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25 Publisher & Co-Owner Brian Meek Executive Editor & Co-Owner Michelle Meek
First Baptist Church Roswell
editorial Editor Cherryl Greenman Social Media Delaney Young
art Graphic Designer Tiffany Atwood Graphic Designer Candice Williams
sales
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DECemBER 2011 Holiday Hope An updated list of organizations needing assistance helping those in need during the holidays.
Holiday Handbook Our community has many exciting events to celebrate the holidays.
Holiday Programs & Services Holiday worship service times and program celebrations.
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In Every Issue
4 My Alpharetta 6 Community news 10 Celebrations 12 Calendar 13 School information 14 school News 16 SPORTS 45 Greater North FUlton Chamber of Commerce
Directory Listings
40 religious services 42 clubs & Organizations 44 Local Officials 48 Advertiser index 2
My Alpharetta | december 2011
Senior Market Director Janet Ponichtera Market Director Kimberly Starr Advertising Designer Ashley George
contributors Photographers Wendell Webb Writers Ronald Bradley, Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Brett Gluck, Patti and Kurt Gosch, Lisa Graham, Dan Jape, Arthur Letchas, Charles E. Martin, Michelle Martin, Jackie McGhee, LaCretia Munroe, Vishant Nath, Laurie Troublefield
Volume 1 | Issue 2 113 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 2011 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
Brandon Beach, president and CEO of The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, recently congratulated Community and Southern Bank (1) on the grand opening of its first North Fulton branch. Community and Southern Bank, with 40 locations throughout North Georgia, is headquartered in Cobb County and will employ 22 people in North Fulton. The bank is looking for additional opportunities to expand in North Fulton. “We are thrilled that Community and Southern Bank has made the decision to expand into North Fulton,” said Beach. “We look forward to the jobs they will bring as they open additional branches here.”
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Community and South ern Bank North Fulto Cambridge High School will be the name of the high school n branch grand open ing. currently under construction on Bethany Bend in Milton. Cambridge was the top choice of two names submitted by a panel consisting of students, parents and staff, and represents a historical view of the area and a unifying vision for the school. The “C” in Cambridge is in honor of the Cogburn family, the original owners of the school site. The “A” represents the students coming from Alpharetta High School and the “M” represents the students coming from Milton High School. The “bridge” is both metaphorical and physical, representing how students will come together to form a new school community as well as the 126-foot bridge on the property. The school will open in August 2012, and in November, incoming students voted on the “Bears” as its mascot and blue and white as its official colors.
AARP Tax-Aide Seeks Area Volunteers — AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, is seeking volunteers in the Atlanta metro area to help taxpayers who are seeking assistance preparing and filing their 2011 tax returns. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or a retiree to participate, but should have some computer experience, such as email and Internet browsing. Visit www.aarp.org/tavolunteer8 or call (888) OUR-AARP ((888) 6872277). Deadline for application is December 15, 2011. di Sogno Photography, 1005 Alderman Drive, #101, Alpharetta, has recently added a training class: Introduction to DSLR Photography & Creating Better Photos. The class is a hybrid of a digital 101 and a composition class and includes information on what to do with those digital photos once they are captured. (770) 817-0945, www.disognophoto.com Ladybugs & Lizards, 1123 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, recently held its grand re-opening. Ladybugs & Lizards is also celebrating its 6th Anniversary, offering children’s upscale clothing, shoes, equipment, and toys for sizes newborn to size 16. It also has maternity clothing, hair bows and offers monogramming. (770) 594-0088 The Drake Closet, a women’s resale boutique benefitting The Drake House held its grand opening and ribbon cutting celebrations at 850 Mimosa Blvd. in historic Roswell. The store is in need of volunteers to sort, hang, stock and sell items at the store. Donations can be made Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. – to noon (or by appointment). (678) 682-3551, thedrakecloset@thedrakehouse.org 4
My Alpharetta | december 2011
The opening of the Atlanta Humane Society’s new Mansell Campus, located on Mansell Road west of State Route 400, marks the first operational expansion for the non-profit organization in its 138-year history. The 32,000-square foot building will double the organization’s operational size and expand its services and outreach north of Atlanta to establish the largest adoption and spay/neuter facility in the North Fulton region. On December 3, Atlanta Humane Society will host a community-wide celebration to commemorate the opening of its second campus. Donations can be mailed to the Howell Mill Campus, 981 Howell Mill Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 or made online at www.atlantahumane.org. The Alpharetta Junior and Senior Select Raider Boys Lacrosse Team will be conducting its 3rd Annual Lacrosse-a-thon at Alpharetta High School to benefit the Wounded Warrior Program on February 4, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Junior Raiders will be accepting sponsorships for this event. ALL proceeds are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Captain John Hallett III. Captain Hallett was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan during 2009 and was the cousin of Raider player Cal Swanson. A few boys also are the brothers of active duty soldiers. www.woundedwarriorproject.com or email Kristenbaldwin@comcast.net
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COMMUNITY FCSS Employees of the Year
Fulton County School System’s (FCSS) top employees were honored on Friday, November 11, at the district’s annual recognition luncheon. More than 900 employees, business partners and special guests gathered to pay tribute to each school’s and administrative building’s employees of the year. “This occasion allows us to celebrate our employees’ dedication, thank them for their contributions, and treat them like the superstars they are,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa.
Shelby Steinhauer
Shelby Steinhauer, a French teacher at Milton High School, is Fulton’s 2011 – 2012 Overall Teacher of the Year. First named the system’s High School Teacher of the Year, she was then selected as the district winner from among two other Fulton County finalists: Franklin Burns from Spalding Drive Charter Elementary, who is the system’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and Jennifer Foil from Holcomb Bridge Middle, who is the Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Franklin Burns
Jennifer Foil
George Walker
Patricia Munford
George Walker, a school resource officer at Chattahoochee High School, was honored as the Overall School Professional of the Year, and Patricia Munford, a professional assistant with the system’s Operations Division, was honored as the Overall Support Professional of the Year. Nineteen schools also were spotlighted as “Blue Ribbon Partners” for exceptional school/business partnerships, with Hapeville Elementary School and Delta Air Lines who received the “Prestigious Partner” award.
NFH Daisy Nurses
Nancy Shilenje, RN
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Patrice Pniewski, RN
My Alpharetta | december 2011
Leaders and staff at North Fulton Hospital (NFH) happily presented Nancy Shilenje, RN, and Patrice Pniewski, RN with the DAISY Award for Nursing in recent ceremonies. As a nurse on the Intensive Care Unit, Patrice is a valued member of the nursing staff at North Fulton. Nancy is a nurse in Surgical Nursing at North Fulton. Nancy and Patrice more on were selected for this honor following nominations submitted by their patients page 8 and peers. Congratulations Nancy and Patrice.
In an emergency, experience matters Emergencies happen. And when they do, rest assured that you’ll get the best care close to home. Northside’s boardcertified emergency medicine physicians and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified nurses are just right up the road. We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, you’ll be in the best possible hands. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
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COMMUNITY
North Metro Miracle League Receive Grant
North Metro Miracle League recently received a 2011 Atlanta Braves Foundation Grant. The Atlanta Braves Foundation awarded $150,000 in grants to 19 local non-profit organizations prior to the Braves game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies on September 27. The grants are used towards helping the organizations fund initiatives including after school programs, health and Atlanta Braves president, wellness efforts, anti-bullying John Schuerholz, gives campaigns, educational award to Woodstock resident projects, athletic programs, Eddie Moore of North Metro Miracle League. and much more. North Metro Miracle League was awarded $5,000 to help fund the Common Ground/Common Goals program, which brings diverse groups of children and youth together to participate in sports and social programs.
STAR House Receives Donation
North Fulton Hospital held its annual fall bake sale benefitting STAR House, hospital CEO Debbie Keel presented a check to STAR House executive director Michelle Newton. The STAR House supports at-risk children in North Fulton by providing after-school
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My Alpharetta | december 2011
tutoring, school supplies, leadership activities, and recreational programs. www.nfultonhospital.com, (770) 751-2600 Front row: Debbie Keel and Michelle Newton. Back row (left to right): Kathy Crossley, Ann Clawson, Jeannette Wetty, Kathy Dixon, Sarah Rucker, Amberlee Moore, Lindsey Harber.
4th Annual Polo for Parkinson’s
Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation recently hosted its 4th annual Polo for Parkinson’s charity match and silent auction at Chukkar Farm and Polo Club in Alpharetta. Polo for Parkinson’s is Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation raised the only polo match more than $50,000 for Parkinson’s held nationwide to disease through the 4th annual Polo for raise awareness for Parkinson’s charity match. Parkinson’s disease. This year, WPF raised more than $50,000 for Parkinson’s disease awareness through the event. Guests participated in a silent auction as well as the traditional divot stomp at half time. For more information on Polo for Parkinson’s, please visit www.PoloForParkinsons.com.
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WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO IN OUR CELEBRATION SECTION? Birthday, Anniversary & Wedding Announcements are Free!
Babies, Birthdays and Anniversaries
Cole Villano
Age 5 on December 21 Happy Birthday! We Love You, Mommy, Daddy, Chase, Reece and Gabi
Logan Paul Maricle
Age 1 on December 22 Happy 1st Birthday Little Man! We Love You So Much, Mommy, Daddy, Sissy, & All the rest of your family
Isabella Grace LaMarca Age 4 on September 30 Proud parents Guy & Dawn LaMarca Sister of Sophia Lillian
John Paul Maricle
Age 29 on December 19 Happy Birthday to a Very Wonderful Man! We Love You, Brandy, Logan, and Callie
Lori Jo Greenman & Blake Duncan Gallagher
Married September 10, 2011 Cancun, Mexico 10 My Alpharetta | december 2011
My Alpharetta Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Dr., Suite 204, Canton, GA 30115 or art@myalpharettamonthly.com Deadline is December 10th for the January Issue!
Joey Miller
Age 7 on November 23 Happy Birthday to our Little Dude! We love you, Mommy and Daddy
Sandeep Soni
Celebrating on December 31 Happy Birthday Daddy!!! You are our hero and we love you! Nidhi (wife), Amoli (daughter) and Aryan (son)
Madison Pippins
Happy Sweet 16 Madi! We love you! Daddy, Jodi, and Zeke
Connor Reeder
Age 7 on December 13 Happy 7th Birthday! We are so proud of you and love you so much! Daddy, Mommy, Bishop and Brady
John, Marilyn, Ryan and Lauren Flynn Born on August 5, 2011 We’re so glad to have you all home! We love you, Mommy and Daddy
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December
Things to do in Alpharetta
December 1 — 9 • December 6 •
SANTA’S MAILBOX
HEARTBURN SUFFERERS SEMINAR
Santa’s elves will install a special mailbox at the Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road, for children to mail their letters to Santa. Letters will be accepted through December 9 and Santa will respond to all letters received during this time. (678) 297-6130
Northside Hospital-Forsyth will host a free community seminar for anyone affected by heartburn or GERD or is currently taking medication to manage symptoms. Held at the Bennett Education Center, 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Registration is not required. (770) 292-2397.
