Points North by Points North Atlanta Magazine

POINTS NORTH ATLANTA | ISSUE 159 | AUGUST 2013

25 66 { DEPARTMENTS } 6 10 62 66

MY TURN DUE NORTH CALENDAR FIVE THINGS

{ ON THE COVER } Writer and photographer Kathleen Stevens Moore with her 8-year-old daughter, Vivian, boating on Lake Burton. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Moore Photography | kathleenmoorephotography. com

16 RABUN COUNTY

40 KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY’S

Pack your bags and head out for adventure — in the water, under the stars and on a plate in Rabun County, which packs a culinary punch almost as cool as its tagline: Where Spring Spends the Summer.

FOOTBALL PROGRAM

25 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS This month, we’re introducing our Community Impact Awards to honor individuals who go out of their way to make a difference in our little world. Know someone who makes an impact? Let us know!

32 48 HIDDEN GEMS: WOODSTOCK & CANTON S P E C I A L A DV E R TI S I N G S E C TI O N 60 | Children’s Health Advisor

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

In Woodstock and Canton, sitting to knit is encouraged, as is learning how to play a guitar, spending the day with miniature animals or having a spot of tea.

Associating the name Vince Dooley with a successful, top-notch football program generates winning odds, which is why KSU brought the legendary UGA coach and athletic director to their team as a consultant.

46 BROADWAY DREAMS FOUNDATION Together, Renaissance International School of Performing Arts (RISPA) and Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) create a premiere performing arts education program for musical theater.

52 PARADOCS The curtain rises and the spotlights illuminate a stage ﬁlled with musicians. Who would have imagined these rockers dressed in black are some of the community’s most prominent health care workers?

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOHN E. MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY; SHANNAH J. SMITH; FROGTOWN WINERY

contents

turn PRESIDENT / CEO

Witt Beckman PUBLISHER

Carl Danbury Jr.

EDITOR

Bre Humphries SENIOR EDITOR

Heather KW Brown CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

Robin Harrison A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

PHOTO COUTESY OF ROB SMITH

Shannah J. Smith

In this issue,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

deep

when I’m tempted to snap at a customer service rep or complain in a Facebook status.) We’re currently giving our readers two different opportunities to recognize the people who positively impact those around them. Not only are we welcoming nominations for a second edition of the Community Impact Awards in early 2014, we’re also seeking inspirational honorees for our second annual Savvy & Successful Women of the Northside this November (find a nomination form online at pointsnorthatlanta.com). We love it when the nominations start rolling in, and look forward to sharing a few of the stories with all of you. It’s just one thing we can do to deepen the impact.

Bre Humphries, Editor

EDITORIAL INTERNS

L. Chelsea Greenwood Kristin Hiller Nicole Hohman Emily Anne Jackson

ADVERTISING

770-844-0969 sales@pointsnorthatlanta.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Marita Kahler S E N I O R M E D I A C O N S U LTA N T

Karen Poulsen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Tom Tolbert Tiffany Ollanove Sandra Lavender ACCOUNTING & CIRCUL ATION MANAGE R

Tiffany Willard All Points Interactive Media Corp. 568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 www.pointsnorthatlanta.com © 2013 Points North All Points Interactive Media Corp. All rights reserved. Points North is published monthly by All Points Interactive Media Corp. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of Points North. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Subscription information: Points North offers a 12-month subscription for $12. Visit pointsnorthatlanta.com for details.

Pl e as

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e

To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.

our Community Impact Awards (page 25) recognize locals whose enduring efforts are making longterm differences, but I’ve learned that our actions don’t have to be substantial or even intentional to have a significant impact. In fact, some of the encounters that have touched me personally this month have been fleeting or at a distance. For instance, the masseuse at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead who spent the gratuity I gave her on a teddy bear for my son, and the family of 5-year-old Will Abernathy, who finally stopped suffering from cancer on July 16 — I haven’t met them face-to-face, but the faith I witnessed as I followed his story has impacted me more than they will ever know. The point is, our actions are powerful whether we realize it or not. Significant or trivial, positive or negative, our interactions with those around us make an impact. (I want to be reminded of this

IMPACT

Randy Gaddo Kathleen Stevens Moore Amelia Pavlik

he Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, located at I-575 and Ridgewalk Parkway in Woodstock, offers the best-known brands

and designer outlets. Designed in a shopper-friendly conﬁguration, the

Shoppes at Atlanta

center features covered walkways and landscaped courtyards to maximize the comfort and convenience of shoppers. Its design blends traditional architecture with lively features including a children’s play area. A center court complete with fountains and a ﬁreplace creates a festive atmosphere for shoppers and visitors. Visit 100 of your favorite brand stores including:

Adidas Aeropostale American Eagle Ann Taylor Factory Store Ann Taylor LOFT Asics Auntie Anne’s Bass Berry & Berry/Tropical Sensations Book Warehouse Bose Brooks Brothers C Wonder – opening soon Calphalon Carter’s

Chao Praya Charley’s Steakery – opening soon Charlotte Russe Chico’s Childrens Place Claires Clarks Coach Cole Haan Columbia Sportswear Converse Corning Crabtree & Evelyn Crocs Cupcakelicious

Dress Barn Easy Spirit Ecco Famous Footwear Fossil Fox Head Ghirardelli Chocolate GNC Gold Toe Guess Gymboree Haggar Hartstrings J. Crew Jockey Johnston & Murphy

Jones New York Jos A Bank Journeys Juicy Couture Kasper Kate Spade Kay Jewelers Kitchen Collection Lane Bryant Le Creuset Lenscrafters Levi’s Lids Lids Locker Room Little Tokyo Love Culture Lucky Brand Luggage Factory Maidenform Michael Kors Motherhood Maternity Naartjie Kids Naturalizer New Balance Nike Nine West OshKosh B’gosh

www.TheOutletShoppeAtlanta

P.S from Aeropostale Papaya Puma Saks Fifth Ave. OFF FIFTH Samsonite Sean John Skechers Spritz Designer Fragrances Steve Madden Sunglass Hut Sunglass Warehouse Talbots Taqueria Tsumani Tommy Hilﬁger Toys R Us True Religion Ultra Jewelry Under Armour Van Heusen Vans Villa Pizza– opening soon Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton White House/Black Market Wilsons Leather Yankee Candle Zumiez

north JOHANNES VERMEER, GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING, CA 1665, MAURITSHUIS, THE ROYAL PICTURE GALLERY, THE HAGUE, NETERHLANDS

DUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTMORE HOTEL

{ ENTER TO win }

A SPECIAL PACKAGE FROM THE HIGH MUSEUM In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, see one of the most recognized paintings in the world, Johannes Vermeer's “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” This exhibition features 35 masterpieces from The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis and highlights the artistic genius of Dutch Golden Age painters, including Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The High Museum of Art Atlanta is one of only three U.S. venues for this exhibition and the only one in the Southeast. The exhibition will remain on view through Sept. 29. Visit high.org for more information.

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

the PRIZE One lucky Points North Atlanta reader will win a family membership to the High Museum of Art Atlanta that includes full museum membership for one or two adults and their children or grandchildren, 17 years and under, as well as one-room accommodations for one night at the Artmore Hotel Midtown Atlanta (artmorehotel.com) and a Legacy Restaurant Group dining gift card, applicable at Midtown establishments like Olmsted and STATS. This prize, valued at $500, is valid through Sept. 28 and subject to hotel availability. Register online at pointsnorthatlanta.com.

august 2013

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIETTA/COBB MUSEUM OF ART

Plenty of artists can walk the walk but can they chalk the chalk? The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is set to find out at their annual ChalkFest, a three-day chalk art festival taking place over Labor Day weekend in conjunction with Glover Park’s Art in the Park extravaganza. The chalk dust will fly as 20 professional chalk artists from all over the country create impressive 10-feet by 10-feet murals in front of and around the museum, just one block south of the historic Marietta Square. “I have seen firsthand what these artists can accomplish at the Sarasota Chalk Festival, which brings in approximately 350,000 people to their city each year, and I am extremely excited to host this annual event in Marietta. We have artists coming from Florida, Georgia and California to ‘paint the streets’ over Labor Day Weekend,” Executive Director Sally Macaulay said. The competition will include adult and youth divisions as well as an area for young children to get creative without competing. This sidewalk-bound celebration of art is free to the public and museum admission is free throughout the event. mariettachalkfest.com — Emily Anne Jackson pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

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north

Ritz AND

That ball of tension at the back of your neck? It’s not going away until you give yourself a break. The good news is we know exactly where you can go. With the introduction of Spa Level, the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead transforms a typical spa experience into one of unrestrictive R&R. Perfect for a special occasion (or just a much-needed date night), Spa Level elevates your standard staycation – not only can you make your escape without leaving Atlanta, you don’t even have to leave the 9th ﬂoor. Stow your bags in a wellappointed guestroom or suite, then stroll down the hall for signature services such as a Sweet Tea Body Buff, Red Clay Wrap, Magnolia Pedicure or seasonal Island Journey exfoliation and massage. Before or after your treatment, kick back in the luxurious spa lounge with a glass of complimentary Champagne or fruit-infused water, or pick up some skin care products you simply can’t live without in the spa boutique. Back in the room, little details make all the difference — aromatic reed diffusers, yoga mats, blocks and DVDs, a selection of books promoting overall wellness, freshly brewed espresso, bamboo bath accessories and fresh, healthy snacks. When hunger strikes, order in from the spa café, where menu selections include egg white omlettes, tomato and avocado salads and seared salmon. The best part? You can stay in that comfy, combed-cotton signature spa bathrobe throughout your stay. And plan to sleep late, because spa guests enjoy any-time check-out. ritzcarlton.com/buckhead

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RITZ-CARLTON, BUCKHEAD

RELAXATION

date

NIGHT GIVEAWAY

What could be better after a long week than a night out on the town? Enter to win two tickets to the HOME BY DARK Songwriters Show on Sept. 13 at the 700-seat Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth. Before the show, treat yourself and a guest to dinner with a $75 gift card to any of the Here To Serve Restaurants — Goldﬁsh, Noche, Prime, Strip, Shout, Twist or Aja. HOME BY DARK features host and Alpharetta native James Casto along with Nashville’s Billy Montana and Nicole Witt performing original songs that have been recorded by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Jo Dee Messina, Sara Evans, Lee Brice and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy the stories behind the hits and performances that will bring you to your feet. Special guest musicians Matt Blanchard and Jim Hettinger sit in with the crew. Enter the HOME BY DARK Songwriters Show “Perfect Date Night Giveaway” online at homebydark.com. Winner will be announced on Sept. 2.

