For Modern Women march | april 2017
Innovating
EDUCATION Valery Lowe’s role as the college and career development director is changing the way Forsyth County educates our kids
Girls’ night at The Collection
Spring break trips for any timeline
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april
march
contents
on the cover
8 VALERY LOWE
O 24 spotlight
Kylie Palak is the only girl on her high school’s fishing team
28 spring break’
Getaways for a one-, threeor five-day trip
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f all the women who are helping shape Forsyth County, Valery Lowe must be at the forefront of conversation. We talk with the school system’s college and career development director about the new Alliance Academy and its unique offerings. (Photo by Micah Green)
16 girls’ night out
Some of the best drinks and eats at The Collection of Forsyth March | April 2017
Thank You for voting me the
BEST Real Estate Agent in Forsyth
3 years in a row!
John Cook
A long-time member of the community, I moved to Cumming with my family from Portland, Maine in 1985. I later graduated from South Forsyth High School, and after graduating college, I moved back to Cumming and married my wife, Corrie, also a South Forsyth High School graduate. We love living in such a great community, and raising our two sons Caleb and Coleman here. Even more so, I consider myself lucky to put my passion for Real Estate to work and help families purchase and sell homes in this county that we love. I have been invested in my Real Estate career for 14 years, and nothing gives me greater joy than working with people and helping them achieve their goals. I enjoy my career immensely, and I work hard for my clients. Please let me know how I can help you, or your family and friends. Feel free to check out my 5 star reviews on Zillow, and All of my Best to you in 2017!
678-524-8573 www.LookWithCook.com Check out my Reviews!
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Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.
Vince Johnson - Publisher
Ryan Garmon - Advertising Director
Kayla Robins - Editor
I
don’t know about you, but I’m certainly ready to get back outside now that spring is here and it doesn’t get dark before I leave work — usually. That thought process was the general idea behind most of the stories in this issue of M: North Atlanta. We have some ideas for how to get out of the office and house, from a happy hour/girls’ night out tour of The Collection at Forsyth, to spring break trips to take whether you have just a day or a whole week off, to a feature on the only girl on the North Forsyth High School fishing team — hopefully you’ll get a kick out of how she bonded with her teammates as much as I did. I’m excited to share our cover story with you. She’s a huge force behind the growth and success of the school system, especially the college and career development programs and soon-to-be Alliance Academy. You won’t hear Valery Lowe brag about herself, so we had to do it for her. On a staffing note, we’re sad to say that Adlen Robinson stepped down from her role in this magazine. She kept you coming back for more each month and featured some wonderful women over the years, and we’re all thankful for her. But don’t worry — we’ll still bring you top notch stories behind each cover. If you have any ideas or people you’d like us to feature, please email us at editor@forsythnews.com.
Tracie Pike - Production Manager
Angie Decker - Graphic Designer
Micah Green -Creative Director
ISABEL HUGHES -Staff Writer
Sydney Robinson
Contributing Writer
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March | April 2017
Inside the future of education
Photo by Micah Green
By Kayla Robins
I
Valery Lowe is the — if she has it her way — unseen face of the changing landscape of public education in Forsyth County. And she’s here to make her hometown the best it can be.