December 3 • MILTON ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING The city of Milton will host its annual Tree Lighting ceremony at the corner of Webb Road and GA 9 beginning at 7 p.m. Children can visit with Santa while adults enjoy music and refreshments. www.cityofmiltonga.us
December 3 • HOLIDAY MARKET Back to nature holiday market held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. free admission to the nature center, shoppers will find unique creations by local artisans. (770) 992-2055 ext. 236, www.chattnaturecenter.org
December 3 — 4 • HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Gallery 35, 35 Milton Avenue will host an open house from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. with live entertainment and drawing for store gift certificates.
December 4 • HOLIDAY CONCERT The Alpharetta City Band will present its annual concert at 3 p.m. at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center, 13450 Cogburn Road in North Park. (678) 297-6140
December 4 • ALPHARETTA TREE LIGHTING The City of Alpharetta will host its annual tree lighting celebration beginning at 5 p.m. Activities will include visits with Santa and
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December 7 • COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES Children will enjoy decorating cookies, making crafts, and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, from 12 – 2:30 p.m. This program is free, but all participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped gift for local donation. (678) 297-6100
Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts and rides on a lighted train and children’s performances. Alpharetta Mayor Letchas will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” (678) 297-6078, www.alpharetta.ga.us
December 4 • HOLIDAY MAGIC AT THE SHOPS The shops of historic downtown Alpharetta invite you to visit for holiday specials, refreshments, and music from noon – 6 p.m. (770) 365-0840
December 4 • CHRISTMAS FARMERS MARKET Farmer’s market vendors and craft vendors will be displaying their holiday wares along with the retail stores in downtown Alpharetta for your shopping pleasure. Historic downtown Alpharetta from 1 – 6:30 p.m. (678) 860-2776
December 10 • BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS Children are invited to visit with Santa and enjoy breakfast from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center, 13450 Cogburn Road. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, December 7. Bring a new unwrapped gift for a local donation. (678) 297-6140
December 10 • ANNUAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA The laying of wreaths at the Georgia National Cemetery will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a program at noon. Wreaths may be purchased for this event; 1 wreath is $15. Submit your donation to Georgia National Cemetery Location Leader, 2000 Airport Road, #125, Atlanta, GA 30341. (404) 210-1442
December 10 • PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAWS This holiday pet portraiture is a special bonding experience between pet-owners and their pets. Certain restrictions apply for pets. Held at Waggy World Dog Park from 12 – 2 p.m. (678) 297-6133, wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us
January 15 • 3rd Annual Run for Cover The Milton High School boy’s Lacrosse team will be sponsoring a 5K, family fun program, and downtown Crabapple celebration, beginning at 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the lacrosse program, and NFCC. www.miltoneagleslax.com
S C H O O L
Private & Charter Schools Alpharetta International Academy
Mill Springs Academy
Chrysalis Experiential Academy
Mount Pisgah Christian School
Creme de la Creme-Alpharetta
Primrose School of Alpharetta
King’s Ridge Christian School
Primrose School of Christopher Robin
(770) 475-0558 www.aiamontessori.com/index.htm (770) 649-7077 www.chrysalisexp.org
(770) 777-2960 www.cremechildcare.com
(770) 360-1336 www.millsprings.org
(770) 336-3300 www.mountpisgahschool.org
(770) 664-7508 www.primroseschools.com/Alpharetta
(770) 754-5738 www.kingsridgecs.org
(678) 339-0107 www.primroseschools.com/ChristopherRobin
Public Schools Fulton County School District: www.fultonschools.org | (404) 768-3600 Elementary Schools
New Prospect Elementary
192 Mayfield Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 740-7015 Principal: Adam Maroney
Manning Oaks Elementary 405 Cumming Street Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 667-2912 Principal: Kirk Shrum
January 4
Fulton Science Academy High
10665 Haynes Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 740-7030 Principal: Lauren Seidman
4100 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 475-3223 Principal: Namik Sercan
Holcomb Bridge Middle
Independence High
2700 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 594-5280 Principal: Joy Schroerlucke
86 School Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 521-7611 Principal: Tabatha Taylor
Hopewell Middle
Milton High
13060 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 (678) 297-3240 Principal: Lenora Patterson
13025 Birmingham Highway Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 740-7000 Principal: Cliff Jones
Northwestern Middle 12805 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2870 Principal: Jasmine Kullar
Holiday-Schools Closed Teacher Workday-Students Off
January 16
Holiday-Schools Closed
February 17 & 20
Holiday-Schools Closed
Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: www.fultonschools.org/parent_connect.htm
9310 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 650-4230 Principal: Steven Miletto
Haynes Bridge Middle
2011 — 2012 Calendar at a Glance December 23 — January 3
Centennial High
1675 Hembree Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 753-4141 Principal: Kenan Sener
Crabapple Crossings Elementary
11770 E. Fox Court Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 740-7050 Principal: Martha Messina
3595 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 521-7640 Principal: Shannon Kersey
Fulton Science Academy Middle
13080 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2845 Principal: Bruce Fraser
Lake Windward Elementary
Alpharetta High
Middle Schools
Cogburn Woods Elementary
3995 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 667-2932 Principal: Matt Rogers
High Schools
13855 Providence Road Milton, GA 30004 (770) 2830 Principal: Nancy Murphy
14865 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2820 Principal: Susan Matzkin
Creek View Elementary
4455 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 667-2940 Principal: Susan Opferman
Summit Hill Elementary
Birmingham Fall Elementary
12775 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 740-7055 Principal: George Freiberger
Webb Bridge Middle
3055 Kimball Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022-4417 (770) 667-2800 Principal: Charlia Faulkner
Alpharetta Elementary
Local Colleges & Universities North Fulton Center of Reinhardt University
DeVry University (770) 619-3600 www.devry.edu
Georgia Perimeter College (404) 413-7878 www.gpc.edu
Lanier Technical College (770) 781-6800 www.laniertech.edu
(770) 720-9191 www.reinhardt.edu
University of Phoenix North Alpharetta Learning Center (678) 731-0555 www.phoenix.edu
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SCHOOL Hopewell Student Wins National Beta Club Award
Nico Leis, an 8th grade student at Hopewell Middle School, was selected to receive the Nico Leis is pictured with HMS Jr. Beta Club sponsors Erin John W. Harris Leadership Bolling and Stephanie Sosebee, award at the Georgia Beta who nominated him for this Convention, November 17 and prestigious award. 18 in Macon. HMS Principal Dr. Lenora Patterson and Junior Beta Club sponsors Erin Bolling and Stephanie Sosebee surprised Nico with the exciting news. This prestigious award, the highest recognition by the National Beta Club, is presented to individuals who exemplify the best of what Beta stands for. The National Beta Club recognizes twenty five Junior Betas and twenty five Senior Betas from across the nation each year.
Teacher Rewards Program Winners
Creek View Elementary school was selected to receive ten $100 educator’s gift cards from Wal-Mart through the Teacher Rewards Program. All the teachers received a reusable Wal-Mart tote filled with supplies. “Wal-Mart appreciates the impact teachers continue to make in our community,” said Tina Comer, community involvement coordinator for Wal-Mart Store # 2941. “We know our educators contribute not only their time, but also their money to ensure our students have a successful school year. The Teacher Rewards program is our way of saying thank you.” Front row (left to right): Music teacher Liz Crane, kindergarten teacher MaryBeth O’Brien, Special Needs teacher Valerie Curry, and Principal Matt Rogers. Back row: Special Needs teacher Ian Schonberg, Wal-Mart representative Courtney Allen, kindergarten teacher Tiffany Paterline, 2nd grade teacher Kim Clark, kindergarten teacher Jan Leicht, 3rd grade teacher, Julie Stallard, 1st grade teacher and Emily Duncan.
Life Skills Taught at Alpharetta ES
Cindy Horowitz, Speech Pathologist at Alpharetta Elementary School, teaches students how to make various recipes during her speech group. Each Friday, Miss Cindy works with her students making a food item, exercising, reading stories and working on 14 My Alpharetta | december 2011
social speech lessons. The children love the hands on activities, which center around a theme such as insects, in which the children made ants using celery, peanut butter and raisins. The lessons involve measuring and calculating as well using fine motors skills and following directions. The children love their speech lessons and they even have a recipe book to take home at the end of the school year! Alpharetta ES Speech Pathologist Cindy Horowitz and her speech group.
KRCS Has An ‘In-house’ Band Field Trip
King’s Ridge Christian School (KRCS) students in the band program attended a marching band clinic with the Cypress Bay High School Marching Band on Archer Athletic “Tiger” Field. The Cypress Bay High School Marching Band from Weston, Florida is one of the largest and most successful band programs in the state of Florida. KRCS offered the use of Archer Field to the Cypress Bay Marching Band for practice before their performance at the Georgia Dome for the Bands of America competition. As a thank you, the marching band offered to take time out of their rehearsal schedule to work with the KRCS students. Top: KRCS students were paired with a “buddy” from Cypress Bay.
Bottom: 6th grader Alex Byrd marks off field on his first half-time marching band experience.
Kindergarteners Study Differences Kindergarteners at Summit Hill Elementary studied the difference between nonfiction and fiction. One week they were focusing on spiders and made spider hats and read nonfictions books about spiders.
Front row (left to right): Peter Longe, Anna Draper, and Nikolai Lannefeld. Back row: Meadow Pistillo-Marcinanis, McKenzie Satori, and Kadyn Wuest.
Spirit Night at Lake Windward
On November 18 – 20 Lake Windward Elementary PTA hosted Spirit Night with its Business Partner Chick-fil-A on Old Milton Parkway. It was a great time for families to come out and enjoy dinner together, while supporting one of its Partners who donates to the school.
CCES Students Stamp Out Bullying Students and faculty
at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School “stamped” out bullying Megan Gelber, 4th grade teacher Gail Clements, Luisa De Macedo, Lara De Macedo, and Cecilia Franchesci
by participating in several activities during Bully Awareness and Prevention Week. Students were taught the basic prevention themes of: 1. Stay away from bullies. 2. Tell someone about
Left to right): Ananya Ashok, Megan Machan, Asmi Kumar, Avery Billups and Jeslyn Guo stand with CCES teacher Pam King and Dr. Jay Banks, an anti-bullying speaker.
bullies.
Doug Melton (parent) and Bryce Melton
Aiden Bull, 4th grade teacher Karen Klindt, Megan Gelber, Raegan Guthrie, and Mariana Diaz
Ben Franklin Visits Alpharetta Elementary The first graders at Alpharetta Elementary recently had a very important visitor! Benjamin Franklin stopped by to share some of his inventions and contributions to our country. Everyone enjoyed learning about his invention of bifocals, the Franklin stove and the lightning rod. The students also, enjoyed learning about his help in writing the Declaration of Independence. Gail Heller (teacher) as Ben Franklin
Pasta Skeletons at Birmingham Falls
Ms. Hoover’s 2nd grade class learned about science and math as they made skeletons out of pasta and measured the length of bones in inches and centimeters!