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

EDIBLE SEASON at Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer is the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Edible Season, meaning mouth-watering fruits, veggies and herbs are ripe for the picking and a venerable buffet of cooking classes are ripe for the taking at the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen. On Thursday nights and weekend afternoons until October, watch the Garden Chef demonstrating how to generate ﬂavorful dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients, free with admission. Additional Edible Garden events include the Well-Seasoned Chef Series and the Fresh Plates Series. During the Well-Seasoned Chef Series, guests can enjoy a four-part, produce-centric small plate menu prepared by Atlanta’s best farm-to-table chefs with plants harvested from the Edible Garden, while the Fresh Plate Series presents a four-part small plate menu of neighborhood favorites. atlantabotanicalgarden.org — Emily Anne Jackson

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARPSHOOTERS USA

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ERICA GEORGE DINES

DUE

CONCEALED CARRIE With the widespread growth in ﬁrearms sales for women, Roswell’s Leslie Deets realized that there was a market for fashionable items to conceal women’s handguns. Enter Concealed Carrie, Deets’ line of handbags designed speciﬁcally for women. These handbags feature a separate concealed carry compartment that securely conceals the handgun in a safe yet accessible manner. Along with the functionality, the fashion-forward, all-leather styles catch the attention of female customers. The bags have been so successful that the demand already exceeded the initial supply, as distributors have been buying up quantities as soon as they are manufactured. concealedcarrie.com — Kristin Hiller

Wedding bells in your future? Be sure to pick up a copy of Points North’s inaugural issue of The Northside Bride! Our custom publication for weddings and special occasions hits stands later this month at retailers throughout Atlanta’s northern suburbs. facebook.com/northsidebride

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

79 degrees

AND

FALLING LLING cooling off IN REDEMPTIVE RABUN COUNTY

{ WRITTEN & PHOTO G R APHE D BY K ATHL E E N STE VE N S MO O R E }

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Americans love their taglines.

Quick witted, semi-humorous sound bites coined in a memorable manner. Not only do we slap taglines on consumer products where they belong, we assign them to everything else. Including places. If your nearest city or topographical region has redemptive qualities of any sort, it will be assigned a marketable tagline. Only now it’s called a slogan. The City that Never Sleeps. The Big Easy. Clever word play highlighting a location’s personality, economic, cultural, historic or aesthetic value. What about climate, can you carve a slogan out of that? Where Spring Spends the Summer Tucked into the edge of Northeast Georgia, Rabun County is consistently 6 to 8 degrees cooler than Atlanta. Considering you’re reading this hovered under the herculean efforts of your porch fan or overburdened AC system, I trust I have your attention. The average August temp in Rabun County is 79.8 degrees. Muse-like comfy air that got officials thinking. Rabun County: Where Spring Spends the Summer. Catchy, right? Rabun County is home of the Tallulah Gorge, Lake Burton, The Dillard House and The Foxfi re Museum. So you’ve heard of it, even if you think you haven’t. And if ever a time to head north for one last hit of summer fun, this is it. You just have to know where to go. Many visitors will rent a mountain cabin or lake home. Ten minutes on vrbo.com should hook you up. Thinking of shunning four walls to get your outdoor groove on? Try Moccasin Creek State Park, clutching the edge of Lake Burton. It’s a beauty. Boat ramps and fishing docks and canoe rentals. Just mind the goose poop. Or perhaps one of the campgrounds sprawled along the upper Tallulah River. Even in deep summer, its shaded, misty banks prove sublime. Huge boulders have been plunked into the water like marbles tossed from heaven. Their lichen-covered luster adds to the scenery’s

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ R A B U N CO U N T Y }

Rabun County is a rural location, but culinary-wise, it packs a punch. uncanny beauty. It’s very “A River Runs Through It.” I like to fish standing in the current, waiting for either a monster trout or Brad Pitt to enter stage right. Either one. If all this is much too buggy and of-the-elements for you, direct your little self back to the Lake Rabun Hotel. Situated on a knoll overlooking the quaintest mountain lake this side of Vermont, you won’t be disappointed. Built in 1922, this Adirondack-style masterpiece hits the perfect note of rustic elegance. Their al fresco dining alone is sumptuous. Lush grounds are constantly abuzz with guests in prep for a lakeside wedding. I myself am already planning my daughter’s nuptials here. She’s 8 years old. Foodies First Rabun County is a rural location with approximately 70 percent of its land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, but culinary-wise, it packs a punch. Pull up to Fromage, plug in your electric car, and let it re-charge as you do the same. Chef and owner Jenny Wilson sees to an ever-revolving menu featuring garden-fresh choices and sophisticated pairings. She’s on the “Best Chef America” list, too (along with Jamie Allred back at the Lake Rabun Hotel). Another thing going for Fromage is the eclectic atmosphere bathed in unrepentant primary colors. Each table swathed in optimistic floral oilcloth. Why? Because the world is sorrowfully lacking in retro-kitschy. Another unique property to consider is the Beechwood Inn. This B&B in Clayton (the largest town in Rabun County Left, from top to bottom: and county seat) offers a variety Fromage restaurant in downtown Clayton; boating on of packages, wine tastings and Lake Burton; Tiger Drive-In cooking classes. Wine Spectator Theatre Facing page, clockwise has graced the Beechwood Inn from top right: One of Rabun’s with their “Award of ExcelEV charging stations; Fromage owner Jenny Wilson; retro lence,” and hosts Gayle and decor inside Fromage; a portion David Darugh have both landed of the Appalachian Trail; Tom themselves on the “Best Chef Nixon of The Foxfire Boys America” list. Asked if they are bluegrass band

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

{ R A B U N CO U N T Y }

primarily foodies or innkeepers, David Darugh chuckled, and then answered, “Foodies first. We grow the food, to attract the customers, to stay in the rooms.” Snap your fingers and you’re out the door with a gourmet lunch backpack slung across your shoulder. Enjoy the grounds, or allow the Darughs to direct you to a favorite waterfall, mountaintop or creekside location. Five minutes east of the Beechwood is Warwoman Dell, which Southern Living has named the best picnic spot in Georgia. Personally, I favor the base of Minnehaha Falls. It just makes sense. You can wash your hands. All this progressive dining makes a body wonder if anyone up there still serves country fare. The answer is yes. But you’ve got to travel 7.5 miles west of Clayton to get it. Lake Burton Grocery has the best pork barbecue this side of anywhere. True, it’s a little odd purchasing eats of this caliber from the same joint selling fishing bait in rounds of styrofoam, but that’s lake life. And as the name implies, the establishment is plunked down awfully close to a lake. Chef and owner Joe Durkin is a wiry man, housing bold amounts of frenetic energy. He lords over his establishment with spatula in one hand, tongs in the other. White hair and coordinating goatee surround his quick, easy smile. Think Sweeney Todd meets Emeril Lagassee. Pick up last-minute adventuring supplies while you’re there: flashlight, matches, artichoke dip and S’mores ingredients. The 1940s store is as charming as it is convenient. A real Norman Rockwell slash 7-11 melting pot. An Appetite for Adventure We have to mention all these eating options because if you’re doing Rabun County right, you should be extremely hungry come mealtime. At least 20,000 visitors show up annually just to shoot down the Chattooga River on a white water rafting or kayak adventure. You should be one of them. Not up for crashing down rapids? Then at least be a sport and watch others get pummeled. Do this from the rock overlooking Bulls Sluice, a big class 4 rapid located near the US 76 West Bridge. The sandy beach located a few hundred feet below is a perfect place to let kids splash. Watch rafters come trickling by in batches: soaking wet, slightly rattled and grinning like wild Clockwise from top left: Tubing on banshees. Don’t forget to wave. Lake Burton; Kudzu Factory’s Mother Vine; canoes awaiting On the west side of the adventure; crafting at Kudzu county, you’ll find the AppalaFactory; a vintage boat on chian Trail crossing over paveLake Burton; kayaking on the ment for painless, easy access. Chatooga River pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ R A B U N CO U N T Y }

Dicks Creek Gap allows hiking enthusiasts to park, hop out and get right up on it. No cumbersome feeder trails, just awesome instant gratiﬁcation. After you hike, you’ll be hot. Cool down at Wildcat Sliding Rock off Hwy 197. This impressive slab of granite doubles as a natural water slide, convenient plunge pool at its feet. In spring, the water is so cold it makes teenagers yelp in bravado, and small children cry. By August, it’s perfect. Another favorite? The Coleman River Trail, a tranquil mile-long walk along a location so magically sweet that if a fairy popped out, you’d simply wave hello. The path peters out much too soon, but offers up a lovely swimming hole at its end in atonement. We let our kids hike with bathing suits under their clothes. Peeling off layers and jumping in is what summer in the mountains is all about. If you like that, you’ll love the lake water. Watching a molten sun slip beneath wrinkled blue mountains while bobbing in the middle of Lake Burton or Lake Rabun should be on every Southerner’s bucket list. No water vessel? Halls Boathouse, Anchorage Boat Dock or LaPrades Marina are all too happy to hand over a rent-a-boat and the dream.

FUN FACTS

Entertainment Indoors and under the Stars Once your sun-kissed shoulders are ofﬁcially peeling, you may need to come in from the elements. Try antique shopping in Dillard or booking a hands-on tutorial for the kids at Mountain City’s Kudzu Factory. Mother Vine and Father Kudzu (Joleen Oh and Cleve Phillips) whimsically turn our state’s vegetative pariah into creative ornamentation. You can, too.

V I N TAG E C H R I S - C R A F T: Wooden boats are a passion in these parts. On Lake Burton, you may just spot Alan Jackson or Alabama’s Coach Saban behind the wheel.

FISH ON: Unless you are very young or very old, you’ll need a valid Georgia ﬁshing license. Pick one up last minute at Reeve’s Hardware in Clayton.

H I S TO R I C GOODNESS: Sporadically open for demos and grinding, the 1944 gristmill at Barker’s Creek is unique.