n a corner office on the second floor of the Forsyth County Board of Education, Valery Lowe sits at her desk, an L-shaped wood home to renderings, numbers, research and, somewhere, the draft of a charter that never was needed but that provided a first bridge from concept to reality for the school system’s newest high school. The driving force behind the Alliance Academy for Innovation of Cumming-Forsyth County is introducing a first-of-its-kind for Forsyth public education, and though it may all feel new — the college and career academy is being created from the ground up, conceptually and physically — Lowe is a new face to neither the administration nor the county. The Forsyth native has roots that run deeper than from within the county line. Her mother was an administrator for the district, so “it was always just second nature to be involved with education in mind and how it is connected to the community.” After getting her degree in education from the University of Georgia, she worked in family business before returning to the district when Buster Evans was named superintendent. The life she made for herself echoes her roots, bringing her full circle with her husband, Josh Lowe, an assistant principal at Forsyth Central High School
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who led the charge in creating the school’s alumni association. “That’s why I’m passionate about what we do because I come from the business side and my background and my degrees were in education,” she said. “Plus, I care about this community, and I want to make sure that we talk about it a lot … I came back here, and we want other kids to come back here. We want to be confident that a kid that is a product of this school system can come back and lead the community when we’re all old and gray. I think that’s why I’m passionate about it. I lived that.” The Alliance Academy is a direct reflection of her community connections. “She’s able to make those connections with our community at large to help support that program and bring it to fruition,” said Fonda Harrison, associate superintendent of teaching and learning. “I don’t think that necessarily could have happened with someone without those connections.”
“Everything’s just really coming together”
The main connection came in the form of a $3.5 million donation from philanthropists Mike and Lynn March | April 2017
Renderings for The Alliance Academy, which is under construction on 400 Lanier Parkway as the county’s sixth high school campus. Cottrell to build a regional Junior Achievement Discovery Center on the Alliance Academy campus as a complement to student learning. Like the other two JA centers — in Atlanta and Gwinnett — there will be storefronts to serve as an immersive simulation for middle schoolers to explore industries and careers in a hands-on setting. Storefronts will be tied to the specific needs of the community. The Alliance Academy will be an alternative public high school, providing secondary, post-secondary and continuing education for students, organizations, small businesses and corporations, as well as financial literacy and business ethics training and industry certification. The
‘We want to be confident that a kid that is a product of this school system can come back and lead the community when we’re all old and gray. I think that’s why I’m passionate about it. I lived that.’ Valery Lowe
Director College and Career Development, Forsyth County Schools
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A site plan of the Junior Achievement Discovery Center that will be located on the Alliance Academy campus.
Growing together and depending on each other.
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March | April 2017
curriculum will promote career readiness for highdemand, high-growth, high-wage industries that are not currently being taught in other career pathways at the county’s five existing brick-and-mortar high schools. “AdvancED told us years ago to look across the country as a school system in general. We’re the top of the bar in Georgia in pretty much every category consistently, so it’s where do we go next,” Lowe said. The school is ahead of original construction deadlines due to dry weather. As of now, it should be completed by May 2018 for a fall 2018 opening. “Everything’s just really coming together,” she said. “We’re looking at colors and interiors for the building and how to make the Junior Achievement side and architecture represent north Georgia. We’re into the more creative part of the process now that we’re moving dirt.” She has been going to civic groups, nonprofits, companies, “anywhere to tell our story” to create more partnerships. “We couldn’t do this in any other community,” she said. “Everybody just gets into and digs deep into what’s going on in our education system. So it just works.”
“A labor of love” Easier said than done. While community partners certainly boosted the school from a vision to reality, Lowe’s initial groundwork laid the foundations for its success, from research and touring schools around the country to writing a charter that was not used but built the skeleton of the curriculum and logistics. Her work has been noticed at every level, from those she interacts with every day to state agencies. She was named Administrator of the Year by the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education last summer, a first for the school system in a district where many firsts have already been accomplished. You won’t hear her brag on herself, her humility overriding any sense of gloating or self-promotion. “It’s been a labor of love for [Superintendent] Dr. [Jeff] Bearden and myself and a lot of people up in this office, and our board. It took a lot of consistency and a lot of people stepping up for us,” she said. “We were able to overcome barriers that probably would have gotten in the way in a lot of other communities. But this community was like how can we help, how can we make this happen. And that’s the only reason it’s come to fruition.” March | April 2017
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Throw like a girl Photos by Micah Green
Our favorite shots of some of the area’s most talented female athletes. Photos by Micah Green
Adeline Seiferth, Pinecrest Academy 12
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March | April 2017
Cassie Markle, North Forsyth High School
Chloe Lance, West Forsyth High School March | April 2017
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Sienna Schreiber, West Forsyth High School
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A night out
AT THE COLLECTION Story and photos by Kayla Robins
You don’t have to travel far, or even out of Forsyth County, to find fun, delicious spots for a ladies’ night or happy hour. Whether the plan is to grab one drink and an appetizer before a movie or to hop around to different places, The Collection at Forsyth is a must. Also home to a bookstore, Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta and the myriad destinations on Peachtree Parkway, the outdoor shopping mall has a handful of restaurants that are perfect for dinner and drinks or an after-work snack. The lawn in the center of the mall is a good spot for picnics on a nice weekend day, and the movie theater sets the perfect scene for a date night with your significant other or girlfriends.
