12/12 North Fulton by Footprints Publishing

15 Publisher & Co-Owner Brian Meek Executive Editor & Co-Owner Michelle Meek

First Baptist Church Roswell

editorial Editor Michelle Martin Editor Cherryl Greenman

art

DECember 2012 16 46 18 21 Holiday Hope

Principal For A Day

Helping those in need

Editor Michelle Martin learns firsthand what it takes to be Chattahoochee High School’s principal for a day.

Holiday Handbook

Family fun for the season!

2012 Holiday Guide Shop local for the holidays

Music Matters

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Market Director Rhonda Kerns

contributors Photographers Jack Tuszynski, Wendell Webb Writers John Albers, Diron Bates, Mike Bodker, Ronald Bradley, Michael Buckner, Michael Consoli, Louise Estabrook, Dr. Edward J. Furey, Dr. Brett Gluck, Laura Green, Dr. Jeff Kincaid, Chris Miller, Dr. Vishant Nath, Jill Pollard, Foster Smith, Suzanne Taylor

Volume 1 | Issue 4 113 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 204 Canton, GA 30115 tel. (770) 720-7497 fax. (770) 720-1329 editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com admanager@mynorthfultonmonthly.com www.mynorthfultonmonthly.com

25 ALPHARETTA

39 Johns Creek

My North Fulton Monthly welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

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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 North Fulton 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.

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My North Fulton 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 44,000 copies are distributed free by mail and through local businesses in the North Fulton area. Please contact us or visit our website for a current list of locations where copies of the magazine can be found.

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Publisher’s note Celebrations Library News cONTEST CORNER Sections map Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce religious services clubs & Organizations Local Officials Advertiser index

Graphic Designer Tiffany Atwood Graphic Designer Candice Williams

My Alpharetta Community news School Information School news My johns creek Community news School Information School news My roswell Community news School Information School News

Publisher’s note Why I Love December December is one of my favorite months — not because it’s cold or the shorter days or the crowded malls filled with people who aren’t feeling very celebratory. But because it’s the time of year we get together with family and close friends and enjoy one another, no really, we do enjoy being with each other…no kidding. It’s also a time for giving. I love giving gifts, especially the ones the recipient specifically asked for! Call me predictable but if you put it on your list, you should get it. Michelle doesn’t Co-owners Michelle and Brian Meek want for much. So with her angel-like heart for everyone else (especially me), she purposely shrinks her list so we have money left over to pay the bills in January. Ok, so someone’s got to be the sensible one. For me, there is nothing better than getting together with family. I consider my family a blessing. My parents are both great people and I love being with them. I have two older brothers and a younger sister and while we don’t speak at all the other 363 days of the year, put us together for two days around Christmas and it’s like we never missed a beat. Sure there will be a day when that needs to change, but for now, mom and dad’s house at Christmas is all we could ask for! I am a conservative, traditional, Christmas food and movie loving guy. It just isn’t Christmas without watching “Christmas Vacation” and “A Christmas Story,” maybe even more than once. There is just something about Uncle Eddie and Clark Griswold! How about Santa “Ho Ho Hoing” with his shoe on Ralphie’s face as he pushes him down the slide? Oh and another one is “Elf”…almost as traditional as Christmas Vacation. Funny story, I knew all the lines to Elf before I ever saw the movie. Guess who drives while the kids watch the movie on the rear entertainment system in the car?…so I hear it but can’t see it. Someone needs a hug?! Whatever! There are two things I love to do with my family around Christmas. We always jump in the car, almost all of us in their pajamas with hot chocolate and we drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights and all the decorations. The kids go kicking and screaming but we don’t get five minutes into it and they’re both yelling “Dad, slow down! We can’t see them when you drive that fast!” Ok, I’m like doing 15 and there is someone on my bumper! Go around and Merry Christmas to you too! The other thing I love to do is visit my parents. My mom has a tree in every room of the house. A 12 Days of Christmas tree, an Angel tree, the family tree, plus one that spins around in the guest room. And we always go to their church’s Christmas Eve service. Every year, they do a candle light service and a lady sings “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”…she has a beautiful voice and everyone is so nice, but then again, it’s Georgetown, Kentucky. The thing about December is that it’s almost January — a new year and new opportunities. I look forward to 2013 with new hope and a refreshed outlook about our area. I love seeing the recent campaigns about supporting local and shopping local businesses. I couldn’t agree more and we have been encouraging this for years! Our community is supported by local businesses and they need the community’s support in return. It goes without saying that we help one another, especially locally. The advertisers in this magazine depend on you, the readers, for their survival. They offer wonderful products and services to us and we need to show them support through our patronage. The reason why we named the magazines My Community Monthly is because we take ownership of our community. We depend on each other, we support each other and we need each other both as residents and small business owners. We are the community and the better we treat each other, the better the community is to live. Another way to show your support is by voting for your favorite businesses, restaurants and services in the 2013 My Community Favorites ballots. January 1 through February 28 you can vote using the ballot found in the January and February magazines or by clicking the vote icon online at www.footprintspublishing.com. It’s December — a time to be thankful and count our blessings. This Holiday Season I encourage you to reach out to your friends, your family or even those you haven’t seen or talked to in a while and show them some love. Be thoughtful of one another and remember we’re all in this together. God bless you this Holiday Season, Brian Meek, Publisher (770) 720-7497, bmeek@footprintspublishing.com

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WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO IN OUR CELEBRATIONS SECTION? Birthday, Anniversary & Wedding Announcements are Free!

My North Fulton Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Dr., Suite 204, Canton, GA 30115 or art@mynorthfultonmonthly.com Deadline is December 15th for the January Issue!

Babies, Birthdays and Anniversaries

Santiago Arambula

Age 1 on December 15 Feliz Cumple Santi! Love,Mommy, Daddy & Katia Amelie

Alex Vlaic

Age 4 on December 8 Happy Birthday Alex!

Eden Jade Ruan

Age 7 on December 15 Happy 7th birthday to our very special girl! Love Ahbi, Mommy & Randi

Lyric Drysdale

Age 2 on December 17 Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you!

Dillon O’Bourke

Age 7 on December 17 Happy Birthday Baby Boy! We love you very much! Love, Grandma & Grandpa

P.J. Bowling

Age 17 on December 26 Happy Birthday PJ!

Katherine “Katie” Ann Woods

Born July 26, 2012 7lbs, 15 oz. Sean and Lori joyfully announce the birth of their daughter, and Aidan welcomes a little sister.

North Fulton | december 2012 My

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LIBRARY NEWS Alpharetta Branch

238 Canton Street, Alpharetta 30009; (770) 740-2425

Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek 30022; (770) 360-8820

Ocee Branch

5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek 30005; (770) 360-8897

Roswell Branch

115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075; (770) 640-3075

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library| www.afplweb.com

decemberEvents Alpharetta Branch Medicare Seminar

1 p.m., December 11 Making Medicare work for you. Adults.

Winter Crafts for Kids

4:30 p.m., December 13 Join your library friends for hands-on crafts and creativity. We’ll make a fun winter-themed craft. May require the use of scissors. Space is limited to 20 participants. Reservations are recommended.

Johns Creek’s Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Power Healing

Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch

Wednesdays Story time for Preschoolers 10:15 & 11:15 a.m., Interactive stories, fingerplays, songs and playtime. Ages 4 and under.

Thursdays Story time for Preschoolers 10:15 a.m., Interactive stories, fingerplays, songs and playtime. Ages 4 and under.

Ocee Branch

Baby & Me Story Time 10:30-11 a.m., Tuesdays Babies will participate in songs, stories and rhymes in this lapsit story time. Ages 0 to 2 years. Registration is not required.

Preschool Story time 10:30-11 a.m., Thursdays Children will participate in stories, songs and simple crafts. Come for a very special Hanukkah Storytime and craft presented by Risa Walter, director of The Preschool Place at Congregation Dor Tamid. Registration is not required. Ages 3-5.

Roswell Branch

Bouncing Babies Story Time 10:30-11 a.m., Mondays Bouncing Babies is a program for infants and their caregiver. Reservations are not required. For babies up to 1 year old.

Story Time for 4’s & 5’s 4-4:30 p.m., Mondays Story Time for 4’s & 5’s is an independent story time experience that children attend without a caregiver. Day care providers are asked to remain with their group. Reservations are not required. Ages 4 & 5.

Walking One-ders Story Time 10:30-11 a.m., Wednesdays Walking One-ders is a program for 1-year-olds who are walking and their caregiver. Reservations are not required.

Terrific Two’s and Three’s Story Time 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays Terrific Two’s and Three’s is a program for 2- and 3-year-olds and a caregiver. Reservations are not required.

My North Fulton | december 2012

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., December 8 Learn the power of divine healing hands to heal chronic pain, improve relationships, enhance vitality and strengthen immunity for overall wellbeing and to help you handle life’s challenges.

YALSA Top Ten Critique Group 2-3 p.m., December 9

Hey teens, do you have an interest in the publishing industry or would you like to help the publishing industry release titles that are of real interest to you? At each meeting, teens will preview a large selection of galley proofs sent from numerous publishing houses and select the new (as yet unpublished) titles they want to read and review. The best reviewed titles are sent to publishers to help them identify which upcoming titles will be the most popular. All teens are welcome to join this elite program. Ages 12-18.

Holiday Music & Cheer

6:30 p.m., December 13 Join with others for for a special guest performance.

Kids Can Salsa Too!

11 a.m.-12 p.m., December 15 Join with others as Latin dancing is brought to the library with Dance 411. Ages 8 and up. Reservations are required.

Super Saturday Fun

2-4 p.m., December 15 Super Saturday Fun with Chattahoochee High School’s “Books for Africa Club.” Stories and crafts.

Laughter Yoga with Debbie Ellison 2:30-3:30 p.m., December 15

Ms. Ellison is a certified Laughter Yoga Leader trained by creater/founder Dr. Kataria. Participants will experience joy and childlike playfulness through laughter, as well as its physical, mental and emotional benefits. Adults only.

Johns Creek’s Ocee Branch Free Math Tutoring 2-4 p.m., Sundays

Tutors are available to help with any math fundamentals. Grades K-8. Registration is not required; however, this program is limited to the first 30 children. Please arrive promptly; late arrivals will not be admitted.

LIBRARY NEWS Dahn Yoga

Exam Study Central

Dahn Yoga is a combination of stretching, breathing and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to adults of all ages.

Find a quiet place at the library to study for final exams. Food and drink will be provided. All high school students are invited.

6:30 p.m., December 6, 13, 20 & 27

4 p.m., December 17 & 18

Roswell Branch

All Hands Productions Presents: Santa’s Missing Mail

CAREing Paws (formerly READing Paws)

3 p.m., December 8

Ominous Crook and his sidekick, Skellmutt, are two bad guys who are out to stop Christmas by stealing Santa Claus’ mail. You’ll meet some panicked elves, a wise-cracking reindeer, a dim-witted superhero and Santa himself in this rollicking and hilarious puppet show. All ages. Registration is not required; however, this program is limited to the first 75 children. Tickets will be distributed one hour before the program. Please arrive promptly; late arrivals will not be admitted.

4-5 p.m., Wednesdays

Trained and certified therapy dogs will be here so children can practice reading out loud. Beginning and struggling readers are encouraged to sign up for a 15-minute slot. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Grades 1 and up.

Drop-In Needlecraft Group 1-3 p.m., Thursdays

Sunday Dahn Yoga

Dahn Yoga is a combination of stretching, breathing and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to adults of all ages.

Calling all needlecrafters! Get together with like-minded crafters to socialize while you work on your projects. If you knit, crochet, embroider or cross-stitch, grab your current project and join us at the library. All ages and experience levels are welcome. No instruction or materials are provided.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga

Simply bring a yoga mat or towel and wear something comfortable. Open to adults of all ages.

Please dress comfortably and bring a towel or mat. Open to adults of all ages.

Wooden Stars Family Craft

North Pole Fa-La-La-La Follies

Paint or decoupage small wooden stars. Ages 5 and up, if accompanied by a parent.

Lee Bryan, that Puppet Guy, will put on a hilarious holiday puppet show. Ages 4-10. Registration is not required; however, seating is limited to the first 100 people to arrive.

3 p.m., December 9 & 16

11 a.m., December 10, 17 & 31

10:30-11:30 a.m., December 4, 11 & 18

5 p.m., December 12

6:35-7:30 p.m., December 10

Make & Take 3-D Snowflakes

Jack and Annie Book Club

3:30 p.m., December 14

Join others for a delightful craft program. Children will make 3-D snowflakes with paper and glue. These snowflakes are perfect decorations for the winter season. Ages 5-12. Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Registration is not required; however, this program is limited to the first 30 children. Please arrive promptly; late arrivals will not be admitted.

Contest Corner

Find the hidden picture

4-4:30 p.m., December 11

Participants will read a Magic Treehouse book and do a fun activity related to it. Titles TBA. Grades 1-2. Registration begins one week before the program.

Lego Club

4 p.m., December 18 December’s theme: castles. Ages 5-10. Registration begins December 11.

We did not have a winner for our November hidden picture contest corner. Happy hunting this month!

If you find the hidden picture, be the first to email: art@mynorthfultonmonthly.com Only emailed answers will be accepted. Contest participants are able to win one time per calendar year.

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‘tis The Season... Tuning up your Estate Plan by Vishant Nath, DMD

…for an overload of treats and sweets! Beginning at Halloween and continuing throughout the winter holidays, it seems that we are ambushed by sugar. What’s a parent to do? Do we banish all sweets from our child’s holiday diet? Fear not! Here are some tips to make it through the most sugary time of year, cavity-free!

As the year draws to a close, think about how changes in your life this year might lead you to tweak your estate plan:

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Roswell Pediatric Dentistry. You may contact him at (678) 352-1090 or visit www.kidshappyteeth.com.

Of course, it’s important to practice moderation when it comes to having sweets in our diet from an overall health standpoint. But strictly looking at things from a dental perspective, having great oral hygiene habits can help keep our children cavity-free regardless of what they are eating. There are some basic facts regarding dental decay. Failure to remove certain food particles (those containing carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches) from our teeth in a timely manner leads to a buildup of plaque on our teeth. When plaque first forms it is rather soft and usually can be removed by a toothbrush. If the brushing is not adequate, the plaque remains on the teeth and becomes hardened. The hardened plaque is a great place for bacteria to hide. The bacteria release acids, which over time can break down the enamel on the tooth surface and eventually form a cavity. The fact is a variety of foods can lead to cavities if not properly brushed from the tooth surface. Candy often gets a bad reputation regarding oral health, but it is not the only culprit. Foods that stick to your teeth can be more difficult to clean off. The bottom line is you need to ensure that your children’s teeth get adequately brushed, regardless of what they are eating! Brushing teeth is not rocket science but, believe it or not, it may take a while for your child to be able to adequately brush independently. Developing great oral hygiene habits at a very early age can go a long way to keeping your child cavity-free. If you have not been as hands-on with your child’s oral hygiene, it’s never too late to start. It’s wonderful if your child wants to brush independently; but, it’s important as the parent to intervene, especially with nighttime brushing, to ensure your child’s teeth are super clean before going to bed. Flossing can also be difficult for a child, so make sure that you floss your child’s teeth each night before bedtime. continued on page 75 8

by Chris Miller, Esq.

My North Fulton | december 2012

Have you divorced or remarried? Changes in marital status affect how assets subject to probate are Chris Miller is an attorney at Robinson & Miller, P.C. Attorneys distributed. However, those at Law. He can be reached at changes do not modify your (770) 817-4999 or by emailing beneficiary designations for cmiller@robinsonmiller.com. www.robinsonmiller.com life insurance or retirement plans. A former spouse might still be entitled to funds at your death if you let old beneficiary designations stay in place. Has your family grown? Adding a new member to your family is an exciting time, and it could also mean that you need to update your will and beneficiary designations. A will only controls a portion of your assets, so remember to check other assets like retirement plans and life insurance to ensure that those proceeds flow to the right people. Have you invested in real estate outside the state of Georgia? A will probated in Georgia can transfer land inside Georgia, but a secondary probate in another state might be needed if you also own property there. You can reduce the costs of transferring those assets in the future by creating a trust and funding it with the property outside Georgia. Did you sell your business or receive an inheritance? Nobody can predict what Congress will do to the estate and gift tax laws during the holidays or early in 2013, so keep your ears and eyes open to changes signed into law. Call and ask questions if the value of your assets might be higher than the exemptions they actually put into place. Is your Executor, Trustee, Guardian or Agent no longer a good choice? The most common reason we see for people changing their wills is that the Executor they first named is not the best choice anymore. As children grow older they might grow into those roles, and, likewise, other relatives will age or pass on so they can no longer manage your affairs in your absence. The oversized natural disasters of 2012 remind us that we just continued on page 75

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. Pamela Haight, a 5th-grade teacher at Alpharetta Elementary School, was recognized as Fulton’s 2012-2013 Overall Teacher of the Year. Haight was first named the system’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year, then selected as the district winner over two other Fulton County finalists. Kimberly Cooney from Chattahoochee High School was named High School Teacher of the Year. Dan Sims, principal of Tri-Cities High School, was recognized as the district’s first Principal of the Year; James Stewart, a school technology specialist at Esther Jackson Elementary School, was honored as the Overall School Professional of the Year; and Melissa Arnold, a bus driver with the Transportation Department, was honored as the Overall Support Professional of the Year. Other Support Professionals of the Year were: Jeff Brooks, Administrative Center; Carol Dye, Jo Wells Center; Rick Ames, Maintenance Department; Tammy Barton-McConnell, Professional Learning Center; Lesa Clough, Meadows Operations Center; Melissa Arnold, Transportation Department; and Quentin Smith, Warehouse. Other teachers and professionals from North Fulton schools that were honored were as follows:

School Teacher of the Year

Professional of the Year

Abbotts Hill Elementary Steve Jones Jill King Alpharetta Elementary Pamela Haight Sandy Sherman Alpharetta High Virginia Brown Cathy Thomas Autrey Mill Middle Marian Edmonds Sonya Purdy Barnwell Elementary Alicia Mavridoglou Susan Agerton Birmingham Falls Elementary Beth Brock Kathy Anderson Centennial High Benjamin B. Corey Getra White Chattahoochee High Kimberly Cooney Dolisa Horvath Cogburn Woods Elementary Michael Cianciolo Kelly Skinner Crabapple Crossing Elementary Lynn Kurowski Katie Bondi Crabapple Middle Meghan Strickland Terri Barrett Creekview Elementary Tiffany Vorick Cathy Schefer Dolvin Elementary Mareena Kohtala Nancy Adams Elkins Pointe Middle Joseph W. Wilson Cindy Thomas Esther Jackson Elementary Whitney June James Stewart Findley Oaks Elementary Yuhui Lin Pam Turpin Haynes Bridge Middle Gail Ritchie Diane Stephenson Hembree Springs Elementary Nancy Lahey Melissa Rogers Hillside Elementary Sonja Beasley Olimmer Pierre Holcomb Bridge Middle Mary Ellen Ponder Solomon Adera Hopewell Middle Carrie Gilliland Amanda Groover Independence High Cynthia A. Paulsen Rosibel Arias Johns Creek High Tim Maley Denise Cessna Lake Windward Elementary Erin Spence Diana Haddad Manning Oaks Elementary Adowa A. Sweet Tina Agnew Medlock Bridge Elementary Andrea Hidock Chris Woodall Milton High Stacy Johnson Joanne Duke Mimosa Elementary Michelle Donovan Gloria Hernandez-Hillard Mountain Park Elementary Nicole Marks Connie Mask New Prospect Elementary Susan Bohnet Edith Glatzer North Fulton Crossroads Sherlynn Davis Tracey Roddy Northview High Ashley Ulrich Vivian Elliott Northwestern Middle Kent Cranor Jackie Davis Ocee Elementary Mandy Moreno Lisa Scholberg River Eves Elementary Jessica Veen Cheryl Philipps River Trail Middle Andrea Paradise Anne Cherian Roswell North Elementary Dawn K. Goodloe Glynda Edwards Roswell High Sue Scheer Allyson Young Shakerag Elementary Karen Klein Pam Dale State Bridge Crossing Elementary Kim Schreier Linda Freel Summit Hill Elementary Katie Reichling Faye Manders Sweet Apple Elementary Ashley Short Greg Brown Taylor Road Middle Tracy Altherr Lynn Alexander Wilson Creek Elementary Leslie Morgan Tracy Spohn-Witt Webb Bridge Middle Jaclyn Bonsecour Willie Moss

Fulton Schools’ Employees of the Year Honored

Fulton County School System’s top employees recently were honored at the district’s annual recognition luncheon at the Georgia World Congress Center. Donna Lowry, Kids and Schools reporter from WXIA 11Alive, served as the program emcee.

