Milton Life by Local Life Publishing

MiltonLife

SPRING 2018

30004 | 30009

#givelocal To Do List March • April • May

PLANET FRIENDLY

ECO-MENTALITY - Earth Day Eve 4/21 Milton Fields Natural Burial Grounds

finding the best good beer COVER STORY Photos by PHOTO-SMITH www.photo-smith.biz

You can’t SEE your HEART.

How do you know it’s healthy? We can Help. The Know Your Heart screening can determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions — things you may not even be aware of. It’s simple, fast, affordable, and provides insight into your heart’s overall health. Your test results will be reviewed with you by a WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine healthcare professional.

Packages Available Starting at $49 Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to learn more or schedule an appointment. All services performed at WellStar North Fulton Hospital 3000 Hospital Blvd, Roswell, GA 30076

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MILTON LIFE 30004 • 30009 is published by Local Life Publishing, LLC 10719 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell GA www.locallifepublishing.com Founder/Publisher Regina Barkley

President Chris Smith Editor Claire Murphy

spring 2018

Publisher’s Letter p4 Get Out(side)! p8 Alpharetta Farmers Market Food Truck Alley Alpharetta Arts Streetfest Rock for Rescues Earth Day Eve Eat Out(side)! p10 Plant Fitness - A New Experience p12 Cambridge High Thespians p16 Milton High School Theatre p17 The Best Good Beer p18 Big South Beer Competition/Festival Summer Opener Beer & Wine Festival Alpharetta Brew Moonfest Alcohol Awareness Month p18 Taste of Alpharetta p20 Memorial Day Tributes p21 enAble of Georgia’s Gala at Avalon p22 137 More Acres of Greenspace p23 #givelocal p24 Children’s Charities Special Equestrians of Georgia Canine Assistants Angels Among Us Cats in the Cradle The Drake Closet Furkids Animal Rescue Milton Fields Natural Burials p26 Young at Heart p29 Happy Easter p30

Associate Editor Danielle Bartling Advertising Manager Craig Briscoe Copy Editor Sally Nelson Administrative Assistant Sarah Mabal Staff Photographer Chris Smith - www.photo-smith.biz Contributing Writer Debra Boice Own a local business? Want to partner with MILTON LIFE? Learn how we can help you position your brand to more effectively reach the local market: info@locallifepublishing.com Local Life Quarterly is published 4X per year by LLP. The opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. We will make mistakes, so don’t be too harsh when we do. We’re human just like you. Sharing articles on social media from our digital publication is encouraged. Do you LIKE us? facebook.com/alphamiltonmagazine facebook.com/locallifepublishing ML - Spring 2018

Grand Opening at

our new location

Windward Plaza April 25th

Giveaways, Refreshments Consultations

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Spring 2018

Something funny happened on the way to finishing up this issue - a couple of themes emerged we weren’t expecting or planning. It is apparent to me we have very generous neighbors who give massive amounts of their time and resources to a number of local charities. Every time we turned around we were writing about another nonprofit doing great things in our community. The most popular types of charity organizations in Milton are those that strive to impact the lives of people with mental or physical disabilities, and those that take care of animals. In this issue, we introduce - or re-introduce you - to NINE of them. And that wasn’t on purpose. That is just where all of the stories led us. Street parties and festivals get into full-swing on April 14 with the Big South Craft Beer Competition and Festival. Participating breweries may submit up to three beers to be judged on an established criteria and winners will be announced at the event. This and the Milton

Summer Opener Beer & Wine festival are benefiting Children’s Charities, which is raising funds to build an all-inclusive playpark in Milton for children with abilities and disabilities. Also in mid April, our Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings will need to be blocked off so we can attend Food Truck Alley and the Farmers Market each week. May doesn’t just bring us graduations, it also pulls our focus to the Arts. Both Milton and Cambridge High Schools will be presenting their Spring productions in early May; and the much anticipated Alpharetta Arts Streetfest takes place over Memorial Weekend, May 26-28. I’ve only touched on a little bit here - you’ll have to keep reading to get the rest. We love and live locally. We encourage you to, too. #lovelocal Warm Regards,

Regina

advertiser index Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau Back Cover Aqua Plumbing - p21 Big South Craft Beer Competition - p11 CalAtlantic Homes - p7 Children’s Charities, Inc - p11 Children’s Development Association Inside Back Cover Crabapple Beds & Bones - p23 Dahlonega Arts Festival - p20

Holiday Inn Express Alpharetta - p20 Image Maids - p15 Maid Right - p21 Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails - p3 Montessori Scholars Academy - p15 Planet Fitness - Front Cover, p14 Raisin’s Ranch - p25 Veronica Stone Salon - p5 WELLSTAR North Fulton Hospital Inside Front Cover

Down Home Derby - Inside Back Cover

ML - Spring 2018

Edgemont on Main Street Now Selling | Attached homes from the mid $400s A collection of only 18 townhomes provide a limited opportunity to take advantage of a work/play/live community located in Milton, Ga., one of the north Atlanta area’s most desirable cities, surrounded by amenities you’d Publisher’s Letter, p4 expect around the South’s most sophisticated metropolis.