Cheeky The Mexican do-it-yourself restaurant and bar has been at The Collection since 2010 when it was still named The Avenue. What makes the spot unique is its tables with beer taps where customers can pour their own and pay by the ounce. There are plenty of TVs throughout the establishment, and tables and the bar are spacious and open, allowing for a great gathering spot for friends. Their drink menu does not skimp on anything, and their made-from-scratch skinny margaritas do not sacrifice taste — only calories. What we got * Blue moon * Prickly-Orange skinny margarita: Camarena Reposado tequila, Patron Citronge and a splash of Prickly Pear Puree, served with squeezed oranges and basil * Grilled chicken nachos, served with corn chips and topped with queso, refried black beans, lettuce, jalapenos, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and crumbling cheese
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March | April 2017
Grub Burger Bar Their informal atmosphere is welcoming and engaging, asking customers to order at the counter before large, juicy burgers topped with fresh ingredients are brought to the table. The space combines a bar with upscale dining, and the bar in the center is open and inviting. Known for their burgers, salads and boozy shakes, this is a great place for a work lunch, girls’ night out or even just dessert. What we got * Dirty Kitchen Sink shake, served with chocolate vodka, pretzels, peanut butter, salt, butterscotch sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, coffee grounds and potato chips * Tipsy Worms and Dirt shake, served with chocolate vodka, crushed Oreos and gummy worms * You’re My Boy Blue burger, served with crumbled bleu cheese, balsamic caramelized onions, tomato and arugula
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Festivals & Events... Would you like to submit an event to be considered for Festivals & Events? Email us at: events@forsythnews.com. Please type “Things To Do...” in the subject line.
March
|22-26 |
35th Anniversary Atlanta International Auto Show
Georgia World Congress Center 235 Northside Dr. | C-Building, Next to Georgia Dome | Atlanta, GA 30313 www.goautoshow.com
39th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show
The largest Home Show in Georgia with hundreds of participating companies. The Cobb Galleria transforms into a one-stop-shop for all your home improvement needs. For 39 years the Spring Atlanta Home Show has been improving home lifestyles and adding value to your largest single investment, your home. We’re proud of our ability to produce a family friendly environment and welcome you to our home. Cost: Adults $10, Children 12 & under FREE, Adults 65+ with ID FREE, Military & First Responders Buy One Get One with ID. Cobb Galleria Two Galleria Parkway | Atlanta, GA 30339 www.atlantahomeshow.com
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| 8-9 |
Thunder in the Valley Air Show - Columbus
From supersonic-speed jets to gravity-defying aerobatic acts to wing-walkers, parachutists, and a host of on-the-ground displays and activities, a day at the Thunder in the Valley Air Show is a fantastic and memorable experience, whether you’re an avid aviation fan or just love a great show. Tens of thousands of spectators attend the Thunder in the Valley Air Show every year! Priced for families and individuals of all ages, this is one show you won’t want to miss. Cost: $10 Advance Ticket, $15 Day of Event, $8 Military Advance Ticket, Children under 6 FREE. Columbus Airport 3250 West Britt David Road | Columbus, GA www.thunderinthevalleyairshow.com
IThere will be over 500 new and pre-production vehicles on display on the 400,000 square foot show floor, making it not only the largest annual consumer event held annually at the GWCC, it is also one of the nation’s great auto shows, attracting many of the world’s major automotive manufacturers during its five day run. Cost: Adults $12, Children (6-12) $6, Under 6 FREE.