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Stained Concrete:

An Easy, Durable & Attractive Flooring Choice by Laura Green You want to redo the floors on your main level or finished basement. Are you looking for something unique, durable, eco-friendly and easy on upkeep? Decorative, stained concrete might be the right fit for you. Concrete flooring is much more durable than any other flooring option. It has incredibly high compressive strength, which is the ability to withstand direct pressure. Your average concrete can withstand pressures of more than 4,500 pounds per square inch. Because of this, concrete is very difficult to damage. In addition, concrete will not have damage issues that you may find in other types of flooring, such as warping, buckling, peeling or chipping. Also, due to the properties found in the finishes, stained concrete is highly resistant to ultraviolet light, which causes fading and discoloration. While the properties found in concrete may allow moisture to pass through the flooring, it will eventually dry up. Concrete also can’t grow mold or mildew regardless of humidity levels in the room. Because of its ability to withstand long-term dampness and even flooding, stained concrete is a very popular flooring choice for basements.

Many people nowadays are concerned about the air quality inside their homes. The main contributors to poor air quality are: allergens, such as dust mites; mold and mildew; retained moisture and dampness; odors, including Laura Green is the owner of harmful odors such as smoke; Green Basements & Remodeling. aerosols from personal care and She may be reached at lgreen@ household cleaning products; greenremodeling.com or visit and volatile organic compounds www.greenbasements.org. (VOC’s) that are emitted from manmade, low-quality building materials. All of these can be contributed by the use of carpeting, while moisture and VOC problems are associated with wood and tile installations. But a stained concrete floor promotes clean air quality. This is because acid-stained flooring allows moisture to readily evaporate. It provides no place for dust mites to hide or for mold or mildew to grow. It cleans easily. It does not retain odors. And it can be installed by using a concrete sealer that contains absolutely no harmful vapors or residues.

Different flooring types have different materials and features that require specific attention for proper care and maintenance. Carpets, for example, need Concrete floors can be frequent vacuuming and installed using radiant Are you looking for something unique, durable, shampooing; tile requires heating and/or cooling eco-friendly and easy on upkeep? Decorative, special care of the grout beneath the surface, stained concrete might be the right fit for you. to avoid staining; and which provides a slow, hardwoods must be cleaned steady, “clean” source of with special products temperature regulation that will not damage the finish. All of those flooring options to your home. This is unlike forced air heating systems will eventually need to be replaced, sanded or refinished at that circulate dirt, dust, pollen, odors and germs every time some time, which will be very costly and time-consuming. the system is activated. The more consistent temperature However, all that is required with concrete is regular sweeping associated with concrete flooring also means you can set your and mopping, and polishing about once a year — which you indoor air system approximately 5-10 degrees lower than could do easily in only 10-15 minutes. normal, which will help you save on your power bill!

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BARBIE On The High Seas by Michael Consoli Royal Caribbean is bringing the signature pink style of Barbie, the world’s most popular doll, to the world’s most innovative cruise line. The all-new “Barbie™ Premium Experience,” available exclusively on Royal Michael Consoli is owner of Caribbean ships, is making Cruise Planners. You may contact its stylish splash aboard select him at (770) 650-7667 or online at ships starting in January www.planmycruise.com. 2013 and rolling out to the remainder of the fleet by March 2013. “Barbie remains the most popular doll of all time and a powerhouse brand among girls of all ages,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “She is everywhere girls are today, so it only makes sense that girls can now find her at sea exclusively aboard Royal Caribbean’s fleet of world-class ships.” Royal Caribbean’s partnership with Barbie will encompass a host of activities in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program. The experience offers “Barbie Movie Night,” “Barbie Story Time” and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom TVs. In addition, girls can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll’s signature style and exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise — from an invitationonly tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show. Highlights of the “Barbie™ Premium Experience” include: • A Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll’s signature style and featuring keepsakes, such as a Barbie® doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag. • Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair featuring a whimsical palate of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes, along with fun learning tips on table etiquette. • Mermaid dance class where girls can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie™ in “A Mermaid Tale 2.” continued on page 75 North Fulton | december 2012 12 My

MAKE COMPOST NOW For Next Year’s Garden

by Louise Estabrook, Master Gardener Now is an excellent time to start a compost pile. Home composting is a wonderful way to recycle your leaves and many other organic materials commonly found around the home. By composting, we convert waste into a valuable, useful product.

Information about Extension Solutions for Homes and Gardens can be found on the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension website, www.caes.uga.edu/extension/fulton.

With a little time and effort, thousands upon thousands of conservation-minded people are making “free” compost from left-over coffee grounds, leaves, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable trimmings, brush trimmings or other garden and landscape debris. Plant growers can then apply this “homemade” compost to flower beds, shrub areas and vegetable gardens to help their plants grow bigger and better next year. The addition of compost greatly improves the soil’s structure by allowing for better soil drainage and proper air movement. Good drainage and air movement help to ensure proper root growth and greatly aid in reducing root diseases. In addition, adding organic matter enhances the soil’s fertility and provides nutrients that will help your plants grow better and produce more. Compost helps conserve soil moisture, too. The amount of compost a vegetable garden needs depends mainly on the soil type and how you garden. Ideally, add 20 to 30 pounds of compost per 100 square feet of garden area each year. These amounts usually don’t cause a problem for people with small gardens. However, many gardeners who have larger gardens find they can’t produce enough compost from their kitchen and yard waste alone. What can you do if you’re not making enough compost? First, keep on composting. And keep on applying the compost to your garden, even if you can’t apply the full recommended rate. If your neighbors aren’t composting, they may be happy to donate their kitchen and yard waste to your composting project. With that extra organic matter, you might be able to double or triple the amount of compost you can make. This may be all the compost you need. Home composting is definitely a win-win proposition for homeowners, our landscapes and gardens and, most importantly, our environment. www.footprintspublishing.com

COVER

By Michelle Martin Throughout its 140-year history, First Baptist Church of Roswell (FBC-R) has remained faithful to its mission of helping people in the Roswell community to “believe, belong, and become,” as Senior Pastor Ron Bradley (D. Min.) explains. “FBC-R always has been known for looking out for the community,” he says. “Our main goal is for others to see and experience the love of Christ through the church, its leaders, and fellowship of Believers — ministering to and accepting all people without condemning them.” Dr. Bradley describes FBC-R as a traditional Baptist church with a contemporary message. Sunday worship service features traditional hymns, a pipe organ, and a full choir dressed in traditional choir robes. The sermon touches on issues that are relevant to today’s society and that often include illustrations that call for the congregation’s participation. “We feel it’s important to engage the congregation in a way that reaches them

Kenya Mission Team

14 My North Fulton | december 2012

Food for North Fulton Community Charities individually,” he says. “FBC-R is a church centered on families and individuals. We know our members by name and have a personal connection with them.” The personal touch, Dr. Bradley believes, is a large part of what draws people of all ages to FBC-R over the megachurches. FBC-R is an “intergenerational” church of young couples, senior adults, and every age in between. Parishioners like knowing that their pastor is here for them, to personally preside over their wedding or funeral, and to minister to them however they need, he says. “In the same respect, we encourage our church members to take an active role themselves — and they do.” FBC-R has many opportunities for members to become involved, including Women on Mission; Girls Auxiliary (GA), Royal Ambassadors (RA), and Mission Friends; and local and international missions programs. The church recently collected items for care boxes to be shipped to U.S. military troops and for other gift boxes distributed to impoverished children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, a program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. In addition, FBC-R currently is participating in a local Angel Tree project, which provides Christmas gifts for local foster kids, and is collecting a special offering for foreign missions. The Hospitality

Ministry also provides parking, clean restrooms, water and inflatable activities during Roswell’s annual Youth Day, Arts Festival, and other local events. “It’s just another way we can be here for the community,” says Dr. Bradley. “We use every opportunity to show people outside of the church that we care about our community.” Last year, one of FBC-R’s young adult classes started a “Backpack Meals” program that ensures local children in need will have food over the weekend. The program has become a vital ministry to those children whose only access to regular meals is during the school week. “The ‘Backpack Meals’ program is a great example of the lay servants at FBC-R,” says Dr. Bradley. “Someone saw a need and was led by the Holy Spirit to do something to try to help.” FBC-R also offers a special program, “Hope for Grieving Children,” that ministers to young children and teenagers who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Led by Doyle Hamilton (D. Min., LMFT) and Cheryl Bradley (MSW), the program runs for six weeks twice a year. “Children who have lost a parent or sibling find comfort in talking with others who have suffered a similar loss. It helps them work through their grief,” says Dr. Bradley. At the end of the program, the children write a message to their lost loved ones and release balloons as a prayer to Heaven for their loved ones. “It’s a touching tribute that gives them a sense of closure.” As Dr. Bradley explains, FBC-R’s “Hope for Grieving Children” program draws kids not only from Roswell and surrounding areas but also from far beyond the North Fulton area. “This grief program is the only one of its kind in a church setting in the Metro Atlanta/North Georgia area,” he says. “We feel it’s important for FBC-R to provide as many different services and programs as possible to meet the different needs of people in our own community, as well as the global community.”

First Baptist Church Roswell Ron Bradley, D. Min., Senior Pastor 710 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell

(770) 587-6980 www.rfbc.org Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Mid-Week Fellowship Dinner: 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays Mid-Week Bible Study/Missions: 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays Visit www.rfbc.org for information about worship services, Bible studies, ministries, missions, music, counseling services, upcoming events and more.

December 2 Greening of the Sanctuary, 6:45 p.m. December 5 Mission Friends’ Nativity Play, 6:30 p.m. December 9 An Evening of Instrumental Music December 16 “The Word Became Flesh,” presented by the Chancel Choir & Church Orchestra, 6:45 p.m. December 24 Family Candlelight Service, 5 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service, 11 p.m.

Hispanic Congregation, Daniel Roche, Pastor

On the cover: meet Dr. Kevin Head, Minister to Young Families, and Rev. Jessica Asbell, Minister to Children at First Baptist Church Roswell.

www.footprintspublishing.com 15

My North Fulton Monthly has contacted several organizations within the community that could use some “Holiday Hope” to help ensure families enjoy and celebrate the holidays just as most of us will. Listed are several organizations to which you could volunteer time, effort, or funds to assist in making the season a little brighter for all. Several organizations below are new or updated from the November edition. We hope this list is helpful as you consider your participation in giving during this holiday season.

Act Together Ministries

Act Together Ministries of Alpharetta will offer Christmas sponsorship to hundreds of children in North Metro Atlanta. Sponsors are needed to act as “Christmas angels” and provide Christmas gifts to children in need, including foster children and children from low-income families. Sponsors are requested to purchase $75100 per child toward gifts, such as a coat, shoes or other clothing; games; and toys. Sponsors may request children by age and/or gender. Gifts should be donated by December 10. Act Together also needs volunteers for the children’s Christmas party on December 15 at The Vine Community Church in Cumming. The party will include games, crafts and food for the families. While the children are enjoying the festivities, volunteers will “hide” the bags of Christmas gifts into the families’ cars — helping parents to give their children a nice Christmas without the children knowing their gifts were sponsored. To sponsor a child or to volunteer, visit

www.actogetherministries.org.

New Atlanta Mission

Atlanta Mission is a nonprofit charity working to end homelessness in Atlanta and the surrounding communities. Its Thrift Store in Roswell, 10800 Alpharetta Hwy., (404) 367-3940, offers clothing and furniture vouchers for those in need in our community. It also supports three facilities, offering drug and alcohol recovery programs: My Sister’s House, a women’s and children’s shelter at 921 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 367-2465; the Shepherd’s Inn, a men’s facility at 165 Ivan Allen Blvd., N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 588-4015; and the Potter’s House, a men’s facility at 655 Potter’s House Road, Jefferson, GA 30549, (706) 543-8338. (404) 588-4000, www.atlantamission.org

New Bank of North Georgia Holiday Toy Drive

Bank of North Georgia is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive through December 14 at all of its Metro Atlanta branches. Last year, the bank collected more than 2,500 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: Crabapple Branch, 12355 Arnold Mill Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004, (770) 664-7861; Johns Creek Branch, 3640 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024, (678) 4741500; and the Roswell Branch, 10446 Alpharetta Hwy., Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 594-6462.

Updated Childrens Restoration Network

Children’s Restoration Network (CRN) is a nonprofit 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. 16 My North Fulton | december 2012

Donations of new clothes and new toys are requested. In addition, churches, businesses and community organizations also may “adopt” an entire shelter or group home (CRN will match an organization to a shelter/group home depending on the organization’s ability to help). CRN also will sponsor a gift-wrapping party the weekend before Christmas; wrapping supplies will be provided by CRN, but extra wrapping paper and tape are appreciated. For more information, please contact Children’s Restoration Network. (770) 649-7117, www.ChildRN.org

Updated Drake House

An ongoing need in support of families residing at the Drake House all year is for gift cards to local businesses to help when various situations occur or for items needed in its food pantry. These cards are easy to store, as space is at a premium for the Drake House and they are able to assist in numerous ways with them. Gift cards can provide for a prescription for a sick child; buy undergarments or shoes for a mom or child; assist with a clothing item needed for a school or work uniform; buy perishable groceries for the food pantry or other pantry items; replace printer ink and paper for school assignments or resumes; and purchase parts for a repair at the apartments or office. The Drake House community partners who sponsor its apartments provide a modest Christmas for the families they have been assisting; however; your help is needed to meet the ongoing needs of our homeless families. The Drake House holiday wish is for gift cards to Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, or Office Depot. A special way to assist would be through donating your used car or making a monetary donation toward its Technology Fund. Thank you for considering helping the Drake House in these ways. For more information, please contact Lynn Canty, volunteer and resource coordinator, (770) 587-4712, ext. 305, lcanty@thedrakehouse.org. The Drake House is located at 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell GA 30005.

New DreamWeavers of Georgia

DreamWeavers of Georgia is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit agency located in Alpharetta that focuses on meeting the needs of children placed in foster care. The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of foster children, creating opportunities and providing resources that promote educational, emotional and social well-being of Georgia’s foster children. The Alpharetta community can help foster children during the holiday season and throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed for chaperoning field trips, tutoring, providing music lessons, etc. 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 Ashely Muntan at volunteer@dreamweaversofgeorgia.org.

Updated Foster Care Support Foundation Inc.

Foster Care Support Foundation Inc. (FCSF) is a nonprofit 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 throughout the year, FCSF is in need of new and gently used toys; new, like-new,

and gently worn clothing for preemie sizes to size 24; new underwear, socks and shoes (except newborn socks); and especially boys’ dress and casual pants and sneakers for all ages. FCSF also accepts gifts for teens, such as CDs and hand-held games. Monetary donations, sponsorships and volunteers for FCSF’s operation and support — as well as FCSF’s All Kids Count benefit on March 16, 2013 (theme: “Oh, Give Me a Home!”) — are critical in helping FCSF continue to offer programs and assistance for at-risk children. Donated items that are not needed (furniture, household décor and adult clothing) will be placed in the Fostering Hope Bargain Resale shop, 1425 Market Blvd., Suite 340, Roswell, GA 30076. For more information, call (770) 641-9591. vol@fostercares.org,

www.fostercares.org

Fulton County DFCS

The Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has approximately 800 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 1-18 served by the agency. DFCS will match a donor with a child, providing the donor with the child’s name, age and three items from his or her “Wish List.” Fulton County DFCS requests that all gifts be delivered to its office December 3-7. Monetary donations also are accepted to help cover the costs of gifts purchased for children who are not matched with a donor and to meet DFCS’ ongoing needs throughout the year. Donations may be mailed to DFCS, 515 Fairburn Road, Suite 460, Atlanta, GA 30331. For more information, please contact Delores Battle, Fulton County DFCS. (404) 699-

4387; dsbattle@dhr.state.ga.us

GCAC of Georgia

GCAC of Georgia (Giving Children a Chance) is a private foster care and adoption agency in Alpharetta. 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. The Alpharetta community can help GCAC’s foster children during the holiday season and throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed for chaperoning field trips, tutoring, providing music lessons, etc. 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 email lynn@gcacofgeorgia.com.

New Make-A-Wreath for Make-A-Wish

Throughout December, Barrington Hall in Roswell will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by hosting the Make-A-Wreath fundraising effort. Festive holiday wreaths will be displayed and available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (770) 640-3855, www.barringtonhall-

roswell.com

Updated North Fulton Community Charities

North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) works to prevent homelessness in North Fulton County by assisting families with rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, medicine and other basic needs during short-term emergencies and longterm financial distress. In addition, NFCC provides special programs throughout the year to help preserve family traditions and relieve any additional financial distress. NFCC is seeking volunteers, family and senior sponsors, and donations of new toys, new or gently used warm coats, and non-perishable food items for its annual holiday program. New toy donations will be accepted through December 14 at North Fulton Community Charities, 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell, GA 30076. For more information, contact Eden Purdy at (678) 387-4458. holiday@nfcchelp. org, www.nfccholiday.org.