3. Avoid bad situations. 4. Make friends. 5. Project confidence and show your pride! Students created their own peace sign pledge showing their commitment to a bully-free life, they wore their favorite boots to stamp out bullying, wore their favorite team jersey to team up against bullies and collected canned goods to show “Together we CAN take a stand against bullies!”
Summit ES Storybook Parade
Second graders at Summit Hill Elementary School love reading! To celebrate books, they put on a Storybook parade for other students to enjoy.
Jaysen Chishom and Olivia VerSteegh
Students made Peace Sign Pledges to promise never to bully others.
Sam Kelly
Sydnie Behrmann and Gabrielle Quinn www.footprintspublishing.com 15
SPORTS 2nd Annual 2011 Holiday Classic
The 2nd annual 2011 Eric Snow Sports Verizon Holiday Classic welcomed 10 high school basketball teams to the River Ridge High School Knights arena on Saturday, November 19. This 5 game basketball extravaganza showcased some of Georgia’s and Alabama’s best high school talent including Charles Pack and Royce Nwabude from Centennial and Damon Williams from St. Francis. “We are very excited to host some of Georgia’s best coaches, players, and teams in our event,” says Eric Snow (14-year former Eric Snow signing autograph for NBA player). Blake Coleman.
Georgia Tech signee, Julian Royal, and Milton Jr. Eagles Blake Coleman.
King’s Ridge Homecoming
The King’s Ridge varsity football team provided a sweet cap to the week of Homecoming activities with a thrilling 20-14 overtime win over rival Mt Pisgah. The Tigers raced to a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter as Bailey Miller connected on touchdown strikes of 40 and 26 yards to Penny Hart and Julian Champ. Miller was 12 for 20 for 225 yards. Devon Schmitt caught 7 passes for 137 yards. Connor Henderson led the defense with 14 tackles and 2 assists.
State signee, Shannon Scott, shooting layup at the Verizon Holiday Classic.
Contest Corner
Find the hidden picture
Sarah Graham was our winner for November’s contest corner. She will receive a Starbucks gift card. Congratulations! 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
16 My Alpharetta | december 2011
www.footprintspublishing.com 17
Under the
DOME
by Representative Charles E. “Chuck” Martin
Another Year Has Passed Every year at this time I struggle with the topic for this little column. Part of brain, the left brain, says I should write about “things Georgia” and the next legislative session. Then my right brain says, just write about the things you are thankful for and looking forward to next year – my right brain says people need a break, they need to relax. Well, here is my try at balancing the two. HOT Lanes I can’t help it, they make me crazy! People keep talking about how adding tolls will reduce congestion, it won’t, and it can’t. To all the GDOT, SRTA, and other smart people out there, please explain to me and to Georgians how the same number of lanes can “magically” move more cars. Until you do, stop telling me taking my money solves congestion. State Budget You have probably read that state revenues are up when compared to last year, this is true. It is encouraging! While this will help in the budget process, it will not be enough to solve Georgia’s tough financial situation. Why, because Federal dollars coming to Georgia, as well as other states, have been reduced. In the Georgia General Assembly we must continue to work to increase efficiency by cutting unproductive spending. This is never easy and we need your ideas, input, and support.
on our laws and public property and I for one have had enough. I say go home! I am Thankful I am thankful for our service men and women. I traveled quite a bit this year and every time I was in an airport I saw our service men and women. I am thankful to them and those before them for their service to this country. I am thankful for my family, Johnna, Miles and Lance. I am thankful for Mom, Johnna’s Mom and Dad, all my aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. And I am thankful for my friends. We are living in difficult times and while I don’t see everyone as much as I would like, they are all in my heart and in my thoughts. My New Year’s Resolution I resolve to set aside, every day, time to call or visit someone that I haven’t spoken with recently, to just catch-up. Why, because our days are limited and we can never do yesterday again. I, personally, have let too many yesterdays pass without telling my family and friends how much they mean – I resolve to better! I wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday Season, and Happy New Year. To those who share my belief in Jesus, and His birth, have a Blessed Christmas!
Occupiers. . . I am sure I will make some people mad, but I’ve had it with these folks. This “protest” has turned into a mess in most cities, costing taxpayers, you and me, hundreds of thousands of dollars. We live a country with virtually absolute freedom of speech, but their freedom of speech is now spilling and spitting 18 My Alpharetta | december 2011
Representative Chuck Martin, District 47 245 State Capitol Building, Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2246, Fax: (404) 463-2249 chuck.martin@house.ga.gov, www.martinforgeorgia.com Please forward any questions, concerns or items of specific interest to aroundtown@martinforgeorgia.com.
CITY HALL
by Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas I have had the distinct pleasure and honor of serving my hometown for the past 29 years as a member of the Alpharetta city council. I began my first term as a city councilmember in 1983 and was elected Mayor in 2002.
sidewalks throughout the city, we will continue until all our major arteries have sidewalks that extend to our borders. This will allow our neighboring jurisdictions to tie to our sidewalk system.
Arthur G. Letchas is the mayor of
Alpharetta. You may contact him by The biggest thing I have come calling (678) 297-6020 or e-mail to appreciate over the years is aletchas@alpharetta.ga.us. the great staff we have serving the citizens of Alpharetta. In 1982, a year before my tenure began, Mayor Jimmy Phillips hired Marie Garrett as the city’s first city planner. She helped mold the city into what you see today. You have to remember that in 1983, the city of Alpharetta had 3,000 residents and little to offer by way of recreational or entertainment venues. When Marie left, we were fortunate to hire Dianna Wheeler, who continued to shape Alpharetta into one of the premiere communities in the nation.
I was privileged to have a good leader in Bob Regus, Alpharetta’s City Administrator since 1999. His guidance and wisdom not only aided my work on a daily basis, but he continues to improve the city of Alpharetta with the addition of quality, hard working staff. This is a legacy I am proud to leave behind. It makes the job of mayor that much easier, and it ensures that the hard work we have all accomplished the past 29 years will continue long after I am gone. Alpharetta has an incredible Public Safety Department, led by Director Gary George. Our department is nationally recognized, and we have fantastic response times. The most important thing we do as a city is to answer 911 calls, of which we have over 50,000 each year. Our quick response times are certainly appreciated by everyone in need of a first responder. Over the years we have secured millions of dollars to help with Alpharetta’s traffic situation. Thanks to our previous Engineering and Public Works Director, Dr. John Moskaluk, we were able to construct the majority of Westside Parkway and improve numerous intersections. His work is continued through his predecessor, Pete Sewczwicz. We will continue improving transportation. While we have added miles of new
Alpharetta now has a population of 57,551, quite a change from 1983. We inherited 9,000 new residents when the new cities of Milton and Johns Creek were formed. Many households had a choice of which city they could belong, and I believe it says something about the quality of Alpharetta that they chose our city as their home. We have accomplished many things as a city. Some of the things I am most proud of include: • Alpharetta has a AAA bond rating. We are one of two cities in the state that can boast this claim. • When I started as a city councilmember, Alpharetta’s millage rate was over 11. Now the rate is at 5.75 and includes a $40,000 homestead exemption. No other city has such a high homestead exemption. • We have one of the best park systems for a city of our size. This is a big improvement from when I was a boy and we did not have a single park. • In 1983, the city of Alpharetta did not have a single hotel or any big restaurants. In 2011, we have 23 hotels and some of the best restaurants around Metro Atlanta. • In 2010, Alpharetta was awarded “Certified Gold” as a Green Community by the Atlanta Regional Commission. We are one of only two cities in the region with this distinction. • The Georgia Municipal Association awarded Alpharetta both the City of Ethics and City of Excellence awards. I would be remiss if I did not thank Sue Rainwater, Alpharetta’s long serving City Clerk. She kept me going on the right course over the years. If I had to sum up my view of Alpharetta during my tenure, I would say progression. We grew and changed the past three decades in terms of population, size, parks, roadways and sidewalks, restaurants, hotels, shopping venues, schools, and the like. Despite our growth, I am proud that Alpharetta still finds ways to embrace the heritage of its small, hometown feel. Alpharetta is truly a live, work, and play community — one in which I am proud to have helped shape. www.footprintspublishing.com 19
DIABETES –
Are You At Risk? By Lisa Graham, RN, BSN, CDE Northside Hospital Diabetes Education Program
About 25.8 million Americans have diabetes. You don’t have to be overweight, have a genetic predisposition or be a certain age to get the disease. In fact, more than 6 million people have the disease and don’t even realize it because some of the symptoms may not seem threatening – unusual thirst, extreme hunger, increased fatigue and irritability. However, left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of problems including heart disease (high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol), stroke, blindness, kidney failure, circulatory problems and even death. Fortunately, diabetes is preventable and, by knowing your risk and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent or delay the onset of the diabetes. Factors You Can Control • Excess Weight. Being obese or carrying excess body fat also makes your heart work harder and raises your blood pressure and total cholesterol. Belly fat is especially harmful as it releases hormones that decrease your body’s ability to utilize insulin effectively to regulate blood glucose levels. • Inactivity. Exercising on a regular basis can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol. It also helps your body use the insulin that it makes, which helps your body to control your blood sugar better. • Healthy Diet. Eating a well balanced diet and controlling your portion sizes can help prevent diabetes. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have been proven to help control weight and decrease the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Factors You Can’t Control • Age. People over the age of 45 are more likely to have diabetes than those younger and should have their blood
glucose levels checked every three years. • Heredity. People with a close family history of diabetes – such as a sibling or parent – are more likely to develop diabetes. • Race. It is more prevalent in people of African American, Mexican American, Pacific Islander and American-Indian decent. • Gestational Diabetes. Having had gestational diabetes or having had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth also increases your risk. If you were never screened for gestational diabetes but gave birth to a large infant, you may have had this temporary form of insulin intolerance without ever knowing it. Protect Your Health Focus on prevention. If you have any of the risk factors associated with diabetes or your blood sugar levels are creeping up, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a diabetes education program.
Northside Hospital offers an accredited Diabetes Education Program that helps patients learn about diabetes and how to adapt a self-care plan to fit their lifestyle. Comprehensive Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes classes, as well as classes that focus on the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, are available. All classes are taught by registered dietitians, nurses, exercise physiologists, behavior therapists and certified diabetes educators. For more information and class availability, call (404) 851-6023 for locations in Alpharetta.
Send us your Community, School & sports News
to be featured in an upcoming issue! EMAIL: editor@myalpharettamonthly.com 20 My Alpharetta | december 2011
ORTHODONTICS And Self-Esteem
by Brett Gluck, DMD, MS, PC Many orthodontic patients who undergo treatment find that after the treatment has finished, they have more confidence in their smile, as well as benefitting from improved dental health. The Academy of General Dr. Brett Gluck is an orthodontic Dentistry (AGD) states that specialist at The Brace Place. You may orthodontics helps reduce contact him at (770) 664-6003 or visit a patient’s risk of suffering www.bracedoctor.com. from tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and other dental health problems that can arise due to improper tooth alignment. In addition, the aesthetic advantages of having straighter teeth are often appreciated by those who opt for orthodontics, the AGD says.