|24-26 |
April
Shamrockin’ for a Cure | 7:oo pm
ShamRockin’ for a Cure returns to rock your night with great food, amazing bands, and of course dancing. Come eat, drink and help cure Cystic Fibrosis with a night filled with music that will rock the Verizon stage while attendees dance the night away. Regular tickets include food, beer, wine, cocktails and giveaways. The exciting live and silent auctions will be packed with something for everyone-trips, dining, adventure, jewelry, gift certificates and a raffle. Verizon Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Parkway | Alpharetta, GA www.shamrockingforacure.com
Food Trucks April 1 | 11am-7pm
Food-O-Rama Food Truck Festival Grant Park 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Join us for the 2nd Annual Food Truck festival in historical Grant Park within the heart of East Atlanta! We will host food trucks from all over the Southeast + local bands to enjoy while you grazing on the creations from amazing chefs! Did we mention that there is NO ENTRY FEE?! www.facebook.com/foodoramaevents
April 13, 20, 27 | 5-9pm
Alpharetta Food Truck Alley | Old Roswell Street, Alpharetta www.facebook.com/foodtruckalley
April 7 | 5:30-9:30pm
Food Truck Friday | Suwanee Town Center | Suwanee, GA www.suwanee.com
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Taste of Forsyth
Buy tastes from 25 restaurants for $1 to $4. Kids can enjoy the kids’ zone and Easter egg hunts on the lawn at Cumming Fairgrounds for free. Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road | Cumming, GA www.cummingfair.net
| 22-23 |
Atlanta Motorama 9:00am - 4:00pm
The must-see car show event of the year. Motoring enthusiasts of all types will not want to miss “Georgia’s Motoring Festival,” celebrating all things with an engine. Features include national award winning show vehicles, car crushing by BIGFOOT ® monster trucks, autocross competitions, a colossal vendor midway, live music, the kids’ zone and so much more. Cost: Adults $12, Children (6-12) $5, Under 6 FREE. Atlanta Motor Speedway 1500 Tara Place | Hampton, Ga www.atlantamotorspeedway.com
Easter Events
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Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 from 2-4pm. This FREE event will include inflatables, games, popcorn, and more. The Easter Egg Hunt is open to all children 5th grade and younger with the egg hunt grouped by age. Cost: FREE
Easter at Governor’s Mansion | 10am-2pm
Kids meet the Easter Bunny, decorate eggs, get faces painted, and do an Easter Egg Hunt at the governor’s mansion. Cost: FREE *Register on March 20, 2017 at 8 a.m. See website for complete details. www.mansion.georgia.gov/2017-easter-egg-hunt
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Spring EGG-stravaganza 10am-2pm
This festive annual event is the perfect way for families to welcome spring with opportunities to meet live baby animals, find prize-filled eggs, play fun games, participate in special activities and more. Cost: Included with Museum admission, Members FREE! Fernbank Museum 767 Clifton Road NE | Atlanta, GA www.fernbankmuseum.org
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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny | 10am-Noon
Come have breakfast with the Easter Bunny and enjoy childrens activities and family entertainment. There will also be door prizes. Proceeds will benefit Forsyth County Lions Charities, Inc., a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization
created by the Forsyth County Lions Club.