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Back in Clayton, step into Prater’s Main Street Books. The secret children’s nook built by owners Vickie and George Prater is especially charming. Pop into Reeve’s Hardware and show the kiddies what life was like before the invention of Home Depot. Fishing lures, archery equipment and outdoor gear shoved cozily into a charming storefront. After this, you’ll be hungry again. Refresh thyself with an ice cream float. The town’s old-fashion soda fountain is tucked inside the Clayton Pharmacy. Beware: they close around 2:30 p.m. Sans children? Rabun County boasts three vineyards, all of which offer tastings: Tiger Mountain, 12 Spies and Stonewall Creek Vineyards. Or catch a performance of the Rabun County Music Festival on the grounds of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. There are two concerts left: Hotlanta Dixieland Jazz on Aug. 4 and Jason Coleman on Aug. 18. Even easier on the pocketbook, enjoy free bluegrass for the whole family every Saturday night through November at the Tallulah Falls Opry House. If the place where spring spends the summer is refreshing during the day, it’s positively tantalizing at night. Cool enough for bon fires and toasted marshmallows. Above all, do not miss an evening at the Tiger Drive-In Theatre. With fields on the left and stars swinging overhead, this 1954 treasure is the most memorable place in Georgia to catch a double feature. Snack-shack on the premises keeps kids grinning, as they experience movies the way Fonzie did: splashed upon a silver screen underneath an ivory moon. All this less than two hours up the road. And there’s still time to squeeze it in, before summer sizzles out. PN

S U F F E R N OT:

H I G H O N LI F E :

JUST PLAIN COOL:

You’re in the sticks, but there’s no need for java withdrawal. Access the hidden Starbucks stuffed inside the Clayton Ingles grocery store.

Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest. The white clapboard church at its base invites campers to literally come down from the mountain and pray.

Bald eagles roam the hood. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one nose-diving into a lake or river catching its dinner.

U M B R E L L A’ S U P :

FA R M F R E S H :

Rabun County is the rainiest in the state, which helps explain those velvet landscapes, chock-full of romantic fog and mosscovered everything.

Ten miles outside Clayton, Chef Vince Scaﬁti serves up reﬁned fare in a quaint rural setting at The Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek.

Rabun County boasts several Electric Vehicle charging stations. Not bad for a rural community tucked back in the mountains.

R A N D O M LY AW E S O M E :

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

C O M M U N I T Y I M PAC T

awards

WRITTEN BY BRE HU MPHR I E S AN D L . C HE L S E A G R E E N WO O D

OVER THE YEARS, we’ve come in contact with countless individuals who are going out of their way to make a difference in our little piece of the world. It’s one of the perks of publishing a community magazine. There’s a lot of good going on in Atlanta’s Northside, and we consider it a privilege to publicize those efforts. One sector that has particularly impressed us is that of locally owned businesses. Let’s face it, these past few years have been challenging for business owners, yet many are still using their unique position and resources for outreach. This month, we’re introducing our Community Impact Awards to honor such individuals. This ﬁrst round represents just a few of the owners we’ve encountered personally in the past few years, but we know there are so many more who are just as worthy. So we’re asking for your help. Nominate a business owner in your community for our next edition in early 2014 by emailing myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com. We hope that the stories in this section inspire you to make an impact of your own.

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ CO M M U N I T Y I M PAC T AWA R DS }

Arpana Satyu

& Martin Burge

Dutch Monkey Doughnuts, Cumming, dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com

usband and wife team Martin Burge and Arpana Satyu, an experienced executive chef and pastry chef, respectively, have had a major impact on the Northside’s sweet tooth since opening Dutch Monkey Doughnuts in Cumming in 2007. Believing that you shouldn’t compromise quality for efficiency, each doughnut is made daily, and customers have been known to drive great distances to indulge. On weekends, it’s not uncommon for the line to wrap around the brightly colored shop. The leftovers (if there are any!) are donated to a local men’s regeneration program, No Longer Bound. But the couple’s community impact doesn’t stop there. Inspired by a customer who was raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of her mother, Satyu and Burge decided to start their own fundraising effort. Burge lost his older sister to Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, so he wanted to help out the cause as much as possible. Team Dutch Monkey was established in August of 2010 as a group of customers, employees, and friends who raise funds to support lifesaving

cancer research. Their efforts began with simple donation jars at the shop, and have since raised more than $90,000 with expanded campaigns such as Team in Training, which provides a group setting to train for endurance events, and Light The Night, which raises funds for a family-friendly lighted balloon walk through Downtown Cumming and takes place this fall on Sept. 28. One of their most successful recurring events is the Backyard Benefit Jam. The outdoor concert is held at Matilda’s Cottage in Alpharetta. “We find musicians that will donate their time, and a local butcher who donates food, and we sell tickets, hang out all night, and have a blast,” Satyu said. “In the first year, it was pouring rain the entire time, and we still raised close to $3,000.” This year’s jam is tentatively scheduled for September. Additional fundraising efforts include community garage sales, a CrossFit-inspired obstacle race and — what else? — an annual doughnut eating competition … philanthropy in its sweetest form.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN E. MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Bill Norman

Norman’s Landing, Cumming, normanslanding.com

ill Norman knows the word “no” exists … he just doesn’t know quite how to use it. When the restaurateur opened his steak and seafood joint in South Forsyth in 1995, he always intended to use it as a fundraising establishment. “I’ve felt very fortunate to be healthy and somewhat smart,” he quipped. “I’ve got a big peanut butter heart, and I like to give back.” And give back he does. In the past 18 years, Norman’s Landing has raised $1.8 million for local charities through countless philanthropic efforts. An annual golf tournament, which has taken a hiatus in the past few years but will likely return in 2014, has raised more than $400,000 for United Way, and another half a million has come from Norman’s vacation home in Costa Rica, which was auctioned off at various charity events a whopping 18 times last year. But perhaps the most unique endeavor is the ping pong room at the front of the restaurant. For a buck or two, diners can pay to play and proceeds beneﬁt a different charity each quarter. The room’s walls are covered with mock checks representing the donations to charities such as March of Dimes, United Way, EnAble of Georgia, the American Cancer Society and Young Life, just to name a few. A big money maker is Norman’s bi-annual ping pong tournament, which is coming up on Oct. 22 – 23. And who doesn’t love a cool T-shirt? For $12, diners can purchase a shirt that promotes a partnership between Norman’s and SweetWater Brewing Co. to raise funds for the summertime Save Our Water campaign. But Norman’s efforts aren’t limited to ﬁnancial contributions — he also partners with Forsyth County’s Autism Awareness program to bring in autistic students on Thursdays throughout the school year to roll silverware, clean tables and conquer reallife experiences.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN E. MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }

{ CO M M U N I T Y I M PAC T AWA R DS }

Big Peach Running Co., bigpeachrunningco.com, bigpeachoutreach.org

hen Mike Cosentino and Steve DeMoss discovered a mutual passion for endurance sports, they left the corporate world to open Big Peach Running Co. with one store in Brookhaven in 2004. Since then, the company has expanded to seven locations in the metro area. “Our mission is to grow, promote and enhance the pedestrian lifestyle around Atlanta,” Cosentino said. And selling running gear is just one small part of it. With Cosentino and DeMoss at the helm, Big Peach offers a number of programs that encourage fitness and wellbeing. In fact, the company’s community impact is such an integral part of its business, it was only natural to launch their own non-profit organization, Big Peach Outreach, in 2009. In addition to establishing two of their own races, the Big Peach 5K benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Big Peach Sizzler benefitting Miles for Cystic Fibrosis, the company offers a race partnership program to assist charitable events with marketing and materials so that they can maximize their fundraising dollars. They currently partner with nearly 250 races each year, with upcoming events including the North Gwinnett Bulldog Dash in Suwanee on Aug. 10, Area 13.1 in Roswell on Aug. 17, and the DI Dash for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Marietta on Aug. 24. “If there is anything we can do, not just to support these activities, but to increase the number of people who are participating in or supporting the events, we know that will leave a much bigger legacy than how many shoes we sell,” Cosentino said. Additional programs include a hosting program, which allows community groups to meet in their facilities, and a Reuse Your Shoes program, which provides footwear to people in need. “We started Reuse Your Shoes as a way to recognize that there are so many people out there who don’t have shoes period, let alone fitness equipment,” he continued. And Cosentino is quick to credit his customers for their avid participation in Big Peach Outreach. “It’s been an incredible validation of how enthusiastic the Atlanta area is about not only their own fitness, but also their willingness to support a number of [causes].”

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Mike Cosentino Steve DeMoss

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE COSENTINO

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Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

{ CO M M U N I T Y I M PAC T AWA R DS }

Doug Hertz United Distributors, udiga.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNITED DISTRIBUTORS

tlanta native Doug Hertz has a pretty busy schedule. As president and CEO of United Distributors, a privately held beverage distribution company, Hertz has grown the business tremendously since 1984. Under his leadership, the company has been recognized as one of the top 25 private companies in metro Atlanta. In addition to his corporate success, Hertz is also incredibly impactful in his charitable endeavors, particularly in his role as founder and chairman of Camp Twin Lakes. After spending a week volunteering at Camp Sunshine, Hertz became aware that there were other camps in the area that lacked their own facilities, so he founded Camp Twin Lakes in 1989 to provide facilities for a range of programs for children with serious illnesses and disabilities and adults with special needs. Camp Twin Lakes serves approximately 9,000 people annually at one of their three facilities with more than 50 camp partners, including Camp Rainbow for kids with cancer and

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

rare blood disorders and Kids Serve for children of active service men and women. “No one is turned away for their lack of ability to pay,” Hertz said. In fact, fundraising for Camp Twin Lakes is one of his ongoing commitments, and 100 percent of proﬁts made at the upcoming Great Miller Light Chili Cook-Off, taking place Oct. 5 at The Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, goes back to Camp Twin Lakes. Hertz’ big heart and passion for giving back have led to his involvement in other local organizations including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Woodruff Arts Center, Georgia Research Alliance, and Westminster Schools. As the recipient of many awards, including the 2012 Atlanta Rotary Club’s Armin Maier Community Service Award, the Eleven Alive Community Service Award, the Cartier Volunteer of the Year award, and more, it’s apparent that Hertz’s commitment to those with special needs goes above and beyond his call of duty. PN

shopping

LOCALLY OWNED H

ow and where we spend our money speaks volumes about our priorities. Here at Points North, investing in the communities of Atlanta’s Northside is our main concern. That’s why we prefer to do business with locally owned establishments. Shopping locally ensures that our hard-earned dollars go right back into the community and boost the local economy. It also allows us to foster relationships with the people who live and work here, adding a personal touch to our transactions. Whether it’s a locally owned retailer or restaurant, a mom & pop coffee shop, or a local doctor or service provider, many of these business owners are our friends and neighbors, and their priorities are in line with ours.

