Perimeter North August 2016

AUGUST 2016

Perimeter North PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

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39 West Paces Ferry Rd 5161 Peachtree Pkwy 778 North Highland Ave 220 Sandy Springs Cir 4475 Roswell Rd. 3155 Avalon Blvd 929 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30305 Ste 606 Atlanta, GA 30328 Alpharetta, GA 30009 Atlanta, GA 30309 Atlanta, GA 30306 Ste 1730 (404) 237-4664 Norcross, GA 30092 (404) 255-0026 (678) 987-3678 (404) 874-6604 Marietta, GA 30062 (404) 266-8647 (678) 987-3600 (404) 566-4247

W W W.VA N M I C H A E L . C O M

Lifestyle Letter

Hello Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, S

tarting school in August cheats summer.

Growing up in the Midwest, we started back after Labor Day, which signaled the end of fun and the beginning of something less fun.

The pool club closed, white pants were packed away and stiff new school shoes came out of the box. For our kids here in Georgia, the early start means an early finish in spring (or that’s what this always-positive mom preaches to my kids). Still, it’s never a good time to abandon laid back days, late nights on the front porch or that feeling of freedom from the demands of the calendar.

Our publisher, after hours.

In our house, we squeeze in trips to the pool after school, eat dinner on the back patio and keep our summer playlist looping in the car. It’s all about maintaining the state-of-mind. Right…?

We ARE happy to talk about the some of the schools in our community that are making philanthropy an important part of their curriculum. And, while we couldn’t cover all the schools in the community in this story, we encourage you to send the news from your school throughout the year. Will you be my roving reporter?

One such reporter sent us the details on the 44th Dunwoody Home Tour that is set for October 5, a fundraiser to cover college scholarships to high school seniors and women returning to college later in their lives; furnishings and supplies for the Interfaith Outreach House for families in crisis; and more than 30 other initiatives including Dunwoody Nature Center, Spruill Center for the Arts, Stage Door Players and Tallullah Falls School in North Georgia. We’re excited to get a peek inside some of the area’s most beautiful homes. Get the event on your calendar!

Sorry to talk about calendars and scheduling, but do check our calendar for fun activities to keep you smiling throughout August.

I hope yours is pleasant and full of that summer feeling.

Cheers,

AUGUST 2016 publisher

Jim Newman | JNewman@LifestylePubs.com (770) 217-1282 editor

Sue G. Collins | SCollins@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Dennis Malcolm Byron, Lia Picard, Diane Quintana, Mary Welch contributing photographers

Oana Hogrefe, Susan Talbot

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

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SCollins@ LifestylePubs.com

P.S. That’s our fabulous publisher, Jim Newman at home this summer!

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Nicole Rhoads started baking healthier cookies for her family (her son Ansel chooses his favorite on the cover) and launched Sweet Sassy Molassey Bakeshop in Sandy Springs.

You can find her goodies at the Peachtree Center Farmers Market.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OANA HOGREFE/SHUTTERVIEW.COM 4

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Perimeter North Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Atlanta’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Perimeter North Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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August 2016

18

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Local Limelight

28

Healthy Lifestyle

30

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

16 Learning to Learn

Moms meet unmet needs with LearningRX.

18 Looking Back, Paying It Forward

Schools mark milestones and make philanthropy a priority.

24 The Better-For-You Baker

Meet the Sandy Springs mom behind Sweet Sassy Molassey.

16

24

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Good Times

Polo in the Pines

Founders, collaborators, friends and sponsors toasted to the success of the 2016 Polo in the Pines, planned for Oct 8-9. Sean O’Keefe Events along with co-chairs, Tina Fowler and Jennifer Bonner raised a glass at the Atlanta Polo Club. The event benefits CURE Childhood Cancer. Sponsorship opportunities available! PoloInThePines.com

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Good Times

Lantern Parade

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

TASTES NEARBY More than 30 restaurants and vendors will come together Sept 15 for the popular Taste of Buckhead. The 2016 Taste of Buckhead is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works, the former Mason Murer Art Gallery space. Hosted by the Buckhead Business Association (BBA), this year’s event features a VIP experience and a silent auction. The event will also feature a spirit wall; and attendees can purchase a ticket for

