. Tanner Jacobs and Humberto Navarrete come out of the Fire Safety House.
Rachel’s Challenge Chain of Kindness
Summit Hill Elementary School participated in Rachel’s Challenge this year. The goal was to spread kindness around and make a more compassionate world. Every time a student, or staff member, conducted a kind deed, they received a chain to add to the paper chain of kindness. Summit Hill school counselor Kerry Williams with the student council members.
4th and 5th grade student council members and teacher sponsors: Crissy Wade, Tiffany Vorick, LaTasha Smalls and Daniel Hodge.
Birmingham ES Carve Pumpkins
Ms. Hoover’s 2nd grade class (pictured) carved pumpkins to learn about math! They weighed them, counted the ridges and measured the 24 My Alpharetta | january 2012
1st Annual Flood Week Makes an Impact
The first annual Flood week proved to be full of life lessons as chapters brought a greater awareness of Flood and its mission to the community and their schools. Student chapter leaders were challenged in lessons of communication, planning, time management, delegation of duties, marketing, and the power of prayer. As always though, God uses everything for good and these lessons were used as learning tools for future leadership opportunities. Flood is students serving locally and cultivating a sense of servant leadership within their schools. Flood has chapters in Forsyth and North Fulton schools but has students from over 20 schools serving. Chapters are planning more local
community projects this year serving their schools, families, and individuals that have a need. The next big event is Flood’s annual BRING ON THE RAIN event on MLK Jr. Day, January 16. This 5th annual day of service will have over 200 students serving in the community making a difference in the lives of many. Any student or parent who would like to learn more about Flood can go to the website at www.floodstudentmissions.org or call (770) 289-1834.
Wells Fargo Visits Alpharetta
Heather Haskill from Wells Fargo Bank came to Debbie Craven’s kindergarten class at Alpharetta Elementary and read the book “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. After reading the book, Ms. Haskill presented it to the class to add to their book collection. Debbie Craven’s kindergarten class with Heather Haskill of Wells Fargo.
Flood students help Milton janitors clean up after school.
A home-school Flood group based out of Perimeter Church spruce up a yard for a family in need.
H.E.R.O. Response at Findley Oaks
The Highway Emergency Response Operators recently provided an exciting hands-on experience to the Findley Oaks Elementary School’s 3rd grade Talented and Gifted classes. They learned how these H.E.R.O. workers provide emergency assistance to stranded motorists, and help control and improve congestion at traffic related incidents. Flares, hoses, and even a special kind of kitty litter were discussed as emergency instruments. Ms. Katz’ TAG class were able to ask many questions which made for a wonderfully authentic in-house field trip to conclude their unit on American and Everyday Heroes. Left to right: Mallory Kenfield, Lauren Khou, Max Schmid, Caelyn DeSouza, Sarah Yang, Jackson Ulrich, William Shi, Danae Troupe, Jack Lavelle, Sameer Kataria, Morgan Woodard, and Jonathan Hufford
Hands-On Day
Science Go Round at Alpharetta Elementary
Fourth grade students from Alpharetta Elementary recently participated in a Science Go Round held at the school. Student teachers from Georgia State, under the Students participate in Science Go Around direction of Marion demonstration. Reese, set up multiple stations around the gym and the students rotated through the various activities. These activities were a hands-on, engaging way to learn the GPS science curriculum.
Colonial Days
Lake Windward Elementary hosted its annual Hands-On Day. This is a day when parents, students, and community leaders come together to help rake, prune, paint, and weed to help beautify the school campus. Boy Scout Pack 429 headed by Scout Master David Spradlin led the efforts. This year the Pack donated a new American flag to the school for the use on the school flag pole.
Fourth grade students at Summit Hill Elementary recently dressed up and experienced the colonial period. They rotated to different centers that included sewing, creating tins for lights and making butter. Ashleigh Hays and Janna Born dressed up for Colonial Day at Summit Hill Elementary.
Send us your SCHOOL News EMAIL: editor@myalpharettamonthly.com
www.footprintspublishing.com 25
NEW START, WEIGHT SMART
Keeping your Resolution Relevant By Carol Brazier, RD, CDE, Northside Hospital Diabetes and Nutrition Education Program
Your skinny jeans still don’t fit even though your New Year’s Resolution was to lose those extra pounds from the holidays. You know what you should be doing – eating better and moving more – but the weight still doesn’t seem to go away. You are not alone. Each year, millions of Americans gain an average of at least one pound from the holidays, intending to lose the added bulk in the coming year. January may be coming to an end, but you still have time to make your resolution count. Northside Hospital recommends these steps to help you look and feel your best in 2012. • Mix it up. Doing the same workout routine can get boring fast. Incorporate different activities into your 30 minutes of daily exercise such as jump roping, hiking and yoga to mix up your time on the treadmill. Add intervals of intensity to blast more fat. Keep your diet from getting boring by eating colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole-grains. • Don’t be afraid of eating (some) fats. . . the good kind anyway. By focusing on healthy fats – unsaturated, mono, poly and omega 3s, found in fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil – you can actually absorb more nutrients and feel more satisfied. • Tune and Tone. Make exercise entertaining by creating an enjoyable playlist on your iPod. Instead of watching your favorite TV show on the couch, try watching while riding the exercise bike. • Plan for snack attacks. Fill snack-size plastic bags with healthy, satisfying snacks such as whole wheat crackers and peanut butter, apple slices and string cheese, or dried fruit and mixed nuts. Planning ahead helps you make better choices and avoid hunger pitfalls. • Get more sleep. Many people forget that getting enough shuteye helps control hormones regulating appetite, which can help you make better food choices. • Keep a food journal. Be mindful of every bite by keeping a food journal. A food journal can show you areas for improvement in your diet. From scrap paper or a notebook to your cell phone, use whatever is easiest for you to keep a daily log. 26 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Northside Hospital Healthcasts
Watch videos and learn more about healthy ways to lose weight and stay healthy with Northside Healthcasts, your online resource about healthcare topics you care about. Visit www.northside.com/healthcast.