NORTH GEORGIA REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AWARD-WINNING licensed general contractors specializing in windows, doors, and insulation. Visit our Alpharetta showroom for the largest selection of different types of windows and doors… or have us out to your home for a FREE no-hassle, no-pressure proposal. Friendly staff, expert knowledge, and the best warranties in the business. 1210 Warsaw Road Suite 1000 | Roswell 770-888-1604 ngwindows.com

COMMUNITY FOODS: Fresh Food Direct from the Farm BY ELIMINATING THE MIDDLE MAN of grocery stores

Each month, you’ll ﬁnd information about all sorts of local business in the pages of our magazine. Take the time to get to know a few of them. And let your wallet do the talking.

and wholesale clubs, Community Foods provides consumers with all-natural, hormone-free, quality fresh foods like boneless, skinless chicken breast, lean ground beef, tilapia, salmon, cod and more at low costs. Visit our website for upcoming product offerings, delivery dates and locations. Use promo code PN2013 to receive an additional $5 off your order.

PO Box 3543 Suwanee 866-429-8180 mycommunityfoods.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS

WRITTEN BY EMILY A NN JACK S O N

WOODSTOCK & CANTON

Sew Main Street/ The Whole Nine Yarns Located side by side, this duo

SERIES SPONSORED BY VIXEN VODKA

offers one-stop shopping for all your fiber art needs. An upscale quilt shop, Sew Main Street is the product of owner Debi Light’s lifelong love of sewing and needle arts. A calendar full of sewing classes explain beginner ventures like A-line skirts and tote bags, how to unravel common sewing quandaries like working with laminates and illustrate advanced quilting techniques. If you aren’t looking to enroll, exploring a few of the floor-to-ceiling shelves of brightly-colored fabrics on your own is sure to inspire a new project. 8816 Main St., Woodstock, 678-4016126, sewmainstreet.com Next door, you’ll find top quality yarns, comprehensive classes, original patterns by local designers and comfy sofas to just sit and knit on at The Whole Nine Yarns. Avid knitters know that craft supply stores often lack really luxurious yarns. The large selection here includes fine cotton, warm wool and velvety cashmere. Stop by on a Monday night and you might even learn how to make your own yarn from unspun fibers. You can also book one-on-one instructional sessions or drop in during business hours with a quick question. Whatever you need assistance with, you can be sure they’ll go the Whole Nine Yarns. 8826 Main St., Woodstock, 678-494-5242, thewholenineyarns.com

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

The Painted Pig Tavern Upscale pub meets local art gallery at this dining destination in Downtown Canton. Opened since January, the restaurant is identifiable by the signature swine that stands sentinel at its entrance. The lifesized fiber glass sculpture gets a fresh coat of paint from a different local artist each month — for instance, a leprechaun for St. Paddy’s Day, patriotic stars in July and whatever strikes Canton artist Amanda Pilcher’s fancy in August. Inside, you’ll find more local art on the walls of the renovated dining room. Enjoy new work every few months over pulled pot roast sandwiches, fried mac & cheese balls, or whatever seasonal items have popped up on the menu. You’ll also find live music on the weekends, open mic night on Tuesdays and a comedy club upstairs on Saturdays. Thirsty? Choose from a list of 20 craft beers on tap and 30 craft whiskeys. 190 E. Main St., Canton, 678-880-1714, paintedpigtavern.com

Tanglewood Farms

One Unique

This ch a r ming propert y

That old saying about one

peeking out of the green hills of the North Georgia Mountains is the home of many… well, minis. Their meticulously maintained 10-acre Wild West Town houses more than 100 miniature farm animals. Miniature horses aren’t so uncommon, but have you ever seen mini sheep, mini cows, mini turkeys and even mini buffalo all living together in perfect, pint-sized harmony? Visitors are invited to feed and pet the animals, which are hand-raised by the owners to be gentle around people. The mini turkeys, for instance, lived in the house as hatchlings, so today they’re a very friendly ﬂock. At night when the town clears out, the animals are allowed to stretch their legs (and wings), roaming the pastures and woods. Admission is $10 and each tour ends with the opportunity for a pony ride. 171 Tanglewood Drive, Canton, 770-6676464, tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com

person’s trash being someone else’s treasure? This place will make you a believer for sure. Nothing in the store is new, yet each piece of inventory has been given new life by owner June Peevy, who pours her passion for repurposing into all sorts of treasured “trash.” Here, you’ll ﬁnd mirrors made out of tree limbs, tree roots transformed into candle holders, a coffee table crafted from foundry wheels, and oh, so much more, including works by local artists and crafters. You can also bring in your own outdated items for a little facelift — the One Unique team can paint or reupholster your furniture or create custommade drapes, cushions and pillows. Look for artist markets and festivals in the yard behind the charming old home, or consider renting the space for your own special event. 6679 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, 770-710-2626 PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHANNAH J. SMITH

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS WOODSTOCK & CANTON

Atlanta Vintage Guitars Rock n’ roll buffs, guitar aﬁcionados … ukulele experts? All are welcome at this musical establishment that’s been bringing vintage instruments to Atlanta and beyond for nearly two decades. Stringed instruments occupy a special place in Atlanta Vintage Guitars’, a.k.a. AVG’s, collective heart, but they’re happy to buy, sell, appraise or consign amps and effects pedals, too. Maybe you recently rocked a little too hard on your favorite instrument? AVG can repair almost any instrument or any piece of amp equipment. Last June, they expanded their store in order to host in-house private music lessons in guitar, bass, piano, drums and more. Whether you’re still learning your way around a G chord or ready for your professional debut, AVG’s teachers can help you harness your inner Hendrix. 9820 Highway 92, WoodSERIES SPONSORED stock, 770-433-1891, BY VIXEN atlantavintageguitars. VODKA com

House & Garden Boutique The House & Garden Boutique looks just like what its name suggests – a cute, little cottage tucked into a secret garden. The enchanting moniker, however, only begins to describe the collection of furniture, luxury goods, gifts and décor available at this hidden gem. The shop features many products from what the owner refers to as mom-trepreneurs. Hand painted wine glasses, pretty pillowcase dresses, burlap wreaths and handmade jewelry all fall into this enterprising category. Still, there’s no shortage of popular brands like Tervis Tumblers, Tyler Candles and John Wind Jewelry. In addition to purchasable home goods, the boutique houses its own interior design center where you can plan a room redesign, commission custom window treatments or even order some plantation shutters. 103 Bowles Dr., Woodstock, 678494-5800, houseandgardenboutique.com

Sassy Paws Pet Boutique Buried into the inside corner of a shopping center, you may need some assistance tracking down this boutique pet product supplier. Might we suggest enlisting the help of a bloodhound? Of course, once he’s sniffed it out, it might be hard to tear him away from this petite pet shop. The second you enter Sassy Paws you’ll be cheerfully greeted by a 7-inch tall Chihuahua named Pixie. The shop’s human owner, Robin, will then inform you that Pixie does, indeed, “run the place.” To your right you’ll see a table full of all-natural bakery pet treats including colorful cookies and mini birthday cakes. Unique leashes, collars, doggie beds and critter clothing line the walls of the store and a hearty reserve of organic pet food occupies the shelves in the back. Whether you have a Pomeranian princess or a Great Dane guardsman, you’re sure to ﬁnd something special for your four-legged friend at Sassy Paws. 1105 Parkside Lane, Woodstock, 678-275-2126, sassypawspb.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHANNAH J. SMITH

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

An exclusive NEW community of 20 craftsman style, outdoor living homes located in the heart of Alpharetta horse country.

Tea Leaves & Thyme You’re never too old (or too far from England) for a tea party. Tea Leaves & Thyme, Woodstock’s own traditional English tearoom, may resemble a typical Southern residence on the outside, but the interior is nearly indistinguishable from a quaint Victorian parlor. Pretty tea sets sit atop flowing floral tablecloths and sandwiches are served with nary a crust in sight. With more than 70 varieties of loose leaf tea and a dress-up closet full of vintage furs, shawls, hats and dresses, Tea Leaves & Thyme supplies all accoutrements required to party likes it’s 1899. We’re partial to fluffy satin gowns and feather-topped chapeaus ourselves. A typical afternoon tea menu consists of three courses, scones, savories and sweets, and at Tea Leaves & Thyme, every course is handcrafted in house. If you’re looking for a full luncheon, quiches, croissants and salads can be prepared, but we appreciate the authenticity of the traditional service. There are services designed for kids and kids at heart, but they consider baby showers, bridal showers and birthday celebrations their specialties. Themed parties like the Princess Tea and the Mad Hatter Tea (complete with raspberry rabbit sandwiches!) are also perennial events. Once you’ve had your fill of sophisticated refreshments, stop by the gift shop where you can procure anything you need to brew a proper spot of tea before re-entering the modern world. 8990 Main St., Woodstock, 770-516-2609, tealeavesandthyme.com

HIS EXCEPTIONAL collection of custom homes will feature an elegant blend of natural, environmentally sensitive materials with the latest innovations in home design. 5HVLGHQWV FDQ FKRRVH IURP VSDFLRXV RSHQ Á RRUSODQV with unique elevations, numerous custom interior À QLVKHV DQG OX[XULRXV RXWGRRU OLYLQJ VSDFHV The community will feature large 2+ acre lakeside, pasture or wooded homesites with homes starting in the high $600s. Located in Alpharetta minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment in Canton, Milton and Crabapple.

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pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS WOODSTOCK & CANTON

Visit pointsnorth atlanta.com for our exclusive interview with Vingenzo’s Executive Chef Michael Bologna, who speaks about Woodstock’s burgeoning dining scene.