Operation Homefront Georgia

Operation Homefront Georgia is looking for community “elves” who would like to “adopt” a Georgia military family for Christmas. The Adopt-a-Family program is very simple; sign up for the number of children you would like to adopt (suggested $50 per child). Operation Homefront Georgia will provide you with a child’s gender, age, clothing sizes and five wish items. Pack your unwrapped gifts in a black bag and attach the corresponding family number (provided by Operation Homefront Georgia) and deliver by December 6 to Operation Homefront Georgia’s Marietta office, 1220 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30062, or at participating Dollar Tree stores. www.operationhomefront.net

Senior Services North Fulton

Senior Services North Fulton is a nonprofit organization that provides Meals on Wheels, programs, activities and assistance for seniors of all income levels — from personal care assistance and respite care to transportation for therapy and doctor appointments, and more. Three neighborhood senior centers (Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs) offer exercise, field trips and a wide range of activities to help seniors stay active, engaged and involved in the community. Senior Services North Fulton’s Angel Tree and Days of Service programs help ensure seniors are not forgotten during the holidays and provide opportunities for intergenerational activities and community involvement. Volunteers are always welcome, and individuals also can support the organization through its annual fundraiser, “Heart and Soul,” to be held February 16, 2013, at the Atlanta Athletic Club, or by making a contribution at www.ssnorthfulton.org. For more information, please call (770) 993-1906.

Updated Shop with a Cop

The Alpharetta Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) pairs the city’s police officers, firefighters and other civic-minded volunteers with local families in need. PAL will collect monetary donations with the goal of raising $100 for each of the 100 children, who will get to “Shop with a Cop.” On December 11, the police officers, volunteers and children will team up for a night of shopping at the Windward Walmart. PAL also is accepting donations for a holiday dinner drive ($50 for a complete holiday meal) that will allow PAL to provide families in need with all the ingredients for a holiday dinner (to be delivered December 15). If you would like to assist with this year’s Shop with a Cop, please contact Officer Phil Ritchey. (678) 297-6309, ext. 1

Soldiers Angels

Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization of 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 deployed military and also helps support their families here at home. In addition, Soldiers’ Angels provides assistance to wounded military, continuing support for veterans; remembrances and comfort for families of fallen military; 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. www.

soldiersangels.org

New Toys for Tots

All ERA Sunrise realty offices will serve as drop-off locations for Toys for Tots donations. New, unwrapped toys will be accepted through December 11 at all area ERA Sunrise offices, including 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 600, Milton, GA 30004, (770) 720-1515. Financial donations also may be made at www.toysfortots.org. For more information, contact Christina Mitchell at (770) 598-7402. www.footprintspublishing.com 17

December 8

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

come to life, gingerbread cookies frolic, and toy soldiers march in formation. www.atlantadancetheatre.org

December 7 & 9

RUMC CHRISTMAS CONCERTS December 1—9

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Time: 2-4 p.m. daily Location: Chambrel at Roswell 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell Information: Chambrel Roswell’s inaugural gingerbread house contest will showcase the talents of local chefs, businesses, organizations and friends of the community. Enjoy caroling and hot chocolate, and be sure to vote for your favorite “People’s Choice Award.” (770) 594-4600

December 7

HOLIDAY SL’HAY RIDE Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell Information: A real hayride around the park, ending with cookie decorating and hot chocolate. All ages; free admission for parents and children under 1. (770) 5946134, www.roswellgov.com

December 7 & 8

‘BABES IN TOYLAND’ Time: 7:30 p.m. December 7 10 a.m., 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. December 8 Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St., Roswell Information: Performed by the Atlanta Dance Theatre, featuring spirited dance, incredible costumes and lively characters. Before you know it, you are whisked away to Toyland. Mother Goose characters 18 My North Fulton | december 2012

Time: 7:30 p.m. December 7 3 p.m. December 9 Location: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: Experience the sights and sounds of the season. (770) 594-0512; www.rumc.com

December 7-9

TOYS FOR TOTS CHARITY EVENT Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: Ivy Interiors 52 N. Main St., Alpharetta Information: Customers are asked to bring in a new, unwrapped toy for a less fortunate child this holiday season. In return, all sharing guests may enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Ivy Interiors. (770) 777-2050

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Time: 7:30 p.m. December 7 & 8; 2:30 p.m. December 8 & 9 Location: Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Theater 11340 Woodstock Road, Roswell Information: Performed by the North Atlanta Dance Theatre, with a cast of 150 including the pre-professional company and 10 resident and guest artists. (770) 772-8000, www.northatlantadance.com

December 7, 14-16, 18, 19, 21-23

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Time: 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday Location: Bulloch Hall 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Information: Directed by Wally Hines, with Brink Miller as “Ebenezer Scrooge.” (770) 992-1731, www.bullochhall.org

Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park Information: Children will visit with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast. Free to children of all ages. (678) 297-6140, activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Time: 8:30 & 10 a.m. Location: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Information: All Johns Creek boys and girls are invited to have breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. In addition, children will enjoy music, holiday crafts, letters to Santa and pictures with Santa. Children must be pre-registered and accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; maximum 20 children per breakfast. (678) 5123200, info@JohnsCreekGA.gov, www.johnscreekga.gov

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Location: Bulloch Hall 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Information: Children will enjoy a candy cane hunt, holiday crafts and stories, snacks and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Reservations are required. (770) 992-1731, www.bullochhall.org

SNOW ON THE SQUARE Time: 1 p.m. Location: Corner Park across from Alpharetta City Hall 2 S. Main St., Alpharetta Information: Enjoy a taste of winter in Downtown Alpharetta as we fill the corner park with snow! Sip on a cup of hot chocolate or coffee while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the gazebo. Bring your camera to capture family photos. It is guaranteed to snow, so be ready for snowballs, snowmen and winter merriment! Shop at participating retailers in Downtown Alpharetta for the Alpharetta Business Association’s Holiday Market, 1-7:30 p.m. (678) 297-6000

December 8

HOLIDAY MARKET & CRAFTS Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Village 9770 Autrey Mill Road Johns Creek Information: This is an opportunity to enjoy the Nature Preserve and Heritage Village while supporting local artisans, vendors and Autrey Mill. Kids can enjoy a special holiday crafts workshop, 11 a.m.1 p.m. (678) 366-3511, www.autreymill.org

‘THE POLAR EXPRESS’ Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell Information: Bring the family in their comfy clothes, blankets and pillows to watch this holiday movie on the big screen. Popcorn, hot chocolate and goodies will be provided. Admission is free for parents; children must register individually. (770) 594-6134, www.roswellgov.com

CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT Time: 8 p.m. Location: Ragamuffin Music Hall 585 Atlanta St., Roswell Information: A Christmas benefit concert featuring Ashley Harris. A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Drake House to help women and children in crisis. Family-friendly, all ages. (770) 7443814, www.ragamuffinmusic.com

December 8 & 9

‘BIRTH OF A KING’ Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: St. James United Methodist Church, 3000 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta Information: Come worship with St. James UMC this Christmas season as the Music, Worship and Arts ministries present the 6th Annual “Birth of a King.” (678) 762-1543

December 9

AWS’ HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Time: Location:

3 p.m. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell

Information: Atlanta Wind Symphony (AWS) will perform a musical holiday celebration. Support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for local boys and girls. www.atlantawindsymphony.org

WOMEN’S ADVENT SERVICE

mysterious train headed for the North Pole. Watch as she dances with Santa, meets the elves, and experiences the magic of believing. (770) 578-8272, bapaadc@yahoo.com

CANDY CANE HUNT

December 12

Time: 5:30-7 p.m. Location: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell Information: Enjoy a pizza dinner followed by a fun hunt for all types of candy canes. Bring a flashlight and something to gather your candy canes in. Keep a lookout for a couple of giant candy canes that can be redeemed for special prizes. Parents and children must pre-register. (770) 5946134, www.roswellgov.com

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

December 15

Time: 5 p.m. Location: Roswell Presbyterian Church 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: A seasonal service to begin the Christmas season. This event has become a mother-daughter, sister-friend holiday tradition for many. Free and open to the public. Women of all ages are invited. (770) 993-6316, www.roswellpres.org

Time: 7 p.m. Location: Roswell UMC 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: The Christmas season is sometimes overshadowed by personal losses or grief. This service will provide an opportunity to honor your memories while prayer, scripture, music, and candlelight hold you in the comfort of God’s presence. (770) 993-6218, www.rumc.com

December 13 & 14

GLORY OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: A wonderful and unique evening of music, featuring a festive performance by the choir and orchestra. Call or visit the website for ticket information. (770) 993-6316, www. roswellpres.org

December 14 & 15

‘WINTER POLAR EXPRESS’ Time: 7 p.m. December 14 & 15 2 p.m. December 15 Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St., Roswell Information: Academy Dance Company presents the fifth-annual “Winter Polar Express,” an enchanting holiday show for all ages. Come delight in the beautiful story of a young girl who climbs aboard a

COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS Time: 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. Location: Barrington Hall Carriage House, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell Information: Each workshop will be 75 minutes. Children will write a special letter to Santa, Mrs. Claus will share holiday stories, and children will decorate cookies to take home. Watch for the very special postman who will pick up the letters to Santa! (770) 640-3855, www.southerntrilogy.com

December 16

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Time: 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. Location: The Public House on Roswell Square, 605 Atlanta St., Roswell Information: Food, fun and memories along with a breakfast buffet. Pre-paid reservations are recommended. Photographer on site. (770) 640-5548

www.footprintspublishing.com

hymns and a reading of the Christmas story. (770) 475-5576, www. afumc.org

December 24

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Information: Preparing hearts for Christmas in a quiet, meditative service that acknowledges the hope we celebrate even in the midst of disappointment and loss during this season. All are welcome. (770) 993-6316, www.roswellpres.org

December 16

CHANCEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Time: 5 p.m. Location: Alpharetta FUM Church 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta Information: For the sixth year, the AFUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present a concert of traditional, gospel and contemporary Christian music. Come early for good seating. (770) 475-5576, www.afumc.org

MESSIAH SING-ALONG Time: 3 p.m. Location: Roswell UMC 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: Join voices with hundreds of singers in this community performance of Handel’s glorious masterpiece, “Messiah.” (770) 594-7974, www.mosingers.com

December 20 & 21

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ Time: 8 p.m. Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest St., Roswell Information: This new adaptation of the classic film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night. The professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio…but the show must go on, so a small but intrepid band of employees manages to create the story’s dozen of characters and scenes. (770) 594-6232, www.roswellpresents.com

December 21—23

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Information: Meet live reindeer and make “magic reindeer food” along with storytelling. Enjoy a fun holiday tradition for families and friends! (770) 992-2055 ext. 236, www.chattnaturecenter.org

Time: 7:30 p.m. December 21 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. December 22 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. December 23 Location: Blessed Trinity High School Theatre, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell Information: Presented by the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. Beautiful sets, elaborate costumes, and the talented dancers combine to create the holiday magic where a young girl’s gift of a nutcracker comes to life as a handsome prince and whisks her away through the land of snow. (678) 2972800, www.metropolitanballet.org

December 20

December 23

REINDEER DAY

‘THE LONGEST NIGHT: A SERVICE OF HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS’ Time: Location:

7 p.m. Roswell Presbyterian Church 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell

20 My North Fulton | december 2012

CHRISTMAS EVE-EVE WORSHIP Time: 7 p.m. Location: Alpharetta FUM Church 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta Information: This candlelight worship service for all will include traditional

Time: 3, 4:30, 6, 9 & 11 p.m. Location: Alpharetta FUM Church 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta Information: These candlelight worship services will include traditional hymns and the Christmas story. The services at 3 and 4:30 p.m. are especially for families with children; the 6 p.m. service is ideal for youth. Communion will be served at the 9 and 11 p.m. services. (770) 4755576, www. afumc.org

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Time: 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11 p.m. Location: Roswell Presbyterian Church 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: Something for everyone, including worship for young families, celebration in song and scripture, and a candlelight Communion service. Early arrival recommended for all services. (770) 993-6316, www.roswellpres.org

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Time: 10 a.m.; 4, 6 & 11 p.m. Location: Roswell UMC 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: Worship and communion in the chapel at 10 a.m.; family worship in the sanctuary at 4 p.m.; lessons and carols in the sanctuary at 6 p.m.; and candles and communion in the chapel at 11 p.m. (770) 993-6218, www.rumc.com

December 30

ADVENT SEASON CELEBRATION Time: 8:15, 9:45 & 11:15 a.m. Location: Historic Sanctuary Roswell Presbyterian Church 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Information: Worship, music and scripture. Childcare will be available for infants through Pre-K. (770) 993-6316, www.roswellpres.org

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

My North Fulton Monthly wants to help make the holiday season easier and more enjoyable for you by providing you with options right here in our local communities. Our community businesses can help fill all your gift ideas and holiday needs, including a little time out for yourself, holiday family entertainment and home improvements for the new year. My North Fulton Monthlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 Holiday Guide can help you find just what you need to make the holidays special and stress-free for you and your loved ones!

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Mimosa Salon Spa (770) 640-9899 www.MimosaSalonSpa.com

Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

Guaranteed Spa

(770) 751-5800 | www.gtdspa.com

Guaranteed Construction

(770) 617-8667 | C: (770) 617-8667

(770) 998-0259 | www.tysod.com

www.footprintspublishing.com 21

sections map

Hope

well R

My North Fulton Monthly has a total distribution of 44,000, with 42,579 mailed to homes in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell.

Birmingham Hwy

372

Future

Milton

Crooked Creek

Section

White Columns Country Club

140

Litchfield Hundred

400

Saint Michelle

Windward Westwind

Alpharetta

Jennifer Oaks Welford Trace

Mountain Park

120

Brookfield West

Park Forest

Arbor Creek

92 Stonegate

Wills Park

140 Grand Veridian

120

400

Pine Grove Kimball Farms

Meeting Street Edgewater Cove

Willow Springs

Roswell

Breckenridge

Barrington Oaks

Studdiford

Johns Creek River Pines Country Club of the South

9 140

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Photo courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

ALPHARETTA Community — Home

by Michelle Martin, editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com

AMLI Residential, a national multi-family residential developer, recently hosted a grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new apartment community in Alpharetta, AMLI North Point. The event was in celebration of AMLI North Point’s LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Gold certification. The 366-unit apartment community features such “green” features as ENERGY STAR® appliances; Watersense® plumbing fixtures; a high-efficiency irrigation system; energy-efficient HVAC systems with programmable thermostats; solar shades; low VOC paints, carpet and adhesives; low formaldehyde cabinetry; and a comprehensive recycling program. AMLI North Point also participates in AMLI’s Breatheasy® program, which prohibits smoking by residents and guests throughout the community. At the ceremony, AMLI made a $10,000 donation to Alpharetta Recreation & Parks for the enhancement and maintenance of the City’s leg of the Big Creek Greenway Trail. The Big Creek Greenway is an eight-mile path that meanders through the deciduous woods along Big Creek and connects to AMLI North Point. This linear park offers an ideal setting for walking, jogging, inline roller blading and biking. Edible Arrangements (13077 Hwy. 9, N., Suite 610, Milton) held a ribbon cutting recently to celebrate the Milton store’s grand opening at Deerfield Place. Milton Mayor Joseph Lockwood attended the ribbon cutting event, which included delicious treats from Edible Arrangements. The store specializes in handcrafted fresh fruit bouquets and gourmet chocolate-dipped fruit. The new Milton store is one of more than 1,141 stores in 14 countries worldwide. Customers may purchase in-store from individual locations or order online for in-store pick-up or delivery. The Milton store is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. (678) 867-0611, www.ediblearrangements.com Fave Party Plaza (12990 Hwy. 9, N., Suite 118, Milton) opened recently at the Village at Webb Road shopping center. The full-service party supply store has a large selection of products for every occasion, including cups, plates, napkins, utensils and serving pieces; decorations; party favors; costumes; greeting cards; and more. Fave Party Plaza carries popular and unique, hard-to-find items, at discount prices. Visit Fave Party Plaza for your party or special event needs: birthdays, bridal/baby showers, bachelor/bachelorette party, engagement/weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, housewarming, welcome/farewell party, Quinceanera, graduation and other celebrations. (888) 493-8048, www.favepartyplaza.com Southern Keystone Services (2300 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 700, Alpharetta) recently relocated from its former office at 2474 Northwinds Parkway in Alpharetta. The financial services firm specializes in personal financial planning and management, including financial wealth management; retirement planning; estate planning; health care planning; life and health insurance planning; college fund planning; and more. In addition, the firm offers free, on-demand webinars. (770) 753-6264, www.southernkeystone.retirerx.com The City of Alpharetta and the City of Milton have approved a cooperative parks deal that allows residents of both communities to enjoy parks and recreation facilities and programs for the same fees. The city councils agreed during a recent meeting to dissolve all nonresident fees at current and future facilities, effective December 1. Prior to the agreement, residents of one city who participated in a parks program offered by the other city had to pay nonresident fees that added up to 75 percent to the base program fee. According to the terms of the agreement, the two cities will negotiate annually a variable maintenance fee. For 2012, Milton will pay a fee of $325,000 to Alpharetta, but the fee is expected to decrease over time as Milton adds facilities and programs that are utilized by Alpharetta residents. The City of Milton already is working to develop quality recreation programs and expand the park space within its system. Alpharetta North Park 26 My North Fulton — Alpharetta | december 2012

COMMUNITY Local Resident Performs in Christmas Production Emma Svitil, a 7th-grader at Hopewell Middle School in Milton, has been selected to perform in “Madeline’s Christmas” at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta. She will play the part of Isabelle with the Green Cast on select dates, December 8-30.

The musical is told through the eyes of 12 young girls Alpharetta resident Emma who have fallen ill to the Svitil performs in “Madeline’s flu, all except for Madeline. Christmas.” On Christmas Eve, Madeline receives a gift from an unexpected visitor that leads to an enchanting adventure and life lessons of compassion and family values for all of the children. Emma has performed in several other local productions, including “Annie” at the Fox Theater and voice work for “Real Tweenagers of Atlanta.” Emma is the daughter of Ed and Debra Svitil of Alpharetta.

Alpharetta’s Terry Joyner Receives Governor’s Public Safety Award

Terry Joyner, community relations officer for the Alpharetta Dept. of Public Safety, recently was honored by Governor Nathan Deal with a Governor’s Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution to Profession. The annual Governor’s Public Safety Awards program began in 1998 to recognize public safety officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect citizens and make significant contributions to the public safety profession at large. As community relations officer for Alpharetta’s Dept. of Public Safety, Joyner implements programs designed to teach safety skills to the public. In order to reduce property crime, Joyner designed the “Your Car is Not a Safe” program to spread the word to the Alpharetta community about the problem of entering auto offenses. Joyner developed a proactive awareness program using graphics on marked police vehicles to advise the public of the risks associated with leaving valuables in their vehicles. As a direct result of the program, the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety has experienced a 26 percent decrease in the number of entering auto

offenses. Additionally, as the marked vehicle drives through various communities, the program has become a valuable public relations tool for the agency in establishing new relationships while strengthening existing ones. Previously, Joyner was Terry Joyner chief of police (retired) for the Roswell Police Dept. and chief of security (retired) at Lockheed Martin. He has been with the Alpharetta Dept. of Public Safety since 2005.