SHARING SCHOOL EXPENSES

$20 and take home a spirit that has been donated. Proceeds benefit

Help Local Kids with Lunches and School Supplies. The Community

the Buckhead Business Foundation, the BBA’s charitable arm, which

Assistance Center makes it easy for you to help local children in need

is donating the funds to The Giving Kitchen. General admission

this month. Give a child Lunches for 3 weeks for just $35. Give 2 new

tickets are $50. VIP tickets, which include an exclusive tour of the

Backpacks filled with School Supplies for just $35. The CAC makes

distillery, specialty cocktails and exclusive food samples, are $75. Gas

your generous dollar goes further thanks to wholesale purchasing

South is the event’s presenting sponsor. For more information or to

and an anonymous matching grant for school supplies! Donations of

purchase tickets, visit tasteofbuckhead.org.

items are also accepted. Find the summer lunch bag list of contents on our website or give large, heavy duty (new) backpacks to CAC.

TUPELO HONEY CAFE

Donate online and find more details on the CAC website. Parents,

Asheville, N.C. based Tupelo

if you have some time on your hands, become a volunteer at the

Honey Cafe is now serving scratch-

Community Assistance Center and help our neighbors in need in

made, reimagined Southern food,

Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Volunteers are needed in all areas

craft beers and cocktails in Sandy

of CAC. Volunteer in the new CAC Food Pantry and assist clients,

Springs. The menu offers a selec-

organize food or re-stock shelves. Become a part of the new CAC

tion of sharable small plates such as

Boutique team; work on the retail floor or behind the scenes accept-

a fried avocado topped with fresh

ing, sorting and pricing donations. Serve as a client interviewer, or

tomato salsa, cilantro and whipped

work at the CAC reception desk, make calls to clients, do data entry

sour cream, in addition to farm fresh sides, soups, salads, sandwiches

or teach adult education classes. We can find something for you!

and entrées including its slow-roasted “Wampus Cat” ribs smothered

Contact Debbie at Volunteer@OurCAC.org. OurCAC.org

in a maple pepper bourbon glaze. The Atlanta location also boasts

FESTIVAL TIME The Festival

Sandy

Springs

returns

this

September for two days of

family–friendly

on

September

fun 17-18.

exclusive food and drink specials like the “Jazzy Belle #5,” a peach sweet tea frozen daiquiri; Thursday night bottomless “mac-smackn-cheese”; and a fried chicken tower, served family-style on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.

PARKS GALORE Georgia’s State Parks

Celebrating 31 years, the

are

affordable

desti-

Festival the largest fund-

nations

raiser for Heritage Sandy

and

Springs – the nonprofit

Waterfalls and lakes, salt

for

vacations

quick

getaways.

organization that saved

marsh and mountains

the original “sandy springs” – and a treasured community event. Each

are just some of the

year, thousands of visitors stroll through artists' booths displaying

beautiful environments

original paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. Sports enthusiasts can

of the state parks. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best vari-

qualify for the Peachtree Road Race in the fast-paced Sandy Springs

ety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each

Lightning 10K/5K, and pet lovers can enter their four-legged friends

features natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun

into the Pet Parade, this year presented by Angels Among Us Pet

and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking,

Rescue. ArtSS returns with the Chalk Walk Competition, offering cash

camping, geocaching, birding and more. Accommodations include

prizes. The Entertainment Stage will feature performances from com-

campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the

munity groups as well as talented local artists like Sam Burchfield, AJ

Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian

Ghent Band, and Banks & Shane! SandySpringsFestival.com.

mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia’s

12

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book. GaStateParks.org/ThingsToKnow.

Bringing out the best in every student • Subject Tutoring • Test Prep • Academic Coaching HOME EXPO The 33rd Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo is Friday-Sunday, Sept. 9-11 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Over 300 exhibitors will showcase some of the newest and most innovative home improvement products and services, along with expert speakers, live radio broadcasts, demonstrations, prizes and the Red Hare Backyard Beer Garden. New this year will be a three-day special appearance by author and former editor of Builder magazine, Boyce Thompson. Thompson will bring his “Top 10 New Life-Changing Home Products” Showcase, including paints that prevent disease, countertops that recharge electronics and a 3D Printer that can print an entire house. Show hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sept. 10, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sept. 11. Tickets are $10 at the Show’s entrance and online. Children 12 and under and adults age 65 and older (with I.D.) are admitted free. AtlantaHomeShow.com