BENEFITS OF
Early Orthodontic Treatment by Brett Gluck, DMD, MS, PC Phase I orthodontic treatment refers to treatment that begins at an early age. This first phase of orthodontic treatment typically takes place when a young patient has both primary (baby) teeth, as well Dr. Brett Gluck is an orthodontic as some adult (permanent) specialist at The Brace Place. You may teeth present. The early contact him at (770) 664-6003 or visit www.bracedoctor.com. treatment is indicated to correct a dental or skeletal developmental issue that may become more severe and/or more complicated to treat in the future. It is not necessary for all young patients to have Phase I or early treatment. But, for certain children, it will eliminate the need for extractions or surgery to correct jaw growth issues in the future. Typically, Phase I orthodontic treatment is the first of two phases of treatments. Orthodontic appliances are often utilized to modify your child’s growth and dental development. There are a number of problems concerning tooth alignment, crowding and spacing, gum or periodontal health, jaws and facial development that can be corrected with Phase I treatment. Typically, the second phase of treatment is shorter in duration than full treatment later, reflecting the benefit of early intervention of the first phase of treatment. When is Phase I Treatment Started? Phase I early treatment typically begins between the ages of 6-10 years. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by 7 years of age. What are Some Indications for Phase I Treatment? Some of the more common reasons or indications for Phase I treatment are cross-bite, under-bite, excessive overlapping or deep bites, open bites (where the teeth in the front do not contact or overlap), jaws that are not growing in proportion to each other, severely protruding teeth, side effects of a thumb habit and tooth crowding. Often, early treatment turns severe problems that might require future jaw surgery, into a more moderate problem that can be treated less invasively. Phase I is early orthodontic treatment that is recommended to help or prevent larger dental/orthodontic problems from occurring.
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HELP YOUR CHILD Be All He Can Be
by LaCretia Munroe, MS, DC In my last article I explained Dr. LaCretia Munroe specializes in that the scientific community sports chiropractic, functional neurology, and metabolic solutions. has figured out that the Providing exceptional care for difficult neurons, or cells of the brain, cases. Call the office at (770) 720can continue to grow through 0865 or visit www.ahealthybody.com. out our life. New cells are created; new connections can be made; meaning we are not limited to the number of brain cells we are born with. This has astounding possibilities for children and adults who are born with or who have acquired limited brain function due to a stroke, Parkinson’s or brain delays as in autism or ADD/ ADHD. Let me make something else also clear: there is limitation of livable matter, meaning if something dies or if it is breaking down faster that it can heal, the neurons will continue to grow, but may not be fast enough to make a difference for that individual.
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This is a new year; let this be the year that you give your child that chance.
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As a practitioner who practices functional neurology, I am still in awe of the way the brain can change. To have a child with dyslexia come in who barely looks at you, has trouble reading, and is terribly clumsy, change in six weeks to a child who is laughing with you, can balance now, throws balls to you, and is having fun reading. The most important thing is that his self esteem was saved. He was not labeled as a “problem child,” stupid, lazy or laughed at by his peers. Saving a child’s self esteem so that he can grow to be the best possible person he can be, to believe in himself and to know that he is smart, good and “normal” is a great feeling for me. I know I’ve changed that child’s life for the better. Knowing that the brain can change, that is can grow, has opened many doors for children and adults. There is now brain specific therapy that can fix that part of the brain that does not function as it should. There is therapy to speed the brain up or slow it down depending on what the person needs. One of the most important aspects is to get the therapy early. Please don’t let your child grow up without a chance to be everything he or she can be. Save his self esteem! This is a new year; let this be the year that you give your child that chance. 28 My Alpharetta | january 2012
WHAT IS Strep Throat?