McLeod Named Community Development Director

The City of Alpharetta has selected Richard McLeod as director of Community Development. McLeod began November 5. He most recently held the same position with the City of Woodstock, having helped to reshape Woodstock’s downtown into a thriving destination that has attracted more than $100 million in private investment; and spearheaded Richard McLeod, Community Development Director the development of a comprehensive trail and green space plan, Greenprints, which won two awards from the Georgia Urban Forest Council and the Georgia Planning Association. Kathi Cook, a 12-year veteran of the City of Alpharetta’s Community Development department, also was promoted to deputy director. In the newly created role, Cook will continue to coordinate the activities of the city’s planning commission and have more responsibility in day-to-day operations and negotiating with private developers. www.footprintspublishing.com 27

S C H O O L

Private & Charter Schools Alpharetta International Academy

King’s Ridge Christian School

(770) 475-0558, www.aiamontessori.com

(770) 754-5738, www.kingsridgecs.org

Amana Academy

Legacy Academy

www.amanaacademy.org

(678) 624-2234, www.lookatlegacy.org

Bridgeway Christian Academy

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

(770) 751-1972, www.bridgewayca.org

(770) 664-7764, www.mcginniswoods.org

Chandler Academy

Mill Springs Academy

(770) 346-0509, www.chandleracademy.com

(770) 360-1336, www.millsprings.org

Chrysalis Experiential Academy

Mount Pisgah Christian School

(770) 649-7077, www.chrysalisexp.org

(770) 336-3300, www.mountpisgahschool.org

Creme de la Creme-Alpharetta

Primrose School of Alpharetta

(770) 777-2960, www.cremechildcare.com

(770) 664-7508, www.primroseschools.com/Alpharetta

Eaton Academy

Primrose School of Christopher Robin

(770) 645-2673, www.eatonacademy.org

Public Schools Elementary Schools Alpharetta Elementary 192 Mayfield Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 740-7015 Principal: Adam Maroney

Birmingham Fall Elementary 14865 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2820 Principal: Susan Matzkin

Cogburn Woods Elementary 13080 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2845 Principal: Bruce Fraser

Crabapple Crossings Elementary

12775 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 740-7055 Principal: George Freiberger

Creek View Elementary 3995 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 667-2932 Principal: Matt Rogers

Lake Windward Elementary 11770 E. Fox Court Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 740-7050 Principal: Martha Messina

Manning Oaks Elementary 405 Cumming Street Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 667-2912 Principal: Kirk Shrum

Fulton County School District: www.fultonschools.org | (404) 768-3600 New Prospect Elementary

Webb Bridge Middle

Summit Hill Elementary

High Schools

3055 Kimball Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022-4417 (770) 667-2800 Principal: Charlia Faulkner

4455 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 667-2940 Principal: Susan Opferman

13855 Providence Road Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2830 Principal: Nancy Murphy

Alpharetta High

Middle Schools

3595 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 521-7640 Principal: Shannon Kersey

Fulton Science Academy Middle

Cambridge High

Haynes Bridge Middle

Centennial High

Holcomb Bridge Middle

Fulton Science Academy High

Hopewell Middle

Independence High

Northwestern Middle

Milton High

1675 Hembree Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 753-4141 Principal: Kenan Sener

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

13060 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 (678) 297-3240 Principal: Lenora Patterson

86 School Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 521-7611 Principal: Tabatha Taylor

12805 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2870 Principal: Jasmine Kullar

Winter Break Teacher Workday School Holiday

2845 Bethany Bend Milton GA 30004 (770) 667-2883 Principal: Ed Spurka

9310 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 650-4230 Principal: Steven Miletto

2700 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 594-5280 Principal: Joy Schroerlucke

2012 — 2013 Calendar at a Glance December 20–31, January 1–3 January 4 January 21

(678) 339-0107 www.primroseschools.com/ChristopherRobin

13025 Birmingham Highway Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 740-7000 Principal: Cliff Jones

Local Colleges & Universities North Fulton Center of Reinhardt University

DeVry University

(770) 619-3600, www.devry.edu

(770) 720-9191, www.reinhardt.edu

Georgia Perimeter College

University of Phoenix North Alpharetta

(404) 413-7878, www.gpc.edu

Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: www.fultonschools.org/parent_connect.htm North Fulton — Alpharetta | december 2012 28 My

Lanier Technical College

(770) 781-6800, www.laniertech.edu

Learning Center (678) 731-0555, www.phoenix.edu

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SCHOOL Alpharetta Elementary Students Create Pumpkin Personalities

After reading their favorite book, 2nd-grade students at Alpharetta Elementary were asked to complete the narrative elements of the story: characters, setting, and plot. The students were then asked to create a model of their favorite character from the book using a real or artificial pumpkin. Alpharetta Elementary School’s Ethan Ruan with his Abraham Lincoln pumpkin

Independence High Hosts College, Career and Military Fair

Independence High School hosted representatives from more than 30 colleges, universities, technical schools and branches of the military during the school’s annual College, Career and Military Fair. All Independence students had the opportunity to visit with the various recruiters, gather information and ask questions regarding post-secondary education and career options. This year, parents were invited to attend as well. In addition, local council members were guest speakers at Independence High School recently. As an assignment for their State and Local Government Unit, students in Tashema Atkinson’s American Government class were tasked with identifying their local council members and inviting them to speak to the class. The students inquired about being civically responsible and actively participating in local government. Councilmen Tibby DeJulio from Sandy Springs and Rich Dippolito from Roswell discussed their specific responsibilities, similarities and differences between the two cities, local operations and how each city is organized.

Milton Theatre Wins State Title

The cast and crew of Milton (High School) Theatre recently won the state championship title and other awards for the theatre group’s one-act play, “Pippin.” Milton Theatre competed against 12 schools from Georgia at the Georgia Theatre Conference, held at the Rylander Theatre in Americus. North Fulton — Alpharetta | december 2012 30 My

This was the third consecutive win for the Milton team. In addition, Channing Wan and Haley Hamblen were named as all-star cast members, and McKenzie Kurtz as best actress. Milton Theatre also won several technical events, including knot tying and button sew for Melissa Oliver, and sound hook-up and lighting hang/focus for Christian Loria. Jason O’Neal and Martine McClellan contributed to the technical team’s overall challenge award. Logan Godby and Amy Oliver won 1st place with a hand-to-hand act in the Georgia Theatre Conference Got Talent. The couple performed for the entire conference at the awards ceremony Saturday evening. Milton Theatre will move on to represent the state of Georgia at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in March. In addition, Milton Theatre won the State AAAAAA One-Act Play Competition for “Mother Hicks.” Allison Esposito was named as best actress.

Shaun Verma Wins 2012 Harris Wofford Youth Award

Shaun Verma, a senior at Milton High School, recently was honored with the 2012 Harris Wofford Youth Award. Milton High School’s Shaun Verma Presented by the Youth (left), winner of the 2012 Harris Service Institute, this Wofford Youth Award, and Rich Spierto award recognizes one young person in the country who is active in volunteering and demonstrates exemplary commitment and action to involve his or her peers in service, youth voice, service-learning or civic engagement activities.

Cambridge High Celebrates First Homecoming Cambridge High School’s inaugural Homecoming week was highlighted with a 45-13 Cambridge High School’s Homecoming victory over North Springs High School. The game also marked the first win for the Cambridge Bears. Cambridge High also crowned its first Homecoming king and queen, Daniel Tuck and Casey Moore.

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by Michelle Martin Three years ago, Zach Gordon of Alpharetta came to Music Matters to rent a Xylophone for his elementary school’s music class. “Zach wasn’t thrilled with the Xylophone,” says his mother, Michelle, “but he loved playing the snare drum during the second part of the school year. Unfortunately, the school’s music program was discontinued at the end of the school year.” Michelle didn’t want Zach’s interest in music to end just because the school’s music program had ended. “I love music myself, so I wanted to help Zach pursue his interest as well,” she says. Michelle had learned about Music Matters’ instructional program when she visited the Alpharetta store to rent a Xylophone and then a snare drum for Zach. It seemed like the perfect opportunity, so she enrolled Zach in private lessons over the summer so he could continue to play the snare drum. Zach was still early into his private lessons when he found out about Music Matters’ RockU Summer Camp, a week-long music program offered four times during the summer. Kids practice for eight hours each day and then perform together in a concert on Friday. “Zach loved RockU Summer Camp so much that he went all four weeks,” says Michelle. Since attending Music Matters’ RockU Summer Camp, Zach has continued to take private lessons for the snare drum over the past three years. He 32 My North Fulton | december 2012

also has been taking private lessons in bass guitar for the past two years. “It’s been a fabulous experience for Zach,” says Michelle. “The instructors at Music Matters have taught him very well.” Zach also recently began taking DJ classes at Music Matters and continues to play in Music Matters’ RockU program offered throughout the school year — performing at King Plow Arts Center, The Masquerade, and other popular music venues in Atlanta. “It’s an amazing opportunity for any kid,” Michelle says, noting that Zach currently plays with two girls and another boy in their RockU band called Blackout. Aaron Soriero started Music Matters 10 years ago with a small retail store in Roswell, which also offered private lessons. Within five years, Soriero expanded Music Matters with additional locations in Johns Creek and Alpharetta. Today, the three stores combined have approximately 70 instructors and 1,000 students in private and/or group lessons that

include voice, guitar, piano and many other instruments. “When Fulton County Schools discontinued the music program at the elementary level three years ago, we took a closer look at what we already offered and considered what more we could offer to meet the needs of those students who still wanted to pursue music individually,” says Soriero. “We try to balance fun with fundamentals. It’s important when kids show an interest in music that we find ways to keep them motivated. They can learn theory and style just as well through music that they enjoy, such as Classic Rock or current hits. We try to expose students to a variety of music so they can find what inspires them the most.” In addition to private lessons, RockU Summer Camp and RockU Band Program, Music Matters recently built out group rooms in their stores and began offering group classes. DJ classes began in October with some of Atlanta’s most prevalent DJs. “With the ever-increasing popularity of electronic Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

music, we found a growing interest among our students,” Soriero says. “Our 12-week course teaches concepts like matching beats, song transitions and working with the crowd. The kids are having a lot of fun.” The program concludes with a live performance at Atlanta’s historic King Plow Arts Center. Throughout the coming year, Music Matters will launch several new exciting group programs. Music Matters’ Youth Orchestra will begin next school year, boasting multiple experience levels and performance opportunities. Beginning in January, there will be a new Kindermusik program, an international music and movement program for infants and

children up to 7 years of age. Through programs like Kindermusik, Youth Orchestra, DJ classes, RockU Band Program, RockU Summer Camp, and private and group lessons, Soriero has taken Music Matters far beyond just a retail store for instruments and accessories. “We want Music Matters to be a one-stop education shop for people of all skill levels, all musical styles, and all ages,” he says. “Whether their interest is in classical guitar or electronic music, Music Matters is the place where kids (and adults) learn and love to rock!”

Private Lessons

Any age or skill level; On many instruments and voice

RockU Band Program

Ages 9-17; Join a band (or bring yours!) and play shows

DJ Classes

Ages 9-17; Enrolling now for January 2013

Kindermusik

Ages Newborn-6 years; Coming Soon

Youth Orchestra

Grades 3-5 Beginner and Intermediate; Beginning August 2013

Music Matters Productions

Event lighting and sound production services Visit your local Music Matters or our website for more info and to enroll!

www.musicmatters101.com

Music Matters

11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 631 North Main St., Alpharetta (770) 619-3456 614 W. Crossville Road, Roswell (770) 650-6550 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee (770) 418-2424

www.musicmatters101.com

FREE Private Lesson Or

10% off of Group Lesson Enrollment *For new students only. Applied to account upon enrollment. Does not apply to previous purchases. May not apply at all locations, please see store for complete details. www.footprintspublishing.com 33

CUTTING Fuel Costs If you are trying to save money for the holidays, one area that can help is watching your fuel costs. Here are a few tips to help reduce your gasoline expenses.

Dents | Dings | Hail Damage

What is in your car that shouldn’t be? Do you still have your beach chairs and summer luggage rack attached? Any extra items stored in or on your car affect the amount of gas you use, and luggage racks also create wind resistance. Lessen your car’s load by removing the extra “things” inside and outside of your car. If you can carpool and use the double occupancy lane, it is a win-win for both you and your friend. Carpooling saves money on gas, and wear and tear on your vehicle. It should go without saying that you should use the right grade of gasoline. Most cars run fine on regular. Also, check the price at competing pumps. Sometimes driving a half-mile away can save you a few pennies to 10 percent per gallon, which adds up. Don’t top off your gas tank. The gasoline needs some room to expand in the tank, and the extra vapors can be emitted back into the environment if you keep trying to get to an even number on the pump. Make sure your fuel cap is on tight, too. Keep your car on its proper maintenance schedule. Having your tires properly inflated and aligned can reduce your gas usage. Most cars don’t need to idle anymore. It is a waste of gas at zero miles per gallon. If the weather is good, keep the car windows up and the A/C off, opting instead for the flow-through ventilation. Again, keeping the windows down will create wind resistance and drag. Reports vary, but using the A/C or heat can increase gasoline consumption by 13 to 21 percent. If you can convince your boss to let you telecommute one day a week for the month of December, you will save money on gas that you can use for purchasing gifts online versus driving to a store. Finally, gas cards and gift certificates for ding/dent removal and interior/ exterior detailing make great holiday gifts for friends and family members. These simple gifts will help keep your car looking and running like new!

$25 OFF For My North Fulton Monthly Readers

One per visit. Expires 12/31/2012

Some information was taken from the California Energy Commission, www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/consumer_tips/index.html

Suzanne Taylor is the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dent Company and a monthly columnist for My Community Monthly magazines.

BOXING VS. Traditional Exercise by Diron Bates, NASM CPT Have you ever wondered how boxing compares to traditional exercise? Here is what I’ve found. Most people have done some form of cardiovascular exercise. To put it simply, cardio is exercise that elevates your heart Diron Bates has been a fitness instructor for six years, teaching rate and, over time, can increase personal training, small-group personal the strength of your heart and training, and boxing at Title Boxing lungs and burn unwanted body Club in Johns Creek. (678) 620-3623, fat. Low-intensity cardio keeps dbates@titleboxingclub.com your heart rate at approximately 45 to 60 percent of your maximum heart rate and can help a 150-pound individual burn approximately 550 calories per hour. High-intensity cardio is 75 to 85 percent of your maximum

heart rate and can burn an average of 950 calories for that same 150-pound person. Though this form of cardio is extremely enticing, it also can be mentally stressful, repetitive and difficult for the average person to consistently do over time. You generally do not burn an impressive amount of calories following a typical cardiovascular workout. Resistance training, however, can. Resistance training or weight lifting was first widely adopted by body builders for muscle growth, but it has since proven to have many other benefits as well. One benefit of strength training is that it has the ability of raising your Basal Metabolic Rate by up to 15 percent. That means that someone who burns approximately 2,000 calories a day can burn 300 extra calories every single day. Although 60 minutes of vigorous resistance training (meaning little or no rest between sets) typically burns only 400-475 calories, it has several added benefits. It helps to give you a tighter and more toned mid-section, and builds stronger muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments capable of withstanding stress. Weight training’s after-burn effect lasts up to two hours following a workout and can result in several hundred more calories burned.

“

Instead of juggling your weight-lifting gloves and running shoes, exchange them for hand wraps and boxing gloves two or three times a week to shake up your routine.

”

Boxing is an aggressive professional sport where athletes train vigorously so that they can withstand the punishment that they will receive from their opponents. Emphasizing the fitness aspect of the sport while eliminating combat can eclipse both traditional aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The results are amazing: You can burn up to 1,000 calories during an intense 60-minute heavy bag boxing workout and have an after-burn effect similar to resistance training. You can also expect rock-hard abs, increased cardiovascular benefits, and toned shoulders and legs. What is the secret? Boxing is a mixture of anaerobic and aerobic exercise. This unique combination leads to increased fat burning over the course of several hours. Boxing is both motivating and fun! Most people are surprised by how quickly a one-hour boxing class seems, and women and men alike love the sense of empowerment that it gives them. So, instead of juggling your weight-lifting gloves and running shoes, exchange them for hand wraps and boxing gloves two or three times a week to shake up your routine. After your first class, you will be tired — but happy to also be carrying up to 1,000 calories less. Best of all, you will receive a great workout while also having fun! North Fulton — Alpharetta | december 2012 36 My

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Orthodontic

Practice Or Corporation? by Brett Gluck, DMD, MS, PC Traditionally, when people attend dental school, it is because they would like to treat patients with the tools that they learn, with the patient’s best interests in mind. When they graduate and finish their orthodontic Dr. Brett Gluck is an orthodontic residencies, they traditionally specialist at The Brace Place. You may move to a private practice contact him at (770) 664-6003 or visit setting. Dentistry is basically www.bracedoctor.com. a cottage industry filled with many individual small practitioners who are attempting to find their niche in the profession and develop a practice that suits their personality. This often means they remain in an individual practice that only has one or two dentists running the ship. So, all decisions about the dental welfare of patients are made from one or two dentists who own the business. The great thing about this scenario is that patients can find a dentist or orthodontist who practices in a manner that matches their own personality. Once patients have chosen a dental provider, they can continue that relationship often for many years, because many dentists and orthodontists will keep their private practice until they retire. Of course, good things sometimes come to an end. The small business of dentistry and orthodontics is becoming less prevalent as Wall Street makes its mark on the profession. More and more often, investors are funding corporate dentistry — establishing multi-office dental corporations and hiring multiple dentists. So, instead of the dentists and orthodontists deciding patients’ best treatment based on clinical experience and education, corporate executives are controlling dental care and making decisions with the bottom line in mind rather than patients’ best interests. Many of these dental and orthodontic “employees” are happy to have a job at first, but soon find that the corporate model in dentistry contradicts what is taught in dental school. As a result, many leave the corporate dental offices to start their own practice. This means that the dentist or orthodontist treating you at the corporate office may not be the same one you saw during your previous visit. New dentists or orthodontists are continually re-acquainting themselves with your particular situation, which can impede proper treatment and results. continued on page 75 North Fulton — Alpharetta | december 2012 38 My