SMILE, IT'S EASY Art of Cosmetic is a general dental office with an emphasis on aesthetics, offering services from routine cleanings to full mouth rehabilitation. The traditional dental environment has been replaced with a modern facility that mimics a contemporary art gallery. Their approach to patient care centers around listening. With today’s technology, dentists have more options than ever to educate patients. Most patients have never looked in their mouth past their front teeth and their staff begins a conversation about the patient’s smile, with a goal to improving oral health and the aesthetics of their smile. Hygienists are skilled in all types of soft tissue management from routine cleanings to periodontal therapy. For whitening, Dr. Ray Morgan combines three relatively simple and inexpensive and quick procedures that can make a smile look more youth: laser tissue contouring, enamel re-contouring and Zoom teeth whitening can be completed in two quick visits. Check them out at FamilyDentistAtlantaGa.com, 404.816.8200.

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Local Limelight

Polo in the Pines ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN TALBOT

Organizers and sponsors at the inaugural toast.

W

ith two months to go, the excitement for Atlanta’s premiere polo event is building, thanks to the energetic and passionate leadership of founder Tina Fowler and her dedicated team of sponsors and supporters.

Since the inaugural event in 2012, Polo in the Pines has raised nearly $250,000 with a mission to fund specific cancer research, promote awareness and family support and will again benefit CURE Childhood Cancer.

The elegant Saturday all-day event features polo matches, gourmet dining, crafted Southern cocktails, a silent auction and dancing. The scene will be set by Sean O’Keefe Events, a generous supporter of Polo in the Pines since its inception. New to Polo in the Pines is the Best Bloodies and Brunch Bites, Sunday’s festival featuring more world-class polo and a buffet from Atlanta’s best chefs and bartenders.

Polo in the Pines Planning co-chairs, Tina Fowler and Jennifer Bonner already have Host Teams lined up including Sharon and Collins Knight, Nikki and Joey Butler, Karol and Joe Butler, Margaret Ann and Kevin Kennedy, Liz and Terry Ryan, Angie and Steve Fowler, Jill and Dan 14

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

Fowler, Catherine and David Fowler, Tracy and Hank Unverzagt,Sandy and Andre Vlajk, Tiffany and Dave Hess, Jennifer and Todd Williams of Dunwoody, and Terry and Mike Fisher of Alpharetta.These teams have made a generous contribution and commitment to the event and charities.

The Orthwein family helped host an inaugural toast at the gorgeous Atlanta Polo Club in June. “We are honored to have special guest Joe Meyer, United States Polo Association and Angie Duprey, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta join us for this special occasion,” said Tina Fowler. “And, thank you Jolie Liston for coordinating an exciting polo season. A HUGE Thank you Sean O'Keefe Events for always making us look so good.”

Sponsorship opportunities include Host Team Sponsor ($400) right up to Title Sponor ($25,000), with packages including VIP tickets, branding and much more. By partnering with Polo in the Pines, you will be sharing with the community that you too believe in the mission to support specific cancer research, providing awareness and support to families whose loved ones are stricken with cancer. The 2016 event will honor childhood sarcoma cancer survivors Lacey JoLynn Johnson and Matthew Willis.

Sponsors are aligning this month.

“Four Roses Bourbon loves to be a part of Polo in the Pines. It’s a unique event held in the heart of our city that benefits a great cause.

Besides what’s a better fit than fine Kentucky Bourbon and equestrian events?” said Randall Roberts of the Four Roses brand.

Other Business Sponsors include Fowler Connection, Georgia Water & Fire Restoration, AGCO Corporation Crestron, Bonner Built, Barco, Pecan Ridge Plantation, Butler Pools, Mayberry Electric, Capital Growth and Medvest Engineering & Equipment. Specific sponsor opportunities still available include a tent sponsor, luxury auto sponsor, printing sponsor.

The PIP 2016 Planning Committee includes Heather Mannik, Liz Ryan, Tiffany Hess, Amy Agee, Tracy Unverzagt, Stacy Gusek, Angie Fowler, Lori Nelson, Erin Bruce, Cynthia Bizarro, Jill Mitchell, Nikki Butler, Aletha Cherry. Internship program participants include Amanda Bonner (Ole Miss senior, Rebelette), Allison Bonner (Ole Miss senior) and Maria Amendola (GCSU graduate).