by Susan Traxler, MD Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection of the throat. Symptoms may vary but usually begin rather suddenly and include fever, sore throat, red throat (sometimes with white patches), headache, nausea, Dr. Susan Traxler is a practioner with Alpharetta Pediatric Medicine. She can loss of appetite, chills, be reached at (770) 664-4430 or visit swollen glands in the neck www.alpharettapediatricsonline.com and difficulty swallowing. Some people get a rash with strep throat as well. However, most sore throats in children are caused by viruses, not strep throat, and many viral sore throats exhibit the same symptoms as strep. To make matters even more confusing, strep throat cannot definitively be diagnosed by either the patient’s symptoms or by the doctor’s exam. To make the diagnosis, a rapid strep test can be done in most doctors’ offices, but may still miss a few cases of strep. If the rapid strep test is negative, a throat culture can be performed to see if a strep bacterium is growing; this additional test takes one to two days to get results. Sore throats should only be treated with antibiotics if the strep test or culture is positive. Antibiotics are taken to prevent rare but more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever. People of any age can get strep throat, but it is most common between the ages of 5 and 15. It is spread by person-to-person contact with saliva or nasal secretions and, as such, commonly spreads among family members. Most people with strep are contagious (and should stay home from school or work) until they have been on antibiotics for 24-48 hours.
MUSOCELES by Vishant Nath, DMD A mucocele is an infected salivary gland. It looks and feels like a growth in the mouth. It is most often due to a blockage of the salivary gland, but can also result from trauma to the mouth. Another cause can be certain Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Roswell Pediatric Dentistry. You may medications that thicken contact him at (678) 352-1090 the saliva. The thicker saliva or visit www.kidshappyteeth.com. can block the salivary gland, leading to a mucocele. So what happens if you notice this in your mouth? Most mouth-related sores heal rather quickly. Anyone who has bitten their tongue or lip will know that these types of injuries can be quite painful when they first occur; but then they are gone in a few days. A mucocele will sometimes heal on it’s
own, but if not, it might require more attention. Mucoceles can be present anywhere you have a salivary gland. This includes on the inner lips, the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue. Mucoceles are not normally painful, but they can be irritating, especially when you eat. They can especially be irritating in children if they keep moving their tongue against it. Whenever you notice any sort of bump or lump in you or your child’s mouth, it is important to visit your dentist to have it evaluated. The dentist can examine the area and determine the best course of action. If the diagnosis is the presence of a mucocele, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. Normally mucoceles can be easily removed using a scalpel after numbing the area. The tissue can then be sent for pathology to make sure that it is benign, or not cancerous. Once the proper treatment is completed, it’s important to keep an eye on the area, as the growth can sometimes reoccur. Again, consult your dentist if this is the case. In any case, it’s best to visit your dentist and have them guide you through the process of determining what the growth may be and the best course of action to take in treating it.
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SATELLITE SERVICE ALL-INCLUSIVES – With a Smile
Are They Worth It?
by Allison Davison I have to say customer service today is going down the toilet, so bad in fact that I actually offer to call DirecTV or Dish Network on behalf of you, my customer. I work with a retailer that installs for both of these companies and I really Allison Davison, Audio Intersection do enjoy the product they Satellite Expert, is a Canton resident offer but definitely not the and has been part of the Audio Intersection team since 2008. customer automated service you get when calling in with a question. One difference in using a local company instead of the 1-800 number, is anything service related you contact your local retailer and get a real person on the phone, imagine that! When I am interested in purchasing something that will be in my home for at least the next two years I want the facts. I want the real price, not the prices you tell me to get me installed and then you are nowhere to be found when that price goes up and I have questions. I try and treat my customers the exact way I expect to be treated when purchasing television service and I do that by providing the real price they can expect to pay for the promotional year and the year after. Also I try to listen to their wants and needs and do everything I can to make those happen. I believe in expressing empathy and understanding towards customer’s frustrations; I have been there. People have a ton of questions about satellite TV, especially if you have never had it. Here are some FAQs I get: 1. Will the signal go out with every cloud, or rain storm? Not if your system is installed properly. You can expect about 5 minutes of downtime per month. (I have DirecTV and don’t even experience that.) 2. Are local channels included or do I have to pay extra? Local channels are included in both Dish Network and DirecTV packages. 3. How much is this going to cost me to get installed? NOTHING, Basic installs for both companies are FREE.
by Michael Consoli The all-inclusive resort used to be considered the “budget inn” of travel. Images of a rowdy crowd drinking in the Jacuzzi, bland food, forced group activities and limited entertainment was the norm. Today, the all-inclusive concept has expanded to unlimited activities such as golf on a championship golf course, gourmet meals, and more upscale and intimate resorts.
Michael Consoli is owner of Cruise Planners. You may contact him at (770) 650-7667 or online at www.planmycruise.com.
More and more vacationers are looking into all-inclusive resorts and the industry is listening. The reasons for the popularity of all-inclusive resorts are time and value. Travel experts say that pre-paying for all the food and drinks ahead of time allows you to have a more enjoyable getaway because you don’t have to think about how much you are spending and you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet around the resort. Think of it as a no-hassle, stress-free vacation. An all-inclusive resort usually include: • • • • • • •
Accommodations All meals Room service Drinks including wine, beer and spirits Daily activities Entertainment All tips and gratuities and more
It’s best to choose the resort that has the activities and atmosphere that best matches your interest. Kid-friendly, or romantic hideaway? Beach or snow? Whatever’s your fancy, there is one just for you. All-inclusive family resorts have everything for everyone, young and old. Some of the most popular resorts are located in Mexico and the Caribbean. Great beaches, fun watersports, and awesome age appropriate kids’ program. But wait. There’s more!