Cost: Advance | Adult $7, Children (under 12) $4 At the Door | Adult $8, Children (under 12) $5 Fowler Park Recreation Center 4110 Carolene Way | Cumming, GA www.www.breakfastwiththeeasterbunny.com
Easter Egg Hunt 2pm-4pm
Midway Community Church 3365 Francis Road | Alpharetta, GA
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EGGstravaganza Warbington Farms
Bigger and better than last year! Egg hunt & prizes, visit with Easter Bunny, unlimited play in our fun park area with our “hey” ride, petting zoo, inflatables, swings & more. Bring your own basket for hunting eggs and don’t forget your camera. April 8 &15: Choose between four egg hunts at 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. April 9: The egg hunt times will be 1:30 and 3:00pm. Younger kids will have a separate area to hunt eggs. Purchase tickets at gate. Warbington Farms 5555 Crow Road | Cumming, GA www.warbingtonfarms.com
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Easter Egg Hunt at Smith Plantation | 10am
Enjoy our annual Easter Egg Hunt and spend the morning finding candy-filled treasures on the grounds of this historic home. Children should bring their own baskets. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available. Cost: $5 Archibald Smith Plantation 935 Alpharetta Street | Roswell, GA www.roswellgov.com
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Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt | 9am-1pm
Bring your basket and your camera for a family friendly Easter egg hunt amidst Callanwolde’s beautiful spring gardens and grounds. Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt features thousands of candy-filled eggs to find (including three golden “prize” eggs) and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. There will be family friendly games, a LEGO building station provided by LEGOLAND Discovery Center, face painting, and a kids’ dance floor with DJ J&M Sound Design. Tickets available now! Cost: $4 online, $8 at the door. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 980 Briarcliff Road NE | Atlanta, GA www.callanwolde.org
| 15-16 |
Easter at Callaway Gardens
Easter Weekend events at Callaway Gardens include a brunch, a 5K race, a kids’ race, an Easter Bunny, egg hunts, hot-air balloon rides (tethered), entertainment, and a sunrise service. Callaway Gardens 17800 US Hwy 27 | Pine Mountain, GA www.callawaygardens.com
Cherry Blossom Festivals Macon, GA
March 24 - April 2
Festivals 81 st Atlanta Dogwood Festival
April 7 - 9 Friday | Noon - 11pm Saturday | 10am - 11pm Sunday | 10am - 6pm Piedmont Park 400 Park Drive NE Atlanta, GA www.dogwood.org
Lemonade Days Festival
April 19 - 23 Wednesday - Friday | 4pm - 10pm Saturday | 10am - 10pm Sunday | Noon - 6pm Brook Run 4770 North Peachtree Road Dunwoody, GA www.dunwoodylemonadedays.org Sweetwater 420 Fest
April 8 Saturday | 1pm - 7pm
April 21 - 23 Friday | 1pm - 11pm Saturday | Noon - 11pm Sunday | Noon - 10pm
Heritage Sandy Springs 6110 Blue Stone Road Sandy Springs, GA information@heritagesandysprings.org
Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W Northwest Atlanta, GA sweetwater420fest.com
Rythem & Brews Festival
International Cherry Blossom Festival includes 80 events, a parade, arts & crafts, concerts, food trucks, a street party, and 300,000 flowering cherry trees. www.cherryblossom.com/events Brookhaven, GA
March 25 - 26
Arts and crafts vendors, family activities, a pet parade & costume contest, live music, a 5K run and a 1K walk at Blackburn Park. www.brookcherryfest.org Conyers, GA
March 25 - 26 Featuring 300 arts & crafts booths, international music and dance, food vendors, and a big children’s area at the Georgia International Horse Park. www.cherryblossom.com/events
Holiday food prep
P Passover
creations By Kayla Robins
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assover and Easter rarely occur so close to each other as they do this year, and kitchens will be filling houses with smells and tastes that span family traditions and meals. Passover may not be the most religious holiday in Judaism, but it certainly has the most edible symbolism. Almost everything that is on the table stands for something, all combined to represent and regale the story of how the Jews March | April 2017
Brisket 2-6 pounds beef brisket (according to how many people) 1 lb. carrots, cut into large chunks 2 large onions, sliced 4 celery stalks, cut into large chunks 4 cloves garlic Salt and pepper to taste 4 peeled potatoes, cut into quarters (smaller if very large) 1 bottle ketchup 1 bottle light beer Put meat in large casserole dish in 500-degree oven for 20 minutes. Reduce oven to 325 degrees. Add carrots, onions, celery, garlic, salt and pepper, ketchup and beer, pouring and mixing everything over and around the meat. Bake for 2.5 hours. Add potatoes and, if dish is drying out, some water. Bake for 2 hours. Water or red wine can be added at any time to keep dish wet.