Lifestyle Publications is the proud media sponsor of the event. For more information and to join the team or become a sponsor, go to PoloInThePines.com

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15

Learning to Learn ARTICLE MARY WELCH

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

B

eth Ardell and Susie McDaniel were like so many moms.

Their kids were having trouble learning and they couldn’t find the right help. Eventually, they realized that metro Atlanta didn’t have anything that would tackle the core reasons why their kids were struggling — until they heard about LearningRx, which was founded by Dr. Ken Gibson more than 25 years ago. LearningRx is a one-on-one brain training program that targets cognitive skills.

They opened a center in Buckhead/Sandy Springs in 2008 and an Alpharetta/Johns Creek facility three years later.

“Beth and I both went to graduate school to study physical therapy at Emory. We worked together for years, and then our kids started struggling in school. We tried many different programs to help them and then Beth heard about LearningRx,” says Susie. “It was exactly what we were looking for.”

Beth’s daughter had a seizure disorder when she was one year old that resulted in significantly weakened cognitive skills in several areas. Despite Beth’s therapy background, several interventions and

16

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

extensive school modifications, her daughter fell further behind in school.

LearningRx’s methodology and results were the right solution, she said.

“I knew she needed this cutting edge, radical way to strengthen her cognition more than anything else.

Thankfully I was right, and her life started to change. She became the best reader in her class and is now able to keep up with her peers both socially and academically.”

A Roswell resident, Susie has one child who struggled academically and faced attention issues, as well, which she did not want to medicate.

She also has another child who used LearningRx for enhancement reasons. “LearningRx helped both of my kids tremendously,” she says, “and I have not needed to use medication for my son’s early inattentiveness”

She points out that because it is not like traditional tutoring and instead trains certain parts of the brain to permanently enhance learning skills, he’s done better in other aspects of his life also. “It does tend to transfer to things like sports and music,” she says. “They can understand and remember the football plays or the music better.

They tend to keep up with conversations better and get the jokes more. It helps in all aspects of life.”

LearningRx is very clear about what separates them other companies that help children learn or supplement their schoolwork. “For the most part, we don’t work on specific academic achievement, except where it pertains to the decoding or fluency of reading and comprehension. We are not tutors. We attack the core cognitive issues and processing skills so they can process new information faster and more efficiently,” says Susie, co-owner and director. “We look at skills such as short- and long-term memory, logic and reasoning, auditory and visual processing, processing speed, and attention. We attack the core skills — the reasons why you can’t read or learn like everyone else.”

LearningRx offers “brain training.” First they test the child (or adult) to see what they can accomplish, a standardized cognitive skills assessment, and evaluate where their strengths and weaknesses are. After a consultation, they devise a plan of intense specialized mental exercises aimed at specific cognitive weaknesses. A client will work with a brain trainer for an hour a day (usually 3 – 5 times/week) for 12 to 32 weeks.

Think of it as your brain going to the gym with its own personal trainer.

“When children first start out, they often don’t understand why we ask them to perform certain game-like procedures that are fun but challenging,” says Alix Luce, director of LearningRx Alpharetta.

“But after a while, they love it. It changes their whole attitude about learning and being a success, and their confidence skyrockets!”

Although every mental exercise is customized, someone behind in math might work on recognizing patterns and logic rather than multiplication tables.

“With reading, we often find that the student struggles with the comprehensive component rather than the mechanics,” Susie says.

Not all of the children and adults who enroll at LearningRx are diagnosed with specific conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. “It’s basically for children and adults who are struggling at something and want to do better,” Susie says, “or it’s for anyone who wants a competitive edge in school or beyond.”

“Opening LearningRx has been the best thing I’ve ever done because all of my children’s lives have improved as a result of going through this program,” says Beth. “The opportunities they are now taking advantage of are those they never would have had without the increased cognitive skills they attained after going through LearningRx’s training.” LearningRX.com

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Looking Back, Paying it Forward Schools Score High for Growth and Service ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

W

e asked some of the schools in our area what notable milestones they hit last year on campus and what priority they will put on community service in the 2016-17 school year.