“
Why wait to boost your self confidence? Get a better smile with braces or Invisalign treatment from your orthodontist.
�
Many patients, prior to orthodontics, partially smiled with their mouth closed because they were self conscious about their teeth. These patients are perceived differently than someone who smiles openly and self-confidently. After orthodontics, people smile more naturally, showing off their new straight teeth. This translates into greater confidence in interactions with others. For a youth or adolescent, greater confidence is important for normal social development with peers. For an adult, a more confident smile can lead to better interactions socially, but also in the workplace. This can be very important in situations where first impressions matter, such as at a job interview. In these more challenging economic times, a more confident smile can be an essential tool to success. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 4 million children and 1 million adults are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment at any given moment to enhance their smile, which inevitably leads to greater self confidence. Why wait to boost your self confidence? Get a better smile with braces or Invisalign treatment from your orthodontist.
www.footprintspublishing.com 21
The holiday season is drawing close and you have visions of your children running to the Christmas tree to see what Santa has left for them. Perhaps you are thinking about all the cookies you will be making for friends and relatives, as well as the wonderful meals you are planning for your family. Some children in our area will not have gifts for the holidays nor will their families enjoy a special holiday dinner — unless we all help! My Alpharetta Monthly has contacted several organizations within our community that are in need of assistance to make sure that families can celebrate the holidays just as you will be doing. Listed are several organizations to which you could volunteer time, effort or funds to assist in making the season a little brighter for all; some are new and some are updated from the list in the November magazine. We hope this list is helpful as you consider your participation in offering hope this holiday season.
NEW Holiday Toy Drive
Bank of North Georgia is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive from through December 7 at all 41 branches in metro Atlanta. Last year, the bank collected a total of 2,787 toys for children. Each branch selected a local charity to support. Customers and local residents can participate in the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the following Bank of North Georgia branches: Alpharetta and Crabapple — Child Development Association (CDA). The CDA serves hardworking parents who are striving to build economic security for their families despite daunting challenges. Bank of North Georgia will be collecting toys through December 7. www.cdakids.org
North Fulton Community Charities
(UPDATED)
North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) will assist families during the holiday season through its family sponsorship program and Santa Shop. The NFCC 2011 Holiday Program brings together the generous spirit of our community with families in North Fulton who need the support and have registered for the program. “Currently, we have 1,000 families who have qualified to participate. This equates to over 2,300 children. The need is so extensive that parents started lining up in the early morning hours to register. It still saddens me to hear the stories of families who continue to struggle through difficult times. Daniel came to our office at the age of 15 when his mother became critically ill. He had to drop out of high school to support his mother and younger brother. At 17, he strives to maintain employment while caring for the family. He was the second person in line when the doors opened to make sure that his brother could celebrate Christmas,” said Eden Purdy. This is why your help is needed. Single parents, teens forced to be parents, and children without hope. These are the stories heard every day. NFCC is looking for sponsors to “adopt a family” for the holiday season or to provide new toys and gifts for the Santa Shop. Seeing an average of 100 families per day for food and financial support, the need continues to grow. Beginning in December, over 1,000 families will have registered for holiday support. For more information on this program and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.nfccholiday.org. 22 My Alpharetta | december 2011
Alpharetta Shop with a Cop
The Alpharetta Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) pairs the city’s police officers, firefighters, and other civic-minded volunteers with families in need. PAL donates $100 for each of the 100 children who will spend an evening shopping with a cop. On December 6, the volunteers and children will pair up for a night of shopping at the Windward Wal-Mart. This year PAL is also accepting donations for a holiday dinner drive. The Alpharetta Fire Department will use one of its fire trucks to help PAL deliver the ingredients for holiday dinner to families in need on December 17. If you would like to assist with this year’s Shop with a Cop, please contact Officer Phil Ritchey, at (678) 297-6309 opt 1.
GCAC of Georgia, Alpharetta
GCAC of Georgia, Giving Children a Chance, is a private foster care and adoption agency in Alpharetta, Georgia. GCAC of Georgia is committed to strengthening families by nurturing the whole child and providing an atmosphere for each child to become all that he/she can be when placed in a loving, supportive and safe environment. GCAC of Georgia encourages healthy families by the recruitment and retention of highly skilled foster and adoptive families who mentor and model values which promote permanency for every child. Our community can help GCAC’s foster children during the holiday season, and throughout the year. Volunteers, willing to chaperone field trips, offer free tutoring or music lessons are also needed. If you are interested in learning more or if you know of individuals, church groups, businesses or others who are looking for opportunities to assist a foster child, please contact lynn@gcacofgeorgia.com.
Foster Care Support Foundation, Inc.
Foster Care Support Foundation (FCSF) , Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting thousands of Georgia’s foster and displaced children by providing free clothes, toys and infant-care equipment. During the holiday season and all year round, Foster Care Support Foundation is in need of new, like new, and gently worn
clothing for preemie sizes to size 24; underwear, socks, and shoes which are new unless they are infant sizes; toys in great repair; and boys pants and sneakers. FCSF also accepts gifts such as CDs for teens and hand-held games. Monetary donations and sponsorships for its operation and support are crucial, as well as its All Kids Count benefit, to be held March 10, 2012, in helping FCSF continue the programs that provide this essential resource for at-risk children. Volunteers are needed to help organize, sort items, babysit, and fill orders to ship to children who visit or who are unable to visit the center. Items not needed or used for children that are in excellent condition such as furniture, household décor, and quality adult clothing is placed in the Fostering Hope Bargain Resale shop, 1425 Market Blvd., Suite 340, Roswell, where 100% of the sales go to support the FCSF programs and the children. For more information, to be a sponsor, or to volunteer, contact Foster Care Support Foundation, Inc. at (770) 6419591, email help@fostercares.org or visit www.fostercares.org.
Senior Services North Fulton
Senior Services North Fulton is more than just Meals on Wheels. All programs and services are offered to seniors without regard to their income level. Senior Services, a nonprofit organization, raises funds to support its programs with an annual fundraiser. Art from the Heart for Seniors Gala will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek from 6:30 –11 p.m. For more information please call (770) 993-1906 or visit their website at www.ssnorthfulton.org. Through Senior Services North Fulton’s Angel Tree and Days of Service programs, seniors are not forgotten and opportunities for intergenerational activities and community involvement are offered. Visitors are always welcome, so please stop by or call one of the centers: Roswell Neighborhood Senior Center, 1250 Warsaw Road, (770) 640-1583; Alpharetta Neighborhood Senior Center at the Crabapple Government Center, 12624 Broadwell Road, (770) 751-9397; Sandy Springs Neighborhood Senior Center at the Dorothy Benson Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Bldg. C, (404) 705-4904. The administrative office is located at 490 Sun Valley Drive, Suite 202, Roswell.
Fulton County DFCS
The Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) have approximately 1,000 children in its custody who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Fulton County DFCS invites the community to participate in the “Joy of Sharing” program. The office is seeking donors to assist in meeting the holiday wishes of children ages 1 — 21 who are served by the agency. Wish lists for these children will be filled through monetary donations and donated gifts by individuals, businesses, or community organizations. When a child is matched with a donor, the donor will receive the child’s name, age, and three items from his or her special “Wish List.” Fulton County DFCS requests that all gifts be delivered to its office by December 2. Monetary donations are used to purchase gifts for children not matched, and to meet the department’s ongoing needs throughout the year. You may send your donations to 515 Fairburn Road, Suite 460, Atlanta, GA 30331. For more information, please contact Delores Battle, Fulton County DFCS at (404) 699-4387 or dsbattle@dhr.state.ga.us.
Children’s Restoration Network
Children’s Restoration Network (CRN) is a non-profit agency focusing on homeless children in the North Fulton community and metro Atlanta
by meeting the children’s basic needs and providing a broad range of positive experiences for the children and their mothers. During the Christmas season, CRN will begin its 12 Days of Caring program to provide new clothes, new toys, and other gifts to the children. To participate in the 12 Days of Caring, you may donate new clothes and new toys to CRN’s toy and gift drive, or you can adopt a shelter and/ or group home. Adopting a shelter or group home is recommended for churches, businesses, or community organizations to provide gifts for children in the shelter or group home. Shelters and group homes that CRN works with provide housing for as few as six children to more than 100 at any one location, and CRN can match up an organization with a shelter depending on the number of children the organization can comfortably provide gifts for. CRN will also sponsor a wrapping party the weekend before Christmas to wrap gifts for shelters and group homes that have not been adopted. If you are looking for a family volunteer opportunity, the wrapping party is a great way for families to volunteer together. Wrapping supplies are provided, but extra wrapping paper and tape is appreciated. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Children’s Restoration Network at www.ChildRN.org or call (770) 649-7117.
The Drake House
The Drake House is a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children in the north metro Atlanta area, offering immediate residential housing and programs designed to provide stability for the children and assist the family in working toward housing self-sufficiency. Women and children are quickly becoming the fastest growing homeless population, and The Drake House is the only agency offering an emergency residential program in this area. The Drake House is in need of volunteers year-round including mentors, administrative assistance, and facility maintenance. The Drake House also accepts donations for its food pantry as well as gift card donations for gas stations, hair salons, grocery stores, and retail locations such as Wal-Mart. For more information or to volunteer, please contact The Drake House at (770) 587-4712 ext 305.
The Drake Closet
The Drake Closet is a resale boutique of women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. The proceeds from the store will help to fund operations for the Drake House, a short term crisis housing program for single moms and their minor children in North Fulton. The boutique is located at 825 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, across the street from Roswell United Methodist Church. Volunteers are needed to accept and sort donated items and to assist buyers in the store. Donations of gently used women’s clothing, shoes and accessories will be accepted at the store at the drive up entrance. For more information or to volunteer, please contact The Drake House at (770) 587-4712 ext 305.