TIPS FROM SIP

4 Steps To Tasting Wine by Foster Smith The main purpose of tasting wine is to determine the level of quality, to see if it “tastes good.” While “taste” is a very personal determination, an organized tasting will teach you more about wine and deepen your appreciation of winemakers. It is easiest to begin training the palate by tasting one type of wine, Chardonnay for instance. Select several Chardonnays representing different regions and styles. Taste them using these four sensory steps to tasting wine: appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste. Put the steps together and you have the flavor of the wine. Appearance: Check out the color and clarity. Take a good look at the wine in the glass. Tilt the glass away from you; check the color against a white background. How deep is the color? Intensity of color tells you about ripeness and region. Deep purple suggests a young red; brick color indicates a mature red; orange highlighted reds are high in acid, while blue-black indicates low-acid reds. In whites, pale yellow and greens suggest young wines, while golden wines tend to be more mature or have spent time in an oak barrel. Aroma: Smell is the most important sense when properly analyzing a glass of wine. Swirl the glass for at least 10 seconds to allow the odorous compounds to evaporate. Sniff the wine to get your first impression. The molecules that are released when you swirl the wine will travel to a small patch of tissue that is the sensory organ for smelling. Swirl again, taking in the aroma once more. What do you smell — oak, berry, flowers, vanilla or citrus? A wine’s aroma tells a lot about its quality and unique characteristics. Taste: We can smell thousands of unique scents, but we only taste five things: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. The rest of our perception of flavor comes from interaction with other senses. We sense sweetness on the tip of our tongues. Saltiness is just past the tip. Acidic sourness hits the sides of the tongue, while bitter is detected in the back of the tongue. Umami is a sensation of savory, which in wine can express the “body of the wine.” Saltiness is rare in wines, but the other four tastes are represented in different levels. Finally, take a small sip of the wine and let it roll around your continued on page 75 www.footprintspublishing.com

Photo courtesy of Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau

JOHNS CREEK Community — Home

by Michelle Martin, editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com

Sport Clips (9775 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite E, Johns Creek) recently opened a new location in Johns Creek. All Sport Clips locations offer the “MVP Treament,” which includes sports TV programming, a relaxing neck and shoulder massage, legendary steamed towel treatment, and a great haircut from Guy-Smart stylists who specialize in men and boys’ hair care. No appointment is necessary. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. (678) 584-2547, www.haircutmenjohnscreekga.com

The Tutoring Center (8465 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 670, Johns Creek) recently opened in Johns Creek. The mission of The Tutoring Center is to help children develop stronger academic skills in reading, math and writing; develop better concentration, focus and attention span; gain more confidence and motivation; and develop stronger test-taking and study skills. The program is based on the “Rotational Approach to Learning™” and “One-to-One Instruction™.” Academic areas include “Little Geniuses in Training” kindergarten program; reading (grades K-3 and grades 4-12); writing; math (grades K-8); Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra II; and Academic Honors Program (Enrichment). All instructors hold a bachelor, master or doctoral degree, and many have additional professional credentials in a variety of fields. (770) 927-4577, www.tutoringcenter.com

Fashion Show Benefits CURE Childhood Cancer The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours hosted its fourth-annual fashion show recently at Belk department store at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway in Norcross. The event was a fundraiser for CURE Childhood Cancer and featured fashions from Belk that were modeled by members of Leadership Johns Creek. Belk supports CURE Childhood Cancer through the sale of $5 vouchers to Belk’s annual charity sales held in the spring and fall. The $5 vouchers allowed customers to get great buys on rarely discounted merchandise and also receive a $5 credit toward charity sale purchases. Last year, Belk’s charity sales raised more than $10 million for participating charities. Karyn Greer from 11 Alive News served as emcee of the fashion show. Salon services were provided by Salon Doremi and Roosers; music by DJ Rob_E; and refreshments by Sinless Margaritas and Trader Joes.

40 My North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012

COMMUNITY Symphony Orchestra Receives Grant

The Johns Creek Foundation recently made a $5,000 donation to the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO). The donation allowed the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s grant from JCSO to the Johns Creek Foundation give a free performance at the Johns Creek Arts Festival, held recently at the fields at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. “The JCSO is honored to have the support of the Johns Creek Foundation, and make possible our ability to bring to the community some of the world’s greatest music performed by some of the greater metro area’s best professional musicians,” said J. Wayne Baughman, director of the JCSO. “The Johns Creek Foundation recognizes the need for great culture and art as an enhancement to the quality of life here in Johns Creek. We are delighted that we can play a major role in delivering these rich musical experiences to all of our area citizens.” The Johns Creek Foundation seeks to promote excellence in the quality of life for the citizens and business of Johns Creek by encouraging and directing financial support to endeavors that enhance recreational and cultural growth, and strengthen Johns Creek’s unique community identity and spirit. Representative Lynne Riley (GA House District 50, Johns Creek), who also serves as treasurer of the Johns Creek Foundation, said, “On behalf of the Johns Creek Foundation Board, we value the presence of arts in the Johns Creek community and are pleased that we can have an opportunity to assist in bringing this performance to the residents.”

The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is comprised of professional musicians from the greater Metro Atlanta area. Most members have graduate degrees or artist diplomas in performing arts from the nation’s leading institutions of higher learning, and many have received additional training in Berlin, London, Rome, Salzburg, Vienna and other leading European music centers. In April 2007, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra was officially incorporated as a Georgia nonprofit performing arts organization.

GNFCC Partners in ‘Can Do Good’ Competition The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s (GNFCC) Education Committee partnered with Fulton County School District, North Point Mall, and Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood architectural firm to present the first “Can Do Good” event in Georgia, held recently at the Center Court of North Point Mall.

Students from Alpharetta High School, Cambridge High School, Centennial High School, Independence High School, Johns Creek High School, North Springs Charter High School, Northview High School, Roswell High School, and other area private schools competed in the “Can Do Good” design competition. Students were challenged with building imaginative structures from canned foods and other non-perishable foods, and were judged based on creativity, stability and difficulty. The winning schools were Johns Creek High School, 1st place and Viewers’ Choice Award winner; Chrysalis Experiential Academy, 2nd place; and Independence High School, 3rd place. Thousands of canned foods were used in the competition. All nonperishable foods used in the competition were donated to North Fulton Community Charities.

In addition to its donation to the JCSO, the Johns Creek Foundation has helped raise more than $100,000 in six years to support the Johns Creek community, including the summer arts camp at Johns Creek Arts Center; the Ceremony of HOPE at the Johns Creek Relay for Life; and many others. The mission of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is to bring the citizens of Johns Creek and surrounding communities the world’s greatest symphonic music performed at the highest possible artistic level.

Students from Johns Creek High School assemble their winning design, based on Six Flags Over Georgia, in the “Can Do Good” competition. www.footprintspublishing.com 41

S C H O O L

Private & Charter Schools

Montessori School of Alpharetta

Amana Academy

Montessori Unlimited Medlock Bridge Montessori School

(678) 624-0989, www.amanaacademy.org

(770) 667-1277, www.montessori.com

(770) 623-1965, www.montessori.com

Clear Springs Christian Academy

Mount Pisgah Christian School

(770) 475-8963, www.csbcga.com

(678) 336-3300, www.experiencepisgah.org

Cresco Montessori

Nesbit Ferry Montessori School

(678) 381-0020, www.crescomontessori.com

Fulton Science Academy Charter High (770) 475-3223, www.fsahigh.org

(770) 552-8454, www.montessori.com

Perimeter School (678) 405-2300, www.perimeterschool.com

Holy Redeemer Catholic School

Primrose School of Jones Bridge

(770) 410-4056, www.hrcatholicschool.org

(770) 664-8911, www.primroseschools.com

Legacy Academy

Woodward Academy-North Campus

(678) 624-2234, www.lookatlegacy.org

(404) 765-4490, www.woodward.edu

Public Schools Elementary Schools Abbotts Hill Elementary

5575 Abbotts Bridge Road Johns Creek 30097 (770) 667-2860 www.fultonschools.org/school/abbottshill/ Principal: Roytunda Stabler

Barnwell Elementary

9425 Barnwell Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 552-4960 www.barnwellelementary.org Principal: Norman Sauce

Dolvin Elementary

10495 Jones Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 740-7020 www.dolvin.org Principal: Laura Zoll

Findley Oaks Elementary

5880 Findley Chase Drive Johns Creek 30097 (770) 497-3800 www.fultonschools.org/school/findleyoaks Principal: Leonard Forti

Fulton County School District: www.fultonschools.org | (404) 768-3600 Ocee Elementary

River Trail Middle

Shakerag Elementary

Taylor Road Middle

4375 Kimball Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 667-2960 www.oceeotters.weebly.com Principal: Deborah Pernice

10795 Rogers Circle Johns Creek 30097 (770) 497-3860 www.rivertrailmiddleschool.org Principal: Dawn Melin

10885 Rogers Circle Johns Creek 30097 (770) 497-3880 www.shakeragelementary.com Principal: Martin Neuhaus

5150 Taylor Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 740-7090 www.trms.ga.net Principal: Ed Williamson

State Bridge Crossing Elementary 5530 State Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 497-3850 www.statebridgecrossing.com Principal: J.E. “Trey” Martin

Chattahoochee High 5230 Taylor Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 521-7600 www.chattcougar.com Principal: Tim Duncan

Wilson Creek Elementary 6115 Wilson Road Johns Creek 30097 (770) 497-3811 www.wilsoncreekelementary.com Principal: Andrea Cushing

Johns Creek High

Middle Schools

5575 State Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 623-2138 www.johnscreekhs.net Principal: Buck Greene

Autrey Mill Middle

Northview High

Medlock Bridge Elementary

10215 Medlock Bridge Pkwy. Johns Creek 30022 (770) 623-2980 www.fultonschools.org/school/medlockbridge Principal: Tiffany Hutchens

Northwood Elementary

10200 Wooten Road, Roswell (770) 552-6390 www.northwoodelementary.com Principal: Ritu Ahuja

4110 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek 30022 (770) 521-7622 www.fultonschools.org/school/autreymill Principal: Jimmy Zoll

2012 — 2013 Calendar at a Glance December 20–31, January 1–3 January 4 January 21

High Schools

Winter Break Teacher Workday School Holiday

10625 Parsons Road Johns Creek 30097 (770) 497-3828 www.northviewhigh.com Principal: Paul Brannon

Local Colleges & Universities Georgia Gwinnett College

Lanier Technical College

(678) 407-5000, www.ggc.edu

ITT Technical Institute

(770) 531-6300 www.laniertech.edu

(678) 957-8510 www2.itt-tech.edu/campus/school.cfm

Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: www.fultonschools.org/parent_connect.htm North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012 42 My

Georgia Perimeter College

(678) 240-6000, www.gpc.edu

North Fulton Center of Reinhardt University (770) 720-9191 www.reinhardt.edu

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SCHOOL Wilson Creek Students Win Fire Safety Awards Three Wilson Creek Elementary School students were honored at the 20th Annual Fire Safety Banquet, held recently in Forsyth. Olivia Yang, Cindy Qiu and Sonal Churiwal were recently named as winners in a statewide art competition.

As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commission and the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association sponsored a fire safety tips calendar and poster contest. The contest was an opportunity for Georgia students in grades K-5 to learn about and contribute to fire safety through an art project. The posters had to focus on fire prevention in the home and reflect this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Have 2 Ways Out.” Wilson Creek Elementary’s Olivia Yang won 1st place for the 4thGrade Fire Safety Poster, and Cindy Qiu and Sonal Churiwal won in the Calendar Art Contest. All winners were awarded prizes and were invited to attend the banquet with a guest. The 2013 Fire Safety Tips Calendar will be sent to more than 10,000 schools across Georgia. Wilson Creek Elementary School was the only Fulton County school that received awards.

with their food drive campaign. The Megazzinis’ daughter attends JCHS. Jordan Smith, a teacher at JCHS, got on board with the project and encouraged students, faculty and staff to donate Residents from Doublegate and Johns non-perishable food Creek High School donate to NFCC food during Homecoming bank. week and at the school’s Homecoming football game. Approximately 30 families from the Doublegate subdivision also donated food that following Sunday. Residents from Doublegate delivered the donated food to NFCC in the weeks prior to Thanksgiving. It is common for area food banks to be low just prior to the holiday season due to high demand from area families in need.

Autrey Mill Middle Presents ‘Wooing Wed Widing Hood’

“Sparky,” the Fire Safety Dog, and State Fire Marshall Dwayne Garriss, along with Wilson Creek Elementary art teacher Isabelle Bush, present awards to Wilson Creek Elementary students for their entries in the annual Fire Safety Art contest.

Johns Creek High Supports NFCC Food Drive

Students, faculty and staff at Johns Creek High School (JCHS) recently supported residents of Doublegate neighborhood in a food drive for North Fulton Community Charities’ (NFCC) food bank. The project was initiated by Doublegate’s Ernie Megazzini, who became ill and had to be hospitalized. Residents decided to continue with the food drive and reached out to JCHS to help

North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012 44 My

The Drama Department at Autrey Mill Middle School recently presented “Wooing Wed Widing Hood,” by Charlie Lovett. Under the leadership of Amy Creamer, the talented cast and crew of 6th-, 7th- and 8th-graders told the story of the overworked and ever-patient Little Red (played by Audrey Hirshberg), the youngest daughter of the Hoods, as she is pursued in marriage by the three Princes of Wychwood Under Ooze (played by Brennen Blotner, Travis Clark and Evan Penn). Autrey Mill Middle School’s drama program is in its ninth year, and already has won two state titles for one-act plays “The Audition” and “Dragon of the Winds.”

Send US Your School news:

Michelle Martin, editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com www.footprintspublishing.com

by Michelle Martin

must admit that when my boss told me she would be participating in Cherokee County School District’s “Principal for a Day” program (held last month), I balked at the idea. I couldn’t imagine why she would voluntarily subject herself to all the headaches and hassles that come from overseeing an elementary, middle or high school full of rowdy kids and overworked, underpaid and under-appreciated teachers and staff. Don’t get me wrong; I love kids. Truly. I supported myself in high school and college working as a babysitter, and continued to work in my church nursery as an adult because I missed being around those precious little ones. Being a school principal, though, goes far beyond showing a little TLC to a few kids for a few hours. It also involves paperwork, policy and protocol. And parents. No, thank you! Apparently, I forgot all that by the time my invitation came to participate in Fulton County Schools’ “Principal for a Day” program. What was even more surprising was that I didn’t choose to “play it safe” by requesting an elementary school assignment, which undoubtedly would have involved helping adorable little kids make some sort of artwork with fat crayons, pipe cleaners and Elmer’s glue paste, or leading them in the daily Pledge of Allegiance. No familiar territory for me; I was up for a real challenge. High school! Most people say, if given the chance, they would never return to their high school days. I’ve never understood that. My high school days were some of my favorite times in life. But I realize that high school today is not the high school of my day. High school kids today face so many more pressures, distractions, negative influences, and fears than when I was in high school. And that’s exactly why I chose high school as my “Principal for a Day” stint. I wanted to better understand what my 17-yearold stepson experiences day in and day out, although I suspected my role as acting principal would be more about administration and less about the kids. Still, stepping into the principal’s shoes, so to speak, would allow me to see firsthand what goes on in a typical day at the average Georgia high school. My assigned school was Chattahoochee High School, where Tim Duncan has served as principal since 2003 and was named Principal of the Year in 2008 by the Georgia Parent Teacher Student Association. As a Blue Ribbon school and Georgia School of Excellence, Chattahoochee High has built a

46 My North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012

reputation on academic success — offering traditional subjects along with interrelated resources and English for Speakers of Other Languages classes for students who demonstrate need; honors courses; a Talented and Gifted program; Career and Technical Education classes; and an award-winning Arts program that includes band, dramatic arts, and visual arts. The school is ranked 9th in the state for the highest reported SAT scores, with an average score of 1674.

As I think back on my day with Principal Duncan, I can’t figure out where all the time went. A quick walk through the halls before the first class; morning announcements; a few administrative issues to deal with; meetings; classroom visits. I’m sure Principal Duncan also wonders where the school day goes — except his school day typically begins at 5 a.m. and doesn’t end until late into the night, depending on meetings and after-school activities. Being a high school principal is a commitment similar to being a parent. The school is your home; the teachers and staff, your spouse; and the students, your children. It’s a delicate balance, for sure, for those principals like Principal Duncan who have their own family at home. At the end of the day, what matters most to school principals and essentially all educators is having a positive impact on students. The same was true for me as the acting principal at Chattahoochee High. While I didn’t have much opportunity to interact with the students, I did have the pleasure of meeting

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I had a feeling, based upon their proven history of meeting if not exceeding expectations, that the students of Chattahoochee High would be wise beyond their years. Focused. Responsible. Disciplined. As I walked the halls with Principal Duncan, I noticed a casual and calm attitude among the students. They didn’t scatter hurriedly or look wide-eyed in fear of Principal Duncan. There was no running through the hallways, shoving other kids, kicking the lockers, or shouting down the halls to their friends. It was much the same in the classrooms, with most kids getting to their seats before the bell rang and raising their hands rather than simply shouting out the answer to a question. Best of all, the kids seemed genuinely interested in learning. I’m not naïve enough to think that these kids never cause trouble for Principal Duncan and the rest of the Chattahoochee High staff. They are still teenagers, after all. But on this particular day, the biggest problem I observed was a dress code violation.

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a special young man named Jake (name changed for privacy issues). Principal Duncan explained to me before we sat at the lunch table with Jake — who was eating with Coach Terry Crowder and Media Specialist Dale Folkins, as he does every day — that Jake is Autistic. I’ve had some experience with Autistic kids, so I understood Jake’s routine with the Hershey’s Kisses that he has with his lunch every day. To my surprise, Jake offered to share one of his Hershey’s Kisses with me. I did not take this gesture lightly, but I politely declined because I knew Jake would enjoy it much more than I. Jake and I had a lovely conversation over lunch about his favorite subjects (science and math), his interest in Lego Bionicles (especially drawing them), his experience on the sidelines at one of the school’s recent football games, and his Halloween costume. My conversation with Jake was so natural and relaxed that his Autism was hardly noticeable. I wished for Jake to have conversations like this with his classmates — to have as normal of a high school experience as possible — but was heartbroken to learn that he sat alone every day at lunch before Coach Crowder befriended him. I can only imagine the gratitude that Jake’s parents feel to Coach Crowder and any others at Chattahoochee High who have taken a special interest in Jake and have helped to enrich his life. I doubt that my interaction with Jake had much impact on his day, but I assure you that Jake made a lasting impression on me. The lesson in friendship and acceptance through meeting Jake was my greatest reward of being Chattahoochee High School’s “Principal for a Day.” www.footprintspublishing.com 47

Northview High School

North Fulton â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Johns Creek | december 2012 48 My

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? S U H T I W E S I T R E V D A WHY

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CITY HALL

Neighborly Wishes For A Happy 2013 by Mayor Mike Bodker It is an honor this year to be able to wish all our North Fulton communities a very happy holiday season. The City of Johns Creek, though always happy to engage in a little rivalry, counts itself fortunate to call northeast Fulton home. It seems every month one of our cities is named to a national list of “best places.” I think that is no mistake, and thank all of our elected leaders for keeping the bar so high in providing excellence in community development, public works, recreation, education and public service.