MARIST SCHOOL Milestones: The school celebrated the completion of $35 million capital campaign, “The Way. The Hope. The Promise.,” which transformed Marist’s campus for 21st century education. This year, for grades 9-12, Informed Civil Discourse Day is planned for October familiarizing students with a communications philosophy and method that will help them have exchanges on political and other closely felt topics without resorting to accusations or epithets. Logic can be in short supply during election season, as emotion might instead steal the day. Staff are committed to helping students find their voice, but a voice that is civil and informed.

Reach Out: Students will be continuing Marist’s commitment to the Terra Project (sustainability) and to those less fortunate through the community service hours and projects executed by students and the entire Marist community.

18

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Milestones: A new greenhouse was built this summer in the STEM Building, which just opened last year.

The greenhouse will help students who are studying aquaponics, "a system of aquaculture in which the waste products of farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water.”

Reach Out: Community service plans for this year in the Upper School will, once again, include the Great Day of Service. Students, faculty and staff fan out to places all over Metro Atlanta, including Habitat for Humanity, Clifton Ministries, Furkids, Chattahoochee Nature Center, SouthView Cemetery, and Books for Africa, to lend a helping hand. Lower School students will this year, work with Stop Hunger Now and Sole Hope, make sandwiches for Emmaus House and the Community Assistance Center and science classes will partner with Global Faith and Service students. Pairings between Upper and Lower school US religion classes and US global studies students will emerge with programs being driven more and more by the students and what speaks to the students’ hearts.

Springmont Montessori Milestones: The Plus Program for students challenged

by Dyslexia and ADHD was added. Outdoor learning facilities were expanded to include more animal life, which had a positive effect on campus life overall, as well as character education and art programing. Ninety percent of Springmont’s Middle School students are accepted into their high school of choice. A Book Club for parents started – with growing attendance each week.

Reach Out: Students continue to support World Water Day. Middle School students partner with the Georgia Department of Transportation through their AdoptA-Highway program. The Middle School students also are spearheading a clothing recycling project. Each fall all students, Toddler through Middle School, help prepare food, and parent volunteers deliver it to Sandy Springs United Methodist Church before Thanksgiving break. Children also select programs for annual support in keeping with tradition, and non-profits include the Atlanta Humane Society, the American Red Cross, the Chattahoochee Nature Preserve, the World Wildlife CONTINUED > Fund and many others.

August 2016 | PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

19

LOOKING BACK (CON TI N U ED)

Davis Academy Milestones: A major building expansion is currently underway at The Davis Academy including a 600+ seat Performing Arts Center, spiritual and community gathering space and multiple flexible learning spaces. A “temporary” unit that served as the Lower School cafeteria for nearly 15 years will be replaced by a state-of-the art permanent dining hall and kitchen. These major enhancements are possible thanks to the generous donors who have participated in the $7.5 million Next Stage Capital Campaign. The Davis Academy, soon to begin its 24th year, is a Reform Jewish day school located in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area.

20

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

The Cottage School Milestones: The Cottage School adds 4th and 5th grades for the first time in 30 years. Founded in 1985, The Cottage School is a private, non-profit education center that serves 6th-12th grade students with mild to moderate learning differences, including ADD and anxiety. Students come to TCS when mainstream education is no longer an option. Their differences may cause them to withdraw and often times give up. TCS, while offering the core academic curriculum that meets the Georgia’s graduation standards, offers something that has become priceless for parents – seeing their child thrive because of acceptance and having their challenges understood. With that comes confidence, and builds confidence independence.

Reach Out: TCS is continuing to grow their programs to include the Arts, Technology and Career opportunities that will help the student who may not go on to college, but needs a workforce readiness to reach the independence and success every parent wants for their child. Students at TCS learn in a work environment which teaches accountability, a work ethic and soft skills that will be used for a lifetime.

Woodward Academy Milestones: Woodward Academy launched an innovative and wide-ranging new Global Connections program to provide even greater global opportunities for our students. Woodward’s program is unique in that it takes a holistic approach—combining opportunities for study abroad with homestay programs for international students, sister school relationships, and language certification for students. Woodward is the first school in the nation to implement the International Certification testing program for Upper School students in five languages. During Spring Break 2016, a group of 24 Upper School students traveled to Cuba. During this historic trip, students experienced the country after more than 50 years of communism, repression, and economic isolation.

Reach Out: Upper School students devote more than 5,000 hours to service projects annually. Three annual service projects including a canned food drive benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, fundraiser for The Terranova School, our sister school in Zambia, Africa and A walk-a-thon to benefit our neighborhood Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club. Last year Woodward alone donated 23,000 pounds of food and $19,000 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Since 1997, the Academy also has donated $500,000 to the Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club and in the last 10 years has raised $225,000 for Terranova.