Advertiser Index, p6

•

Surrounded by parks, leading retailers, abundant and

More Thandining Curry,destinations, p9 varied and world-class recreation

Artisan Closets, p10 with convenient access to GA • Custom Commuter’s paradise

400, the primary corridor to downtown Atlanta, less

Season for the p14 than 30Children, miles away

• Eligible students will Winter’s Short Window, p16have access to attend schools all located within four miles of the community

Total Package: The District, p18 Where to Golf, p21 Glory of New York, p22 Coming in 2018, p24 Do You Know Your Heart? p24

CalAtlanticHomes.com

do! p26 please contact Mary Ray at 770-842-4983. For Yes, moreIinformation, Calendar of Events, p28

In the Edgemont on Main Street Community of CalAtlantic Homes, prices, plans, elevations and specifications are subject to change without notice. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service Season, the project for any particular periodThe of time. Kissing Eligibility requirements (includingp30 geographical) may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorative suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. This is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer for the purchase of a new home. This information is not directed to residents of any state that requires registration or permit issuance prior to the publication of such information. CAATL458 CAATL458 www.locallifepublishing.com

#playlocal

Play in the Street

GET OUT(side)! This time of year we are given every reason and opportunity to get outside and DO SOMETHING. Some of us (me) go into a subtle social hibernation mode beginning in November, so when March hits we feel a spring in our step. Spring and Fall are what we like to call STREET PARTY TIME. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the low-down here, so keep reading.

ML - Spring 2018

#playlocal

FARMERS MARKET

April 14 thru October 27 Every Saturday, 8:30AM - 1PM Old Canton St, Downtown Alpharetta www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com Fruits, vegetables, natural meats, fresh flowers and herbs, all sorts of edible home goods: desserts, breads, local raw honey, sauces, jellies and soaps.

FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

April 19 thru October 11 Every Thursday, 5PM - 8PM Old Roswell St, Alpharetta www.facebook.com/foodtruckalley 6-8 rotating food trucks and music each week. Stroll the streets, eat delicious food, listen to some great music and kick off the weekend a little early!

ALPHARETTA ARTS STREETFEST May 26 - 28 - Downtown Alpharetta (GPS to 2 North Main St, 30009) The City of Alpharetta and Splash Festivals present the 14th Annual Arts Streetfest - 2018. This 3 day event will host more than 90 colorful artisans from around the country and will showcase their works in this much anticipated festival. The street festival will feature live music, cultural arts performances, children’s activities, and a variety of local cuisine. Free and pet-friendly (leashed, of course)!

ROCK FOR RESCUES April 28, Noon to 6PM Broadwell Pavilion, Milton www.rockforrescues.org New, annual, free, community-driven festival is produced by the Vox Artium Foundation. Corporate sponsors and individual donors cover all the costs, so the founders donate 100% of net proceeds to these animal rescue non-profits: Special Equestrians of Georgia, Canine CellMates, Furkids Rescue, Pets for Vets amd Pilots ’N Paws. Family-friendly, with food trucks and kids’ activities, the event will feature a variety of local bands, including Chip McGuire Band, A Slow Boat to China, Pony League, and Linnie & Amy Joy!

EARTH DAY EVE (Planet - Friendly) Saturday, April 21, 10AM - 2PM Be green and make plans to visit the Milton City Hall Plaza for a day filled with eco-educational activities, live entertainment, rides, food and crafts for all ages! Hosted by the Milton Grows Green Committee, this event showcases environmental vendors and businesses the conservation-minded among us will hope to support. www.cityofmiltonga.us www.locallifepublishing.com

GET OUT(side)

EAT OUT (side)!

DINE AL FRESCO LOCAL RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR SEATING

850° F Barpizza Alpine Bakery & Trattoria Antico Pizza Napoletana Branch & Barrel Brine Seafood Shack Butcher and Brew CANS Taqueria Ceviche Taqueria Chuys

stay the night

Colletta Dos Margaritas Four Fat Cows Grand Champion BBQ La Casa Italian Grill MADE Kitchen & Cocktails Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Oak Steakhouse Olde Blind Dog

Sage Woodfire Tavern Scratch Fresh South Main Kitchen Swagat Indian Cuisine Taco Mac Truck & Tap Twisted Taco Vinny’s on Windward Vintage Pizza

If you’re not from around here and need a place to stay while enjoying the great festivals and events, there are 20+ centrally-located hotels offering a variety of amenities that are convenient to Milton and downtown Alpharetta’s dining, shopping and activities.