Soldiers’ Angels
Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led non-profit with more than 30 different teams and projects supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Soldiers’ Angels sends letters, care packages, and comfort items to the deployed and supports the families here at home. It also provides assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans; remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen; and immediate response to unique difficulties. Through special projects and dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, Soldiers’ Angels makes a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families. To get involved visit www.soldiersangels.org. www.footprintspublishing.com 23
COVER
Here For The Community By Michelle Martin When Dr. Ron Bradley was first called into fulltime ministry at the age of 16, he had a clear vision of the “dream church” he hoped to pastor — a simple church bathed in historic Southern charm, founded on traditional Christian values and dedicated to serving the community. “Roswell First Baptist is my dream church,” he says. “The people of this congregation take it upon themselves individually to be the presence of Christ in the community. They don’t need me to push them to look outward, to reach out to others in the community and let them know that we’re here for them. We’re all unified in our mission to share the good news of Christ.” Bradley has served as senior pastor of Roswell First Baptist for 15 years, but the church has been the
Dr. Ron Bradley and his family — wife, Cheryl; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Paul Clark and their daughter, MaryKate; daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Todd Virgilio and their daughter, Lena Grace — have served First Baptist Church of Roswell and the Roswell community for 15 years. 24 My Alpharetta | december 2011
lifeblood of the Roswell community for nearly 140 years. Approximately 650 to 700 people attend the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services each week. “Every church has its own personality and uniqueness,” he says. “Many churches today are changing in order to reach more people, but we feel Roswell First Baptist offers something truly unique by sticking to a traditional worship style.” Roswell First Baptist’s worship services combine traditional music with a contemporary message. The full choir still wears traditional robes and sings traditional hymns backed by a pipe organ. “We don’t use drum sets or video screens, but we’re anything but boring,” Bradley says. “I try to create an interactive worship experience that allows our members to not only hear God’s word but also to taste, smell and feel it.” That could mean baking bread during communion, writing notes of encouragement to service members in honor of Veteran’s Day, or passing out large rocks as a reminder that we are all sinners and therefore in no position to throw stones. “We encourage our members to be authentic with one another, accepting and not judgmental. The less than perfect are more than welcome here, because we’re all sinners saved by grace.” In addition to weekly worship services, Roswell First Baptist also offers a variety of activities designed to minister to its “inter-generational” congregation. There are special programs and Bible studies designed to meet the unique needs of all age groups and life stages — from preschool to college, single adults to senior adults, and everyone in between. The church’s Christian Recreation Ministry also organizes basketball teams, bowling leagues and a bicycling club, and offers Zumba and other fitness classes. “We’ve found that
Missions and outreach efforts play an important part in Roswell First Baptist’s service to the local community and beyond. The church supports a number of local charitable organizations and hosts children’s camps, Vacation Bible School, an Easter egg hunt and Fun Fall Festival each year that provide community children with a safe environment for fun and learning about God. “We want to impact the people in our community, in our country and around the world,” Bradley says, adding that the church also organizes volunteer teams each year for medical clinics in Kenya, Africa and an “extreme home makeover” project in the Appalachians. “We realize many of the people who attend these special events and who benefit from these service projects may never set foot in our church; but they’ll remember us as a church that is changing lives, that touched their lives like never before.”
Appalachian Outreach
our over-60s enjoy the same activities as our under-30s,” Bradley says.
First Baptist Church of Roswell 710 Mimosa Boulevard Phone (770) 587-6980 Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Mid-Week Services: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Kenya, Africa
The Drake House
While Roswell First Baptist remains committed to helping the outside community, Bradley believes it is important to remember that members of the church family need physical, emotional, spiritual and financial support as well. The church provides Christian-based counseling in a number of areas, including marriage enrichment, divorce recovery, cancer support and grief counseling; Bradley’s wife, Cheryl, has a master’s degree in social work and is a specialist in grief counseling. Last year, Bradley challenged members of the church to help support the many different church families who are struggling in the tough economy. “We asked for 50 families to give $100 each, but our members went beyond the call — giving $40,000 to help meet the most immediate and urgent financial needs of our church families,” he says. “We’re not a rich congregation, but we’re loving and generous. I am so proud to lead a church that knows the joy of serving and giving firsthand. I feel privileged to be a part of this church that exemplifies everything Jesus expects of a church.”
Visit www.rfbc.org for information about worship services, Bible studies, ministries, missions, music, counseling services, upcoming events and more.
www.footprintspublishing.com 25
ER
VS Urgent Care Clinic by Jackie McGhee
There are three main reasons that are beneficial to patients in choosing urgent care clinics over hospital emergency rooms. It saves money. Urgent care clinics are cheaper whether a patient has insurance or not. And most insurance Jackie McGhee is the practice administrator of Physicians Express Care. companies support this. It You may contact her at (770) 772-1830. lessens the co-pay which saves money all around, and for those without, no lingering hospital bills. Saving money does not mean sacrificing quality. The physicians and nurses aren’t as “hurried” as they would be in an emergency room; they aren’t dealing with emergencies. They are able to commit more of their time and focus to each particular case and yet still have you in and out in a much more reasonable time frame than the waits found in most hospital ER waiting rooms. Save money, save time, and ensure better quality.
26 My Alpharetta | december 2011
It is also important for patients to understand what conditions are considered emergencies and which ones are not. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta shows that many Americans visit the ER when an urgent care facility would be more appropriate for their needs. Take the 110.2 million ER visits in the United States during 2002, for example. Only 22 percent were considered emergent while 34 percent were urgent, 19 percent semiurgent and 10 percent non-urgent. The bottom line is that many of the patients crowding hospital emergency rooms should be going to urgent care centers — where they’d get quality care, probably in less time and almost certainly at a lower cost.* Patients with non-emergent situations are filling and/or overcrowding emergency waiting rooms which only create longer wait times, especially for those who aren’t considered to have an emergent case. Urgent care clinics provide treatments for many types of illness and injuries. They are typically open after hours, which allows a little more flexibility to see a physician. This creates added benefits in the ER too. Patients that may depend on those few minutes will be seen much sooner due to less crowded waiting rooms. *http://www.mainstreetmedicalcare.com/urgent-care
It’s
amazing to thin k that the holid ays are just around the corner! Shopping, compa ny parties, spec ial dinners, family gatherin gs…the coming m on ths are full of festivities and busyness. Le t ou r community busin esses simplify so m e of the holiday hust le and bustle — st ay local! Whether it’s that perfect gift for th at special someone, prepar ing your home fo r ho liday guests, holiday help in the kitc he n or festive holiday entertai nment, My Alp haretta Monthly’s 2011 Holiday Guide has just what you need to take care of your holiday to-do list and check it twice! Let the Holiday Guide take you from “naughty” to “nice!”
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Schakolad Chocolate Factory
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Cleaning on Wheels
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Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails (770) 817-0161 www.miltonscuisine.com
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LaVida Massage (770) 740-0654 alpharetta.ga.lavidamassage.com
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December 7
Holiday Performances December 1 Caroling with Joe Perri Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Location: Queen of Hearts, 670 North Main Street Join in for a night of singing Christmas Carols with Joe Perri. Adult refreshments will be served.
December 1 — 4 The Nutcracker Presented by The Roswell Dance Theatre Time: December 1 at 10 a.m. December 2 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. December 3 at 10 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nutcracker Breakfast at 9 a.m. Nutcracker VIP at 6 p.m. December 4 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sugarplum Tea at 3 p.m. Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street Contact: (770) 998-0259
15th Annual “Sounds of the Season” Concert Time: 6:45 p.m. Location: Alpharetta First UMC Sanctuary, 69 Main Street Contact: (770) 475-5576, ballain@afumc.org There will also be a visit from everyone’s favorite elf, Santa!
December 8 — 9 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Time: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Location: Perimeter Church, KIDS Town Auditorium 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Contact: (678) 405-2300 Website: www.perimeterschool.org Cost: General admission is $6 at door
December 9 — 10 Babes in Toyland Presented by Atlanta Dance Theatre Time: December 9 at 7:30 p.m. (silent auction) December 10 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (silent auction) Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street Contact: (404) 438-3028 Website: www.atlantadancetheatre.org
December 1 1
“Oliver!” Presented by ACT1 Theater Time: Visit website for times Location: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church 180 Academy Street Website: www.act1theater.com
Christmas Concert Presented by Atlanta Wind Symphony Time: 3 p.m. Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street Contact: (404) 438-3028 Website: www.atlantawindsymphony.org Cost: Free admission
December 3
December 16 — 17
A Christmas Carol Time: 8 p.m. Location: Terrace at Bulloch Hall, 189 Bulloch Avenue Contact: (770) 992-1731 Cost: $15 per person
6th Annual RISPA Holiday Spectacular RISPA – Alpharetta’s School of Performing Arts Time: 7 p.m. Location: 86 School Drive Contact: (678) 620-3500
December 4
December 16 — 17
Holiday Concert Time: 3 p.m. Location: Alpharetta Adult Activity Center 13450 Cogburn Road in North Park Contact: (678) 297-6140 The Alpharetta City Band Concert is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!
The Winter Polar Express Presented by Academy Dance Theatre Co Time: December 16 at 7 p.m. December 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street Contact: (770) 587-8272 An enchanting holiday show for all ages.
December 4
December 16 — 18
A Joyous Noel Presented by Michael O’Neal Singers Time: 3 p.m. Location: Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Blvd Contact: (770) 594-7974 Website: www.mosingers.com or www.rumc.com A choral concert of holiday favorites with special guest Georgia Regional Girls’ Choir and a visit from Santa.
The Nutcracker Presented by Metropolitan Ballet Theatre Time: Visit website for times Location: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School 11320 Woodstock Road Contact: (678) 297-2800 Website: www.metropolitanballet.org
December 1 — 18
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SAnta Sightings aND Tree Lighting Celebrations December 3 Milton Annual Tree Lighting Time: 7 p.m. Location: Corner of Webb Road and GA 9 Website: www.cityofmiltonga.us The city of Milton will host its annual Tree Lighting ceremony. Children can visit with Santa while adults enjoy music and refreshments.
December 3, 10 & 17 Santa Saturdays at Twigs and Lace Time: 12 — 3 p.m. Location: 64 North Main Street Contact: (770) 365-0840 7th annual Santa Saturdays, holiday music, special surprises, refreshments and treats. Free admission.
December 4 34th Alpharetta Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Time: 5 p.m. Location: 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Contact: (678) 297-6078 Website: www.alpharetta.ga.us The City of Alpharetta will host its annual tree lighting celebration. Activities will include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts and rides on a lighted train and children’s performances. Alpharetta Mayor Letchas will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Holiday Family Fun Activities December 4 24th Annual Traditional Children’s Nativity Time: 4 p.m. Location: Alpharetta First UMC Sanctuary 69 North Main Street Contact: (770) 475-5576 Traditional children’s nativity with lots of angels, shepherds, cherubs and wooly lambs. Come experience the real meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a child.
December 3, 10 & 17 Holiday Memories Time: Check Website for times Location: American Girl, 1202 North Point Circle Contact: (877) 247-5223 Website: www.americangirl.com/stores/ popups/events You and your daughter will have a delightful time together at American Girl, where you’ll create a special holiday decoration to display year after year. Includes 32 My Alpharetta | december 2011
a delicious meal, a commemorative photograph, and a memory booklet for your girl to take home as a reminder of your special day. Reservations required. For girls ages 6 and up. Available during Bistro Hours.
December 4, 1 1 & 22 Make a Gingerbread House Time: December 4 & 11 — 3 p.m. December 22 — 11 a.m. Location: American Girl, 1202 North Point Circle Contact: (877) 247-5223 Design and decorate your own gingerbread house! This festive activity includes everything your girl needs to make a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece— gingerbread pieces, frosting, and lots of candy decorations. She’ll also enjoy a delicious meal. Reservations required. For girls ages 8 and up.