4. I do not want a huge, ugly round thing showing from my yard or roof. If we were installing 20 years ago this would be the case, but now they are small and we do our best to hide them where
In addition to the “normal” inclusions, you can also expect the following at most family all-inclusive resorts:
continued on page 38
continued on page 38
30 My Alpharetta | january 2012
• Family/connecting accommodations
A POSITIVE Sign
by Dan Jape
Things have been real tough for a number of years with unemployment high and the economy really struggling; I know many people are losing their homes or faced with foreclosure issues. But I am a firm believer that the severity of our current state of Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable recession is directly affected by Heating and Air. You may contact him at (770) 594-9096 or visit him online the mental state of our people at www.reliableair.com. as they go through their daily lives and that there is a difference as to how bad things are as reported by the media versus the true state of the economy. A few years ago, I could not get ready for work in the morning without being bombarded with one negative doom and gloom story after another. If you listened to all of these, it really set the tone for your day and gave you such a negative outlook on things that you could not help being down and depressed.
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If more positive signs were to make the news it might have a positive effect on all of us, and in turn, a positive effect on the actual economy.
�
Most remember the Reagan years in a positive light and one of the things he did the best was to inspire people and make us feel good about our country and our future. We are a great nation and we will rise again to overcome this current funk that has beset us. The last few years have been some of the most difficult in 33 years for us at Reliable and we have had to work very hard to earn and keep the customers we have. But the good side of this is I believe this hard work has resulted in a better company with more attention to detail and customer service.
For the last few years we have not seen many new homes being built or many new commercial jobs to bid on. In the last few months, all this has changed. People are sending us a large number of prints of new homes being built to bid on and we have won the contracts to install the heating and plumbing in some homes already completed. I have spoken to other company owners in other trade industries and they are seeing the same thing. I take this as a real positive sign and good news for all. If this trend continues it will be good news for everyone and a sign that things are not as bad as the media reports. If more positive signs were to make the news it might have a positive effect on all of us, and in turn, a positive effect on the actual economy.
www.footprintspublishing.com 31
FAMILY Resolutions
by Richard Becker
A New Year resolution is typically thought of as a commitment or goal that an individual makes at the start of a new year. I would like to explore with you the possibility of making “family resolutions.� We are going to convert some of the most popular individual New Year resolutions into child and family friendly resolutions.
Richard Becker is the director of Chrysalis Experiential Academy. You may contact him at (770) 649-7077.
The number one resolution is usually to improve health. With the problem of adult, teen and early childhood obesity in our society, we should resolve to create a healthy eating environment for our family and to carry out family physical activities that encourage a lifelong lifestyle. The goal is better health and that is irrespective of weight. Another top resolution is to get our finances in order. The true goal should be not letting our financial situation get out of order. I recommend that a family create a shared savings plan where each member of the family has a set savings goal. Parents can have additional plans; however, this should be a resolution to support and encourage each to achieve their personal goal. The deposits should be made on a regular basis as if it is a celebration. The additional goal is not to spend the money so that it builds stepping stones toward a more secure future. Maximizing one’s education or the education of our children is an important goal for every member of the family. Because resolutions in reality are designed to change nonproductive habits into productive habits, this is an opportune time to improve study habits; create a study environment with parents modeling positive reading, working and studying behavior. Another popular resolution is to become better organized, while effectively managing time. This can be accomplished by establishing individual agendas and family calendars. A family meeting can help all family members coordinate their obligations and discuss prioritization of tasks. This is also a great time for each person to accept the responsibility of supporting the other family members achieve their goal. Read with, study at the same time as, listen to and constructively critique are all ways in which we can support each other to enhance lifelong learning and effective work as well as study habits. The final resolution is to volunteer or serve a worthy organization in the community. Philanthropy is learned. It is more than giving money. It is most importantly the giving of continued on page 38 32 My Alpharetta | january 2012
HAPPY New Minutes! While driving into the parking lot of their church on the Sunday following Christmas, the preschooler of the family, Bill, noticed the manger scene had been taken down. Bill offered the insightful comment, “Look, they have put the Lord Jesus away for another year!” How often we do that in our lives?! During the Christmas season, we revel in the story of the birth of Jesus, but as we enter a new year we are tempted to forget the meaning of the incarnation in our daily lives. Another year lies before us. We call it 2012; God calls it opportunity. It holds for each of us 525,600 minutes, and God is interested in every single one of them. He is interested in what we will be doing with the minute between 9:04 and 9:05 tomorrow morning, and the time between 10:45 and 11:00 tonight. He is very interested in those five and ten minute periods of time we call “mine.” In the Living Bible Psalm 139 reads, “How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!”