As we wind down 2012, I think it is a fitting time to both count our blessings and work toward better times ahead. With an economy struggling to regain some footing, it is a joy to see the outpouring of support in our community for those Mike Bodker is the mayor of Johns organizations helping others in Creek. You may contact him at need. In Johns Creek we are mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov. particularly proud of our police and fire departments. The JCPD continues to be a leading supporter of Special Olympics Georgia, while the JCFD continues its support of the Georgia Burn Foundation. As our neighbors to the north cope with the devastating aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, businesses, schools and churches across our city and across North Fulton have provided an outpouring of support.

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Looking toward 2013, I hope we continue to build strong relationships across our borders. While we all take great pride in our own communities, as we should, we also share many bonds here in North Fulton that make us one. On behalf of the Council, the businesses, and the citizens of the City of Johns Creek, it is my pleasure to wish you all a blessed and bountiful New Year. North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012 50 My

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HOME SECURITY Tips by Michael Buckner

Security systems are in more than 100 million homes across the country. If properly installed and used regularly, a home security system can be there for you when you really need it. Many homeowners, however, either don’t use their Michael Buckner is the owner of Audio system or have a system that Intersection, located at 631 E. Main doesn’t protect as well as it Street, Canton. For more information should. Your home security on any of his monthly columns, for system can be used for much questions or to set up an appointment, call (770) 479-1000. more beyond just security; in fact, it can control many different features of your home. Many people today have a security system that is full of “cracks.” For example, the $99 special that a popular company sells includes only two doors and one motion sensor. For most

North Fulton — Johns Creek | december 2012 52 My

houses, this is not a suitable system. If you have an alarm, do tests regularly to make sure all points of entry are protected and that the monitoring company’s actually call back when you intentionally set it off. We program our clients’ systems to dial into the monitoring station every 30 days to “check in” and let us know it’s still communicating. Make sure your alarm does this. Also, make sure you have smoke detectors that are hooked up to your security system. This is not only a smart idea but also will give you an extra break on your homeowner’s policy. What is most fun for me are the cool things we can control in your home through your security system. For example, arming the system can also turn off the lights and lower the thermostat in your home. Another added security feature is making the exterior lights flash when the alarm is set off. If the fire alarm is set off, the system can be programmed to illuminate the paths from the bedrooms to the exits or the entire home if desired. Also, instead of just calling the monitoring company, we can make your alarm system send you a text or email alert so that you know the minute something has happened. continued on page 75

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Photo courtesy of Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau

ROSWELL Community — Home

by Michelle Martin, editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com

CoreMatters (1144 Canton St., Suite 104, Roswell) held its grand opening recently. The private fitness studio offers personal training and small group classes focused on improving core strength, balance, nutrition, bio-mechanics, and a mind/body connection to improve quality of life. CoreMatters also offers sports-specific training in golf, tennis, lacrosse and soccer; women’s self-defense workshops; yoga; Chi running and walking; and much more. In addition, the “21-Day Fat-Loss Challenge” is a small group personal training class that meets three days a week for three weeks. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (404) 435-6367, www.ourcorematters.com

A new fitness center at Roswell Adult Recreation Center (830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell) recently was dedicated to Fred Williams, former chairman of the Roswell Recreation Commission. Williams served on the commission for 24 years, with 18 as chairman. The new 2,500-square-foot fitness center includes a new gym; three private showers; a locker room; and a private room for personal training, stretching and massage therapy. The new gym also features upgraded cardio and strength training machines, a stretching area and closed circuit TVs. The center is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

“Christmas in Roswell” is a special holiday guide produced by the Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The guide showcases the many different holiday-themed events happening throughout the month of December in Roswell, including special events and promotions at local attractions, shops, restaurants, entertainment, arts and cultural centers, etc. The brochure is available at the Roswell Visitors Center at 617 Atlanta St., Roswell, and via download at www.visitroswellga.com.

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood has issued a statement following the recent election. The message, titled “Roswell’s Future is Bright,” reads as follows: On November 6, two-thirds of Roswell voted to approve the City’s borrowing $14.7 million. [On November 7], I directed staff to begin the work to be funded by this loan — 400/Holcomb Bridge Road interchange improvements ($6 million); multi-purpose trails along Holcomb Bridge and Eves roads ($2.7 million); four athletic turf fields for our children ($2 million); a therapeutic pool for our seniors ($2.5 million); and replacement of the old fire station on Holcomb Bridge Road ($1.5 million). Despite a struggling economy and vocal opposition, the voters of Roswell approved these investments by a wide margin in every precinct across the City. The regional sales tax for transportation failed to pass earlier this year because the voters of Metro Atlanta lacked confidence in government. The two-third’s vote in favor of Roswell borrowing $14.7 million was a vote of confidence in our City government and city council. Our nation may face difficult challenges and a divided electorate, but Roswell’s voters are united and our future is bright. Thank you for your vote of confidence in the City of Roswell. Jere Wood, Mayor of Roswell

56 My North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012

COMMUNITY enAble of Georgia Inc. Appoints New CEO

enAble of Georgia, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with special needs and their families, has named Harry Stern as its new CEO. Stern is responsible for leading the organization as it expands its range of services to a wider audience of potential clients, including adults with physical disabilities; seniors; youths with developmental Harry Stern, CEO of and physical disabilities; and others with enAble of Georgia special needs, as well as their families. Stern has nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and development. Most recently, he served as director of Global Development for the WellStar College of Health and Human Services at Kennesaw State University (KSU). Prior to his work at KSU, Stern was executive director of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta for 15 years. Stern also has held leadership positions with major nonprofits in Washington, D.C., San Diego and New York City, and has worked as a consultant to organizations and government agencies worldwide regarding inclusive approaches for persons with disabilities. He holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in social welfare from Columbia University in New York. “We are delighted to have an individual of Harry’s caliber in the top leadership role for enAble,” said Vicki Gordon, chair of enAble’s board of directors. “His experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding our organization as we broaden its scope in providing top-quality, comprehensive support to individuals in the Atlanta community who need help living a fulfilled lifestyle.” enAble of Georgia Inc., based in Roswell, provides residential, in-home and day-service programs for adults and adolescents with special needs and their families. Founded in 1979, enAble is a 501(c)(3) organization and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Roswell Recreation and Parks Dept. Receives National Recognitions

The Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Dept. has received two national recognitions from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Roswell was selected as a 2012 NRPA Gold Medal Finalist; this is the second year Roswell was named as a Gold Medal Finalist in the category of cities with a population of 50,001 to 100,000. The Gold Medal Award honors

agencies that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and service to the community. Roswell also was acknowledged for its 10-year re-accreditation. The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) recognizes agencies for excellence in operation and service. To become CAPRA certified, an agency must complete an evaluation of 142 standards. CAPRA accreditation is a five-year cycle that includes three phases: development of the agency self-assessment report, the on-site visitation, and the commission’s review and decision. “Either of these two honors would be great for any department to achieve. But for our Recreation and Parks Department to achieve both of these high honors in the same year speaks volumes to the dedication of each and every staff member,” said Jerry Orlans, the city council liaison for the Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Dept.

Roswell Recreation and Parks Department receives National Recognitions.

Roswell Resident Wins YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year Award

Jim Pritchett of Roswell was named 2012 Volunteer of the Year by YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Pritchett was recognized for his service at YMCA Camp High Harbour. He received the award during the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s annual volunteer recognition dinner, held recently at Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. “Jim has a passion to promote the Y in any way he can,” said Ken O’Kelley, executive director of Camp High Harbour. “He utilizes his community connections to strengthen the board and promote projects for campers to enjoy. He makes our more on page 58 programs a success, and he truly is a stellar volunteer.” www.footprintspublishing.com 57

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COMMUNITY

NFCC Delivers Warm Coats to Local Families

Pritchett has been a board member ever since his children first attended YMCA Camp High Harbour on Lake Burton. He helped to develop the Y’s resident camp at Lake Allatoona, which expanded the number of young people who can participate in camp programs. “The new camp at Lake Allatoona is a blessing,” Pritchett said. “A lot of work has gone into making it a great place for the kids, which is our priority. The Y places such importance on youth, and it makes my service that much more rewarding.”

North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) recently distributed 1,228 warm coats and jackets to local families. The coats and jackets were donated by local families during recent weeks.

More than 300 volunteers helped sort, hang and act as personal shoppers for the coat event. Nimble Fingers and Hooks & Sticks hand knitted 1,500 caps and mittens, which were distributed as well. Jim Waddell’s Chic-fil-A store provided lunch, while the Malon D Mimms Co. provided the space for the distribution site. Jim Pritchett, YMCA Volunteer of the Year

In addition to his volunteer work for the YMCA, Pritchett is director of operations at Balfour Beatty Construction and treasurer of the Atlanta Auburn Building Science Committee.

Roswell Rotary Visits WWII Memorial

Roswell Rotary recently hosted local WWII veterans following the club’s recent Honor Bill Rowe shares his experience visiting the WWII Air trip to Memorial with the Roswell Rotary’s Honor Air trip. Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial. The luncheon included a presentation highlighting various points of the trip, allowing veterans and rotary members to share personal stories from the experience. Andreas Hansen, an exchange student from Denmark who is sponsored by the Roswell Rotary, shared how participating in this trip gave him a new perspective of Americans and appreciation for the patriotism of American soldiers.

Coldbrew, Schorr Good Win Chili Cook-Off

The Clay Collective, a booster club for Art Center West, and the City of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Dept. recently hosted the thirdannual Chili Cook-Off at Leita Thompson Memorial Park. The competition Georgia Public Broadcasting, 3rd place featured 24 local winners in the professional division of amateur and professional Roswell’s Chili Cook-Off participants, including local business owners and professional chefs. Members of The Clay Collective created hundreds of handmade ceramic bowls that were offered to each paid entry. In addition, the staff at Art Center West created large ornate bowls as prizes for the three winners of both divisions. The chili cook-off also featured pottery activities, tree-climbing workshops, hayrides, an inflatable bounce house, and live music. The winners of the professional division for the 2012 Chili CookOff were Coldbrew Sports Bar and Grill, 1st place; Metalhead Chili, 2nd place; and Georgia Public Broadcasting, 3rd place. Amateur winners were Schorr Good, 1st place; Sudha Raheja, 2nd place; and Tom’s Backyard BBQ, 3rd place.

Send US Your Community news:

Michelle Martin, editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012 58 My

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S C H O O L

Private & Charter Schools The Atlanta Academy

High Meadows School

(678) 461-6102, www.atlantaacademy.com

(770) 993-2940, www.highmeadows.org

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

King’s Ridge Christian School

Cottage School

Legacy Academy

(678) 277-9083, www.btcatholic.org

(770) 641-8688, www.cottageschool.org

Chrysalis Experiential Academy

(770) 754-5738, www.kingsridgecs.org (678) 624-2234, www.lookatlegacy.org

Mill Springs Academy

(770) 649-7077, www.chrysalisexp.org

(770) 360-1336, www.millsprings.org

Eaton Academy

(770) 645-2673, www.eatonacademy.org

Fellowship Christian Academy/ High School K4-5th Grade (770) 992-4975 Grades 6-12 (770) 993-1650 www.fellowshipchristianschool.org

Porter School (770) 594-1313, www.porterschool.com

Queen of Angels Catholic School (770) 518-1804, ext. 104, www.qaschool.org

Swift School

Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary (770) 410-1500

(678) 205-4988, www.swiftschool.com

Village Montessori School (770) 552-0834, www.vmschool.com

Public Schools Fulton County School District: www.fultonschools.org | (404) 768-3600 Northwood Elementary

Elementary Schools

10200 Wooten Road, Roswell (770) 552-6390 www.northwoodelementary.com Principal: Ritu Ahuja

Esther Jackson Elementary 1400 Martin Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 594-5290 Principal: Constance Coles

Hillside Elementary

9250 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-6362 Principal: John Anderson (Interim)

High Schools

Roswell North Elementary

Milton High

10525 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-6320 Principal: Kindra Smith

13025 Birmingham Highway Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 740-7000 Principal: Cliff Jones

Sweet Apple Elementary

Roswell High

Middle Schools

Other Centers

Crabapple Middle

Crossroads Second Chance North Campus

12025 Etris Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 643-3310 Principal: Natalie Richman

Mimosa Elementary 1550 Warsaw Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-4540 Principal: Lynn Johnson

Mountain Park Elementary

11595 King Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4500 Principal: Jerome Huff

10700 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4520 Principal: Nathan Buhl

11895 Mountain Park Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-4530 Principal: Stacy Perlman

2012 — 2013 Calendar at a Glance December 20–31, January 1–3 January 4 January 21

12805 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 (770) 667-2870 Principal: Jasmine Kullar

9000 Eves Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 552-4550 Principal: Neil Pinnock

815 Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 667-2902 Principal: Kalpana Raju

Winter Break Teacher Workday School Holiday

Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: www.fultonschools.org/parent_connect.htm North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012 60 My

11290 Elkins Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 667-2892 Principal: Melinda Springman

Northwestern Middle

River Eves Elementary

Hembree Springs Elementary

Elkins Pointe Middle

791 Mimosa Boulevard Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 552-6333 Principal: Dr. Scott O’Prey

Local Colleges & Universities Georgia Perimeter College (404) 413-7878, www.gpc.edu

North Fulton Center of Reinhardt University

The Art Institute of Atlanta

(770) 720-9191 www.reinhardt.edu

Strayer University

University of Phoenix Atlanta Campus

(770) 394-8300, artinstitutes.edu (770) 650-3000, strayeru.com

(678) 731-0555, www.phoenix.edu

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SCHOOL Crabapple Middle Dad’s Club Tailgate

The Dad’s Club at Crabapple Middle School (CMS) came together for some tailgating fun before the Roswell High vs. Cherokee High football Tailgating with the Dad’s Club game. Fred Barth, Rich Barrett and Barney Bucy, along with other members of the Dads Club, grilled hot dogs and burgers while the kids played. The Dad’s Club has approximately 130 members, who help out around the school by serving as hall monitors, carpool attendants, campus beautification projects, and general handyman chores. “It’s great to be part of the community. The Dad’s Club gives me a way to stay involved,” said Fred Barth, a CMS father and chief grill master at the tailgate.

Elkins Pointe Student Raises Money for Classmate

Veena Jaipradeep, a student at Elkins Pointe Middle School, has raised more than $1,500 for classmate Trenton Harris, who has battled leukemia. Although she barely knows Trenton Harris other than passing him in the hallways, Jaipradeep worked together with her family and friends to raise the money. The Harris family was amazed and inspired by Jaipradeep’s support.

Veena Jaipradeep, second from right, raised money to support classmate Trenton Harris, third from right. Also pictured are Trenton’s family and EPMS Principal Springman and Assistant Principal Cassidy.

worked with the school’s Environmental Club to increase environmental awareness among students and staff.

“Julie Burroughs Appreciation Day” honored the environmental work of the Centennial High teacher.

The proclamation praises Burroughs’ leadership in creating the school’s new outdoor classroom, which resulted in a National Wildlife Habitat Certification. The proclamation also cited the volume of recyclable products the Centennial Environmental Club has collected over the past five years: 13,000 plastic bottles (4,000 last year); 55,000 pounds of paper (18,500 last year); and 14,000 cans of paint (7,000 last year). The proclamation also cites Burroughs’ participation in the annual “Bring One for the Chipper” program and many cleanups of the Chattahoochee River.

Holcomb Bridge Middle Hosts Hustle 5k

Holcomb Bridge Middle School (HBMS) partnered with the Kyle Pease Foundation for the second-annual Holcomb Bridge Hustle 5K. The Kyle Pease Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides sports-participation opportunities for persons with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Kyle Pease completed his first triathlon with his two brothers in 2011. The partnership also enabled several HBMS students with disabilities to participate in the 5K race for the first time. The second-annual Holcomb Bridge Hustle 5K started and finished at Holcomb Bridge Middle School. The event included pre- and post-race festivities; an instructor-led stretching and warm-up; DJ entertainment; post-race snacks and beverages; an awards ceremony; corporate sponsor tables from 36 sponsors; and more. More than 400 people participated in the race. All proceeds from the event will benefit academic enrichment activities at the school.

Centennial High Teacher Honored for Environmental Work

The Fulton County Commission honored the environmental work of Centennial High School teacher Julie Burroughs by proclaiming “Julie Burroughs Appreciation Day” recently. Burroughs has 62 My North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012

Holcomb Bridge Middle hosts Hustle 5K.

Roswell High School Photos courtesy of Lifetouch & Prestige Portraits

www.footprintspublishing.com 63

WHAT IS Uveitis? by Edward J. Furey, OD PC

Uveitis is swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina.

Causes, Incidence & Risk Factors Dr. Edward J. Furey specializes in Uveitis can be caused by primary eye care, glaucoma, low vision, autoimmune disorders or geriatrics and is the Center Director exposure to toxins. However, of Furey Family Eye Care. Located at 250 East Crossville Road, Roswell. in many cases the cause is www.fureyfamilyeyecare.com, unknown. The most common (770) 993-5592 form of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which involves inflammation in the front part of the eye. It is often called iritis because it usually only affects the iris, the colored part of the eye. The inflammation may be associated with autoimmune diseases, but most cases occur in

healthy people. The disorder may affect only one eye. It is most common in young and middle-aged people. Posterior uveitis affects the back part of the uvea and involves primarily the choroid, a layer of blood vessels and connective tissue in the middle part of the eye. You may develop this condition if you have had a body-wide infection or if you have an autoimmune disease. Another form of uveitis is pars planitis. This inflammation affects the narrowed area (pars plana) between the colored part of the eye (iris) and the choroid. Pars planitis usually occurs in young men and is generally not associated with any other disease. However, some evidence suggests it may be linked to Crohnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease and possibly Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms & Treatment Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may develop rapidly and can include blurred vision; dark, floating spots in the vision; eye pain; redness of the eye; and sensitivity to light. Treatment options include eye drops that dilate the pupil to relieve pain; steroid eye drops; and dark glasses. Pars planitis is often treated with steroid eye drops. Other medicines, including steroids taken by mouth, may be prescribed to help suppress the immune system. Posterior uveitis treatment depends on the underlying cause, but almost always includes steroids taken orally. Additional specialists in infectious disease or autoimmunity may be needed for such diseases as syphilis, tuberculosis, AIDS, sarcoidosis or Behcet syndrome. If the uveitis is caused by a body-wide infection, treatment may involve antibiotics and powerful anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids. Expectations With proper treatment, most attacks of anterior uveitis go away in a few days to weeks. However, relapses are common. Inflammation related to posterior uveitis may last from months to years and may cause permanent vision damage, even with treatment. Complications Complications can include cataracs; fluid within the retina; glaucoma; retinal detachment; and vision loss. Call for an appointment with your eye care provider if you have symptoms of uveitis. Eye pain or reduced vision requires prompt medical attention.