(Note: Many public schools and some private schools couldn’t be reached

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for comment at press time, but we would love to hear from you throughout the year. Email the editor at SCollins@LifestylePubs.com with updates, news and event photos) August 2016 | PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

21

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86 Student Clubs and Service Organizations

students of all learning styles come together from every religious, ethnic, and cultural background, making our school a microcosm of the world.

75 Yearly Arts Performances and 14 Art Studios

18 Varsity Sports and 13 Intramurals

8:1 Faculty: Student Ratio

Main Campus Pre-K to 12, College Park Sunday, Oct. 23 2 to 5 p.m.

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August 2016 | PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

23

The Better-For-You Baker ARTICLE LIA PICARD | PHOTOGRAPHY OANA HOGREFE

C

an you think of many things in life better than sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey, freshfrom-the-oven chocolate chip cookie? Well, maybe one thing: knowing that the warm and gooey cookie is made with “better for you ingredients.” But making such a cookie can be a hassle.

Rounding up all the ingredients that go into making a “better for you” cookie can be challenging.

Before you reach for that log of cookie dough, though, meet Nicole Rhoads – the woman behind CONTINUED > Sweet Sassy Molassey Bakeshop in Sandy Springs.

24

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

August 2016 | PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

25

BETTER BAKER (CON TI N U ED)

A lifelong baking enthusiast, Rhoads had a career in accounting for more than 10 years. But, the dream of owning her own bakery persisted, and in 2013 she was given the opportunity to pursue it. However, she believed there was an “unmet need for freshly baked goods that are made with nutritious ingredients” so she set out to change that. Now, she only buys organic ingredients, whole grain flours and unrefined sugars.

Sweet Sassy Molassey operates out of Rhoads’ home kitchen, where her two year old son, Ansel, is her “little taste tester.”

Ansel is a driving force behind Rhoads’ mission to use wholesome ingredients. She explains, “I care deeply about what he puts in his little body. He inspires my recipes and the ingredients I use.” It doesn’t hurt, either, that he “puts a lot of fun into the equation” as a kitchen sidekick.

Beyond wanting to give the world more nutritious sweet treats, Rhoads also cares about the impact she has on the community and environment. For this reason, she uses fair trade chocolate and other fair trade ingredients when possible. She also donates a portion of her proceeds to No Kid Hungry – an organization with the mission to end childhood hunger. When you buy one of her cookies you’re not just eating good, you’re doing good.

Tempting products in the Sweet Sassy Molassey lineup include classic chocolate chip cookies, “Oh Snap” ginger snap cookies, made with iron-rich molasses and anti-inflammatory fresh ginger, and a variety of cakes, brownies, bars and morning treats.

Currently, Sweet Sassy Molassey has a cottage license which means Rhoads can only sell products in the state of Georgia.

You can order her goods online, but only if you live here. You can also find them at the Peachtree Center Farmers Market on Thursdays and at various festivals and events around town. Hang tight, once her son goes to school in a few years she’ll be taking Sweet Sassy Molassey to the “next level” and getting that commercial license.

26

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

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Healthy Lifestyle

Smile, It's Time for School ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS

W

hile the kids are back to studying their ABCs at school this month, we asked our friends at Golsen Family Dentistry for an

PNL: Are there any new tools and products parents might want to

know about?

education on something we ALL do, every day (hopefully three times

JG: In our office we are using microscopes and DNA testing to

a day). Dr. Jill Golsen took a moment at her Alpharetta office to give

detect and treat the bacteria inside the mouth. So if you are leaving

us a lesson on caring for your family's teeth.

plaque in your mouth we can scoop it up, put it on a slide and show

PNL: Over a 12 month period, what should a school-aged child be

looking at for dental care - in office and at home?

JG: It is very important for all ages but especially school aged chil-

dren to be seen at least 2 times per year for a dental cleaning and

you what is swimming in your mouth! Alive!!

If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease the DNA testing gives us the specific bacteria and what is the best mode to treat it with. No guessing. Just facts!

checkup Children wearing braces need to be seen more frequently!