COMING UP IN H O M E TOW N G E M S: Johns Creek (September); Cumming, Dawsonville & Dahlonega (October)

SERIES SPONSORED BY VIXEN VODKA

Woodstock Market G on e a r e t h e days of antiquing in dusty, disorganized warehouses and sifting through drab, dilapidated displays. The Woodstock Market carries a huge selection of all that is refabricated, rejuvenated and handmade … and you don’t need to dismantle the store to get to the good stuff. It may look plain in its nondescript strip of retailers, but with a little love and a lot of visual merchandising magic, they’ve managed to make an inviting and intimate space. An extensive collection of consigned and otherwise salvaged wares beckons to seasoned pickers and amateurs alike. The store accommodates more than 125 different vendors. Walking amongst them is not unlike visiting a bevy of mini-boutiques. Beautifully cared for antiques and creatively “rethunk junk” (neon-antlered taxidermy, anyone?) dominate the market’s inner sanctum while a complete courtyard of outdoor furniture awaits outside. Don’t let the formal dining sets, custom basement bars and carefully curated living room arrangements distract you from the market’s smaller hidden treasures, though. From a 1942 postcard to a 2013 statement necklace, trendy accessories mingle with forgotten talismans of the past at this gem. 5500 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, 770-517-7771 PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS HORNADAY

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

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OWLS K E N N E S A W

Turn to DAWGS

orth Atlanta’s Kennesaw State Universit y (K SU) “Owls” want to impact lives of students and others in the North Atlanta community and they want their new football program to support that goal; so, if a college wants to develop a successful, top-notch football program, associating the name Vince Dooley with the effort generates winning odds. Cobb County-based KSU brought the legendary University of Georgia (UGA) “Dawgs” coach and athletic director to their team in 2009 as a consultant to help form their football program, which according to a recent school news release, is slated to take the ﬁeld in 2015.

Beyond the Hedges Dooley was UGA’s head football coach from 1964 – 1988 and athletic director from 1979 – 2004; as coach, his teams won six conference titles and the 1980 national championship. He had a record

S T A T E

VINCE DOOLEY ADVISES KSU ON A NEW FOOTBALL PROGRAM [ WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RANDY GADDO ]

of 201-77-10. Under his leadership as athletic director, UGA had one of the most successful athletic programs in the country. Dooley’s integrity, experience and success in leveraging sports, speciﬁcally football, to support the overall college operation has undoubtedly beneﬁted KSU’s drive to achieve greater regional and national prominence. “Sports bring people to campus, and by doing so they know more about what’s going on here besides just sports,” Dooley observed during an exclusive interview for Points North Atlanta. “Football will attract people to come here for games and

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

football weekends and that will contribute to the community as a whole.” Cobb County Travel and Tourism’s Marketing Director, Lindsey Burruss, agrees. “College sports have a huge economic impact to business in North Atlanta,” she said. “The events bring families who stay in hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop at our stores and otherwise have a positive impact on local communities.” Burruss noted that in 2011, travel and tourism infused $2.18 billion into Cobb County’s local economy. She added that ﬁgures quantifying the exact portion that

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Football will attract people to come here for games and football weekends and that will contribute to the community as a whole.â&#x20AC;? VINCE DOOLEY Former UGA Head Football Coach

Former UGA football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley (left) and KSU athletic director Vaughn Williams talk KSU football as they walk across the KSU stadium, newly renamed Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ K S U F O OT B A L L }

OWL

sports contributed were being gathered and not yet available, but anecdotal information and observation made it clear that college sports was a major contributor. Vaughn Williams, KSU athletic director since April 2011, cited a specific case to illustrate the impact: “The 2011 NCAA Women’s Championship Cup soccer tournament brought more than 60 teams from all around the country here to play at various venues in this region and the final four championship game was played at KSU Stadium,” he commented during the joint interview with Dooley. “It brought in thousands of people.” Burruss confirmed the comment. “The estimated economic impact numbers for the Kennesaw area was more than $2.6 million to flow into the area’s hotels, restaurants and businesses with the influx of

about 7,000 visitors to watch the women’s soccer event.”

Through the Uprights February’s approval by the Board of Regents to add football to its 17-sport NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program completed the ﬁnal step in a sixyear process aimed at bringing football to the state’s third-largest university. “Historically, football has deﬁned the unique culture of an institution through its proud colors, mascot, songs and traditions,” Dooley declared. “In my experience, football provides a sense of pride and point of connection to a broad audience of supporters in the community and around the state.” The detailed and steady process began in March 2006 with a feasibility study

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

about the future of Kennesaw State’s athletics program. The study, published in June 2007, focused on KSU’s readiness for a capital campaign to help support the growth of athletics. Among its ﬁ ndings was the determination that the addition of football would significantly enhance KSU’s prestige, visibility and fundraising potential. The Regents approved an increase in student fees of $100 per semester that will begin in the fall. The increase will bring the total earmarked to athletics at KSU to $252 per semester, according to a KSU news release. The fee increase was supported by a 55.5-percent vote of KSU students with more than 7,000 participating in 2010, reafﬁrmed by the Student Fee Committee in Oct. 2012 and again by the Student Government Association

in January. Multiplied by the university enrollment, which is about 24,600, the increase is expected to produce as much as $4.8 million in revenue in its ﬁ rst year. These fees will help cover basic operating expenses of the program, but to move to the levels envisioned by school leadership, more is needed. This came in the form of a recently announced major sponsorship. On Feb. 14, the school named Fifth Third Bank as a major sponsor with a $5 million, 10-year agreement that includes naming rights to the KSU Stadium, which will now be known as Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Ohio-based bank has more than 1,300 locations nationwide. Renovations to the 8,300-seat stadium, which currently hosts the Owls’ soccer and lacrosse teams, will be made prior to the football team’s inaugural season and will include a sign with the bank’s name. Williams noted that other forms of naming rights opportunities that don’t conﬂict with the bank agreement are available at the stadium. “We’re just now tapping into corporate sponsorships; in order to help our student athletes be successful and ensure we have the best facilities available, we’re out there seeking partners who believe in what we’re doing at Kennesaw State,” he explained.

“Historically, football has

deﬁned the unique culture of an institution through its

proud colors, mascot, songs and traditions.” VINCE DOOLEY | Former UGA Head Football Coach

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ K S U F O OT B A L L }

OWLS

Former UGA football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley (right) and KSU athletic director Vaughn Williams discuss the upcoming football program from a viewing platform overlooking KSU’s stadium, newly-renamed Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

Running down a Dream Driving hard to the goal line, on March 24 KSU named their fi rst head football coach, snagging Brian Bohannon from Georgia Tech, where among other things he coached quarterbacks for the past five seasons. Williams also believes that having Dooley at his side has been a blessing, for him personally as well as for the entire program. “Coach Dooley was in place before I got here, but I am sure glad he has stayed!” Williams concluded. Coach Dooley is fully-engaged in the fundraising and awareness campaign. “I am here to serve the president and the athletic director in whatever capacity I can,” he affirmed. “If that means speaking to a business club or a rotary club or talking to potential sponsors or whatever it may be, I am willing to serve.” The startup football program is part of University President Daniel S. Papp’s vision of making KSU a nationally prominent

university recognized for excellence in education, engagement and innovation, as unveiled in his 2012 – 2017 strategic plan. “As we approach our 50th anniversary and prepare to look back at the history of Kennesaw State, today we unveil a roadmap to our future,” Papp said at the presentation of the plan in August 2012. “We have a very ambitious agenda, which will involve the entire campus community moving forward together to achieve our key strategic goals. Our vision is that this agenda will help our university attain the national preeminence KSU deserves.” Williams is developing the football program as a means of supporting that vision. “Every facet of the university has a part to play and I think that’s where athletics can help,” Williams said. Dooley was approached by KSU in 2009 to chair a 33-member football exploratory committee to formally gauge

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

support for a KSU gridiron program. “The committee was a good cross section of students, faculty, staff, alumni, business and community leaders as well as friends and benefactors of KSU,” Dooley explained. “We met for several months and recommended to proceed with the program.” However, Williams emphasized that enhancing the sports program is more a means to an end that goes beyond just sports. “If you look at it from our athletic end, how we engage the community, we train our student athletes about giving back to the community,” he stressed. “We help student athletes realize the importance of impacting a life — and Coach Dooley understands that as athletic directors, that’s what we do, impact lives.” “We’re all about how [we] can serve this region of Georgia and give as many options as we can to students,” Williams said. “We have a good blend of traditional, nontraditional and international students, so football is a viable option to provide a whole day or weekend event.”

KSU is the third-largest college in the University System of Georgia, behind University of Georgia and Georgia State University. It serves about 24,600 undergraduate and graduate students representing 132 countries, according to information on the school’s web site. The campus is located just northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County near historic Kennesaw Mountain on a 328-acre, beautifully landscaped, pedestrian-friendly campus. It was founded in 1963 as Kennesaw Junior College serving 1,000 students; it grew through the years until being awarded its current status in 1996. PN F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

B ROA DWAY D R E A M S { WRITTEN BY K ATHL E E N STE VE N S MO O R E }

you’ve got yourself a little performer. A child who loves nothing more than to sing and act and dance. Dramatic amounts of hamming it up are routinely involved. Initially you dismissed these theatrics as a phase or passing fancy. The thing is, your kid is pretty good. You suspect he or she simply needs the right program. A Google search is launched. Shouldn’t take long. How many local performing art schools can there be? Simon says: a truckload. Every shopping plaza, recreation center and summer camp seems to offer dizzying amounts of dance, theater and music tutelage. You inquire among friends. Each, of course, has their own high opinion of the teacher or studio they’re pumping untold hours and small fortunes into. But which program has groundwork in place allowing your child to soar as high as possible? Let’s Ask a Kid How about a local who has already experienced the taste of success? Ethan Wexler of Cumming had the thrill of his life last year by landing the role of understudy for Pugsley PHOTO COURTESY OF VII TURNER

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

PHOTO COURTESY OF RISPA

{ B R OA DWAY D R E A M S }

TES Y PH OT O CO UR

XLE R OF LO RI WE

Above: RISPA’s production of “The Little Mermaid;” Left: Ethan Wexler with RISPA owner’s Danny and Georgina Louchiey

“Being on tour was

amazing, but performing

for my friends I hadn’t seen in six months was the best part.” ETHAN WEXLER | Cumming

in the Broadway National Tour of “The Addams Family.” After being on tour with the musical for only eight weeks, Wexler made his Broadway touring debut at the Overture Center For the Arts in Madison, Wis. All the lights and action of a Broadway show, with 11-year-old Wexler smack dab in the middle. Of all places, the tour ended its second leg at The Fox Theatre here in town, handing Wexler the opportunity to perform not only in front of theater-goers, but hundreds of friends and family.