December 7 Cookies with the Clauses Time: noon — 2:30 p.m. Location: Alpharetta Community Center 175 Roswell Street Contact: (678) 297-6100 Children will enjoy decorating cookies, making crafts, and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This program is free, but all participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped gift for local donation.
December 9 Swedish Santa Lucia Celebration Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church 3003 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta Contact: (770) 977-8537 This candlelit, music-filled celebration will consist of traditional and contemporary Swedish Christmas music. The evening will feature the St. Lucia choir with children, women and men from the Swedish community. After the celebration a reception featuring Saffron buns and gingersnaps will be offered in the fellowship hall. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
December 10 Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Time: 9 — 11 a.m. Location: Alpharetta Adult Activity Center 13450 Cogburn Road Contact: (678) 297-6410 Children 10 and under are invited to visit with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast. Pre-registration is required by December 7. This program is free, but children are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped gift.
December 10 Photos with Santa Claws Time: 12 — 2 p.m. Location: Waggy World Dog Park Contact: (678) 297-6133
Email: wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us This holiday pet portraiture is a special bonding experience between pet-owners and their pets. Certain restrictions apply for pets.
Temple Kehillat Chaim, in a warm, family friendly environment. Festivities include lunch, raffles, crafts, games and prizes for all ages. Admission is $5.
December 10
CNC Gifts for Nature Time: 1 — 4 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Website: www.chattnaturecenter.org Take some time out during the holiday rush to spend time with family, friends, and nature! Chattahoochee Nature Center, has an entire day planned for you to relax and enjoy the season.
14th Annual Santa’s Secret Shop Time: 9 — 11:30 a.m. Location: Alpharetta First UMC’s Trinity Hall Contact: (770) 475-5576 Children up to 5th grade can purchase their own gifts for family and friends. Everything costs $1 and will be wrapped by Santa’s helpers. Items are “gently used” and all proceeds benefit the Methodist Children’s Home.
December 10 Trilogy Candlelight Tour Time: 5 — 9 p.m. Location: Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation Home Website: www.southerntrilogy.com A Southern Trilogy Candlelight Tour of Roswell’s three Southern Trilogy Sites: Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation Home. Visit all three homes in beautiful candlelight and enjoy festive holiday decorations, children’s activities, seasonal treats, and entertainment. Barrington Hall presents décor of A Very Southern Christmas, showcasing the traditions that make Christmas in the South a truly unique experience. Bulloch Hall celebrates A Christmas Carol, with décor depicting the Dickens’ Christmas Classic. Smith Plantation presents All I Want for Christmas with decorations by the Roswell Garden Club. Admission is $20 at the door for adults and $10 at the door for children.
December 1 1 An Old Fashioned Christmas at the Farm Time: 11:30 a.m. — 4 p.m. (rain date December 18) Location: 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming Contact: (770) 886-5419 Website: www.savethehorses.org It’s a holiday fun day for the whole family at the farm with proceeds benefitting Save the Horses Rescue, Relief, and Retirement Fund. Sleigh rides, pony rides, petting zoo, plate lunches, face painting and crafts, games for all ages, photos with “Santa” horse, homemade baked goods, bonfire and marshmallows, a special angel tree and a visit from the big ‘ole jolly man himself.
December 18
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Live Reindeer: 1 — 4 p.m. Meet live reindeer during a special holiday appearance at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Don’t forget your camera!
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Oh Deer: 3 p.m. While visiting the reindeer, stop in for a story-time reading of “Stranger in the Woods.” Kids will love hearing the story of a deer meeting a new friend and getting a favorite treat.
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Magic Reindeer “Food”: 12 — 4 p.m. Will the reindeer visit your house this winter? Make some magic reindeer “food” in the Nature Exchange to attract some magic reindeer.
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Nature Crafts: 1 — 3 p.m. Make some gifts for nature while you are at CNC!
December — February CNC Winter Scavenger Hunt Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Website: www.chattnaturecenter.org 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! Scavenger hunt is included with general admission.
December 18 Chanukah Palooza Time: 12:30 — 2:30 p.m. Location: Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green Street Contact: (770) 641-8630 Website: www.cityofmiltonga.us The public is invited to celebrate Chanukah with
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FOOD CHOICES And Dental Health
by Vishant Nath, DMD The foods that we expose our teeth to are the first line of defense against tooth decay. Our diet can go a long way towards determining our dental health. The second line of defense is how we clean our teeth. We often put more Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Roswell Pediatric Dentistry. You may emphasis on the cleaning contact him at (678) 352-1090 part. There are a multitude of or visit www.kidshappyteeth.com. brushes, toothpaste, and other cleaning gadgets that we are bombarded with in the dental aisle. Although these are important tools in keeping our teeth healthy, they are not the only items to consider. Sometimes we may overlook the fact that, especially with children, we can improve their dental health (and overall health) by teaching them to make wise choices in their diets. This article serves as a gentle reminder of what most of us probably already know regarding making healthy food choices. As stated above, most of us already know which foods are healthy and which are not so good for us. But when our lives get busy, it often seems easier to make the not so healthy food choices. Having a healthy diet is especially important for our growing children. Children must have a balanced diet for their teeth to develop properly. A balanced diet will also provide for healthy gum tissue around the teeth. Diets that are high in certain kinds of carbohydrates, such as sugar and starches, may cause a greater risk of tooth decay. So let’s be practical, where does that leave you regarding your child’s diet? We all know how impossible (along with impractical and unhealthy) it would be to try and eliminate all sugar and starches from your child’s diet. So, along with what your child eats, we also have to look at when your child eats certain foods. It’s best to select and serve these types of foods wisely. A food with sugar or starch is safer for teeth if it’s eaten with a meal, not as a snack. Also, sticky foods, such as dried fruit or toffee, are not easily washed away from the teeth by saliva, water or milk. So, they have more cavity-causing potential than foods more rapidly cleared from the teeth. Of course the bottom line is, no matter what your child eats, dental hygiene is vitally important to keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Try to get in the habit of wiping your baby’s teeth before they nap or go to bed at night. And for older children, try to establish an after meal brushing habit. Brushing and flossing are truly your last line of defense against tooth decay. A healthy diet plus good dental hygiene equals healthy teeth for life! 34 My Alpharetta | december 2011
PLASTICITY
The Ability to Change the Brain by LaCretia Munroe, MS, DC Once upon a time, not so Dr. LaCretia Munroe specializes in long ago, people thought that sports chiropractic, functional at birth all of the cells of the neurology, and metabolic solutions. Providing exceptional care for difficult brain were given to you by the cases. Call the office at (770) 720time you were born. Once 0865 or visit www.ahealthybody.com. you were born, any brain cells that died meant that you had less to work with. Scientist have now shown that is not true. The ability to change the brain is called plasticity. Plasticity is the ability for the brain to grow new brain cells and new pathways within the brain. People with small strokes can rebuild new pathways around the damaged area. Children with developmental delays can create stronger pathways diminishing the disability they show to the world. It is like building a new road and it has given hope to so many people who thought that they had to live with their limitations. Brain based therapy is a therapy that helps grow the brain pathways and create plasticity. The improvements in brain function are based on the premise that our higher brain functions – the “cortical functions” such as language, cognitive skills, socialization – rely and depend upon how well sensory input is received and processed as it enters the central nervous system and is relayed to the upper brain. Brain based therapy improves processing at both the sub-cortical and cortical levels. Brain based therapy has a global effect on the brain and central nervous system, influencing the following systems: balance, visual, auditory, motor, coordination, behavior and emotional regulation. As a result, it is successfully implemented for a wide variety of conditions: • Learning difficulties such as reading, spelling, math, auditory processing and attention; • Sensory processing and integration; • Stress, sleep, emotional regulation and mood problems; • Those with autism and neuro-developmental difficulties. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change with specific and repeated stimulation – brain based programs strengthen and build new neural pathways to allow for more efficient processing of sensory information. As these neurological connections grow stronger, skills related to learning, attention, language and self-confidence also tend to improve. Brain based therapy is not a cookie cut approach to therapy. continued on page 46
Keeping your Meet the Doctors Laura M. Bleekrode, MD earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1986. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Hospital in 1989. Dr. Bleekrode is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Susan G. Traxler, MD graduated from Davidson College in 1989 and received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Prior to starting her career in medicine, Dr. Traxler earned a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Arts in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University. Breanne Leathers, ARNP graduated from University of Mississippi medical center with a Masters in nursing in 2006. She received her doctorate in nursing from University of South Alabama in 2010.
Children Healthy A practice that strives to provide the highest quality of care for your children is of utmost importance to parents. Finding a practice that does this while encouraging interaction and feedback from parents is uncommon. Since the late 1990s, Alpharetta Pediatrics has been serving families following this medical philosophy. Laura M. Bleekrode, MD and Susan G. Traxler, MD strive every day to provide this type of exceptional care. Along with Bree Leathers, the nurse practitioner, they have a combined total of 12 children and they understand the importance of a personal connection between the parents and the doctor. The physicians make every effort to have an open line of communication with all current and future patients. Special services such as “meet the doctor” sessions are available to new or expecting parents and those looking for a new provider.
Alpharetta Pediatrics believes in the importance of routine child care and the safety and effectiveness of appropriate vaccinations. However, in order to meet the needs of all their families an alternate immunization schedule is always an option for those who wish to follow a different routine. Supporting each family in a personal way is very important to everyone at Alpharetta Pediatrics. As a small practice with two physicians and one nurse practitioner each patient can be treated as an individual, not a number. Everyone at Alpharetta Pediatrics takes the time to listen to concerns and questions from each parent. This provides the much needed support families often seek. “Communication is key to the success of any treatment, and we build relationships with our patients and their parents who entrust us with their care” explains Dr. Laura Bleekrode. With two convenient locations, Alpharetta Pediatrics is truly the place “where KIDS are special (and parents too)!”