Charoset
Photo by Micah Green
in Egypt were released from slavery and escaped through the parted Red Sea. The matzoh shown in the photo looks like a cracker but is actually flourless bread, eaten to remember how quickly the Jews had to leave, lest the Pharaoh change his mind about letting them go. So quickly they did not have time to leaven their bread, letting it instead bake on their backs. Charoset, a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts in wine and honey, represents the mortar they had to work with as slaves. It is often eaten with bitter horseradish on matzoh. March | April 2017
3-4 apples, cored and chopped into small bite-size pieces 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped walnuts 2 tbsp. honey Ÿ cup sweet red wine Combine all ingredients, adding enough wine to make a paste. Let sit in refrigerator to marinate 20 minutes. Serve cold.
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March | April 2017
n e ed s
An Easter tradition
North Atlanta
Dermatology Adult & Pediatric Dermatology
By Betty Davis
Portuguese Kale Soup 1 1/2 tbsp. olive or other vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 cups water, or a mix of water and chicken/vegetable stock. Ex: 6 cups water, 2 cups broth 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced or chunked. Optional: 1 can Canellini beans or Northern beans. (Can substitute potatoes partially. Ex: 1 large potato and 1 can beans. Or use both like we do.) 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper Calls for 6 ounces Kilbasa or Spanish chorizo. But use as as much as you like, cut how you like it: thick or thin 4 cups chopped or shredded kale, give or take a cup Optional: For a twist add 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice at the end of cook time. Makes about 10 cups
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Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until tender but not browned, 5-10 minutes. Stir in the water or stock, potatoes, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Using a potato masher, lightly mash the potatoes in the pot, to give the soup a chunky texture. In another skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the sausage (add a little more vegetable oil, if you wish), stirring, until browned. Add the meat (and the optional beans) to the soup pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then stir in the kale and simmer another few minutes.
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Life on the line Kylie Palak is the only girl on North Forsyth High School’s bass fishing team, but that’s not the only thing that makes her stand out By Isabel Hughes
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March | April 2017
Photos submitted
Kylie Palak has been fishing since a young age — so young, in fact, that her first pole was a purple Dora the Explorer fishing rod.
W
hen 14-year-old Kylie Palak first heard about North Forsyth High School’s bass fishing team, she thought it was a joke. “At first I was like, ‘That’s hilarious, I would never, ever do that,’” she said. After thinking about it, though, she decided maybe it would be something fun and easy to do. “I was like, I don’t have to try out or anything and it’s something that I have always enjoyed doing with my dad, [David] — so I mean, why not do it for competition?” she said. “It’s really not that much different, there’s just a competition in it. It’s still just a day out on the lake with my dad, having fun, with the competitive aspect to it.” Now, the freshman at North is fully involved in the team, with her father, who is deaf, at the helm of their boat — literally. He serves as captain to Palak and her teammates, who always strive to catch the biggest fish. Aside from wanting to win, Palak said she works hard for another reason: she’s the only girl on the team. “I remember our first [team] meeting,” she said. “We were all just sitting there listening and I really had to burp and I burped super loud and they all thought it was the guy sitting next to me. I was like no, that was me. “I feel like they didn’t know I had that in me, so it’s kind of weird like that. That was kind of a sign that I can do this and it was something not just for guys. Everybody’s like, ‘I caught my limit today’ and I’m over here trying and trying March | April 2017
‘It’s freezing and I can barely move my hands but when we get out there, I take off one of the jackets and just start fishing. My dad tells me the different things I can do with the fishing pole and lures to make it look more realistic and make the fish actually want to come bite it.’ Kylie Palak
North Forsyth High fishing team as hard as I can. Like, ‘you caught five? I’m going to catch six.’” Palak has been fishing since a young age — so young, in fact, her first pole was a purple Dora the Explorer fishing rod.