Our office is also equipped with a Spectra camera, this special

In between dental cleanings it is important to brush twice a day and

camera reads areas of decay in the deep grooves of the teeth and

floss daily in our office we prefer our patients to use the sonic care

can detect early signs of tooth decay allowing us to treat areas while

tooth brush. Studies have shown that plaque removed is 90% better

they are still small verse waiting until there is a bigger problem. The

with any mechanical tooth brush vs a manual one. Flossing properly

more we can do to prevent bigger problems the better. The wait till it

every day reduces the amount of bacteria build up in the mouth.

hurts attitude is never a good idea.

PNL: What advice can you give parents about their student's dental

health over the years?

PNL: And what's the truth about toothbrushes and toothpastes for

daily brushing success?

JG: Be aware of what your children are consuming on a regular

JG: When it comes to toothbrushes, always chose a soft! Hard

basis. Sports drinks are a better alternative than soft drinks and com-

tooth brushes are abrasive on the enamel and the gum tissues. You

monly used by active people to maintain energy during exercise. but

don’t want to wear away the enamel and gums you just want to clean

the sugar found in these beverages as well as the citric acid can affect

them. Any toothpaste approved by the American dental association

the teeth more and promote acid erosion. Dehydration is a common

is fine. My favorite is Colgate Total.

issue among athletes, having a dry mouth and a decreased salivary flow makes them more vulnerable to tooth decay. So on a day to day

For this month's homework assignment, make an appointment, call

schedule. Unless your child is on the field playing hard don’t use

770.667.0669 or go to GolsenDental.com and tell them Perimeter North

sports drinks. Stick to water!!

Lifestyle sent you!

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PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

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Lifestyle Calendar

August AUGUST 1 - 7

AUGUST 12 & 13

BB&T ATLANTA OPEN

ATLANTA BBQ FESTIVAL

ATLANTIC STATION

PERIMETER MALL

Tennis lovers unite! Come

The 9th Annual Atlanta BAR-B-Q Festival is Turn-

to Atlantic Station through

ing Up the Flavor! The world of BBQ will be at your

the week for some out-

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standing tennis and spe-

techniques and flavors of BBQ in a 2-day celebra-

cial events like concerts,

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UNITED WAY BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM

AUGUST 14

NORTH FULTON COMMUNITY CHARITIES

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS

Let’s get kids excited about school! This August we help families prepare

HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS

for school by providing new backpacks filled with school supplies to stu-

Join A1A, a Jimmy Buffet cover band and enjoy a lovely summer

dents in grades K-12. The backpacks are distributed during our Back to

night filled with music. The Island Chef Cafe will be bringing de-

School Health and Wellness Fair. To download the current school supply

licious food, and bring the kids to decorate their own cupcake for

list and Back to School event flier visit UnitedWayAtlanta.org

dessert! Heritagesandysprings.org

THROUGH AUGUST 14

AUGUST 20

OUT OF THE BOX: THE RISE OF SNEAKER CULTURE

BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER

Follow the evolution of the sneaker from its origins in the 1800s to its

This year’s event will feature two enormous Butterfly tents - each filled

current status symbol of urban culture. See how Nike, Adidas, and

with hundreds of live butterflies. Join us for a day of great activities

Converse have all developed over the centuries, along with discover-

including a Birds of Prey show, live animal encounters, games, educa-

ing designer sneakers like Prada's.

tional booths, crafts, music, food and drinks. DunwoodyNature.org

AUGUST 5-6, & 19

AUGUST 20

CHUKKAR FARM CONCERTS

MAGNOLIA RUN

CHUKKAR FARM

PERIMETER MALL

August 5 and 6, James Casto and friends acoustic concert At Chukkar

Please Join Us For the 33rd Annual Magnolia Run benefiting The Epi-

Farm Event. August 19, TGIF Jazz concert at Chukkar Farm Event ,

lepsy Foundation of Georgia on Saturday August 20, 2016!

shows starts at 8:00, gates open at 6:30.

Registration opens at 7 AM and the 5k & 1 mile events begin at 8 AM,

AUGUST 12-27 VARIOUS DATES AND TIMES ACT3 PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS ACT3 PRODUCTIONS

rain or shine. Awards will be given for Overall Male, Female, Masters Winners, and the First Place in Various Age Groups (Timed 5k only).