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YOU GET
What You Pay For
A HOLIDAY POEM
(with apologies to Clement C. Moore)
by Michael Buckner I’ve noticed in every facet of life, there is no getting around the price tag associated with quality. Whether you’re buying a new kitchen knife or a new car, it always winds up that spending less ends up costing more in the long run. Michael Buckner is the owner of Audio Well I am here to tell you, Intersection located at 631 E. Main electronics are no exception. Street, Canton. For more information There are some major on any of his monthly columns, for questions or to set up an appointment, differences between the “good call (770) 479-1000. stuff,” and the stuff you’ll see at a garage sale a year later for 10 percent of its original value. Here are some pointers on what to look for when trying to ensure a good deal is exactly that. When purchasing a TV, 1080p hardly means squat. What you want to look for is a high contrast ratio — 1,000,000 to 1 or higher is acceptable — 3,000,000 to 1 is more like it. You can save a ton of cash by choosing a plasma instead of an LCD. This is one of the only areas where the more expensive LCD’s aren’t necessarily better. If you insist on LED or LCD, make sure it has the 240hz refresh rate. This makes a huge difference in the picture, especially on sports. Everyone thought I was crazy for spending $2900 on a 50” Plasma TV, but six years later it still has an amazing picture and shows no sign of wear at all. FYI, any TV in the Panasonic lineup gets my vote right now as the best stuff out there for the money. For surround sound receivers, my first piece of advice is to ignore power ratings! Ninety percent of the time, this is a dishonest figure. Instead, pick it up. The more they weigh, the better they’re going to sound. Sounds stupid, but I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. Lately, the innovation here has been a network connection. This 2-way communication brings things like Pandora, Rhapsody and 20,000 local radio stations from anywhere in the world. It also allows the volume to be operated from any computer or iPhone in the house. Yamaha gets my current vote as the best sounding and performing receivers of 2011. When it comes to speakers, it can be more difficult to discern the great from the junk. Just like receivers, ignore the power ratings, and pick it up. Chances are, the heavier, the better. continued on page 46 36 My Alpharetta | december 2011
by Michael Consoli ‘Twas holiday time, and the family was stressed. What to get for each other, their ideas were hard pressed. But, there’s no need to worry, and no need to fret. Just keep right on reading, you’ll know what to get! Michael Consoli is owner of
Cruise Planners. You may contact A cruise for the family, why him at (770) 650-7667 or online at that would be fun. www.planmycruise.com. You can all go together and travel as one. First choose a cruise line, but how will you pick? Just contact Cruise Planners, we’ll fill in for St. Nick.
We’ll tell you about Carnival, Princess and Disney, Maybe Royal Caribbean, the choice will be easy. Perhaps try a new one; Azamara comes to mind, Or if you want luxury, Cunard would be fine. You’ve chosen your cruise line, now where will you go? St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Hawaii, Rio? Make port in Egypt, Alaska or Rome? The choices are endless, why would you stay home? Once you’ve made your decision, sit back and relax. I’ll take care of your booking, and provide all the facts. From your stateroom, your passport, dining options and shows, To excursions, spa treatments and even bingo. As I mentioned before, there’s no need to be blue, Just count on me to choose the right cruise for you! You’ll know that your holiday gift will be great. Call Cruise Planners today, it’s never too late! Wishing You Smooth Sailing This Holiday Season and Throughout the New Year.
NEW YEAR,
New Attitude, New Home by Patti and Kurt Gosch Enjoy the merriment of the season with friends and family! However, when you finally start to un-decorate, use this time with a fresh eye pointed at your surroundings. As we pack away our holiday Patti and Kurt Gosch are the co-owners treasures, the magic need of Outrageous Interiors. You may not disappear along with contact them at (770) 754-4443 or the tinsel and tree. You can visit www.outrageousinteriors.com. create year-round appeal by taking cues from the decorations heading to the basement. Some of these solutions may call for a bit of handy work, but most don’t require deep pockets. All inspirations can easily be swapped out as the season changes or mood strikes. Just as we vow to update and better ourselves, let’s update and better our surroundings! Some tricks and trends to consider: 1. Pillow Toss — Nothing perks up a drab sofa or chair more quickly than a pillow . . . or two or three. These little packages deliver a wallop of pleasing geometry, color and texture that is disproportionate to their size. Refresh the look you have by layering pillows of different shapes and sizes into your seats. 2. Double Duty Throws — Don’t forget to toss a bright throw into the mix during these cold winter months — it’s an opportunity to spread additional color over your perches along with some warmth. 3. Refreshingly Simple — Your home’s transitional spaces get the most foot traffic but their design doesn’t often reflect their prime location. How about rolling out the carpet for style in a hallway with a cushy new runner? Or, if you need a big splurge, replace the entire area rug for an instant room rebirth! 4. Power of Paint — Coating one room or even a single wall in a vibrant and compelling color will breathe new life into your home. Popular trends include sleek and glossy surfaces and vibrant colors, combined with elegant and classy gray, white, golden and silver tones. Soothing and elegant — who doesn’t want that in the new year? 5. Light Up Your Life — A big part of the holiday season’s appeal is unexpected lighted décor as well as the tree in the continued on page 46
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YOU HAVE Room To Expand
by Dan Jape A few weeks ago I received a letter from Cherokee County water department informing me they were installing a back flow preventer on our home and letting us know of a need to have a thermal expansion tank installed in our Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable plumbing system to prevent Heating and Air. You may contact him possible damage to our home. at (770) 594-9096 or visit him online All cities and counties have at www.reliableair.com. installed or are installing back flow preventers to stop the possible contamination of the water supply in homes. A back flow preventer is a one-way valve installed at the connection of your home’s water supply and it makes the home a closed system that has no room for expansion which occurs when water is heated. A thermal expansion tank is required to stop the possibility of an over pressure situation that can cause damage to the water heater and the temperature/ pressure relief valve in your home. The letter from the county gave us 30 days to have an expansion tank installed before the backflow valve is installed in our subdivision. Cherokee County is currently putting the backflow valves in all homes and you should check with the water department to see when they are scheduled to do your home if you are a resident of Cherokee. Cobb and Fulton counties have already installed these valves in past years and if you live in these areas, you should
38 My Alpharetta | december 2011
already have a thermal expansion tank in your home. If you do not, you should have one installed immediately, as the lack of one can cause damage to the water heater or a collapse of the flue of a water heater, which can be very serious. They are round cylinders installed above or adjacent to the water heater and they contain a bladder filled with air pressure that allows the excessive pressure a place to expand to. Until recently, I thought the thermal expansion tank was an item that would last for years with no maintenance required from the homeowner, and once you had one, you were set. But I found out I was wrong. I was called to a home recently to give a customer a price on a new heating system and I was surprised to find the first floor of their home had been severely flooded when their thermal expansion burst and leaked water on their furnace and then filled up their basement while they were away on vacation. He found out the hard way that thermal expansion tanks should be changed every 5 or 6 years according to the manufacturer. They are very easy to change once you have one and can be purchased at any home improvement store or hardware store as well as from your plumber. In most homes in Atlanta, a floor drain was not installed in the basement during construction, making a water leak from a water heater or thermal expansion tank a major problem. These two items should be checked on a routine basis for leaks and when over 10 years old, replaced to make sure you do not have a flood you may not detect until major damage is caused. Neither item carries a big ticket price to replace considering the peace of mind it can bring. Check with your water department today to see if you have a backflow preventer already installed and if not, when they are scheduled to install it. If you already have a thermal expansion tank, check the date on it to make sure it is not too old and a potential for harm to your home.
HE SHALL REIGN Forever and Ever
by Ron Bradley For many people around the world, the celebration of Advent and Christmas would be incomplete without the magnificent music of George Frederick Handel. “His Messiah,” with the thrilling “Hallelujah Chorus” is among the most loved music ever composed. But success and fame was quite elusive during most of his career.
critics labeled him an “Old has been . . . burned out.” The world was passing him by until Charles Jennens came along. He was a wealthy friend who asked Handel to compose the music and orchestration for an oratorio on the biblical theme of redemption. Initially, it seemed like a daunting task that would take at least a year, but Handel, inspired by God, worked day and night. In only 24 days the 260 page manuscript was completed! And the rest is history! Hearts were deeply moved as the spirit of “The Messiah” started the whole world singing a new song of praise to God. An old man had fought back from the depth of failure to make his greatest contribution to the world of sacred music.
Dr. Ron Bradley is the pastor at First Baptist Church Roswell. You may contact him at (770) 587-6980 or ron@rfbc.org.
Once, Handel composed a beautiful musical which should have established him as one of the world’s great composers. He invested his life’s savings in its production with a full orchestra, but on opening night, a bitter snowstorm ruined attendance. He went broke and faced life in a debtor’s prison.
The accomplishments of George Frederick Handel provide an inspirational glimpse into the meaning of Advent. He proved to us that like Simeon and Anna, we are never too old to be used productively by God. He shows us that, like angels caroling in the dark night sky, that the music of Christmas is within each of us and the world is filled with desperate people who need to hear it. He shows us how the grace of God appears quite often in the unexpected. Christmas is a sacred time filled with sacred opportunities.
Because England’s musical tastes seemed to be changing, harsh
continued on page 46
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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
First Baptist Church of Alpharetta 44 Academy Street, (770) 475-6556 www.fbca.com
Hopewell Baptist Church 15730 Hopewell Road, 770-442-0793
Johns Creek Baptist Church 7500 McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 623-8203 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. www.jcbc.org
4755 Kimball Bridge Road,(770) 751-1972 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. www.bridgeway.net
New Haven Baptist Church
Clear Springs Baptist Church
3550 Spruill Circle, (770) 664-6915
11575 Jones Bridge Road, (770) 475-9223 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. www.csbcga.com
Providence Baptist Church
Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church
Union Hill Baptist Church
2925 Holcomb Bridge Road, (770) 993-1691
Philadelphia Baptist Church
McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 475-5077
County Line Baptist Church
Vision Baptist Church
Crabapple First Baptist 12760 Birmingham Highway, (770) 475-6111 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.crabapplefbc.org
Cross Plains Baptist Church 6500 McGinnis Ferry Road, (770) 475-1210
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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 Espa単ol) 5 p.m (Life Teen) www.sta.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
20075 Providence Road, (770) 475-3627
2725 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 664-6863
430 Strickland Road, (770) 475-9429
Catholic
1125 Alpha Drive, (770) 456-5881 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.visionbaptist.com
Alpharetta First Ward 500 Norcross Street, (770) 640-7357
Webb Bridge Ward 510 Brannon Rd., Cumming, (678) 455-5292
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
Congregation Gesher L’Torah 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 777-4009 www.gltorah.org
Lutheran
The Lighthouse Church 18271 Union Hill Road, (770) 664-3644
North Point Community Church 4350 Northpoint Parkway, (770) 290-5600 Sunday Services: 9, 11 & 12:45 a.m. www.northpoint.org
Calvary Chapel 200 James Road, (770) 442-8167 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. Calvaryalpharetta.com
Community of Christ
Spirit of God Christian Church
3315 Francis Road, (770) 521-1112 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. www.cofchrist.org
11940 Alpharetta Highway, (770) 777-6889 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. www.spiritofgodcc.org
Crabapple Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Stonecreek Church 13540 Highway 9 North, (770) 754-7900 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.stonecreekchurch.org
910 Mayfield Road, (678) 339-0349
The Hanuman Mandir 390 Cumming Street, Suite 1, (770) 475-7701 www.thehanuman.org
Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church 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 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
Messiah Lutheran Church - WELS 4765 Kimball Bridge Road, (770) 751-9357 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.messiahlutheran.ws
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 10250 Haynes Bridge Road, (770) 475-4250 Sunday Services: 9:15 (Tradtional) & 10:45 a.m. (Modern) www.poplcalpharetta.org
The River Church 501 S. Main Street, Suite 101, (678) 860-0971 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. www.wadeintheriver.org
Presbyterian Alpharetta Presbyterian 180 Academy Street, (770) 751-0033 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. www.alpharettapres.com
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
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Other Churches
9400 Brumbelow Road, (770) 594-9400
Morning Star Chapel 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
2780 Bethany Bend, (678) 319-0041 www.morningstarchapel.org
Reach One Church Meets at Andretti 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
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
www.footprintspublishing.com 41
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: (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
42 My Alpharetta | december 2011
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 43
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS
United States Government
President Barack Obama (D)
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov
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) 656-0048 fax: (404) 651-6768
421-F State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: david.shafer@senate.ga.gov
(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) 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
44 My Alpharetta | december 2011
(404) 613-4497
William Edwards (D-7)
State Senator David Shafer (R) (D-48)
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 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
City of Alpharetta
(404) 656-5912
(404) 730-4000
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Mayor Arthur Letchas aletchas@alpharetta.ga.gov
(678) 597-6020
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
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.