Compare local accommodations and even book online:

www.awesomealpharetta.com/stay 10

LL - Spring 2018

COVER STORY

By Danielle Bartling Images by Photo-Smith (www.photo-smith.biz) Local (Crabapple) Cover Model & Miss India USA,

PURPLE IS THE NEW BLACK AT PLANET FITNESS (PF), which opened its 3rd area fitness center in late 2017. Since 2015, its Milton location (13071 Hwy 9) has been welcoming members and their guests with bright colors, friendly faces, pristine / open space, and state-of-theart equipment.

An upbeat staff contributes to the laid-back, non-intimidating environment in which members of varying fitness levels improve their health at their own pace - and without the typical pressures associated with many other gym memberships. Amenities like the free unlimited fitness training and the ultramodern, high-end locker rooms with extensive granite and exquisite tile are all included with a standard ($10 per month!) membership. ML - Spring 2018

#localbusiness

Re-inventing the Gym

experience

PLANET FITNESS - Milton / Alpharetta 13071 Hwy 9, Milton • (770) 750-0024 Open 24 hours Monday - Friday Open Monday at 12AM until Friday at 9PM Saturdays & Sundays 7AM to 7PM

Planet Fitness is Converting Non-Traditional Gym Joiners into Raving Fans Many come to PF with specific health and fitness goals in mind but don’t know where to begin or how to achieve them. The Design Your Own program - included with the standard (yup, just $10 per month!) membership - with the assistance of certified trainers provides simple road maps to assist new gym-goers in figuring it out as they go. The PE@PF Program, also included with all memberships, offers unlimited free fitness instruction by certified trainers in both small groups and one-on-one sessions. Whether it’s an abs class or 30-minute circuit full body workout, the intentional small class settings (less than 5 people at a time) guarantee more of an instructor’s individual attention. One example, the PF 30-Minute Express Circuit combines 10 strength machines and 10 cardio-step stations. Members can start anywhere in the circuit but must go in sequence. The circuit operates on a green light/ red light system. When the light turns green, www.locallifepublishing.com

exercising begins for 60 seconds. When the light turns red, that means there are 30 seconds to move to the next station. At the end of 30 minutes, the circuit is complete and participants have received true full-body workouts. The Black Card membership comes with a host of additional privileges for just $21.99 per month, including unlimited bring-a-buddy-for-free workout passes, access to any of PF’s 1,400 nationwide locations (more than 25 in Metro Atlanta), and a special key tag, which grants access to the Black Card Spa. This key opens a door to complimentary tanning, drink discounts, light therapy, massage chairs and Hydromassage beds, giving members full body massages via pressurized water jets to relax weary muscles. A simple mission promotes a Judgement Free Zone® which is strategically coupled with a low-cost business model. These two ideas encourage occasional or first-time gym

COVER STORY: HEALTHY, FIT & FUN

“We appreciate the donation from the Grand Opening of your newest location in North Fulton. A donation like this allows us to keep making an impact on the children we serve every day in this community.” Siobhan Alvarez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta members to give health and fitness a try. Members find no leering eyes or superiority complexes at PF. By not trying to be all things to all fitness levels, the staff is able to focus on the things that really matter to the 80% of the population who don’t currently belong to gyms. Every Planet Fitness location, nationally, offers a Judgement Free Zone®, which ensures individual members are embraced regardless of age, sex, weight, fitness level, relationship status, or equipment expertise. Members both seasoned and new are encouraged to “celebrate every triumph,” and are regularly reminded of the PF motto, “The world judges. We don’t.” Make no mistake, the owners don’t just “talk the talk.” They follow up these words by walking their messages of inclusivity and non-judgment into the local communities in which they operate. To launch the company’s philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generation®, Planet Fitness partnered with STOMP Out Bullying, an organization dedicated to bullying prevention, as well as the

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The company has commendably donated more than $1 million to these initiatives locally and nationally. These efforts have impacted local youth to encourage them to adopt this infectious, positive and unifying attitude. In addition to company-wide initiatives, the local gyms host awareness training, fund prevention programs, provide TVs, and grant $1000 donations with each grand opening of a new PF facility. In January the Thomasville BGCA directly benefited from these local efforts. Elsewhere, PF has designed, built and funded Mini Judgement Free Zones® inside some of BGCA facilities to “cultivate a culture of kindness and encouragement” for the kids. Every day, PF trainers are eager to guide regular and new members in creating pressure-free, sustainable, active lifestyles. So, if some feel a little unwelcome on this blue planet, they can visit a nearby purple one where everything is refreshingly down to earth. DB ML - Spring 2018

www.montessorischolars.com 13100 Morris Rd, Milton GA 30004 (770) 754-0777

We are the only school in Milton recognized with AMI (Association Montessori International/USA) and one of just six such programs in Fulton County!