“Being on tour was amazing, but performing for my friends I hadn’t seen in six months was the best part,” Wexler said. “Thanks to Mr. Danny, Ms. Georgina and Mrs. Tanner, my Broadway dream came to life!” Hold up. Those sound like names we should be writing down. Shine Bright Like a Diamond Based in Milton, Danny and Georgina Louchiey own and operate the Renaissance International School of Performing

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Arts, or RISPA for short. It’s the awardwinning performing arts school of which Wexler is a 3-year company member. The modern, well-appointed facility houses ﬁve dance studios, six music rooms (including professional recording studio) and a 4,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art space dubbed Louchiey Theatre of the Arts. The theater boasts a sprung ﬂoor (doubling as a massive studio), hanging choir mics and intelligent moving lights. Its goal? Maximum production value, and the feel of a real Broadway stage for every

FACELIFT WITHOUT SURGERY RISPA production. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want the best ďŹ nished product possible for our shows,â&#x20AC;? said owner and artistic director Georgina, as husband and partner Danny nodded in agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our students work so hard.â&#x20AC;? A backstage tour proved revealing: shelves and crates bursting with a kaleidoscope of costumes, wigs and props. Overscaled scenery stacked neatly against the walls. Clearly, when it comes to producing a show, these people arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t playing around. Same goes for their menu. RISPA offers training for all ages in a myriad of disciplines: voice, piano, acting, ballet, salsa, ballroom, jazz, modern and, of course, musical theater. Plunked down on a sleek sofa in RISPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobby, the couple told me about another of their talented students, Mary Caroline Owens. Last year, Owens was invited to New York City (along with ďŹ ve other RISPA students) to audition for the Broadway production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Annie.â&#x20AC;? Owens was one of only 13 girls in the nation to make it all the way to the ďŹ nal call back workshop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the past 12 months alone, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had at least 12 students invited up to New York City to audition for Broadway shows, casting directors and talent agents,â&#x20AC;? Georgina Louchiey said proudly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had one get a Broadway show (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Violetâ&#x20AC;?), one get a Broadway tour (â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Addams Familyâ&#x20AC;?) and a couple got New York agents.â&#x20AC;? So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on here? How is a performing arts school in the Atlanta â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;burbs garnering face-time with seasoned NYC theater big wigs? Two words: Annette Tanner.

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Link the Limelight Tanner is the executive founding director of the Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF), a premiere performing arts pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ B R OA DWAY D R E A M S }

education nonproﬁt that offers training, mentoring and career opportunities in musical theater. Amazingly enough, it’s based here in Atlanta, and with internationally spun Tanner at its helm, the foundation has garnered impressive clout. Tanner enjoys the kind of highend connections cultivated by a lifetime devoted to the arts. She’s a friendly sort of person. And as a result, the woman has a lot of friends, many of whom are in the right places: movers and shakers and Broadway hit makers. Trained at RISPA and channeled through BDF is how Wexler nabbed his part in “The Addams Family” and Owens got her shot at “Annie.” The backbone of BDF is their weeklong performance intensives, offered in only six cities across the country. Here in Atlanta, they work exclusively with Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and RISPA in Milton. More than 3,000 performing arts students across the nation have participated in BDF programs. Many young artists have made their big break through this initiative, making valuable industry connections along the way. How Does it Work? When a BDF performing arts “intensive” comes to town, it plops itself down at a chosen theater or performing arts school for the week. Students receive personal instruction from Broadway performers and leading industry professionals. At the end of the week, students perform onstage alongside faculty members, with Broadway casting directors and agents in the house watching and taking notes. Priceless exposure. One might assume, the same holds true of the costs. But that’s another thing about Tanner. Not only is she passionate about fostering young talent, this mother hen is committed to making sure socio-economic restraints

never stand in the way of fledging artists. As a matter of fact, 42 percent of Broadway Dreams students receive ﬁnancial assistance. Ariana Groover, 21, from Savannah was one of them. Last year, after not seeing her name on the roster of its Summer Performing Arts Intensive in Atlanta, Tanner reached out and encouraged Groover to attend casting. As a result, Groover received a full scholarship for summer programs in New York and Philadelphia. Oh right, she was also cast for a role in the off-Broadway musical “Bare.” Not only does Tanner funnel students from places like Omaha, Philadelphia and Atlanta up to the Big Apple, she gets the New Yorkers down here. For years Broadway casting stops included the hailed trinity: NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago. Not many bothered venturing south of the Mason Dixon line. “Broadway Dreams helped put Atlanta on the map as a major casting stop,” Tanner said. Her ﬁnger tapped the table for emphasis. “Now New York directors and casting agents come here.” A bold claim. I was compelled to ask, “How do you know that’s through your foundation’s

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

influence?” Perchance it’s our Southern cooking. Tanner cocked her head then smiled warmly, “Because they told me.” As Muhammad Ali once famously voiced, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” And she can. In the past eight years, 15 BDF students have landed on Broadway or have been cast in Broadway national tours. Five more were announced this summer, four from the Atlanta area alone. Tanner impressed upon me how difficult it is to land a part on Broadway. “It’s like scoring a movie role.” Life Skills for a Lifetime And if after years of pursuit, one doesn’t hit it big? What then? Fortunately the life skills learned through the study of performing arts pile up generously. Tanner was insistent upon this truth. Danny Louchiey agreed, echoing the sentiment that students of musical theater grow in confidence, learn how to present themselves and hone communication skills, building blocks that will serve them well in life, no matter where their journey flows. Louchiey also pointed out that RISPA provides friendship and a tight-knit family

feeling to many kids who aren’t fi nding their niche at school through traditional clubs or sports. Between after-school classes, older students often walk together to grab dinner and help each other with homework. The Louchieys work hard to foster this type of cohesive atmosphere. A year ago with last minute notice, Mr. Danny and Ms. Georgina dropped everything and jumped on a plane to see Wexler’s debut in “The Addams Family.” “We’ll be there,” they had told him. That opening night, his mentors watched proudly as Wexler strolled on stage, catching hold of that illusive, ever illustrious Broadway limelight. “It was very special to Ethan that the Louchieys traveled up to Madison to see him perform!” stated proud mom Lori Wexler. But that’s the sort of devoted, warmhearted people we’re dealing with. The fact that both RISPA and the Broadway Dreams Foundation hail from Atlanta’s Northside is fortunate for us all. Their commitment to our community is to be applauded. As their programs continue to flex and flourish, don’t be surprised if on a weekend trip to NYC, you end up watching one of Atlanta’s own burning up that bright Broadway stage. Broadway dreams are not for the faint of heart. But heart and grit and determination are never in short supply here on the Northside. PN

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Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

[ W R IT T E N BY AME L I A PAV LI K }

he ﬁrst few soulful notes of “Unchain My Heart” echo through the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, and the spotlights illuminate a stage ﬁlled with guitarists, keyboardists, a drummer, a horn player, backup singers and other musicians. It probably wouldn’t even occur to you that these rockers dressed in black are some of the community’s most prominent doctors, surgeons and health care workers. Meet Paradocs, an Atlanta area cover band “rockin’ for the cure.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY YETMAN

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ T H E PA R A D O C S }

Meet Paradocs, an Atlanta area cover band “rockin’ for the cure.”

The Vitals It all started back in 1996 over lunch at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Larry Clements, a doctor at WellStar Kenmar Pediatrics, and Joe Havlik, a doctor at WellStar West Georgia Infectious Diseases, discovered that they both played the guitar. “We really had no big plans; we just wanted to get together and play,” said Havlik, who plays guitar and sings for the Docs. “We had no idea the journey we were about to go on.” The band, originally made up of WellStar physicians that Havlik and Clements recruited, started out playing the neighborhood party scene with a repertoire of classic rock, blues and R&B standards. (Havlik, Clements and a few of the other Docs live in the same Marietta neighborhood.) By the early 2000s, the Docs were playing gigs around town. Clements remembers the time when the band was invited to play at an out-of-town corporate gig for a drug company. “They ﬂew us to the destination, and we felt like real stars. Oh, and contrary to popular belief, we did not ask them to separate out the green M&Ms for us,” joked Clements, the bass player who also sings for the band. Another memorable performance was playing at old-school rocker Billy Joe Royal’s farewell show at The Strand. “I’m always blown away by the fact that I’m playing on a large stage in front of a big group of people,” Havlik said. The Docs now average three or four performances a year, which is about all the band can manage, given the members’ busy schedules.

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY YETMAN ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAN O’CONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }

Over the years, the group has raised money for organizations ranging from Blue Skies Ministry to the WellStar Foundation to The Strand.

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

{ T H E PA R A D O C S }

“Since we are all health care workers, we decided that it would be great if we could use our concerts as a way to raise money to help others,” Havlik said. Over the years, the group has raised money for organizations ranging from Blue Skies Ministry to the WellStar Foundation to The Strand. The Docs try to rehearse every Tuesday, with jam sessions lasting about two to three hours. Clements kidded that the greatest challenge associated with being in the band is keeping the fridge in the practice room stocked with enough drinks.

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Operating as a Unit These days, the group’s 12 members include health care workers from across the WellStar system, most of which have experience playing in bands. For example, there’s George Mitchell, an RN at Kennestone’s ICU, who plays drums and sings, and then there’s Waldon Garriss, a doctor with WellStar who specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics. “We have a core group of about six to seven people, and then the rest of the band morphs with the availability of people,” Havlik added. The two agree that they’ve been lucky when it comes to ﬁnding new members for the group. “For example, Waldon came into the group because he moved into the neighborhood and started talking with Larry about the band,” Havlik said. “Since he worked in health care and played an instrument, he was a good ﬁt.” And the two men are quick to point out that the band wouldn’t be possible without the support of everyone’s families, including theirs. Havlik’s daughters,

™

TOP THREE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAN O’CONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY YETMAN

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

{ T H E PA R A D O C S }

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Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Victoria and Alexandra, sing backup for the group, as does Clements’ daughter, Caroline. “Caroline just had her ﬁrst baby, and I was teasing her about how we had to ﬁgure out a way to get the baby on stage — so there would be three generations of our family up there,” Clements added. “Thankfully, our families have been very supportive,” Havlik said. “They’ve helped us do everything from move equipment to design websites. We’d be lost without them.” Back at The Strand, the last notes of “All Right Now” melt into the audience’s applause, and another Paradocs concert comes to a close. The bad news is that the band’s adoring fans will likely have to wait weeks to months until their next appearance (gigs aren’t planned too far in advance and often pop up with short notice). But the good news is they will be back. “We’re not going anywhere,” Havlik said. “We’re looking forward to continuing to make music for as long as we can.” PN

For more information about the Paradocs and show information, visit paradocsband.com or check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/paradocsband.