North Fulton â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Roswell | december 2012 64 My

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YOU

SERVICES: Physicals

If you don t know . . . how will your customers? Contact us to find out who YOU are.

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Screenings including hearing and vision Allergy testing- immunotherapy are NOT shots, rather 100% natural drops administered under the tongue We sell monotomics for better overall-health Manage diseases such as hyper tension, diabetes, asthma and arthritis 11660 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 600 Roswell 30076

(678) 325-6611

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WONDERS Of The World by Jeff Kincaid, DMD, MS The Seven Wonders of the World refers to remarkable constructions of classical antiquity that have been listed by various authors and detail prominent structures, built primarily in the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C. and located around the Eastern Mediterranean rim and Middle Eastern regions that, at the time, represented an area then thought to encompass the “known” world for the Greeks.

LET IT Snow!

by Jill Pollard

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow… You never know if it will snow in Roswell, but just in case, let’s give the kids some ideas other than watching TV for hours while pounding their siblings with pillows. Jill Pollard is director of La O’wn

Dr. Jeff Kincaid is a specialist in orthodontics and owner of Kincaid Orthodontics in Woodstock and Roswell. Visit his website at www.kincaidsmiles.com.

With the rise of Christianity and the factors of time, nature and the hand of man overcoming the original seven wonders, Roman and Christian sites began to figure on the list. Modern historians, working on the premise that the original seven wonders were limited in their geographic scope, developed many different versions based on various themes, such as works of nature, engineering feats, etc. Indeed, today we now must distinguish between the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and those of the modern world. Of the original seven wonders, the only one that remained to the present day is the Great Pyramid of Giza. All the others were destroyed by floods, earthquakes or man. I propose that the same fate will eventually befall the “new” wonders. But, what about us? Why do we not marvel at the majesty and “seven wonders” of the human body? To continue my point, I’ll recount a story that has been told many different ways but draws the same conclusion: A group of students were studying various lists of the Seven Wonders of the World and were challenged to compile their own list. While gathering the responses, the teacher noted that one student hadn’t submitted an answer. The teacher asked the young girl if she had had trouble with her list. The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: to touch, to taste, to see, to hear, to run, to laugh, and to love.” As we go through each day, it is easy to forget the wonders around us. We tend to think of man’s exploits as “wonders” rather than all the wonders God created for man and through continued on page 75 North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012 66 My

Academy, 11575 King Road, Roswell. One of the simplest snow You may reach her at (678) 795-9145 day activities is to fill spray or visit www.laownacademy.com. bottles with colored water (powdered drink mix works best) and simply write in the snow. The children can write messages, make snow mazes, and draw goals for use in some kind of snow game. Another fun use for colored water is to pour it into ice trays and freeze outside overnight. The frozen colored cubes make fun chalk for drawing on the sidewalk or paper.

Another fun game is the Cup of Water relay. Each runner must pull a cup of water that is balanced on a sled to the other end of the yard without spilling it. If you like to make snowmen, don’t make the head and arms right away. Let your kids have some fun standing behind the body of the snowmen, making funny faces and silly gestures with their arms. This makes for a fun photo opportunity. One way to make small snowmen or snowballs is to freeze water overnight in balloons and peel the balloon off the next day. Hang garbage can lids, plastic hangers and Frisbees from tree limbs to serve as targets in snowball-throwing competitions. Children like playing with blocks and Legos, so why not use ice cubes and icicles just like you would building blocks or Legos? If you plan ahead and freeze lots of blocks of ice in different small containers, you will earn extra points for being a fun parent. A simpler game involving melting ice is to put a container of water outside before the big freeze. You can even add some plastic toys to the water for a fun, frozen feature. After a day of exhausting play in the snow, bring the container inside and have the children try to guess how long it will take to thaw. Of course, you can make homemade popsicles by mixing KoolAid or juice and putting it outside to freeze overnight. Grapes and banana slices are also good frozen. Be sure to quarter the grapes so that your child doesn’t choke on them. Now, you’ve got lots of simple ideas for fun in the snow — even if the power goes out. Love and big messes from my house to yours! www.footprintspublishing.com

giving up on Perfect

by Ron Bradley, D. Min. Most of us do everything in our power to give our family and friends the gift of the “perfect” Christmas. We’re not exactly sure what the “perfect” Christmas is, but we relentlessly strive for it every year! In our attempts to create the elusive magical Christmas experience, we run ourselves into the ground emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, and relationally.

Ron Bradley is the pastor at First Baptist Church Roswell. You may contact him at (770) 587-6980 or ron@rfbc.org.

This year, why don’t we give up the idea of creating the “perfect” Christmas and just enjoy a “good” Christmas — not better than last year, or the best Christmas ever? What a difference it would make if we decided to simplify our celebration of Christmas this year and to remember that in all the complexities of life this year, in the unexpected, when life gets tough and/or messy, God shows up! Immanuel! God is with us! In the Bible, the Christmas miracle begins with an unplanned teenage pregnancy with all the problems that would entail. The angel announced to Virgin Mary, “Do not be afraid; you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a Son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Life for the 15-year-old Mary was about to be radically different because she had “found favor with God.” Gospel writer Luke made it clear that being favored by God is not easy, safe or predictable. Often, we have the idea that if we are faithfully following Jesus then life isn’t supposed to get difficult, but it does. This is the first, simple promise of Christmas: knowing that you are favored like Mary and that God desires a relationship with you, regardless of your circumstances. Circumstances may have brought the unexpected to your life this year: sickness, death, divorce, unemployment, etc. Life has a way of getting messy and difficult, but in the midst of your messes, God shows up. No matter what you are struggling to overcome, God promises to be there. Christmas is God’s vivid reminder that amid the uncertainty, God is here to bring you peace, joy and hope. God not only came to us then but also is still here. Remembering that will make Christmas Day and our Christmas celebrations perfect! 68 My North Fulton — Roswell | december 2012

HONORING OUR Local Veterans

by State Senator John Albers Let me begin by thanking my family, campaign team and supporters for another successful election. I am humbled and thrilled to continue my service to you in the Georgia Senate. I will continue to work tirelessly for you and with a sense of urgency to protect, defend and promote the principles of our great state and nation.

Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at (404) 463-8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

In my position, I am fortunate to participate in many wonderful events — from visiting schools to helping celebrate new business openings. I am especially touched while recognizing Eagle Scouts like my son, Will, and overjoyed to welcome soldiers home. I am also a proud member of the Roswell Rotary Club. On October 10, we hosted our 5th Honor Air Flight taking World War II veterans to Washington D.C. Some of those participating had not ever been to Washington D.C. and most had never seen the WWII Memorial that opened in 2004. These men and women represent our “Greatest Generation” and they literally saved the world. I arrived at the Atlanta airport very early to greet the buses of our WWII heroes before their flight to Washington D.C. I enjoyed talking to everyone and meeting the guardians who provided assistance with wheelchairs and other support. Then I saw something that made me swell with pride and emotion. One after another, these amazing heroes stood up and walked through security without assistance. It did not matter if they were 19 or now 91; their pride and determination were as strong as ever. When we arrived at the departure gate, I was asked by several groups to take photos. And just when I thought this day could not get any better, I had the opportunity to talk over the microphone at the gate to the entire group. Once they all were aboard the plane, they each received a letter from me, personally thanking each veteran for his service to our country. As I drove back to my office from the airport, I felt the abundance of thanksgiving. Sometimes my position is very difficult, as it tends to bring irate people and harsh realities. But, the Roswell Rotary Honor Air Flight put everything in perspective. God Bless America!

11605 Haynes Bridge Rd,

(770) 993-8806

Ste. 100, Alpharetta

www.gnfcc.com

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.

American Family Care 12994 Hwy. 9, Milton

Edible Arrangements 13077 Hwy. 9, Suite 610, Milton

Mr. Clean Car Wash & Tide Dry Cleaners 2904 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell

Sam’s Club 10600 Davis Drive, Alpharetta

Upcoming Events Chamber 101 10-11 a.m., December 11, GNFCC Office A one-hour orientation packed full of valuable information for new members and those looking to become a GNFCC member! North Fulton Alliance 7:30-9 a.m., December 12, GNFCC Office This large networking group meets every other Wednesday at the Chamber office. Join us for networking in small groups and be prepared to give a 30-second overview of your business. Lunch Connection 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., December 19, Ippolito’s 2270 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell Don’t miss this great opportunity to introduce yourself to fellow Chamber members and exchange business cards and ideas on improving your visibility.

Johns Creek Alliance 7:30-9 a.m., December 20, Emory Johns Creek Hospital 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek Join us every other Thursday for a powerful networking experience where we emphasize the development of professional relationships! A light breakfast will be served, followed by member presentations, announcements, and giveaways. TAG North Metro 11:30 a.m.-1 pm., December 20, Pampas Steakhouse 10970-D State Bridge Road, Alpharetta TAG North Metro meets the third Thursday of each month. North Fulton Alliance 7:30-9 a.m., December 26, GNFCC Office This large networking group meets every other Wednesday at the Chamber office. Join us for networking in small groups and be prepared to give a 30-second overview of your business. www.footprintspublishing.com 69

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Baptist

Atlanta Street Baptist Church 340 S. Atlanta St., Roswell; (770) 993-9451 www.asbcroswell.com

Bethany Baptist Church 2065 Bethany Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-6748

Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church 1200 Birmingham Rd., Alpharetta; (404) 444-6490 www.boilingspringspbc.org

Bridgeway Church 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 751-1972 www.bridgeway.net

Clear Springs Baptist Church 11575 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (770) 475-9223 www.csbcga.com

Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church 2725 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 664-6863

County Line Baptist Church 430 Strickland Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-9429

Crabapple First Baptist 12760 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta (770) 475-6111 www.crabapplefbc.org

Cross Plains Baptist Church 6500 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta (770) 475-1210

Crosspointe Community Church SBC 77 E. Crossville Rd., Suite 100, Roswell (770) 640-9959 www.crosspointeonline.org

First Baptist Church of Alpharetta 44 Academy St., Alpharetta; (770) 475-6556 www.fbca.com

First Baptist Church of Roswell 710 Mimosa St., Roswell; (770) 587-6980 www.rfbc.org

Gethsemane Garden Missionary Baptist Church 398 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-8232

Hopewell Baptist Church 15730 Hopewell Rd., Roswell; (770) 442-0793

Johns Creek Baptist Church 7500 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta (770) 623-8203 www.jcbc.org

Lebanon Baptist Church 11250 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-3635 www.lebanonbaptist.org

North River Baptist Church 12090 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell; (770) 992-7777 www.northriver.org

North Roswell Baptist Church 112 Prospect St., Roswell; (404) 406-7419 www.northroswellbaptistchurch.webs

Northside Baptist Church 11125 Houze Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-5207 office@northsidechurchroswell.com

70 My North Fulton | december 2012

Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Congregation Gesher L’Torah

725 Pleasant Hill St., Roswell; (770) 993-2707 www.pleasanthillmbc.org

4320 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 777-4009 www.gltorah.org

Parkway Baptist Church 5975 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (770) 476-4441 www.parkway-baptist.org

Providence Baptist Church

Messianic Judaism Congregation Beth Hallel

20075 Providence Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-3627

950 Pine Grove Rd., Roswell; (770) 641-3000 www.bethhallel.org

Vision Baptist Church

Light of Messiah Ministries

1125 Alpha Dr., Alpharetta; (770) 456-5881 www.visionbaptist.com

990 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Suite 4, Roswell (770) 642-4706 www.lightofmessiah.org

Willeo Baptist Church SBC 990 Willeo Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-5189 www.willeobaptist.org

Reform Judaism

Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Temple Beth Tikvah

888 Zion Circle, Roswell; (770) 993-8587 www.zionmbc.org

9955 Coleman Rd., Roswell; (770) 642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com

Catholic Epiphany Byzantine Catholic Church 2030 Old Alabama Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-0973

St. Andrew’s Catholic Church

Temple Kehillat Chaim-Reform 1145 Green St., Roswell; (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org

Lutheran

675 Riverside Rd., Roswell; (770) 641-9720

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church

St. Benedict Catholic Church

4655 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-0640 www.cts.org

11045 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek; (770) 442-5903 www.stbenedict.net

Cross of Life Lutheran Church ELCA Roswell

St. Brigid Catholic Church

1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell; (770) 475-9159 www.crossoflifelutheran.org

3400 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek (678) 393-0060 www.saintbrigid.org

Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA

St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church

5390 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta (770) 740-1279 www.lord-life.org

11330 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; (678) 277-9424 www.stpeterchanel.org

Messiah Lutheran Church – WELS

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 535 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-4501 www.sta.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

4765 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 751-9357 www.messiahlutheran.ws

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 10250 Haynes Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 475-4250 www.poplcalpharetta.org

Alpharetta/Roswell Ward

The River Church

500 Norcross St.; (770) 640-7357 Spanish: (770) 640-0531

501 S. Main St., Suite 101, Alpharetta (678) 860-0971 www.wadeintheriver.org

Episcopal St. Aidans Episcopal Church 13560 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 521-0207 www.staidans.org

St. David’s Episcopal Church 1015 Old Roswell Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-6084 www.stdavidchurch.org

Judaism Chabad of North Fulton 10180 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 410-9000 www.chabadnf.org

Congregation Dor Tamid 11165 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek; (770) 623-8860 www.dortamid.org

Methodist Alpharetta First United Methodist Church 69 North Main St., Alpharetta; (770) 475-5576 www.afumc.org

Birmingham United Methodist 15560 Birmingham Hwy., Alpharetta (678) 942-1600 www.birminghamumc.org

Christ United Methodist Church 1340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-3945 roswellchristumc@yahoo.com www.christchurchumc.org

Ebenezer United Methodist Church 12900 Hwy. 140, N., Roswell; (770) 640-7287 www.ebenezerumc-roswell.org

Johns Creek United Methodist Church

Grace North Atlanta

First Christian Church of Roswell

11180 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (770) 497-8215 www.johnscreekumc.org

Alpharetta Community Center 175 Roswell St., Roswell; (770) 331-1010 www.gracenorthatlanta.org

11365 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-4617 www.fccr.org

Midway United Methodist Church

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church

5025 Highway 9, N., Alpharetta; (770) 475-5230 www.midwayumc.org

10950 Bell Rd., Johns Creek, (770) 813-9009 www.jcpcusa.org

10920 Houze Rd., Roswell; (770) 998-9977 christianscienceroswell.org

Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church

Northminster Presbyterian

9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek; (678) 336-3000 www.mountpisgah.org

2400 Old Alabama Rd., Roswell; (770) 998-1482 www.northminster-atl.org

390 Cumming St., Suite 1, Alpharetta (770) 475-7701 www.thehanuman.org

Northbrook United Methodist Church

Perimeter Church

Holy Trinity Christian Church

11225 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; (770) 998-2000 www.northbrookumc.com

9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (678) 405-2000 www.perimeter.org

3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta; (404) 368-9790 info@holytrinitychristianchurch.com www.holytrinitychristianchurch.com

Roswell Presbyterian Church

Inner Quest

755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell; (770) 993-6316 www.roswellpres.org

12830 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta (770) 521-2875 www.innerquestchurch.org

Roswell United Methodist 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell; (770) 993-6218 www.rumc.com

St. James United Methodist 3000 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta (678) 762-1543 www.stjamesumc.org

Other Churches Abundant Life Community Church

First Church of Christ, Scientist

The Hanuman Mandir

Islamic Center of North Fulton 1265 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta; (678) 297-0019 www.alpharettamasjid.com

625-A Sims Industrial Blvd., Alpharetta (678) 319-9700 www.livingabundantly.net

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Alpharetta Church of God

Lighthouse Church

1460 Mid Broadwell Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 475-5788 www.alpharettachurchofgod.com

75 Crowe Road, Alpharetta (770) 664-3644

11000 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek; (770) 495-0200

Armenian Church of Atlanta

Morning Star Chapel

Keepin’ It Real “Lighthouse” Inc.

9820 Coleman Rd., Roswell; (770) 641-9267 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

2780 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta; (678) 319-0041 www.morningstarchapel.org

61 Old Canton St., Alpharetta; (770) 360-5601 www.keepinitreallighthouse.com

Atlanta Chinese Christian Church North

Reach One Church

Kingdom Ambassadors Intl. Worship Center

5055 Morton Rd., Johns Creek; (770) 667-9593 www.accn.org

Baha’i Center of Alpharetta

Meets at Mill Springs Academy 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta (770) 609-7941 www.reachonechurch.org

10690 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (678) 393-9500

Restoration Church of God

Baha’i Faith of Roswell

410 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 751-9697 www.restorationchurchna.org

Non-Denominational Fellowship Bible Church 480 W. Crossville Rd., Roswell; (770) 992-4956 www.fbconline.org

Good News Atlanta Church

Wills Recreation Center 11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 853-7231 www.crystalstallings.org

The Lighthouse Church 18271 Union Hill Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 664-3644

North Point Community Church 4350 Northpoint Pkwy., Alpharetta; (770) 290-5600 www.northpoint.org

Spirit of God Christian Church 11940 Alpharetta Hwy., Alpharetta; (770) 777-6889 www.spiritofgodcc.org

Stonecreek Church 13540 Highway 9, N., Alpharetta; (770) 754-7900 www.stonecreekchurch.org

Orthodox

(800) 22-UNITE

Bridge To Grace

9400 Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 594-9400

Roswell Alliance Church 1100 Allenbrook Lane, Roswell; (770) 643-0180

2385 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell; (770) 587-2460 www.b2gc.org

Roswell Assembly of God

C3 Church

11440 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-6586 www.roswellag.org

13695 Highway 9, Alpharetta; (678) 696-1401 www.thec3church.com

Roswell Community Church

Calvary Chapel 200 James Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 442-8167 www.calvaryalpharetta.com

Christian Center Church

Meets at The Cottage School 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell; (678) 677-4840 www.roswellcommunity.org

St. Peter’s Place Anglican Church

1870 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-2038

362 South Atlanta St., Roswell; (678) 352-1224 www.stpetersplace.org

Church of Christ-Northside

UU Metro Atlanta North

10920 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; (770) 993-3512 www.nschurchofchrist.org

11420 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; (770) 992-3949 www.uuman.org

Church of Christ-Roswell

World Harvest Church

Alpharetta Presbyterian

11670 King Rd., Roswell; (770) 992-2097 www.simplychristians.org

320 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell; (770) 643-9223 www.worldharvestchurch.org

180 Academy St., Alpharetta; (770) 751-0033 www.alpharettapres.com

Community of Christ

Canaan Korean Presbyterian Church

3315 Francis Rd., Alpharetta; (770) 521-1112 www.cofchrist.org

St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church 11450 Houze Rd., Roswell; (770) 642-9727 www.suscopts.org/stmarysatlanta

Presbyterian

11320 West Rd., Roswell; (770) 552-5505

Crabapple Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 910 Mayfield Rd., Alpharetta; (678) 339-0349

www.footprintspublishing.com 71

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Business Organizations

BNI-Alpharetta Accelerators Chapter Jim Somers, (770) 753-2032 www.bniatlanta.com

Johns Creek Business Association www.johnscreekba.com

JCCC Young Professionals Networking Group (770) 495-0545, ext. 107 mrose@johnscreekchamber.com

Johns Creek Economic Development Corp. John Bemont, (770) 495-0545 x105

Job Networking Group (770) 642-7943 www.rumcjobnetworking.com

National Association of Women Business Owners (678) 539-8090 www.nawboatlanta.org

The North Fulton Bar Association Charles Gabriel, (678) 735-5900 www.northfultonbar.com

GA 400 Rainmakers Ben Staten, (404) 323-0049 www.ga400rainmakers.com

North Metro Women’s Connection Rosan Hall, (770) 335-6013

Northside Business Network Group Diane Williford, (770) 594-2200

Friends of the Alpharetta Library

Rotary Club of Johns Creek

(678) 310-GRRA (4772) Intake EMRG.: (678)-964-GRRA (4772) grra@grra.com, www.fotal.org

www.johnscreekrotaryclub.org

Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta

Charitable Organizations

Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties Inc.