GNFCC News
Ribbon Cuttings Menchie’s, 2300 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 404, in the Centennial Village. The store is open SundayThursday from 11 a.m.10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (770) 220-7555
US Chief Technology Officer Visits North Fulton Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer for the United States recently spoke to North Fulton leaders of the healthcare, communications, and innovative technology communities. Chopra serves as Assistant to the President and Associate Director for Technology within the Office of Science & Technology Policy, working to advance the President’s technology agenda by fostering new ideas and encouraging government-wide-coordination to help the country meet its goal from job creation, to reducing health care costs, to protecting the homeland.
GNFCC hosted a forum of North Fulton leaders meeting with Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer for the United States.
Habitat for Humanity-North Central GA Receives Grant At a recent Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce meeting, Wells Fargo Business Banking Area Manager, Arin Crandall, presented a $35,000 check to Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia to support the construction of a home being built for the Blackwell family in Woodstock. “The key to our local region securing the $35,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation was two-fold,” stated Crandall. “First, our team members and their families had to commit to 600 volunteer hours at the build. That secured $30,000. The additional $5,000 was secured because the build was a certified green build for a total of $35,000. Hats off to HFH-NCG for going green!” Left to right: HFH-NCG CEO Russ Hayes; Wells Fargo Business Banking area manager Arin Crandall; GNFCC President and CEO Brandon Beach, President and CEO; NFH-NCG Senior Development Director Colleen Fogarty; and NFH-NCG Development Director Patty Steele. (Photo courtesy of Clark Savage, Clayton CameraCraft Photography.)
Verizon Store Re-opening, 7301 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. The North Point Verizon Wireless store is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (770) 643-8585.
GNFCC October Student Athletes of the Month Left to right: Ray McClure, and Eric Douglas of the North Fulton Forsyth Touchdown Club; Cody Hudson from Johns Creek High School; Joe Calpin from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School; and Brandon Beach, GNFCC. (Photo courtesy of Clark Savage, Clayton CameraCraft Photography.)
GA Secretary of State Brian Kemp Keynote Speaker Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp was the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s Eggs & Enterprise breakfast for November. The meeting, was held at the Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, and sponsored by Chamber member Renasant Bank. Kemp has served as Secretary of State since January, 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives. www.footprintspublishing.com 45
Plasticity
continued from page 34
It fits individual needs based on what is found in the exam. Brain based therapy effects the whole brain but you can target one area with specific exercises. As a result, it is successfully implemented for a wide variety of conditions.
New Year, New Home
continued from page 37
corner. Translate that charm to the everyday by using portable lamps to illuminate any remaining dark or dreary areas in your house. The point is to ease your tasks and also create a more uplifting atmosphere with both upward and downward lighting. As with all decorating, often you can benefit from consulting with an experienced interior designer. They can enhance your 2012 style by adding the unexpected chic of a professional. Happy holidays to all and a happy and blessed New Year!
You Get What You Pay For
continued from page 36
Also, look for a polypropylene (plastic) cone and rubber surround. This will ensure that the speaker is durable. If it’s a box speaker, don’t buy it if it doesn’t have a removable front grill. If it’s an in-wall speaker, look for a lifetime warranty. After much research, Klipsch is the brand that I see as the best bang for your buck. As mentioned earlier, you get what you pay for. If you are the kind of person that appreciates the difference between Toyota and Lexus, chances are you see value in superior quality. If you are this way with cars, trust me, you’ll see and hear the difference in the “Lexus” versions out there in the world of electronics.
He Shall Reign Forever and Ever
continued from page 39
As you hear “The Messiah” sung this year, it is my hope and prayer that you will experience the presence of Jesus Christ, and take advantage of every opportunity He gives you to share His love.
46 My Alpharetta | december 2011
Alpharetta First Baptist Church
Where: 44 Academy Street Contact: (770) 475-6556 Website: www.fbca.com • December 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 4 and 6 p.m. • December 25, Christmas Day Worship at 11 a.m.
Alpharetta First UMC Sanctuary
Where: 69 North Main Street Contact: (770) 476-5576 Website: www.afumc.org • December 11, 5th Annual Christmas Celebration at 5 p.m. • December 23, Christmas Eve-Eve Candlelight Worship at 7 p.m. • December 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship: families with children at 3 and 4:30 p.m.; Focus on Youth at 6 p.m.; Communion Service at 9 and 11 p.m. • December 25, Christmas Day Worship at 11 a.m.
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church
Where: 80 Academy Street Contact: (770) 751-0033 Website: www.alpharettapres.com • December 11, Christmas Choir Concert, “What Shall We Call Him?” at 8:30 and 11 a.m. • December 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5, 7 and 11 p.m.
Clear Springs Baptist Church
Where: 11575 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek Contact: (770) 475-9223 • December 18, Christmas Celebration Music at 6:30 p.m. • December 24, Christmas Eve Reading, Matthew 1:18-2:12 • December 25, Christmas Day Reading, Luke 2:1-20 at 11 a.m.
Crabapple First Baptist
Where: 12760 Birmingham Hwy, Milton Contact: (770) 475-6111 Website: www.crabapplefbc.org • December 11, Adult Christmas Program at 6 p.m. • December 18, Children Choir Christmas Program at 6 p.m. • December 24, Christmas Eve Worship Service at 5 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Roswell
Where: 710 Mimosa Blvd. Contact: (770) 587-6980 Website: www.rfbc.org • December 11, The Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah at 6:45 p.m.
• December 18, An Instrumental Evening, church orchestra, hand bell ringers, organ, and piano at 6:45 p.m. • December 24, Christmas Eve Services, child-friendly Candlelight Communion Service at 5 p.m.; Traditional Candlelight Communion Service at 11 p.m. • December 25, Christmas Day Worship Service at 11 a.m.
Grace North Atlanta
Where: Alpharetta Community Center 175 Roswell Street Contact: (770) 331-1010 Website: www.gracenorthatlanta.org • December 24, Christmas Eve Worship at the Marriott off I-400 exit 11 at 5 p.m.
Roswell Presbyterian Church
Where: 755 Mimosa Blvd. Contact: (770) 993-6316 Website: www.roswellpres.org • December 8, 9, Choir and orchestra performing carols and tunes. Tickets required. 7:30 p.m. • December 18, Children’s Choir, by a “choir of angels.” Free admission so bring a friend. 6:30 p.m. • December 22, The Longest Night: A Service of Hope in the Midst of Darkness at 7 p.m. • December 24, Worship and Candlelight Communion Service at 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 p.m. • December 25, Celebration of Jesus’ birth through worship, music, and scripture. Childcare available for infants through pre-k. 10:30 a.m.
Roswell United Methodist Church
Where: 814 Mimosa Blvd. Contact: (770) 993-6218 Website: www.rumc.com • December 9 and 11, RUMC Sanctuary choir and brass quartet perform Christmas Season annual concert. December 9 at 7:30 p.m. and December 11 at 3 p.m. • December 14, Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m. • December 18, Messiah Sing Along, by Michael O’Neal Singers at 3 p.m.
• December 24, Worship and Communion in the Chapel at 10 a.m. Family Worship in Sanctuary at 4 p.m. Lessons and Carols in Sanctuary at 6 p.m. Candlelight and Communion in the Chapel at 11 p.m.
St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church
Where: 11330 Woodstock Road Contact: (678) 277-9424 Website: www.stpeterchanel.org • December 24, Christmas Eve Masses Children’s Mass at 4 p.m. Teen Mass at 6 p.m. Mass at 8, 9:30, 11:30 p.m. Choir Program at 11 p.m. Overflow Masses will be held in the Parish Hall and the Blessed Trinity Auditorium at 4 and 6 p.m. Christmas Pageant will be at the 4 p.m. Masses in the Sanctuary and Parish Hall • December 25, Christmas Day Mass at 7:30, 9, and 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Swedish Santa Lucia Celebration
Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church 3003 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta Contact: (770) 977-8537 • December 9; 7:30 p.m. — This candlelit, music-filled celebration will consist of traditional and contemporary Swedish Christmas music. The evening will feature the St. Lucia choir with children, women and men from the Swedish community. After the celebration a reception featuring Saffron buns and gingersnaps will be offered in the fellowship hall. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Temple Kehillat Chaim
Where: 1145 Green Street Contact: (770) 641-8630 • December 18; 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Chanukah Palooza — The public is invited to celebrate Chanukah with Temple Kehillat Chaim, in a warm, family friendly environment. Festivities include lunch, raffles, crafts, games and prizes for all ages. Admission is $5. www.footprintspublishing.com 47
ADVERTISER local,
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Your Community
Automotive
Home Improvement/Repair/Service
Troncalli Service Department
38
Banking/Financial Services North Georgia Accounting Consultants
Atlanta Re-Roof Specialist Audio Intersection Meer Electric Reliable Heating & Air
17 11, Back Cover 5 11
Interior Decor & Accents/Services
Carpet Dry Tech
Outrageous Interiors
5
21
Optometrist/Eyewear Churches
Complete Family Eye Care
First Baptist Church of Roswell
Marlow’s Tavern Milton’s Cocktails & Cuisine Schakolad Chocolate Factory
3 HG-29 HG-28
Services/Retailers/Miscellaneous
37
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners
Restaurants/Food Services
21
Cities of Alpharetta & Roswell HG-30 Cruise Planners 17 GhostNet Inside Back Cover Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 45 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Busness Expo 26 Premier Pool Enterprises 6
Cover, 24, 25
Pet Services Cleaning Services Cleaning On Wheels
That Dirty Dog
5
Businesses listed in bold italic type denote new or returning advertisers to My Alpharetta Monthly.
HG-28
Photography Dentist/Orthodontists Brett Gluck, DMD DeMercy Dental Roswell Pediatric Dentist
1 3 Inside Front Cover
Education/Instruction/Counseling LAO’WN Academy
3
C&W Photography 9 PhotoJack.net 39
Physicians & Medical Services A Healthy Body Inside Back Cover Alpharetta Pediatric Medicine 35 Northside Hospital-Forsyth 7 Northside Hospital CPNA Group 1 Physicians Express Care Inside Front Cover
Health & Beauty LaVida Massage
HG-30
Recreation & Fitness Dojo Marital Arts Center Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance
48 My Alpharetta | december 2011
9 HG-29
My Alpharetta Monthly
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