AMI SACS-CASI AdvancEd

Toddler | Primary | Elementary | Childcare | Enrichment

Cobb/Cherokee

North Fulton/Forsyth

Sandy Springs

770.627.4670 770.475.8700 770.559.3264

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#localteens

Cambridge High School Thespians Just Wrapped Up Their Spring Musical with Beauty and the Beast.

Cambridge Thespians

THE CAMBRIDGE THESPIANS ATTENDED the 2018 GA Thespian Conference (ThesCon) in Columbus, GA in early February with 5,200 other Georgia high school theatre students. The students received the Silver Honor- which is based on community service and outstanding theatre. They were recognized in the Freestyle category for their outstanding original play and performance of The Businessman, directed by Max Hasse and written by Piper Adams and Eric Hennessy. Other awards earned at the conference in Columbus included: Superior rating - Solo Musical: Marcus Brooks Excellent rating - Group Musical: Kendall Warner, Britt Woods, Malia Roberts, Dana Robinson; Excellent rating - Acting: Orien Roy and Sofia Palacios Escobar; First Place went to Britt Woods and Second Place to Andrew Cardell for Improv performances.

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Marcus Brooks was selected to perform at the IE Showcase/Closing Ceremony in front of an audience of 2,000. The students just wrapped up their annual musical performance Beauty and the Beast the weekend of March 15. Tickets will be available soon for their next production, To Kill a Mockingbird, which debuts at Cambridge Theatre May 3, 4, and 5 at 7PM. www.cambridgetheatre.org ML - Spring 2018

#localteens

Cirque

Milton High School’s Milton Theatre Company attended Georgia ThesCon 2018 in February in Columbus, GA

Award-Winning Milton Theatre Company’s Annual Production is May 3, 4 , 5 and 10, 11, 12.

MILTON THEATRE COMPANY IS a dynamic,

creative, award-winning, public high school theatre company that produces several shows throughout the school year. The students perform One Act productions, a Musical, Improv shows and a spring Cirque production which impresses audiences. The Directors are committed to excellence in the theatre arts and work tirelessly to educate their students while producing the highest quality theatrical productions.

The theatre students attended ThesCon 2018 in early February and came home with more awards to add to the school’s legacy. Three out of the ten slots available to perform in the closing ceremony were occupied by students from Milton: Harrison Lewis and Courtney French acted a scene from “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” McKinsey Griffis, Mary Caroline Owens and Owen Smith presented “At the Ballet” from “A Chorus Line.” Hayden Kerzie sang the solo Giant from “Boys Will Be Boys.” www.locallifepublishing.com

Owen Smith was awarded the Linda P. Wise Performance Scholarship, one of the twelve scholars presented to senior thespians. A community favorite, the Company’s Cirque production just held auditions for upcoming showtimes May 3-5 and May 1012. Tickets go on sale April 12th and can be purchased online or at the school. This is a production class so students work as a cohesive team to develop, produce and present a Cirque performance, and they all contribute to the creation of storyline, act development, character development, leadership and technical responsibilities. Students are expected to participate in extensive physical conditioning, training on aerial and ground apparatus, acting, clowning, miming and juggling. www.miltontheatrecompany.com Cirque Planning Committee: Abby Hepburn, Adriana Daniel, Ally Hollis, Ben Hutkoff, Blake Kerzie, Cole Dobbs, Faith Wagner, Haley Garett, Jackson Fuchs, Jimmy Dobson, Josh Martin, Lucas Rary, Lydia Kurtz, Mary Caroline Owens

#drinklocal CRAFT BEER COMPETITION & FESTIVAL April 14

MILTON OPENER (Beer & Wine Festival) May 19

ALPHARETTA BREW MOONFEST June 2

In search of the best good beer

On April 14, discover the best good beer at the Big South Craft Beer Competition and Festival 12650 Crabapple Rd, Milton www.bigsouthcraftbeerfestival.com

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES / BREWPUBS Currahee Brewing Red Hare Brewing Catawba Brewing Co Arches Brewing Goose Island Service Brewing Co Bold Rock Hard Cider Wicked Weed Brewing Cherry Street Brewing Abbey of the Holy Goats Left Nut Brewing Co New Belgium Brewing Reformation Brewery Southern Sky Brewing Co Dry County Brewing Co Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Etowah Meadery Good People Brewing Co Gate City Brewing Co Monday Night Brewing Wild Leap Brew Co Southern Barrel Brewing Co Urban Tree Cidery Twain's Brewpub & Billiards

ML - Spring 2018

#drinklocal We’re serious about beer here. Not just any beer - but GOOD BEER. Ever since local legislation relaxed the rules, more breweries are bottling custom beers in North Fulton. It’s no wonder the trend appears to be swinging from bourbon back to beer - good beer.