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pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

Children’s Health Advisor

SPECIAL ADVERISING SECTION

Pediatric Sleep Apnea

ll parents can remember the first few sleepless months with a newborn. Waking up several times a night is common for babies, but when difficulty sleeping extends into childhood, there may be another culprit. About 40 million people in the United States suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders, and many of them are children. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, and if left untreated, can result in a number of issues for your child. Social symptoms of sleep apnea are challenging to diagnose, but include alteration in mood, hyperactivity, misbehavior and poor academic performance. Not every child with poor social skills and school performance has sleep apnea but sleep disorders should be considered. Other symptoms may include: Snoring • Sleep deprivation • Bed-wetting • Slow growth Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) It is important to diagnose and treat pediatric sleep disorders because they can cause many issues including failure to thrive, difficulty concentrating or developmental delays, behavioral problems, high blood pressure and heart disease. Fragmented sleep commonly causes daytime sleepiness and children with untreated sleep apnea are also prone to hyperactivity or attention issues, resulting in an impaired quality of life. If you feel your child is suffering from a sleep-related issue, contact WellStar Sleep Medicine for more information on pediatric sleep studies. WellStar welcomes you to take a tour of the dedicated pediatric sleep room and if necessary, schedule your child for a sleep study.

Children’s Dental Care

he approach to dental care in the 21st century is prevention rather than restoration, which means children should go to the dentist when they get teeth rather than waiting for all their teeth to come in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child get their first dental check up on or around their first birthday. These early visits allow a patient to get used to the fact that their teeth are important and need to be taken care of. When a child goes to the dentist early, their teeth can be seen before damaging cavities invade. The pediatric dentist will be able to see color changes on the teeth that come before a cavity needs to be filled. It is very important to make sure good dental habits start early. Getting a child started early on brushing and flossing are essential to a lifetime of good dental care.

Dr. Christy Haffner | 770-777-9400 drchristyhaffner.com

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

About 40 million people in the United States suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders, and many of them are children. WellStar Sleep Medicine 770-420-2535 wellstar.org

Pediatric Vision & Ocular Health

hildren with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life academically, socially and athletically. A vast majority of children also get labeled with learning disabilities that really have to do with focusing, eye muscle deficiencies and visual processing disorders that can be treated early on. Learning is hindered, depth perception can be affected and athletic ability suffers. Some of these conditions include amblyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, convergence insufficiently and accommodative defect. To detect issues, ask your children if they get headaches while reading up close, have trouble remembering what they’ve read, lose their place while reading and if words move, jump or appear to float on a page. Yearly eye exams performed by an optometrist can enable your child to reach their highest potential. And don’t forget ocular health. Red eyes, itchy eyes, and excessive eye rubbing can all indicate problems that should be treated by an optometrist.

Dr. Melissa Giannamore | East Cobb Eye Center 770-642-4001 | eastcobbeyecenter.com

SPECIAL ADVERISING SECTION

Pediatric Imaging

rom broken bones to pneumonia, most children will need imaging services at some point in their lives, and that can be a very scary experience. Providing the best possible care to these very special patients requires specially trained individuals who understand the unique needs of children, and the state-of-the-art equipment that is specifically designed to fit their smaller frames. While they will become adults one day, children are not small adults. Diseases and injuries affect them differently. Smaller body parts require adjustments in the way pictures are taken. A pediatric imaging center should offer the latest technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, X-ray and fluoroscopy – all tailored to the specific needs of pediatric patients of all sizes. The facility also needs specially developed and designed pediatric protocols that result in a quality image with minimal radiation exposure, board-certified radiologists with additional training in pediatric imaging, and a child-friendly setting — a center that has an outstanding pediatric staff, trained in engaging children and who make procedures safe and comfortable, and the latest technology ensures that a potentially frightening experience is a calming and positive one for both children and their parents.

Northside Hospital Pediatric Imaging Center | 404-851-6577 northside.com

Dental Care for Children

child’s dental care should begin the day the first tooth erupts at 6 months. Each tooth should be cleaned on the front and the back. If teeth come in discolored or significantly change color, they should be checked out. Milk, formula, breast milk and juice should not touch the teeth at nighttime after the last thorough cleaning to prevent decay. The upper front teeth, which fall out at age 7, serve several functions. In addition to incising food, they provide the method for proper speech development and hold the space for the permanent teeth. They also encourage development of an adult swallowing pattern. Therefore, if they are prematurely lost, they should be replaced and monitored by a specialist. The first dental cleaning and fluoride treatments should occur at age 2. The fluoride treatments should be spaced at six-month intervals unless your child has dental problems. For many children, the correction and alignment of the teeth will not start for six years after permanent teeth erupt, but for some, early orthopedic intervention is recommended. Your child should be examined by an orthodontist or a pediatric dentist. Both specialties are tested and board-certified in the orthodontic treatment for children by their respective boards.

Dr. Michael Healey | 770-993-9395 | dochealey.com

Back-to-School:

Tips for Preventing Common School Kid Illness

few weeks after school starts, colds, viruses and ﬂu appear. While you can’t always keep your kids from getting sick, there are some precautions to take. The CDC says 80 percent of all infection may be transmitted through the hands. Proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of common school kid illnesses. Make sure your kids are practicing good hand hygiene, washing hands often and properly; coughing into their elbow to prevent spread of germs; keeping their hands out of their eyes, ears and noses; not sharing drinks; and that they are in a good sleep routine before school starts. When are kids too sick for school? Every case can be different, but as general rule, keep a sick kid at home if you see fever, diarrhea, vomiting, severe cough or pinkeye. It depends on the individual case, but you can probably send your kid to school if they have a stomachache, ear infection, mild cough or runny nose. Sometimes it’s a tough call, but the bottom line is trust your instincts! Of course, be sure to follow your school and daycare’s back-to-school policy for sick kids.

Northside Pediatrics | 404-256-2688 | 770-928-0016 northsidepediatrics.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

calendar

W R IT T E N BY K RIST E N HI LL ER Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@pointsnorthatlanta.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change. demand, this production features those nutty nuns from Mt. Saint Helens School. City Center Auditorium, Woodstock, 678-494-4251, elmstreetarts.org

TH E P R O D U C E R S [Aug. 9 – 25] This Broadway musical follows two men as they scheme to produce the most notorious ﬂop in history that somehow becomes a smash hit. Atlanta Lyric Theatre, 404-377-9948, atlantalyrictheatre.com

ATL A NTA B A LLE T ’ S WA B I S A B I [Aug. 15 & 22] Experience a night of contemporary dance as it enters the garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 404-876-5859, atlantabotanicalgarden.org

and Petra Noble discusses art conservation, new advances in restoration techniques and the masterpieces on view in “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

TE E N N I G HT [Aug. 24] This event is free for high school students. Come explore the exhibitions and participate in break and ballroom dance as well as oil and wax painting. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

F I LM : G I R L W ITH A PEARL EARRING [Aug. 24] Come watch Peter Webber’s 2003 ﬁlm “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER

F O OTLO O S E

[AUG . 1 7] Butterﬂy Festival Dunwoody Nature Center

PERFORMING ARTS

R U M P E L S TI LT S K I N

LE S M I S E R A B LE S

[Aug. 1 – Sept. 8] Watch marionettes spin straw into gold in this Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 404-873-3391, puppet.org

[July 25 – Sept. 8] Experience this epic musical and feel like part of the revolution with Jean Valjean as he must sacriﬁce everything to protect those he loves. Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville, 678-226-6222, auroratheatre.com

LE G A LLY B LO N D E [Aug. 1 – 11] Company J at the MJCCA closes its season of theater classics with this Teen Summer Stock production about Elle Woods. The play even features two rescue dogs in the roles of Bruiser and Rufus. MJCCA’s Morris and Rae Frank Theatre, Dunwoody, 678-812-4002, atlantajcc.org/boxoffice

DREAMGIRLS [Aug. 2 – 11] Theater of the Stars presents this Broadway hit musical starring Tony and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday. Use the code “AJC” to score half-price tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday performances. Fox Theatre, Atlanta, 855-285-8499, foxatltix.com

[Aug. 16 – 25] Join Ren as he breaks the preacher’s ban on dancing in this explosive movie musical. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta, 770-293-0080, earlsmithstrand.org

[Through Aug. 25] This exhibition features the jewelry and home wares of Georgia designer Gogo Ferguson. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

A N Y TH I N G G O E S [Aug. 20 – 25] The new Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s classic musical theater masterpiece will premiere in Atlanta as part of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s national tour. Use the code “AJC” to score half-price tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday performances. Fox Theatre, Atlanta, 855-285-8499, foxatltix.com

ARTS | EXHIBITS

C E LE B R ATE F O LK P OT TE RY [Aug. 30 – 31] Learn about this nationally recognized folk art from northeast Georgia and purchase items from the potters themselves. Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia and Sautee Nacoochee Center, 706-878-3300, folkpotterymuseum.com

EMERGING A R TI S T S H OW

RASHID JOHNSON: M E S S AG E T O O U R F O LK S

[Aug. 9] Mingle with new artists of Atlanta at this reception. Their creations will be available for sale throughout the month. Anne Irwin Fine Art, Atlanta, 404-467-1200, anneirwinﬁneart.com

[Through Sept. 8] This exhibition surveys the ﬁrst 14 years of the Chicago artist’s career. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

NUNSENSE

I N V E S TI G ATI N G TH E M YS TI Q U E : G I R L W ITH A P E A R L E A R R I N G

[Aug. 9 – 18] A return engagement due to popular

[Aug. 15] This lecture by David Brenneman

Points North | August 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

G O G O : N ATU R E TR A N S F O R M E D

D R AW I N G I N S I D E TH E P E R I M E TE R [Through Sept. 22] More than 45 works on paper by Atlanta-based artists have recently been acquired for this exhibition. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 404-733-4444, high.org

Heating & Air Conditioning Specialist PINK RICE: R E C O LLE C TI O N S O F ATL A NTA’ S S PA N I S H J E W I S H C O M M U N IT Y [Through Sept. 30] This unique exhibition features the paintings of Betty Franco Handmacher. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Dunwoody, 678-812-4071, atlantajcc.org

CONCERTS | COMEDY CONCERTS IN TH E G A R D E N [Aug. 9, 10 & 18] This month’s shows feature Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers with Railroad Earth and Roger Hodgson: the Legendary Voice of Supertramp. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 404-876-5859, atlantabotanicalgarden.org