by Ron Bradley
God sees the times that we are alone or with a friend. He notices the way we watch the clock when a sermon goes too long! He cares about how we use our time because that time is a gift from Him. It is ours to redeem, commit, or Dr. Ron Bradley is the pastor at First even waste. But it comes to Baptist Church Roswell. You may us from Him. The question contact him at (770) 587-6980 or of 2012 comes down to how ron@rfbc.org. we are going to invest it — not just the year, but the next few minutes and the few minutes after that. We know that the whole year will be His, when we commit the minutes in it as His. The year ahead is His when we make that commitment of the minutes. He cares about us and He cares about our year — minute by minute by minute. As King David wrote, “My times are in Thy hand, O Lord.”
www.footprintspublishing.com 33
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Baptist
Bethany Baptist Church 2065 Bethany Road, (770) 475-6748
Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church 1200 Birmingham Road, (404) 444-6490 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.boilingspringspbc.org
Bridgeway Church 4755 Kimball Bridge Road,(770) 751-1972 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. www.bridgeway.net
Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church 2725 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 664-6863
County Line Baptist Church
Episcopal St. Aidans Episcopal Church 13560 Cogburn Road, (770) 521-0207 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. www.staidans.org
Jewish Chabad of Alpharetta Jewish Center 10180 Jones Bridge Road, (770) 410-9000 Sunday Services: 9:45 & 10:30 a.m. www.chabadnf.org
4320 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 777-4009 www.gltorah.org
Lutheran Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church
12760 Birmingham Highway, (770) 475-6111 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.crabapplefbc.org
4655 Webb Bridge Road, (770) 475-0640 Sunday Services: 8:15, 9:30 & 10:55 a.m. www.cts.org
Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA Cross Plains Baptist Church First Baptist Church of Alpharetta
5390 McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 740-1279 Sunday Services: 8:30, 11:00 a.m. Sunday school for all ages at 9:45 a.m. www.lord-life.org
44 Academy Street, (770) 475-6556 www.fbca.com
Messiah Lutheran Church - WELS
6500 McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 475-1210
15730 Hopewell Road, 770-442-0793
4765 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 751-9357 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.messiahlutheran.ws
New Haven Baptist Church
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA
Hopewell Baptist Church
3550 Spruill Circle, (770) 664-6915
10250 Haynes Bridge Road, (770) 475-4250 Sunday Services: 9:15 (Tradtional) & 10:45 a.m. (Modern) www.poplcalpharetta.org
Providence Baptist Church
The River Church
2925 Holcomb Bridge Road, (770) 993-1691
Philadelphia Baptist Church
20075 Providence Road, (770) 475-3627
Union Hill Baptist Church McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 475-5077
Vision Baptist Church 1125 Alpha Drive, (770) 456-5881 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.visionbaptist.com
Catholic Saint Brigid Catholic Church 3400 Old Alabama Road, (678) 393-0060 Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 5 p.m (Life Teen) www.saintbrigid.org
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 535 Rucker Road, (770) 475-4501 Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m. (En Español) 5 p.m (Life Teen) www.sta.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Alpharetta First Ward 500 Norcross Street, (770) 640-7357
Webb Bridge Ward 510 Brannon Rd., Cumming, (678) 455-5292
34 My Alpharetta | january 2012
4350 Northpoint Parkway, (770) 290-5600 Sunday Services: 9, 11 & 12:45 a.m. www.northpoint.org
Spirit of God Christian Church 11940 Alpharetta Highway, (770) 777-6889 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. www.spiritofgodcc.org
Stonecreek Church 13540 Highway 9 North, (770) 754-7900 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.stonecreekchurch.org
Congregation Gesher L’Torah
430 Strickland Road, (770) 475-9429
Crabapple First Baptist
North Point Community Church
501 S. Main Street, Suite 101, (678) 860-0971 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.wadeintheriver.org
Methodist Alpharetta First United Methodist Church 69 North Main Street, (770) 475-5576 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. www.afumc.org
Birmingham United Methodist 15560 Birmingham Highway, (770) 475-3591 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.birminghamumc.org
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Highway 9 N, (770) 475-5230 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. www.midwayumc.org
St. James United Methodist 3000 Webb Bridge Road, (678) 762-1543 Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. www.stjamesumc.org
Non-Denominational Keepin’ It Real Lighthouse, Inc. 61 Old Canton Street, (770) 360-5601
The Lighthouse Church 18271 Union Hill Road, (770) 664-3644
Presbyterian Alpharetta Presbyterian 180 Academy Street, (770) 751-0033 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. www.alpharettapres.com
Other Churches Abundant Life Community Church 625-A Sims Industrial Boulevard, (678) 319-9700 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. www.livingabundantly.net
Alpharetta Church of God 1460 Mid Broadwell Road, (770) 475-5788 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. www.alpharettachurchofgod.com