BIG SOUTH CRAFT BEER COMPETITION & FESTIVAL Let’s begin on April 14 at the Big South Craft Beer Competition and Festival in Crabapple (gather in and around Olde Blind Dog) where beer connoisseurs have their say. This much anticipated competition will pit one brewery against another to pick the best good beer. The people who know these types of things outlined it all in the BJCP Beer Style Guidelines and have established 15 categories of craft beer, which is what judging at this event will be based on. A ticket ($50 - $75 or $25 for DDs) includes all the beer one can responsibly sample and a customized tasting glass. Local restaurants will be sampling their cuisine; and there will be live music from Jack’s River Band and Process of Elimination. After sampling, you’ll be able to purchase you favorite good beer as long as that beer has a distributor in the Atlanta market.

FYI - THIS MONTH WE UP OUR ALCOHOL AWARENESS APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH, which is promoted by the NCADD to provide a focused opportunity across America on increasing awareness and understanding of alcoholism. If it is obvious any of your friends or family members are enjoying all off these beer festivals a little “too much,” and you think they may have a problem - then point them to www.aaatlanta.com. Local Life Quarterly reminds everyone in this busy street party season to be adults - enjoy all the best good beer you’d like and then walk home. If you’ve had anything at all to drink, then don’t drive. That would be silly. Quick Apps: Uber.com, Lyft.com

MILTON OPENER BEER & WINE FESTIVAL May 19, Bell Memorial Park, Milton, 4 - 8PM www.miltonsummeropener.com Welcome to Summer! A new annual event, the Milton Summer Opener Wine & Beer Festival promises live music and great food. A ticket ($50) inscludes all the beer and wine one can responsibly sample. The festival is FREE, of course but proceeds also benefit Children’s Charities which is raising funds for a new park (www.childrenscharitiesga.org) in the City of Milton, which is accessib for children with abilities and disabilities.

ALPHARETTA BREW MOONFEST June 2 - 6:30-11PM (rain or shine) This event is so awesome it’s held TWICE a year - June and October. Downtown Alpharetta (Milton Ave) comes alive for this bi-annual beer fest with great food, good beer on tap, street dancing and live music. Attendees should bring their own chairs or purchase a table. Individual tickets are just $10. Tables are $130 (8) and $100 (6).

May 19 & 20 Quality Arts & Crafts, Fine Wine & Live Jazz Join us in the historic downtown square of Dahlonega, for this exciting festival in the heart of the North Georgia mountains.

Visual Arts, Performing Arts and a Wine Garden for Tasting Local and Regional Wines. LIKE us and Share on Facebook: Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival

For more information go to...

www.chestateeartists.org

Taste of Alpharetta

May 3 • 5PM - 10PM Milton Ave. & Roswell St Downtown Alpharetta

A Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event” for 2018 • www.tasteofalpharetta.com

TASTE OF ALPHARETTA HAS BECOME an annual tradition for festival goers, food connoisseurs and families, who will be able to sample cuisine from over 50 top restaurants. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities for all ages and live entertainment. Participating restaurants will not accept cash (tickets

only) and charge $1-3 per food sample. The Music Stage will have harmonic rock/ folk/R&B bands. A separate Culinary Competition Stage will pair top area chefs against one another in five categories. Awards are presented on the Main Stage at 8:30PM. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until 7PM. Free admission, but attendees must purchase tickets (50 cents each) in order to try food samples. Free parking.

Life ife

ML - Spring 2018

financing available

Memorial Day May 28

thank you TWICE EACH YEAR - Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day, white markers bearing the names and the conflict in which local deceased veterans served are displayed along Milton’s busiest roads. Any deceased veteran of a Milton family is qualified to be honored with a marker. When the City of Milton was formed in 2006, Bill Lusk - a Milton resident and veteran of the Vietnam War having served with the US Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) - initiated the marker memorials as a personal project. The popular tradition grew over the years, and volunteers joined in to assist with placing the markers and removing them after each holiday.

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These white markers have become an important part of the Milton experience, and so many of us appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes to coordinate this effort. Instinctively when the white markers come into view, we tap our brakes, slow ourselves down, and remember our fallen heroes. The cities of Alpharetta and Milton will host ceremonies May 28 to commemorate the day and give tribute to deceased veterans. At 9AM on May 28, the City of Milton’s ceremony will take place on the plaza at City Hall. Thirty minutes later, at 9:30AM the City of Alpharetta and Rotary Club of Alpharetta will host their 3rd annual tribute at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza. The events are free and open to the public. www.locallifepublishing.com

Your refreshed Holiday Inn Express is here. We’ve added signature showers and curved rods, choice of pillows, crisp, fresh, white linens and more. Of course, Your refresome shed Holidthings ay Inn Exprhaven’t ess is here. changed: We’ve added signature showers and curved rods. A choice of pillows. Crisp, fresh, white linens and more. Of Free courshigh-speed e, some things haveinternet n’t changed – yaccess ou can still •enFree joy all thhot e thingbreakfast s you’ve come to lovCenter•Business e: • Fitness center • IHG Rewards Club • • Free high speePool d Internet access • Fitness center • Business center Swimming • IHG Rewards Club • Swimming Pool • Free hot breakfast Everything at Holiday Inn Express is designed so you In fact everything at Holiday Inn Express is designed so that you can relax. Becrelax. ause we kAll now ayou ll you rreally eally needneed on the roon ad is the a placeroad to be yois ursa elf.place That’s to be can what Holiday Inn Express was built for. Now, that’s smart. yourself. That’s what Holiday Inn Express was built for. ®

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The Abernathy family (above) invite the community to enAble of Georgia’s 30th annual Gala - April 21 at Hotel at Avalon.