D E PA R TU R E : TH E J O U R N E Y TR I B UTE B A N D [Aug. 10] Departure has become the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. Join them as they replicate the look, sound and feel of the original ’80s rock super group. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta, 770-293-0080, EarlSmithStrand.org

F R A M P TO N ’ S G U ITA R C I R C U S [Aug. 13] Famed British rocker Peter Frampton is joined by guitar legend B.B. King, along with Sonny Landretha. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, awesomealpharetta.com

P O LK S TR E E T P L AY E R S P R E S E NT S “ R E X’ S E X E S ” [Aug. 16 – 31] This redneck comedy show is the sequel to “Red Velvet Cake War.” St. James’ Episcopal Church, Marietta, 770-218-9669, polkstreetplayers.org

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[Aug. 24] Georgia instrumental band STS9 is joined by the progressive rock band, Umphrey’s McGee. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, awesomealpharetta.com

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CHARITY EVENTS S TR O N G , S M A R T & B O LD AWA R D S [Aug. 9] These annual awards hosted by Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta recognize those who inspire girls to become healthy, educated and independent. Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, 678-686-1740, girlsincatl.org

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TH E VO I C E LE G ACY B A LL [Aug. 17] CNN’s Christi Paul serves as Master of Ceremonies for this black-tie event beneﬁtting VOICE Today, a non-proﬁt organization breaking the silence and cycle of child sexual abuse through awareness, prevention and programs. Mason Murer Art Gallery, Atlanta, voicetoday.org

GIVE ME FIVE [Aug. 18] Enjoy an elegant five-course dinner with wine pairings, live entertainment and auctions to benefit Share Our Strength, a foundation fighting childhood hunger. Cherokee Town and Country Club, Buckhead, 770-436-5151, givemefivedinner.org

G O O D E ATI N ’ G R E AT C AU S E [Aug. 22] This culinary tour and competition beneﬁts the children of SafePath. Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, safepath.org

CAMP FEST AFRICAN C H I LD R E N ’ S C H O I R [Aug. 23] Enjoy a night of music with these children and their lively African songs

[Aug. 24] Come enjoy food trucks, live music, games and continuous service of beer and wine to support Camp Twin Lakes and their Young Atlanta Leadership pointsnorthatlanta.com | August 2013 | Points North

calendar TOT S TO T W E E N S C O N S I G N M E NT S A LE [Aug. 24] This sale features everything you need for your family, sponsored by the nonproﬁt group Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples. Sandy Plains Baptist Church, Marietta, 678-235-8468, nowamom.org

J E F F R E Y FA S H I O N C A R E S ATL A NTA [Aug. 26] This cocktail reception, fashion show and live auction event beneﬁts the Atlanta AIDS Fund and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. American Cancer Society Center, Atlanta, 404-420-2997, jeffreyfashioncares.com

LU M P K I N LITE R ACY A N N UA L A D U LT S P E LLI N G B E E

SPECIAL EVENTS B E AUTI F U L B I O M E S DAY [Aug. 3] Learn about the geographic regions in this full day of activities. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org

N I G HT H I K E [Aug. 3] Join a naturalist on this outdoor journey, and ﬁnish the night by roasting marshmallows at the campﬁre. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org

O LD S O LD I E R S DAY PA R A D E [Aug. 3] This annual tribute to war veterans features ﬂoats, marching bands, music and more. The band starts at 9:15 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. Alpharetta, 678-297-6048, awesomealpharetta.com

N ATI O N A L N I G HT O UT

[Aug. 29] Enjoy a fun evening where adults perform skits and tackle the spelling of words from the national spelling bee list. All proceeds go to the charity focused on children and adult reading programs. Holly Theater, Dahlonega, 706-867-9607, lumpkinliteracy.org

[Aug. 6] Fireﬁghters will demonstrate the Fire Safety House and the SWAT team will display its special training and equipment at this free cookout. Wills Park Equestrian Center, Alpharetta, 678-297-6309, nationalnightout.org

SUMMER COOKING CLASSES [Aug. 6 & 20] Join Roswell’s own Chef John Wilson

PHOTO COURTESY OF JONAH HOOPER

League. Sweetwater Brewing Company, Atlanta, camptwinlakes.org

[AUG . 15 & 22] Atlanta Ballet’s Wabi Sabi Atlanta Botanical Garden on Aug. 6 for “Fresh Fig Dinner” and Aug. 20 for “End of Summer Canning.” Reservations are required. Barrington Hall, Roswell, 770-640-3855

PA R I S M O U NTA I N B R I DA L S H OW [Aug. 9] Sign up to win a free engagement session, meet with vendors, get wedding tips and earn prizes at this bridal show. Indigo Falls Events, Dallas, Ga., 770-881-0617, parismountainphotography.com

D O C E NT O R I E NTATI O N [Aug. 10] Learn about the various areas of education volunteering, such as leading guided hikes, interpreting exhibits and doing animal presentations in this introduction class. Advance registration required. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, 770-992-2055 ext. 236, chattnaturecenter.org

M OV E IT TO I M P R OV E IT [Fridays, through Aug. 16] Join this exercise class designed for

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CLEARANCE those living with Parkinson’s disease. This class is for people who may have gait and balance impairments, but do not require signiﬁcant assistance with mobility. Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 770-641-3705, roswellgov.com

B UT TE R F LY F E S TI VA L [Aug. 17] This festival showcases the magical butterfly tent filled with hundreds of butterflies, along with other activities. Dunwoody Nature Center, 770-394-3322, dunwoodynature.org

M AYO R ’ S C H A LLE N G E [Aug. 17] This annual event features a Fun Run at 7 p.m., a 5K at 7:30 p.m. and a block party from 6 until 11 p.m. Milton Avenue, Alpharetta, mayorschallenge.com

V I N E YA R D F E S T [Aug. 25] Celebrate harvest season with this annual festival for tasting national and international wines, live music, wine seminars, culinary demonstrations, grape stomping and more. Château Elan, Braselton, 678-425-0900, chateauelan.com

P E AC HTR E E H S C L A S S OF 1973 REUNION [Aug. 30 & 31] Despite the school’s closing, members of Peachtree High School’s 1973 graduating class should take part in this “Diamonds and Denim” reunion. Contact phs1973reunion@gmail.com or visit the website for more information. Metropolitan Club, Alpharetta, Heritage Park, Sandy Springs, phs73reunion.com

S TA R L A B

C O LO R S O F FA LL AT S E X TO N H A LL

[Aug. 18] Learn about the stars and constellations with this portable planetarium. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org

[Aug. 31] This event is presented by the talented artists of Sawnee Artists Association. Sexton Hall, Cumming, 770-781-2178

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[Aug. 19] This month’s speaker is Mark Maher from Flowerwood Nursery, a licensed grower of the Encore Azalea and the Southern Living Plant Collections. Bethesda Senior Center, Lawrenceville, 678-277-0179, gwinnettmastergardeners.com

TH E N ATU R E C LU B M E E TI N G [Aug. 22] Don Stewart from the Georgia Nature Photography Association will be speaking about technique, equipment and other valuable topics about nature photography. Bring a dish for the potluck dinner. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org

G R A NT PA R K S U M M E R S H A D E F E S TI VA L [Aug. 24 – 25] This annual festival closes the summer with art, music and outdoor fun. The event kicks off with a 5K Run for the Park on Saturday at 8 a.m. Historic Grant Park, Atlanta, 404-521-0938, summershadefestival.org

[Aug. 31] This fourth annual festival is Georgia wine country’s most exciting harvest celebration. This event is family friendly, equipped with grape stomping and horse-drawn wagon tours. Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Sautee-Nacoochee, 706-878-5522, yonahmountainvineyards.com

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B AC K YA R D C A M P O UT [Aug. 31 – Sept. 1] Spend Labor Day weekend with a campout under the stars. Enjoy night hikes, games and roasting marshmallows. Advance registration required. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, 770-992-2055 ext. 237, chattnaturecenter.org

A R T I N TH E PA R K [Aug. 31 – Sept. 2] This annual festival in historic Marietta Square welcomes more than 175 artists. Watch professional chalk artists in action with the new event, Marietta ChalkFest. Glover Park, Marietta, 404-966-8497, artparkmarietta.com

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Wine and Dine. Skip the pricey jet-set trip to wine country. Instead, sip your heart out on the Dahlonega Wine Trail. For its second year, the Dahlonega Wine Trail weekend event, Aug. 17 and 18, offers visitors access to the area’s ﬁve vineyards. A $25 passport includes a souvenir glass and wine in Dahlonega’s unique tasting rooms, complete with views of the rolling hills covered in the fruit-ﬁlled vines. You will surely enjoy a weekend “away,” and let’s not forget — you’ll surely enjoy the wine. dahlonega.org

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O F FR OG TO W N

Beat The Heat. Indulge in a VIP experience with exclusive access to Meliã Atlanta’s “Cabanas in the City” package. Dive into summer, and make a splash poolside while basking in the Southern sun. Spice up your plans by enjoying the private, personal service offered on the luxurious pool deck of Meliã in Midtown. Not only will you have full access to the house bar and a three-course meal, but you will also get to sip your cocktails while admiring the gorgeous Atlanta skyline. 404-877-9000, melia.com Feel the Beat. Spread a blanket out on the lawn and enjoy live music with friends and family at The Collection at Forsyth in Cumming. Whether you’re shopping, dining on the patio or simply enjoying the music, the summer concert series is a fantastic way to spend an evening. This month’s concert features “American Idol” finalist Phil Stacey on Aug. 8, and kicks off with children’s activities at 6 p.m. and live music from 7 – 9 p.m. collectionforsyth.com. Paint the Town. Grab a paintbrush and discover your creativity as local bars and restaurants in the Atlanta area present Paint Nite, fun-filled evenings that allow guests to sip on their favorite cocktails while creating a mini-masterpiece. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with your girlfriends or a date night, your creativity has a chance to shine. With guidance from a professional artist, guests spend two hours painting, learning and socializing. Upcoming dates include Aug. 7 and 14 at Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill and Aug. 18 at Suburban Tap Tavern and Grille, both in Marietta; find a complete list online. paintnite.com Grab Your Seat. Pick up some popcorn and candy because it’s time for movie night! Join the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta for their summer movie specials, screening some of your favorite flicks. This month, nab tickets for “Bridesmaids,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Jaws” and more! Tickets start at $8. To find a list of favorites hitting the big screen, visit earlsmithstrand.org.