Baha’i Faith of Alpharetta 10690 Jones Bridge Road, (770) 442-1332
Calvary Chapel 200 James Road, (770) 442-8167 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. Calvaryalpharetta.com
Community of Christ 3315 Francis Road, (770) 521-1112 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. www.cofchrist.org
Crabapple Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 910 Mayfield Road, (678) 339-0349
The Hanuman Mandir 390 Cumming Street, Suite 1, (770) 475-7701 www.thehanuman.org
Inner Quest 12830 New Providence Road, (770) 521-2875 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.innerquestchurch.org
Islamic Center of North Fulton 1265 Rucker Road, (678) 297-0019 www.alpharettamasjid.com
Morning Star Chapel 2780 Bethany Bend, (678) 319-0041 www.morningstarchapel.org
Reach One Church 11000 Alpharetta Hwy, (770) 609-7941 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. www.reachonechurch.org
Restoration Church of God 410 Rucker Road, (770) 751-9697 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.restorationchurchna.org
President Barack Obama (D)
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)
(202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 fax: (202) 224-0103
Senate Russell Courtyard-2 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) 1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6
P.O. Box 425, Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov
Rep. John Linder (R), District 7 90 North Street, Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114-2724 Website: www.linder.house.gov
(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 479-1888 fax: (770) 497-2999
(202) 225-5211 GA: (770) 535-2592 fax: (202) 225-8272
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332
(404) 613-4433
Juvenile Court: Chief Judge Sanford Jones
(770) 612-4401
Court of Clerks: Cathelene Robinson
(404) 730-5300
(770) 613-4070
Board of Commissioners 141 Pryor St. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 www.fultoncountyga.gov
(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013
John H. Eaves (D-1)
e-mail: john.eaves@fultoncountyga.gov
Robb Pitts (D-2)
(404) 612-8206
(404) 612-8210
e-mail: robb.pitts@fultoncountyga.gov
Liz Hausmann (D-3)
(404) 612-8213
Tom Lowe (D-4)
(404) 612-8218
e-mail: liz.hausmann@fultoncountyga.gov e-mail: tom.lowe@fultoncountyga.gov
(404) 612-8222
Joan P. Garner (D-6)
(404) 656-0048 fax: (404) 651-6768
(404) 612-8226
e-mail: district6@fultoncountyga.gov
(404) 612-8230
e-mail: william.edwards@fultoncountyga.gov
Board of Education
State Senator John Albers (R) (D-56)
local: (678) 667-3656 business: (404) 463-8055 fax: (404) 656-6484
511 Coverdell Legislative Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: info@senatoralbers.com
Linda Schultz (D-1)
schultzl@fultonschools.org
Katie Reeves (D-2)
reevesk@fultonschools.org
Ashley Widener (D-5)
State Rep. Jan Jones (R) (D-46)
(404) 656-5072 fax: (404) 657-0498
340 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: jan.jones@house.ga.gov
widenera@fultonschools.org
Julia Bernath (D-7)
bernathj@fultonschools.org
Other
State Rep. Chuck Martin (R) (D-47)
340 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: jan.jones@house.ga.gov
State Rep. Harry Geisinger (R) (D-48)
State Rep. Wendell Willard (R) (D-49)
132 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: wendell.willard@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-5072 fax: (404) 657-0498
Fulton County Schools Superintendent: Cindy Loe
(404) 656-0254 fax: (770) 594-1510
Fulton County Medical Examiner: Randy Hanzlick, MD
(404) 656-5125 fax: (404) 481-7111
(404) 768-3600
786 Cleveland Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 e-mail: loec@fultonschools.org Website: www.fultonschools.org
430 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30312 e-mail: loec@fultonschools.org
(404) 730-4400 fax: (404) 730-4405
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Theodore Jackson (404) 612-5100 185 Central Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Website: www.fultonsheriff.org
Fulton County Tax Commissioner: Arthur E. Ferdinand
State Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R) (D-50)
(770) 418-9098
401 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: mark.burkhalter@house.ga.gov
(404) 613-4497
William Edwards (D-7)
421-F State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: david.shafer@senate.ga.gov
220 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: tom.rice@house.ga.gov
State Court: Chief Judge A.L. Thompson Magistrate Court: Chief Judge Stephanie Davis Probate Court: Judge Pinkle T. Toomer
e-mail: emma.darnell@fultoncountyga.gov
State Senator David Shafer (R) (D-48)
State Rep. Tom Rice (R) (D-51)
(404) 730-4991
Emma I. Darnell (D-5)
203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Website: www.gov.ga.gov.com
601 Coverdell Legislative Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: harry.geisinger@house.ga.gov
Superior Court: Chief Judge Doris L. Downs
(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768
Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 90 North Street, Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114-2724 Website: www.linder.house.gov
Courts
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS
United States Government
David Belle Isle dbelleisle@alpharetta.ga.us
(678) 297-6020
City of Milton
Mayor Joe Lockwood joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us
(678) 242-2487
City of Roswell
Mayor Jere Wood mayorwood@roswellgov.com
(678) 594-6288
City of Alpharetta
(404) 656-5912
(404) 730-4000
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
www.footprintspublishing.com 35