This looks like it will be

an Awesome Event!

enAble of Georgia - partnering with GA Community Support and Solutions (GCCS) - will be holding it's 30th annual Gala on April 21 at the new Hotel at Avalon. A collaboration of individuals and organizations have worked to make this a spectacular event which raises funds for the enAble of GA Foundation. The evening is being hosted by this year’s chairpersons Bill & Shirley Abernathy and Mark & Kay Lewington and will feature a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, a fantastic dinner, awards ceremony and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event will provide essential support to the individuals served by enAble and GCSS.

enAble of Georgia is nonprofit agency founded in1979 by a group of concerned parents seeking a place in their community that could provide a nurturing home and quality support services for their adult children with developmental disabilities. The Board of Directors and Executive Committee members personally understand how dramatically enAble’s support services change lives GCSS (gacommunity.org) is a community based non-profit organization that provides services and support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Their programs are specifically designed for those living with Autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. Clean comedian Derrick Tennant will ML - Spring 2018

emcee the event. He makes his living making people laugh and often inspires them along the way. From entertaining at an A-list comedy club on Friday night to a Saturday afternoon magic show at the Children's hospital or speaking at Sunday morning service, he is a pretty versatile, gifted communicator. After dinner, live entertainment by the smoothest dance party band in Atlanta - Yacht Rock Schooner (find on FB) - will transport guests back to the early 80s when pop music used slash chords and craft to create wrinkle-free sing alongs that won't spill your drink. Songs by Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, The Bee Gees, Steely Dan and more. The Hotel at Avalon is offering a special group rate of $149 per night for this event. The last day to book a room at this rate is April 1, 2018. The block of rooms for this event always sell out quickly, so reserve early. CM

137 More Acres Added to the City of Milton’s Greenspace IN JANUARY, THE CITY OF MILTON purchased a large piece of property for $5 million, which until very recently was the Milton Country Club golf course. Plans are being discussed on how best to utilize the area for residents. “We’ve not only prevented the possible development of 51 additional homes, but we’re forever preserving 137 acres in the heart of Milton,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. “This greenspace purchase includes 1.6 miles of beautiful creek frontage and several miles of built-in paths that can potentially connect to the trail system.”

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#givelocal O BY CLAIRE MURPHY

ONE OF OUR MOST FAVORITE LOCAL non-profits is Milton-based Children’s Charities, Inc. Founded by two local businesswomen, CC was established because the duo sought to make a meaningful difference in their own community by funding some of the greatest needs of local children. Their efforts have snowballed, and now a vast network of enthusiastic volunteers has taken the organization to levels that are having an immense impact in our area.

The 2018 efforts continue to focus on supporting children with special needs. This massive two-year all-volunteer project aims to raise $500,000 to fully fund an all-inclusive play park in the City of Milton, which will provide a safe (and super fun!) area children with abilities and disabilities can play. A few features of the park (which will sit on an acre of land) include rubber floors, a variety of swings, roller slides, musical instruments, sensory centers, ADA-approved picnic tables and ramping throughout. Local individuals, businesses and organizations have contributed in big ways. Ongoing

fundraising includes some of the community’s most exciting events: The Big South Beer Competition & Festival (April 14), Denim & Diamonds (April 28), the Milton Opener Beer and Wine Festival (May 19), and the Milton Wine Festival in September. Pinnacle Beverage has proven to be a big supporter of Children’s Charities through sponsorships of the beer and wine festivals. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities come in a variety of cool options ranging from $500 to $225,000 - each representing specific pieces of park equipment which also includes permanent recognition on site. Tickets to these events, purchases of silent auction items and engraved bricks for the park all add to the opportunity for hundreds of residents to play a part in making the park a reality. Talks are underway to find the perfect location for the new park, and the organization has suggested it’s getting close to a decision. In the meantime, nothing is stopping this team of active local supporters from tirelessly working toward the goal. CM ML - Spring 2018

#givelocal

WHILE ALPHARETTA AND MILTON ARE HOME to so many local chapters of worthy national or regional non-profit organizations, we like to put our focus on and efforts into promoting the ones born and raised locally. In addition to Children’s Charities, the following local non-profits stand out:

the entire metro Atlanta area.