Homestretch

Crystal D. Weitzel, (770) 476-3090 www.jlgnf.org

(770) 642- 9185

Keep Roswell Beautiful (770) 641-3715 www.keeproswellbeautiful.org

Next Century Youth

(678) 297-6200

Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia (770) 499-1164

Child Development Association Donna Smythe, (770) 992-4339 www.cdakids.org

Children’s Restoration Network (770) 649-7117

Companion Animal Connection (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com

The Drake House (770) 587-4712 thedrakecloset@thedrakehouse.org www.thedrakehouse.org

Foster Care Support Foundation Rachel Ewald, (770) 641-9591 rachel@fostercares.org Sharon Franklin, (404) 729-3374 www.fostercares.org

72 My North Fulton | december 2012

Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell David, (770) 356-5211 www.roswellkiwanis.org

North Fulton Jaycees Wendell Whitefield, (404) 786-2665

Mary Brooks Green, (770) 335-7317 www.nextcenturyyouth.org

North Fulton Optimist Club

North Fulton Community Charities

Glenn Rudh, (404) 375-7033 grudh@bellsouth.net

(770) 640-0399 www.nfcchelp.org

Roswell Junior Woman’s Club

North Fulton Senior Services (770) 993-1906 www.ssnorthfulton.org

Ryan Lee Holland Cancer Foundation, Inc

www.roswelljuniors.org

Roswell Lions Club Tim Dunn, president www.roswelllions.org

Jacqueline Holland, 678-242-0471 info@ryanleehollandfoundation.com www.ryanleehollandfoundation.com

Roswell Historical Society

STAR House Foundation

Roswell Optimists

(678) 306-4600 www.starhousefoundation.org

United Way of Atlanta (770) 614-1000

Civic Organizations Alpharetta American Legion Auxiliary Unit 201 (770) 475-9023

Alpharetta Clean and Beautiful

gsgatl.org

(770) 740-2425 fotal-forum@yahoogroups.com, www.grra.com

Powercore Jeremy Faulkner, (404) 816-3377 www.powercore.net

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

770-992-1665 www.roswellhs.org

Mike Bagnulo, (770) 993-5440

Roswell Rotary Club (678) 318-3647 www.roswellrotary.com

Rotary Club of North Fulton Joyce Abernathy, (770) 475-0656 www.northfultonrotary.org

Sons of Confederate Veterans — Roswell Mills Camp #1547 Ross Glover, (770) 396-5034

Alpharetta Junior Women’s Club Debora, (678) 218-5732 www.ajwc.net

Sons of the American Revolution — Piedmont Chapter

Alpharetta Optimist Club

Tom Chrisman, (404) 310-3338 www.piedmontsar.org

Greg Cabrera, (770) 752-8122

Alpharetta Lions Club

VFW Post 12002 www.12002.net

Garner Andrews, (770) 475-9344

Alpharetta Roswell Newcomers Club

Political Organizations

Barb Hill, (678) 318-1442

American Association of University Women North Fulton Branch

Chattahoochee Republican Women’s Club Marjean Birt, sandrabjohnson@gmail.com

karenleasman@aol.com www.aauwnorthfultonga.wordpress.com

North Fulton Democrats

Children of the American Revolution — Martha Stewart Bulloch Society

North Fulton Republican Women’s Club

Paula, (770) 594-1819 pen2529@yahoo.com

Daughters of the American Revolution — Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter Marguerite, (770) 521-1142 mmd1018@comcast.net

Anne, (404) 303-9142, ext. 2

Suzi Voyles, (404) 851-9704 svgagop08@gmail.com

Recreation & Hobbies Alliance Française d’Atlanta-Roswell (404) 875-1211, info@afatl.com www.afatl.com

Alpharetta Adult Activity Center / Golden Age Book Club (678) 297-6140, activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us

Alpharetta Arts Guild Danita Grant, (678) 994-5630 www.alphaartsguild.com

Multisport Explosion Youth Triathlon Team

Bereavement Support Group

Lisa Marshall, (404) 308-6656 klacmarshall@comcast.net multisportexplosionyouthtriathlonteam.com

Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767

North Atlanta Dance Theatre

Alpharetta Bridge Club

(770) 772-8000 northatlantad658@bellsouth.net www.northatlantadance.com

Nancy Hetsko, (678) 361-5198 www.alpharettadbc.org

North Fulton Amateur Radio League

Brain Injury and Stroke Group (770) 751-2650

Care Partner Support Group Dawn Reed, (678) 777-7241

Diabetes Support Group Joe Mengoni, (770) 889-7577

Jim Stafford, W4Q0, (770) 993-9500

Alpharetta Camera Club Lewis Lay, (678) 297-6142

North Fulton Music Teachers Association

Alpharetta City Band

Serene Lee, (404) 786-8932 www.nfmta.com

Don Nahser, (770) 475-9684

Newtown Park Community Foundation

Alpharetta/Roswell Newcomers Club

newtownparkcf@aol.com, www.newtownpark.org

(678) 318-1442 www.arnewcomers.org

Newtown Recreation

DreamPower Therapeutic Equestrian Center (678) 456-8082 www.dreampowertherapy.org

Emotions Anonymous (EA) Suzanne, (404) 307-1735

Foster Care Support Group Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767

(678) 297-2662

Alpharetta Singles Movie Club (770) 662-0916

Park Place at Newtown School

Alpharetta Walkie Talkies

(770) 667-5030 parkplace@johnscreekga.gov

Lewis Lay, (678) 267-6142

Performing Arts North

Knitting for Peace Lynne Strobe, (770) 910-7022 Strobe01@aol.com

MOMS Club of Alpharetta-West alpharettawestmomsclub@gmail.com

Julia Bagley, (404) 502-9076

(770) 772-0762 www.performingartsnorth.org

MOMS Club of Roswell — South

Atlanta Stamp Collectors

Roswell Fine Arts Alliance

info@momsclubofroswell.com www.momsclubofroswellsouth.com

AlphaFretters Dulcimer Satellite Group

John Coles, (770) 962-5888 www.stampclubs.com

www.rfaa.org

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

(770) 518-7021

(678) 366-3511 www.autreymill.org

Roswell Firehouse Harmony Brigade

Roswell Garden Club

Dick Lord, (770) 317-9571

Chattahoochee Celtic Pipes & Drums Rory Howe, (770) 926-6898 pipemajor@ccpipesanddrums.com

Dudes ‘n Darlins Square Dance Club of Alpharetta

Roswell Photographic Society

Parkinson’s Support Group

George Cekis, (404) 295-5093 gvcekis@comcast.net

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (678) 748-5802 www.johnscreeksymphony.org

The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra

Southern Winds Concert Band

STAR — Singles Together at Roswell

PFLAG — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays pflagjohnscreek@gmail.com www.johnscreekpflag.wordpress.com

Stars Soccer Club — Men’s League

S-Anon

(678) 366-9008 www.StarsSoccerClub.com

Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767

(770) 993-7253

Writers Network Bobby Christmas, (770) 924-0528

Support Organizations Alcoholics Anonymous

Multisport Explosion Women’s Only Triathlon Team

Anorexia Nervousa and Associated Eating Disorders — ANA

Barb G., (770) 686-3082

Kim, (404) 307-5442

Atlanta Harm Reduction Center (404) 817-9994 www.atlantaharmreduction.org

Patty Hampton, (770) 261-1767

Roswell UMC Counseling Center

Faye Troka, (770) 781-4634 dtroka@earthlink.net www.gardening.meetup.com/172

Jennifer Lesser, jless@comcast.net multisportexplosionyouthtriathlonteam.com

Bill, (770) 992-6481

(770) 993-2012 www.rumc.com/singles

(770) 623-8623

Milton Garden Club

Jerry Bishop, (678) 446-5080 bishopjerryo@bellsouth.net

Songs of Atlanta Chorus

Georgia Regional Girls Choir

(770) 623-8448 www.johnscreekarts.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness — NAMI

Overeaters Anonymous

(770) 977-4031

Johns Creek Arts Center

Lee H., (678) 576-4838

(770) 594-6122 www.roswellphotosociety.org

(770) 751-7210, (770) 361-1237 www.dudesndarlins.com

(770) 722-3656, grgcinfo@gmail.com www.grgc.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

To include your club or organization in My North Fulton Monthly magazine, please submit the following information via email to editor@mynorthfultonmonthly.com. Name of club or organization Type of club or organization Contact information Website www.footprintspublishing.com 73

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. Rob Woodall (R), District 7 90 North Street, Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114-2724 Website: www.woodall.house.gov

(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768

(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570

(202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005 fax: (770) 232-2909

(202) 225-5211 GA: (770) 535-2592 fax: (202) 225-8272

Rep. Tom Graves (R), District 9 90 North Street, Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114-2724 Website: www.linder.house.gov

Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge Cynthia Wright

(404) 613-4185

State Court: Chief Judge Patsy Y. Porter Magistrate Court: Chief Judge Stephanie Davis Probate Court: Judge Pinkle T. Toomer

(404) 613-4345

Governor Nathan Deal (R)

(770) 612-4401

Court of Clerks: Cathelene Robinson

(404) 730-5300

Board of Commissioners 141 Pryor St. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 www.fultoncountyga.gov

(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332

203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Website: www.gov.ga.gov.com

e-mail: john.eaves@fultoncountyga.gov

Robb Pitts (D-2)

e-mail: robb.pitts@fultoncountyga.gov

(404) 612-8206

(404) 612-8210

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

Emma I. Darnell (D-5)

e-mail: emma.darnell@fultoncountyga.gov

William Edwards (D-7)

(404) 612-8222

(404) 612-8226

(404) 612-8230

e-mail: william.edwards@fultoncountyga.gov

Board of Education

State Senator David Shafer (R) (D-48)

(404) 656-0048 fax: (404) 651-6768

421-F State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: david.shafer@senate.ga.gov

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

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

State Rep. Chuck Martin (R) (D-47)

417 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: chuck.martin@house.ga.gov

State Rep. Harry Geisinger (R) (D-48) 601 Coverdell Legislative Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: harry.geisinger@house.ga.gov

(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013

John H. Eaves (D-1)

e-mail: district6@fultoncountyga.gov

(770) 613-4070

Juvenile Court: Chief Judge Belinda E. Edwards

Joan P. Garner (D-6)

State Government

(404) 613-4433

(404) 656-0254 fax: (770) 594-1510

State Rep. Wendell Willard (R) (D-49)

(404) 656-5064 fax: (404) 463-2249

State Rep. Lynne Riley (R) (D-50)

(404) 656-5125 fax: (404) 481-7111

74 My North Fulton | december 2012

Katie Reeves (D-2)

reevesk@fultonschools.org

Linda McCain (D-5)

mccainl@fultonschools.org

Julia Bernath (D-7)

bernathj@fultonschools.org

Other Fulton County Schools Superintendent:

(404) 768-3600

Robert M. Avossa, Ed.D. 786 Cleveland Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 e-mail: superintendent@fultonschools.org Website: www.fultonschools.org

Fulton County Medical Examiner: Randy Hanzlick, MD 430 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30312 e-mail: loec@fultonschools.org

(404) 730-4400 fax: (404) 730-4405

Fulton County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office: Sheriff Theodore Jackson (404) 612-5100 185 Central Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Website: www.fultonsheriff.org (404) 730-4000

141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

City of Alpharetta

(678) 297-6020 Mayor David Belle Isle dbelleisle@alpharetta.ga.gov Municipal Court (678) 297-6250

(404) 656-0188 City of Johns Creek

401 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: lynne.riley@house.ga.gov

220 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: tom.rice@house.ga.gov

schultzl@fultonschools.org

Fulton County Tax Commissioner: Arthur E. Ferdinand

132 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: wendell.willard@house.ga.gov

State Rep. Tom Rice (R) (D-51)

Linda Schultz (D-1)

(678) 512-3313 Mayor Mike Bodker mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov Municipal Court (678) 512-3444

(404) 656-5912

City of Roswell

Mayor Jere Wood Municipal Court

(678) 512-3313 mayorwood@roswellgov.com (770) 641-3790

‘Tis The Season

continued from page 8

It can be difficult to control each and every food that your child eats. But you can have more control over how well your child brushes. So, get involved and help your child to survive the sticky-sweet holidays cavity-free!

Tuning Up Your Estate Plan

continued from page 8

don’t know when and how our estate plans will be used. Give your plan a few minutes of thought and talk it over with your family, because a little bit of foresight can save lots of hassle and money.

Barbie On The High Seas

continued from page 12

• Fashion Designer workshop, in which girls can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials. Girls also will have the chance to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions. • Fashion Show, where girls can dress up and walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of their family and friends. Girls also will have the chance to perform their amazing dance routine and display their Barbie fashion creations. It’s the ultimate celebration of a truly memorable experience with Barbie and Royal Caribbean. “Barbie is truly a lifestyle brand that is part of a girl’s world from her bedroom to playroom, computer to closet,” said Lori Pantel, vice president of Barbie Global Marketing. “We’re excited to extend that brand experience to family cruise vacations with a fantastic partner, Royal Caribbean.”

Practice Or Corporation

continued from page 38

Dentists and orthodontists in private practice maintain their reputations by basically signing their names on every smile they help create. They also recognize that it’s their name on the sign out front, so they work hard every day to continue to improve what they worked so hard to build. If you’re looking for a new dentist or orthodontist, it may be in your best interest to consider a private practice rather than one run by a corporation.

Wonders Of The World

continued from page 66

man. During this holiday season, we should say a blessing and be thankful for those things in our life that are truly wondrous. Now if I could get “a beautiful smile” on that list I’d be in business!

4 Steps To Tasting Wine

continued from page 38

mouth. This is the initial impression the wine makes on your palate. Note the alcohol content, tannin levels, acidity and residual sugar. Alcohol content will emit a warm sensation. Tannin is that astringent drying sensation, which is great with a fatty meal. The taste buds are most sensitive to bitterness, followed by sour, salty and sweetness. Better made wines will be well balanced, meaning one sensation will not be more prominent than the others. The impressions you get in this stage are: Is the wine soft or firm, mellow or big, crisp or buttery, sweet or dry? Aftertaste: This is how long the flavor impression lasts after it is swallowed. How long did the flavor last — several seconds? Was it light bodied like water; medium bodied like milk; or full bodied like cream? What was your last impression — fruit, butter, spice, oak earth? Does it persist or dissipate quickly? To properly taste wine, you must pour wine at the correct temperature. The flavor aspects of the wine will be lost if served too warm or too cold. Optimum serving temperature is 45-50 degrees F for bubbly and sweet wines; 50-60 degrees F for dry white and rose wines; 55-65 for light-red wines; and 62-68 degrees F for full-bodied red wines. Once you become an expert on one type of wine, move on to others. With practice, you will be able to discern more flavors from the wine, and soon will be tasting like a pro.

Home Security Tips

continued from page 52

A security system doesn’t stop at the alarm. Cameras can be very useful for staying alert in your home and recording any trespassers. Got a pool? You may want to consider installing security cameras to cover the pool area, especially if you have children. Cameras at the front door are nice, too. This allows you to see (from your iPad, for example) any visitors at the front door and then remotely unlock the door for them so that they can come in and enjoy the party on the terrace level. Also, security cameras are cool for monitoring vacation homes and making sure that a tree hasn’t fallen into the living room during a nasty storm. The world of home security has grown by leaps and bounds with the integration of lighting, HVAC and more. Additionally, as more companies like Leviton buy Home Automation Inc. (HAI), we can expect this world to continue to expand with more features at affordable prices. Stay tuned for more ways to make your home more protected and fun at the same time.

www.footprintspublishing.com 75

ADVERTISER local,

local,

Your Community

Education/Instruction/Counseling

Attorney Robinson & Miller, PC

Automotive Atlanta Dent Company Dent Science

34 1

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry Tech

Churches First Baptist Church Roswell

Cover, 14, 15

Cleaning Services Mini Maid

Dentist/Orthodontists Brett Gluck, DMD 29 Buckley Dental Care 54 DeMercy Dental 59 Dentistry at Milton Inside Front Cover Kincaid Orthodontics 54 Milton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 37 Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Inside Back Cover Smiles on Main 51

76 My North Fulton | december 2012

LAO’WN Academy Young Life Academy

67 59

Health & Beauty Ageless Remedies Inside Front Cover Mimosa Salon Spa HG-22

Home Improvement/Repair/Service BAM Fence & Doors 50 Green Basements & Remodeling Back Cover Guaranteed Spa & Guaranteed Construction HG-23 Meer Electrical Contractor, Inc. 65 Mr. Appliance 59 Mr. Junk 54 Pete’s Plumbing 43

Optometrist/Eyewear Furey Family Eye Care Inside Back Cover Pearle Vision 13

Photography C&W Photography 53 PhotoJack.net 37

Businesses listed in bold italic type denote new or returning advertisers to My North Fulton Monthly.

Physicians & Medical Services Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Northside Hospital-Forsyth WellStreet Urgent Care Willow Creek Family Medicine

52 5 67 65

Recreation & Fitness Music Matters Title Boxing Club Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

32-33 31 HG-22

Restaurants/Food Services Marlow’s Tavern Sip Wine

35 53

Services/Retailers/Miscellaneous Adroit Business Card Holders 29 Audio Intersection 43 Blue Light Labs 29 The Cigar Merchant 65 Cruise Planners 11 GhostNet 35 The Great Frame Up 64 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 61 The Jewelry Refinery 67 Ladybugs & Lizards 54 The Mad Hatter Service Company 61 Veron Carbo 35 Winey Blonde Boutique 59

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