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Business Organizations
BNI-Alpharetta Accelerators Chapter Contact: Jim Somers, (770) 753-2032 Website: www.bniatlanta.com
National Association of Women Business Owners Contact: (678) 539-8090 Website: www.nawboatlanta.org
The North Fulton Bar Association Contact: Charles Gabriel, (678) 735-5900 Website: www.northfultonbar.com
GA 400 Rainmakers
Civic Organizations Alpharetta American Legion, Auxiliary Unit 201 Contact:
(770) 475-9023
Alpharetta Junior Women’s Club Contact: Debora, (678) 218-5732 Website: www.ajwc.net
Alpharetta Optimist Club Contact:
Greg Cabrera, (770) 752-8122
Alpharetta Lions Club Contact:
Garner Andrews, (770) 475-9344
Contact: Ben Staten, (404) 323-0049 Website: www.ga400rainmakers.com
Alpharetta Roswell Newcomers Club
North Metro Women’s Connection
American Association of University Women North Fulton Branch
Contact:
Rosan Hall, (770) 335-6013
Northside Business Network Group Contact:
Diane Williford, (770) 594-2200
Powercore Contact: Jeremy Faulkner, (404) 816-3377 Website: www.powercore.net
Charitable Organizations Alpharetta Clean and Beautiful Contact:
(770) 499-1164
Child Development Association Contact: Donna Smythe, (770) 992-4339 Website: www.cdakids.org
Children’s Restoration Network Contact:
Contact: karenleasman@aol.com Website: www.aauwnorthfultonga.wordpress.com
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Website: gsgatl.org
Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. Contact: Crystal D Weitzel, (770) 476-3090 Website: www.jlgnf.org
North Fulton Jaycees Contact:
Wendell Whitefield, (404) 786-2665
(678) 297-6200
Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia Contact:
Contact: Barb Hill, (678) 318-1442
(770) 649-7117
North Fulton Optimist Club Contact: Glenn Rudh, (404) 375-7033 grudh@bellsouth.net
Rotary Club of North Fulton Contact: Joyce Abernathy, (770) 475-0656 Website: www.northfultonrotary.org
VFW Post 12002 Website: www.12002.net
Contact: (678) 493-9847 Website: www.cacadopt.petfinder.com
Contact: Rachel Ewald, (770) 641-9591 Sharon Franklin, (404) 729-3374 E-mail: rachel@fostercares.org Website: www.fostercares.org
Friends of the Alpharetta Library Contact: (770) 740-2425 E-mail: fotal-forum@yahoogroups.com Website: www.fotal.org
Political Organizations
Alpharetta City Band Contact: Don Nahser, (770) 475-9684
Alpharetta Golden Age Book Club Contact:
Alpharetta/Roswell Newcomers Club Contact: (678) 318-1442 Website: www.arnewcomers.org
Alpharetta Singles movie club Contact:
Contact:
AlphaFretters Dulcimer Group Contact:
Atlanta Stamp Collectors Contact: John Coles, (770) 962-5888 Website: www.stampclubs.com
Chattahoochee Celtic Pipes & Drums Contact: Rory Howe, (770) 926-6898 or pipemajor@ccpipesanddrums.com
Dudes ‘n Darlins Square Dance Club of Alpharetta Contact: 770-751-7210, (770) 361-1237 Website: www.dudesndarlins.com
The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra Contact:
(770) 623-8623
Milton Garden Club Contact: Faye Troka, (770) 781-4634, dtroka@earthlink.net Website: gardening.meetup.com/172
North Fulton Amateur Radio League Contact:
Jim Stafford, W4Q0, (770) 993-9500
Newtown Recreation (678) 297-2662
Songs of Atlanta Chorus
Contact: George Cekis, (404) 295-5093 gvcekis@comcast.net
North Fulton Democrats Contact:
Anne, (404) 303-9142, ext. 2
Stars Soccer Club — Men’s League
North Fulton Republican Women’s Club
Contact: (678) 366-9008 Website: www.StarsSoccerClub.com
Contact: Suzi Voyles, (404) 851-9704 svgagop08@gmail.com
Writers Network Contact:
Recreation & Hobbies
North Fulton Senior Services
Alpharetta Arts Guild
36 My Alpharetta | january 2012
Dell Makuch, (770) 667-0620
Southern Winds Concert Band
Marjean Birt, sandrabjohnson@gmail.com
Alpharetta Adult Activity Center Book Club
(770) 614-1000
Lewis Lay, (678) 267-6142
Contact:
Contact: (770) 640-0399 Website: www.nfcchelp.org
Contact:
(770) 662-0916
Alpharetta Walkie Talkies
Contact:
Lewis Lay, (678) 297-6142
Contact: Danita Grant, (678) 994-5630 Website: www.alphaartsguild.com
Alcoholics Anonymous Contact:
Contact: Nancy Hetsko, (678) 361-5198 Website: www.alpharettadbc.org
Barb G., (770) 686-3082
Anorexia Nervousa and Associated Eating Disorders — ANA Contact:
Alpharetta Bridge Club
Bobby Christmas, (770) 924-0528
Support Organizations
North Fulton Community Charities
United Way of Atlanta
Lewis Lay, (678) 297-6142
Chattahoochee Republican Women’s Club
(770) 642- 9185
Contact: (770) 993-1906 Website: www.ssnorthfulton.org
Lewis Lay, (678) 297-6142
Contact: (770) 977-4031
Homestretch Contact:
Contact:
Contact:
Companion Animal Connection
Foster Care Support Foundation
Alpharetta Camera Club
Kim, (404) 307-5442
Atlanta Harm Reduction Center Contact: (404) 817-9994 Website: www.atlantaharmreduction.org
Bereavement Support Group Contact:
Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767
Brain Injury and Stroke Group Contact:
(770) 751-2650
Care Partner Support Group Contact:
Dawn Reed, (678) 777-7241
Diabetes Support Group Contact:
Joe Mengoni, (770) 889-7577
Emotions Anonymous (EA) Contact:
Suzanne, (404) 307-1735
Foster Care Support Group Contact: Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Contact:
Lee H., (678) 576-4838
National Alliance on Mental Illness — NAMI Contact: Jerry Bishop, (678) 446-5080 bishopjerryo@bellsouth.net
Overeaters Anonymous Contact:
Bill, (770) -992-6481
Parkinson’s Support Group Contact:
Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767
SA Contact:
(770) 993-7253
S-Anon Contact:
(770) 993-7253
www.footprintspublishing.com 37
Satellite Service With A Smile
continued from page 30
you want them. Dish Network recently switched their dishes to the color black so they are even less noticeable.