All participants will receive a Magnolia Run t-shirt. Come out and feel great knowing you've helped a worthy cause! cvbdunwoody.com

Act3 Productions presents The Fantasticks, a funny and romantic

SEPTEMBER 1 - 29

musical about a boy, a girl, the two fathers who try to keep them

DUNWOODY FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS

apart, and the magical journey their love takes them on. Book and

BROOK RUN PARK

lyrics by Tom Jones. Music by Harvey Schmidt.

Every Thursday, catch food favorites like Cattywampus Grill, Cousins Maine Lobster, The Deep South Biscuit Co and more.

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PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

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MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Ideal Medical Health Center (404) 348-4441 idealhealthatl.com

College Nannies & Sitters & Tutors (404) 400-5040 Collegenanniesandtutors.com/sandyspringsga

HOME SERVICES

R.S. Andrews / Stratgetic America (770) 454-1800 rsandrews.com

Mona Lisa Touch Atlanta (404) 581-0307 monalisaatlanta.com

Holy Innocents Episcopal School (404) 255-4026

Adapted Living (404) 734-7343 adaptedlivingspaces.com

Northside Hospital (404) 851-8000 northside.com

Atlas Pools (770) 451-3700 atlaspools.com

Northside Hospital (Peachtree Dunwoody Int. Medicine) (404) 497-1020 northside.com

Learning Rx Atlanta (404) 252-7246 learningrx.com Woodward Academy (404) 765-4037 woodward.edu

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Builders Floor Covering and Tile (770) 945-4097 getnewfloorstoday.com Closets by Design Atlanta (770) 418-2112 closetsbydesign.com Proactive Residential (404) 975-7002 proactiveresidential.com Sewell (404) 255-0604 subzero-wolf.com atlanta

Northside Vascular Surgery (770) 292-3490 nvs-ga.com

REAL ESTATE Jim Newman (770) 231-6292

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August 2016 | PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com

33

Parting Thoughts

Thank You for Making a Difference WORDS PAIGE SPOONER

S

chool is back in session this month and the moaning and groaning about not wanting summer to end has begun.

I’m not ready.

It’s too soon.

Summer is too short.

I don’t want to get up so early.

The author, school-aged.

I don’t want to do homework everyday.

This is probably similar to what you’re hearing at your house, as well. All they want is to sleep in, hang out with friends, have sleepovers, and be spontaneous rather than returning to strict schedules. And who can blame them? That’s the fun of being a kid and the magic of summertime.

But, don’t forget to share with them your story… you know, the one about that unforgettable person who made all the difference in your life- the one who gave you the confidence to come out of your shell and become the person you are now.

I can vividly remember my special someone. Her name was Coach Roye. Fortunately for me, she seemed to cross my path early on and continually throughout elementary, middle and high school. She coached me in swim team, basketball, and track (along with her wonderful husband). She taught religion class, PE and science, but most importantly, she was that go-to person that I could confide in when things weren’t going so well or if I just needed someone safe to talk with. She was the one I went to to share my burdens and get clear perspective.

She listened and helped and coached me in life, not just on the field, court, pool and classroom. She was that spiritual influence that kept me grounded and walking in my faith. Coach Roye instilled

34

PerimeterNorthLifestyle.com | August 2016

in me drive and passion to do my best in all that I attempted.

I may not have always been the best athlete, but she made me want to work harder and never, ever give up…through injuries and obstacles.

I recently saw a photo of her- still teaching, coaching and mentoring- still making a difference and impacting young lives. I thought to myself: What if our paths had never crossed? Would I have the same passion and zest for life? Would I have made different choices had she not guided me and given her time so selflessly? Without her inspiration, there is no way of telling which direction life would have taken. Maybe to a completely different place, one that didn’t include the valuable lessons she taught me…the lessons that made my world make sense.

She taught me that there is great reward when you work hard for something and put all that you have into it. She taught me that nothing worthwhile is ever easy...that love sometimes hurts, but it’s always worth the risk. She taught me that friendship is the core of real joy and that keeping God at the center of our lives is essential to living well.

It all comes down to the relationships we form during school, doesn’t it?

So, as I hear back-to-school complaints about having to set alarms early again and watch them reluctantly drag themselves out of bed, I hope and I pray that my kids will find inspiration in an outstanding teacher, coach or mentor this year…someone they can trust that will lead them along the right path now and positively influence their future steps forever!

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