Special Equestrians of Georgia www.specialequestriansofgeorgia.org 13185 New Providence Rd, Milton This organization provides therapeutic horse riding and activities to physically and mentally challenged individuals. Canine Assistants, www.canineassistants.org 3160 Francis Rd, Milton Volunters and staff offer animal training to assist individuals who have physical disabilities and promote community awareness and outreach in support of their mission. Angels Among Us Pet Rescue www.angelsrescue.org, Alpharetta This local non-profit is dedicated to saving dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in Georgia. They operate through a massive network of volunteers and foster homes in Y O U R

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Cats in the Cradle www.catsinthecradlerescue.org 2315 Saddle Springs Dr, Alpharetta Rescue work aimed specifically at saving the lives of and permanent homes for cats. The Drake Closet (for The Drake House) www.thedrakehouse.org 26 Old Roswell St, Alpharetta A local thrift store which dedicates all of its sale proceeds to support The Drake House, which offers housing and education programs for homeless, single mothers. Furkids Animal Rescue, www.furkids.org Dog Shelter: 1520 Union Hill Rd, Alpharetta FK operates one of the largest cage-free, no-kill shelters in the SE. It aims to rescue homeless animals, provide the best medical care and environment, and then find them forever homes. AWAY

F R O M

H O M E ! ”

Serving North Fulton since 1998

• 2.5 ACRES NATURE WALKING TRAILS • INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PLAYTIMES • STATE-OF-THE-ART KENNELS

• AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM • PRIVATE ROOMS FOR CATS • OWNERS ON SITE

• INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS

• IN THE HEART OF MILTON

640 Dorris Road, Milton GA 30004 • (770) 754-1700 • bedsandbones.net

There is just something so appealing to me about green burials.

Resting in Peace I’m not much of a planner. Invitations which require my commitment beyond a couple of weeks into the future get put into my “maybe” file. Although I admit - and those closest to me would agree - that I’m a little extreme about living in the present, it is pretty common that most people fail to plan for their final arrangements. The truth is if death catches me by surprise (earlier than expected) then I should at least make my general wishes known. We have a natural burial ground right here in Milton. In the spirit of Earth Day, we decided to take a look!

ML - Spring 2018

#planetfriendly

BY CLAIRE MURPHY

Jim Bell, creator and owner single burial plot at Milton Fields ranges in price from $1595 to $1895. Double of Milton Fields Natural and family plots are available as well. Cremated remains may be buried in bioBurial Ground moved to degradable urns or scattered in a section Milton almost 40 years of the cemetery reserved for ashes, with ago and renovated the old prices ranging from $400 to $500. Nix family farmhouse. His Bell provides the plot only. He can refer to funeral services providers who can farmhouse and 30-acre prepare the body, conduct memorial services, dig the graves and set property is adjacent to up tents / chairs. the 17-acre green From an emotional The individuals and cemetery. and financial standpoint, families who choose

natural burials Prior to establishing pre-planning is a smart tend to desire a Milton Fields, Jim spent decision. It is an act of simpler, more years researching the love. Pre-planning eases natural approach idea. While church and to theirs and some of the stress of city cemeteries are not their loved onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; regulated by the state, those left behind during final arrangements. private cemeteries are. what can be a difficult Green burials at He had to receive state aptime for them. Milton Fields do not proval, rezone the property, use formaldehyde-based and set up a perpetual-care enembalming, caskets made dowment. He partnered with Conof metal, or concrete burial servation Burial Partners, the consulting vaults. There are no tombstones, vaults or arm of the Green Burial Council, which plastic flowers. Unobtrusive, flat markers is the "gold standard" among land trusts, or slightly raised mounds of dirt w/ a light park service agencies and the cemetery/ covering of grass mark the burial plots. funeral profession. Everything was in place for Milton Fields to begin welcoming permanent residents in June 2009. On average, green burials cost one-half to two-thirds less than traditional burials. A www.locallifepublishing.com

From an emotional and financial standpoint, pre-planning is a smart decision. It is an act of love. Pre-planning eases some of the stress of those left behind during what can be a difficult time for them. CM

Come Experience the Queen of Angels Difference • Educating Students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade in a Catholic-Christian Environment • Meeting the Academic, Social and Emotional needs of each child • A Safe Place to Learn and Grow To visit, please contact Mrs. Danielle Montepare 770-518-1804, extension 101

Queen of Angels CAtholiC sChool 11340 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 | 770.518.1804 | www.qaschool.org

#localboomer

The Alpharetta Community Chorus Upcoming: May 6 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Image by Tom Yackley, www.yackleyphoto.com