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She and her dad have bonded over their years together on Lake Lanier, and she said she’s learned a lot from him in the cold, pre-competition mornings. “I wake up at 5:30 [a.m.] and I put on a pair of shorts, a pair of sweatpants, a pair of sweatpants over that and like three different jackets,” she said. “And then a hat and like a mask thing because it’s so cold. We go out and when they release us, my dad goes full speed to one of the spots we know has fish. “It’s freezing and I can barely move my hands but when we get out there, I take off one of the jackets and just start fishing. My dad tells me the different things I can do with the fishing pole and lures to make it look more realistic and make the fish actually want to come bite it. My favorite part of the whole thing is being with my dad on the boat and having that bonding moment every tournament that we have. I just learn more and more and we just talk and have that father-daughter stuff.” As much as she enjoys the time with her dad, Palak said she’s trying to find another girl to join their individual team. “I’m gonna try to find another girl teammate with whom I can fish,” she said. “Then I’ll have an all-girl team and it’ll be even better.”
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Kylie Palak’s dad, David, is a big influence on his daughter’s life in fishing. She is the only girl on the North Forsyth High School’s fishing team.
March | April 2017
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Spring Break Fun Trips for 1, 3 or 5 days Story and photos by Sydney Robinson
I think that one of the best parts about living in north Atlanta is how accessible we are to fun weekend getaways and ‘staycation’ destinations. Growing up in my family, we never flew anywhere or drove more than eight to 10 hours for spring break (well, there was that one time to the Keys); but I never felt like I was missing out on an awesome vacation, even if my friends were going on a cruise or to the Bahamas. Sometimes, my parents would plan several minitrips within our spring break week that consisted of camping for a few days in the mountains and then off to explore a nearby historic town and have lunch. There is no doubt that it’s more fun to get out of the house during the break, but doing so doesn’t mean you have to venture far away (or spend a lot of money) to make the most of time off with the family and soak up the pretty spring weather. 28
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1 Day - Athens, GA Football season is over, which means now is the perfect time to take advantage of less-crazy weekends in Bull Dawg nation — Athens! Athens gets a reputation for being a place to let loose and barhop with friends on the downtown strip, and though you can definitely have a great time doing that, there is so much more to it. If you’re lusting for a little Georgia history, Athens is home to 15 historic neighborhoods, including four beautiful antebellum homes-turned-museums open for public tour. Athens is widely known for it’s creative energy; check out the whimsical bulldog statues that line the streets, take in the exhibits of renowned artwork at the Georgia Museum of Art or enjoy the down-
town galleries and boutiques that display original art by local artists and designers. Top restaurant picks for lunch in Athens:
South Kitchen + Bar Great atmosphere and delicious contemporary Southern fare.
Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market
Cute little cafe in an old gas station. Local fare, local coffee, great service and delicious food that changes seasonally. Crowded around lunch time, but the patio usually has space if the weather isn’t rainy. March | April 2017
3 Days - Chattanooga, Tennesee Chattanooga is a mountain town with a lot of quirks — and if you are looking for a weekend, or long weekend, escape, this is the perfect spot for couples or families. The city is surrounded by mountains with the beautiful Tennessee River running directly through it — talk about scenic! There is an abundance of things to do in Chattanooga, but it’s definitely small enough that spending three days here would be the perfect amount of time. For lodging, I recommend staying at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. I have been going here since I can remember, and it has only gotten better with time because of the recent renovations and additions of restaurants and attractions. Fun tip: Make the most of your stay and book your room in an old Pullman train car. The hotel is located downtown and is walking distance to almost everything Chattanooga has to offer but for some added fun and fitness, Bike Chattanooga, the city’s bike transit system, offers quick, fun travel in and around downtown. Ride as many times, on as many bikes as you want. All rides under 60 minutes have no ride fees. Of course, I wouldn’t ever recommend a city if it didn’t have fabulous dining options. Food: The Terminal: Brewhouse located next door to the Choo Choo. This is another historic building and even though it is a brewery/restaurant, it’s a fun family environment with a great kids menu, outstanding pizza, and every item on the menu is made with a locally-sourced ingredient. Fun tip: Check out their eco-friendly bathrooms with low energy hand dryers and waterless toilets. March | April 2017
Shopping: Check out Warehouse Row, a destination nontraditional shopping experience in an old giant 1800s warehouse full of fun local stores, cafes and restaurants. Family fun: The Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga is an obvious awesome attraction I would recommend to anyone who hasn’t been to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, but I am assuming most of our readers have been. If you have, skip this one because in my opinion, it doesn’t compare and there are so many other things to do. There is a brand new Songbirds Guitar Museum that just opened at the beginning of March that is fun for all music lovers. Travel through time and experience the evolution of the guitar from the 1920s through the 1970s with the permanent collection of guitars. Date-night fun: The Bluff View Art District is a must for anyone who likes to stroll, sight see and relax in a gorgeous setting. Chattanooga’s first art district stretches more than 1.5 city blocks, set high atop stone cliffs that plunge into the Tennessee River below. From this bluff-top location, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the river, downtown Chattanooga, and the Walnut Street Bridge. The district is full of gardens, bakeries and coffee shops, unexpected courtyards and of course, local Chattanooga art. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this quaint spot.
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5 Days - Cape San Blas, Florida
When you go to the Cape San Blas website, the header reads (in very small print) “No hype, just facts about one of Florida’s best beach vacation destinations.” I love that it says, “no hype” because that is one of the best things about it; there is no hype because it is not a well-marketed place and most people don’t know about it or how beautiful it is — and the few who do know want to keep it that way. Cape San Blas is part of a peninsula in Gulf County, Florida, that is west of the mainland of Florida, with St. Joseph Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. There are miles of uncrowded, pristine white sand beaches along with activities and attractions for everyone. For lodging, I recommend checking out VRBO.com as they have more than 800 beach houses and condos to choose from, and most are right on the beach. The prices are unbeatable, especially if you compare them to the likes of Panama City Beach or Destin’s rental rates.
For Food:
Indian Pass Raw Bar — This is a great lunch or snack spot with awesome fresh raw oysters. It has a fun and “local” neighborhood vibe with friendly staff, and you know it is great because it has been around for decades and is usually packed, so get there early. Boss Oyster — About a 20 minute drive from Cape San Blas is quaint little Apalachicola, AKA the oyster capital. Located right on the Apalachicola River, they take pride in gathering the oysters fresh out of the bay, chilling them on board and taking them directly to their docks where they
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are washed, refrigerated and served from bay to belly. This is an awesome restaurant with a great view, delicious menu and overall unforgettable dining experience.
Things to do:
Cape San Blas Lighthouse — Rebuilt and relocated in response to eroding seas, the 101-foot-tall, 131-step lighthouse and two accompanying buildings were moved to Port St. Joe just down the street, but you still can see the top of the tower from Cape San Blas Road. The John Gorrie Museum — A small but interesting museum dedicated to the man who invented the ice machine — the precursor to air conditioning. The Cape St. George Lighthouse and Museum — The 92 steps to the top are worth it for the 360-degree view. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Here is one of the best beaches for swimming/camping/ fishing. It is very kid friendly, family oriented, quiet and peaceful. There is so much wildlife, and the beaches are pristine. The staff is always great, and facilities were extremely clean and well stocked. An easy spot to spend most of your vacation time. Horseback rides on the beach — Two-Bit Stable offers incredible horseback rides right on the gorgeous beaches of Cape San Blas. All of their rental horses are patiently trained exclusively for doing beach rides. It does not get more scenic or relaxing than this. March | April 2017
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