5. Which is better? For the sports person, DirecTV hands down. DirecTV also offers whole house DVR, which allows you to view your recordings throughout your home. Price wise would definitely be Dish Network. Both offer better picture, sound and price than cable. Being in this business for the past three years, I continue to grow as does the technology, there is always going to be bigger and better. I enjoy helping you decide how much bigger and better you want to go in an easy and understandable way.
Family Resolutions
continued from page 32
one’s gifts and talents to others. This is, to me, the major building block of a positive self-esteem. Paying it forward acknowledges the blessings that we have been given or earned as well as the moral and ethical values associated with sharing these with others less fortunate than us.
All-Inclusives • • • • • • •
continued from page 30
Kids Club Kids Only Dining Room Teens Only Club Organized games and activities Family activities Kid-friendly pools and waterparks Themed character activities such as the gang from Sesame Street
Plus, not having to think about pulling out the credit card and tipping the attendant every single time is, well, what a vacation is all about. Not a single care in the world!
38 My Alpharetta | january 2012
770-993-8806
11605 Haynes Bridge Rd,
www.gnfcc.com
Ste. 100, Alpharetta
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Means Business! Its mission is to be the catalyst for economic development, business growth, and quality of life in North Fulton.
Von Maur at North Point Mall 4000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta (678) 339-9988, www.vonmaur.com
Ladybugs and Lizards 1123 Alpharetta Street, Roswell Celebrating re-opening and 6th Anniversary. (770) 594-0088
Community and Southern Bank North Fulton branch 900 Woodstock Road, Roswell (678) 293-1520, www.thecsbank.com
The Atlanta Humane Society’s Mansell Campus 1565 Mansell Road, Alpharetta www.atlantahumane.org
American Family Care 12994 Hwy 9, Alpharetta
The Drake Closet 825 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell A women’s resale boutique benefitting The Drake House. (678) 682-3551, www.thedrakecloset@thedrakehouse.org
Mountain Park City Hall 118 Lakeshore Drive, Mountain Park. www.mountainpark-ga.gov
Wills Park Outdoor Classroom 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta Features an outdoor stage with classroom seating and picnic tables.
www.footprintspublishing.com 39
ADVERTISER local,
local,
Your Community
Education/Instruction/Counseling
Automotive Troncalli Service Department
9
Banking/Financial Services North Georgia Accounting Consultants, Inc.
Brain Balance Achievement Centers Cover, 16, 17 LAO’WN Academy Inside Back Cover
Health & Beauty LaVida Massage Resplendent Natural Spa Youthtopia Med Spa
1 29 32
Home Improvement/Repair/Service Cleaning Services 32
Audio Intersection Meer Electric Outdoor Enviornments Unlimited, Inc. Reliable Heating, Air & Plumbing
Inside Back Cover 31 11 Inside Front Cover
40 My Alpharetta | january 2012
A Healthy Body Alpharetta Pediatric Medicine Northside Hospital-Forsyth
38 3 Back Cover
Services/Retailers/Miscellaneous
1 5 5 5
Cruise Planners 7 The Cumming Playhouse 11 GhostNet 33 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 39 Premier Pool Enterprises 9
31
Businesses listed in bold italic type denote new or returning advertisers to My Alpharetta Monthly.
Dentist/Orthodontists Brett Gluck, DMD Buckley Dental Care DeMercy Dental Roswell Pediatric Dentist
Inside Front Cover 37
Physicians & Medical Services
3
The Maids
PhotoJack.net C&W Photography
3
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry Tech
Photography
Insurance Nationwide Therese Lynn Johnson Agency