BY DEBRA BOICE

YOUNG AT HEART

NOW THAT I’M A SENIOR member of this planet, I’ve learned through experience that it’s important to let go of any old ideas, people, places and things that do not serve me at the moment. At various times in my life I have realized all the old programming needs to be rebooted, so I can start fresh again. I must continue to change. In 1969, Joe Namath wrote a book titled I Can't Wait Until Tomorrow ... 'Cause I Get Better-Looking Every Day. Change is an inside job for me. If I feel good about my life on the inside then a light is reflected to the outside in my physical demeanor, so I too can get better looking every day! For me, opportunities for growth come in the form of new experiences which give me new tools I can use to stay in the game of life. I learned many years ago it’s not what happens to me – good, sad or seemingly bad – it is what I do with it. I must carve new paths of adventure to re-program my “neuro-net” and filter all that happens for good. Then I can be totally open to new, exciting and infinite possibilities. With this renewed mindset, last Fall I attended my first practice as part of the Alpharetta Community Chorus. (www.alphachorus.wordpress.com) I sat on the top row in between a lot of tall people - LOL. We were instructed to sing the first song using ‘solfège’. I thought, "What is that?” The word solfège was about as foreign to me as when I was first learning the financial terminology on the rate sheet in the beginning of my 33-year mortgage industry career. It all looked like hieroglyphics to me. A longtime member of ACC asked me at the break, “Well, what do you think?”

I explained I didn’t think this was for me because there was too much structure and required too much of a commitment. But on the inside, I was thinking, “OMG. I am way out of my league and completely out of my comfort zone. LOL.” And so at the end of the two hour practice, I told Robin Yackley, the Co-Artistic Director, that I was not sure if I would continue and gave her back the music packet I had received. The next morning I woke up thinking, “Debra, you can do this. It will change your life.” I went to Robin’s home, graciously re-received my music packet and officially signed-up for the ACC. I attended each practice, and with time I felt more comfortable. On October 15th 2017, as we walked into the sanctuary of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, I looked out at the sea of people in the audience and felt good. Our first song was Rain Dance. I played the S.A. Rainstick, and then 45 voices began to sing. The last song we sang was Bon Se Aba in Zambian. The Autrey Mill Middle School Chorus of 50 students sang with us. The audience exploded with applause. I thought to myself, “We did it!" Currently, we are practicing Schubert's Mass in G in Latin, as well as various other choral selections for our May 6th concert. I hope to see you there! At age 71, this began one more adventure chapter in my ‘Young at ’ story. DB Debra writes for LLP about generational topics from first-hand experiences. She likes to design circular gardens that are safe for honey bees, kids and pets. She loves all creatures great and small.

LIVE • WORK • SHOP • EAT • PL AY • GIVE

• P R AY LO C A L LY

Happy Easter THE STORY OF THE EASTER BUNNY may have become common in the 19th Century. Rabbits give birth to a lot of bunnies, so they became symbols of new life. Legend has it the Easter Bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs to symbolize this new life.

Let’s Go Hunting LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS

Hop & Hunt Bunny Brunch Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails 800 Mayfield Rd, Milton, March 18, 10AM - 3PM Easter Eggstravaganza North Park Softball Complex 13450 Cogburn Rd, Alpharetta March 24, 10AM - 2PM Hop-A-Long, March 24 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta 8:30AM (0-3 yrs), 9:30AM (4-7 yrs) Midway Church Egg Hunt 3365 Francis Rd, Alpharetta March 24, 2-4PM Scottsdale Farms Easter Fun 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Milton In an Enchanted Forest March 26-30, Various Times Birmingham UMC Easter Hunt 15770 Birmingham Hwy, Milton March 31, 10AM - Noon

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT times of the year for Christianity is Eastertime. Most of us know what happened on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. But what’s MAUNDY THURSDAY? Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with His disciples. Most notably, that was the night Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in an extraordinary display of humility. He then commanded them to do the same for each other. Christ's "mandate" is commemorated on Maundy Thursday ("maundy" is a short form of mandatum which in Latin means "command." It was on the Thursday in Christ's final week before being crucified and resurrected that He said these words to his disciples:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.." (John 13:34).

ML - Spring 2018

May 5th 2018

SATURDAY,

Run for the Roses: POST TIME 6:34 PM

Shannondale Farm:

2395 Birmingham Road Milton, Georgia 30004

Tickets:

$150

Live Music by:

The Relix

DOWNHOMEDERBY.ORG

Live Viewing of the Kentucky Derby, Games, Festive Libations & Cuisine provided by:

Experience

Awesome

MEETINGS & EVENTS IN ALPHARETTA!

WEDDINGS

FREE EVENT PLANNING RESOURCES! Think Alpharetta first for your WEDDING, REUNION, MITZVAH, MEETING or SPORTS EVENT. Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, service providers, fields and facilities, hotels and more.

Call us today and ask for our free event planning guide.

SPORTS

MITZVAHS

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Reserve rooms for your guests with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Room rates are collected from all of Alpharettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upscale and modern hotels and provided to you as a comprehensive list of options. Many hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast and local shuttle service.

VISITOR INFORMATION We offer information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, maps, local coupons and more. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!

N IO

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